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Last Life #7

The Law of Power

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The remnants of Duke de Clairmont's army are surrounded by enemy legions under the command of Ricardo di Lorenzo, otherwise known as the Golden Lion. Marshal de Clairmont himself is badly wounded, and already at death's door.

Duke de Bauffremont and Duke de Gondy have assembled their forces on the border between Bergonia and Vestonia, and now, under Prince Philippe's leadership, this army is about to march off to rescue the surrounded Vestonian force. But that won't be enough to beat the Golden Lion in the field. They're going to need help from another army - one which, against all odds, has managed to defeat the Atalians in three separate battles, and take control of the old Imperial road.

Max already has what he came his path to the Margraviate de Valier is clear. And he has enough people to take control of his new lands. But the war in Bergonia isn't over yet... And while Max has his own mission to attend to, he also knows exactly where the Golden Lion will turn his attention once he defeats Prince Philippe’s army.

That means there's really only one option for he needs to destroy this threat once and for all...

457 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 18, 2024

309 people are currently reading
159 people want to read

About the author

Alexey Osadchuk

29 books521 followers
Alexey Osadchuk was born in 1979 in the Ukraine. In the late 1990s his family moved to the south of Spain where they still live today.

Alexey was an avid reader from an early age, devouring adventure novels by Edgar Rice Burroughs, Jack London and Arthur Conan Doyle. In 2010 he wrote his first fantasy novel which was immediately accepted for publication.

He also used to be a passionate online gamer which prompted him to write the story of a man who joins an MMORPG game hoping to raise money for his daughter’s heart surgery. The first book of Mirror World was published In 2013. The English translation of the series is now available on Amazon in its entirety, prompting a reviewer to call Alexey “one of the best LitRPG authors to date”.

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5 stars
766 (66%)
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277 (24%)
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99 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Russell Gray.
674 reviews134 followers
December 7, 2024
I can happily say that I'm still enjoying this series despite a few minor bumps in the road. It's a rare thing that I can say that 7 books deep into a series.

The main obstacle to my enjoyment was the extremely slow pacing for the first half, most of which involved minor political maneuvering combined with the after-effects of the final showdown in the previous volume.

While the plot kept reinforcing the idea that book 6's final showdown was very important, it didn't land well for me from the way it was written and that lack of enthusiasm transferred into the first half of this book. It just didn't feel like there had been enough payoff to justify the "enjoyment debt" it asked of me with the plodding pace.

Luckily, the story started moving again around the 50% mark and what I might refer to as the Bergonian Arc finally came to a close.

There are a few things in particular that I enjoy about this series: the anticipation of and subsequent enjoyment of scenes where the MC puts pompous nobles in their place, the discovery and exploration of the first born and shadow creatures within the fantasy setting, and then finally the way magic is treated by way of using bruts as mana batteries and different types of energy to represent different spell schools.

I think the series is at its strongest when all three of these enjoyments are present, but stagnates when all three are nearly absent as was the case early on in this volume. I can only hope that the author puts efforts into tightening the pace a little or rationing elements out a bit more consistently during the preparatory or table-setting sections of the plot.

Overall, I've continued reading series that had entire dud volumes, so I don't want to complain too much about a temporary slump within a single book. This remains one of my favorite reincarnation/progression fantasies and I even manage to mostly remember all the characters despite their foreign (to me) names.
Profile Image for Tony Hinde.
2,142 reviews77 followers
November 24, 2024
The scope of the series has grown to the point where it's difficult to keep track of all the characters. Despite this, I'm enjoying myself.

At first I thought Max's military wins were unlikely but really, aside from some magical slight-of-hand, he just reuses the same pikemen versus cavalry tactics that have been in use since the battle at Marignano in 1515. So, one assumes, Max's prior life would make his tactical knowledge more likely.

I did find the whole auric parasite arc confusing. Was it a problem? What did Max do to solve the problem? Has it gone completely?
Profile Image for Johnny.
2,172 reviews80 followers
August 4, 2024
This is a series that I get an ARC of. I check the translation from Russian to English.
This is one of the stories that once I finish, I'm looking forward to getting the next ARC in the series. It's just a fun read for me.

