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457 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 18, 2024
"The Law of Power" marks the seventh installment in Alexey Osadchuk's acclaimed "Last Life" series, continuing the intricate tale of Max Renard, a reincarnated assassin navigating a world of political intrigue and magical warfare. As the series progresses, Osadchuk demonstrates his mastery of the progression fantasy genre while building upon the rich foundation established in previous books .
The story finds Max Renard embroiled in the tumultuous politics of war-torn Bergonia, facing formidable opposition from Ricardo di Lorenzo, the fearsome Golden Lion. The narrative centers around Max's efforts to secure his position at Shadow Pass, a storyline that serves both strategic and emotional purposes in the broader tale .
The plot weaves together multiple elements:
Max Renard's character continues to evolve in compelling ways, showcasing Osadchuk's talent for crafting multifaceted protagonists. His strategic acumen and magical abilities are balanced by the weight of leadership and the complexities of maintaining relationships with key characters like Sophie-Verena, Helga, and Kiko .
The supporting cast remains rich and varied, though some readers might find the expanding roster of characters and their various titles challenging to track. This complexity, while adding depth to the world, occasionally requires additional effort to follow the numerous plot threads and relationships .
Osadchuk's writing style, influenced by his background in economics and love for gaming, creates an immersive experience that blends detailed world-building with engaging character interactions . The pacing in "The Law of Power" has been noted to be somewhat uneven, with the first half of the book focusing more on political maneuvering and the aftermath of previous events, which might test some readers' patience .
The world of "Last Life" continues to expand in this seventh installment, showcasing Osadchuk's talent for creating detailed and believable settings. The political and magical systems feel authentic and well-thought-out, contributing to the series' reputation for strong world-building . The author's ability to make the world feel alive and dynamic adds depth to the narrative and enhances the stakes of Max's journey.
The novel explores several compelling themes:
When compared to other progression fantasy series like Will Wight's "Cradle" or Andrew Rowe's "Arcane Ascension," "The Law of Power" stands out for its focus on political intrigue and strategic warfare rather than purely magical or martial progression . The blend of reincarnation elements with complex political machinations creates a unique reading experience within the genre.
Strengths:
Potential Drawbacks:
"The Law of Power" is a worthy addition to the "Last Life" series, showcasing Osadchuk's ability to craft engaging political fantasy while maintaining the progression elements that fans of the genre enjoy. While the complexity of the narrative and character relationships might challenge some readers, the rich world-building and strategic depth make it a satisfying read for those invested in the series .
For fans of progression fantasy who appreciate political intrigue and strategic warfare, "The Law of Power" delivers a compelling continuation of Max Renard's journey. While newcomers might want to start with earlier books in the series, dedicated readers will find much to appreciate in this latest installment's blend of action, politics, and character development.