Last Argument of Kings

Book Three of The First Law

“Last Argument of Kings.” Inscribed on his cannons by Louis XIV

The end is coming.

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 soldering 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…

“Abercrombie has written the finest epic fantasy trilogy in recent memory. He’s one writer no one should miss.”
— Junot Diaz, Pulitzer prize-winning author of The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao

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Audio & Ebooks

Last Argument of Kings is available as:

An unabridged audiobook read by Steven Pacey, available as a download from audible.co.uk and audible.com

A kindle edition from amazon.co.uk and amazon.com

An EPub Edition from The Book Depository.co.uk, The Book Depository.com and other retailers

Review Quotes & Plaudits

• Finalist for the David Gemmell Legend Award
• SFSite’s Reader’s Choice 2008
• SFFWorld’s Favourite Book of 2008

“The sword & sorcery trilogy that began with The Blade Itself (2007) and Before They Are Hanged (2008) comes to a violent, sardonic and brilliant conclusion … Abercrombie is a fresh new talent, presenting a dark view of life with wit and zest, and readers will mourn the end of this vivid story arc.”
— Publishers Weekly

“The third in Joe Abercrombie’s debut fantasy series, The First Law, reveals everything a finale should: conveys some answers, ties together loose ends from various plot strands, knocks over pieces painstakingly set up in the preceding stories, and in the aftermath delivers character development that surprises as well as delights.”
— Dave Bradley, SFX, 5 Star Review

“Last Argument of Kings ends the First Law trilogy with a mordant brilliance … Despite the apparent medievalism of its courts and tribes, this is industrial-strength, politically savvy fantasy for our own times.”
— Locus

“The First Law is, I strongly believe, a seminal work of modern fantasy. It is a benchmark sequence that should be regarded as an example of all that is truly great in today’s genre fiction. It stands way above the vast majority of the marketplace, tainted as so many fantasy works are with the lofty and portentous myth cycles bequeathed to us by Tolkien. Instead Abercombie’s work reflects today’s harsher world within its pages. This is fantasy come of age … Very highly recommended.” — John Berlyne, SFRevu

“For those jaded by the genre’s predictability, yet hopeful about revisiting the elements that encouraged them to read Fantasy in the first place, this might be the series … this trilogy shows an amazing development and progression, not only in scope but also in writing style … How do you top this? Recommended very highly.”
— Mark Yon, SFFWorld

“The conclusion to this gripping trilogy, like it’s forerunners, is worth every second of your rapt attention. If you haven’t had the pleasure of diving into Joe Abercrombie’s world then I urge you to do so now, you’ll be glad you did.”
— Rob Grant, Sci-Fi London

“By populating his complex world with dynamic, immensely imperfect characters Abercrombie has produced a reinvigoration of the genre.”
— Thomas L. Martin, SFCrowsnest

“In The First Law, UK fantasy writer Joe Abercrombie has produced one of the most impressive first trilogies ever to hit the market. It is remarkable not only because of its brilliantly complex plot and characters, but also because of its fearless investigation of the dark labyrinths of the human condition.” 
— The Specusphere

“Last Argument of Kings is an excellent conclusion to what turned out to be a very entertaining series.”
— Pat’s Fantasy Hotlist

“I definitely have to say that this is one of my top 10 favorite series of all time. It’s that good. The finale pays off all the genre-bending plot twists and crazy left turns that occurred in books one and two, and in a way that will leave you gasping.”
— Felicia Day

“Last Argument of Kings delivers exactly what this trilogy needed: a no-holds-barred war story in which secrets are exposed, mysteries are explained and the author resolutely refuses to pull any punches … The ending is superb.”
— The Wertzone

“Each book in this trilogy has shown a distinct improvement, and with this fantastic concluding volume, I’d even go as far as to say it’s become one of my favourite series … There are some unexpected promotions, unexpected betrayals and unexpected deaths, and overall there are plenty of fantasy conventions beaten bloody and sent packing.”
— Sandstorm Reviews

“Joe delivers his normal dose of intrigue, action and black humour but ramps it all up a gear and smacks you in the gut with some stuff that I guarantee you will not see coming. And then (while you’re gasping for breath) he does it all over again, rendering some of the most powerful battles I’ve seen in fantasy literature almost pointless with the revelations that follow.”
— Graeme’s Fantasy Book Review

“Last Argument of Kings has everything you could ask for: huge battles, political intrigue, masterly characterisation and surprises by the bucket-load. This book will by turns shock you, excite you, make you laugh, and above all entertain you.” 
— Speculative Horizons

“Last Argument of Kings is the best fantasy novel released so far in 2008 … Abercrombie brings the trilogy to a rousing and very satisfying conclusion, peppering the novel with incredible battles, grim humor, and many unforeseen twists.”
— Blood of the Muse