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A review by theravenkingx
A Little Hatred by Joe Abercrombie
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Sugar, spice and everything vice
It feels good to be back in this morally ambiguous, grimdark
circle of the world.
This book is so good. If you’re someone who enjoys character-driven stories, then you are going to absolutely love this book. I admit that this book doesn't have the strongest of plots, but it makes up for it with its compelling world-building and characters.
The strength of this book lies in its exceptionally well-written characters, complete with well-thought-out backstories. The world-building is immersive and brutal, and Joe Abercrombie’s intricate writing style.
Joe Abercrombie is a master of writing enthralling morally corrupt characters that you can'tt help but love.
Plot & Setting
"The story takes place after the events of the first trilogy. To fully enjoy the book, I recommend reading all the standalones that came before this one, or at least read ‘The Heroes,’ as the events from that book are heavily referenced.
Thirty-five years have passed since the Gurkul were defeated at Adua. The world is now brimming with new advancements and technology. Bayaz, our beloved antagonist, still pulls the strings behind the scenes, wielding influence and controlling most of the world through his bank - Valiantly and Balk. The technological progress has led to job losses, with people working in underpaid sweatshops. The ruthless Glokta remains enslaved to Bayaz, while his equally cunning daughter - Savine, has become a prominent investor running multiple successful businesses using her guile and threats.
In the North, Bethod’s grandson, Stour Nightfall, has burned the city of Uffrith, prompting the Dogman’s daughter, Rikke, to flee with her companion, Isern, in search of refuge.
Leo - the young lion, is eager to fight the Northman lead by Stour Nightfall and bask in the glory, but her mother - an experience war general, doesn't think it's the right time as they lack the resources and men needed for the war and are expecting reinforcements from King Jazel.
Meanwhile, King Jazel’s son, Orso, wants to help the Dogman against the Northman, but Glokta and his puppeteer, Bayaz, have other plans."
The new generation of heroes is young and full of hope, completely unaware of the invisible hand of Bayaz pulling the strings. Will they outsmart the First of the Magi, or will they, like their parents, admit defeat and bend their knees to the magi? The epic ending of this book has proven one thing that theywon'tt be the same in the next book. Their confidence will shatter, and hope will turn into rage. But will that be enough? It will be interesting to witness.
I enjoyed Savine’s character development the most. She transitions from a ruthless, greedy, and unlikable ‘Shark Tank’ investor to a trouble and hopefully more grounded person. What she becomes is yet to be seen, but after going through such a traumatizing incident, I am expecting nothing less from her.
Leo's naivete annoyed me, but the thing he sets in motion is sure to make things a bit more complicated.
I am intrested to see what roles Jonas Clover - the laziest man alive - plays in the next book. I really enjoyed his Pov. He has a sense of humor and skill to avoid his tasks. He is me, me is him. 😜
It feels good to be back in this morally ambiguous, grimdark
circle of the world.
This book is so good. If you’re someone who enjoys character-driven stories, then you are going to absolutely love this book. I admit that this book doesn't have the strongest of plots, but it makes up for it with its compelling world-building and characters.
The strength of this book lies in its exceptionally well-written characters, complete with well-thought-out backstories. The world-building is immersive and brutal, and Joe Abercrombie’s intricate writing style.
Joe Abercrombie is a master of writing enthralling morally corrupt characters that you can'tt help but love.
Plot & Setting
"The story takes place after the events of the first trilogy. To fully enjoy the book, I recommend reading all the standalones that came before this one, or at least read ‘The Heroes,’ as the events from that book are heavily referenced.
Thirty-five years have passed since the Gurkul were defeated at Adua. The world is now brimming with new advancements and technology. Bayaz, our beloved antagonist, still pulls the strings behind the scenes, wielding influence and controlling most of the world through his bank - Valiantly and Balk. The technological progress has led to job losses, with people working in underpaid sweatshops. The ruthless Glokta remains enslaved to Bayaz, while his equally cunning daughter - Savine, has become a prominent investor running multiple successful businesses using her guile and threats.
In the North, Bethod’s grandson, Stour Nightfall, has burned the city of Uffrith, prompting the Dogman’s daughter, Rikke, to flee with her companion, Isern, in search of refuge.
Leo - the young lion, is eager to fight the Northman lead by Stour Nightfall and bask in the glory, but her mother - an experience war general, doesn't think it's the right time as they lack the resources and men needed for the war and are expecting reinforcements from King Jazel.
Meanwhile, King Jazel’s son, Orso, wants to help the Dogman against the Northman, but Glokta and his puppeteer, Bayaz, have other plans."
The new generation of heroes is young and full of hope, completely unaware of the invisible hand of Bayaz pulling the strings. Will they outsmart the First of the Magi, or will they, like their parents, admit defeat and bend their knees to the magi? The epic ending of this book has proven one thing that theywon'tt be the same in the next book. Their confidence will shatter, and hope will turn into rage. But will that be enough? It will be interesting to witness.
I enjoyed Savine’s character development the most. She transitions from a ruthless, greedy, and unlikable ‘Shark Tank’ investor to a trouble and hopefully more grounded person. What she becomes is yet to be seen, but after going through such a traumatizing incident, I am expecting nothing less from her.
Leo's naivete annoyed me, but the thing he sets in motion is sure to make things a bit more complicated.
I am intrested to see what roles Jonas Clover - the laziest man alive - plays in the next book. I really enjoyed his Pov. He has a sense of humor and skill to avoid his tasks. He is me, me is him. 😜
Content Warnings
Graphic: Incest