A Little Hatred cover

A Little Hatred

The Age of Madness • Book 1

by Joe Abercrombie

Narrated by Steven Pacey

4.57 ABR Score (72.8K ratings)
★ 4.45 Goodreads (61.8K) ★ 4.76 Audible (11.1K)
20h 20m Released 2019 Fantasy

Why Listen to This Audiobook?

Steven Pacey has narrated Abercrombie's world for twenty years — returning to it here sounds less like an audiobook and more like a reunion with old, morally compromised friends.

  • Great if you want: grimdark fantasy with sharp wit and political menace
  • Listening experience: dense cast, slow build — then the 20 hours vanish
  • Narration: Pacey distinguishes 20+ characters without missing a beat
  • Skip if: you need closure — this ends mid-arc, trilogy-style

Listen to A Little Hatred on Audible →

About This Audiobook

Industrial smoke rises over a world caught between ancient grudges and revolutionary change. In this reimagined fantasy realm, ambitious nobles clash on blood-soaked battlefields while entrepreneurs scheme in smoke-filled boardrooms. Young warriors chase glory against impossible odds, socialite investors manipulate markets with ruthless precision, and seers grapple with visions of a future that refuses to bend to their will. As magic collides with machinery and old powers face new ambitions, characters from different walks of life discover that progress comes at a price none of them anticipated.

Steven Pacey delivers a masterclass in voice acting, breathing distinct life into Abercrombie's complex cast of morally ambiguous characters. His performance captures both the gritty humor and emotional depth that define the author's storytelling, seamlessly transitioning between noble courts and working-class taverns. Pacey's nuanced delivery enhances the intricate political maneuvering and personal relationships, while his impeccable pacing builds tension during both intimate conversations and large-scale conflicts. The audio format particularly suits Abercrombie's dialogue-heavy narrative style, allowing Pacey's characterizations to illuminate the subtle power dynamics and shifting loyalties that drive this compelling fantasy epic.