The First Law: SPOILER TALK - Last Argument of Kings by Joe Abercrombie

This episode of Mike's Book Reviews continues his journey into the world of Joe Abercrombie's "grimdark" fantasy tale The First Law. This is a full spoiler review for Last Argument of Kings, so use caution if you've not read the story yet.
You can purchase Last Argument of Kings here: amzn.to/2TxEAgM
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[@PoisonAlienful]

Say one thing about this review, say that it’s epic.

[@tanvirhossain7394]

Nostalgia

[@danielvanrooyen9602]

What I like about Logen in this book is his realization of who and what he is and the idea of "can a man change", the more he tries, the more he stays the same. Spoilers: I was so excited to see Logen switch to the Bloody Nine in the third book, but after he kills Tul and the kid I dreaded every time we read about Bloody Nine and who he might kill next.

[@ronieranjan1269]

Tolomei is not locked in the House of the Maker in the beginning. She is the one paying a visit to Logen in the Tower of Chains in the First book. She is also the one who talks to Glokta in his dreams, telling him to look for the seed.

[@CalebWinfield-pg5bl]

Was she just wandering around the city waiting then?

[@succulentus2771]

Isn't it revealed that the eaten body from the first book is Malacus Quai, and she was posing as him for the entirety of the second and third book?

[@kevins4254]

Just finished this book. Holy smokes. A lot of books take 1 or 2 twists and turns and they are often easy to see coming. This book had 6 or 7 twists that totally surprised me and they changed the dynamic of the story. Brilliant work, Mr Abercrombie.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Without a doubt. Every time I thought I had the book figured out, it took a HARD left.

[@PnutButtaJllyMan]

Just finished this. Best of the 3. The action in this book was spectacular.

[@mikesbookreviews]

It's my favorite of the trilogy, too.

[@callum7081]

My favourite was book 1

[@eblade9]

Glokta is one of my favorite fantasy characters period. Can't wait to see your reviews of the standalones. The Heroes is my favorite of the whole series.

[@mikesbookreviews]

"Why do I do this?" Because Glokta is awesome, that's why.

[@derylminnich2489]

Mike, awesome post...yeah, thats why

[@fredrikgranstrom6743]

him and logen

[@meris8486]

Click. Tap. Pain.

[@rohitnaidu301]

I just completed reading the Last Argument of Kings. This has been the best book series I've ever read. Thanks for recommending it. I was captivated by Logen's monologue which was presented as an intro to your "Why You Should Read First Law" video. Say one thing about Logen Ninefingers, say that he never disappoints.

[@Orik960]

I finally got through these books because of you. Having your summary and discussion videos felt like I was reading them with a friend! What a tremendous trilogy. I want more, but I also need a break. Maybe some Dresden will cleanse the palate.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Glad you enjoyed them! Dresden is a perfect palate cleanser.

[@brandonb478]

I'm really glad I came across your channel. Because of you, I decided to read this series. I honestly think it's one of the best series I've read in a long time. Thank you for opening me up to this one.

[@grooviegroves4683]

This series was absolutely incredible. It blew away any expectation I could ever have created for myself. I got back into ready about a year ago seriously again, I had taken a long break and had been playing a lot more video games. I had never heard of Joe Abercrombie to be honest at that time, now this will be my first fantasy recommendation going forward. It's so awesome

[@DNJY18]

Just finished the book. And this is exactly the type of video that I wanted to watch. Thank you. Your content is awesome.

[@thatsci-firogue]

Finally finished it a few minutes ago, wow what a journey. Love these characters especially Glokta and Ninefingers. Need to read the rest of Abercrombie's stuff.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I would highly recommend it.

[@fredrikgranstrom6743]

this is me too

[@bradleyheck7204]

I would love a book on how Ferro struck back against The Emporer and The Prophet.

[@oniflrog4487]

Dude, love how you put this into context xD "Power makes all the things right! That is my First Law and my last!"

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thanks for watching!

[@adammalone2909]

Commenting on all these again haha. I've been a fan since you had less than 50subs, now you have over 34 THOUSAND! holy shit! I'm so happy for you. I can't imagine how great and surreal it must feel. Thank you again for being a relatable presence on BookTube.

[@jimjohnson6944]

I was sad to finish the series, but excited also because I could finally listen to your review! Lol. This series was so good. I'm blown away. I listened to the audiobooks and Stephen Pacey's narration is just AMAZING. I'm about to start the standalone trilogy now. When is the start of the sequel trilogy coming out? I didn't even know there was gonna be one!

