Spoiler-free
This book had me in an ironclad grip from start to finish. I was not expecting to finish this in just a few sittings but I literally couldn't put it down. There were times where I tried to force myself to because I felt like I was whizzing through it too fast and wanted to process all the crazy that was happening but NOPE I would put it down only to pick it right back up.
Picture this - I have been recruited for my excellent dog sitting service and have a few days of just me and Janna chilling together at my parents house in the countryside. I've still been struggling to find work and so I treated these few days as a nice little reading retreat for me and now I'm on cloud nine. I've been listening to the Audiobook (narrated by the phenomenal Steven Pacey) alongside reading and it's safe to say that for these few days I was deeply immersed in this world.
Right so The Wisdom of Crowds is book 3 in The Age of Madness trilogy and the final released book in the world of The First Law. I say it's book 3 of a trilogy but in reality it's book 10 in the series as you do really have to read them in order to grasp the full scope of what's happening. Rest assured, the pay off is HUGE! There's just no feeling like it - when you are this deep into a series and it's the best it's ever been. And this may not even be the last book... I'm not holding out hope too much (not as much as Chad is anyway) but I have to admit that there's every possibility we will get yet another sequel trilogy and that's exciting.
Age of Madness has got the be my favourite of the the 3 First Law trilogies which I almost can't believe because I loved the original trilogy so much. The way Age of Madness has all come together so perfectly is just masterful. Each individual character arc has been so meticulously crafted. And not even just from this trilogy but there's arcs from the original trilogy that are still being developed in this one by book 10 in such a mind boggling way. Trust me, it's genius. Safe to say that this book has deservedly made it onto my favourites shelf and it ain't going anywhere.
If you want complex morally grey characters meddling in a gritty cynical world rife with political intrigue and dry humour, then look no further than Joe Abercrombie's - The First Law.
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕 - 5 stars
Spoiler Chat
I feel like the only logical way to do this spoiler chat is to focus on one character at a time otherwise I can't see myself stopping at any point xD.
Savine
Throughout the entirety of Age of Madness Savine has just been fantastic. She is everything I'd expect from Glokta's daughter and so much more. This family is just insane.
At the end of Trouble with Peace Savine (along with Leo) is saved by her half brother King Orso from a public hanging. Safe to say she's in a precarious position, but this is where Savine thrives and I had no doubt that she would work her way back up to the top. In The Wisdom of Crowds Savine is humbled and forced to show more humility to the people in order to regain their favour, such as giving out food to the poor. Whether these acts are genuine acts of kindness or all a strategic ploy to gain public favour is another matter entirely. Savine hasn't been a character to express much compassion at all when she was exploiting workers for profit, so the fact that she is now seemingly on side with the lower class is an extreme pivotal shift in her agenda. Every actions Savine takes brings her one step closer to being Queen and it's quite impressive to see. Despite this, I will say that becoming a mother seemed to shift Savine's priorities slightly to the point where gaining power wasn't the ONLY thing on her mind. It was interesting to see this more human side of Savine and no doubt made me admire her character more than simply being a strategic powerhouse.
The highlight of Savine's political prowess has to be her sentencing by Judge. Every detail was so meticulously thought of to gain as much advantage as she could. She made sure not to dress in her usual extravagance and wear her humble garms, as well as to have her baby twins to hand. This is a public trial, so a performance is demanded of Savine and a performance she gives. This was such a masterclass of defence. The way she brought with her Sworbreck's own writing commending her generous actions to use as her defence against his own accusations, whilst breastfeeding her baby, was iconic and honestly embarrassing for Sworbreck, and in turn Judge. This whole scene is where all the little seeds Savine has planted, not only grow, but blossom. She battles every accusation with a dignified defence and ultimately the public is on her side. The Judge is still the judge so still sent her up the Tower of Chains to face the great drop anyway though lol.
That scene atop the tower of chains was nuts! Ngl It was reminding me a lot of that scene in A Series of Unfortunate Events where Count Olaf has the baby held up high in a cage ready to drop. Down with the baby lol.
Anyway, Broad was the real MVP there and his betrayal on the burners came at the perfect time. I was expected him to throw Judge off himself but I very much enjoyed the absolute scrap that Savine and Judge had instead. They were at each other's throats and it was fun to see Savine in physical combat. Again, this killing of Judge could only have come about with Broad's betrayal and why did Broad turn on Judge? Because of a sneaky letter, which Savine wrote pretending to be Liddy and May. I mean come on, she's in another league to the rest of them, especially Leo.
