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Gentleman Bastard #1-3
The Gentleman Bastard Sequence
THE LIES OF LOCKE LAMORA introduced Locke Lamora and his gang of con-artists to a global readership which was delighted to embrace these witty, inventive and hugely imaginative fantasy novels. Beautifully written and cunningly plotted these novels count both George RR Martin and Joe Abercrombie amongst their fans.
And now, following the success of Joe Abercrombie's First Law and Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn boxed sets, fans of this series can now own the first three books in a collectable, beautiful and sturdy presentation box.
2240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 23, 2015
740 people are currently reading
4198 people want to read
About the author
Scott Lynch
62 books26.7k followersI was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on April 2, 1978, the first of three brothers. I've lived in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area my entire life; currently, just across the border in Wisconsin, about half an hour east of the Twin Cities.
The Lies of Locke Lamora, my first novel, was bought by Simon Spanton at Orion Books in August, 2004. Prior to that I had just about every job you usually see in this sort of author bio-- dishwasher, busboy, waiter, web designer, office manager, prep cook, and freelance writer. I trained in basic firefighting at Anoka Technical College in 2005, and became a volunteer firefighter in June of that year.
In 2007 The Lies of Locke Lamora was a World Fantasy Award finalist.
In 2008 I received the Sydney J. Bounds Best Newcomer Award from the British Fantasy Society.
In 2010, I lost a marriage but gained a cat, a charming ball of ego and fuzz known as Muse (Musicus Maximus Butthead Rex I).
My partner, the lovely and critically acclaimed SF/F writer Elizabeth Bear, lives in Massachusetts.
The Lies of Locke Lamora, my first novel, was bought by Simon Spanton at Orion Books in August, 2004. Prior to that I had just about every job you usually see in this sort of author bio-- dishwasher, busboy, waiter, web designer, office manager, prep cook, and freelance writer. I trained in basic firefighting at Anoka Technical College in 2005, and became a volunteer firefighter in June of that year.
In 2007 The Lies of Locke Lamora was a World Fantasy Award finalist.
In 2008 I received the Sydney J. Bounds Best Newcomer Award from the British Fantasy Society.
In 2010, I lost a marriage but gained a cat, a charming ball of ego and fuzz known as Muse (Musicus Maximus Butthead Rex I).
My partner, the lovely and critically acclaimed SF/F writer Elizabeth Bear, lives in Massachusetts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
April 24, 2018
The Gentleman Bastard books are quickly becoming some of my favourite fantasy reads.
The Lies of Locke Lamora had been sitting on my to-read list for quite some time. Ever since noticing one of my favourite authors had it on their to-read list, I knew I needed to give it a read. Hell, a lot of the big names in fantasy had many positive things to say about it – thus, I needed in. Unfortunately, I’m not the most patient of people. Due to this, I try not to get involved in series until they are complete. I like to be able to jump in the world without having to take breaks. I’m already waiting on far too many conclusions as it is. Therefore, I was waiting for more of the series to be released before diving in.
This soon went to pot when one of my friends offered me a collection of his fantasy books. He was cleaning out his house, making more room, and wanted to unload some of his books. Who better to hand them to than little old me? Everyone who knows me is aware of my love for books, of how I will nab any and all offered. I asked him what was included and he gave me a wonderful list (at this point I would like to point out the embarrassing fact of how he has only read a couple of them, thus leaving me to question our friendship). There were many squeals as names were read out. Patrick Rothfuss. Joe Abercrombie. Robin Hobb. Scott Lynch. The last easily brought out the biggest of squeals because the first two Gentleman Bastard books were being handed over.
So it was, as soon as I had carried thirty hardback books across town – in the rain, I might add – I got down to what I had been waiting forever to read. I started The Lies of Locke Lamora.
Quickly I knew this was a mistake. This was to be a series whereby I would want to read them all – right then and there. I only had the first two! What kind of misfortunate was this! To make matters worse, not all of the books are out yet. It’s wonderful to know a series will be continuing for some time… and yet I knew from the get-go that I needed them all. At least I had the first two sitting by my bed – it really could have been worse, I could have only had the first book sitting there waiting to be read.
Or so I told myself. After finishing book one I jumped straight into book two. Having finished book two I felt lost and in need of book three. I brought book three, and now the feeling of being lost is extended until I can finally get my hands on book four.
