Last Argument of Kings

"I don't deserve this." he breathed.
"No one gets what they deserve."

I don't think there was a moment when I was reading this and didn't wish that HBO had chosen to adapt this series and not GoT for TV. I think that's enough of a recommendation honestly. It's constantly said that this is a landmark series and I can't agree more. I loved every single second and once I burn through a little more of my backlog, I will pick up The Age of Madness Trilogy.

This is the third and final book in The First Law Trilogy, it is the culmination of two books worth of setup and plotting. The pacing is relentless, and the narrative never slows down. While this keeps the reader engaged, it also leaves little room for reflection or breathing space between intense moments. Some may find this approach exhausting, as the story moves from one harrowing event to another. In this reader's opinion, we've had two books to stew and this is the pot boiling over as it ought to. Given the pace, Abercrombie's ability to maintain tension and keep readers on the edge of their seats became a standout feature of the book.

The story is divided into several interconnected plotlines, each following different characters and factions as they maneuver for power and survival. Abercrombie masterfully handles the multiple story arcs, providing a balanced blend of action, intrigue, and character development. In many ways, this book is the inverse of the first, with our parties breaking apart and the individual stories of our characters reaching their culmination.

“Say one thing for Logen Ninefingers, say he's a cunt”

“This is how most of us go, isn't it? No final charge. No moment of glory. We just ... fall slowly apart.”

Last Argument of Kings

“I have my answers already.” Then why do I do this? Why? Glokta leaned slowly forwards across the table. “We are here for our amusement.”