A Little Hatred by Joe Abercrombie Is A Sweet Homecoming For Fans of The First Law Universe

This episode of Mike's Book Reviews continues his journey into the world of Joe Abercrombie's "grimdark" fantasy tale The First Law. This is a NON-SPOILER review for A Little Hatred.
You can purchase A Little Hatred here: amzn.to/39B7KkG
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Music used: Tethys by Evan King
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#ALittleHatred #TheFirstLaw #MikesBookReviews

[@sametkan3487]

Greetings from Istanbul. When your channel grows, don't forget the ones who was here from the beginning 😊 I love your channel because youtube has a 10 minutes limit and most of youtubers make a 10 minutes and 01 seconds video and that is it. You on the other and, care about the books you review and the people who watch your reviews. 25 minutes or 10 minutes you don't care about that.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I wouldn't be doing this without you guys interacting, so I won't forget anyone.

[@adrianreinstein1154]

Agreed!

[@connoriquada5429]

Steven Pacey actually is the goat of audiobooks. I read the original trilogy over the course of the last year on my own but then started working a new job about 5 weeks ago that allows for me to wear headphones while I work. I took that opportunity to catch up on my reading by listening to the audiobooks. I got through all three standalones and sharp ends and now half way through a little hatred within that time. It’s crazy how much audiobook you can pack into a 8 hour shift.

[@ellenbulger3807]

He’s brilliant , but his pronunciation of grimace always throws me.

[@guimagsantos]

I know what you mean. I too listen while working. Nobody understands why. Steven Pacey, thats why.

[@connoriquada5429]

@@guimagsantos he makes me hate every other narrator tbh 😂

[@guimagsantos]

@@connoriquada5429 I agree, his voice acting is too good to be true.

[@nathantowns2043]

I saw this in the First Law reddit page. Then I saw the books on your shelf. Subscribed.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Welcome! Happy to have you along. What books gained your interest on my shelves? Or just the number of books overall?

[@nathantowns2043]

@@mikesbookreviews it was the King books. Dark Tower fan? I don't think I specifically saw those ones, but if you're a King fan *and* a fantasy fiction fan, I can assume

[@mikesbookreviews]

@@nathantowns2043 Oh, yes. My shirt on the channel logo is of the Ka-tet. Got the matching hardcover set last year: twitter.com/Zepp1978/status/1065005759342280705

[@jimjohnson6944]

I am super spoiled because I discovered the First Law a few months ago. I got through the original trilogy and was blown away. Then went to the standalone series with low expectations, thinking how good can a side series be? And was blown away. Loved Red Country, and by the time I finished it A Little Hatred was released. I think this one is my favorite in the series! Loved basically every minute of it. Great video! Totally understand what you mean about audio book ADD, and I'll still strongly recommend these ones. All I can say is, the way Pacey narrates is unlike any other audio book I've heard. Feels more like TV or a movie :)

[@mikesbookreviews]

I started the re-read in March and it was a fun trip. Sucks having to wait a year for book 2, for sure.

[@jimjohnson6944]

@@mikesbookreviews Man honestly, when I heard the date my reaction was "ONLY a year?" I can definitely handle that, compared to the indefinite release date of the rest of the ASOIAF series haha.

[@mikesbookreviews]

@@jimjohnson6944 For sure. Abercrombie and Sanderson are the new leaders of the genre just for how productive they are and how much they communicate with their fans.

[@dpeady78]

Just finished The Last Argument of Kings this morning - can’t wait to dive in to this book but haven’t read the First Law stand-alones

[@mikesbookreviews]

You'll love it.

[@dpeady78]

@@ItalianStallionBDM haha all good - plenty of time with my entire country in lockdown for. few more weeks !

[@currangill430]

Best Served Cold is really really good (10/10) The Heroes I've been struggling really hard with. Mike also struggled with it so I'm glad I'm not alone.

[@Hadrian1616]

I'm picking this up after Maelstrom by david cawdron. Time to meet my high school mates grimdark babies. Thanks Mike. Keep 'em coming. Cheers.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I think you'll love it.

