4.13 AVERAGE



This series was incredibly original; great story! This one and the first one were very entertaining. Locke Lamora will always be one of my favorite characters of all time.
The audio version of these books is narrated by an absolutely terrific
performer - I give it my highest recommendation!!
adventurous medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I'm glad to know more of the back story, especially if Locke and Sabetha. I'm kinda unhappy with the ending. At least taking a break before reading (listening) to the next one.

Between 3 and 4 stars, but rounded down because it felt a little more straightforward than the previous two (though it's been a while since I ready those... might have to go back). The writing was still excellent and I love the way Lynch structures the books, but it seemed a lot of what was interesting was put in as set up for the next book (which I will buy and read whenever it comes).

I listened to the audiobook and loved the way the narrator did John's voice after he broke his nose (I don't think that's much of a spoiler

Locke Lamora is dying. It is the result of his and Jean’s previous adventure and a kind of punishment for Lamora. It's only a matter of time before Locke finally breathes his final breath. As time inevitably runs out, Jean chases after the physikers who will cure his friend, but how do you cure a poison you don't even know the name of?
Salvation comes in the form of, no less, Bondsmagi with a deal. They will cure Locke, and in return, Locke and Jean must rig elections in Karthain so the Bondsmagi faction, the Deep Roots, will win. Should they win, they’ll get a big payout and a promise that Bondsmagi will leave them alone. If not… well.
To make matters worse, their main opponent who works for the Black Iris faction is Sabetha, Locke’s absent love interest. The woman he hadn't seen in years.
Of course, as in previous novels, Lynch takes us back to the past of Gentleman Bastards, with parallel stories. Something that has become his trademark. As Locke tries to balance between work and pleasure, a game unfolds in the background where Gentleman Bastards are just pawns.
The Republic of Thieves is a novel in which Lynch will also reveal some secrets, things you didn't expect even in your wildest dreams. These things create the basis for potentially very interesting sequels, which we hope to have the opportunity to read.
Despite going through some hard personal times during the writing of this book, which certainly reflected on it, Lynch managed to deliver an interesting novel. Maybe not as interesting as the first two, but definitely worth reading. If anything, then because of the secrets it’s hiding.

I have a rule of not starting a series that isn't finished, and I thought this book was the conclusion in a trilogy. Apparently, it's not. However, that proves to be a good thing; these three books have been quite enjoyable and it will be great to have more Locke Lamora to look forward to in the future. My only complaint with this book is that after two novels of hinting, we finally meet Sabetha. I wanted to like her, to understand Lamora's obsession, but quite honestly, she annoyed me. She did become more tolerable by the end of the book, so we'll see what the future holds for her. Pick up this series if you want some great entertainment!
medium-paced
adventurous mysterious 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

Slow, too long, and very unsatisfying at the end. I've had similar trouble with other books in the series, and I think this will be my last.

Better than the second book of the series. Only enjoyed it because I was really invested in the characters. It's always a bad sign for the series if the first book seems to be of a significantly higher quality than the sequels, however.