I think I ended up forgetting whose side Clover is even on 😂

Orso’s death was the first time I genuinely shed a tear during all the first law books. Nobody does characters like Joe.

Loved this book, I think Abercrombie might actually have the Long Eye to keep writing books so in tune with the time they're released. I didn't realise how much I liked Gorst until he got his redemption but for years my favourite Abercrombie character has been Shivers and considering he doesn't say much he had some of the best lines in the book

Great video Jimmy! Flew through TWOC so fast... I was anticipating it for so long. I reread the first two just before it came out and I completely agree it feels like one huge seamless book. Especially the jump between TTWP and TWOC, did not expect the big stuff with the Breakers and Burners to happen so fast at the beginning. The fates of some side characters got to me as well, all the ones you mentioned were the ones that made just sad that we weren't gonna see them again. The way Joe weaves side characters through all the series (TFL included) is masterful. Vallimir for example, he's in so many of the books, same as Forest and even Inquisitor Lorsen.

Great review, I’m right there with you RIP Orso. I hope Joe continues this.

This book made Orso my favorite character in the series and Leo my most hated character period... I hate him more than Joffrey.

A man after my own heart, Orso was also my favorite character in this trilogy and killed me a bit when he died but I was proud of him to face death with a smile. I also loved how Yoru died.

Like ur review videos!! Happy reading to you!! 📖📚📽🍁

Man I'm behind... I really loved the first 3 books and thought that Joe ended that series extremely well. If you're saying that this series is even better then I really need to hurry up and get through the standalones to get there! Though I could only watch the first half, it was a very thorough review as I've come to expect from the Nuttwork, excellent job man!

Great review dude.

While the book is obviously written really well, I had some issues with it. Some things just didn't work for me. For one, Orso being my favorite character of the trilogy, I found it really disappointing that he didn't get anything to do. He spends the entire book being imprisoned, only able to watch as things keep falling apart. And towards the end he gets to hold a speech and stab someone with a dagger. That's it. Also, the revelation as to who is behind all that madness wasn't really that well prepared. It banks entirely on you having read the first trilogy, but the particular character doesn't get nearly enough time to shine in the actual story for the twist to be pulled off in a satisfactory way. Also also, I find the Long Eye to be rather useless. It served no purpose other than Rikke being able to lay a trap for Calder, but as far as I can tell, anyone with a strategic mind would've been able to do that. So the only time it really comes into play is for the cliffhanger at the end, but that's rather pointless, too, as we have no idea if Joe will even revisit this world. I guess he might, or he might not. We'll see. Anyway, there's more, but I'll leave it at that. It's not a bad book, but far from perfect.

Gorst WAS the MVP of Heroes. But Forrest, man that was Wests guy from Jezals second chapter. "West always had a touch with the peasantry" Also have to say that the juxtaposition between Jezal at the end of the first trilogy and at the end of this one Brock made me happy. Because while I felt bad for the king, I reveled in the pain of the regent

Spoiler talk That last vision makes me really want a new book ASAP. Also I’m interested in seeing where Hildi goes story wise.

Great review, I agree that I saw most of the plots coming, but that they were still enjoyable and well done. I was glad he didn't try to get too twisty with it.

Hey Jimmy, I followed your videos on the Realm of the Elderlings closely, so it's nice to see that you're reviewing other series's I've read recently. In terms of the Wisdom of Crowds, I'd agree that Orso was my favourite character. I don't think it was even close to being anyone else. I was quite disappointed with some things though, it'd be interesting to see whether you agree. Gunnar Broad, Clover and Vick all fell short for me in terms of character development. In the earlier books, Clover switched sides often, but he always felt super wise in his own way. The way he was described in this book just felt quite cheap and like 'haha look, Clover's switching sides'. Gunnar Broad in this book was just like 'I can't control myself, I love fighting deep inside' and in the end, Savine to his face is just like 'do what I say, I tricked you, I know who you are' and that's all we get. I was hoping for more from him. In terms of Vick, I like that we saw a more humane side to her, and found it pretty funny that Glokta just orchestrated some huge manipulation plot against her with the boy she thought looked like her brother. We're reminded who the real boss is again lmao. My reaction to her ending though was just "oh ok then, I guess". I preferred her point of view when she was infiltrating different groups as an inquisitor in the earlier books. Now, in terms of the main characters; I loved Orso, but I was hoping that he would do a bit more than just sit in the cage/room he was given by Judge for basically the whole book. Rikke was ok, but I just didn't click with her that much and I preferred the extremely cynical Isern lmao. Savine was more likeable in this book, but I cared way more for Orso so I cared a lot less about what she was doing. Leo is just the worst person. I loved Gorst and the moments with Downside. When Gorst told Leo to mention his high regard for his mother, it reminded me of the old books and was pretty funny. Alas, now with what has happened to Orso, Gorst, Black Calder and the rest, I don't care too much about any of the characters. So, I hope Bayaz becomes the biggest villain and comes to wipe them all out lmao.

