The Last Argument of Kings is the third book of the First Law series by Joe Abercrombie.   The title is from a quote by Louis XIV.    “The Final Argument of Kings” is the act of declaring war (Ultimo Ratio Regum).

This series is very enjoyable, hitting all the right buttons – adventure, humour, irony, character development, plot twists, mysteries, warfare, politics, and much more.     It is a complete story, finishing what it starts, infilling background information, and allowing simmering tensions to boil over.   The characters are memorable and unforgettable.    Few writers can master this level of storytelling and I was gobsmacked several times as I read through the series.     It is grimdark fantasy, not everyone’s cup of tea, but it hits new heights for any fantasy book, across all sub-genres.

Highly recommended, but fasten your seatbelt first.    4.9 out of 5.0 stars4.9