[@fullspectrumgeek5925]

I felt the same exact way too. I was dreading the end because of the title of that chapter and man.... I was like.... Damn.... Lol

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yul Eblamo NUMB.

[@AdoreYouInAshXI]

I've watched all of Mikes reviews on First Law, and spoken with him a few times on the First Law reddit, so this comment isn't directed at him because I already know he doesn't listen to audiobooks. However for everyone else, make sure you start with the audiobooks (of you're a person who listens to AB's). They are THE way to experience First Law. The BEST way in my opinion.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Even Joe himself was touting something similar on Twitter yesterday.

[@robmcbride4576]

Agreed! If you had to pick one person to narrate all of the audiobooks you were going to listen to for the rest of your life. You pick Steven Pacey.

[@mikesbookreviews]

@@robmcbride4576 I've heard it from too many people for it not to be true.

[@Quint1975]

@@mikesbookreviews was and still is one of the finest Audio performances I've had the pleasure of listening to. You do yourself a disservice by being a fan of the First law and not listening to it.

[@christpower5402]

And Abercrombie actually writes for a living. Not just live off of the successes of the past like Rothfuss whom is a scatterbrain. Joe is an organized orderly writer.

[@mikesbookreviews]

He is the man. He pretty much had this trilogy written before he set release dates. Like Sanderson, he cares about his fans.

[@AozoraZz]

Appreciate the non-spoiler review. So tempted to skip Sharp ends to read A little hatred. I've only read the Preview on reddit introduction to Orso and Savine and I'm already in love with it.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Ao zora I don’t think you’d miss a ton by reading Sharp Ends AFTER reading ALH.

[@AozoraZz]

@@mikesbookreviews good to know. Thanks!

[@micheledion2000]

Woohoo! I'm number 6 in line at my local library for the trouble with peace. They ordered 35 copies BTW. Goes to show how much people appreciate Joe Abercrombie.

[@BigMike246]

I have audible ADD, too. It took a lot of books to train my brain to work in sync with the storyteller. And I don't need to tell you his performance is brilliant. I love his Cosca.

[@j.o.4574]

Grim Dark doesn't due the comedy justice. His shit is hysterical as well...

[@ronfoss7784]

HUGE FAN of Abercrombie first law series!!!

[@uhm3487]

Great review!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thanks!

[@christpower5402]

Listen to the audiobook. Make yourself do it.

[@bobj2447]

Blake 7 Steven Pacey is better than a TV show.

[@goldenboy140]

I don't like audiobooks. The narrators always put on accents when reading certain characters that I don't see fitting. I like to imagine what characters sound like on my own. audiobooks are just not for me. Also I tend to lose focus after a while and miss things when not reading myself but if it's for you, then great!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Last audiobook I tried to listen to was a "re-read" of A Game of Thrones before the HBO series started. And that narrator had two voices; a pirate or a leprechaun. I just couldn't ha ha

[@anangryscorpion5838]

Yep that ending was certainly a bit of a shock to the system. I cant make my mind up about how i feel about it, it's all going to depend on what we learn about that final chapter in books 2 and 3. All the intricacies behind it etc. If that's done well, i'll consider it a good ending, if not it'll definitely be a tough pill to swallow. I have faith in Joe to deliver the goods though. once again like The Blade Itself, this to me felt like a set up book. Which i have no issues with, it just stinks that we all have to wait another year or so until that promise is delivered.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Certainly. If books 2 and 3 drop the ball, however unlikely that is, it may age poorly. As of now I'll trust he knows where he's going. But it definitely seems as unnecessary as a certain drunk pirate's death in Red Country for me right now.

[@ZamWeazle]

Loving your channel Mike. Looking forward to reading this!! 👍

[@mikesbookreviews]

Enjoy!

[@stsscodok9889]

Just got a signed copy today! I thought that was freaking awesome!

[@mikesbookreviews]

sTss Codok Signed copies are just too sexy.

[@stsscodok9889]

@@mikesbookreviews If I read the First Law Trilogy, could I go straight into this without reading the stand alone books or would I be missing to much?

