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henrycapuano's review against another edition
4.0
Arguably one the best and most clever book series that I have read, I can not wait for the fourth.
sendlasagna's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Every book in the series is a slightly different genre which, to me, does two good things: you can read just the first book and be content without having to wait for the set to finish, or you can keep going to see some of the characters continue and evolve across genres and settings.
The first book is an absolutely spellbinding urban fantasy story with some of the most interesting character work and some serious plot development. Curses abound in every second sentence, but so creative they might just make you roar with laughter.
One downside that knocked off the final star: scarce and uninteresting female characters. That simply doesn’t seem to be the writer’s strength. The boys, though? Fully fleshed and engaged in constant shithousery. Makes me weep at how good the series could be, so unproblematic and so beautiful, if this could just stop being a consistent shortcoming in male fiction writers.
The first book is an absolutely spellbinding urban fantasy story with some of the most interesting character work and some serious plot development. Curses abound in every second sentence, but so creative they might just make you roar with laughter.
One downside that knocked off the final star: scarce and uninteresting female characters. That simply doesn’t seem to be the writer’s strength. The boys, though? Fully fleshed and engaged in constant shithousery. Makes me weep at how good the series could be, so unproblematic and so beautiful, if this could just stop being a consistent shortcoming in male fiction writers.
timmason's review against another edition
2.0
The series revolves around two characters who are echoes of Fafhrd and the Grey Mouser. The Mouser character, here a nameless chap with a a telephone directory of false identities, is a trickster whose tricks tend to go disasterously wrong; befriending him is very dangerous for your health.
The first volume was pretty exciting, so, as is my way when there's too much tension, I skip read it, then went back again. The two follow-up volumes I also skip read, but this was mainly because there are large chunks of exposition, moral meandering and dramatic gestures that go nowhere. "No, I will not accept succour from someone so evil, even if it means I will die!" Ten pages of faffing about, and he decides not to die. The reader could be blown down with a feather.
There's also some love interest other than the homoerotic thing between the two main characters. Nobody seems to believe in these, including the characters themselves. In fact, by the third volume I felt as if the author also had no further belief in any of his actors.
The third volume ends with the resurrection of the couple's most dangerous enemy. A follow-up is promised, but readers are still waiting for it 6 years later. It's a long time to leave your fans hanging off a cliff.
The first volume was pretty exciting, so, as is my way when there's too much tension, I skip read it, then went back again. The two follow-up volumes I also skip read, but this was mainly because there are large chunks of exposition, moral meandering and dramatic gestures that go nowhere. "No, I will not accept succour from someone so evil, even if it means I will die!" Ten pages of faffing about, and he decides not to die. The reader could be blown down with a feather.
There's also some love interest other than the homoerotic thing between the two main characters. Nobody seems to believe in these, including the characters themselves. In fact, by the third volume I felt as if the author also had no further belief in any of his actors.
The third volume ends with the resurrection of the couple's most dangerous enemy. A follow-up is promised, but readers are still waiting for it 6 years later. It's a long time to leave your fans hanging off a cliff.
si0bhan's review against another edition
4.0
The Gentleman Bastard books are quickly becoming some of my favourite fantasy reads.
The Lies of Locke Lamora had been sitting on my to-read list for quite some time. Ever since noticing one of my favourite authors had it on their to-read list, I knew I needed to give it a read. Hell, a lot of the big names in fantasy had many positive things to say about it – thus, I needed in. Unfortunately, I’m not the most patient of people. Due to this, I try not to get involved in series until they are complete. I like to be able to jump in the world without having to take breaks. I’m already waiting on far too many conclusions as it is. Therefore, I was waiting for more of the series to be released before diving in.
This soon went to pot when one of my friends offered me a collection of his fantasy books. He was cleaning out his house, making more room, and wanted to unload some of his books. Who better to hand them to than little old me? Everyone who knows me is aware of my love for books, of how I will nab any and all offered. I asked him what was included and he gave me a wonderful list (at this point I would like to point out the embarrassing fact of how he has only read a couple of them, thus leaving me to question our friendship). There were many squeals as names were read out. Patrick Rothfuss. Joe Abercrombie. Robin Hobb. Scott Lynch. The last easily brought out the biggest of squeals because the first two Gentleman Bastard books were being handed over.
So it was, as soon as I had carried thirty hardback books across town – in the rain, I might add – I got down to what I had been waiting forever to read. I started The Lies of Locke Lamora.
