A good finish to the trilogy, although in part it doesn't feel like an end, at all. While most questions are answered, there is no closure, just one more step. This is probably as open-ended as it gets.

I'd have preferred some not to die, some brought to heel(or tombstone), and some left off at least better than they, but this being a crapsack world setting( http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php... ), well..
You have to be realistic about these things. ( )

This is the last of a trilogy and I enjoyed it but not to the gushing degree I've found on Amazon. Nevertheless, the characters don't exactly take a fairy-tale story arc. Instead, their arcs seem more realistic. That was interesting to see. Also, there were a couple of characters you just knew were headed to the grave but their route to the hereafter seemed anti-climactic. I suppose my biggest gripe would be that none of the characters really merit rooting for -- or actually, just don't overcome a certain flaw in their character. But without a doubt, the most interesting character was the crippled torturer Glokta. He's heinously twisted, ruthless, miserable, smart, and perhaps a softie at heart. And, for a fantasy epic, this trilogy curiously did NOT come with a map (but then again, it wasn't really necessary either). ( )

http://bactra.org/weblog/algae-2008-1... ( )

This was a fitting end to an excellent series. I loved how Joe Abercrombie was able to roll up most if not all of the lose ends, while maintaining a very interesting world. I can not wait to return to Adua to see what other havoc comes of the place. The characters where very well written, and I loved to see where they would go next. A very good series which i would recommend to anyone interested in reading. ( )

There was much not to like about this final part of the First law trilogy.

Gratuitous and bloody violence. Magic interventions that change events. Characters that are not what we’ve come to expect: Glotka becomes more and more like Blackadder; Bayaz started out like Belgarath, kindly and jovial, but morphed quickly into a manipulative egomaniac with a very mean streak; Jezal turning into a half-way decent king; Logen becoming more and more unpredicatable; and, by the end, the three female protagonists (Ferro, Ardee, Terez) are lazy stereotypes.

Having said that, I couldn’t put this down.

The philosophical musings of Logen Nine Fingers – ‘still alive, still alive’ and ‘you can never have too many knives’ – will stay with me forever. The acerbic wit and self-deprecation of San dan Glotka are engrossing. The ethos of the Northmen could do with elaboration. There are many questions of why, who, what. Where did the Shanka come from? What is Bayaz really up to? What will become of Jezal? How will the relationship between Ardee and Glotka play out, and what of the bastard child? Will the Dogman negotiate an ongoing treaty?

The ending is superb, particularly the tremendously satisfying epilogue and the final scene. Life goes on, and the tale ends where it began. The Bloody Nine falls into oblivion; a battle is won, but clearly the war goes on. Enough loose ends are left that Abercrombie can revisit the storyline in future books or series.

I really hope he does – and soon. ( )

I really like how this book tied everything together. Far too often in a fantasy setting you see the climax of a book bring us a happy world where the bad guys are beaten, the good guys win out, the world is saved and... that's it.

In Last Argument of Kings, you get this, but a bit more. By the end of the series we start to understand that the good guys aren't always good. The bad guys aren't always bad (they're still bad but at least we understand the "why" of their "evil" in a way). But we do get an ending that ties everything together. While not a perfect world, it's a bit more of a "realistic" ending. We see certain characters like Jezal and Glokta get situated. We see the power struggles resolved, relatively speaking. We see the enemy beaten back, but not vanquished.

Overall I thought it was a fitting end to the series. ( )

The slow build up and shuffling of pieces from the first two books pay off in this final installment of The First Law Trilogy. Cliches are deftly avoided, tension is nurtured and I was kept guessing all the way to the end. The only concerns I have are with regards to pacing and a lack of subtlety. Joe has shown that he is at the front of the march to break down the boundaries around the genre and lead on to pastures new. ( )

Abercrombie is a really good writer. His characters are different. He got me to understand the characters’ motivations like few writers have been able to. Less unique perhaps, but no less talented for it, is his ability to put together an extremely complex plot where everything makes sense. I hope his skill isn’t tied only to worlds of extreme violence and, I’ll put to electrons again, misogyny. Because I won’t be reading any more of his books set in this world, nor any where he uses the same schtick. The writing may be good, but it goes against my morals. No Best Served Cold for me.

