Everything comes to an epic, violent conclusion in Joe Abercrombie’s Last Argument of Kings, the final book in his First Law Trilogy. This book is the most spectacular in the series, wrapping up—for the most part—the two main plotlines and a myriad of subplots. Some of these conclusions are quite satisfying; others, not so much. But no one should have expected a happily-ever-after from this grimdark fantasy classic!
The two main conflicts set up in Before They Are Hanged come to a boil here. First, Logen Ninefingers joins Colonel West and his former companions, led by the Dogman, in their fight against Bethod, the king of the North. Bethod has employed his mysterious witch (introduced in Book 1) and forged an alliance with the orc-like Shanka, making him an unnaturally dangerous foe. Logen and West’s outnumbered forces are soon augmented by the Hillmen and their self-proclaimed king, Crummock. Crummock provides much-needed comic relief to this otherwise violent and brutal part of the story, where timely appearances from Logen’s alter-ego, the “Bloody Nine,” remind us just how messed up a character Logen truly is.
Meanwhile, the Gurkish forces who chased Superior Glokta out of Dagoska have crossed the sea to invade Adua, the Union capital. There, Bayaz, the First of the Magi, the fierce, demon-blooded warrior Ferro, and the rest of their companions are holed up, preparing for the siege. In the midst of it all, the Union king dies without an heir, and we finally learn what Bayaz has had planned for Captain Jezal dan Luthar all along.
Amidst the siege, Glokta has more mysteries to unravel, including the murder of the crown prince and Arch Lector Sult’s unusual interest in the University. Meanwhile, Glokta is being threatened by the shadowy banking house of Valint and Balk, who want him to spy on Sult, who in turn is plotting against Bayaz. Before long, betrayals and backstabbings abound, and Glokta finds himself fighting for survival. Throughout the series, Glokta remained my favorite character, and I found his storyline the most satisfying in the end.
Logen returns to Adua just as the Gurkish breach the city walls, and soon every character’s storyline becomes entwined with the conflict and Bayaz’s plans. The compelling backstory involving Bayaz’s ancient master Juvens, his brother Kanedias, and the tragic affair between Bayaz and Kanedias’ daughter looms large in the series’ most epic confrontation. A fight that begins inside the House of the Maker soon involves all the major characters and ultimately engulfs the entire Gurkish invasion of Adua. Bayaz’s true colors are laid bare, and it changed my opinion of him by the end—but I suspect that was Abercrombie’s goal.
Long after the main plot wraps up, many chapters remain as Abercrombie ties off the various subplots that have sprouted throughout the trilogy. Every character’s story gets an ending—though again, not all are happy—and one in particular concludes with a massive cliffhanger, leaving the reader to imagine what happens next.
Overall, I found Last Argument of Kings to be the crown jewel of The First Law Trilogy. After finishing it, I immediately picked up the first two books of Abercrombie’s next trilogy set in this world. I can’t wait to dive in.