Spoiler-free
The Trouble with Peace is Book 2 in the Age of Madness trilogy and book 9 in the First Law series. This trilogy in particular has been spectacular so far and even though the middle standalone books set in this world were hit and miss for me, I am so glad that I read them before reading this trilogy as the pay off is huge! It just feels so good to get really stuck into a series and to build such deep connections to a world and its characters. First Law has some of the best characters I have ever read, so it is really a delight to see how this brutal world warps their intentions and very beings.
It's actually starting to become a little sad that this series is drawing to the end. I know I have The Devils (also by Joe Abercrombie) lined up and that looks right up my street so it's not all bad. It's just been quite the journey with this world for the past year that it will be weird not to have it constantly in the back of my mind when going about my day to day. Who knows, it may still be? More likely that I'll just get my teeth stuck into another meaty fantasy series and it'll all be okay.
Anyway, not too much I can say in the spoiler-free section other than this was book was sick lol. Of course this series has been a buddy read with Chad, whose photo I stole yet again for this review. May as well give him his time in the spotlight for this trilogy lol. Stick around for Chad Takes at the end.
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌖 - 4.5 Stars
Side note - I watched this cool video the other day of some guy drawing some characters from The First Law and I really enjoyed his references and influences so I'll leave the link here for anyone interested.
Spoiler Chat
I think I need to start by talking about a certain Leo dan Brock. sigh He had so much potential in book 1 as a budding, hopeful, closeted gay with all his handsome friends to wrestle with...
It's such a shame that he has become such a bitter nasty homophobic drongo. I guess you have to be a little bit gay to be soooo homophobic though so it does make sense.
Honestly, that scene where Leo walked in on Jurand and Glaward fucking was hilarious! It's a shame because I was really shipping Leo and Jurand together this entire time and I feel bad for it all to come crashing down on Jurand so heavily as this. Then again, at least Jurand doesn't have blue balls anymore... Unless him and Glaward have actually been secretly fucking this whole time? Either way, this scene was incredible.
In fact this whole chapter (All Tastes No Judgements) was incredible. It is by far the gayest chapter Joe has ever written and thereby making it his best. It's kinda wild how little LGBT rep we've had and then all of a sudden we get this slutty horny gay mess. King Jappo was just what this series needed to spice things up a bit.
Leo was trying so hard not to look at Jappo's bare stomach, he ended up constantly glancing at it.
I'm guessing King Jappo is the son of Monza and Shivers which makes total sense as to why he's a raging homosexual lol. I loved how he had a meeting with both Leo and Orso and I was glad that he took a liking to Orso much more than Leo because same. If only Leo got over himself and flirted with Jappo back, this whole book could have ended differently...
‘If it helps, I don’t only fuck men.’ As far as could be told through his mask, King Jappo looked faintly amused. ‘Sometimes I’m fucked by them. Look at it this way – if you needed advice on horses, you wouldn’t go to someone who never rode a horse.’
‘What?’
‘How could someone who never had a cock really know what’s best to do with a cock? I’ve debated scholars the world over and no one’s been able to give me a satisfactory answer on that point.’
‘Some might say there’s a natural order to things,’ Leo forced through gritted teeth.
King Jappo is so hot for this. I really hope we get some more of him in book 3, but I guess he has served his purpose of repulsing Leo even more with his own gayness. Having this chapter end with his two friends fucking was all Leo needed to flush him further down the far right toilet.
Anyway, while we're still talking about Leo, I thought him being hanged by Orso was a fitting end to his characters story. His sexuality had caused himself to hate himself and he had devised a traitorous plan that had ultimately failed bringing the deaths of many of his followers. It was time for Leo to pay his price. Wait, what? Orso saved him? Urgh... I'm still pissed about this. It just feels like such a cop out and to think how many people have died and even been hanged all because of Leo's stupid decisions... To have Leo shown mercy is some bullshit and I don't even blame Orso for it. I blame you, Joe. What is it with you and refusing to kill of POV characters? For creating such a grimdark world you sure do chicken out. There better be a good reason for keeping Leo around or I won't be happy.
Savine dan Brock on the other hand, I knew would be sparred and am happy for it. I think she's just a fantastic character. She's cunning, witty, smart, deviously ambitious and an absolute villain.
Instead, she rolled the dice. And what for? Ambition. That snake twisted tight around her innards whose hunger grew sharper the more it was fed. Whose hunger could never be satisfied.
Ultimately, her downfall was due, but at the same time she was kinda strong armed into joining the rebellion. This whole thing was Leo's secret plan that Savine just so happened to overhear. I was actually quite shocked that she decided to instantly reveal that she had overheard, but the way she spun things around to be advantageous to her was impressive. I think I expected her to keep her cards closer to her chest and maybe use this information differently.
Lord Isher narrowed his eyes at his glass, swirled the spirit around in it, then looked up at her. She had taken him on quite a journey that evening. From scornful, to thoughtful, to impressed, through admiration, suspicion and, finally, to acceptance. An acquaintance, romance and estrangement all in one sitting. Your terms are acceptable.
