The Great Change

First Law World #11

by Joe Abercrombie

The Great Change (and Other Lies) is a novella-length collection that gathers four short stories related to Joe Abercrombie's The Age of Madness, featuring old friends and new: from smugglers to kings, from diamond-cutters to dress-makers, from the most apparently insignificant of slaves to the most feared man in the Union, Old Sticks himself.

We follow the thread from the cotton-fields of Gurkhul to the heights of Aduan society, we follow a stone from the rivers of Kadir to the crown of the Union, we follow the iron from the prison-mines of Angland to a knife in the back of the old regime. And we follow the slow gestation of the Great Change itself, a revolution which will turn the whole world upside down...

Genres: Fantasy, Short Stories, Fiction, High Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Ebooks

77 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 28, 2023

About the author

Joe Abercrombie was educated at Lancaster Royal Grammar School and Manchester University, where he studied psychology. He moved into television production before taking up a career as a freelance film editor. During a break between jobs he began writing The Blade Itself in 2002, completing it in 2004. It was published by Gollancz in 2006 and was followed by two other books in The First Law trilogy, Before They Are Hanged and Last Argument of Kings. He currently lives and works in London with his wife and daughter. In early 2008 Joe Abercrombie was one of the contributors to the BBC Worlds of Fantasy series, alongside other contributors such as Michael Moorcock, Terry Pratchett and China Mieville.

Reviews

[Petrik · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars

The Great Change (and Other Lies) is a terrific and thought-provoking insight into the behind-the-scenes of creation and revolution in The Age of Madness.

“Greed was the one thing in the diamond trade, after all, that could always be relied upon.

Reading and reviewing a new book by Joe Abercrombie, especially for a new book in The First Law World, was not on my 2023 schedule. The release of The Great Change (and Other Lies) is a serendipitous moment for me despite its short length. Here is the thing. Joe Abercrombie is one of my favorite authors. The First Law World is one of my favorite series/worlds. Every time people ask me what my favorite grimdark fantasy series is, I will immediately point them to The First Law World which is comprised of The First Law trilogy, The Great Levellers trilogy, The Age of Madness trilogy, and now two collections of short stories. I have made this feeling abundantly clear on a myriad of occasions. Having any new stories—no matter how short—in The First Law World is a blessing for literature. When I found out about The Great Change (and Other Lies) collection of short stories, I knew it would be imperative for me to read the new four companion short stories taking place in the Age of Madness trilogy.

“Across the sea, after all, the machines needed to be fed. More of them and hungrier every day.”

Picture: The Thread by John Anthony di Giovanni



The $60 price for the physical edition of this collection by Subterranean Press stopped me for a while. Fortunately, a kind-hearted friend bought it for me as a Christmas present, and I had the chance to read this less than two-hour reading-length novella-sized collection of four short stories sooner than I expected. If you missed out on the physical edition, you can purchase the ebook at a much more affordable price. The Thread, The Stone, The Point, and The Great Change. These are the four Age of Madness companion short stories you can read in the collection. Featuring old friends and new: from smugglers to kings, from diamond-cutters to dress-makers, from the most apparently insignificant of slaves to the most feared man in the Union, Old Sticks himself, I strongly believe The Great Change (and Other Lies) will give the fans of the series—myself included—a quick refreshment and reminder on why we continue to love reading Abercrombie’s writing. As I always say, no one in the grimdark fantasy subgenre writes like Joe Abercrombie.

“Diamonds are like people, after all—they need to be ground down a little before they reveal their best.”