(Full review at my blog) ( )

The end of the sage of Glokta has some surprises. The humanity of some of the players undergoes some satisfying changes. And the humanity of others is definitively negated. And as always, political necessity runs through everything. ( )

The third book in this series continues in the tradition of the first two and lends a satisfying conclusion to the series. You'll close the book feeling like this is a story about ordinary men in extra ordinary times, but, for me, this worked. The ending might not be what you want, but it worked really well.

Looking back at the series as a whole I'm amazed at just how much Jezal and Glotka grew as the books progressed. They're almost new characters by the end, and I found myself really rooting for the crippled torturer.

The dialogue and the characters are what make this series really work. I'll be eagerly following Abercrombie's future work. ( )

So, you have to be practical (as Logan would say) but I couldn't... I had to stay up to 3 am to finish this book. This was a great end to an exciting series and lifted the work to a whole new level. Exciting and entertaining, but also thought provoking and interesting. I never loved Glotka, in that he kept asking himself why does he do the terrible things he does, and he couldn't give himself (or me) a satisfactory answer. But I did become far more interested in Jezal than I thought I would and Bayez was a whole other ball of wax! Definitely worth reading for seeing how it turns out around him.

I look forward to reading more of Abercrombie's works. :) ( )

A good end to the trilogy.

While the second book had a little of that annoying marking time of your garden variety trilogy thing happening, this does not.

Bayaz had been lurking (and smirking) around in the first couple of novels, and now you see what he has really been up to all this time, as all the events and people come together.

The Union has problems on two fronts - Bethod and his Northmen, which is a problem for the Dogman, Logen and West. Then there is serious rumour of a Gurkish invasion, and here is where Glokta's double (and death) dealing comes into play.

If a fair few of them weren't funny, the constant asides to himself in italics would get annoying to read, but Abercrombie mostly pulls this off.

With the prospect of killing lots of Gurkish, Ferro is happy to stay around. However, an old fashioned army and navy is not their only problem, given Bayaz has some enemies of his own ilk.

Perhaps darker than the rest, with a couple of open threads for if he wanted to produce another story or two.

http://notfreesf.blogspot.com/2008/11... ( )

After finishing The Blade Itself, the first book of British fantasy author Joe Abercrombie's debut trilogy The First Law, I was left feeling rather underwhelmed. I was slightly surprised, too - it's true that Abercrombie is far from the biggest name in the field, and that the book's blurb doesn't make the trilogy sound any different from one of the hundreds of epic fantasies on the market, yet Abercrombie had received -- and continues to receive -- a great deal of praise from certain quarters, for the quality of his prose, for his characterisation, and for his subversion of the cliches and tropes of the subgenre. I didn't really see any of that though; the worldbuilding was lazy and unimaginative (think early Discworld, only apparently not played for laughs), the characters were flat and lifeless, the prose was functional but little else and the plot was tired and obvious.

I was assured, however, that if I didn't get it now, the second book (Before They Are Hanged) would be sure to change my mind. Sure enough, the attempts at subvertng cliches were rather more obvious here, and yet my overall feelings didn't change very much. The sensible thing to do at this point would have been to leave things at that, but, well, here we are ... At least I didn't make the mistake of paying for a copy of the third volume.

To be fair, it's true that the conclusion of the trilogy is impressive (if more for the ideas behind it than in its actual execution). Here, if nowhere else, Abercrombie has succeeded in subverting the cliches of the genre in an interesting, thematically satisfying and even rather moving way (while the ending isn't quite as depressing as I'd heard suggested, it's far from the usual sickly-sweet affair that afflicts much of modern epic fantasy). Yet the characters continue to be uninspiring, and furthermore this volume has some rather serious pacing and plotting flaws: crucial plot elements are rushed through during the first hundred or so pages, and yet the book then slows down to a treacle-slow pace to describe a number of (frankly, slightly tedious) 'epic' battles. There were a few amusing moments and ideas scattered throughout the book, but I continued to find myself rather tiring of fan-favourite Sand dan Glokta, whose change and progression throughout the series is best described as non-existent.