curious to read joe someday hes def an interesting and wiser cat then he would say and it seems he has progressed greatly as a writer, would be cool to see his personal journey as a writer in his works also jim u have clearly gotten better at speaking I originally wasnt that interested in some of your videos, then found the podcasts u were doing and thought ok this is where his personality shines , ya dude something changed relatively recently its apparent cheerzz

Yessss! Fantastic review, my friend! Arghh it will be a while before we get another book in First Law World! But this trilogy is truly another amazing series by Lord Grimdark!

Bruh...Im like 6 books behind in the First Law. I'm about to pick up Best Served Cold next month tho and tackle them standalones. Thanks for the spoiler free section, Abercrombie needs no hype, but I am pumped for the Age of Madness now.

I am currently doing a reread before starting The Age Of Madness i can't wait to start it.

I just finished Part 1 of the book and I'm loving it so far. I've heard only great things so I'm expecting to love the rest. I definitely agree the Age of Madness is the best First Law entry - I've enjoyed all the others so far but I think Abercrombie knocked it out of the park with this one. I'll have to come back later to listen to your spoiler thoughts. I'm intrigued by your Vick comments after finishing part 1 - she's one of my favorite characters so far. There are a couple of things I'm pretty sure I've predicted but I'm honestly not sure what role she's going to play in the rest of this story.

Can’t wait to get caught up to this one

I just finished the books and am a year behind. Joe really knows how to write a character. In the start, Leo appeared to be the king that everyone needed with Orso as the village clown. By the end, you felt that Orso belongs to be the king with Leo being the evil dictator. Glotkta is still the best, but Orso went from a bad character to an amazing one by the third book. He wasn't even a bad character as much as the writer wanted you to seem him as others did rather than who he is (like RR Martin).

OMG OMG the review that was promised

I came here to find out what happened in the book because I can't deal with the emotions of watching people die anymore lol. I spoiled it early on when I found out Gorst died (I got really attached to him) and I genuinely didn't want to read the final book. Not because of quality, Abercrombie is great, I just couldn't handle the emotions. I may finish it on Audible some day. Great series.

I agree about the axe questioning scene 😂😂 I laughed so hard and then I was ashamed of myself because of it and then I laughed because I felt ashamed 😂😂😂

From the beginning, I had a suspicion that Glokta was behind it all. Never really bought Pike being behind it. I'm sad to see Gorst die, he was such a badass and went out in a badass way and the way he wanted.

Hildi was madly in love with Orso but she was maybe 13 so naturally Orso didnt see her as a romantic partner.

I got so much expectations for this trilogy, currently on the heroes

So, here I am again, at the end of yet another mega series of books and especially, characters! I have that empty Hobb-sized hole in my heart again. I re-read A Little Hatred and The Trouble with Peace again before A Wisdom of Crowds arrived and am so glad I did. Yet again I am left speechless and in total awe of such talent, not just Joe Abercrombie, but also Steven Pacey; I HAVE to listen to not read these books. I bored the pants off my poor husband, reading out the very funny bits (after spending inordinate amounts of time setting the scene for him) because I HAD to share such joy. 🚥spoilers🚥 Nooooooo Gorst! What a hero, if only Finree had known of his love for her. And Orso! Oh Orso [sob] I loved you so much. To me, nearly every character was the product of events and surroundings, apart from Leo, Glokta, Bayaz and the joy that is Clover (apart from Wonderful). I can’t even include Savine in that list really, she was played by her parents. If only Rikke had been able to hold on to Leo, there may have been an inkling of a chance for him! So where do I go now!! Not only a Hobb-sized hole in my heart, but an Abercrombie one too!

Of course, my favorite character ended up dying in a Joe Abercrombie book. He went out like a boss, but man, I’ll miss him. “how’s your leg?” 😎🥺😭

Definitely agree with that Pratchett/Abercrombie comparison lol

Straight up cheered at the end with Sulfur.

