Scan barcode
nicoleeast's review against another edition
5.0
I'll admit, there are things that weren't done well in this series as a whole. I'm not a fan of everyone pairing up. The ending also wasn't entirely for me. It was a bit too neat, and I would have liked to see more of a bittersweet ending than we received.
But where this series succeeded it excelled magnificently. I cared so much about these characters and I mean every single one. Usually I'll like the main character and one sweet cinnamon roll of a side character, or maybe a quirky mentor figure, but I loved all of them.
While reading the last 200 pages I was in a perpetual state of "almost about to sob" or "giggling hysterically". I certainly was on the edge of my seat trying to get to the end as fast as possible. This is also unlike me. Most jokes in books get a smile at best and I'm not the easiest to make cry (side affect of usually not connecting to characters).
I also finally got to see a few of my theories from previous books come true. I didn't see Ghyl betraying the crew, but I did know he would end up helping in the end as his backstory foreshadowed it very well. Also you can't name a monk Icy and then not have them use ki or magical energy of some sort.
Every book in this trilogy was an easy 5-star rating. The only other series I've given 5 stars to every book was Mistborn (era 1).
But where this series succeeded it excelled magnificently. I cared so much about these characters and I mean every single one. Usually I'll like the main character and one sweet cinnamon roll of a side character, or maybe a quirky mentor figure, but I loved all of them.
While reading the last 200 pages I was in a perpetual state of "almost about to sob" or "giggling hysterically". I certainly was on the edge of my seat trying to get to the end as fast as possible. This is also unlike me. Most jokes in books get a smile at best and I'm not the easiest to make cry (side affect of usually not connecting to characters).
I also finally got to see a few of my theories from previous books come true.
Every book in this trilogy was an easy 5-star rating. The only other series I've given 5 stars to every book was Mistborn (era 1).
thevapidwench's review against another edition
4.0
God damn it, Weekes. I don't like having emotions.
The Paladin Caper sees Loch and Co, saving the world *again* on a bigger and more bad arsed scale than you can possibly imagine. With even more at stake, third caper is darker than the previous two books; Weekes, nose- tweaker extraordinare, mirrors this transformation from. within the story itself, glorious bastard that he is.
For all the death and loss and sadness (meaning *all* the death and loss and sadness) The Paladin Caper retains the series commitment to justice, compassion and making cracks about other people's mothers.
Top job and a fitting finale. Which is what your mother said, Weekes, after I'd finished with her.
The Paladin Caper sees Loch and Co, saving the world *again* on a bigger and more bad arsed scale than you can possibly imagine. With even more at stake, third caper is darker than the previous two books; Weekes, nose- tweaker extraordinare, mirrors this transformation from. within the story itself, glorious bastard that he is.
For all the death and loss and sadness (meaning *all* the death and loss and sadness) The Paladin Caper retains the series commitment to justice, compassion and making cracks about other people's mothers.
Top job and a fitting finale. Which is what your mother said, Weekes, after I'd finished with her.
mairead_parade's review
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I probably should have spaced out this trilogy a bit more - as it was, by the end of this one I was feeling some plot fatigue with all the twists, fakeouts and double-crosses. The whole series has a bit of a stakes problem given that almost nothing is as it seems; scenes that should pack more of an emotional punch are watered down because you just assume (almost always correctly) that whatever happens will be at least partially undone. But, this installment was still a lot of fun! Weekes is particularly adept at fantasy versions of modern concepts. There's a fantasy cable news conceit that runs through the whole series but hits its peak at the end of this one, and it's very good.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Violence
bethandhertea's review against another edition
5.0
Oh, what a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy! I love these books. I just adore a good fantasy heist, and this one had such a great payoff!
I just adore all the characters! Some of them had their secret backstory unlocked, some of them became slightly evil, some of them changed form - I love the whole group. Loch and Pyvic have such an epic and understated romance <3. Even all the side characters were interesting enough to be invested in!
This book felt the most "modern" of them all - there was a lot more discussion about technology and whatnot - imagine a somewhat medieval fantasy setting, but with communication crystals and fancy magical smart watches. It seems like creating that setting would take a careful balance, and Patrick Weekes does it so well!
I just adore all the characters! Some of them had their secret backstory unlocked, some of them became slightly evil, some of them changed form - I love the whole group. Loch and Pyvic have such an epic and understated romance <3. Even all the side characters were interesting enough to be invested in!
