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wouterk's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A wonderful entry in the Gentleman Bastard series. First off, Scott Lynch is so good at telling all these different tales in one book and consistently distinguishing what we have to pay attention to. So this book, as I see it, has 4-4,5 plot lines.
It tells the story of Locke and Jean and the new challenge they are propelled into in Carthane. It has, as always, a relevant story line taking place in their past. And then there is very distinct character development that ties these two together. And then, for the first time, I feel there was a distinct start to an overarching plot to the series. And then there is a little bonus story as we get snippets of the play "the Empire of Thieves" as an embedded narrative in the past.
Now my only complaint for this book was that I found the main plot in Carthane not really engaging at times. I think this is due that it takes a back seat to the character development of Locke concerning Sabetha. As both plot lines take place in current time the balance is very delicate, and for me it meant too little scheming and and fully understanding what different things they do except for mostly pushing papers. Furthermore, winning the elections is quite a bit more complex and abstract than a heist, manipulating a pirate presence or defeating a great villain.
Having said that, I was totally in love with the story in the past where our heroes are sent to help a friend of Chains and end up playing roles in the "the Republic of Thieves". And I can only conclude that this was the most engaging line when choosing the title of the book. And also I did love the character development of Locke and Sabetha.
Overall it was a very exciting book with all the great things Lynch has to offer. Humor, excitement, great dialogue and intelligent scheming. I would definitely recommend it and can't wait to read the Thorn of Emberlain.
It tells the story of Locke and Jean and the new challenge they are propelled into in Carthane. It has, as always, a relevant story line taking place in their past. And then there is very distinct character development that ties these two together. And then, for the first time, I feel there was a distinct start to an overarching plot to the series. And then there is a little bonus story as we get snippets of the play "the Empire of Thieves" as an embedded narrative in the past.
Now my only complaint for this book was that I found the main plot in Carthane not really engaging at times. I think this is due that it takes a back seat to the character development of Locke concerning Sabetha. As both plot lines take place in current time the balance is very delicate, and for me it meant too little scheming and and fully understanding what different things they do except for mostly pushing papers. Furthermore, winning the elections is quite a bit more complex and abstract than a heist, manipulating a pirate presence or defeating a great villain.
Having said that, I was totally in love with the story in the past where our heroes are sent to help a friend of Chains and end up playing roles in the "the Republic of Thieves". And I can only conclude that this was the most engaging line when choosing the title of the book. And also I did love the character development of Locke and Sabetha.
Overall it was a very exciting book with all the great things Lynch has to offer. Humor, excitement, great dialogue and intelligent scheming. I would definitely recommend it and can't wait to read the Thorn of Emberlain.
madeguzman's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
chefjones's review against another edition
dark
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
desolation73's review against another edition
4.0
Perhaps not quite up there with the first two books but this series is one of my favourite all time fantasy series despite the fact that I now join a long line of fans hoping someday the 4th book in the series sees the light of day eventually.
Maybe the thing that makes it tricky is how much of a backseat Jean not always playing as much of a prominent part.
Maybe the thing that makes it tricky is how much of a backseat Jean not always playing as much of a prominent part.
teokajlibroj's review against another edition
4.0
The series is at its best when the gang is in Camorr and playing cons. Then we see the humour, cleverness and banter that makes thus series so good. I found this book much better than the last for this reason, it returns to what makes the series so good.
The Camorr flashback was great and election schemes had a lot of potential. In fact at times I preferred the flashbacks to the main story. (I think Lynch made a mistake killing off the gang too soon). However, the ending felt like a bit of a let down and made me consider dropping a star. The Bondsmage subplot didn't work for me and the ending with you know who was far too sudden. The election plot kinda ran out of steam and the true identity thing was just weird. It should have stayed away from magic and fantasy.
The Camorr flashback was great and election schemes had a lot of potential. In fact at times I preferred the flashbacks to the main story. (I think Lynch made a mistake killing off the gang too soon). However, the ending felt like a bit of a let down and made me consider dropping a star. The Bondsmage subplot didn't work for me and the ending with you know who was far too sudden. The election plot kinda ran out of steam and the true identity thing was just weird. It should have stayed away from magic and fantasy.
bennyfelds's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
uwu57's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
pageboi31's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
Hmm, all the feeling after finishing this book. In comparison to the other two books, the first is still the best, with the second and third around the same place, or if anything the third is a tad behind Red Seas Under Red Skies. This book continues right where the last left off, with Jean struggling to find a cure and take care of Locke as the poison nearly kills him; Their only saving grace being a bondsmagi who agrees to cure him in exchange for a job.