[@mikesbookreviews]

That ending was nuts, wasn't it? The first book in the sequel trilogy comes out in September. But the stand alones are very good and you'll see some of the characters from the trilogy (i.e. Nicomo Cosca, Vitari, Bremer Dan Gorst, Shivers, etc) show up in them.

[@marieescure1216]

I am not totally hopeless about Yulwei, at the beggining of the book he says he can go anywhere, and take anyone with him. Maybe he can hide from Tolomei (he can become invisible) and, if there's someone who can get out of the House of the Maker, it would be him. I don't know, it makes me feel better to hope that he might not be dead, because I really liked him. He's the only magi that seems to be a good guy...

[@mikesbookreviews]

I usually say “no body, not dead” but this is a Joe Abercrombie book. They’re almost always dead ha ha

[@who_the_fuck_is_riley5813]

Zacharus seemed partially okay

[@calebmauer1751]

@@who_the_fuck_is_riley5813 Zacharus is a bad guy too. He keeps leading these warlords against each other. His own actions are perpetuating the conflict in the old empire instead of letting it reach a stable equilibrium. He's not as bad as Bayaz but he has some of the same flaws.

[@who_the_fuck_is_riley5813]

@@calebmauer1751 I didn't even consider that fact. Definitely shifts my perspective on him.

[@mrblooper1994]

I saw that Shallan poster and I had the urge to subscribe and leave a like. No need to wait to finish the video I know you're a man of culture

[@mikesbookreviews]

Funny you should say that since I'm doing a "Let's Discuss" on Lord Ruler Sanderson today. He signed that Shallan art for me.

[@mrblooper1994]

@@mikesbookreviews I'm filled with jealousy right now! His books got me out of a really dark place and it always has pained me to never be able to support the writers I love nor meet them. I watched the video and loved it though you earned a loyal viewer today. I would suggest reading "mother of all learning" it's a free book online and it's honestly extremely well written and clever and worth discussing.

[@mikesbookreviews]

@@mrblooper1994 I will look for it. Thanks for the rec. Thing about Sanderson is, I had planned to go to the book signing and had tickets, but a death in the family prevented me from going. A friend got my art and Oathbringer signed for me. He's a wonderful writer and, from my understanding, an even better dude.

[@sherryberry6558]

Just finished the series 🤯 Didn’t know there was a sequel trilogy coming out

[@mikesbookreviews]

Sherry berry Whole reason I decided to revisit the series and read the stand alone books for the first time.

[@jtrockr91]

Finally finished the original trilogy, largely based on your recommendation. What an awesome story and world! Thanks for these vids, Mike.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@jtrockr91]

@@mikesbookreviews very much so. so many ppl had me worried about some weird ending to expect, but i thought it was all great and laid the groundwork for a cool continuation of the story

[@deanryanmartin]

This finale is insanely outstanding.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I remember being destroyed by it the first time I read and finding it brilliant on the re-read

[@deanryanmartin]

@@mikesbookreviews Brilliant, indeed.This trilogy is unique than any fantasy series.

[@spineknife2386]

Thanks for the vid. Just started a little hatred and i have forgotten so much i had to come here for a refresher. I appreciate that this vid exists

[@mikesbookreviews]

spine knife Happy to help. We all need a nice refresher for once in awhile.

[@heidi6281]

I just finished this book last night and I love that I can watch this review now, 3 years later. I am going to take a break before I read the rest . I love how the book ended with the same circumstance of the first chapter of The Blade Itself!! Brilliant!

[@Hieu9696]

I love that ending. wow!

[@mikesbookreviews]

It was such a punch to the breadbasket.

[@boheinethjensen337]

An somewhat open ending for Ninefingers... and the very best of what he could possibly have. Reading the books he reminded me so much of Jack Torrance. He really wants to be a better man and stop hurting peoble, but under presure, he can only be what he is.

[@Aj-gn7cj]

great video mate, you've inspired a reread for me so thanks for that :) . i think its my favorite book series I've read. the stand alone novels are just as good too.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Very much looking forward to the stand alones.

[@bryceharder8950]

Just finished this series, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR RECOMMENDING!! 10/10 Trilogy

[@oberstul1941]

Agree on all counts. This trilogy was fantastic and the characters were great. I'm really happy I found your channel, man! Cheers!