This book felt the most "modern" of them all - there was a lot more discussion about technology and whatnot - imagine a somewhat medieval fantasy setting, but with communication crystals and fancy magical smart watches. It seems like creating that setting would take a careful balance, and Patrick Weekes does it so well!
guenhwyvar's review against another edition
5.0
I found the third book in the Rogues of the Republic series was quite a bit more satisfying than the second. Between the deeper character development and the twistier plot twists, I found the whole experience to be more enjoyable than the second book and back on par with my enjoyment of the first book in the series.
I won't say that the plot was completely unpredictable, but I found it far less predictable than the second book. There were a few surprises I didn't expect and a few things that I expected that wound up being incorrect. All in all it made for a pleasant series of twists and turns mixed with enough confirmations of my own suspicions and predictions to be a thoroughly entertaining ride.
I continue to love the badass female leads in this series along with the heavy sprinkling of satire addressing everything from gender stereotypes to racism to classism. It would be satisfying note to end on, should Patrick Weekes choose to end the series here. However, if he chooses to add another tome to list I will certainly be happy to pick it up.
The Rogues of the Republic series does not disappoint as a whole and The Paladin Caper is an excellent finish to this particular story arc. Looking forward to reading more from Weekes in the future.
*I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
I won't say that the plot was completely unpredictable, but I found it far less predictable than the second book. There were a few surprises I didn't expect and a few things that I expected that wound up being incorrect. All in all it made for a pleasant series of twists and turns mixed with enough confirmations of my own suspicions and predictions to be a thoroughly entertaining ride.
I continue to love the badass female leads in this series along with the heavy sprinkling of satire addressing everything from gender stereotypes to racism to classism. It would be satisfying note to end on, should Patrick Weekes choose to end the series here. However, if he chooses to add another tome to list I will certainly be happy to pick it up.
The Rogues of the Republic series does not disappoint as a whole and The Paladin Caper is an excellent finish to this particular story arc. Looking forward to reading more from Weekes in the future.
*I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
shortitude's review against another edition
5.0
I rarely give books five stars but this one gets that rating because of two things:
1. character arcs tied up with lovely bows
2. Bisexual unicorns ending up with ladies!!
1. character arcs tied up with lovely bows
2. Bisexual unicorns ending up with ladies!!
archytas's review against another edition
4.25
Each one of these books got better, with the final of the trilogy the most polished and confident. Weekes works firmly within genre conventions - the good guys are always going to win in the end; a few people fall in love; some villians are touchingly redeemed - some of the book's best bits here - others annihilated. But he also knows the trick is to make the plans are schemes just surprising enough; and the characters loveable, but with enough spice to be interesting.
As in previous novels, it is his world building I most enjoy. This book had the easier job of utilising, rather than introducing, elements. The tree ships, puppet shows, racial politics are all vividly evoked and nicely escapist. This is a world with racism, and class oppression, and all manner of bad things but also one in which a small band of plucky wisecracking rogues can make everything better, and sometimes that is just what you need.
As in previous novels, it is his world building I most enjoy. This book had the easier job of utilising, rather than introducing, elements. The tree ships, puppet shows, racial politics are all vividly evoked and nicely escapist. This is a world with racism, and class oppression, and all manner of bad things but also one in which a small band of plucky wisecracking rogues can make everything better, and sometimes that is just what you need.
sarah42783's review against another edition
5.0
Okay. So I originally gave this book a 4-star rating. But then I thought to my little self: to hell with it, let's go for 5 dazzling, glorious stars. Yeah, I'm generous like that. And you might think that it has something to do with the wonderfully delightful Holiday Spirit, and all the positive feelings floating around at this time of the year. Yeah, you might think that. And you might be very wrong. Because, frankly, all that luuurrvvvve is in the air crap is making me shudder. But I digress. Where were we? Oh yes, I finally went for a 5-star rating. Why? Because this series is awesome. And because I love every single character in it. I don't care whether they're good or bad. I don't care what they do. I don't care how they do it. I don't care where they do it. I LOVE them all ← yes, I hate all the silly luuurrvvvve is in the air business but LUUUURRRVVVE the greatest gang of misfits ever. See? I have feelings, too. Sometimes . And the moral of this paragraph is: no matter what happens, this series always makes me feel like:
So 5 stars it is. Come to think of it, I should make it 6 stars. Because character development in this instalment is nothing short of amazing. Check this out:
★ Ululenia turning evil unicorn and embracing her dark, more sexed up than ever side? Brilliant. Gone are the pretty unicorn days of arrogant apple, babbling brook, and creeping cat. Gone are the days when all she wanted was to frolic in the forest with young, muscular virgins. Okay, so she's still into young, muscular virgins. But now she's into bloodshed, too. Ululenia 2.0? Bloody awesome, I tell you.