Savine and Leo's relationship is funny to me because Leo is consistently in Savine's back pocket, wriggling to get free, but lacking any strategical know-how to manoeuvre out of her hold. Their marriage is purely political at this point and we all know who's better at playing that game. Ultimately by the end, Savine is in the position of power, holding much more support on the closed council than Leo and with the way he was acting trying to invade Sipani for literally no reason, it's a good job... I also enjoyed how she placed her nemesis Seleste on the closed council, as it really goes to show how, despite their rivalry, Savine respects a fellow woman with solid political gameplay. Similarly, I enjoyed how she sparred Sworbreck's life in order to use his flair for dramatics to write about her life to improve public perception. During this turbulent time, public perception is more important than ever, so I thought it was very clever to not simply kill her enemies but turn their strengths into her own.
'Maybe, after all... I'm the villain.' - Savine dan Glokta
Leo
Leo Dan fucking Brock, I hate your little gay guts. He just got progressively more and more unbearable. This entire book sent him SPIRALLING. I guess losing an arm and a leg will do that to you. I can't help but wonder how much death and destruction could have been avoided if Leo and just kissed Jurand. So much of his anger and hate comes from the fact that he refuses to kiss a boy. So, in honour of Leo's raging homosexuality, please enjoy this interlude of Leo admiring the boys.
That memory bubbled to the surface again, but it was Leo’s hair Jurand’s long fingers were tangled in, and Leo’s ear he was biting at, whispering at, and Leo’s legs he was reaching down between …
‘Leo?’
That memory bubbled to the surface again, but it was Leo’s hair Jurand’s long fingers were tangled in, and Leo’s ear he was biting at, whispering at, and Leo’s legs he was reaching down between …
‘Leo?’
And Jurand grinned at him. By the dead, that smile. Leo could've looked at it all day.
It would've taken no effort at all to lean
forwards and kiss him. It was almost more effort
not to do it. Leo wondered what the roughness of
his fresh-shaved jaw would feel like against
Leo's cheek. What his hair would feel like
between Leo's fingers. What his mouth would
taste like-
What a wet wipe. I do like how he at least made up with Jurand and Glaward, but I kinda wish that Jurand was just like nah, fuck you. I get why not though, and ultimately Jurand didn't deserve to be pushed to the side like that just because Leo can't handle how hot Jurand is.
Leo spends the entire book being nasty, racist , homophobic and just a damn right prick. I will also not forgive him for essentially murdering Gorst, but Leo was dammed if he didn't find and kill Orso. To be honest, I think this was strategically the right thing for Leo to do. At this point he is fully commited to act as the King Regent until his son (and Jazel's grandson) Harod is of age and if Orso is alive then that only feeds the idea of potential rebellion. As much as I hate Leo (and love Orso) this was a necessary move for Leo to make, even Savine knew it to be true. Besides, having Glokta/Jazel's grandchild on the throne does have a nice ring to things. Lol I just made it sound like Glokta and Jazel were together. Well, who knows what happened during that time after Last Argument of Kings...
Gorst essentially sacrificed his life in order to aid Orso's escape, which I feel wasn't entirely necessary but Gorst simply wanted to do it. This is a testimatent to his character and proves him to be a true Hero of the First Law in general. He has been a consistently strong character and I will miss his squeaky voice. As sad as this scene was, it was a fitting end for the Gorst, and sent him off in a good light. Ultimately, it didn't amount to much as Orso was still captured and hung but good effort buddy.
'Tell your mother ...' came that high warble.
'That I always held her... in high esteem.' - Bremer dan Gorst
Orso
Orso has been the standout star in this entire trilogy. His inner monologue is so fucking funny. It's impressive how I instantly know when it's an Orso chapter before I have even read his name. Orso really came into his own and proved himself to be a huge political player, certainly much more so than Leo, despite spending the majority of this book fairly powerless. The Burners were mostly in charge this book and did what they did best, burn, leaving Orso as more of a figurehead. Out of any character I feel as though I know Orso the best. I feel as though I have actually met him and can imagine how he'd act in any situation, which just goes to show Joe Abercrombie's strength as a writer.