[@dylanzeevaart124]

Nice content man! First thing I did after every book was watching you're videos! Glotka was amazing, he is just an even better version of Tyrion imo.

[@DelbertGrady64]

Read the first four books in a row and took a long break to avoid burnout. Just started the heroes and have been rewatching your spoiler talks as a recap(much needed thank you). Your opening reading was so perfect because I can’t remember who said it and it could have been any of the characters. That’s why he is Lord Grim Dark

[@irishknight6893]

Just finished this like 30 mins ago and came straight to this video Absolutely amazing book and end to the trilogy! I will just say I didn’t absolutely love First Law universe until I read this book, now I am going to put my planned first read of Stormlight Archive on the back burner,so that I can read all the stand alones and age of madness trilogy! One hell of a ride and I heard it only gets better from here?! First Law is now one of my all time fav Fantasy series! All thanks to your why you should read video Mike :)

[@matthewbrown1151]

Appreciate the review Mike. I had to watch right away because I just finished this book, and man, I was not prepared for that ending. I am relatively green in the fantasy world for reading anyway, but the stuff I have read before doesn't usually end that twisted and dark, and....on a cliffhanger? Mixed emotions, but definitely was worth the ride.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Ha ha that ending bothered me for years.

[@matthewbrown1151]

@@mikesbookreviews hopefully the next trilogy is offering some resolutions

[@derylminnich2489]

Youve made it to my very small list of subscribed channels. This series was the bomb! I did finally find somthing you & I disagreed with and it came in this video and has nothing to do with this series....i LOVED how the gunslinger series ended...a twist I never saw coming of a reoccuring hell. But as usual we click on this review. I love Glokta too...hope I spelled that right...i listened to the audiobooks My favorite coversation in this series (And it has some awesome conversations especially when two people decide to conversate before or during a combat engagement) but my favorite convos are those between Glokta and himself...great stuff that happens constantly

[@who_the_fuck_is_riley5813]

You hyped up Last Argument of Kings more than I thought it could live up to, but you were 100% correct with your statements. It was the best one in the trilogy. Logen Ninefingers is now in my top 3 fantasy characters of all time, and Bayaz somehow went from one of my favorite characters in the first book to the most detestable bastard out there in the third. Arch Lector Glokta felt like it was quite fitting, and I have hopes for Yulwei potentially being alive. Can't wait to read the standalones, thank you for the recommendations. What's next? On to your favorite book of all time, Frank Herbert's Dune. I got that beautiful deluxe edition for Christmas. I hope I enjoy it.

[@onedude84]

Jezal starts as a selfish soldier with a ton of cockiness, and ends as a selfless king. A selfless king under strings. He had a huge arc, and like you, I did not like him as a person at first, then he grew so much that in the end I was so sad for him and his ending...He wanted nothing more than to remake his Kingdom into something good something more than a tool for Bayaz, but he had no control over anything.

[@mikesbookreviews]

For sure. Writing characters that are such turds and making you find yourself rooting for them is what Joe does so well.

[@derylminnich2489]

Yeah it bummed me out that Abercrombie made him out to be a coward in the end...he was a character that really grew on me...wanted him to kick ass in the end...it was a bummer

[@shosty575]

@@derylminnich2489 people don't often get what they want. That's life! (Cue Frank Sinatra)

[@derylminnich2489]

@@shosty575 True that. Still a let down though

[@shosty575]

@@derylminnich2489 yeah poor Jezal 😔

[@noahsnyder3689]

I just finished Last Argument of Kings last night and have a lot of mixed emotions about it. I enjoyed it, but I do not feel fulfilled with where the characters end up at all right now. Hopefully the new trilogy other books will shed some more light on where these characters end up! I already want to re-read the series so I can pick apart all the foreshadowing and things that I missed.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I had that feeling for a long time. I was so pissed that Bayaz basically won that I didn't even read the stand alone books until last year!

[@fredrikgranstrom6743]

@@mikesbookreviews ahahaahahahh

[@connorroberts1199]

@@mikesbookreviews the character in best served cold who lives to thwart bayez is my personal hero

[@lordinquisitordunn336]

I love the first law series so much. It very much surprised me in the best way.

[@mikesbookreviews]

It's excellent. Has aged so well.

