THE LAST ARGUMENT OF KINGS - JOE ABERCROMBIE

[drosdelnoch]

Heres the place to talk about Joe and his books in the series, The First Law. Joe has been nominated for the third part, The Last Argument of Kings.

[ediFanoB]

I own the German edition of all three volumes and read book one and two so far. Book three has been released in October. I will read "Königsklingen" (The Last Argument of Kings) soon. I'm really interested in if there is a big difference between English and German version. So I look forward for comments.

[Swainson]

I enjoyed the whole series, to the point I was almost forcing it upon friends to read. Fortunately they also liked it and now are asking when the next book is out.

On finishing LAOK I felt compelled to write to the JA to thank him for an ending so in keeping with the tone of the series. Harsh, dirty and ambiguous.

I'm also getting to the point where I am going to have to read the series again; it's that or Jon Shannow, I've not decided yet.

[ediFanoB]

This book is the worth ending of the trilogy.
The whole series is dark, dirty, bonafide; has no real black and white scheme and has its own kind of humor.

The Last Argument of Kings made it to my short list.

[Izeil110]

Yeah, Joe writing is great. The story never really seems to be dull, the plot keeps advancing and the ending was great. I can't wait for the next series.

[Tim Stretton]

As a fellow-nominated author I probably shouldn't be talking up other books - but I thought the whole trilogy was amazing, with Last Argument of Kings every bit as good as the others.

Abercrombie has a brilliant control of voice (contrast the different tones of the Dogman and Glokta narratives), creates compelling characters (Glokta again stands out) and manages to reinterpret stock fantasy cliches while still retaining the power of the original form. Grubby, cynical and executed with consummate brio, this is what modern fantasy ought to be...

[Adam Whitehead]

Last Argument of Kings is the most satisfying conclusion to an epic fantasy trilogy since Lord of the Rings (and that wasn't even a trilogy). Abercrombie ties together his large narrative with a clever ending that isn't neat or saccharine, but at the same time is totally appropriate to the story and leaves you wanting desperately to know what happens next to the Bloody-Nine, Glokta and the rest of this cast of misfits and miscreants. A strong contender for the award.

[StephenAryan]

I really disliked this series it was so boring and dull. Ok, I'm totally lying!!! This series got my vote in fact. Never before have I seen an inquisitor as a main character in a fantasy series, but not only that but one that is desperate for a sweet release into death from the misery of his life but somehow, he just never quite gets it. He comes across as a horrible and sympathetic character and even though I detested Jezel to begin with (mostly because I was supposed to) I even warmed to him. He was just another cog in the machine with other people pulling his string and the rug was pulled out from under me, right up to the end. A fantastic debut trilogy from an exciting new voice in fantasy. Roll on Best Served Cold!

[Andrew Guile]

The one problem with this website is the time I spend after each visit clicking on Amazon!!!

Another trilogy to read ...ho, hum.

Sounds like a great book.

[drosdelnoch]

Andrew Guile said:

The one problem with this website is the time I spend after each visit clicking on Amazon!!!

Another trilogy to read ...ho, hum.

Sounds like a great book.

Its not my fault, theres so many good books that grab your attention Andrew, I think you'll enjoy Joe, very down to earth and gives the reader what they want.

[locke]

Did anyone else catch that the start and end of the series are the same. great end, or is it? yes, it is, or is it?'Answer the question or I'll pull your fingernails out!'
Here we go, the usual bumbling and lying until the first nail is drawn out.

[Jen]

Ooh yes, and he's made the shortlist! Woot! All hail the Great God Abercrombie! :->

[Satima Flavell]

Joe Abercrombie is, to my mind, quite the best epic fantasy writer of his generation, comparable only to greats such as George R.R. Martin, Roger Zelazny and, of course, Gemmell himself. I can't wait for Best Served Cold...but I have to, don't I? Rats:-(