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A review by neilsef
The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
adventurous
dark
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.0
The first half of this novel was one of those where the writing style is just that subtly bit different from most other novels that it wasn't an easy or flowing read, which in turn, for me, stops it from becoming as engaging as it otherwise could be, as I spend a lot of time rereading what I have just read as it hasn't quite made sense. The second half was much more engaging, having gotten used to the style, though I still had to reread occasional sentences.
That's not to say the book wasn't an enjoyable read, it was, with interesting characters that were nicely developed. It also had an intriguing plot and dialogue that was witty, but also for some of the characters, had a sarcastic and self-deprecating edge to it that I invariably find engaging and entertaining.
The plot for the first half of the novel has two threads to it, the setting up of a con by the Gentlemen Bastards, and the threat of the Grey King who is murdering underlings of the crime boss of the city. In the second half, these threads get flipped and twisted together introducing several interesting twists and surprises, though these are scattered throughout the novel anyway. Intermingled amongst these are tense confrontations and events, plus humourous and emotional scenes, making this an enjoyable read.
That's not to say the book wasn't an enjoyable read, it was, with interesting characters that were nicely developed. It also had an intriguing plot and dialogue that was witty, but also for some of the characters, had a sarcastic and self-deprecating edge to it that I invariably find engaging and entertaining.
The plot for the first half of the novel has two threads to it, the setting up of a con by the Gentlemen Bastards, and the threat of the Grey King who is murdering underlings of the crime boss of the city. In the second half, these threads get flipped and twisted together introducing several interesting twists and surprises, though these are scattered throughout the novel anyway. Intermingled amongst these are tense confrontations and events, plus humourous and emotional scenes, making this an enjoyable read.