★ Desidora finally accepting her death-priestess-ness (yes, there is such a thing)? Fantastic. I want to have her powers when I grow up. I mean, can you imagine being able to use your aura to turn everything and everyone into evil, dark, very bad, things? And basically squashing them to death with your thoughts? And making zombies out of fish? And having your clothes turn glossy black with silver glyphs, while your skin turns chalky white and your lips black? So cool. You gotta admit, the girl has a great sense of style.
Actually, I don't only want Desidora's powers. I want to be her, period. Because, you know, Kail is kind of interested in her. And Kail is pretty hot. In a subtle kind of way. I know, I know, let's be honest here, Kail has the subtlety of a rhinoceros. But rhinos can be sexy, too. Of course they can. Why would you ever doubt that?
★ Kail's mother!!! What's better than a truckload of Kail's ever-subtle, ever-hilarious mother jokes? Kail's mother in the flesh!! She's awesome! She kicks ass! And she will take anybody who gets up in her face! BAHAHAHAHA, she's her very own mother joke!! To Kail's total and utter dismay obviously. Because for all his jokes about other people's mothers, Kail is overwhelming protective when it comes to mommy. So cute. Not that she needs anyone's protection, by the way. I mean, the woman can be slightly terrifying. And somewhat overbearing, too. I can't wait for her to meet dear-daughter-in-law-to-be Desidora. That should definitely make for an interesting scene.
★ I could go on and on and on about all the characters in this series. I could tell you how badass and cool and super clever Loch the-scout-turned-thief-turned-resident-savior-of-the-universe is. And how much I want to be her when I grow up. I could tell you there is not enough Pyvic in this story. And that I'm kind of in love with him, despite his NOT being an asshole. I could tell you how much I love Tern. And what an awesomely cute couple she and Hessler make(yes, this is really me saying this, not my evil twin. This series has the weirdest effect on me. I should be puking at so much cuteness right now, but no. I'm actually reveling in it. Scary, isn't it?) . I could tell you that Icy is full of surprises. And that I love him more with each new instalment. I could tell you that Dairy is still the naïve teenager we once knew, but not really. And that interspecies love is a thing. I could tell you that hammers and axes make for fantastic characters. And that they are the coolest villains ever. And finally, I could tell you that not all characters named Ethel look like this:
Please don't tell me you don't know who this ↑↑ is. I might have to unfriend you if you do.
At this point, those who haven't read this book
What? You still want to know what the story is about? Sigh. You people are going to be the death of me. If I wasn't so lazy and inconsiderate, I'd treat you with a story recap. It would probably be something like this: so Loch and crew are now spoiler-spoiler-spoiler, so they have to spoiler-spoiler-spoiler in order to spoiler-spoiler-spoiler. But it won't be easy because spoiler-spoiler-spoiler, and now that spoiler-spoiler-spoiler, well, you know, spoiler-spoiler-spoiler. Wow. Pretty crazy stuff. Thankfully enough, spoiler-spoiler-spoiler. And then spoiler-spoiler-spoiler does spoiler-spoiler-spoiler. Talk about a twist. Especially when spoiler-spoiler-spoiler. To think I was a little in love with spoiler-spoiler-spoiler. Sigh. It's a good thing spoiler-spoiler-spoiler finally managed to spoiler-spoiler-spoiler. And started glowing from spoiler-spoiler-spoiler. Then spoiler-spoiler-spoiler went and spoiler-spoiler-spoiler with spoiler-spoiler-spoiler. And finally, everybody had a glass of wine.
Hey, you're the ones who wanted to know about the story, so don't come complaining now. Besides, I do what I can with the feeble intellectual means at my disposal. So stop criticizing and start thanking. You bunch of ungrateful people.
And the moral of this review is: it is now the time for me to threaten Patrick Weekes with bodily harm. Yes, you read that right. Why would I want to hurt the author of one of my favorite series ever, you ask? Because if Mr Weekes doesn't write another instalment in this series, I might not survive. Because I already miss Loch, Pyvic, Kail, Ululenia, Diz, and the rest of the gang. Because I want to know what happens next. Because, surely, the end of the world is near. Again. And only the greatest crew ever put together could save it. So get to work, Mr Weekes. Humanity needs you! Unicorns need you! And so do talking power tools!