Erikson also does the same thing abercombie does with the little people but with his armies

Loved the book and the review! This might be the first book I’ve ever read where there didn’t seem to be a single wasted sentence or word anywhere. I didn’t see the Rikke twist coming so that battle Little People chapter was a rain of awesomeness. (Nail’s and Hardbread’s POVs were hilarious!). I was also so sad about those couple deaths at the end with some of my favorite characters from the series-Joe pulled it all off so masterfully.

I finished the Widsom of Crowds last night, it was a hell of a ride. I'm a history PhD and the revolution felt very credible to me, he's definitely done his research. I cried, no prizes for guessing why. I cannot wait for future entries in this series, especially after that final Rikke chapter. Fantastic review!

Here's my ranking of the series 1. A little hatred 2. Best served cold 3. The wisdom of crowds 4. Red country 5. The trouble with peace 6. Before they are hanged 7. The blade itself 8. The last argument of kings 9. The hero's

Im down to be a re read partner. 🙋🙋. My favorite was Savine and Rikke . i did tear up when Black Rikke was born!!!

🚨spoilers🚨 So we know JA loves that western vibe. I think there were train tracks in Rikke’s vision coming from who I assume to be Hildi’s arms? If that’s what he’s going for in some way, I’m all for it.

Caul Shivers and Glokta are my two favorite characters from the entire series. Savine is also a very good character. Actually, I don't think there is a character in his books that I don't like. Some of them I really hate like Castor Morveer, but not in a negative way, he's still a good character, just that I hate his personality I think I've read the series 5 times now, may be more, not entirely sure

Jimmy i forgot to ask who is your other author in the top 3 ? ( my guess Grmm, hobbs , Joe A?

I really enjoyed this book I definitely hate leo and I'm kinda surprised that I feel a little empathy for sabine in the end she was definitely right about leo And I knew that glokta was up to something

Its been a while since I’ve hated a character as much as I’ve hated Leo at the end of this book. Poor Orso.

11:11 Paused. My copy has not yet arrived. Shipping here in the Philippines is delayed due to COVID-19.

Wait how THE HECK didn’t you mention Rikke’s last vision?!

How's your leg? :(

Bobby B on the wall 😂

Hildi is my favorite character

I think Leo might be my most hated character in fiction. The ending was great but also horrible

I went in thinking I couldn’t hate Leo or love Orso any more than I already did, and I was wrong on both counts :( Edit: I definitely agree on it being the most grim entry. That ending.

Saved Wisdom of Crowds as a Christmas present for myself, what a fantastic book. As much as I love the original trilogy, Age of Madness has usurped it as my favourite fantasy trilogy. Gunnar Broad is easily one of if not my least favourite point of view character Abercrombie has written. I liked him in A Little Hatred but I couldn't care less about him in Trouble and Wisdom. Whereas with each book I liked Vick more and I loved her in Wisdom. ***SPOILERS*** So glad m'boy Shivers is okay!

Orso. Gorst. Clover

Spoiler Prediction According to Black Wicka’s dream Colder’s grandson (I think he is) trained by Clover ends up getting Shiver’s sword. I see no way that Shivers will be handing that sword to anyone unless he’s defeated. The boy might be his end. I believe the girl to be the other twin of the (young Lion) with so much emphasis on the boy (who I think will die) this young lady will be twice as cunning as her mother. Or!?! She my be the one Baias introduced to Clover, telling him that she will make them money idk. It would be a spin if Black Wicka was pregnant from Orso. Then the child will be both king of the North and the Union lol. Orso was my favorite. The most genuine man of the book.

Gunnar Broad never felt like a very interesting character to me. He's more like a crony than a POV character.

Still working on first law!! Take my like and this comment and I shall return.

You meant Downside not Hardbread

The executioner was Downside.

Bruh, Rikke is pronounced "Ricky"... they tell you that in her first chapter. Its why tricky rikke rhymes....

Throughout the books the nobilty are just shit people who view the northman as savages but we are shown that northmen are noble and the nobility are savages. Orso (and Jappo) are the first to break that mold.

I think we are heading towards the end of First Law though. I think we will get one more trilogy. It just seems like it especially with the vision.

It was definitely the worst book in the new trilogy in my opinion. 90% of the plot was so predictable. Also it spent so long just being a dumbed down version of the French revolution. It was so on the nose all the time. I loved the first two books but this one just didn't work for me. The plot just isn't interesting.

Im soooooo tired of Leo. His mistakes and the in consistency as a character. Flips from gullible fool to a calculating politician to a power grabbing idiot. almost felt like he did what the plot needed rather than him impacting the plot.

This book’s title is a reference to the fans of this terrible disappointment of a conclusion. Definitely aptly named