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| The Lies of Locke Lamora |
An orphan’s life is harsh—and often short—in the mysterious island city of Camorr. But young Locke Lamora dodges death and slavery, becoming a thief under the tutelage of a gifted con artist. As leader of the band of light-fingered brothers known as the Gentleman Bastards, Locke is soon infamous, fooling even the underworld’s most feared ruler. But in the shadows lurks someone still more ambitious and deadly. Faced with a bloody coup that threatens to destroy everyone and everything that holds meaning in his mercenary life, Locke vows to beat the enemy at his own brutal game—or die trying.
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This is an excellent book - definitely one of my top five for the year (and I've just finished my 97th book of 2017). The Gentlemen Bastards live up to their name and another reviewer referred to them as "flamboyantly larcenous." I can think of no better descriptor. Scott Lynch combines all the perfect ingredients for a heist story: sharp wit and sharper knives, devious intrigue, delightful humor, heartbreaking tragedy, incredible suspense, and unavoidable violence. And sharks. The setting is richly detailed, from the smells of the floating marketplace to the gleam of the elderglass towers, from the flavors of the temple kitchen to the rattle of chains on stone. There are several story lines in this one book, but they are so beautifully interwoven that it is easy to keep them straight. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up.
Spoilers:
I laughed before I finished the first page. I cried before I finished the last chapter. It's a bloody story in places and the author doesn't pull his punches (or kicks to the groin). There is lots of profanity but it never feels forced or out of place. There is reference to sex, but no graphic depictions. The story also includes references to slavery, alcohol, prostitution, blood sports, treason, and murder. Recommended for 17+
I bought this book for myself and received no kickbacks for my purchase.
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