Picture: The Stone by John Anthony di Giovanni



As Abercrombie said at the beginning of the book, it is recommended and better to read The First Law World or The Age of Madness trilogy first. Especially for The Great Change short story. I will keep this review brief and spoiler-free. The Age of Madness happened during the Industrial Revolution era of The Circle of the World. With technology transforming industries and the uncountable individuals involved, progress is never safe from sacrifices. The web of commerce and industry was knitting the whole world ever more tightly together, and the price of progress was steep. Changes are inevitable. Nothing can be conjured out of thin air. The purpose of this collection of short stories is to provide an efficient exploration of this reality. Every item, every material, every event; there are origins, transitions, and endgames to each one of these. In The Great Change (and Other Lies), the character’s stories revolve around an object or concept. In The Thread, we follow the thread from the cotton fields of Gurkhul to the heights of Aduan society. In The Stone, we follow a stone from the rivers of Kadir until it becomes a crown of the Union. In The Point, we follow the iron from the prison mines of Angland to a knife in the back of the old regime. And finally, in The Great Change, we follow the slow gestation of the Great Change itself, a revolution which will turn the whole world upside down...

“Your Majesty, when a great man dies, it is tempting to think it can only be the result of some great event, some grand conspiracy, some towering malevolence… It would be a reassurance, in a way, to feel that death follows such meaningful patterns. But the hard truth is that great men die of the same things little ones do. Sometimes they slip and strike their heads, sometimes they choke on a fish bone, and sometimes they pass peacefully in the night, for no particular reason. When they do so, it is, in a way, a mercy. We should all be so lucky as to die in an unspectacular fashion.”

Picture: The Point by John Anthony di Giovanni



Did I love reading all four short stories? I would not say ALL of them. The Point did not click with me as much as I hoped. But I will gladly give my stamp of approval to the other three short stories: The Thread, The Stone, and The Great Change. As I always say, I have a soft spot for Abercrombie's characterizations and writing style. I am biased about this world, and reading anything new in The First Law World already gives me joy and satisfaction. This feeling is elevated further because some of the beloved main characters from The Age of Madness trilogy do appear in The Great Change (and Other Lies). Savine, Zuri, Vick, Orso, Old Stick, Bayaz, and more. With a storytelling similar to the one employed in The Little People chapters, which is a storytelling technique Abercrombie utilizes to direct and flow a transition from a point or a scene to another scene seamlessly repeatedly, Abercrombie succeeds at telling thematic stories of corruption, greed, capitalism, and revolution quickly. Although I certainly would have preferred reading a new novel instead of short stories in The First Law World, my brief return to this grim society is, once again, a comfort to my soul.

“I have often thought it would be a fine thing… To leave the world better than we found it.”

Picture: The Great Change by John Anthony di Giovanni



Well, this review ended up longer than I expected. I find it challenging to put a brake on myself when I am talking about my enjoyment of Abercrombie's books. Lastly, though... I need to mention this Subterranean Press edition is embedded with four black-and-white interior illustrations by John Anthony di Giovanni, who returned once again to provide his skill to the Subterranean Press edition of Abercrombie's books as he did for The Age of Madness trilogy. The artworks in The Great Change (and Other Lies), cover art included, are all beautifully drawn montages of the main scenes, or titles in the case of the cover art, inside each respective short story. On top of Abercrombie's excellent writing, I believe John's contributions did augment my enjoyment of The Great Change (and Other Lies). Try to observe each interior art after you read each short story. You will see what I am talking about. The details are exquisite.

“Ah, the curse and the blessing of parenthood, that can coax a sentimental tear from the pitiless eye of even a monster like me... Filling this place of death and pain and bloodless paperwork with hope, and beauty, and potential… And to think, I was once a main with nothing to lose.”

If I have to mention a downside or pain of reading this collection, it would be the craving for more of Abercrombie's books and The First Law that comes after. This is inescapable. If it happens, it will be years before Abercrombie writes another novel or series in The First Law World, but his newest book in a different series, The Devils, is coming in 2025. The pain of waiting for it will be torturous, but I have no doubt it will be worth it. Until then, if you are a fan of The First Law World and The Age of Madness trilogy, read The Great Change (and Other Lies). It is a delightful dessert to The Age of Madness trilogy.