[@briangallagher3106]

I’ve been patiently waiting to watch this video. I paused before I commented. I just finished this book today. I had a few days break after moving house and trying to organize that but I finished it. And this is my new favourite trilogy after Lord of the Rings. I loved this from beginning to end. West broke my heart! And Logen, damn I wanted him to be happy. I can’t wait to get Best served Cold. But I kinda have to wait for this quarantine to be finished before that. My bookshops are better than buying online and I like to support local shops. Thanks Mike. Love your work!

[@briangallagher3106]

Haha. Interestingly I’m also going back to Wheel of Time. I’m on book 5.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Same with me in regards to ranking it right behind Rings. It's just so good.

[@atapene]

@@briangallagher3106 wow really? i honestly have tried like 5 times to read the wheel of time but ive given up after like 3 chapters each time wanting to punch myself in the head its so bland. but you like the first law, and also you get into the wheel?

[@atapene]

the western style book with logen is awesome

[@briangallagher3106]

Liam Watson how far did you get into WoT? It can be slow but in all honesty I’m a fast reader and I’m becoming a big fan of Fantasy. I read the Silmarillion again I just finished it today. I’m gonna pick up unfinished tales and then the hobbit and LotR. Haha. I’m hooked on fantasy. What books are your favourites?

[@_rohan_bhandari_]

Had to drop a comment on this video! Thanks to you, I got introduced to this epic series. Three books down and I can't wait to get my hands on the rest of the standalone books and Age of Madness Trilogy.

[@uhm3487]

Oathbringer is my favorite fantasy book of all time. First book to make me cry

[@mikesbookreviews]

I'm about halfway through it. Taking my time because I don't want a super long wait for book 4.

[@Heathennation1976]

I just finished the trilogy on audiobook I had read it before years ago around 2010 so I read Listen to It audiobook which enhanced its so much the narrator is so good with the characters it was even better the second time reading it cuz you do kind of catch the things that you didn't catch the first time around great video man for a great trilogy Abercrombie is the Lord of grimdark

[@currangill430]

I don't know how I felt about the ending. I really loved the trilogy overall. 10/10!

[@imaproblem4youtubecom674]

When you realize the double entendre with the name of the actual series "The first law", that was the final cherry on top of a great series for me. One of the best trilogies of all time IMO.

[@bloodynine9017]

R.I.P- Harding Grim

[@MrRNTV]

This series is absolute fire. I just finished this book and I’m itching for the next trilogy.

[@anthonyfernandez6583]

I want to thank you for putting me on to this series. I was on the e she of my seat through the series especially with scenes of the Bloody-Nine. I absolutely loved the ending. I believe everyone including Bayaz are aslave to their roles in this ruthless and war torn world. Bayaz had to use to use the Dark arts in order to overcome the evil forces. He had to treat all the characters as pawns in order to achieve order in the world. He was a prisoner of this cycle and felt no pity for anyone’s circumstances. This reminds of Krishna in the story of the Mahabharata who took strategies from opposing forces (cheating and trickery) in order to win the war for the greater good. He was seen as an evil tyrant similar to Bayaz. This Book definitely deserves the greatest recognition as one the greatest fantasy tales of all time.

[@mikesbookreviews]

So happy you liked it!

[@Merrick]

This series is so good. The only books that have stood up to the hype in many many years.

[@mikesbookreviews]

The fact that so many have finished it after my recommendation and have loved it makes me realize it isn’t just my nostalgia for it.

[@SpencerDragonMonster]

You mentioned how despite everything, you didn't come to hate Logen. Honestly, I don't see why one would as a reader. It seemed pretty explicit to me that the "Bloody Nine" alter ego was his affliction rather than his fault, sorta like the Hulk with a sword. The tragedy is that this isn't clear to the other characters, and even if he could explain it, they're still suffering from the results, and it's not like mental health studies/psych meds were exactly at their peak in medieval times.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Did I say that? I can't recall a time I ever disliked Logen except maybe when he killed Tul Duru. But I always looked at it as Hulk rage blackout.

[@SpencerDragonMonster]

You said how you got the impression that Abercrombie was really trying to make you dislike Logan, but that never took. For reasons we've both basically just said, I never got the impression we were supposed to dislike him.

[@SpencerDragonMonster]

Incidentally, my fight-trainer is already fond of calling me "Conan" on account of how I'm the most berserk bastard on our MA/fencing/HEMA team, and I already can't wait to get him to read these books, and once he has, I'm looking forward to freaking him out at an opportune moment by growling "No...no...no...Yes...yes...YES!!!" ;)

[@mikesbookreviews]

@@SpencerDragonMonster I think at the time of my first read, I was still so used to traditional fantasy and all protagonists being squeaky clean good guys, so I got the feeling Joe was trying to see just how far he could stretch the readers on his protagonists. Reading it again now, I love it.