'Your Majesty ...' The lord chamberlain looked as pale as his own particularly horrified ghost. 'You cannot be serious'
'I can, and for once I am.'
It's kind of funny because Orso really isn't and has never been that arsed about being King, yet is forced to fight for his birth right. I couldn't help but think that him and Leo could have come up with a mutually amicable solutions whereby Orso remains as King Regent until Harold is of age, where Orso would step down and allow his nephew to reign. In fact, I think that Orso would rather enjoy that idea. I guess the problem lies in that Savine, Orso and Leo all have far too much history together and Leo is far too impatient. He's on this full alpha male narcissistic fascist arc so it would never have worked. Plus I doubt Leo would have wanted to be around his wife's brother-lover all that much, which is fair I guess lol.
Once Leo and Savine take over, leaving Orso imprisoned, it appears all is lost. Annoyingly I was spoiled for Orso's death so I knew it was coming, yet I didn't know where or how, which did mean that his attempted escape was still highly engaging. I loved how Savine set him free and gave him that last chance even if it did neither of them any favours in the long run.
Orso's relationship with Hildi was adorable. I feel bad, because I have been suspicious of Hildi this entire time, when in reality I think she is simply a sweet girl and a wonderful friend to Orso. This relationship really goes to show the effect Orso's charismatic charm can have on people. Unlike most First Law characters I genuinely think Orso is a good person and maybe that's why he was the one to die.
'And I've been right. Hildi, I mean it, this would be an excellent moment for you to abandon me."
She dropped her voice even further, murmuring through tight lips. 'Your friends will come through.'
His death was fantastic. Not that it happened, because boo sad but the way it all came about was perfect. He found Rikke and they share a night together, until the owl eats the lamb. I think having one final night of debauchery before he is sent off is exactly how Orso would have wanted to go, and I think he is actually thankful to Rikke for providing that for him.
Damn, he wanted to scratch his nose, but his hands were tied behind his back. He wriggled it a little, but that only made it worse. Ridiculous, to die with an itchy nose. He raised his brows significantly. 'I don't suppose you could just-'
The executioner squinted through his eyeholes as he gently scratched the rim of Orso's nostril.
'Ah, that's good. A little to the right perfect.' ...
The man reached up, pulled down the noose, secured it around Orso's neck
Orso is up there with Glokta and Bayaz as my favourite characters of the entire series. His sense of humour never waned from start to finish and I found myself constantly looking forward to his chapters. Devastated that he is gone, but it has made for one of the best character deaths I have ever read so he will always have a special place in my heart.
'Peace between the North and the Union.' He gave a little chuckle. 'Honestly, it's a far better legacy than anyone expected from me.' - Orso
Rikke
Okay, so Rikke is a badass. Throughout this book she was increasingly pissing me off, to the point where I almost didn't even like her. I hated how rude and horrible she was to the Nail, sending him away. I hated the way she talked to Isern-I-Phail who has done nothing but be a great ally and friend. To see this side of Rikke was tough and I could see the slippery slope of her power leading to madness. Turns out she had everyone fooled (including me) and all of these decisions came together to have herself appear weak and vunerable to Black Calder, only to then use that perceived weakness to ultimately win the war for the North. The Dogman would be proud. I couldn't be happier with this result as I was really starting to dislike Rikke which is a shame because she's been a favourite of mine since the beginning, so to have this all be an elaborate ploy was music to my ears. Plus, that entire battle was just EPIC!
Rikke, Shivers and Isern are such a fun trio to follow. Their back and forth is top notch.
'You need to think about this, Rikke.' Isern caught the door frame, leaning close to growl under her breath, 'Just don't be thinking with your quim.'
'Yes, yes, make of your quim a stone.'
The amount of times the word quim is featured in this trilogy is insane and this particular use made me lol hard. This is from that scene where Leo and Savine host an elaborate feast with Black Rikke and Orso post her victory in the North. This scene was incredible because it reminded me of that chapter in A Little Hatred where they all ended up fucking each other lol. Now though, they are all in much different positions of power and Leo has lost his freaking mind.
Rikke however, is having a lot of fun. I loved her chat with Savine and how they ended up trying each other's fantasy drugs lol. What better way to begin your political allegiance to one another. This interaction also held a different weight as I feel like both Rikke and Savine are enjoying how the world is progressing away from this patriarchal grip and despite their differences, Rikke and Savine are huge contributors to that.
