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The Trouble with Peace

Book 2 in the series:The Age of Madness

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Who Would Like This Book:

If you love morally gray characters, sharp wit, and epic political intrigue, this book is tailor-made for you. Abercrombie's knack for cinematic action scenes and nuanced storytelling shines, pulling you into a richly layered world where no one is truly good or evil. Fans of gritty, mature fantasy - especially those who enjoyed the First Law series - will find themselves swept up in the chaos and complex characters. There's plenty here for returning readers (Easter eggs galore!) and even newcomers can catch up quickly, thanks to Abercrombie's skillful recaps.

Who May Not Like This Book:

If you're hoping for clear-cut heroes or a simple showdown of good versus evil, you might find this too grim or morally ambiguous. Some readers have felt the pacing drags in parts, with lots of political maneuvering and setup before the action truly kicks in. If you like your fantasy upbeat or without deep dives into the gritty underbelly of society, this one might not hit the mark.

Dark, smart, and wildly immersive - Abercrombie is at the top of his game, blending brutal realism with razor-sharp storytelling. Not for the faint of heart, but a must for fans of complex, character-driven fantasy.

About:

'The Trouble with Peace' by Joe Abercrombie continues the saga in 'The Age of Madness' series, delving into a world where the Union is torn apart by threats from within and without. The characters, including Savine, Leo, Orso, Clover, Rikke, and Vick, find themselves entangled in games of intrigue and war, forced to pick sides as events spiral out of control. Abercrombie's writing style expertly weaves together rebellion, battles, struggles, winners, losers, twists, and turns, creating a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The book is praised for its well-fleshed-out characters, realistic portrayals, and the author's ability to create an expansive and immersive world.

The prose in 'The Trouble with Peace' is described as elegant, concise, and masterful, with Abercrombie showcasing his skills as a storyteller and wordsmith. The book is commended for its intricate plots, intelligent twists, and unpredictable narrative, offering a satisfying and immersive reading experience for fans of the series and newcomers alike.

Characters:

Characters are well-developed, exhibiting moral complexities and growth, with both main and supporting roles adding richness to the story.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by elegant prose, sharp dialogue, and a blend of dark humor and vivid descriptions.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot intricately weaves political intrigue, social unrest, and moral ambiguity as characters navigate through various personal and external conflicts.

Setting:

The setting features a politically charged fantasy world infused with themes of industrialization and societal conflict, mirroring complex moral dilemmas.

Pacing:

Pacing varies, beginning slowly but accelerating significantly towards the climax, maintaining reader engagement despite occasional slow patches.
“I hope no one minds if we dispense with this for now?” Orso tossed his circlet down, gold twinkling in a dusty shaft of spring sunlight as it spun around and around. “Damn thing chafes rather.” He ru...

Notes:

The Trouble with Peace is the second book in Joe Abercrombie's Age of Madness trilogy.
The story is set in a complex world where peace is fragile, and political intrigue runs deep.
King Orso faces social unrest and challenges to his leadership from his council.
Savine dan Glockta struggles to regain her status after a revolt, making risky alliances.
Leo dan Brock is manipulated into a dangerous conspiracy by shrewd politicians.
Stour Nightfall, the self-declared king of the North, is preparing for war against the Union.
Rikke, the Dogman's daughter, is learning to control her prescient abilities in a harrowing ritual.
The narrative explores moral ambiguity, with characters often viewed through different perspectives that evoke sympathy from readers.
The character arcs are significant, with Orso showing growth and Rikke transitioning into a strong leader.
Abercrombie's writing features rich character development and intricate socio-political themes.
Accolades include praise for immersive storytelling and a criticism of black-and-white morality in fantasy.
Readers found joy in the interweaving of action, humor, and the exploration of human nature as the story unfolds.
Atmospheric battles are presented as chaotic and visceral, highlighting the grim realities of warfare.
The book offers a balance of character-driven drama and cinematic action sequences.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for The Trouble with Peace should note medium levels of violence, moral ambiguity, and themes of death and war.

From The Publisher:

A fragile peace gives way to conspiracy, betrayal, and rebellion in this sequel to the New York Times bestselling A Little Hatred from epic fantasy master Joe Abercrombie.

"A master of his craft." - Forbes

"No one writes with the seismic scope or primal intensity of Joe Abercrombie." -Pierce Brown

Peace is just another kind of battlefield . . .

Savine dan Glokta, once Adua's most powerful investor, finds her judgement, fortune and reputation in tatters. But she still has all her ambitions, and no scruple will be permitted to stand in her way.

For heroes like Leo dan Brock and Stour Nightfall, only happy with swords drawn, peace is an ordeal to end as soon as possible. But grievances must be nursed, power seized, and allies gathered first, while Rikke must master the power of the Long Eye . . . before it kills her.

Unrest worms into every layer of society. The Breakers still lurk in the shadows, plotting to free the common man from his shackles, while noblemen bicker for their own advantage. Orso struggles to find a safe path through the maze of knives that is politics, only for his enemies, and his debts, to multiply.

The old ways are swept aside, and the old leaders with them, but those who would seize the reins of power will find no alliance, no friendship, and no peace lasts forever.

For more from Joe Abercrombie, check out:

The Age of Madness

A Little Hatred

The Trouble With Peace

The Wisdom of Crowds

The First Law Trilogy

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

September 2020
528 pages

Ratings (55)

Incredible (25)
Loved It (28)
Liked It (1)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (88):

Read It (59)
Want To Read (27)
Not Interested (2)

2 comment(s)

Loved It
3 months

This one picked up a little more than the last. A good read and Abercrombie pulls things together in such cool ways.

 
Loved It
1 year

Seguimos avanzando en esta nueva era.

Leer este libro es como ver una locomotora que se ha salido de las vias y lenta pero inexorablemente se acerca a una casa para destruirla.

Esta perfectamente escrito como siempre pero creo había demasiada preparación y aunque el final es increible creo que sufre un poco hasta llegar a el.

 
 
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