David Gemmell Legend Award nominee 2014, Locus Award nominee 2014.

“A bright new voice in the fantasy genre” (George R. R. Martin), acclaimed author Scott Lynch continues to astound and entertain with his thrillingly inventive, wickedly funny, suspense-filled adventures featuring con artist extraordinaire Locke Lamora. And The Republic of Thieves is his most captivating novel yet.
 
With what should have been the greatest heist of their career gone spectacularly sour, Locke and his trusted partner, Jean, have barely escaped with their lives. Or at least Jean has. But Locke is slowly succumbing to a deadly poison that no alchemist or physiker can cure. Yet just as the end is near, a mysterious Bondsmage offers Locke an opportunity that will either save him or finish him off once and for all.
 
Magi political elections are imminent, and the factions are in need of a pawn. If Locke agrees to play the role, sorcery will be used to purge the venom from his body — though the process will be so excruciating he may well wish for death. Locke is opposed, but two factors cause his will to crumble: Jean’s imploring — and the Bondsmage’s mention of a woman from Locke’s past: Sabetha. She is the love of his life, his equal in skill and wit, and now, his greatest rival.
 
Locke was smitten with Sabetha from his first glimpse of her as a young fellow orphan and thief-in-training. But after a tumultuous courtship, Sabetha broke away. Now they will reunite in yet another clash of wills. For faced with his one and only match in both love and trickery, Locke must choose whether to fight Sabetha — or to woo her. It is a decision on which both their lives may depend.

Published
October 4, 2013
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The Gentleman Bastard Sequence

The series

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In a world where cunning and treachery reign, The Gentleman Bastard Sequence pulls readers into a web of intrigue, deceit, and adventure, unlike anything they’ve experienced before. Set in a sprawling, vibrant city where thieves rule the streets and elaborate heists are the order of the day, this series follows Locke Lamora and his loyal companion Jean Tannen as they navigate the underworld’s dangerous games. Together, they outwit kings, criminals, and magical forces with a blend of wit, charm, and unrelenting ambition.

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The saga begins with The Lies of Locke Lamora, a fast-paced tale that introduces the daring duo as they attempt to pull off the most audacious con in the city of Camorr. With Locke's brilliant schemes and Jean’s unmatched strength, the two are an unstoppable force—until the rules of the game change, and survival becomes a far more complex puzzle. What follows is a thrilling rollercoaster of betrayals, unexpected alliances, and relentless pursuits that keep readers on the edge of their seats.

But The Gentleman Bastard Sequence isn’t just about heists. It’s a masterclass in world-building, where every street, tavern, and fortress feels alive, its politics and intrigue woven into the very fabric of the story. From the high seas in Red Seas Under Red Skies to the power struggles of The Republic of Thieves, the series invites readers to explore a world that’s rich with history, danger, and a deep sense of loyalty that transcends mere friendship.

At its heart, this series is about more than thieves; it’s about survival, betrayal, and the bonds that hold even the most unlikely allies together. Locke and Jean are far from traditional heroes, but their journeys will make you root for them, even as they walk a dangerous line between right and wrong. With each book, the stakes get higher, the enemies more devious, and the twists more impossible to predict.

The Gentleman Bastard Sequence is an unforgettable adventure that blends heart-pounding action with witty banter and complex characters. It’s a series that dares to defy expectations, crafting a world where every betrayal feels personal, and every victory, hard-won. For those seeking a tale that’s as darkly humorous as it is thrilling, this sequence is a journey worth taking.

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9/10

Scott Lynch has thoughtfully created a fascinating, original world. His talent to carry the story is natural. And the story is fast-paced, full of action, chicanery and tension. The characters are a colorful group of believable persons.

But what makes Lynch so exceptional as a writer is his way of weaving dialogue. The story is dialogue-oriented, and at least I enjoy it as it is. Oh, how thrilling it is to follow the conversations, especially between Locke and Jean, and Locke and Sabetha. They are juicy. They are hilarious.

The story of Locke Lamora was complex in the first place, and this third book made it even more complex. It is a fantasy book, but not very light or easy read, especially if you - like me - are not fluent in English. Anyway, definitely worth it. 

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