Who Would Like This Book:
A Little Hatred is a masterclass in gritty, character-driven fantasy with a twist - it introduces an industrial revolution to the familiar world of The First Law, creating a unique blend of Dickensian social drama and high-stakes scheming. Expect razor-sharp dialogue, nuanced protagonists (especially brilliant female leads), gallows humor, and unpredictable turns that keep the pages turning. Grimdark fans, anyone who loves morally complex stories about power and revolution, and those craving fantasy that pushes classic tropes into new territory will have a blast. While First Law veterans will catch more Easter eggs and references, newcomers can still jump in and enjoy the ride.
Who May Not Like This Book:
If you crave clear-cut heroes and uplifting fantasy, the relentless cynicism, brutal realism, and dark humor may be a turn-off. Those looking for lots of overt magic or epic quests might be disappointed by the novel's focus on politics, industry, and human failings. Some readers also struggled with the slower pace at the start, the sheer amount of new characters, or felt a bit lost if they missed previous series entries (even though it's designed to be accessible).
About:
In "A Little Hatred," Joe Abercrombie takes readers back to the world of The First Law series, 30 years after the apocalyptic Battle of Adua. The story delves into a world undergoing an industrial revolution, where the divide between rich and poor is starkly portrayed. The plot revolves around a quartet of characters whose lives intertwine amidst social conflicts and power struggles, all while maintaining Abercrombie's signature blend of dark humor and vivid action scenes.
Genres:
Tropes/Plot Devices:
Topics:
Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include violence, references to torture, and depiction of grim social conditions.
Has Romance?
Romance is present but is often layered with complexity, intertwined with character motivations and societal commentary.
From The Publisher:
The New York Times bestselling first book in Joe Abercrombie's The Age of Madness Trilogy where the age of the machine dawns, but the age of magic refuses to die.
The chimneys of industry rise over Adua and the world seethes with new opportunities. But old scores run deep as ever.
On the blood-soaked borders of Angland, Leo dan Brock struggles to win fame on the battlefield, and defeat the marauding armies of Stour Nightfall. He hopes for help from the crown. But King Jezal's son, the feckless Prince Orso, is a man who specializes in disappointments.
Savine dan Glokta - socialite, investor, and daughter of the most feared man in the Union - plans to claw her way to the top of the slag-heap of society by any means necessary. But the slums boil over with a rage that all the money in the world cannot control.
The age of the machine dawns, but the age of magic refuses to die. With the help of the mad hillwoman Isern-i-Phail, Rikke struggles to control the blessing, or the curse, of the Long Eye. Glimpsing the future is one thing, but with the guiding hand of the First of the Magi still pulling the strings, changing it will be quite another . . .
For more from Joe Abercrombie, check out:
The First Law Series
The Blade Itself
Before They Are Hanged
Last Argument of Kings
Best Served Cold
The Heroes
Red Country
The Shattered Sea Trilogy
Half a King
Half a World
Half a War
Ratings (75)
Incredible (33) | |
Loved It (37) | |
Liked It (1) | |
It Was OK (1) | |
Did Not Like (2) | |
Hated It (1) |
Reader Stats (155):
Read It (80) | |
Want To Read (65) | |
Did Not Finish (1) | |
Not Interested (9) |
3 comment(s)
Classic Abercrombie. Written very well. Dark, funny and entertaining. I just didn’t find myself connecting as much to the characters as I did in the First Law. Seemed to move a little slow.
Joe Abercrombie tiene unos de los mejores estilos de escritura que conozco:
- Describe lo minimo para ponerte en situacion. Ni metaforas y rollos raros, al grano.
- Cada frase de cada dialogo es valiosa. Al grano.
- Las escenas de accion estan perfectamente explicadas
- Los personajes estan magnificamente definidos
La trama en si es interesante e entrelazada. He disfrutado cada pagina, sin duda acabare esta trilogia.
One of the best books I've read this year. That's saying something because i read some real knockouts this year.
What can you read after
A Little Hatred?
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