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A review by vagrantheather
The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I can see why this is a popular book and I don't think it's unwarranted. There is plenty of intrigue and the writing is solid. However, it wasn't for me, and here's why:
1) lacks a view into the character's internal world. I have zero emotional connection to these characters.
2) seriously lacks women protagonists. You know briefly of a girl who dies to give Locke motivation, a girl Locke loves but who we never meet and know nothing about, several whores, a pair of criminals, the wife of a no le person, and a powerful elderly lady in the city. Every important character is male.
3) sick and tired of main characters who are the best ___ who ever loved. Locke is a bit of a Mary Sue. It's ridiculous to think Locke can disguise himself well enough to pass as any age, or well enough that people who know him well don't recognize him. He's too good at thieving (unwarranted), he's too "smart" (always understands the con and has to explain it to everyone else), always is able to slip in and take control where he needs to.
4) am I just not fond of high fantasy? I consider myself a fantasy fan but my favorites tend to be fairy tale retellings, not epic fantasies.
I would say Locke Lamora is a book written for the male gaze and intended for people on the younger side of the spectrum.
1) lacks a view into the character's internal world. I have zero emotional connection to these characters.
2) seriously lacks women protagonists. You know briefly of a girl who dies to give Locke motivation, a girl Locke loves but who we never meet and know nothing about, several whores, a pair of criminals, the wife of a no le person, and a powerful elderly lady in the city. Every important character is male.
3) sick and tired of main characters who are the best ___ who ever loved. Locke is a bit of a Mary Sue. It's ridiculous to think Locke can disguise himself well enough to pass as any age, or well enough that people who know him well don't recognize him. He's too good at thieving (unwarranted), he's too "smart" (always understands the con and has to explain it to everyone else), always is able to slip in and take control where he needs to.
4) am I just not fond of high fantasy? I consider myself a fantasy fan but my favorites tend to be fairy tale retellings, not epic fantasies.
I would say Locke Lamora is a book written for the male gaze and intended for people on the younger side of the spectrum.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Violence, and Death
Minor: Torture