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Cover of Last Argument of Kings

Last Argument of Kings

Joe Abercrombie (2008)

SubgenreDark Fantasy / Grimdark
Age groupAdult 18+
Content ratingHard R
Pages663 (Doorstopper (600+))
Series/the-first-law-trilogy" #
SettingHistorical
CSM age18+
Goodreads4.37/5 (205715)

Content levels

ViolenceGraphic
Sexual contentModerate
LanguageStrong

Synopsis

The final novel in the First Law Trilogy by New York Times bestseller Joe Abercrombie. 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 soldiering 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 ...

Last Argument of Kings: content & age rating

Intended for adult readers (18+).

This is extremely violent grimdark fantasy with graphic battle scenes, torture, and moral ambiguity throughout. Strong language is pervasive and sexual content includes moderate explicit scenes.

What to know going in

This book has graphic violence, moderate sexual content, and strong language. Content notes include torture, graphic violence, gore, murder, and death (see the full list above).

Who'll love this

Adult readers who enjoy dark, morally complex fantasy with brutal realism and no clear heroes will be gripped by this war-torn finale.

Tags

Epic FantasyMilitary FantasyDark FantasyHigh Fantasy