I guess strategically it does make the most sense for her to join her husbands plan full force and do her best to see it succeed than to be seen as a traitorous wife. I can't help but wonder how this would have played out if Savine hadn't eavesdropped at all. Nevertheless, I fear that Savine's ruthless ambition would have lead to her in much a similar mess as befalls her at the end of this book. Still, if anyone can pick themselves up and crawl back to the top, It's Savine. There's nothing she wants more than to be Queen, even if in all but name, and she just may still get it. It just excites me how her potential is limitless.
The relationship between Savine and Leo was an interesting one.
Let's be honest this was such a lavender marriage. Leo is rife with self-loathing homophobia and Savine is far too preoccupied with her own affairs to see him as more than a pawn. I really enjoyed how they both had their secret ulterior motives going on, it keeps me on me toes lol.
While he was busy playing army, she could mould Angland into the thoroughly modern province she needed it to be.
I love when Savine goes toe to toe with another character. Whether it's her father, Glokta, or her Mother-in-law, Ardee. The snappy dialogue is always so pointed and precise. It's really impressive. This book saw her transition from business to politics, which despite her best efforts didn't work out too well for her.
You are used to business. This is politics. The way things are going … well, take care. And promise me one thing.’ He beckoned her close to whisper. ‘Have nothing to do with Bayaz. Not with him, not with any magus. Take no favours from him, owe no debts to him, make no deals with him. Do not please him. Do not displease him. Do everything possible to escape his notice altogether. Promise me.’ - Glokta
It's dangerous how this new age of characters dismiss Bayaz. It also confuses me how they are able to underestimate him so much after all that he has done not 30 years ago? I guess, a lot of Bayaz's work has been behind the scenes and no doubt he is playing his puppet master role in this trilogy too. Yet, we have yet to see the full fruits of his labour just yet. I expect that will come to play with the breakers and the burners somehow O.o.
‘Bayaz? What the bloody hell does he have to do with anything?’ - Leo Dan Brock
King Orso, the man himself. I'll be honest with you, I was worried for our boy at the beginning of this book. It's fairly safe to say that he was NOT ready to be king. Yet somehow, he filled the position much better than his father.
“Jezal the First, the personification of vaguely well-meaning indecision…”
The way Orso stepped up was honestly quite inspiring. His chapters were always my favourite to read. I think it helped how dumb Leo was acting this entire time. Remember when Leo barged into the court and went all ape shit? Yeah... I'm gassed that Orso took the victory in the end, even though he states himself how little it feels like one. I'm interested to know what plans he has for Leo, because he says life imprisonment but there just doesn't seem much point in that. Is he really just sparing Leo's life out of mercy or has he figured out a way to use his imprisonment to his advantage?
Throughout this book Orso has really risen to the occasion and, against all odds, proven himself to be a half-decent ruler. There was a scene where Orso was delaying the battle by inviting Leo to share a meal with him. This scene highlighted to me how Leo was in Orso's back pocket and was the moment where it truly sunk in just how much Orso has grown as a character. Arguably the most out of anyone, which is wild considering Rikke has a face tattoo now...
Rikke the tribal hag witch xD. Reading about her coming to grips with the long eye was sick. Them early chapters that were just constant glimpses of various future scenarios, or possibly even past, made me feel like I was reading The Wheel of Time. It's a lot of fun finally having a magic PoV. I guess this is the first one? I mean Logen had that whole bloody nine thing but I feel like that's its whole thing. This feels raw, intentional and both raw and intentional.
Post Dogman death Rikke had the challenge of asserting her own leadership. And boy did she! There were disputes about whether they should take the side of the North or the Union. To settle this matter Rikke had a representative for each fight in the circle to determine their decision. Only for Shivers to step in, defeat the winner and claim that they will remain independent. This was one badass gutsy strategy from Rikke. She not only asserted herself as the leader but also proved her dominance and decisiveness, striking a healthy balance of admiration and fear into her people.
Similarly to Orso, Rikke really came into her own this book spurred on by the death of her father. I feel like this ties nicely into the generational themes in this particular trilogy and how the life of your parents no doubt shapes you, but it's their death that forces you to meet the potential of who you will become. Rikke lowkey outplayed everyone in this book by not fighting the union, but I have a horrible feeling that this will come back to bite her in the ass. She's in a good position now but has betrayed many to be there. Although, who knows what's going to happen in the North now...
Clover's sudden turn against Stour came as a shock to me. Especially as he had murdered Wonderful to gain Stour's trust. Clover's journey has been wild, he is a true survivor. I'm unsure what will happen here as if Clover is on Shiver's side, does that mean that the north will merge with Rikke, potentially making Rikke the queen of the North? Now that has a sexy ring to it... I like that very much.
'Glad you came to see things our way.' - (Shivers)
‘I always did.’ - (Clover)
OMG so Orso finally found out that Savine and him are siblings!