8/10 The reviews of the rest of this series will show the same review.
Profile Image for Steve Naylor.
2,486 reviews127 followers
December 23, 2024
Rating 4.0 stars

I am not much for politics. That is why I am so surprised with the series. It is full of politics, scheming, nobility, and yet. And yet. I really am enjoying the series. I think the main reason is the MC. I really like main characters who know more than everyone else. Who know exactly what to do while other people around them are clueless. A good addition to the series and I am looking forward to the next one.
Profile Image for Steve.
630 reviews24 followers
April 25, 2025
"The Law of Power" by Alexey Osadchuk, the 7th installment in the "Last Life" series, published in 2025 and narrated by Ryan Burke, is a gripping audiobook that immerses listeners in a richly crafted progression fantasy world. This chapter follows Max Renard, a reincarnated assassin navigating a magical realm fraught with political intrigue and perilous battles. Osadchuk masterfully blends intense action, cunning strategy, and nuanced character development, making this a standout addition to the series that captivates both loyal fans and newcomers.

The narrative picks up with Max entangled in the chaos of a war-torn Bergonia, where the remnants of Duke de Clairmont’s army face overwhelming enemy forces led by the formidable Golden Lion, Ricardo di Lorenzo. Osadchuk excels at painting a vivid backdrop of clashing legions and intricate courtly machinations, with Max’s journey to secure his margrave at Shadow Pass serving as the emotional and strategic core. The audiobook shines in its portrayal of Max’s growth - not just as a combatant wielding unique magical abilities, but as a tactician forced to outwit both allies and enemies. Key highlights include thrilling battle sequences, where Osadchuk’s detailed world-building brings every clash to life, and quieter moments of political maneuvering, where Max’s sharp wit and lessons from his adoptive mother come to the fore. The interplay between characters like Sophie-Verena, Helga, and Kiko adds depth, their relationships anchoring the high-stakes drama with heartfelt loyalty and subtle humor.

Ryan Burke’s narration is a perfect match, his dynamic delivery capturing the urgency of battles and the subtlety of Max’s sarcastic asides. Burke’s ability to differentiate voices - giving each character a distinct presence - enhances the immersive quality, making the sprawling cast manageable and engaging. His pacing ensures that the audiobook’s rapid plot flows smoothly, though some might find the dense roster of characters challenging without prior series knowledge.

Osadchuk’s strength lies in layering the story with multifaceted themes: the cost of power, the weight of leadership, and the struggle to balance personal goals with broader responsibilities. The magic system, intricate yet accessible, evolves in compelling ways, with Max’s abilities offering inventive solutions to seemingly insurmountable odds. However, there is limited plot progression compared to earlier books, with its shorter length leaving a few threads unresolved, setting the stage for book eight.

"The Law of Power" is a thrilling, well-crafted continuation of Max’s saga, blending visceral fantasy with cerebral intrigue. It delivers a potent mix of adventure and heart that leaves you eager for the next chapter.
Profile Image for Akshay.
806 reviews6 followers
July 30, 2025
The Law of Power (Last Life #7) by Alexey Osadchuk

"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 .



Plot and Narrative

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:


Intense military conflicts and strategic warfare
Complex political machinations
Personal growth and character development
The ongoing challenge of balancing power with responsibility


Character Development

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 .



Writing Style and Pacing

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 .



World-Building

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.



Themes and Depth

The novel explores several compelling themes:


The nature and responsibility of power
Leadership and its challenges
The balance between personal ambition and duty
The cost of wielding influence in a complex political landscape


Comparison to Genre Contemporaries

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 and Potential Drawbacks

Strengths:


Rich and immersive world-building
Complex political intrigue
Strong character development
Strategic depth in both warfare and politics


Potential Drawbacks:


Slow pacing in the first half
Complex cast of characters that might be difficult to track
Political maneuvering might be too detailed for some readers


Conclusion

"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.
Profile Image for M.
585 reviews21 followers
November 27, 2024
Lost 2 stars for NOT writing a Recap.

I think every reader needs to start doing this to force authors to write a quick Recap chapter, which readers can skip if they remember, and those who don't won't stop reading the series.
20 reviews18 followers
November 23, 2024
Good, but too little for too much

It is all in the title! I still enjoy the story, but not sure for how much longer I can afford this adventure.
Profile Image for Ford Miller.
716 reviews6 followers
December 10, 2024
Great series. Fun, fast and worth the wait.

