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pbcle's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Complicated
- Loveable characters? Complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Torture, Violence, and Blood
Minor: Child death, Excrement, Vomit, Death of parent, and Alcohol
gisl's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
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
4.75
This book is both incredible and incredibly difficult. I remember thinking at one point that I was nearing the end of the book because the stakes were so high, it must be about to wrap up! Wasn’t even halfway. The stakes just kept getting higher and the situation kept getting more dire. I almost couldn’t finish it I was so tense and scared. Overall very good read. My only gripe is the villains were built up so incredibly, and the protagonists were shown so out of their depth, and then the plot wrapped up way too quickly and easily. I feel like the Falcon would’ve had the anti-attack spell on himself that he was said to have had earlier so Locke couldn’t get the jump on him. I feel like the Spider wouldn’t one-on-one confront a healthy young man as an old lady and taunt him by waving the real antidote he needs without guards in the room, and not expect Locke to do what he did and just punch her, steal the potion, and escape. And I feel like the clever Grey King who escaped and waited and plotted over 20 years to avenge half of his family wouldn’t simply accept defeat and wait for the Gentleman Bastards to kill him; He would escape and plot however long he needs to in order to avenge his sisters . My only problem is the author made the antagonists too smart for them to be defeated in a single book, but even with that this is an amazing book. The way the timelines were written was incredible. I’m not going to continue bc this is too long already but great book!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Death, Torture, Violence, Murder, and Classism
Minor: Fatphobia and Blood
I would say a tiny bit of fatphobia because when the main character, whokarlin0336's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Complicated
- Loveable characters? Complicated
2.0
After reading this one, I don't think Grimdark Fantasy is really my thing. Too unnecessarily gory and dark. Found it very hard to keep interested in this one.
Only a couple things were good about this book - the friendship between Locke and Jean, and the action-packed ending.
Only a couple things were good about this book - the friendship between Locke and Jean, and the action-packed ending.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Gore, Torture, Violence, Blood, and Excrement
Minor: Sexual content
So much unnecessary gore and cursing :(pulcotinette's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Complicated
- Loveable characters? Complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A nice read but the story is soooo slowed downed by flash-back into the childhood of the characters that it is sometimes frustrating. The flash-backs also can serve as justifications and appeared like a nice way to introduce something that should have been gradually introduced in the main story. Overall, I had a nice time, but I had a really hard time getting to know the characters and grasping their personality. I think it would suit a reader who doesn't care about characters that much better.
I also felt like this book was very self-contained. The major plotline gets introduced rather late in the book, yet is over by the end of it. Which was kind of weird. To be honest, the pacing of the story in its entirety wasn't much to my liking (way too slow). But don't let this deter you from reading this book: you'll have a good time and you will be surprised by how out there some of the heists are.
Definitely check the warnings though, there are some harsh scenes in there.
I also felt like this book was very self-contained. The major plotline gets introduced rather late in the book, yet is over by the end of it. Which was kind of weird. To be honest, the pacing of the story in its entirety wasn't much to my liking (way too slow). But don't let this deter you from reading this book: you'll have a good time and you will be surprised by how out there some of the heists are.
Definitely check the warnings though, there are some harsh scenes in there.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Torture
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Confinement, Cursing, Gore, Gun violence, Blood, Excrement, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Vomit, Trafficking, and Abandonment
ryangiglio's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death of parent
dempson's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Blood, and Murder
renee_april's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Knew from the first few pages this was going to be a five star read. Lynch is an insanely talented author, one of the best of our current generation, and knows how to craft a story that feels at once real and fantastical.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Cursing
boba_nbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Spice Rating: 🫑 / 5 🌶️
Though it takes quite a while to pick up, the ending of this book is well worth the wait.
Life is harsh on the island city of Camorr, and that couldn't be more true for young orphan Locke Lamora. He's a bright young boy who just manages to escape slavery and death in order to train in the priesthood as a thief under one of the best con artists in the game. Eventually, Locke becomes the leader of a group of young men--the Gentlemen Bastards--who are infamous for fooling even the most feared in Camorr. But when a regular heist leads to something far more sinister, Locke and his friends have to decide what, and who, they are willing to risk for fame and fortune.
The Lies of Locke Lamora is a fun and witty, though somewhat gruesome, tale full of a rag-tag group of heroes, lovable side characters, and worthy adversaries. Lynch creates a vivid world that readers will be able to picture themselves in every step of the way.
Yes, this book is lighthearted and fun, but it is also quite dark and full of gory sequences as well as horrifying backstories. The character development and world building were my favorite parts of this novel as they created so much depth to the story for me.
This book only gets knocked down a bit because it took me quite a while to read. I think that's mainly on me and my reading slumps, but it did hinder my experience a bit. Maybe someday I'll come back to this book to give it my full, undivided attention.