Shivers spends a lot of his time sorta grumbling around Rikke. It's interesting because sometimes I wonder if Shivers is actually in full support of Rikke, or if he feels like he owes it to the Dogman. Shivers has been on a constant quest to become a better man and in doing so that has lead him to Rikke. I love how he's stayed in the north and he has helped them unite under one capable ruler. Yanno what Shivers? I think you've done well.
What we need is peace, and smiles, and trade-'
'And jokes,' said Shivers, stony-faced. 'I've always liked a laugh.'
So Rikke is the one to turn in Orso, which is heart-breaking. I appreciate how she had some pear dust infused fun with Orso before sending him off, but she knew it had to be done. There was no way that she could have built up relations with the union, whilst harbouring the rightful king. The way that this part of the prophecy came about was satisfying as fuck. Despite having a strong feeling already that Rikke would turn on Orso, it didn't make it any less devastating. I can only hope that the relationship between The North and The Union remains healthy, saving many lives through the use of Orso's death.
It shocked me good when Rikke confessed to not actually seeing any visions with her Long Eye since having the runes. It never once crossed my mind that she was making it up for her own advantage. In much the same way that it never crossed my mind that she wasn't actually being a horrible bitch when dismissing all her allies. She's made a fool out of me left right and centre and I love her for it!
Not only has Black Rikke improved relations between The North and The Union but she has also improved inner relations in the North by incorporating the hillmen into her domain. It has been so much fun having the hillmen about, especially during the big battle against Black Calder. They add a certain whimsey to the series that hasn't gone amiss.
Clover
While we are speaking about Rikke, I'd like to give a special shout of to Clover. Clover is a character that I have never payed all that much attention to, yet this book I found myself liking him a lot. He really is a survivor and openly admits to joining whatever side wins. There are no rights and wrongs, only winners and losers. I thought it was a fitting end to his character when he left the company of Black Rikke to teach sword fighting elsewhere. Never did I expect we would see him again, and in the Northern Library with Bayaz of all people? Not to mention Hildi? How the hell did she get up there? It seems his is training one of Bethod's potential heirs. Stour's half brother perhaps? I only think this because of what Black Calder said before his execution.
Scale's back to the mud. Stour's back to the mud. Bethod's line ends with you. ''Ah.' For some reason, Calder had the ghost of a smile at the last. He leaned forwards and spoke so softly only she could hear. 'So you don't see everything."
Bayaz
Bayaz lingers around this trilogy like a bad smell. Occasionally I caught myself catching a wiff of an awful stench and immediately thought... Bayaz? We know from the original trilogy how much of a threat Bayaz is, yet this information seems to be lost on our much younger cast of POV characters, who consistently dismiss him as some old fool. The Great Change has begun and the age of wizards is over. I didn't believe this for a second as we KNOW how Bayaz has secret control over just about everything not to mention Valint and Balk. Valint and Balk shutting down was naturally a HUGE blow to Bayaz and made me fearful for his response. Yet it wasn't until Rikke's blatant fuck you to Bayaz that I really began to wonder if the age of wizards was in fact over, and Bayaz is no longer so OP. The way that this book ends with him still grasping at control of future dealings just goes to show how persistent of a fucker he is. Say one thing about Bayaz, say he will never give up.
I found it interesting how Bayaz has chose the potential heir to the North as his puppet, as his sights have always been set on the Union. Maybe he's downsizing in his old age. Besides it would seem that his actions in the original trilogy made their mark on more than a few people... Most notably San Dan Glokta.
Glokta
What a deliciously evil man he is. The big reveal that Glokta was in fact the Weaver this whole time had me floored. The Glokta family is fucking nuts! This was a perfect full circle moment to have it be Glokta in control of all events in much the same way that Bayaz was in the OG trilogy. Hats off to you Joe that is impeccable work. I honestly can't get over how well this has all come together.
Savine stared at him, cold all over. 'You freed us from Bayaz ...'
'Yes!'
'So you could become Bayaz.'