Fans of Abercrombie will, I imagine, not be dissuaded by this review in the least, and nor would I wish them to be. But whatever it is they're seeing in the series is something I've given up on finding; nor, I suggest, should anybody dissatisfied by the first two books of the trilogy pick up the conclusion in the hopes of it all suddenly making sense.

Read more at my blog, Grasping for the Wind.

Have you ever felt that sometimes a hero is just too heroic? As if everything seems to go their way, and that even their obstacles rapidly become beneficial with the wave of a wand or the death of a minor villain? Joe Abercrombie feels your frustration. His award-nominated First Law trilogy is a darkly humorous reality check on all epic fantasy. The final volume, Last Argument of Kings, makes clear that the First Law trilogy is a modern, pragmatic tale, not a starry-eyed heroic adventure.

Last Argument of Kings concludes the stories of Glokta, Logen, Jezal, Bayaz, Colonel West, Dogman, and others in just the way it should have been. Far from being the hero conquers all tale of most Tolkienesque fantasy, Last Argument of Kings is a satirical look at the cyclical nature of politics, and the pragmatic nature of all true heroes.

The story picks up where Before They are Hanged left off. Jezal, Bayaz and Logen have returned from their quest, much the worse for wear. Logen immediately takes off for the North and Angland, still seeking revenge against he self-styled "King of the North" Bethod. West is already there, and in dire straits trying to keep the army together against the implacable foe as his Lord Marshal gets more and more ill. Dogman is at West's side, but is conflicted about the role of leadership he finds himself in. Jezal returns a hero, even though his mission had failed, and grand political events are sweeping him up, carrying to heights of power he could never have dreamed. And poor, crippled Sand dan Glokta, finds himself between a rock and a hard place, what is called in the Bible "serving two masters" with the attendant results thereof. And of course, the religious and evil fanatic empire of the Gurkish is amassing its forces to send against them all. Bayaz continues to be enigmatic, little help to anyone but Jezal.

Then, of course, all hell breaks loose.

Abercrombie continues to look deeply at characters and his writing style reflects that. Most of the story is written in dialogue, and setting is given a cursory onceover, but only enough to give the reader an idea of the look of a room, or the layout of a city. It is Shakespearean in its sparseness. Readers who dislike lots of dialogue with little description should steer clear. However, if you enjoy a bit of satire about fantasy, as well as the nature of man, this will be for you.

Last Argument of Kings is a satirical novel. In the first two books of the First Law trilogy, readers got a sense of Abercrombie's black humor. It was as if Abercrombie smirks knowingly at the silliness of life. Last Argument of Kings brings that twisted sense of humor out of mere jokes and elevates it into a satire of humanity. Heroes are found in unlikely places, and the greatest of them are those who do what need to be done, no matter how gruesome. Those other characters that were supposed to be heroes, that presented with all the necessary character traits, exuding 100th level charisma, wind up cowards, with only sporadic heroism at best. All of the events, all of the triumphs and failures, end up being part of a never ending cycle, a result of the machinations of a few men of power. Abercrombie's novel has a parallel in the very work of literature from which this blog takes its name. The Book of Ecclesiastes claims that "all of life is but vanity and grasping for the wind". Abercrombie has managed to see the humor in this, and subsequently weave it into a three part fantasy series.

For readers who dislike coarse language, bloody violence, and sex in their novels, this one is most definitely not for you. Abercrombie's book is something like HBO's The Wire in a fantasy setting. It manages to see deep into the depravity of man and laugh at it, but does nothing to hide it.
Last Argument of Kings manages to wrap the story well. Although in places it seems that Abercrombie is feeling forced to wrap some loose ends due to having many plot threads, the majority of the story wraps up tightly and neatly, even if it isn't quite the ending most readers will be looking for. Much like F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby Abercrombie has broken with the tradition of ending his fiction wholly hopeful note. That is unique in the epic fantasy setting in which this story is based. There is hope, yes, but in the grand scheme of things, this novel eloquently points out some of the futility of our striving.