Quickly I knew this was a mistake. This was to be a series whereby I would want to read them all – right then and there. I only had the first two! What kind of misfortunate was this! To make matters worse, not all of the books are out yet. It’s wonderful to know a series will be continuing for some time… and yet I knew from the get-go that I needed them all. At least I had the first two sitting by my bed – it really could have been worse, I could have only had the first book sitting there waiting to be read.
Or so I told myself. After finishing book one I jumped straight into book two. Having finished book two I felt lost and in need of book three. I brought book three, and now the feeling of being lost is extended until I can finally get my hands on book four.
Truthfully, my vocabulary does not quite expand to describe how wonderful these books are.
I know, I’ve given them a four-star rating, but that is because I’m really mean with my five-star ratings. Both books one and two are so close to being rounded up to a five-star rating, and book three was a solid four-star read. Those who hand out five stars more willingly will have no issue in giving these books five stars… but I’m not one hundred percent of the way there. Still, they are wonderful.
I call these onion books: the stories are built up of so many layers. As soon as you unwrap one layer, another is found and another and another, and so on ad infinitum. Constant twists and additional pieces of information are being thrown at you. It is hard to stress how much happened without giving away too many spoilers. Just know we have stories within stories. All of this without becoming repetitive.
Plus, we have wonderful characters. Hell, the voice of Locke deserves five stars in and of itself. The entire cast is wonderful. You have everything you need in the characters. Not to mention wonderful interaction. Seriously, with a great story and wonderful characters these books are not to be missed.
I could say so much more, yet ninety-nine percent of what is left in my head will leave me writing spoilers. Just know it is a truly wonderful series. It is brilliantly written (not just in terms of the prose, but also in the way in which emotions are so easily brought to the fore of your mind) with a storyline to die for. I cannot wait to see what comes next.
If you’re a fantasy fan and you have yet to give this world a try – seriously, get to it, you’re missing out!
Honestly, it is more than worth the read.
The Lies of Locke Lamora had been sitting on my to-read list for quite some time. Ever since noticing one of my favourite authors had it on their to-read list, I knew I needed to give it a read. Hell, a lot of the big names in fantasy had many positive things to say about it – thus, I needed in. Unfortunately, I’m not the most patient of people. Due to this, I try not to get involved in series until they are complete. I like to be able to jump in the world without having to take breaks. I’m already waiting on far too many conclusions as it is. Therefore, I was waiting for more of the series to be released before diving in.
This soon went to pot when one of my friends offered me a collection of his fantasy books. He was cleaning out his house, making more room, and wanted to unload some of his books. Who better to hand them to than little old me? Everyone who knows me is aware of my love for books, of how I will nab any and all offered. I asked him what was included and he gave me a wonderful list (at this point I would like to point out the embarrassing fact of how he has only read a couple of them, thus leaving me to question our friendship). There were many squeals as names were read out. Patrick Rothfuss. Joe Abercrombie. Robin Hobb. Scott Lynch. The last easily brought out the biggest of squeals because the first two Gentleman Bastard books were being handed over.
So it was, as soon as I had carried thirty hardback books across town – in the rain, I might add – I got down to what I had been waiting forever to read. I started The Lies of Locke Lamora.
Quickly I knew this was a mistake. This was to be a series whereby I would want to read them all – right then and there. I only had the first two! What kind of misfortunate was this! To make matters worse, not all of the books are out yet. It’s wonderful to know a series will be continuing for some time… and yet I knew from the get-go that I needed them all. At least I had the first two sitting by my bed – it really could have been worse, I could have only had the first book sitting there waiting to be read.
Or so I told myself. After finishing book one I jumped straight into book two. Having finished book two I felt lost and in need of book three. I brought book three, and now the feeling of being lost is extended until I can finally get my hands on book four.
Truthfully, my vocabulary does not quite expand to describe how wonderful these books are.
I know, I’ve given them a four-star rating, but that is because I’m really mean with my five-star ratings. Both books one and two are so close to being rounded up to a five-star rating, and book three was a solid four-star read. Those who hand out five stars more willingly will have no issue in giving these books five stars… but I’m not one hundred percent of the way there. Still, they are wonderful.
I call these onion books: the stories are built up of so many layers. As soon as you unwrap one layer, another is found and another and another, and so on ad infinitum. Constant twists and additional pieces of information are being thrown at you. It is hard to stress how much happened without giving away too many spoilers. Just know we have stories within stories. All of this without becoming repetitive.