Picture: The Great Change (and Other Lies) by John Anthony di Giovanni



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[Lexi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its easy to compare Abercrombie and George RR Martin because their stories have the same caliber of Grimdark and rich characters. Abercrombie himself has admitted many times he has borrowed a lot from GRRM, though I feel he is currently at the top of grimdark authors.

What sets Abercrombie apart thematically is his passion for the smallfolk. Where GRRM loves his royals and only his royals, Abercrombie is obsessed with always giving you a close window into the lives of the poor, and many of his novels reserve a place for what would otherwise be unnamed soldiers and workers as they live their lives.

The Great Change is a novella featuring new and old characters at the bottom of the ladder- often depicting "the hidden cost" to our favorite rich assholes' antics.

This is a tiny, tiny little novella, so sharing more would get into spoiler territory, but these are very powerful stories that address the nature of capitalism, optimism in leadership, and the callousness of the rich.

Sidenote: If you thought you would get a novella without your favorite characters, you would be mistaken! While the smallfolk are absolutely the center of this book, expect to see some beloved characters from Age of Madness make an appearance here.

[Benghis Kahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a delightful little collection of 4 short stories that are companions to the Age of Madness trilogy. For First Law completionists they're a must, but they're not essential to the series by any stretch.

Abercrombie writes some of the most impactful very short stories I've read here, so full of voice and wit and deep social commentary. They all resonate with each other in meaningful ways, so it actually feels like a collection of connected tales rather than a random assortment of flotsam.

It's been a little while since I've read any First Law (since the Wisdom of Crowds released), and it was a great reminder of just how much I love Joe's writing and the joy that awaits an eventual First Law reread.

[Wera · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
*** I have a YouTube channel now! Check it out here. ***

The Thread was a fantastic start.
The Stone and The Point were fine but not exceptional.
The Great Change GAGGED ME. I CANNOT BELIEVE I COULD HAVE SUCH AN EMOTIONAL RESPONSE TO A SHORT STORY.
The art was gorgeous as well.

[Bethany (Beautifully Bookish Bethany) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up

This was delightful as a way to revisit the world of the First Law after the Age of Madness trilogy! Definitely read after because spoilers, but it's a great little collection of 4 short stories. I'm so impressed by how Abercrombie is able to sketch characters so briefly so that we get a sense of who they are and their place in the world. And it made me happy to get a moment with my faves! Savine and Glokta.

[Silvana · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was nice enough though the second story is a tad boring. I think better having secondary or tertiary characters from the main novels as POVs, rather than ckmpletely different ones. That is why the third story - featuring teen Savine - is more exciting to me.

[Tyrell ⚔️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Forgive yourself, Victarine. After all, no one else will.”

A very quick read. A handful of collected short stories set throughout the sequel trilogy, The Age of Madness. Nothing immensely new, though Joe does tie some threads together in the world of the first law.

The first three stories demonstrate the evolution of how the normal folk adapt to the changing times during The Age Of Madness. The final story, The Great Change, was my favorite out of the collection. We readers get to read from the mind of a beloved character and learn of how the Weaver came to be and how this festered chaos and change.

Overall, this was a decent read though I find myself a bit disappointed. Probably just because I want to read another full length novel from the world (:

[John Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️

I try to like short stories but I never do 😢

[José · Rating 4 out of 5]

Una buena colección de cuentos cortos para quienes quedamos con ganas de más Abercrombie después de su nueva trilogía.

Estas historias cortas solo estaban disponibles en la edición limitada de "La era de la locura", pero por suerte para quienes vivimos en países tercermundistas quienes no pudimos conseguir esa edición, fueron editados en este pequeño ebook.

Son cuatro historias donde Abrecrombie hace lo que más me gusta: narrar desde el punto de vista de varios personajes menores que se ven afectados por los eventos más grandes de la saga.

Cada una de estas historias nos muestra cómo la Revolución Industrial que llegó al mundo de la Primera Ley, cambia la vida de los trabajadores y mercaderes por igual (por lo general para mal).

