A Little Hatred

Steven Pacey doesn’t just narrate *A Little Hatred*—he brutally reenacts it. His voice work is a masterclass in versatility, threading together Abercrombie’s sprawling cast with effortless precision. The opening chapters, drenched in industrial grime and simmering unrest, are delivered with a growling intensity that sets the tone, while later interludes—full of scheming politicians and bloodied commoners—reveal Pacey’s knack for dark humor. That said, the sheer number of characters can be overwhelming; I found myself backtracking twice to remember who was who in a council chamber scene. The pacing occasionally stumbles in the middle act, where political maneuvering risks feeling sluggish against the backdrop of looming violence. But when Abercrombie cranks up the chaos—a riot, a betrayal, a duel—you’ll swear you’re in the room, not your headphones. Production is crisp, with subtle but effective sound design that makes the world feel tactile. If you crave fantasy that’s as messy as history and twice as brutal, this audiobook delivers.