This entire scene featuring this reveal to Savine, Yoru Sulfur's attack, Zuri being an eater all along and Savine finally coming around to Glokta's plan was immaculate. I have been gagging for some eater action in every book, so this was an absolute treat. Zuri did NOT hold back either she ripped that magi's face unclean open. The eaters remind me a lot of the vampires in Empire of The Vampire, with how feral they become.
Zuri twisted Sulfur's head back, one hand hooking his top jaw, one hooking the bottom. She snarled as she began to drag them apart, his eyes bulging, his mouth gaping wider and wider until with a snapping crunch she ripped his face wide open, blood showering, tearing his bottom jaw from his head until it hung on strings of gristle.
It makes sense that, after Bayaz's shenanigans, Glokta would need to incite The Great Change, as he's right. Sometimes, to build a new world you first must burn the old one down. The only problem with his plan was that I think he underestimated how bat shit crazy Judge was.
Judge
What an absolute nutter! She is the kinda villian you can't help but fear because she is so unpredictably explosive. I can't help but wonder how differently things would have played out if Vick had suggested to Pike that Judge needed to go instead of Risinau. Risinau to me always came across more level headed and with more of an actual plan. Certainly more than Judge. It's interesting because I was all for the Burners in the first two books, as I believed what they believed. Workers were being exploited for profit in inhumane conditions and they were rightfully pissed. The problem came when there was no actual plan on how to govern the remnants of the charred Union they burned to cinders. Everyone had a different opinion on how everything should be run. It's pure chaos and impossible to build the foundations of any remotely stable government.
Vick
Vick joining the burners at the end of Trouble with Peace came as a pleasant surprise. For the first two books Vick has very much been on the back burner for me (pardon the pun). Nothing too interesting happening, but similarly not disliking her either. She was very much just there. Now, I see why she is a POV character, as she played a pivotal role in how events transpired with the burners. She removed Risinau from the equation, yet also worked side by side with Orso. What a dream team. She really grew on me and I feel like she gave us a unique perspective for the Burners.
Vick and Pike made an interesting pair, as they really don't know each other all that well. The scene when Pike opened Valint and Balk's vault to find it empty really made me laugh. It goes to show how much power promises and lies can have over people. There is no secret ingredient.
That Final Chapter
Okay so Rikke does actually have the Long Eye after all, or it's come back or whatever and we are teased of so much to come! Easily another trilogy's worth, which is what Chad seems to think.
And in the darkness she saw a bald weaver, and in his eye she saw a burning stone, and in the burning stone she saw a circle of runes, and in the circle of runes she saw a black door, and beyond the door a figure rose from the seething sea, a figure made of blinding light, and his feet left smouldering footsteps in the shingle, and he spoke in thunder.
'I am returned.'
So that's gotta be Khalul right? Which is incredibly exciting. I would be so happy if we got another trilogy featuring all these prophecies but I don't see it like that. I see this whole section as a way to reenforce Khalul as being some religious omnipresent god for not only the people in this world, but also to us as a reader. It breaks that fourth wall for me and makes myself almost feel religious towards the second of the Magi. The Prophet. Khalul.
Final Thoughts
Easily my favourite First Law book and made it to my favourite shelf for sure. Reading First Law has been such a blast and not only that but having it as a buddy read with Chad has been a lot of fun. I met up with him the other day at a BBQ and it felt so good to just geek out on everything.
P.S. Shout out to Sholla and her excellent cheese shaving skills.
'How's your leg?' - Orso
Chad Takes
What I’m 1000% the most glad about after finishing this series is that there’s definitely gonna be more.
There’s no way he’d sow those seeds like that at the end and not want to continue…And it does feel like there’s one last story to tell. If I were to arrogantly guess at what that would be, it’s surely the death of Bayaz. But there’s so many stories I’m sure.
The thing I’ve been trying to wrangle with the most after finishing this is the sense it made for Glokta to be revealed as the true Weaver…and it turns out that it made a hell of a lot of sense.
That is truly for me up there with the Bayaz and Glokta reveal at the end of Last Argument because I feel like so much of it made sense. One of the best things about this is that it was so so believable for Pike to be the architect behind the great change that it massively threw me off the scent. The Great Change being a war motivated by revenge against Bayaz in an attempt to cure the Union of his influence is just such a brilliant idea from Joe Abercrombie. Pike being almost single minded about destroying Valint and Balk is what confused me a lot when reading this but my God now it all makes sense. It was Glokta that was ruthless enough to do it. There’s something both sad and impressive about him directly quoting what Bayaz said to him in their confrontation from Last Argument, he’s taken all the lessons for better or worse. A lot of people died for this change and I’m hella conflicted about it all still, but now it’s done let’s hope it’s worked.