Fueron cuentos muy entretenidos que agregan otra perspectiva de los eventos de la trilogía, en especial el cuarto cuento titulado "El Gran Cambio".

El mismo Abercrombie hace esta advertencia, pero por las dudas también aviso que son cuentos para leer después de haber terminado la trilogía porque hay muchos spoilers. Así que léeanla después de The Wisdom of Crowds.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting compilation of the behind the curtain of the trilogy age of madness. My only regret is that this book is short and we never have enough of the world of the first law.

[Ivana M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was it essential to the story? Probably not.
Was it a delight to read Joe’s masterful relay POV? Yes. Yes it was.

This is a collection of 4 very short stories with a few POVs in them, following specific objects that travel to parts of the story in The Age if Madness that we know and parts that we don’t.

But you have to have read The Age of Madness trilogy.
Otherwise, spoilers.

I’m sad to have finished The First Law books.
I absolutely love them all.

[Matteo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Se, come me, siete in astinenza da nuove storie del nostro Lord Grimdark, sappiate che questa breve raccolta non sazierà la vostra fame, perché alla fine della lettura raggiungerete una sola convinzione: ne vorrete ancora di più.

I primi tre racconti fungono da approfondimento, mediante nuovi POV, di quelle meccaniche che porteranno al Grande Cambiamento descritto nella trilogia de L'Età della Follia, con un focus importante sui rapporti tra uomini e ranghi di potere.

L'ultimo, invece, è la vera chicca della raccolta e, da solo, vale il prezzo del biglietto. Non dirò nulla di particolare perché, già solo nelle prime righe, fornisce spoiler clamorosi sull'ultima serie, ma al contempo permette di tornare a vivere la vicenda (anche se solo per una manciata di righe) dal punto di vista di uno dei personaggi più amati della trilogia originale.

Lo stile è arguto e frizzante, quello cui ormai siamo abituati (abbastanza complesso, in inglese, per alcuni passaggi che vivono grazie a giochi di parole non immediati).
Se avete amato i suoi libri (e l'ultima serie, da leggere tassativamente PRIMA di questi racconti) non posso che consigliarvi caldamente di approfondire le vicende con questa raccolta.

[Jersy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Great Change is a collection about approaching a modern world, about the common people, about what does and doesn't change.

I love the first and last story way more than the other two. The Thread shows a whole production chain and is heartbreaking, and The Point adds some background to the events of the trilogy.

The others are well written and interesting, too, but reading the first three stories back to back does feel a bit repetitive. We get some other perspectives from both new and known characters in all of them, but they just felt less effective.

If you don't already adore Joe Abercrombie, it's not a must read. If you can't wait for his next book or aren't ready to leave the Age of Madness yet, go ahead. Just note that it is written under the assumption that you have read the whole trilogy and otherwise contains spoilers.

[SurDiablo · Rating 3 out of 5]

These stories provide additional details about the lives of common people and significant events that occurred in the Age of Madness trilogy. However, they are not essential to the main storyline, much like Sharp Ends collection. Think of them as a dessert - enjoyable but not necessary. Also, reading them after completing the Age of Madness series is recommended to avoid spoilers.

[Dimitris Kopsidas · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's always a joy to dive into Abercrombie's First Law world, even if only for 4 short stories. The writing is still top-notch and witty. The stories, though nothing to write home about, give an interesting/different perspective to some of the events of the trilogy.
But long story short, if you're a fan of the First Law you'll appreciate this. If you haven't read The Age of Madness, don't bother reading this, it will spoil some very important plot points.

7,1/10

[Dre · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 / 4

I appreciated more than loved these stories although I did love the way they complemented the Age of Madness trilogy. Definitely recommend to fans once they have finished Age of Madness just don’t expect anything as entertaining as the stories in Sharp Ends. These are just meant to fill some gaps and fill out the world even more.