If you follow the story this far you're obviously a fan like myself, and this book satisfies by continuing the story of Max. At times the pacing is a little off, and sometimes there's backstory that feels like the author is trying to force the plot in a certain direction, but it is an overbearing and doesn't ruin the story as a whole. Whenever the author moves away from the main character the story suffers the most because it's hard to really care about anyone else except his journey. Really great series, I reread it in full before this book to remind myself of all the nuances. February can't come soon enough for the next edition.
Profile Image for Liviu.
2,520 reviews706 followers
August 12, 2025
This was truly fun - the best in the series since book 3 - the transformation of Max from penniless exiled bastard to powerful noble, commander of renown and unmatched magician is complete and the book reflects that as it lost its occasional tentativeness and throwing all but the kitchen sink in; the interludes are also very intriguing, the number of characters keeps increasing - which means that some are less prominent than before and sometimes that's regrettable as I missed Bernard who remained behind to hold the fort in the capital so to speak for example - but the universe and the storyline is expanding and lots of subplots are in motion; this definitely doesn't look like a series to be done in two volumes (as of now 8 is out and 9 announced for later in the year) so hopefully we will see much more.

Excellent stuff - page turning, energetic, super narration from Max with great interludes - all that one wants in high class fantasy
26 reviews
November 29, 2024
Exciting 7th Book in the series!

This book chronicles the journey of Max through Bergonia on his way to his appointed Margraviate. There is plenty of nobility political intrigue and action.

I will say that with the diverse range of characters, sometimes the titles and French sounding names do occasionally get confusing. I couldn’t remember who some of the characters were.

It is getting to the point where the author needs to do a summary of what has gone before. The first couple of chapters were confusing with the other memories, parasite, etc. It has been a few months since the 6th book and I’ve read many others since. Without going back to the last few chapters of the 6th book, I was puzzled at first. So a summary of events would have helped immensely. Once I got past the first few chapters, everything started to flow smoothly.
Profile Image for Travis.
2,887 reviews48 followers
January 24, 2025
I received a review copy of this book.
To be perfectly honest, this book didn't interest me very much. I'm hoping this book was pure setup for the next books in the series, because, if the rest of the books of the series are in the same style as this one, I don't think I'll be continuing with the series much past this point. If you've read the other books in the series, and liked them, this one is probably worth reading, just to get the background and setup for the rest of the series, but if you found yourself not being drawn to this series, then you're not likely to enjoy this part of the story I'll hold out for the next book though, and hopefully it gets better.
111 reviews1 follower
December 2, 2024
I still love it, but since I read this one independently, I must admit that the sheer number of characters with all their titles overwhelmed me a bit.

Even though I'm French and should have had some ease with the French and Italian names, there were just too many from everywhere.

I still wonder about the future events. There's a lot to do, but if every few months I have to spend 2 hours figuring out who is who, I'm not sure if getting past 12+ volumes will be viable. The potential is definitely still there, though.
Profile Image for Michael Gnizak.
52 reviews2 followers
December 25, 2024
Another excellent novel!

This series is exceptional. It really stands out. The MC is such a smart and interesting character. Intelligent and cunning. He doesn’t do dumb stuff like most protagonist do. No contrived moments of stupidity to further the plot. And the side characters. They are fleshed out, they have heir grudges, goals, and morals. None of them stand out as type casted characters that are simply there to fill a role.

Of all the progression fantasy stories I’ve read, this one is probably my favorite, with Battlemage Farmer being a contender for the top spot.
11 reviews
January 16, 2025
Osadchuk is a genius - another delicious isekai Fox tale

This series gets better and better. I love all of it. Who am I? No one important - just a rabid SF/F bibliophile who reads at least one book a week, if not one book a day (who needs sleep if the book is good). And then I pass the best ones on to my husband and kids to read. We’re all Osadchuk fans now.

Political intrigue, exciting action scenes, character development, interesting magic structures, cunning manipulation, sarcastic asides, well-crafted evil antagonists - all this and more.
Profile Image for Shonari.
432 reviews29 followers
July 12, 2025
The Law of Power really stepped things up for the Last Life series. The fights are tougher, the betrayals sting a bit more, and you can feel the pressure building as the main character climbs higher. Every choice matters now, and the fallout isn’t just about him; it hits the whole world around him.