With the few caveats above, I recommend reading this novel. It is unique in the epic fantasy subgenre, and has only a few comparisons within the broader realm of Speculative Fiction, and most of those are short stories. This alone makes it worth reading, though don't expect to come away from Last Argument of Kings on an emotional high. Joe Abercrombie deserves the accolades he has given, and in recognition of a singular achievement in epic fantasy, I think he deserves the all elusive ten out of ten stars. However, in keeping with Abercrombie's own sense of humor and the theme of the novels, he will find that is meaningless, as I never rate any books I review. Hence, those ten out of ten stars are naught but vanity, just another worthless part of the endless cycle of human history. ( )

Finishes off the sereies nicely. Great characters, fast paced action and lots of twists and turns.

Rounds off the series, but leaves it open for further adventures. ( )

Joe Abercrombie‘s writing improved drastically between his debut novel, “The Blade Itself”, a hard-boiled, profane, dark fantasy-noir, and his follow-up novel, “Before They Are Hanged”. Now arrives the final volume in the First Law trilogy, “Last Argument of Kings”, and the question naturally arises, does Abercrombie again improve his writing chops between the two volumes or has he regressed artistically? The answer is emphatic as “Last Argument of Kings” is the best fantasy novel released so far in 2008.

The First Law trilogy is a bloody, excessively violent, gritty action-packed adventure, filled with unsavory and disgusting characters doing repulsive things. Considering that two of the main characters are a government-employed torturer who gleefully celebrates his grim work and a mentally unstable and bloodthirsty barbarian who brings death and destruction to friend and foe alike, you know you encountered something far from the rosy side of epic fantasy. “Last Argument of Kings” ratchets the hard-edged brutality up even more, making it the most grim and violent of the trilogy. But it also makes the novel the most emotionally satisfying as my investment in the characters has been raised much higher.

Bayaz, Jezal, Logen and Ferro have returned empty-handed from their quest to find the mysterious artifact, the “Seed”, an object of vast destructive power. The Union still wages a bloody war against Bethod, the King of the North, and things have gone poorly for the Union side. Soon, Logen decides to confront his bloody past, heading back to the North, to reunite with his old comrades and join the Union army in its fight against Bethod. To make matters worse, Glokta discovers that his old nemesis, the Gurkish, plan to invade the Union within days.

So when the King suddenly dies and leaves no living heirs, chaos ensues as a successor is sought out by the nobles. When a surprise candidate ascends to the throne, he discovers he must immediately figure out how to fight a battle against the Northerners and the Gurkish simultaneously.

Abercrombie brings the trilogy to a rousing and very satisfying conclusion, peppering the novel with incredible battles, grim humor, and many unforeseen twists. In the previous novels, Abercrombie’s strength has been in his ability to create amazing characterizations like the absolutely unforgettable Inquisitor Glokta and Logen Ninefingers. In “Last Argument of Kings”, his deft plotting attains a similar sublimeness. Additionally, the characters become even more nuanced and complex, fighting hard against the reader’s expectations of them. It is as though a new light has been shined upon them, making for stunning transformations.

Last Word:
“Last Argument of Kings” is one of the best fantasy series endings ever, and makes the First Law trilogy must reading for all fantasy aficionados. Joe Abercrombie has proven himself to be one of the best young talents today. ( )

http://www.piruett.se/2008/04/04/bast... ( )

Originally available at http://sf-fantasy-books.blogspot.com

A prime example of a world full of bitter, cynical, world-weary, Machiavellian...you probably see where I’m going?
***

Mr. Abercrombie managed to become the most reviewed and talked about fantasy author on the internet chat rooms, blogs, review sites and other related web-pages since his debut effort “The Blade Itself” merely two years ago. I’ll go about this review in good faith that you are already familiar with his first two book in “The First Law” trilogy or that you’ve at least heard or read about Joe Abercrombie – if not, than you can read Trin’s review of “Before They Are Hanged” (his sophomore effort) or my article, which I wrote in anticipation of the upcoming release of “Last Argument of Kings”. That being said let me continue with the review.

