Last Argument of Kings by Joe Abercrombie
by
Natasa Djordjevic
- 12:31 PM
“I have learned all kinds of things from my many mistakes. The one thing I never learn is to stop making them.”
The First Law Trilogy ends with a captivating and stupendous conclusion, featuring gorgeous writing, an intriguing and unique setting, and gripping drama. In this volume, the characters return home from their grand adventures, only to find that home isn't always what they expect.
Logen Bloody Ninefingers has returned to surprise the people in the North, who had believed he was dead. Logen wants to start anew, but he has made many enemies during his time as the bloodiest and deadliest man alive. Despite this, his bloodthirsty spirit is needed to take out Bethod and his allies. However, in the North, people are not quick to accept new leadership, and civilized behavior is only temporary.
Luthar returns to Adua and his surprise is welcomed as a conquering hero. He still has it bad for Ardee but knows marrying her is out of the question. Luthar has a lot of growth as he rises to the occasion only to wonder whether having all his childhood dreams come true is ever going to make him happy.
Colonel West too has to rise to the occasion of leadership. It is to him that falls the ugly task of facing Bethod and surviving the complexities of modern army hierarchy. He may long to return to wandering with a handful of barbaric Northmen, but that's not where he's needed.
Glotka, the cripple, continues to be among the most fascinating of creatures in literature. Bitter, and self-pitying, but with an odd knack for survival, Glotka figures out what it takes with palace politics and who to trust - no one.
Last Argument of Kings is epic in every possible way from the hand-to-hand battles to the Union on the brink of survival nearly engulfed by overwhelming forces. What makes it work well is that every one of these characters is fully human, burdened by their past mistakes, thrust into roles they don't feel right for, and swirling in the mists of fate and strategy, often struggling not to be supported by more powerful forces.