[@mikesbookreviews]

@@SpencerDragonMonster Ha ha perfect

[@Bastikovski99]

I definitely want more Dogman. He was the one guy in the crew who actually seemed decent. I just finished the original trilogy, time to order some more books.

[@blueeyed5074]

Finished it yesterday. Man, I don't know if you read Lightbringer , but Bayaz reminded me of Andross Guile . Few morals , no remorse , very aristocratic , highly intelligent and he only cares about winning . I hate him and I love him. And I realized early on that he pulls many strings, especially with that peasant revolt and being a kingmaker, I just haven't realized that he pulled ALL the strings :)) Very sad for West , great man. I admit , I loved when he killed prince Ladisla :D I am taking up The faithful and the fallen because of you.

[@bloodynine9017]

I matched the pieces that Jezal would be king and was right. Did anyone else realize sulfur was High Justice Marovia when the eaters was chasing him and Jezal

[@simeonstan5843]

I have realized Sulfur even when he was the leader of the peasants. The moment I saw the descriptikn of his eyes was actually a massive moment because it all clicked for me that Bayaz is trying to make Jezal look like a hero so he could have an easier job placing him on the throne.

[@igaraba]

Everybody always talks about how good a character Glokta is, which is true, he is awesome. But after this third book, I think Bayaz is one of my favourite characters of all time.

[@evanholdsworth6804]

Logen liked to cut off heads and nail them to walls before the trilogy yet we still root for him to survive that fall at the end Glokta crushes Longfoot’s big toe with a hammer and forces Duke Orso’s daughter to sleep with Jezal but we’re still happy for him when Ardee cares for him Collem West beats his sister for having a fling with his friend and yet his fate is heartbreaking to read I will never get tired of Abercrombie’s dedication to these form of “gray” characters

[@hhumca]

One of the Best fantasy books I have read. Thanks Mike!

[@mikesbookreviews]

My pleasure!

[@sebastiaanbarends]

I like your review a lot and agree that this is one of the most interesting series in the last decade. However, the one thing i miss in your review is the feeling i got at the end which is that it's a horrible cycle that keeps repeating. I guess the next trilogy might prove me wrong, but I wouldn't bet on it...

[@stewartmiddleton4527]

Just seen this - this is an excellent review (but am glad you mentioned this is a Spoiler one). Now this makes me want to re-read the First Law trilogy all over again. :)

[@jorgemedina8083]

There were like 120 pgs of wrap-up. Incredible.

[@zeroone9992]

The one question I had after reading this book was Can't tolomei just jump off the roof of the house of the maker? She's immortal and already fell once, does she need the key or it to be unlocked to get to the roof?

[@turtleanton6539]

One of the best series in fantasy

[@bloodynine9017]

Hey man could you drop the link to the photo of Logen fighting Fenris in the thumbnail

[@theretropanda5612]

Jab jab Glokta

[@sj-hughes3989]

Finished the book in Dec 2019 loved the trilogy. Great review/thoughts

[@mikesbookreviews]

So glad you liked it! Did that ending kick your ass?

[@sj-hughes3989]

Ending ruined me, was expecting byaz to get his.... And didn't lol and logen leaping out the window to escape Dow had my heart pumping hard

[@mikesbookreviews]

Squiddy's Games Ha Ha yes! Same on both.

[@sj-hughes3989]

Can't wait to dig my teeth into more of the first law world! Abercrombie is really enjoyable and hope the rest of his work is as good if not better :)

[@mikesbookreviews]

@@sj-hughes3989 Best Served Cold is a fantastic read.

[@LastBastian]

Totally get your dig at Stephen King's Dark Tower ending. Man I feel the same way.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Ha. I keep saying one day I'll get over it but it's been 15 damn years now and I haven't.

[@LastBastian]

@@mikesbookreviews Same. Started reading them in the late 80's, was totally hooked and when the final book was coming out, after decades of fandom, I couldn't wait to find out how it would end.... Now I almost wish I'd never read it. ...just terrible.

[@bloodynine9017]

I suspect Bayaz did kill Juvens, it’s even sadder how (I believe) he lied to Yulwei about not doing it and Yulwei dies

[@rafam8481]

But why would he killed him?