Truthfully, my vocabulary does not quite expand to describe how wonderful these books are.
I know, I’ve given them a four-star rating, but that is because I’m really mean with my five-star ratings. Both books one and two are so close to being rounded up to a five-star rating, and book three was a solid four-star read. Those who hand out five stars more willingly will have no issue in giving these books five stars… but I’m not one hundred percent of the way there. Still, they are wonderful.
I call these onion books: the stories are built up of so many layers. As soon as you unwrap one layer, another is found and another and another, and so on ad infinitum. Constant twists and additional pieces of information are being thrown at you. It is hard to stress how much happened without giving away too many spoilers. Just know we have stories within stories. All of this without becoming repetitive.
Plus, we have wonderful characters. Hell, the voice of Locke deserves five stars in and of itself. The entire cast is wonderful. You have everything you need in the characters. Not to mention wonderful interaction. Seriously, with a great story and wonderful characters these books are not to be missed.
I could say so much more, yet ninety-nine percent of what is left in my head will leave me writing spoilers. Just know it is a truly wonderful series. It is brilliantly written (not just in terms of the prose, but also in the way in which emotions are so easily brought to the fore of your mind) with a storyline to die for. I cannot wait to see what comes next.
If you’re a fantasy fan and you have yet to give this world a try – seriously, get to it, you’re missing out!
Honestly, it is more than worth the read.
The Lies of Locke Lamora had been sitting on my to-read list for quite some time. Ever since noticing one of my favourite authors had it on their to-read list, I knew I needed to give it a read. Hell, a lot of the big names in fantasy had many positive things to say about it – thus, I needed in. Unfortunately, I’m not the most patient of people. Due to this, I try not to get involved in series until they are complete. I like to be able to jump in the world without having to take breaks. I’m already waiting on far too many conclusions as it is. Therefore, I was waiting for more of the series to be released before diving in.
This soon went to pot when one of my friends offered me a collection of his fantasy books. He was cleaning out his house, making more room, and wanted to unload some of his books. Who better to hand them to than little old me? Everyone who knows me is aware of my love for books, of how I will nab any and all offered. I asked him what was included and he gave me a wonderful list (at this point I would like to point out the embarrassing fact of how he has only read a couple of them, thus leaving me to question our friendship). There were many squeals as names were read out. Patrick Rothfuss. Joe Abercrombie. Robin Hobb. Scott Lynch. The last easily brought out the biggest of squeals because the first two Gentleman Bastard books were being handed over.
So it was, as soon as I had carried thirty hardback books across town – in the rain, I might add – I got down to what I had been waiting forever to read. I started The Lies of Locke Lamora.
Quickly I knew this was a mistake. This was to be a series whereby I would want to read them all – right then and there. I only had the first two! What kind of misfortunate was this! To make matters worse, not all of the books are out yet. It’s wonderful to know a series will be continuing for some time… and yet I knew from the get-go that I needed them all. At least I had the first two sitting by my bed – it really could have been worse, I could have only had the first book sitting there waiting to be read.
Or so I told myself. After finishing book one I jumped straight into book two. Having finished book two I felt lost and in need of book three. I brought book three, and now the feeling of being lost is extended until I can finally get my hands on book four.
Truthfully, my vocabulary does not quite expand to describe how wonderful these books are.
I know, I’ve given them a four-star rating, but that is because I’m really mean with my five-star ratings. Both books one and two are so close to being rounded up to a five-star rating, and book three was a solid four-star read. Those who hand out five stars more willingly will have no issue in giving these books five stars… but I’m not one hundred percent of the way there. Still, they are wonderful.
I call these onion books: the stories are built up of so many layers. As soon as you unwrap one layer, another is found and another and another, and so on ad infinitum. Constant twists and additional pieces of information are being thrown at you. It is hard to stress how much happened without giving away too many spoilers. Just know we have stories within stories. All of this without becoming repetitive.
Plus, we have wonderful characters. Hell, the voice of Locke deserves five stars in and of itself. The entire cast is wonderful. You have everything you need in the characters. Not to mention wonderful interaction. Seriously, with a great story and wonderful characters these books are not to be missed.
