The Trouble with Peace is the second book in The Age of Madness trilogy, written by the prolific British author Joe Abercrombie. The story is set in the fictional world of the First Law, where politics and war often get entangled in a messy and brutal manner.

The book continues the saga of the corrupt and power-hungry politicians, ruthless mercenaries, and flawed heroes, who were introduced in the first book, A Little Hatred. The narrative picks up from the aftermath of the bloody confrontation at the end of the previous book, where the conflict between the Union and the breakaway state of Styria seems to have settled down for the time being. However, the peace is fragile and volatile, as the two sides are still nursing old grudges and new ambitions, which could quickly spiral out of control.

The protagonists of the story are the main characters from A Little Hatred, who are now thrust into more complex and perilous situations. The central figure is still Savine dan Glokta, who has risen to become one of the most influential and cutthroat business moguls in the Union. She is also the lover of Leo dan Brock, the young and impulsive new king of Styria, who is struggling to establish his legitimacy and unify his fractious kingdom.

The other key players are Rikke, the cursed daughter of the Dogman, who has the ability to glimpse the future but is haunted by the visions of an impending disaster; Gunnar Broad, the aging warrior who has lost his edge but is still a mentor to the younger generation of fighters; and Orso, the hapless heir to the throne of the Union, who has been sheltered from the harsh realities of politics and war but is thrust into the role of a reluctant ruler at a critical moment.

The plot of the book revolves around the power struggles and shifting alliances between the major factions of the Union and Styria, who are vying for control of the resources, territories, and people of their respective domains. The narrative is driven by the intricate scheming, betrayals, and manipulations of the various characters, who are often forced to compromise their principles and loyalties for the sake of survival or gain.

However, the story also explores deeper themes of morality, identity, and legacy, that are woven into the personal journeys of the protagonists. For instance, Savine, who was once a ruthless and cynical opportunist, starts to question her values and motives, as she realizes the true cost of her ambition and the fragility of her relationships. Leo, who was once a brash and arrogant warrior, has to face the consequences of his recklessness and learn to be a more responsible and strategic leader. Rikke, who was once a lonely and troubled girl, has to find the courage to confront her fears and fulfill her destiny, regardless of the consequences.

The Trouble with Peace is a masterful work of epic fantasy, that combines intricate world-building, complex characterization, and nuanced storytelling, to create a gripping and thought-provoking narrative. The book is written with Abercrombie's trademark dark humor, ironic wit, and gritty realism, that make the violence and cruelty of the story more palpable and impactful. The author also uses the story to comment on contemporary issues of inequality, corruption, and social justice, that resonate with the readers beyond the genre of fantasy.

Overall, The Trouble with Peace is a must-read for fans of the First Law world, who are looking for a continuation of the story with deeper insights and higher stakes. The book ends on a cliffhanger, that promises more twists and turns in the upcoming finale of the trilogy, The Wisdom of Crowds.

Superior Lorsen lowered the letter, frowning at Vick over the rims of his eye-lenses. He looked like a man who had not smiled in some time. Perhaps ever.

"His Eminence the Arch Lector writes you a glowing report. He tells me you were instrumental in ending the uprising at Valbeck. He feels I might need your help." Lorsen turned his frown on Tallow, standing awkwardly in the corner, as if the idea of his being helpful with anything was an affront to reason. Vick still wasn’t sure why she’d brought him. Perhaps because she had no one else to bring.

"Not need my help, Superior," she said. No bear, badger or wasp was more territorial than a Superior of the Inquisition, after all. "But I don’t have to tell you how damaging it would be, financially, politically, diplomatically… if Westport voted to leave the Union."

"No," said Lorsen crisply. "You do not." As Superior of Westport, he’d be looking for a job.

"Which is why His Eminence felt you could perhaps use my help."

Lorsen set down the letter, adjusted its position on his desk and stood. "Forgive me if I am dubious, Inquisitor, but performing surgery upon the politics of one of the world’s greatest cities is not quite the same as smashing up a strike." And he opened the door onto the high gallery.

"The threats are worse and the bribes better," said Vick as she followed him through, Tallow shuffling behind, "but otherwise I imagine there are similarities."

"Then may I present to you our unruly workers: the Aldermen of Westport." And Lorsen stepped to the balustrade and gestured down below.

There, on the floor of Westport’s cavernous Hall of Assembly, tiled with semi-precious stones in geometric patterns, the leadership of the city was debating the great question of leaving the Union. Some Aldermen stood, shaking fists or brandishing papers. Others sat, glumly watching or with heads in hands. Others bellowed over each other in at least five languages, the ringing echoes making it impossible to tell who was speaking, let alone what was being said. Others murmured to colleagues or yawned, scratched, stretched, gazed into space. A group of five or six had paused for tea in a distant corner. Men of every shape, size, colour and culture. A cross section through the madly diverse population of the city they called the Crossroads of the World, wedged onto a narrow scrap of thirsty land between Styria and the South, between the Union and the Thousand Isles.

"Two hundred and thirteen of them, at the current count, and each with a vote." Lorsen pronounced the word with evident distaste. "When it comes to arguing, the citizens of Westport are celebrated throughout the world, and this is where their most dauntless arguers stage their most intractable arguments." The Superior peered towards a great clock on the far side of the gallery. "They’ve been at it for seven hours already today."

Vick was not surprised. There was a stickiness to the air from all the breath they’d wasted. The Fates knew she was finding Westport more than hot enough, even in spring, but she had been told that in summer, after particularly intense sessions, it could sometimes rain inside the dome. A sort of spitty drizzling back of all their high-blown language onto the furious Aldermen below.

"Seems the opinions are somewhat entrenched down there."