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A review by pageboi31
The Republic of Thieves by Scott Lynch
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
Hmm, all the feeling after finishing this book. In comparison to the other two books, the first is still the best, with the second and third around the same place, or if anything the third is a tad behind Red Seas Under Red Skies. This book continues right where the last left off, with Jean struggling to find a cure and take care of Locke as the poison nearly kills him; Their only saving grace being a bondsmagi who agrees to cure him in exchange for a job.
I feel like the pacing was pretty slow in this book, not that I minded too much. I don't think they even made it to Karthain yet and a third of the book is gone. The slowness might also come from the lack of action that takes place in this book. While the first two books were chock full of intense battles or stakes, the stakes in this one felt... a bit distant? Most of the action occurs as political subterfuge and hijinks, but even in those moments they don't feel as intense or dire since they mostly happen in the background. A third reason might be due to no strong antagonist, as I felt Sabetha wasn't a life-threatening enemy to the boys and the bondsmagi kept their distance (for the most part) in the five-year game.
The major focus of this book is introducing us to the last surviving ex-member of The Gentleman Bastards, Sabetha. Hearing sprinklings of her from the other books, it was cool to finally meet her! I enjoyed seeing her in both past and present, cementing the complicated relationship her and Locke have towards each other. She very much feels like Locke to a certain degree, both incredibly smart and cunning, though I'd say she felt like more of a tactician and self-reliant. Her poise, beauty and slight prickliness set her apart and made her feel right at home with the other boys in the gang/family. I really wished there was some action though... it would of been sick to see her swordsmanship.
Out of all three books, this one by far had my favorite subplot/interlude chapters. Getting to meet Sabetha all the way back in Shade's Hill was almost nostalgic, and I LOVED The Gentleman Bastards going out on one of their first missions alone to help a friend of Chains. Getting to be with the whole crew, Sabetha included, was truly amazing. I would definitely read a book dedicated to their past adventures. The play subplot was very fun and I liked all the new characters we met through it (also loved how both plots almost bounced off each other at times) plus, you gotta love the classic shit-hitting-the-fan moment when a plan has to be concocted or else everything ends badly.
We also got a bunch of interesting lore character-wise! We learned a potential bit about Locke's past (could have the transferred soul of a bondsmagi in him!?) and the whole end chapter briefly exploring Falconer's past and how he's back with a vengeance. Oh, and the prophesy Patience gave Locke was cryptic and interesting (don't want him to lose a child 😟). With the Falconer getting revenge and killing his mom Patience, it seems there's no one left who might have any insight into Locke's past.
Most of all, I'm sad. I'm sad that there isn't a next book to read (10+ years is pretty bleak) and it has a cover and blurb and everything but still isn't a thing. The Gentleman Bastards is one of my favorite series of all time...I don't want it to be over.
I feel like the pacing was pretty slow in this book, not that I minded too much. I don't think they even made it to Karthain yet and a third of the book is gone. The slowness might also come from the lack of action that takes place in this book. While the first two books were chock full of intense battles or stakes, the stakes in this one felt... a bit distant? Most of the action occurs as political subterfuge and hijinks, but even in those moments they don't feel as intense or dire since they mostly happen in the background. A third reason might be due to no strong antagonist, as I felt Sabetha wasn't a life-threatening enemy to the boys and the bondsmagi kept their distance (for the most part) in the five-year game.
The major focus of this book is introducing us to the last surviving ex-member of The Gentleman Bastards, Sabetha. Hearing sprinklings of her from the other books, it was cool to finally meet her! I enjoyed seeing her in both past and present, cementing the complicated relationship her and Locke have towards each other. She very much feels like Locke to a certain degree, both incredibly smart and cunning, though I'd say she felt like more of a tactician and self-reliant. Her poise, beauty and slight prickliness set her apart and made her feel right at home with the other boys in the gang/family. I really wished there was some action though... it would of been sick to see her swordsmanship.
Out of all three books, this one by far had my favorite subplot/interlude chapters. Getting to meet Sabetha all the way back in Shade's Hill was almost nostalgic, and I LOVED The Gentleman Bastards going out on one of their first missions alone to help a friend of Chains. Getting to be with the whole crew, Sabetha included, was truly amazing. I would definitely read a book dedicated to their past adventures. The play subplot was very fun and I liked all the new characters we met through it (also loved how both plots almost bounced off each other at times) plus, you gotta love the classic shit-hitting-the-fan moment when a plan has to be concocted or else everything ends badly.
Most of all, I'm sad. I'm sad that there isn't a next book to read (10+ years is pretty bleak) and it has a cover and blurb and everything but still isn't a thing. The Gentleman Bastards is one of my favorite series of all time...I don't want it to be over.