Book Review: The Trouble with Peace
- Series: The Age of Madness, Book 2 (World of The First Law)
- Author: Joe Abercrombie
- Publisher: Gollancz
- First published: September 15, 2020
- Edition: Hardcover
- Pages: 506
- ISBN: 9780575095915 (ISBN10: 0575095911)
- Available in digital format (ePub, PDF, etc.)
- ASIN: 0575095911
- Language English
Review
It’s always tough to write a review of the second book in a trilogy. And for the author, it’s often even harder to avoid the infamous “second book syndrome”—a filler entry packed with unnecessary detail just to bridge the beginning and the end. But not here. Abercrombie once again delivers at the highest level from start to finish.
Plot
I’ll try to give a spoiler-free summary of the plot, or at least paint its outline. At the heart of this second installment lies a conspiracy against the crown. I’ll spare the details and key players so you can enjoy discovering them yourself. Meanwhile, in the North, a shift in the balance of power is underway. Naturally, the North and the capital become entangled in schemes and manipulation, with everyone trying to outmaneuver the other and come out on top.
My honest opinion for The Trouble with Peace
It’s fast-paced, action-packed, and many of the characters undergo real development—both in their arcs and personalities. Personally, I’ve been a huge fan of Rikke since the first book, so I’ll allow myself this small spoiler: her storyline here is incredibly satisfying. The ending, if I’m being honest, left me slightly frustrated—maybe it could’ve been bloodier and less merciful—but then again, we do need some characters left for the finale. That said, I absolutely can’t wait for the third book. So much more is bound to happen, and many secrets and plots are still to be revealed.
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Conspiracy. Betrayal. Rebellion.
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.
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.
