The Wisdom of Crowds by Joe Abercrombie
The Wisdom of Crowds is the third and final book of Joe Abercrombie's The Age of Madness trilogy, which itself is a sequel trilogy to his magnificent First Law series.
We get a conclusion to the rebellion that has created chaos within the Union. In typical Abercrombie fashion that conclusion is not a happy one—for basically any of the characters. It's a grim and pessimistic ending that doesn't make you feel good about the state of the world, and I guess that's kind of the point of this series.
I have mixed feelings about this one.
The first 60% of the book was a bit of a slog. I forced myself to keep reading more than I was propelled through the narrative, but that did change around the 65-70% mark. As we started to get more glimpses of the politicking and maneuvering and the answers to how the rebellion was actually inflamed I was much more invested.
I thought there were a lot of scenes that didn't feel necessary—particularly in the first half. The plot here is maybe one of the weaker ones I've read from Abercrombie, though I still felt satisfied with the ending. Even if some of the twists and reveals felt a bit forced and unrealistic.
The character work remains the strongest aspect of Abercrombie's books, and was far and away the best trait of this one. His ability to build up and tear down characters, or completely change how you feel about them over the course of three books is incredible. Leo going from a lovable, heroic dunce to a callus and manipulative politician that you absolutely hate was impressive to watch unfold.
The Wisdom of Crowds also improved on some of the weaker characters from books one and two. Vick was far more engaging and fun to follow in this third book (and she also may have wound up better off than any other character in the end), which left me with only one character who really fell flat and unchanged and uninteresting: Gunnar Broad. Someone please shove this guy off a tower.
Orso, Savine and Rikke were always the characters I was most engaged with and excited to read about. I was a bit bummed that Orso spent the majority of this book just sitting around waiting for things to happen to him—but the fact that all his chapters remained entertaining despite that is a testament to how well-written he was.
Pour one out for our would-be great King.
Overall: 55
- Characters: 65
- Prose: 55
- Plot: 45
- Worldbulding: 50
I use the 20-80 scale to rate things.
Highlights
- “So…” Orso rather awkwardly cleared his throat. “What happens now?” “The people will decide,” said Pike. Orso glanced about him. At the people. “Really?” He gave a puzzled smile. “Are they equipped for that?”
- “I’m shot,” whimpered the one with the arrow in his shoulder.
- “It’s not a question of blame!” shouted the miller, hardly heard over the insults pouring from above. “It’s about facts!” But it was not about facts at all and was very much a question of blame as far as the public galleries were concerned.
- “They’re monsters,” Orso heard her whisper. “I almost wish they were,” he muttered. “That would be easier. But they’re just people.”
- “But I never stop trying. Doing better next time, after all, that’s what life is.”