Last Argument of Kings

By: Joe Abercrombie

Narrated by: Steven Pacey

The final novel in the First Law Trilogy by New York Times bestseller Joe Abercrombie.

Logen Ninefingers might only have one more fight in him -- but it's going to be a big one. Battle rages across the North, the king of the Northmen still stands firm, and there's only one man who can stop him. His oldest friend, and his oldest enemy: it's time for the Bloody-Nine to come home.

With too many masters and too little time, Superior Glokta is fighting a different kind of war. A secret struggle in which no one is safe, and no one can be trusted. As his days with a sword are far behind him, it's fortunate that he's deadly with his remaining weapons: blackmail, threats, and torture.

Jezal dan Luthar has decided that winning glory is too painful an undertaking and turned his back on soldiering for a simple life with the woman he loves. But love can be painful too -- and glory has a nasty habit of creeping up on a man when he least expects it.

The king of the Union lies on his deathbed, the peasants revolt, and the nobles scramble to steal his crown. No one believes that the shadow of war is about to fall across the heart of the Union. Only the First of the Magi can save the world, but there are risks. There is no risk more terrible, than to break the First Law. . .

Critic reviews

"Bloody and relentless."—George R. R. Martin on Best Served Cold

"Bold and authentically original."—Jeff VanderMeer

"Abercrombie has written the finest epic fantasy trilogy in recent memory. He's one writer that no one should miss."—Junot Diaz

"If you're fond of bloodless, turgid fantasy with characters as thin as newspaper and as boring as plaster saints, Joe Abercrombie is really going to ruin your day. A long career for this guy would be a gift to our genre."—Scott Lynch, author of The Lies of Locke Lamora

"Pointed, driven, and sharp."—Locus on Red Country

"Magnificent, richly entertaining"—Time on The Heroes

"Imagine The Lord of the Rings as directed by Kurosawa."—Lev Grossman, Wall Street Journal on The Heroes

"[Abercrombie has] begun breaking his own rules. And succeeding wildly at it. ... [R]arely has Abercrombie had so much fun while rollicking through his colorful cast's foibles and witty dialogue - and rarely has he dished out so much straight-for-the-heart poignancy."—The A.V. Club

"New, fresh, and exciting."—The Independent (UK)

"Exhilarating... Abercrombie's knack for wit and grit holds your attention throughout, and his eye for character means that there's heart as well as muscle."—SFX (UK)

WOW. Again Please.

I can't say enough about this trilogy. I am an avid 25+ year devotee to the fantasy genre. That sounded nerdy, but true.... The author does something that I have personally never experienced -- more than Jordan, Sanderson, Rothfuss, Martin and all the rest!-- His characters are ALIVE. Real people that I can almost touch. Amazing, beautiful brutal, spectacular, endearing, pitied, hated, loved, feared and inspired people. Flawed heros... and more. They are written and I believe they are real. No one else has come this close to such amazing character development (and such a unique story!) other than perhaps Chain of Dogs from the Malazan Empire mega series (good series, but that book is a standout).

The narrator for this series certainly had an impact. That's an understaement in the extreme. This fellow is the BEST narrator of any audio book or series I have ever read.... I've not only read all the authors, and their various series noted above, many times over each (plus many more authors-- I'm a boring attorney and need an escape) but I have listened to the audio versions. This narrator is the best out there. Period. Mic drop.

Probably give it a week and listen to the series again, just for funsies. I'm smitten.

love

loved the story loved the narration couldn't be more pleased will read more in the series

Excellent finale to the best trilogy I have read

Pacey is an absolutely remarkable craftsman with the words as his materials.

Having read the trilogy prior to have listened I am thankful to have done so in that order.

To have access to this terrific series forever is well worth my annual fee to Audible.

reviewed

final book.
a a a a a a a a a a a. b. word remaining

Best book in the series by far

A brilliant conclusion to a brilliant trilogy. Seems as though I'll never tire of Abercrombie's fantasy world.