I could say so much more, yet ninety-nine percent of what is left in my head will leave me writing spoilers. Just know it is a truly wonderful series. It is brilliantly written (not just in terms of the prose, but also in the way in which emotions are so easily brought to the fore of your mind) with a storyline to die for. I cannot wait to see what comes next.
If you’re a fantasy fan and you have yet to give this world a try – seriously, get to it, you’re missing out!
Honestly, it is more than worth the read.
May 1, 2020
I have bested the beast! This collection was one hell of a tome, and I feel so accomplished that I finally finished it! It took me a couple of weeks, but it was worth it.
I think that anyone who likes to read about epic adventures/fantasy would probably really enjoy this series. It has everything I'm looking for in these types of stories. Thieves, pirates, and general con-artistry of the utmost repute. What's not to like about that? These books have plenty of action, multiple & ever-layered schemes, and the most lovable cast of criminals I've come across in a while.
If you're looking for an intricately told adventure, featuring memorable and exciting characters, this would be a great series to dive into. Also, there are so many twists and turns, I was audibly gasping at certain reveals. It was just a solidly good time, and it was a real joy to read.
Individual scores below:
The Lies of Locke Lamora: 5 stars
Red Seas Under Red Skies: 4.5 stars
The Republic of Thieves: 4.75 stars
I think that anyone who likes to read about epic adventures/fantasy would probably really enjoy this series. It has everything I'm looking for in these types of stories. Thieves, pirates, and general con-artistry of the utmost repute. What's not to like about that? These books have plenty of action, multiple & ever-layered schemes, and the most lovable cast of criminals I've come across in a while.
If you're looking for an intricately told adventure, featuring memorable and exciting characters, this would be a great series to dive into. Also, there are so many twists and turns, I was audibly gasping at certain reveals. It was just a solidly good time, and it was a real joy to read.
Individual scores below:
The Lies of Locke Lamora: 5 stars
Red Seas Under Red Skies: 4.5 stars
The Republic of Thieves: 4.75 stars
January 30, 2018
Fantasy just the way I like it! What's not to like? This sequence is so awesome fun! Fun believable fantasy universe hosts Compelling con-men characters in a refreshing epic-but-not-classically-so build-up. Page-turner qualities but not just an easy plow-through-it-and regurgitate-read.
Author Scott Lynch is Inventive, excellent language and writing style and quite dark at times.
Readitreadreaditreaditreaditreaditreadreaditreaditreaditreaditreadreaditreadotreaditreaditreadreaditreaditreadit!
Author Scott Lynch is Inventive, excellent language and writing style and quite dark at times.
Readitreadreaditreaditreaditreaditreadreaditreaditreaditreaditreadreaditreadotreaditreaditreadreaditreaditreadit!
November 1, 2017
It's a rather clever series - also shows that depth of author's ingenuity.
June 13, 2016
I love this series! Fabulous world building, great characterisation, and so many twists! Took a while to get used to the to-and-fro in time that Scott uses throughout, but it helped to discover what in the past had shaped the characters to be what they are when we meet them afresh at the start of the book. And as for story? So many twists and turns and double-crossings and false personas, you're guessing all the way through what comes next.
To date, I've read #1 and #2 in the sequence, and am about to dive into #3, which was a pressie for my birthday yesterday! Can't wait to see how things work out for Locke...
To date, I've read #1 and #2 in the sequence, and am about to dive into #3, which was a pressie for my birthday yesterday! Can't wait to see how things work out for Locke...
May 12, 2017
Absolutely loved this book series. Can't wait to see what happens next! If you're looking for an amazing adventure this is the book for you. Just be prepared to want more.
April 23, 2023
I can say that the whole series is brilliant. At the end we have the revelation of the villain of probably the entire series. There are still unresolved things in the air, a lot of questions.... Alas, if that 4th book doesn't come out next year, I'll go crazy. His writing style is top notch, there is laughter, tears, pain, love, broken hearts, so much twist and turns, you never know who might die....and the reader feels all those emotions. The 1st and 3rd books have parallels with the current story and the one from childhood. The 3rd book introduces us to the adolescence of the Bastards, I have a feeling that in the 4th book we will get the last days of Chains and in general adult life until the beginning of the story of the 1st book. At first I didn't like the constant switching between past and present story but then I fell in love with both parts because apart from the fact that you get a deeper insight into the characters and get even more attached to them, everything is important for the rest of the story. The last book is much more focused on the characters, unlike the 1st and 2nd. Cool thing I read is that the writer did not originally plan to write those 3 books, but in order to start the story of the 4th book (which was supposed to be the 1st) he had to make this 3. Basically Scott Lynch hit the nail on the head in everything with these books, there isn't one thing I don't like, I can't recommend this series more than this.