[@kristiandonchev2641]

But Didnt Bayaz said he did kill Juvens to Mamun?

[@josie-thebubblybookreviewe8663]

I finally finished this First Law series. It's nice to have others opinions. That ending.... ahhh. I want to know what happens to Logan Nine-fingers and to Ferro, but I can live with they are doing what is true to their nature.

[@jordanschmidt9772]

Read the standalone books ;)

[@acyh4097]

Bayaz reminds me a lot of the God Emperor in Frank Herbert's Dune series, albeit a not-so-well-explored version of it. His actions feel not like an evil person, but rather a person tired of how humans never change but it is still always up to him to keep the wheels of civilisation turning even if it means doing whatever it takes to wrangle for power and do morally questionable things. He roots for humanity, but in the process of doing so he just got numb to how many people have come and passed that death means nothing to him at all.

[@austingarcia6790]

Only problem I had with this book is the amount of times characters were almost about to die, and then were saved last minute. Felt like the final season of Game of Thrones there...but that being said, brilliant, brilliant ending. Love these books, and can’t wait for a reread

[@mikesbookreviews]

I can see that, but several did die so I rolled with it.

[@archlectoryarvi2873]

Well some of them died on the inside so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@meris8486]

It's the best of the lot for me but I'm not happy with how some of the characters ended up. Byaz has a reckoning coming I hope

[@nicolasacosta1673]

Not sure if I'm in the minority but Logen went from one of my favorite characters to one of my most hated by the last book. A part of me wanted Dow to finish him once and for all at the end. What a series.

[@bloodynine9017]

It’s crazy how Valint and Balk was Bayaz

[@mcnasty3758]

Loved how joe Abercrombie doesnt do the classic nice guy mage bs. That was a wild chapter when he emaciated jezel and told him his entire grizzly true upbringing while tortureing the shit out of him. It was brutal and shows why bayaz runs the world and nobody can fuck with him even though he deserves every bit of justice done to him

[@SuperSuperdude88]

yeah logan should have put dogman in charge up north when he went south. keep your friends close but enemies closer- Blackdow being more of an enemy than friend, and dogman being a friend

[@rosseller2045]

Yep, crazy ending I was not expecting the end to be Logan hitting the water. I wasnt actually super surprised by the revelation that Byaz was behind everything, kinda saw that coming, but man do I wanna see him get his! Looking forward to reading more in this world.

[@mikesbookreviews]

The Bayaz walking away scot free part is what triggered me the first time I read it ha ha

[@rosseller2045]

@@mikesbookreviews yeah it was certainly surprising, I kept expecting something to happen where he gets killed, but nope, everything worked out! I feel like this trilogy was kinda told from a realistic view. Most stories arent written traditionally for the reader, but if there was actually a 1000 year old wizard in the real world pulling all the strings of a nation and he has all that knowledge and power, I suppose this was a realistic ending. I liked it for that reason!

[@mikesbookreviews]

@@rosseller2045 Oh, I love it now. But the first time I read it back in 2009, it was the first "grimdark" I had read outside of ASOIAF and I wasn't prepared for it.

[@kjh311]

I just finished the trilogy today. The ending was weird but I liked them overall

[@makemyday4881]

Yeah it was hard for me to get through this Book. I tried to give this a good go I read all three books. And I don’t think Grimm dark is for me. I don’t even handle melancholy endings very well. This was just really hard for me to get through. It’s not because it was bad. I just enjoy endings that are majority happy. I like stories that have a right side and there is a right side but nobody’s on it and it was just tough.

[@Dude_on_a_Map]

Glotka had a perfect fairy tale ending….just saying. 👍

[@gunneratijuf8915]

Bayaz was such a hypocrite. But it was so well done I never thought for a second it was going to be that. Wow such a strong ending

[@midnightgreen8319]

Bayaz is a complete monster, and always was.

[@alexhindes3861]

Did Bayaz take them all the way to Shabyulan knowing the seed wasn't there in the first place?? Or was he genuinely surprised?

[@benjaminmolina3456]

I liked it, more than The Blade Itself.

[@JonEmery89]

You say early on you don’t see anything in Game of Thrones as crazy as Bayaz manipulating the peasant uprising to help promote Jazel, but I disagree. The foreshadowing in the books about Jon Snow's true parentage was next level. I would love to see a video of you brainstorming how Martin "will" finish the series. Did he collaborate with the show producers or will we get another story?