I feel like the pacing was pretty slow in this book, not that I minded too much. I don't think they even made it to Karthain yet and a third of the book is gone. The slowness might also come from the lack of action that takes place in this book. While the first two books were chock full of intense battles or stakes, the stakes in this one felt... a bit distant? Most of the action occurs as political subterfuge and hijinks, but even in those moments they don't feel as intense or dire since they mostly happen in the background. A third reason might be due to no strong antagonist, as I felt Sabetha wasn't a life-threatening enemy to the boys and the bondsmagi kept their distance (for the most part) in the five-year game.
The major focus of this book is introducing us to the last surviving ex-member of The Gentleman Bastards, Sabetha. Hearing sprinklings of her from the other books, it was cool to finally meet her! I enjoyed seeing her in both past and present, cementing the complicated relationship her and Locke have towards each other. She very much feels like Locke to a certain degree, both incredibly smart and cunning, though I'd say she felt like more of a tactician and self-reliant. Her poise, beauty and slight prickliness set her apart and made her feel right at home with the other boys in the gang/family. I really wished there was some action though... it would of been sick to see her swordsmanship.
Out of all three books, this one by far had my favorite subplot/interlude chapters. Getting to meet Sabetha all the way back in Shade's Hill was almost nostalgic, and I LOVED The Gentleman Bastards going out on one of their first missions alone to help a friend of Chains. Getting to be with the whole crew, Sabetha included, was truly amazing. I would definitely read a book dedicated to their past adventures. The play subplot was very fun and I liked all the new characters we met through it (also loved how both plots almost bounced off each other at times) plus, you gotta love the classic shit-hitting-the-fan moment when a plan has to be concocted or else everything ends badly.
We also got a bunch of interesting lore character-wise! We learned a potential bit about Locke's past (could have the transferred soul of a bondsmagi in him!?) and the whole end chapter briefly exploring Falconer's past and how he's back with a vengeance. Oh, and the prophesy Patience gave Locke was cryptic and interesting (don't want him to lose a child 😟). With the Falconer getting revenge and killing his mom Patience, it seems there's no one left who might have any insight into Locke's past.
Most of all, I'm sad. I'm sad that there isn't a next book to read (10+ years is pretty bleak) and it has a cover and blurb and everything but still isn't a thing. The Gentleman Bastards is one of my favorite series of all time...I don't want it to be over.
I feel like the pacing was pretty slow in this book, not that I minded too much. I don't think they even made it to Karthain yet and a third of the book is gone. The slowness might also come from the lack of action that takes place in this book. While the first two books were chock full of intense battles or stakes, the stakes in this one felt... a bit distant? Most of the action occurs as political subterfuge and hijinks, but even in those moments they don't feel as intense or dire since they mostly happen in the background. A third reason might be due to no strong antagonist, as I felt Sabetha wasn't a life-threatening enemy to the boys and the bondsmagi kept their distance (for the most part) in the five-year game.
The major focus of this book is introducing us to the last surviving ex-member of The Gentleman Bastards, Sabetha. Hearing sprinklings of her from the other books, it was cool to finally meet her! I enjoyed seeing her in both past and present, cementing the complicated relationship her and Locke have towards each other. She very much feels like Locke to a certain degree, both incredibly smart and cunning, though I'd say she felt like more of a tactician and self-reliant. Her poise, beauty and slight prickliness set her apart and made her feel right at home with the other boys in the gang/family. I really wished there was some action though... it would of been sick to see her swordsmanship.
Out of all three books, this one by far had my favorite subplot/interlude chapters. Getting to meet Sabetha all the way back in Shade's Hill was almost nostalgic, and I LOVED The Gentleman Bastards going out on one of their first missions alone to help a friend of Chains. Getting to be with the whole crew, Sabetha included, was truly amazing. I would definitely read a book dedicated to their past adventures. The play subplot was very fun and I liked all the new characters we met through it (also loved how both plots almost bounced off each other at times) plus, you gotta love the classic shit-hitting-the-fan moment when a plan has to be concocted or else everything ends badly.
Most of all, I'm sad. I'm sad that there isn't a next book to read (10+ years is pretty bleak) and it has a cover and blurb and everything but still isn't a thing. The Gentleman Bastards is one of my favorite series of all time...I don't want it to be over.
_ottavia_'s review against another edition
4.0
Non un libro perfetto, ma certamente migliore rispetto al secondo.
Non mi sono piaciuti molto i flashback, che ho trovato noiosi e ho addirittura in parte saltato. Ma resta comunque un libro scritto molto bene, che aggiunge elementi nuovi alla storia e che si fa amare per i personaggi.
Non mi sono piaciuti molto i flashback, che ho trovato noiosi e ho addirittura in parte saltato. Ma resta comunque un libro scritto molto bene, che aggiunge elementi nuovi alla storia e che si fa amare per i personaggi.