Though it takes quite a while to pick up, the ending of this book is well worth the wait.
Life is harsh on the island city of Camorr, and that couldn't be more true for young orphan Locke Lamora. He's a bright young boy who just manages to escape slavery and death in order to train in the priesthood as a thief under one of the best con artists in the game. Eventually, Locke becomes the leader of a group of young men--the Gentlemen Bastards--who are infamous for fooling even the most feared in Camorr. But when a regular heist leads to something far more sinister, Locke and his friends have to decide what, and who, they are willing to risk for fame and fortune.
The Lies of Locke Lamora is a fun and witty, though somewhat gruesome, tale full of a rag-tag group of heroes, lovable side characters, and worthy adversaries. Lynch creates a vivid world that readers will be able to picture themselves in every step of the way.
Yes, this book is lighthearted and fun, but it is also quite dark and full of gory sequences as well as horrifying backstories. The character development and world building were my favorite parts of this novel as they created so much depth to the story for me.
This book only gets knocked down a bit because it took me quite a while to read. I think that's mainly on me and my reading slumps, but it did hinder my experience a bit. Maybe someday I'll come back to this book to give it my full, undivided attention.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Torture, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Child death, Gore, Death of parent, and Murder
Minor: Sexual content, Excrement, and Alcohol
syddevo's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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? Complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Torture, Violence, Blood, Excrement, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
renpuspita's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
2 WEEKS Reading well spent and one of my Top Read 2024!!
One thing that I regret is why I just read The Lies of Locke Lamora in 2024, but if I see the state of Gentleman Bastard series that continue in limbo maybe the decision is right, lol.
Where to start? This book have so many elements that I love. Locke is an anti hero, through and through. While he become a reluctant hero near the end regarding the fate of Camorr, in the end he is still true to himself. Locke is a thief, he stole money from Camorr's nobles for his own gain. Or to quote the late Father Chains, the first garrista of Gentleman Bastard, to relieve those nobles of their wealth, lel. Just like the title of this book, we will get through so many Locke's lies. Whether when he plan to rob a unfortunate Don Salvara of his money or to save his life from the clutch of the Duke Nicovante's Spider or when he try to juggle two task at the same time that given to him by Capa Barsavi and the Gray King. I find myself read with trepidation but also excitement in the same time because I want to know if Locke will come out safely from his predicaments. Locke is not a book smart, but he is witty, savvy and even after tortured so much, he still come back from his injury to plan revenge against those who wronged Gentleman Bastard.
The Lies of Locke Lamora written in non linear timeline. In the main chapter, we will read through Locke's lies and adventure in the present while in the Interlude, we have a coming-of-age story from when Locke first brought into Gentleman Bastard and some of Camorr's history. Some of the Interlude kinda disturb the flow of the story, but the rest was proceeding smoothly. I like the Interlude when Father Chains teach Locke about the art of thievery. Not just steal here and there, but also learn about culture, clothing, language, Camorr religion that consist of twelve divine god & goddess (and the unnamed thirteenth God, the God of Thief) and cooking intricate dishes, all in order to successfully plan a disguise when they steal noble's wealth or tricking their big boss.
One of the spotlight of this book beside Locke's bigger than life personality is his friendship with Gentleman Bastard, especially Jean Tannen. Jean might have less appearance compared to Locke, but he's a loyal companion. Don't let his soft and big physique fool you, because Jean is a skilled swordmaster (or weaponmaster) with a hatchet called The Wicked Sisters. But importantly, he always ready to save Locke when he's in problem and while their relationship start rocky in which Locke once mock Jean as a softie (in which proven otherwise because Jean just barely lost his parent and he's in much grief so his temperament was running high), they become solid in the end. This book also have little to none romance, although Locke seems to can't move on from his paramour, Sabetha. I really curious what Sabetha did that make Locke still enamored but unwilling to admit it. While the women is not one of main characters (a pity), I like that Locke manage to write them all as strong characters and not one of damsel in distress or annoying and oversexualized character. The Interlude titled Woman in Camorr also one of my favorite because the Camorr's brothels and prostitutes are powers to be reckoned with.
If there's any complaint, maybe because I feel the way Lynch write the world building is unclear. From the vibes alone, maybe this book influenced by Italia in the pre-Renaissance era. Some of the term also pretty much Italian, like Capa that obviously taken from "Capo". The map in my book only show Camorr with its canal (pretty much like Venice) but I wish the map also show the entire kingdom. A glossary will be nice, though. The magic system is pretty much simple since the fantasy aspect mostly focused onto the religion of Camorr citizen and the dynamic of the nobles and the criminals. I'm willing to take aside my complaint because The Lies of Locke Lamora is the Lynch's first book to be published and I hope the world building will be explain thoroughly in the next book.