It’s a gritty, fast-paced read that doesn’t make anything easy, which I liked. No big power-ups out of nowhere, just smart moves and hard lessons. Definitely one of my favourites in the series so far.
412 reviews9 followers
November 20, 2024
Max 5 everybody else 0

Max eventually manages to sort out Bergonia and can get on with his real objective at his Margrave , do you have to been born stupid to be a Nobel or is it training. I hope Sophie-Verena and Helga survive ,they're two of my favourite characters along with Kiko.
Brilliant continuation of last life , I was a bit surprised at the start but it came together well,looking forward to book eight.
1,089 reviews15 followers
November 23, 2024
The story is essentially just a huge side quest where the hero once again baffles his enemy by using trivial tactics (and some magic).. The author provides no reason why Max is supposed to be a charismatic leader and "innovative " strategist all of a sudden and for me it felt really overdone. Max doesn't have to/can't be the best at everything. It is just too much to be believable..

The permanent intrigues are realistic and actually the most interesting in the book. I liked that the protagonist encounters difficulties with his magical powers..

The books desperately need maps!
2,478 reviews17 followers
November 25, 2024
This one is very slow. There’s like, one battle, and the rest is people stroking their chins and opining. A series of old men are rolled in, often literally rolled in on wagons, are grudgingly impressed by Max, and are rolled out again. So many old men. I’d have been fine with just a couple! Also it could really do with a recap at the start, I’ve started to lose track of all the characters and I don’t want to re-read the whole series again yet. Hope the next one has a bit more going on.
Profile Image for Ann Friedman.
64 reviews
November 23, 2024
Series continues to fascinate

Great world building and a likable scoundrel ptotaganist had me wanting more after the last book, so pre-ordered this one. Max continues to confound his enemies while taking care of those loyal to him.
This is definately not a stand alone book and I highly recommend readingbthe previous installments before tackling this book.
Profile Image for Ed.
20 reviews3 followers
December 11, 2024
A well-told story!

I am really enjoying the maturation and progression of the main character. His interactions with the rest of the characters and the magic system are engaging and well thought out.

The story keeps your attention even when it breaks down into details. No spoilers but it's a fantastic read!
36 reviews2 followers
January 18, 2025
a bit Meh

Wasn’t impressed with this one. It seems more like a chapter than a story. I understand it is a slice of life and all the books build on each other, but this seemed just so underwhelming as a story on its own. As of right now I am probably dropping the series (unless next book has great reviews lol). So yeah Meh!
Profile Image for Kevin.
1,710 reviews30 followers
September 5, 2025
Still enjoying the series. The political 4D chess is getting a little annoying though.

I hope we go back to how the start of the series was... I mean that is still happening. He is still improving, and using his other world knowledge, but something is missing that was at the start.

Will pick up the sequel.

3/5 Stars
97 reviews
November 20, 2024
please keep up this awesome story!

Man, I’ve been waiting for this book for awhile and the wait was worth it! This books always has me on the edge of my seat and I love it. Can’t wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Frank Bertino.
1,771 reviews19 followers
November 22, 2024
Great Saga

Max is continuing to gain power, although, there hiccups. He has conquered most of Bergonia. However, the political situation causes problems. I like the action, humor, and intrigue. I look forward to the next book.
82 reviews
November 23, 2024
I cannot stop reading this book

My only problem is that once I start this story I don’t stop reading. I have read this book in a day with no sleep or stopping. And now I’m like a drug addict waiting for the next book. Highly recommended read with caution very addictive story.
93 reviews3 followers
November 24, 2024
Love this series!

What an awesome addition to this series and I just want more! This is one of my favorite current series and both the author and the translator do a fantastic job! I can’t wait for the next one!
120 reviews1 follower
November 26, 2024
He continues to fulfil the hunger for a good book.

Yet again, the story grows with strength
. It continues to be a page turner where you don't put the book down. The only annoying thing is book 8 is not out until 2025!!!
Profile Image for William Sullivan.
85 reviews1 follower
November 27, 2024
Great series

I really enjoy this series. However this book provided very little forward movement in the plot and it is very short. Well written like all the others, but it left me unfulfilled.
1,097 reviews4 followers
November 28, 2024
Excellent strategies

This series becomes more multilayered as it progresses. In addition to mastering continuing levels of magic, the political machinations become more nuanced for Max to navigate. Very good
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews

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