Title: The Wisdom of Crowds
Author: Joe Abercrombie
First published September 14, 2021
520 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780575095960 (ISBN10: 0575095962)
Rating: 4.6
Overview
Turmoil. Anarchy.
Upheaval. The world as we know it is changing…
Some believe that in order to bring about change, the old ways must be dismantled. This belief will now be put to the test in the midst of a revolution: the Breakers and Burners have taken control, the air is thick with the smoke of riots instead of industry, and all must succumb to the wisdom of the collective.
With nothing left to lose, Citizen Brock is determined to become a new kind of hero for this new age. Meanwhile, Citizeness Savine must shift her focus from profit to survival, as she struggles to redeem herself.
Orso will soon discover that in a world turned upside down, even a monarch can fall to unimaginable depths. And in the violent North, Rikke and her vulnerable Protectorate are quickly losing allies, while Black Calder amasses his forces and plots his revenge.
The banks have crumbled, the sun of the Union has been extinguished, and behind the scenes, the Weaver’s ruthless plan is slowly coming together…
About the Author
Joe Abercrombie’s educational background includes attending Lancaster Royal Grammar School and studying psychology at Manchester University. After working in television production, he pursued freelance film editing.
During a job hiatus in 2002, he began writing The Blade Itself, completing it in 2004. The book was published by Gollancz in 2006, and this was followed by two other books in The First Law trilogy, Before They Are Hanged and Last Argument of Kings.
Currently, Joe Abercrombie resides in London with his wife and daughter. In early 2008, he was part of the BBC Worlds of Fantasy series, along with other contributors such as Michael Moorcock, Terry Pratchett, and China Mieville.
Editoral Review
Joe Abercrombie’s latest novel, The Wisdom of Crowds, is a stunning addition to the author’s impressive collection of fantasy books. First published on September 14, 2021, the book expands upon the genre by incorporating themes and issues that are relevant to today’s society while delivering an engaging and entertaining storyline.
The Wisdom of Crowds follows the story of Rikke, a young woman who possesses a unique ability to see possible futures. She and a group of unlikely heroes are thrown together on a journey through treacherous lands with the aim of stopping a brewing war.
The novel is set in a world where magic is prevalent, and Abercrombie’s writing style immerses the reader in this fantasy world’s intricacies. The author’s world-building skills are on full display in this book.
Abercrombie manages to create a complex yet believable fantasy world that is rich with detail and history. The setting feels real and grounded, and the characters’ motivations are deeply rooted in the world’s politics, religion, and cultural beliefs.
One of the book’s standout features is the character development. Abercrombie has an incredible ability to create flawed, multifaceted characters that evolve throughout the novel.
Rikke, in particular, is a character that readers will root for and empathize with. Her journey is captivating and well-written, which makes the reader invested in her arc.
The rest of the ensemble cast is also well-drawn, and they all stand out with their unique personalities and motivations. The novel’s pacing is also noteworthy, with Abercrombie masterfully balancing action, world-building, and character development.
The plot is engaging, and Abercrombie manages to keep the reader invested and intrigued throughout the novel’s 500+ pages. The book’s themes are relevant to current issues and will resonate with readers.
The Wisdom of Crowds explores themes of power, politics, and propaganda, which have become increasingly relevant in the current climate. Abercrombie doesn’t shy away from tackling these issues head-on, and they are seamlessly woven into the plot, making the book feel more like a commentary on the real world.
Overall, The Wisdom of Crowds is an exceptional addition to Abercrombie’s repertoire, and readers will undoubtedly enjoy every moment of it. It is a thought-provoking, well-crafted, and thoroughly engrossing fantasy novel that has something to offer to both long-time fans of the genre and newcomers alike.
Rating: 9/10