Simply brilliant.
Simply brilliant.
November 2, 2024
Enjoyed this immensely. Could have happily lived on the high seas with these characters indefinitely. Almost 5 stars. More review to come. Someday. Maybe. On to the next one.
January 8, 2024
why this sad 😭, unfortunate lives.
December 16, 2016
Well, overall I think the Gentlemen Bastard books are "really good", perhaps even "great", but not "fantastic". The thing is, for long stretches the books, especially #2 and to a lesser degree #3, are really damn boring. Red Sails on Red Seas goes endlessly on and on with the sailing, just going from place A to B with conversation, intrigue and fucking between the main characters. The timeline A - timeline B - intermezzo style gets totally out of hand in The Republic of Thieves. While I understand the need to build a solid relationship between Locke and Sabetha, I think Lynch crucially fails to achieve this. The childhood theatre storyline has, as far as I can see, almost ZERO intersection point, emotional or otherwise, with the Karthain storyline. Wasted opportunities abound in all the books. However, all this being said, when at their strongest, the books are mighty fantasy writing indeed. You can follow the rage and frustration of the characters (and there's a damn lot of rage and frustration), and every character is a machine of their own (except Sabetha, which is a paper-thin foil to Locke, jeez Lynch).
January 9, 2019
I picked up the book after I saw the Patrick Rothfuss's review for it. I loved "The Name of the Wind". I still get that little pang of sadness one feels when reaching the last page from a truly fantastic story, even though it's been almost a year since I finished "The Wise Man's Fears". Therefore from high praises and with great hopes I sneaked into the Gentleman Bastard club and I was not disappointed.
The books delivered on all accounts: a story of growing up, of friendship, feats of daring do, suspense, thieving, murder, treachery, revenge... Most of all, a story of love growing in the strangest, most incongruous places: in squalor, among criminals and thieves, going from rags to riches and back so many times I lost count.
To top it all off: the swearing. The delectable, beautiful, masterful, laugh out loud, insouciant swearing. I would give a great deal to be able to swear with such skill.
I'm not going to summarise the books here, or give any glimpse into its characters. All I will say is that while I read these books I was either grinning until my jaws ached or bitting my nails in suspense: no page left me indifferent.
The books delivered on all accounts: a story of growing up, of friendship, feats of daring do, suspense, thieving, murder, treachery, revenge... Most of all, a story of love growing in the strangest, most incongruous places: in squalor, among criminals and thieves, going from rags to riches and back so many times I lost count.
To top it all off: the swearing. The delectable, beautiful, masterful, laugh out loud, insouciant swearing. I would give a great deal to be able to swear with such skill.
I'm not going to summarise the books here, or give any glimpse into its characters. All I will say is that while I read these books I was either grinning until my jaws ached or bitting my nails in suspense: no page left me indifferent.
July 8, 2022
Awesome!
This was an awesome series. If you like ocean's eleven and other stories like it then this is it. This series has everything including action,fantasy,treachery,crew work and great one liners. The best part? You always know that in the end locke lamora will have solved it.
Highly recommend it!
This was an awesome series. If you like ocean's eleven and other stories like it then this is it. This series has everything including action,fantasy,treachery,crew work and great one liners. The best part? You always know that in the end locke lamora will have solved it.
Highly recommend it!
June 16, 2019
Truly an amazing read
If you like high fantasy, cracking plot lines, deep characters, and phenomenal world-building, this series is for you. Similar to the King Killer Chronicles, Codex Alera, and the Farseer series, this trilogy is well well written and enjoyably read. Can’t wait to read what Locke and Jean get up to next.
If you like high fantasy, cracking plot lines, deep characters, and phenomenal world-building, this series is for you. Similar to the King Killer Chronicles, Codex Alera, and the Farseer series, this trilogy is well well written and enjoyably read. Can’t wait to read what Locke and Jean get up to next.
June 19, 2018
These novels are fresh and interesting, with an engaging plot, memorable characters that you can root for, and the right mix of gravitas and humor.