[@mikesbookreviews]

@@stsscodok9889 I get asked this a lot and my answer is usually that you can, yes, there are just a ton of little mentions that you'll shrug off as simple world building if you haven't read them. Also, characters like Shivers from the original trilogy are way different characters now and the stand alone trilogy explains why. So do you have to? No. But the world will make more sense overall if you do. Also, they're really good. Especially Best Served Cold.

[@adrianreinstein1154]

I just can't resist watching one of your videos... Haven't read first law (yet) but it will probably begin right after I'm done ingesting (and then digesting) the malazan series! (only on book one though... So its gonna be a min...)

[@mikesbookreviews]

Adrian Reinstein Malazan has always been this tempting, intimidating presence hovering over me. It’s in the plans late next year or early 2021.

[@adrianreinstein1154]

Dude it's sooooo intimidating! But *IF everyone can be trusted, than the pay off will be worth it! But ya, this is my 4th or 5th attempt at it in 10 years (when I purchased book 1...) Elliot brooks is doing a buddy read on FB right now though, so I feel like it's now or never for me... And it's actually working... I can ACTUALLY UNDERSTAND what's going on in the scenes!!! Which is AMAZING. Because every other attempt thus far I have been TOTALLY lost! Even got to page 172 one time, without having a CLUE what was going on the ENTIRE time! Lol

[@adrianreinstein1154]

But ya, first law has been staring me down for quite some time too... I'd also like to buddy read that series though! So if Ya hear of anything, let us know!

[@adrianreinstein1154]

Also, this was a great article! www.tor.com/2016/09/12/gardens-of-the-moon-and-difficult-fantasy-advice-to-first-time-readers/

[@mikesbookreviews]

I've heard you just have to accept you're going to be lost for the first couple of books.

[@Henry-jp3mc]

Sorry for being late. Just starting today after finishing the First Law trilogy.

[@justfishthings8930]

Thanks for making this! I have this sinking feeling I should temper my expectations for the 2nd trilogy; how anything can compare to the history and suspense around the TFL's relics of the Maker, sons of Euz, The Old Empire?! Even if Joe took the world building out of his work I'd still purchase anything in TFL Universe. The peerless character POVs and battle sequences are enough to set the books above on their own.. Still, with a heavy heart I think I know the truth: the magic leaks out of this world 😥

[@mikesbookreviews]

🤐

[@justfishthings8930]

@@mikesbookreviews can't wait for Grimmy to prove my suspicion unfounded

[@Hadrian1616]

Bookworm here.....first!

[@mikesbookreviews]

*high five*

[@vaporiiz]

haven't read any Abercrombie yet, but A Little Hatred was on sale today for like 3 bucks, so i think I'm going to just send it and read this one first.

[@SuperSuperdude88]

i just finished the first 6- red country being the last, and im feeling like i need a break.... red country didnt really leave me with the best feeling.......SO im skeptical to jump right into this newest trilogy...!!!

[@Rajathon]

About to start book 1 just watched on mute will come back soon.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Buckle up for one wild ride.

[@Emroczart]

Have you done a video ranking Abercrombie book in this world…would love to hear your opinion on ranking

[@ianbrinkley5968]

Damn, I'm a big rothfuss fan n yall killin his ass🤣

[@AdoreYouInAshXI]

Patrick Rothfus < Joe Abercrombie. ALL. DAY. LONG. Patrick Rothfuss couldn't put out an entire series of books that's as entertaining as even Joe's book of short stories, Sharp Ends (not that we'd ever know, or will ever know what it's like to read a "completed" series of books from Rothfuss, since he can't get his shit together enough to even finish a series). Dude is literally the most over hyped, over praised author in fantasy, with Steven Erikson coming in a close second.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Well, that doesn't leave me optimistic for my Malazan plans in 2021. Heh.

[@deanryanmartin]

Been reading Rayy-k for Rikke. Never I imagine it would be read as Ri-Ca.

[@adammalone2909]

It is ASTOUNDING how Abercrombie continues to grow as an author. This series is even better than first law. He maintained all his previous skills but learned how to inject so much heart it's unbelievable. The violence is toned done comparatively, but he uses it to greater effect than ever before. His characters are UNREAL. SO GOOD. Broad's introduction chapter is the SHIT

[@MrLakaveli]

Gloktas daughter.....hmmm Sand still has the magic stick....

