There are some things I didn't quite like in this series. The fight of the book's Breakers (people rising up against industrialisation which mirrors fights from our 19th century, who are breaking factories) is portrayed at best as hopeless and led by idealists without plans, and at worst as utterly corrupted and devoid of principles. Sad. Of course, it's dark fantasy, but the supposed "realism" is nothing more than cynicism. All of the other types of policies are portrayed in the same way, and the end doesn't often justify the means.

It excels at cynicism. And rhythm. And structure. And characters. (the worldbuilding part has been done in the previous trilogy+novel+shorts, so I'll pass) It may not be the best book I've read in the last year, but it's easily in the top 10.

@kopischke@bookwyrm.social You're right, my review was influenced by the way I see Abercrombie's work, which is dictated by the first series. I prefer the characters and setting from this second series, it goes way beyond the first (and I can't wait to read the last volume whenever it comes out)