The Trouble With Peace by Joe Abercrombie
Blurb:
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.
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.
Review:
By the dead! The second book of The Age of Madness is somehow better than the first! I finally understand the readers who claim that this trilogy is better than the original, but I’ll save my thoughts on that subject until after book 3.
Let’s get right to it: BIG SPOILERS AHEAD!
The snake Isher and his allies planting seeds of hate in Leo was infuriating. His straightforward attitude and sense of righteousness made Leo easy to care for. The match between him and Savine, due to the pregnancy, made them the ultimate powerhouse couple. Things seemed to be going so well. In hindsight, It’s easy to see where Leo went wrong, and that surprise betrayal was certainly enough to dump our hero into prison as a mutilated husk. Such a shame.
And then we have Orso, ill-prepared but doing the best he can as king despite unfortunate circumstances tarnishing his reputation. It’s difficult to hold resentment towards a character who is doing what is necessary to maintain order. One of the scenes that had me pulling for Orso during this loyalty tug-of-war was when he stalled for time, hosting Leo before the battle. Well played, my friend.
Savine’s role in both these men’s lives is certainly a cause for strain as well. Honestly, Savine might have been the most intriguing character. It’s clear that she is exceptionally intelligent and not afraid to scheme and manipulate. Choosing to advance Leo and Isher’s coup was a bold move, but if anyone could’ve pulled it off, it would be her. When she made her deal with Stour behind Leo’s back, it absolutely felt necessary. And what a tense moment when she revealed her secret to Orso. I’m eager to discover how things play out with those two.
Oh Rikke, you terrifying, stone-hearted witch, you. The only criticism I had (which lasted the briefest of moments) was when Rikke agreed to help the power couple’s rebellion as though all feelings of anger and betrayal had dissipated within her. It felt too convenient—until of course, we realize that she betrayed them in order to seize Stour’s territory instead. The letter she sent to Orso, warning of the coup, was a cold move. Bravo.
A few characters worth mentioning: Gunnar Broad being drawn back to the only thing he knows, both by his own emotions, and by being used as a tool by others. He reminds me somewhat of the Bloody-Nine—not because of why, when, or how they enact violence, but because they are both so bloody good at it. Clover has been the man with a penchant for survival, and as cold as it may be at times (poor Wonderful), the results are undeniable. Again, can’t fault any character for the choices they make. Except maybe Stour. What a twist at the end, with Clover seizing the moment and laying the Great Wolf low. Rikke is all set to rule the North!
Let’s not forget that Arch Lector Pike is the Weaver?! I’m really hoping that the next book is as perfect as this one.