[@gangsterboden]

I feel like it’s impossible for Logan to be killed through violence. he is like the hulk. Bruce could put a gun in his mouth and pull the trigger, but the hulk would spit out the bullet

[@zacturf-n-sports6203]

I’m on a little hatred, and cd t seem to get into it nearly as much as the first trilogy. I’m about half way through

[@jubilee7019]

6:44 can’t forget about Harding mfing Grim

[@dmytroolgin3889]

Have just finished. The main statement of all trilogy for me is that mostly people don't change. It's quite upsetting to see that after all advantures Jezal still a coward, Logan is a ruthless killer. Twist with Bayaz is great. The book is much weaker than the second one. Nevertheless, some monents and thoughts about friendship,power and life make it remarkable and worth to read.

[@danielw8620]

was Jezal a coward though, he charged against the Gurkish, he fought eaters, i kind of hate how they said he was a coward inthe end because he proved against that. He fought in the old empire in book 2

[@beelzebobtheinnocent1659]

Excellent review, ty kindly

[@calebmauer1751]

I love Black Dow, because his reputation is actually just smoke and mirrors. He's not any worse than the other guys in the group. We never see him do anything evil in the OT. He just talks tough and people base their opinion of him based on his talk, not his actions. He betrays Logen, but he's totally justified. Black Dow will bring peace, while Logen is just going to bring perpetual war to the north. And you can't say Logen doesn't deserve it. Black Dow even tried to talk Logen out of being the king, but Logen doesn't listen.

[@phoenixtempleeviltruth8074]

Black Dow is built up to be this sick, evil monster, and he acts that way, but he has a point when he says he doesn’t even hold a candle to the Bloody-Nine. I knew it was true, but it hit hard when he pointed it out.

[@bloodynine9017]

I’m super glad that Shivers didn’t kill Logan, he truly was the better man

[@TheReadingVagabond]

A little late but just finished the trilogy and my god was it great! Just love that the most hideous, despicable and down right evil guy in the story has the happiest ending of them all 😂 Also couldn’t stop laughing when Jezal thinks the queen actually come around to liking him

[@bloodynine9017]

It’s like West is a new Glokta in a sense, losing the teeth, his body being fucked. Sad moments

[@MrMichaelGutierrez]

I just finished The First Law trilogy. I read it based on your recommendation. I only have one word to say: Bayaz. Damn. God damned Bayaz! Yes, Glokta is my favorite. I feel bad for Ninefingers. He's tragically mentally ill, I think

[@chaosinorderrr]

Just finished it. JA is really good with his prose, dialogue and characterization. The story itself left me very dissatisfied because everyone was just Bayaz's pawns... None of them have any agency. It's hard to enjoy a story when there's no one to root for and every character turns out to be pathetic.

[@danielw8620]

ya and there is no real conclusion, everything is as it was with just different pawns being promoted to different positions. I kind of wish the world changed one way or the other but maybe that's apart of it all. I guess that is why Bayaz embarked on the journey to begin, so that he could keep everything the way it was.

[@Jelorm2]

“Why do I do this…why does anyone do this 😄”

[@dpeady78]

These books are so grim - you can smell them

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yes sir.

[@nasteho6614]

Spoiler for Last Argument- One of my fav moments was West cheating in that duel by helping out Logan even though if caught it could end real bad for all of them. But then they were not playing fair either🤔

[@arthur99mun]

You talk about ferro getting no development but logen literally ends up where he started

[@Henry-jp3mc]

Say one thing for Henry, say hes alway late to the party

[@TheReadingVagabond]

Better to be late to the party than miss it all together my father used to say. Have to be realistic about these things

[@dcarman686]

Best series since ASoIF. However, I may have to move Joe ahead of George because George gave up

[@jonathancooper4914]

I’m on the rocks about reading First Law. A lot of mixed feelings about the ending as I understand it…

[@Patricia-mm2mr]

"if you don't, then Bayaz wins!"

[@kevinl4711]

You'll find out the fate of the bloody nine in Red Country. I think that might be my favorite in the series. Thank you for inspiring me to pick up the first trilogy again for the first time in 10 years.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I think most of us need the refresher before A Little Hatred.

[@kobemoha997]

I don't get why people compare the first law to game of thrones ?

[@fredrikgranstrom6743]

it is much better then got

[@Yungshamgod]

grimdark :/