'I don't want your sorry. I want to know why!' He snarled the word over and over. ' Why? Why? Why-?'
'Because I'm your sister!' She screamed in his face.
This whole scene was dead tense because we knew it was coming and for it to slip out in a moment of sheer desperation from Savine is kinda sad. It also questions the legitimacy of the claim for Orso, who refuses to believe any truth in it. Personally, I think deep down Orso knows it to be true and I wonder if it disgusts him that they are related or relieves him that he wasn't rejected so outright as he had once thought. Probably a mix of both, which is admittedly strange feelings to have towards your sister.
I can't help but wonder if Savine's child will ever see the light of day, which is a depressing thought to have. I feel as though Orso respects Savine's intelligence too much not to make use of her in his own council, which will create an interesting dynamic as she will no doubt not be satisfied until she is the only one making decisions. Or yanno, he'll just keep her locked up and go down for depressing therapy chats late at night with her.
Okay, so big reveal that Pike is not only working with the breakers, but is in fact the weaver himself. Vick is essentially ambushed into joining Risinau and the rest of the Burners which is quite exciting for her. To be honest, I've not been all that enthralled by Vick as a character, so to see her have this change of pace is good and makes me more intrigued to see what she will be up to. Like I said in my review for A Little Hatred - There's little I love more than a peasants revolt and Vick being at the forefront will no doubt make me like her more.
I'm assuming that book 3 will focus more largely on the Breakers/Burners vs the Union. As much as I love King Orso, I am rooting for the Breakers. I'm liking the squad that's forming over there. Risanau is kinda sick and The Judge has that batshit sauce I want on everything. Plus, they have a point... The poor are way too poor and that's only going to get worse when more and more people are put out of work with this advancement in technology.
The union is not to be underestimated though as a) What the fuck is Bayaz up to? b) Did you see Sulfur go all eater on everyone's ass? that was insane... He was flinging people around like sacks of shit. c) As sucks as it is, delaying the progress of these advancements is never easy. Whenever a human is given an easier way to do something they sure as hell will take it.
Phenomenal sequel to book one. I will say I think I enjoyed book 1 slightly more just because for whatever reason the big climatic battle at the end of Trouble with Peace didn't land all that well for me. I read it through twice and both times I slipped in and out of concentration but it's probs more of a me issue than the book itself to be honest. Either way, I have the utmost confidence that Joe will smash it out of the park with The Wisdom Of Crowds.
Chad Takes
What an ending. Even after all the shit in Valbeck last book it felt like the threat of the Breakers and the Burners had been downplayed slightly…but it seems like that’s changing as of next book. Salem Rews can hold a damn grudge. Phenomenal reveal tbh.
That chapter at Cardotti’s is 100% my favourite chapter of the Age of Madness so far. Leo and Orso are both so compelling, even when Leo is being unfathomably dumb he’s still great to read. Was absolutely dying for Leo to finally hook-up with Jurand but oh my lord that ending was so much better than I could’ve anticipated.
Orso seems to have really risen to the occasion in this book and I greatly admire him. Who would have thought that this drunk would be the most sensible character in the whole civil war. It was amazing to finally meet Jappo Murcatto-Shivers who is presumably the first openly gay male character in the books so far unless I’m mistaken? His interactions with Leo and Orso in Cardotti’s were pure joy. Orso getting the countess for his mother was such a pure act of kindness too, even if it was kind of done to get her off his back a bit
Speaking of which I love how Leo and Savine became husband and wife thanks to Finree and Ardee, but he’s just so colossally stupid and she’s kind of…cruel. Leo just needs to listen to his mum cause Finree being ignored is frustrating me so much. Savine is fascinating this book because her position seems much more compromised but none of this has affected her ambition. I really don’t know what kind of person she’s going to become but I hope it’s a better one because as impressive as she is, I’m kind of getting tired of her manipulation. Also can’t believe Glokta survived this book tbh.
We still don’t know what’s going on with Bayaz but I want to know if his beef with Zacharus and Cawneil is escalating and whether they’ll come to the union. The house of the maker is surely gonna open up again and poor Yulwei is either dead or waiting.
We got to see Vitari and Shenkt which was a pleasure too, and Vick became much more of a player this book too. I’m really excited to see what she does knowing that Pike is The Weaver. She’s been such a quiet influence in these books doing a lot of great work - but there’s something really frighteningly pragmatic and ruthless about her. I’m scared about what her decision is going to be. Pike was in the camp for less than a year but Vick grew up in one - so who knows?
Rikke getting Stour Nightfall in a cage is a fantastic ending and I’m so so glad she didn’t march on the union with the rest of those fuckwits. I could’ve never predicted she’d meet with Caurib to help her with the long eye. Excited for what’s next for her and Shivers. Also, Shivers meeting Jappo would be a dream come true for me, need that to happen.
Amazing book and I’m so excited for the next. RIP Dogman
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