[LambchoP · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great collection of four short stories set during The Age of Madness trilogy!

Unfortunately, I think this one wasn't quite as good as Sharp Ends, which was a collection of stories set during the original First Law series. This is not because of the quality of the stories but rather the quantity. I can't remember how many there were in Sharp Ends but I know the entire book was a longer novella. Here we only get four stories. As with any collection, I enjoyed some more than others. The Mining story and the last one which includes a part with Glokta and his daughter Savine were my clear favorites. While I did enjoy them, the limited amount of content left me wanting more...

Fans of the First Law and in particular the Age of Madness trilogy will enjoy this collection, and if you need something to tide you over until Abercrombie's new series The Devils in 2025, I think this should help:) Overall a 4/5 :)

[Bas · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5/5

I didn't really like the other short story collection in the FL world, Sharp Ends. I'm happy to say that I found this better in many ways. I still think Abercrombie is a better writer in long format and this book doesn't come close to novels of the series in terms of quality and emotional resonance. But I did found this collection much more interesting than SE and it didn't feature all the fan service that SE had too much off imo. I liked the decision of Abercrombie to go more a thematic round here and the stories are a great extra to the Age of Madness trilogy. I liked we got to see some other places and characters and when you do get a familiar character Ifound it quite meaningful and even very emotional at one point. This little book has given me craving to re-read the other FL books and for more FL books in general !

[Petra · Rating 4 out of 5]

”You are well on your way to equalling your mother in wits.” He licked a finger and smoothed one of his eyebrows. “At this rate you might even manage to surpass your father in looks.”
“You know I love you, Father, but you are infamously hideous.“

I can’t go lower than four for Glokta. My heart.

[Yev · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first three of these stories were previously included in the Waterstones special editions of the Age of Madness trilogy books. The Great Change is published here for the first time. Abercrombie warns that these stories shouldn't be read until after you've read the book it goes with and for the last, until after you've finished the trilogy. What I've written can be read without having read anything else.

The Thread
The devaluation of labor and the ascendancy of capital in an unregulated free market is demonstrated through the production of clothing starting from the harvesting of cotton to the presentation of a garment to a wealthy businesswoman. Quality plummets as profits soar.
Enjoyable

The Stone
The path of a single huge blood diamond is followed from its discovery to its incorporation into regalia. Along the way all manners of criminal activity ensue. A great amount of individual profit is gained through undermining the guild system, organized labor, and solidarity. However, it's never enough.
Enjoyable

The Point
Hundreds of prisoners, political and otherwise, slaves, and other forced labor toil away in the iron mines. Their lives hold no value other than the value they produce for the owner. A man ponders whether the downsides of profit at the expense of all else is worth its rewards. The foundries are indifferent to its usage, cutlery or swords, it matters not as long as they're paid. An arms dealer sells to all sides, as to do otherwise would enrich someone else.
Enjoyable

The Great Change
The origins of The Great Change are revealed. Scenes from the trilogy are presented from a different perspective. New scenes fill out what wasn't previously put on page.
Enjoyable

[Georgi Trichkov · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was fine - it's still Joe Abercrombie and The First Law, which seems it can never be a bad read for me. It was also nothing to write home about, however - way too short and nothing of significance.

[Terence · Rating 3 out of 5]

"There is a certain relief in change, even though it be from bad to worse" - Washington Irving

The Great Change (and Other Lies) is a series of short stories for the individuals who truly loved The Age of Madness trilogy. It has 4 short stories: The Thread, The Stone, The Point, and The Great Change. Three of which (The Thread, The Stone, and The Point) are told by characters that certainly wouldn't be confused with main characters. All the stories depict the Great Change from different perspectives. The Great Change is likely the story most were looking for as it features important characters from the series. However there is no need to read this book. We simply got additional scenes depicting what we already knew about the series.

