Reviews

(3.5/4) Unfortunately, this book does not live up to the previous two in the Age of Madness trilogy - previous POVs that struggled in those first two books continue to suffer from poor pacing and the feeling that we've seen those characters and their arcs in earlier books in the First Law series. The first half or third of the book is bogged down in repetitive language and scenes - understandably to set the stage for a French Revolution-like setting - that made it not as smooth a read as the others. Several antagonistic characters remain one-note, while other POV characters (one in particular) suddenly become Rhode Scholars overnight. Ultimately the last third and ending of the book salvage the weak start and promise exciting times ahead for the First Law world.

tacanderson's review

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adventurous dark medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I have always been a bigger fan of sci-fi than fantasy, but I'm a bigger fan of great writing. I avoided Abercrombie's First Law World Series because I didn't think there was anyway the books could hold up to all the hype they received. I was gratefully wrong and regretful that I waited so long to read these books and I've gone through all 9 of them plus the collection of short stories, 10 books in all, in a matter of months.

The last book of a grim dark trilogy that is the (current) end of a grim dark, 9 book series has the kind of ending you would expect from the author that exemplifies grim dark fantasy. I wouldn't call it satisfying in the traditional sense, but completely appropriate and masterfully done. Some of the twists and surprises were expected, others were completely unseen. I imagine the somewhat obvious ones were there to keep the reader distracted from the real twists.

While this book had a few slow parts after the opening it made up for it in the second half.

sammod's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

uzoma's review against another edition

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3.75

Ooohkayy, when’s the next trilogy Joe?

I can’t believe he killed off the only character I genuinely liked and yet I’m still interested in where this story goes.

I think that the plot twists were kinda dumb. I think too much is made of San Dan Glokta’s brilliance and ruthlessness. I think that Leo became a caricature. I think Jurand should stand up. I do not respect literally any of these gay people and I hope that the cycle of vengeance continues and no one ever lets anything go ever. I hope that they die. I hope that they all die.

Shoutout to Clover, and Caul Shivers, and Isern-I-phail. The Northmen were consistently the funniest and most entertaining parts of this book.

sirlanceboils's review

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adventurous dark medium-paced

4.5

naomielaine's review against another edition

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5.0

Fantastic conclusion - couldn’t put it down. Joe Abercrombie has such a gift.

changes's review

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adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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