I’d brushed off the idea of Glokta being The Weaver in the last book just because I never thought he’d do something that would put Savine in that much danger… So when the eaters were revealed and Sulfur killed I was kinda blown away. The danger Savine ended up facing was almost entirely self inflicted. I’m guessing that a big pro for marrying Savine off to Leo in the first place was to get her out of Midderland so she’d be safe in Angland whilst the Great Change was kicking off. He said as much that he wasn’t counting on her and Leo being dumb and rebelling against the Union. Hats off to Ardee too for being in on it too and being a proper day 1
The Glokta family are something else...
Also Zuri and her brothers are so fascinating because they seem to be in a similar class to Shenkt - disenfranchised eaters who seem equally sick of their masters whether it’s Bayaz or Khalul. They’re both as bad as each other and their feud has made the world what it is.
Fuckkkkkk Leo dan Brock man. His journey to becoming a pathetic closeted racist tyrant was so beautifully written. my God I have no sympathy for that man. I know he ends up Lord Regent but that man is still one of the most unfathomably stupid and frustrating book characters I’ve read before. Amazing work really
He had every opportunity not to be dumb and headstrong. Listen to your mums man.
Orso - I’m so upset about but even his death made total sense. It was a pleasure to hear that man’s thoughts cause he was just so entertaining and endearing. It’s impossible not to be on his side. I’ve been trying to think about what more he could’ve done to not end up in the ground because it seemed like the fates were conspiring against him a great deal. I was so so pleased when everyone came through for him to give him a chance of escape. Savine Dan Glokta, Hildi, Vick dan Teufel, Corporal Tunny, Bremer dan Gorst - absolute heroes… In a way. I’m actually depressed about Gorst so not gonna talk about it but RIP that beautiful tank.
At least Tunny, Vick and Hildi got away. Although Hildi ending up at the great northern library raises a hell of a lot of questions about who that girl is…Valint or Balk is who she’s gonna become I guess according to Bayaz who wants his money back.
Vick is a character who grew on me so much in this book because she’s always been impressive but in this book she seems to have found her heart. The sad thing is that it cost her her position. Her affection for Orso was so lovely to see. I hope she got away at any rate.
Glad Broad helped Savine atop the Tower of Chains and fair play to Savine for that last minute bit of manipulation to get him onside
That man is a scary dude.
Rikke frightened me a lot during this book because I thought she’d had a full on lobotomy early on making these brain dead decisions… But as it happens it was me that was the fuckwit. Round of applause to that girl she played it beautifully and I’m so glad she told Bayaz to fuck off. Here’s to hoping that doesn’t come back to bite her, but their scene together was fascinating. That hint of defeat that Bayaz gave off. I can’t even blame Rikke for giving up Orso, god knows it hurt but it was the right thing to do for the north and the union. She finally made of her quim a stone. And the way she handled Clover too seemed remarkably just. Although that guy being summoned by Bayaz to teach that kid was fascinating, just as I thought we were done with him.
Lost a lot of other great characters in this so will just mention the highlights but will miss Calder a lot, cause who would’ve thought he turn it to be such an amazing POV character. Yoru Sulfur was a creepy dude but always a welcome presence to spell out the interference of Bayaz. Forest was always there for Orso and being murdered by Leo is just horrific. And of course my man Bremer dan Gorst. Fuck Judge though that lady had to gooooooo.
Still got questions of course. Is Ferro responsible for the chaos in Ghurkul? Almost definitely
Is Logen still alive? What’s going on with the Magi in the west? Have they finally had enough of Bayaz? Do they know he murdered Juvens and Tolomei? Who actually is Caurib and how did she learn her art? Who the fuck was that kid in the library? Another Jezal type to keep around for a rainy day? Plans and backup plans. Did Bayaz kill Jezal? Did Glokta kill Jezal?
Are we ever gonna meet Khalul? I’m so excited for what’s next, because there will be something. Maybe not soon but at some point. Gonna hugely miss this series but it’s great to get to the end and google things without anxiety.
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