[Zach Medeiros · Rating 5 out of 5]

fascinating to hear these perspectives, makes the moves in AoM feel like they have even more impact

[Hazem Walid · Rating 3 out of 5]

He was missed..

[Nora Alenezi · Rating 2 out of 5]

اعطيها ⭐️⭐️ من كثر الملل واول ثلاث قصص مالهم داعي بس آخر قصة تستحق القراءة وفيها شويه متعة.

[Vicente Ribes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Un breve recopilatorio de 4 relatos que complementan la trilogía de La era de la Locura. Estos relatos venían en las ediciones especiales de los libros y de momento no se han publicado en español.
Realmente el único que da el nivel es el del Gran cambio que da nombre al libro y donde vemos a desplazarse a Valbeck para iniciar la revuelta de los quemadores, en Valbeck formará equipo con Risinau y captarán a La jueza para que trabaje con ellos. Ver el origen de la revuelta y los primeros pasosde Vick Van Teufel en Valbeck han sido lo mejor del libro.

[Mikhail Korobko · Rating 3 out of 5]

Очень короткий сборник из 4 рассказов по последней трилогии. Они немного больше раскрывают мир индустриальной революции и дают новые точки зрения на события из основных книг. В целом, любопытно, написано бодро, но не то чтоб прям сносило крышу. Если вы недавно прочитали последнюю трилогию — стоит потратить час-полтора, чтобы дать немного больше глубины миру и снова погрузиться в атмосферу. Если вы читали давно и уже забыли всех героев — не парьтесь и спокойно пропустите. В целом, контент для фанатов.

Я прочитал в бумаге, т.к. озвучки на такую короткую книгу вряд ли будет.

[Mitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun fact: This book is not purchaseable in my country. Neither in physical nor e-book format. It is on American Amazon and the Kobo store... but not on the Canadian versions. Bizarre. You might be asking, "How did you read it then?" I had to fricken torrent it is my answer. I want to support you, babe. Please let me.

Anyway, I love Joe Abercrombie's stuff, especially his later stuff. This made me want to go re read all of the first law. This book was short in length but tall in the amount of earth-shattering reveals; it is going to be a different experience reading this series a second time.

I love the way three of the stories are told. They are povs of people down the production line of: a piece of iron that is made into a short sword, a piece of thread that is to become a nobelwoman's dress, a massive diamond mined by a child, that is fit for a king's crown. So creative and fun. I dont recommend reading this unless you've read the rest of the series, though, unless you're cool with spoiling the entire series for yourself.

[Chris Bo · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars

A very short read. A bunch of collected short stories set throughout the sequel trilogy of the First Law. Nothing mind blowing, but it was interesting to see the corruption of industry through materials such as threads that eventually become dresses for the elite, stones that eventually become Crown Jewels, and ore that would one day become the weapons of civil war in the story. The last story is easily the best, with the most cameos and gives good context to some of the powers pulling the strings.

i will say, one of the sequel trilogies biggest strengths, including this volume, is how the world feels as corrupt and materialistic as our own. Amazing how the things we believe in the most, tend to be the biggest lies. Yet like puppets on strings, we as a species tend to play along, even if we notice the marionettes threads.

To borrow my favorite line from the sequels:


“Forgive yourself, Victarine. After all, no one else will.”

[ezra · Rating 5 out of 5]

And with this I have officially finished the entirety of the (currently existing) The First Law Universe.

This short collection shows off what Abercrombie is best at; the ever-changing POV within one chapter (or story, as in this case). All four stories here were fantastic, and did a, in my opinion, great job of showing off the hopelessness of capitalistic, individualist societies, seamlessly integrated into all the different setting we got to know throughout the three trilogies.

However, and this is probably the popular opinion, I most enjoyed The Great Change, which gave some background knowledge that put things in the AoM trilogy into even more of a different light than the revelation at the end of TWoC had already done.

This book is definitely indispensable if you want to *truly* have the full picture of the TFLU (so far), read it!