“Last Argument of Kings” is the third and final book of “The First Law” series; and what a majestic conclusion it is! The last third of the book is one of the crispiest, refreshing and mind-blowing endings I’ve been privileged to read…ever. But before the gist of this review, let me recap the story briefly (argumentably without much spoiler material).

***

Logen Ninefingers rejoins his friends in the bloody northern campaign set against Bethod – the self proclaimed King of Northmen, after the failed quest for “The Seed” he partook with Bayaz venturing into the furthest reaches of the World. Dogman, Thunderhead, Black Dow, Grim Harding and the rest of the stoic Northmen have some tough battles ahead of them and even hardest lessons to learn. The Union loses its king just before the impeding Gurkish invasion with Mamun, the first apprentice of Prophet Khalul, and his hundred Eaters at the fore. Jezal dan Luthar finds himself stretched between his affliction for Ardee West and his new acquired position. The misshapen Superior Glokta dan Sand has only his guile to keep his head from rolling of his shoulders while juggling several conflicting loyalties he finds himself trapped into. The good mentor Bayaz, First of the Magi, searches for every available means to stand against Mamun and his Eaters. Ferro’s heart remains set on vengeance and its not due to change soon. Last but not least, Major West finds himself in charge of the Union army in the North after the unfortunate demise of Lord Marshal Burr.

***

This novel remains epic fantasy to its core, but what a delightfully twisted core it is. Expect the unexpected and bear this in mind – nobody turns out what he appeared to be in the beginning. There are some surprisingly torturous conversions and new revelations along the way, especially when concerning our main protagonists. Logen and the Northmen shine the brightest for the better part of the book. I have to admit that I found the happening in Adua uninteresting at times and some of the chapters concentrating on Jezal, Ferro, Bayaz and even Glokta surprisingly dull and repetitive. Glokta, my personal favorite, wearied me down with his constant and peevish whimpering which actually lost its humorous dark edge for a while. But this all changes drastically when Abercrombie starts to knot the loose threads together in a grand finale. This occurs when the gist of action moves from the North into Adua, where the final cards are played out. Glokta, I’m delighted to say, has some hidden aces up his crooked sleeve, so my irritation and fears were laid to a serene rest.

“Last Argument of Kings” is not made of diamonds, but it can have its worth measured out in solid gold. If I had a few reservations about the book well into the second half of its length the ending chapters blew them all to dust. The plot is pretty straightforward and the writing quite brash in its simplicity, but that does not detract from novels worth as it gives Abercrombie ample opportunity to polish his other qualities and he succeeds at that with flying colors. I’ll say this though, if you found “The Blade Itself” or even “Before They Are Hanged” not to your liking then stay away from this one – in essence nothing really changes, it only brings gloss to what went before.

Mr. Abercrombie…Evil Fruitcake (our mascot) approves heartily.

(4,5 out of five) ( )

After the impressive prequels, Joe had an uphill task to ensure the final installment of his debut fantasy series lived up to the hype. Skillfully, Joe has surpassed even his own standards, raising the bar once again for other writers to aim for with his largest volume to date. Fantasy books have set a negative precedent over the years with increasingly large volumes being published, yet quality will often suffer as the result of heavily padded storylines. Joe doesn't fall into this trap and anyone who has visited his website will understand that this is due to his writing ethos to create realistic and fast flowing situations. All his beloved characters have also returned and meet some surprising and often hilarious twists against the background of two colossal battles.
All through the series Joe has ensured that the conclusion of each character's own story remains uncertain, yet he wraps everything up tightly and by the end hindsight reveals that perhaps in the whole adventure, there was destined only to be the one to come out totally on top.. ( )