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Last Argument of Kings summary
Brief summary
Last Argument of Kings by Joe Abercrombie is a gripping fantasy novel that follows the power struggles and battles for the throne in the war-torn kingdom of the Union.
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Last Argument of Kings
Summary of key ideas
The Final Showdown
In Last Argument of Kings by Joe Abercrombie, the third book in the First Law Trilogy, we find ourselves in the midst of a war-torn land. The North is under the rule of Bethod, a ruthless king, and his rival, Logen Ninefingers, is determined to stop him. Logen, a former warrior, is now a changed man, haunted by his past and trying to avoid violence. However, he is forced to confront his old life when Bethod's forces attack his new home.
Meanwhile, in the Union, the kingdom is in turmoil. The king is dying, and his heir, Prince Ladisla, is a cruel and incompetent ruler. The kingdom is also threatened by the Gurkish Empire, a powerful and expansionist force. In the midst of this chaos, Superior Glokta, a former soldier turned torturer, is trying to navigate the treacherous political landscape of the capital city.
Political Intrigues and Personal Struggles
As the story unfolds, we witness a web of political intrigues and personal struggles. Jezal dan Luthar, a vain and selfish nobleman, is forced to confront the harsh realities of war when he is conscripted into the army. Despite his initial reluctance, he begins to show signs of courage and compassion, slowly shedding his former self-centered nature.
Back in the North, Logen is drawn into a brutal battle against Bethod's forces. Despite his best efforts to avoid violence, he is forced to embrace his old identity as the Bloody-Nine, a fearsome and unstoppable warrior. His internal struggle between his peaceful aspirations and his violent past forms a central theme of the book.
The First of the Magi
Amidst all this chaos, the enigmatic Bayaz, the First of the Magi, emerges as a key figure. He manipulates events from behind the scenes, using his immense magical powers to further his own agenda. He is determined to stop the Gurkish Empire's invasion of the Union, and he will stop at nothing to achieve his goal, even if it means sacrificing innocent lives.
As the story progresses, we see the characters' personal journeys intertwine with the larger political and military conflicts. Logen, Jezal, and Glokta are all forced to confront their own flaws and limitations, and their actions have far-reaching consequences for the fate of the kingdom.
The Cost of Victory
In the final act of the book, the Union faces a decisive battle against the Gurkish forces. The outcome of this battle will determine the fate of the kingdom and its people. As the characters are drawn into the heart of the conflict, they are forced to make difficult choices, and the cost of victory becomes increasingly apparent.
In the end, Last Argument of Kings is a story about the brutal realities of power and the sacrifices it demands. It is a tale of flawed characters struggling to survive in a harsh and unforgiving world. Abercrombie's gritty and realistic portrayal of war and politics makes for a compelling and thought-provoking read.
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What is Last Argument of Kings about?
Last Argument of Kings is the third book in Joe Abercrombie's The First Law trilogy. Set in a gritty, war-torn world, it follows a cast of complex characters as they navigate political intrigue, betrayal, and the ultimate battle for power. With its dark humor and unpredictable plot twists, this book is a gripping conclusion to the epic fantasy series.
Last Argument of Kings Review
Last Argument of Kings (2008) concludes the gripping fantasy trilogy by Joe Abercrombie, offering an intense and thrilling read that fans of the genre will not want to miss. Here's why this book stands out:
- Featuring complex characters with morally grey shades, it provides a realistic and nuanced portrayal of power struggles and conflicts.
- The narrative is filled with unexpected twists, betrayals, and political intrigue, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
- With its gritty and dark portrayal of war and its consequences, the book offers a raw and compelling exploration of human nature and the costs of ambition.
Who should read Last Argument of Kings?
- Readers who enjoy dark and gritty fantasy novels
- Fans of complex and morally ambiguous characters
- Those who appreciate intricate world-building and political intrigue
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Last Argument of Kings FAQs
What is the main message of Last Argument of Kings?
Power struggles, loyalty, and the consequences of leadership are central in Last Argument of Kings.
How long does it take to read Last Argument of Kings?
Reading time varies. To read Last Argument of Kings, plus the Blinkist summary, takes less time compared to the complete book.
Is Last Argument of Kings a good book? Is it worth reading?
Last Argument of Kings' intricate plot and flawed characters make it a rewarding read for fans of dark fantasy.
Who is the author of Last Argument of Kings?
Joe Abercrombie is the author of Last Argument of Kings.
What to read after Last Argument of Kings?
If you're wondering what to read next after Last Argument of Kings, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell
- Daughter of the Blood by Anne Bishop
- Season of Mists by Neil Gaiman
- King of Thorns by Mark Lawrence
- Weaveworld by Clive Barker
- Godsgrave by Jay Kristoff
- Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton
- Breath of Fire by Amanda Bouchet
- The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski
- Rhapsodic by Laura Thalassa