[@lewis9950]

Wait, this is the seventh book? On Goodreads it said this was the first, I’m confused

[@mikesbookreviews]

It is the 7th overall book in the First Law series, but the first of the new trilogy.

[@benjaminmolina3456]

I can I read this without having read the other stand alone books?

[@mikesbookreviews]

As long as you’ve read the original trilogy you’ll be fine. But I do recommend reading the others for context.

[@benjaminmolina3456]

@@mikesbookreviews Thank you mike for answering. I live in El Salvador and shipping from the USA to here is very expensive. I have a kind friend who allows my books to stack up in his home and I eventually save up and go pick them up. Currently, I only have the first three and purchased the others. I like your channel and your book recommendations. Keep up the good work and content. Mucha prosperidad.

[@88wi]

Wait soo this is his seventh book, what should I read first then? Is it some kind of Andrzej Sapkowski witcher???

[@currangill430]

Nope. Read in publishing order. There's no out of order book.

[@DrLynch2009]

Patrick Rothfuss is overrated.

[@mikesbookreviews]

*nodding*

[@adammalone2909]

Highly disagree! He is probably the greatest living american writer, its just his story is passable and he's slow as hell.

[@DrLynch2009]

@@adammalone2909 Are you telling me he's trying to impersonate George R.R?

[@anangryscorpion5838]

I also disagree, i love kingkiller. However the blurb and the fan base really advertise it to be something it definitely isn't. I think this is a large reason as to why these books underwhelm some people. If you go into without any of the hype, i think you could find it to be very enjoyable.

[@adammalone2909]

@@anangryscorpion5838 i completely agree, i hadn't heard of it when i went in. Hyping it up for sure builds skewed expectations

[@joerogers6043]

My favorite book reviews are the ones where I have to sit thru 5 minutes of fucking rambling before we talk about the actual book

[@mikesbookreviews]

The good news is, no one made you do it and KZbin invented a slider bar where you can skip ahead. Have a great day!

[@markymarkzero]

This is not really a non-spoiler review. You practically tell all of us that a well-loves, original First Law trilogy character dies at the end.

[@llywyllngryffyn8053]

Yes, Listening to Steven Pacey is the only way I got through books 1-4 of this series. Sadly, my copies of 5 & 6 were done by other voice talent and they ... um... suck by comparison. That said, even Steven Pacey isn't making what I've read of Book 7 any better. I really don't like any of the the focus characters at all. I am so disgusted with the idea of adding a prophecy to this world, it has enough problems and bad tropes but adding a prophecy is just the bottom of the barrel. I thought Book 6 Deadwood ... er Red Country was a genre stretch but going with a Prophecy and yet another northern war UGH! Just a recap here, Northern wars in books 1,2,3,5 and now 7. Book 4 is the Count of Monte Styria and book 6, as I said, is Deadwood (Like the HBO series) not to mention a fun filled (YAWN) slow trek across the empty country of the Near and Far country just like book 2. I am very Unhappy with George R. R. Martin for making us wait so long for book 6 of his series but when he kills off a character that we love, we love them. I haven't given a damn about any character who has died in this entire series and since there were only 2 I actually liked that isn't a surprise. Most of the characters I would enjoy reading about their deaths. Frankly, I have the problem where I am wishing that characters would just Die already and I finally got one of those wishes at the end of red Country. A Character I have been wishing dead since book 2 finally kicked it. I kept reading this series after the first trilogy for the little moments. They are like little pearls in piles of sawdust and dung. Sometimes you find them in a boring pile of sawdust, sometimes you have to sift through a ton of crap to find one but they are why I kept going. I was also looking forward to Steven Pacey reading book 7, truly, but the quantitiy of pearls and sawdust is rather low so far and I'm still washing the stick off... I'll have to get back to it, later...

[@MrLakaveli]

6min in....nothing about the book.....blablabla

[@arifulalam16]

Now I'm afraid to read this one. 🫣