50729701._sy475_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.

Unrest worms into every layer of society. 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.

Source Format Pages Publisher Genre Publication Date
Netgalley eARC 560 Gollancz Fantasy September 15th, 2020

I mean, seriously, I feel sorry for Joe Abercrombie. I simply do not know how the fuck he plans to top this book. The Trouble with Peace is a masterpiece, plain and simple.

Abercrombie has set aside war as the main goal and centerpiece of dark fantasy where muscled men drive swords through their abdomens and split skulls with axes. Instead, we have a time of peace and as is the way of man, peace is as troublesome as any other fucked up day of war. We cannot be any other way, we always have to have a power pissing contest and one thing leads to another and before we know it, bang, we’re back to turning humans into pincushions.

Anyway, The Trouble with Peace is simply utterly clever. The deception of peace portrayed a beautiful lie. Ambitions and search for justice parting the society like snakes in grass parting blades. Brilliant. Smooth. Sharp.

The author might have had to dig deep for all the grit and intrigue. Might have. But more than likely, he broke no sweat delivering because the book, although complicated with all the moving parts and various agendas working against each other, feels effortless. That’s what makes this book so addictive, bold, unforgiving, exciting. So many moments that suggested more than words on paper stated – like the whole and unexpected brooding shenanigans with Leo. I felt like a pervert at times- I willed him to go for what he REALLY wanted. Ha! My point is, I was thoroughly IN the story. I couldn’t get more IN the story if I wanted to. I wished and still wish this book to never end. Delicious. I want more…

By far the best fantasy title I have read in my short enough lifetime. By far. I mean, I laughed and sneered and punched the air – I do not commend slyness but I kept egging Clover on. I do not commend betrayal but I was gleefully following Savine trying to slither to the top. I do not commend violence but sadly, I was excited for Broad’s itchy fists. And Rikke with her Long Eye. For the love of fuck, she made me howl with laughter more often than not.

So. A million stars for the utter bastardry. Bastardation? Ha.