Plus, we have wonderful characters. Hell, the voice of Locke deserves five stars in and of itself. The entire cast is wonderful. You have everything you need in the characters. Not to mention wonderful interaction. Seriously, with a great story and wonderful characters these books are not to be missed.
I could say so much more, yet ninety-nine percent of what is left in my head will leave me writing spoilers. Just know it is a truly wonderful series. It is brilliantly written (not just in terms of the prose, but also in the way in which emotions are so easily brought to the fore of your mind) with a storyline to die for. I cannot wait to see what comes next.
If you’re a fantasy fan and you have yet to give this world a try – seriously, get to it, you’re missing out!
Honestly, it is more than worth the read.
eva_marie's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
staciesbooks's review
5.0
I have bested the beast! This collection was one hell of a tome, and I feel so accomplished that I finally finished it! It took me a couple of weeks, but it was worth it.
I think that anyone who likes to read about epic adventures/fantasy would probably really enjoy this series. It has everything I'm looking for in these types of stories. Thieves, pirates, and general con-artistry of the utmost repute. What's not to like about that? These books have plenty of action, multiple & ever-layered schemes, and the most lovable cast of criminals I've come across in a while.
If you're looking for an intricately told adventure, featuring memorable and exciting characters, this would be a great series to dive into. Also, there are so many twists and turns, I was audibly gasping at certain reveals. It was just a solidly good time, and it was a real joy to read.
Individual scores below:
The Lies of Locke Lamora: 5 stars
Red Seas Under Red Skies: 4.5 stars
The Republic of Thieves: 4.75 stars
I think that anyone who likes to read about epic adventures/fantasy would probably really enjoy this series. It has everything I'm looking for in these types of stories. Thieves, pirates, and general con-artistry of the utmost repute. What's not to like about that? These books have plenty of action, multiple & ever-layered schemes, and the most lovable cast of criminals I've come across in a while.
If you're looking for an intricately told adventure, featuring memorable and exciting characters, this would be a great series to dive into. Also, there are so many twists and turns, I was audibly gasping at certain reveals. It was just a solidly good time, and it was a real joy to read.
Individual scores below:
The Lies of Locke Lamora: 5 stars
Red Seas Under Red Skies: 4.5 stars
The Republic of Thieves: 4.75 stars
sashastorylover's review
2.0
2.5 stars
This flopped, this flopped so badly, I'm restraining myself from bursting into dance party all on my own because yay I'm finally done with this book.
Before I get to the whys of my disappointment I want to preface it saying that I like The Lies of Locke Lamora and Red Seas Under Red Skies and I was excited to start the third installment, perhaps I was expecting too much and the flaws, the seeds of which were in book 1 & 2, flourished in book 3. I couldn't get past them and I was getting more annoyed the more I read.
What I did not like:
• the plot. We have seen it all already, in book 1 and especially in book 2. This isn't a spoiler so here goes: the premise of this book is person X forces Locke and Jean to do the thing Y in exchange doing the thing Z for these two. Exactly like in book 2. ,b>I'm so sick of the author reusing the same plot basis in three books in a row, why?
• Sabetha is the only relevant female character in the novel. Scott Lynch made her into Locke's love interest (and frankly an obsession, if you ask me, Locke isn't okay). Granted, the author did give Sabetha feminist lines, but that's about it. We read the story from 3rd person pov of Locke, and Sabetha has become nothing but ~mysterious seductive smart~ femme fatale. We don't see her as her own person, just through the eyes of obsessed and infatuated Locke.
Scott Lynch gave her just one chapter of her own pov, and guess what she does there? She thinks about Locke and the whole chapter is about Locke.
It was nauseating to read, not just taht one chapter, but the whole book. I admit Scott Lynch tried to do the right thing, as I said, he gave Sabetha good lines and perhaps he had good intentions, but alas. Ultimately she was just a prop for male character.
And she's the only relevant female character to the story. There are several side characters but they are of little importance, to be honest.
• the world-building was supposed to be diverse and we see some of it in book 2, however in book 3 it's most white "European"-based locations. But it would've been fine, however, on several occasions it was stated that dark skinned people are viewed as lesser people and homophobia is a confirmed thing. Like why would you include these elements? They are not important to the plot, they are not properly addressed. It's just offhand remarks like "oh no John will be found guilty because on top of all he's black", "oh no what will he think about being called gay, it's frowned upon here", etc. These moments are little but they are telling. It seems they are so ingrained into the author's mentality he can't help but include them.
