From Powells.com
Our favorite books of the year.
Staff Pick
The first book in the third trilogy set in Joe's celebrated First Law/Circle of the World universe, this new entry by adult fantasy's biggest rising star is extremely relevant in 2019-2020. Featuring themes of class struggle, capitalist excess, immigration crises, feminist theory, and political upheaval (not to mention tons of the author's signature cutting wit and memorable prose), this is not one to miss if you love intelligent, relevant fantasy. Recommended By Thomas B., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
From New York Times bestselling author Joe Abercrombie comes the first book in a new blockbuster fantasy trilogy where the age of the machine dawns, but the age of magic refuses to die.
The chimneys of industry rise over Adua and the world seethes with new opportunities. But old scores run deep as ever.
On the blood-soaked borders of Angland, Leo dan Brock struggles to win fame on the battlefield, and defeat the marauding armies of Stour Nightfall. He hopes for help from the crown. But King Jezal's son, the feckless Prince Orso, is a man who specializes in disappointments.
Savine dan Glokta - socialite, investor, and daughter of the most feared man in the Union - plans to claw her way to the top of the slag-heap of society by any means necessary. But the slums boil over with a rage that all the money in the world cannot control.
The age of the machine dawns, but the age of magic refuses to die. With the help of the mad hillwoman Isern-i-Phail, Rikke struggles to control the blessing, or the curse, of the Long Eye. Glimpsing the future is one thing, but with the guiding hand of the First of the Magi still pulling the strings, changing it will be quite another...
Review
"A Little Hatred may be the most accomplished work from a writer who many already consider a master." SFF World
Review
"Highly recommended - a funny, finely-wrought, terrifically energetic work of high fantasy. Seek it out." Joe Hil
Review
"Abercrombie unerringly juggles a large cast of multifaceted, morally ambiguous characters, each embroiled in their own complicated story." Booklist (Starred Review)
Review
"With expert craft, Abercrombie lays the groundwork for another thrilling trilogy." Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)
About the Author
Joe Abercrombie was born in Lancaster in 1974, spent much of his youth in imaginary worlds, and left school with a good idea of how to make stuff up. After graduating from Manchester University he worked as a TV editor, but he never stopped making stuff up, and his first book, The Blade Itself, was published in 2006. He has since written eight more novels and a collection of stories in his First Law and Shattered Sea series. He lives in Bath with his wife Lou and their three children Grace, Eve and Teddy, and makes stuff up full-time.