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4.13 AVERAGE
4.13 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
While probably the least exciting of the Gentlemen Bastards' series, the Republic of Thieves is still a fun, enjoyable ride.
Like Lies and Red Seas, the characters and their relationships take center stage as the plot is there as a delivery method for them. However I do think that fans of the adventurous or heisty leanings of books 1 and 2 might find the change to political intrigue and running a theater troupe a bit jarring and at times a bit tedious. I personally, did at times feel that way, especially about the present day election plotline, which while mostly enjoyable never really seemed to get out of second gear.
That said, I massively enjoyed the flashback storyline, much more than I did the flashbacks in either Lies or Red Sea. While the flashbacks in the previous books acted as slice of life interludes from Locke or Jean's past, the majority of the flashbacks in Republic of Thieves acted as a b-plot, telling the story of the Gentlemen Bastards' first job without Chains guiding them and was a blast to read.
Also, the introduction of Sabetha (finally) as an on page character was great. She is just Smarter than Locke and Jean and while I found the Pesent Day Plot slow and a bit disjointed (i feel like i am being overly critical here, it was still a lot of fun!), it was very funny to see her continually one up the boys and be one step ahead.
Also, Patience was an excellent character and was a great way to further develop the lore of the Bonsmagi without giving it all away but giving enough to keep it interesting.
I am still not sure how I feel about the "reveal" of Locke's past, if it's even real.
One thing I really hated, though, and I am genuinely knocking off a quarter star for it, is the bit where Sabetha tells Locke why she dyes her hair from red to black or brown. The lore there felt completely atonal to the rest of the world building and is just generally gross and barbaric for seemingly no reason except to push back their eventual getting together a few more chapters. (HUGE TRIGGER WARNING FOR SA when it comes to the lore there [to clarify none of Locke nor the rest of the characters do anything to Sabetha, it's an exposition drop]).
Overall, though, I did enjoy this book very much, Lynch's world remains (mostly) creatively wonderful and engaging, and the relationship of the Gentlemen Bastards remains some of my favorite in fantasy, especially now that we have seen Sabetha in the mix.
Like Lies and Red Seas, the characters and their relationships take center stage as the plot is there as a delivery method for them. However I do think that fans of the adventurous or heisty leanings of books 1 and 2 might find the change to political intrigue and running a theater troupe a bit jarring and at times a bit tedious. I personally, did at times feel that way, especially about the present day election plotline, which while mostly enjoyable never really seemed to get out of second gear.
That said, I massively enjoyed the flashback storyline, much more than I did the flashbacks in either Lies or Red Sea. While the flashbacks in the previous books acted as slice of life interludes from Locke or Jean's past, the majority of the flashbacks in Republic of Thieves acted as a b-plot, telling the story of the Gentlemen Bastards' first job without Chains guiding them and was a blast to read.
Also, the introduction of Sabetha (finally) as an on page character was great. She is just Smarter than Locke and Jean and while I found the Pesent Day Plot slow and a bit disjointed (i feel like i am being overly critical here, it was still a lot of fun!), it was very funny to see her continually one up the boys and be one step ahead.
Also, Patience was an excellent character and was a great way to further develop the lore of the Bonsmagi without giving it all away but giving enough to keep it interesting.
I am still not sure how I feel about the "reveal" of Locke's past, if it's even real.
One thing I really hated, though, and I am genuinely knocking off a quarter star for it, is the bit where Sabetha tells Locke why she dyes her hair from red to black or brown. The lore there felt completely atonal to the rest of the world building and is just generally gross and barbaric for seemingly no reason except to push back their eventual getting together a few more chapters. (HUGE TRIGGER WARNING FOR SA when it comes to the lore there [to clarify none of Locke nor the rest of the characters do anything to Sabetha, it's an exposition drop]).
Overall, though, I did enjoy this book very much, Lynch's world remains (mostly) creatively wonderful and engaging, and the relationship of the Gentlemen Bastards remains some of my favorite in fantasy, especially now that we have seen Sabetha in the mix.
First one is still my favorite of the three but this one had the best pacing imo.
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
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
I love, love, LOVE this series. It's definitely in my top fantasy series of all time -- you get quippy dialogue, outrageous situations, loveable characters, fantastic adventure, and a good helping of witty sarcasm. Some of the most enjoyable, fast-paced, and laugh-out-loud funny books I've read in a while. I cannot wait for the release of #4!!
After really enjoying the first 2 books, I was disappointed with this one. There were still parts of brilliance, the relationship between Locke and Jean, adn the insults they come up with are great stuff. Their schemes and cunning and fantastic. And I was intrigued to finally see Sabetha and fine out more of the back story. However, I must admit I was bored with some of the flashbacks of the play - I really didn't need a chapter following word for word the lines they were practising. And I didn't like the big reveal at the end of the book. Without going into spoilers, I don't want to see Locke developing that side of his character - I liked him as he was.
This world is cool enough that I will definitely return to it, but I will need a little time to wash the disappointment of this 3rd book away.
This world is cool enough that I will definitely return to it, but I will need a little time to wash the disappointment of this 3rd book away.
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
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
2 or 3 stars overall, I guess, I can't decide. 4 stars for Jean. 4 stars for the twins in the flashbacks. 1 star for Locke and Sabetha.
My least favorite of the series so far. I get that Lynch does the flashbacks in this series, and that's fine, but the flashbacks with the play was like reading a novel within a novel. The twins were hilarious, but the play itself and all the scenes with Locke and Sabetha just dragged. And Sabetha ... I really wanted to like Sabetha from all the hinting in the first two books. Now that she has really appeared, I'm disappointed. Her character is a flat stereotype. Zamira and Ezri were so great in book 2 that I had high hopes that this author could write solid women characters. Nope. He fell back really hard on some tired old tropes with Sabetha. What a let down. This book was also extremely predictable.
My least favorite of the series so far. I get that Lynch does the flashbacks in this series, and that's fine, but the flashbacks with the play was like reading a novel within a novel. The twins were hilarious, but the play itself and all the scenes with Locke and Sabetha just dragged. And Sabetha ... I really wanted to like Sabetha from all the hinting in the first two books. Now that she has really appeared, I'm disappointed. Her character is a flat stereotype. Zamira and Ezri were so great in book 2 that I had high hopes that this author could write solid women characters. Nope. He fell back really hard on some tired old tropes with Sabetha. What a let down. This book was also extremely predictable.
3.5 stars, a great way to spend a dreary afternoon! The banter, as always, was excellent