· Book 1: The Palace Job ★★★★★
· Book 2: The Prophecy Con ★★★★
So 5 stars it is. Come to think of it, I should make it 6 stars. Because character development in this instalment is nothing short of amazing. Check this out:
★ Ululenia turning evil unicorn and embracing her dark, more sexed up than ever side? Brilliant. Gone are the pretty unicorn days of arrogant apple, babbling brook, and creeping cat. Gone are the days when all she wanted was to frolic in the forest with young, muscular virgins. Okay, so she's still into young, muscular virgins. But now she's into bloodshed, too. Ululenia 2.0? Bloody awesome, I tell you.
“Perhaps I should slice open your belly and ride you as you slowly bleed to death,” Ululenia said, still crouching, “coaxing you with gentle caresses into the very motions that would send your guts spilling to the earth.”Ha. Now that's my kind of unicorn! Let me tell you, it doesn't get much better than that. Well it does, but I won't tell you. Because spoilers. You're welcome.
★ Desidora finally accepting her death-priestess-ness (yes, there is such a thing)? Fantastic. I want to have her powers when I grow up. I mean, can you imagine being able to use your aura to turn everything and everyone into evil, dark, very bad, things? And basically squashing them to death with your thoughts? And making zombies out of fish? And having your clothes turn glossy black with silver glyphs, while your skin turns chalky white and your lips black? So cool. You gotta admit, the girl has a great sense of style.
Actually, I don't only want Desidora's powers. I want to be her, period. Because, you know, Kail is kind of interested in her. And Kail is pretty hot. In a subtle kind of way. I know, I know, let's be honest here, Kail has the subtlety of a rhinoceros. But rhinos can be sexy, too. Of course they can. Why would you ever doubt that?
★ Kail's mother!!! What's better than a truckload of Kail's ever-subtle, ever-hilarious mother jokes? Kail's mother in the flesh!! She's awesome! She kicks ass! And she will take anybody who gets up in her face! BAHAHAHAHA, she's her very own mother joke!! To Kail's total and utter dismay obviously. Because for all his jokes about other people's mothers, Kail is overwhelming protective when it comes to mommy. So cute. Not that she needs anyone's protection, by the way. I mean, the woman can be slightly terrifying. And somewhat overbearing, too. I can't wait for her to meet dear-daughter-in-law-to-be Desidora. That should definitely make for an interesting scene.
★ I could go on and on and on about all the characters in this series. I could tell you how badass and cool and super clever Loch the-scout-turned-thief-turned-resident-savior-of-the-universe is. And how much I want to be her when I grow up. I could tell you there is not enough Pyvic in this story. And that I'm kind of in love with him, despite his NOT being an asshole. I could tell you how much I love Tern. And what an awesomely cute couple she and Hessler make
Please don't tell me you don't know who this ↑↑ is. I might have to unfriend you if you do.
At this point, those who haven't read this book
What? You still want to know what the story is about? Sigh. You people are going to be the death of me. If I wasn't so lazy and inconsiderate, I'd treat you with a story recap. It would probably be something like this: so Loch and crew are now spoiler-spoiler-spoiler, so they have to spoiler-spoiler-spoiler in order to spoiler-spoiler-spoiler. But it won't be easy because spoiler-spoiler-spoiler, and now that spoiler-spoiler-spoiler, well, you know, spoiler-spoiler-spoiler. Wow. Pretty crazy stuff. Thankfully enough, spoiler-spoiler-spoiler. And then spoiler-spoiler-spoiler does spoiler-spoiler-spoiler. Talk about a twist. Especially when spoiler-spoiler-spoiler. To think I was a little in love with spoiler-spoiler-spoiler. Sigh. It's a good thing spoiler-spoiler-spoiler finally managed to spoiler-spoiler-spoiler. And started glowing from spoiler-spoiler-spoiler. Then spoiler-spoiler-spoiler went and spoiler-spoiler-spoiler with spoiler-spoiler-spoiler. And finally, everybody had a glass of wine.
Hey, you're the ones who wanted to know about the story, so don't come complaining now. Besides, I do what I can with the feeble intellectual means at my disposal. So stop criticizing and start thanking. You bunch of ungrateful people.
And the moral of this review is: it is now the time for me to threaten Patrick Weekes with bodily harm. Yes, you read that right. Why would I want to hurt the author of one of my favorite series ever, you ask? Because if Mr Weekes doesn't write another instalment in this series, I might not survive. Because I already miss Loch, Pyvic, Kail, Ululenia, Diz, and the rest of the gang. Because I want to know what happens next. Because, surely, the end of the world is near. Again. And only the greatest crew ever put together could save it. So get to work, Mr Weekes. Humanity needs you! Unicorns need you! And so do talking power tools!
· Book 1: The Palace Job ★★★★★
· Book 2: The Prophecy Con ★★★★