• Locke's obsession ughm love? It was just so annoying. Apparently he fell in love with Sabetha when he was about 6 years old. He's frustrating and his "love" is portrayed as somethings good, like he cares so much. But it feels like obsession, especially after several rejections from Sabetha. I have to say that nothing rapey happened, but this also was portrayed as hey look at Locke he's so noble, he gives Sabetha right to choose, but it's a basic thing, he shouldn't be praised for being a decent human being, especially considering he's mostly good guy.
I don't know, friends, from start to finish Locke made me nauseous.
• don't let me started about the big back story reveal nonsense...
What I liked:
• the dual time line was rather interesting
• some exciting plot points and cool mischief plans
• women in position of power, as head of the government, police etc. This is a nice world-building element.
• it was rather easy to read, I guess, and I did finish the book.
I'm struggling to find anything I genuinely liked. Some things I didn't mind, I did like the epilogue though.
Bottom line, will I read book 4?
Most likely, because Scott Lynch doesn't puplish books frequently so if the next book is published in 2019 or 2020, it's highly likely I'll buy it, if I still alive by then.
Content warning: violence, sexual assault, some body horror scenes
This flopped, this flopped so badly, I'm restraining myself from bursting into dance party all on my own because yay I'm finally done with this book.
Before I get to the whys of my disappointment I want to preface it saying that I like The Lies of Locke Lamora and Red Seas Under Red Skies and I was excited to start the third installment, perhaps I was expecting too much and the flaws, the seeds of which were in book 1 & 2, flourished in book 3. I couldn't get past them and I was getting more annoyed the more I read.
What I did not like:
• the plot. We have seen it all already, in book 1 and especially in book 2. This isn't a spoiler so here goes: the premise of this book is person X forces Locke and Jean to do the thing Y in exchange doing the thing Z for these two. Exactly like in book 2. ,b>I'm so sick of the author reusing the same plot basis in three books in a row, why?
• Sabetha is the only relevant female character in the novel. Scott Lynch made her into Locke's love interest (and frankly an obsession, if you ask me, Locke isn't okay). Granted, the author did give Sabetha feminist lines, but that's about it. We read the story from 3rd person pov of Locke, and Sabetha has become nothing but ~mysterious seductive smart~ femme fatale. We don't see her as her own person, just through the eyes of obsessed and infatuated Locke.
Scott Lynch gave her just one chapter of her own pov, and guess what she does there? She thinks about Locke and the whole chapter is about Locke.
It was nauseating to read, not just taht one chapter, but the whole book. I admit Scott Lynch tried to do the right thing, as I said, he gave Sabetha good lines and perhaps he had good intentions, but alas. Ultimately she was just a prop for male character.
And she's the only relevant female character to the story. There are several side characters but they are of little importance, to be honest.
• the world-building was supposed to be diverse and we see some of it in book 2, however in book 3 it's most white "European"-based locations. But it would've been fine, however, on several occasions it was stated that dark skinned people are viewed as lesser people and homophobia is a confirmed thing. Like why would you include these elements? They are not important to the plot, they are not properly addressed. It's just offhand remarks like "oh no John will be found guilty because on top of all he's black", "oh no what will he think about being called gay, it's frowned upon here", etc. These moments are little but they are telling. It seems they are so ingrained into the author's mentality he can't help but include them.
• Locke's obsession ughm love? It was just so annoying. Apparently he fell in love with Sabetha when he was about 6 years old. He's frustrating and his "love" is portrayed as somethings good, like he cares so much. But it feels like obsession, especially after several rejections from Sabetha. I have to say that nothing rapey happened, but this also was portrayed as hey look at Locke he's so noble, he gives Sabetha right to choose, but it's a basic thing, he shouldn't be praised for being a decent human being, especially considering he's mostly good guy.
I don't know, friends, from start to finish Locke made me nauseous.
• don't let me started about the big back story reveal nonsense...
What I liked:
• the dual time line was rather interesting
• some exciting plot points and cool mischief plans
• women in position of power, as head of the government, police etc. This is a nice world-building element.
• it was rather easy to read, I guess, and I did finish the book.
I'm struggling to find anything I genuinely liked. Some things I didn't mind, I did like the epilogue though.
Bottom line, will I read book 4?
Most likely, because Scott Lynch doesn't puplish books frequently so if the next book is published in 2019 or 2020, it's highly likely I'll buy it, if I still alive by then.
Content warning: violence, sexual assault, some body horror scenes
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