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ganettorain's review
4.0
Even for a novella, ‘A Year and a Day in Old Theradane’ is very short - I think it’s probably about a 100 pages long, give or take a few. But I really wanted to review it on its own since I doubt I’ll actually finish the ‘Rogues’ anthology where this novella was first published...
On to the review. Scott Lynch is b r i l l i a n t, enough said. A lot of what I liked about “The Ljes of Locke Lamora” is displayed in full force here - deliciously fun capers (which may or may not go up in smoke)! fantastic worldbuilding (steampunk! magic!)! fascinating characters and premise (forcibly retired thieves forced back to their old jobs to save themselves from being turned into still-alive statues on a bridge)! one of the best opening scenes I’ve read in awhile in a story!
Scott Lynch’s writing is also smooth, assured and as snarky as ever, although I wasn’t always very pleased with the numbered headings and section titles that organised the story, how some parts were lingered on (I don’t need to know so much about what a wizard’s house looks like on the inside! it got a little excessive) while others were glossed over relatively quickly (the first few heist attempts especially).
Overall, I loved this. So very much. It’s a great blend of humour, wit, brains and character. And the title is so yummy - doesn’t it have some ring to it? Heh...
On to the review. Scott Lynch is b r i l l i a n t, enough said. A lot of what I liked about “The Ljes of Locke Lamora” is displayed in full force here - deliciously fun capers (which may or may not go up in smoke)! fantastic worldbuilding (steampunk! magic!)! fascinating characters and premise (forcibly retired thieves forced back to their old jobs to save themselves from being turned into still-alive statues on a bridge)! one of the best opening scenes I’ve read in awhile in a story!
Scott Lynch’s writing is also smooth, assured and as snarky as ever, although I wasn’t always very pleased with the numbered headings and section titles that organised the story, how some parts were lingered on (I don’t need to know so much about what a wizard’s house looks like on the inside! it got a little excessive) while others were glossed over relatively quickly (the first few heist attempts especially).
Overall, I loved this. So very much. It’s a great blend of humour, wit, brains and character. And the title is so yummy - doesn’t it have some ring to it? Heh...
jamiecharles's review
4.0
January 2022 | 4/5
A city dripping in magic, ruled by wizards and home to pardoned criminals looking for a fresh start is the setting for this Scott Lynch short story.
We have an expert thief who in a drunken stupor breaks the rules of her pardon with threats to the nobility.
To save herself, Amarelle is tasked with stealing a street.
Our story covers the many attempts with deep world building in this steam punk fantasy.
If you like short stories, heists, wizards, and strong female characters.
A city dripping in magic, ruled by wizards and home to pardoned criminals looking for a fresh start is the setting for this Scott Lynch short story.
We have an expert thief who in a drunken stupor breaks the rules of her pardon with threats to the nobility.
To save herself, Amarelle is tasked with stealing a street.
Our story covers the many attempts with deep world building in this steam punk fantasy.
If you like short stories, heists, wizards, and strong female characters.
bookmeanderings's review
4.0
That was fun. Very whimsical and almost silly at times. Glad. I read it.
aconitecafe's review
5.0
Scott Lynch is a master of fantastical crime. To this day it surprises me when people say they love fantasy but haven't read his works. This as all his other books is a must read.
A hilarious, and captivating magical heist short story. Plus, yet another short story from him that I'd love to experience the series of.
A hilarious, and captivating magical heist short story. Plus, yet another short story from him that I'd love to experience the series of.
grinchem's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A great novella with some truly memorable characters and fun and unique world building
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