BookPath
A Little Hatred
Joe Abercrombie

A Little Hatred

Quick Answer

Start with "A Little Hatred" to begin the The Age of Madness. It is the essential series starter and provides the necessary foundation for the rest of the books.

Quick Verdict

✅ Safe to read now (Series Entry Point)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Verdict Insight: This is the essential series starter that introduces the Joe Abercrombie's core world and character arcs. It is required reading for all new fans.

Is this helpful?
2019480 ppSeries StarterWikidataSource
The chimneys of industry rise over Adua and the world seethes with new opportunities. But old scores run deep as ever. On the blood-soaked borders of Angland, Leo dan Brock struggles to win fame on the battlefield, and defeat the marauding armies of Stour Nightfall. He hopes for help from the crown. But King Jezal's son, the feckless Prince Orso, is a man who specializes in disappointments. Savine dan Glokta — socialite, investor, and daughter of the most feared man in the Union — plans to claw her way to the top of the slag-heap of society by any means necessary. But the slums boil over with a rage that all the money in the world cannot control. The age of the machine dawns, but the age of magic refuses to die. With the help of the mad hillwoman Isern-i-Phail, Rikke struggles to control the blessing, or the curse, of the Long Eye. Glimpsing the future is one thing, but with the guiding hand of the First of the Magi still pulling the strings, changing it will be quite another . . .
Next Recommended Book

The Trouble With Peace

Book #2 of 3 in Series

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

high Confidence

Why this order?

Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for The Age of Madness conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading A Little Hatred?

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Can I read A Little Hatred before other books in the series?

Yes, A Little Hatred is the first book in the series and is the ideal starting point for new readers.

Is A Little Hatred required reading for the The Age of Madness?

Yes, it is a core installment in the series reading order and contains critical character development and plot progression.

What comes after A Little Hatred in the reading order?

The next recommended book after A Little Hatred is The Trouble With Peace (Book #2).