To quote a random commenter in my reading thread for The Lies of Locke Lamora on Twitter, a good book written by crazy person that maybe will finally finish the series, lol. I will recommend this book if you like your fantasy with anti hero who will charmed you from the start and never have a dull moment. The violence, blood and profanity can be too much to read, but if all of it don't bother you, then it's the time to read about how Locke Lamora spun his lies and deceits to deceive Camorr's nobility and his enemies!
One thing that I regret is why I just read The Lies of Locke Lamora in 2024, but if I see the state of Gentleman Bastard series that continue in limbo maybe the decision is right, lol.
Where to start? This book have so many elements that I love. Locke is an anti hero, through and through. While he become a reluctant hero near the end regarding the fate of Camorr, in the end he is still true to himself. Locke is a thief, he stole money from Camorr's nobles for his own gain. Or to quote the late Father Chains, the first garrista of Gentleman Bastard, to relieve those nobles of their wealth, lel. Just like the title of this book, we will get through so many Locke's lies. Whether when he plan to rob a unfortunate Don Salvara of his money or to save his life from the clutch of the Duke Nicovante's Spider or when he try to juggle two task at the same time that given to him by Capa Barsavi and the Gray King. I find myself read with trepidation but also excitement in the same time because I want to know if Locke will come out safely from his predicaments. Locke is not a book smart, but he is witty, savvy and even after tortured so much, he still come back from his injury to plan revenge against those who wronged Gentleman Bastard.
The Lies of Locke Lamora written in non linear timeline. In the main chapter, we will read through Locke's lies and adventure in the present while in the Interlude, we have a coming-of-age story from when Locke first brought into Gentleman Bastard and some of Camorr's history. Some of the Interlude kinda disturb the flow of the story, but the rest was proceeding smoothly. I like the Interlude when Father Chains teach Locke about the art of thievery. Not just steal here and there, but also learn about culture, clothing, language, Camorr religion that consist of twelve divine god & goddess (and the unnamed thirteenth God, the God of Thief) and cooking intricate dishes, all in order to successfully plan a disguise when they steal noble's wealth or tricking their big boss.
One of the spotlight of this book beside Locke's bigger than life personality is his friendship with Gentleman Bastard, especially Jean Tannen. Jean might have less appearance compared to Locke, but he's a loyal companion. Don't let his soft and big physique fool you, because Jean is a skilled swordmaster (or weaponmaster) with a hatchet called The Wicked Sisters. But importantly, he always ready to save Locke when he's in problem and while their relationship start rocky in which Locke once mock Jean as a softie (in which proven otherwise because Jean just barely lost his parent and he's in much grief so his temperament was running high), they become solid in the end. This book also have little to none romance, although Locke seems to can't move on from his paramour, Sabetha. I really curious what Sabetha did that make Locke still enamored but unwilling to admit it. While the women is not one of main characters (a pity), I like that Locke manage to write them all as strong characters and not one of damsel in distress or annoying and oversexualized character. The Interlude titled Woman in Camorr also one of my favorite because the Camorr's brothels and prostitutes are powers to be reckoned with.
If there's any complaint, maybe because I feel the way Lynch write the world building is unclear. From the vibes alone, maybe this book influenced by Italia in the pre-Renaissance era. Some of the term also pretty much Italian, like Capa that obviously taken from "Capo". The map in my book only show Camorr with its canal (pretty much like Venice) but I wish the map also show the entire kingdom. A glossary will be nice, though. The magic system is pretty much simple since the fantasy aspect mostly focused onto the religion of Camorr citizen and the dynamic of the nobles and the criminals. I'm willing to take aside my complaint because The Lies of Locke Lamora is the Lynch's first book to be published and I hope the world building will be explain thoroughly in the next book.
To quote a random commenter in my reading thread for The Lies of Locke Lamora on Twitter, a good book written by crazy person that maybe will finally finish the series, lol. I will recommend this book if you like your fantasy with anti hero who will charmed you from the start and never have a dull moment. The violence, blood and profanity can be too much to read, but if all of it don't bother you, then it's the time to read about how Locke Lamora spun his lies and deceits to deceive Camorr's nobility and his enemies!
"Someday, Locke Lamora,” he said, “someday, you’re going to fuck up so magnificently, so ambitiously, so overwhelmingly that the sky will light up and the moons will spin and the gods themselves will shit comets with glee. And I just hope I’m still around to see it."
"Oh, please," said Locke. "It'll never happen"
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Gore, Torture, Violence, Blood, Vomit, and Murder
Moderate: Drug use, Excrement, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Minor: Child death and Sexual content