Last week, I finished A Little Hatred by Joe Abercrombie, the much-anticipated first book in his Age of Madness Trilogy, a follow-up to the wildly popular First Law Trilogy. As the original trilogy introduced us to unforgettable characters like Sand dan Glokta, Jezal dan Luthar, and Logan Ninefingers, this sequel gives us the next generation of players in the First Law World.
The story takes place amidst an industrial revolution, where the clash between magic and machinery takes center stage. If you’re curious about what happens when grimdark fantasy meets the age of steam, buckle up for a spoiler-free review of A Little Hatred!
The Brutal Beauty of the Law World
One thing Joe Abercrombie has always nailed is the brutal, cutthroat world he’s created. The First Law World isn’t just dark—it’s gloriously grim. The setting isn’t as much about the physical geography as it is about the people and their grim attitudes, power struggles, and Machiavellian plots. Abercrombie’s writing captures the true essence of grimdark: a world where humans are the real monsters.
There are no all-powerful dark lords here, only deeply flawed people chasing their own selfish desires. This theme was central in the original trilogy—whether we were following the rise of Jezal dan Luthar, the cynical maneuvering of Sand dan Glokta, or the wild escapades of Logan Ninefingers—and it’s carried forward beautifully into A Little Hatred.
Now, in this Age of Madness Trilogy, Abercrombie throws the industrial revolution into the mix, turning the grimdark world on its head. Machines are clanking, factories are belching smoke, and the balance of power is shifting. If you loved the cunning verbal battles in The Argument of Kings or the merciless savagery of Red Country, you’ll feel right at home here.
The Next Generation: Big Shoes to Fill
Reading A Little Hatred, you’ll quickly notice that the spotlight has shifted to the next generation. Characters like Sand dan Glokta and Jezal dan Luthar may have been at the heart of the original trilogy, but now, we’re following the likes of Leo dan Brock, Savine dan Glokta, and Prince Orso as they navigate this industrialized world. The question on my mind before diving in was: Can these new characters live up to the legends of their parents? Can they match the sheer intensity of the old guard?
The short answer: It’s complicated.
Leo dan Brock, with his thirst for glory and his intense sense of duty, is cut from the same cloth as the classic warriors of the First Law Trilogy. Meanwhile, Savine dan Glokta—every bit as ruthless and calculating as her father—plays the political game with lethal precision. And then there’s Prince Orso, a character who seems born to let you down.
That said, while the newcomers are compelling, they don’t yet hit the same towering emotional highs as their predecessors, like Jezal’s surprising transformation or Glokta’s unforgettable arc. But that’s to be expected—they’ve got plenty of time to grow.
These characters aren’t merely echoes of the past. They are deeply flawed individuals, often forcing us to ask ourselves, “Would I act differently in their shoes?” Savine, in particular, is a fascinating study in ambition, ruthlessness, and vulnerability—much like her father, the infamous torturer, Sand dan Glokta.
The Plot: Industrial Revolution and High-Stakes Decisions
Abercrombie’s writing has always been lauded for its character work, but the plot in A Little Hatred is one of the strongest of his entire bibliography. One of the criticisms of The Blade Itself was its slow-moving plot. Thankfully, A Little Hatred fixes that issue with a narrative that’s tight, tense, and filled with difficult choices for the characters.
The industrial revolution is more than just a backdrop—it’s the driving force of the entire story. Factories rise, the wealthy grow wealthier, and the working class simmers with discontent. This setting is used to great effect, particularly in the Valbeck storyline, where we see the true costs of industrialization.
In this world, characters like Leo dan Brock and Stour Nightfall represent the warrior class—relics of a time when battle was fought with swords and brute strength. But now, the old ways are being replaced by machines and economics. For those who crave a bit of magic, the character of Rikke, with her “Long Eye” that sees into the future, keeps the mystical elements of the First Law World alive, creating a tension between the old magic and new machinery.
Themes of Power and Progress
At the heart of A Little Hatred is the theme of progress—and the consequences it brings. The industrial revolution promises power to those who can seize it, but it’s a brutal, unforgiving force. Abercrombie’s writing explores who benefits from this progress, and who is left behind. The wealthy elite, like Savine dan Glokta, stand to gain the most, while the working class suffers under the grinding gears of industry.
The balance between old and new is also examined through the clash between the mystical and the mechanical. Characters like Rikke, with her magical foresight, and the brutal warrior Stour Nightfall, face a world where their once-valuable skills are becoming obsolete. In this sense, the Age of Madness Trilogy feels like a natural evolution from the First Law Trilogy, exploring how power shifts and changes with the times.
Conclusion: A Promising Start to the Age of Madness
In A Little Hatred, Joe Abercrombie proves once again why he’s one of the best voices in modern fantasy. He’s taken the foundation laid in the original trilogy and expanded upon it with new characters, new challenges, and new conflicts. While the new generation—characters like Leo dan Brock and Savine dan Glokta—may not immediately surpass the legendary figures of Jezal dan Luthar or Sand dan Glokta, they’re off to a strong start, and I can’t wait to see where their journeys take us.
I’m giving A Little Hatred an 8/10. If you’re a fan of Abercrombie’s writing and the First Law World, this book will feel like a triumphant return. And for newcomers, this is a perfect entry point into the brutal, brilliantly complex universe Abercrombie has crafted.