An outstanding and compelling read that I would recommend to anyone.
An outstanding and compelling read that I would recommend to anyone.
December 10, 2018
Great story
You can escape from reality for hours while reading this book
The author will have you see, hear and feel fantastic country side s, characters and societies.
Enjoy excellent story telling
You can escape from reality for hours while reading this book
The author will have you see, hear and feel fantastic country side s, characters and societies.
Enjoy excellent story telling
June 2, 2016
Love these books,such a beautifully constructed story and world that Locke and his companions live in.Great characters and nice plot twists keep you hooked till the last page.
January 7, 2017
Fantastic series, although the main plot of the third one was a little weak, still fabulous overall.
March 25, 2017
Amazing! Cross between Oceans 11 and Venice Renaissance Alien mobs.
August 1, 2017
Really great story. Locke Lamora is one of the best con artists (and maybe one of the first?). I am looking forward to part 4!
November 14, 2017
Loved this, can't wait for the next one.
August 14, 2019
Now if this is just a trilogy I will be sad.
I am totally into the characters now.
Please please be another book.
I am totally into the characters now.
Please please be another book.
January 21, 2020
Loved all three. While they had their flaws mostly with pacing, the stories were amazing and I eagerly am apart of the fans waiting the fourth novel now.
December 11, 2019
“Nice bird, asshole!” thats all that needs to be said.
February 17, 2020
very enjoyable series
April 25, 2020
Locke Lamora is an orphan and he is big trouble! He needs to learn boundaries and limitations. Everything is a test of his abilities.
Thoroughly enjoyed the fantasy world and all the characters!
Thoroughly enjoyed the fantasy world and all the characters!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2020
I've had A BALL OF A TIME slowly burning through this massive piece of work over the course of the last 2 months.
Humor me while I lay out my thoughts on why "The Gentleman Bastard Sequence" is quite possibly one of the best of the genre.
1) The brotherhood/friendship/love shared between Jean Tannen and Locke Lamora is, without a doubt, the strongest, most well-developed relationship I have ever come across in any book EVER.
The dynamic they share played a massive role in the appeal of all three books. Whether it was their collective pursuit of revenge in "The Lies of Locke Lamora", their scheming and seafaring in "Red Seas under Red Skies" or Jean's battle to save Locke in "The Republic of Thieves", Scott Lynch did a tremendous job in making me establish an unwavering bond with these two characters across the trilogy of books.
I love how Jean's brute force is always there to save Locke whenever he gets himself in trouble. Their relationship comes off as one shared between siblings (with Locke being the younger one, for sure).
2) Each book has a distinct theme and flavor which sets it apart from it's predecessors/successors. "The Lies of Locke Lamora" deals with the mob culture, "Red Seas under Red Skies" is a rollicking good time with pirates on the high seas and "The Republic of Thieves" heavily delves into politics and theatre.
I love how these varied themes helped explore different facets of our protagonists in each book.
3) As opposed to most other fantasy fiction books I've read, I've got to give it to Scott Lynch for the unpredictable stories and gripping prose he provides us with. These books are quite literally the definition of "page-turners" - and I do not recollect the last time I was so thoroughly engaged.
I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book of this series - and cannot wait to see what direction Scottie L takes the series in next.
"The Lies of Locke Lamora" - 5/5
"Red Seas under Red Skies" - 5/5
"The Republic of Thieves" - 5/5
Overall - fucking awesome.
Humor me while I lay out my thoughts on why "The Gentleman Bastard Sequence" is quite possibly one of the best of the genre.
1) The brotherhood/friendship/love shared between Jean Tannen and Locke Lamora is, without a doubt, the strongest, most well-developed relationship I have ever come across in any book EVER.
The dynamic they share played a massive role in the appeal of all three books. Whether it was their collective pursuit of revenge in "The Lies of Locke Lamora", their scheming and seafaring in "Red Seas under Red Skies" or Jean's battle to save Locke in "The Republic of Thieves", Scott Lynch did a tremendous job in making me establish an unwavering bond with these two characters across the trilogy of books.
I love how Jean's brute force is always there to save Locke whenever he gets himself in trouble. Their relationship comes off as one shared between siblings (with Locke being the younger one, for sure).
2) Each book has a distinct theme and flavor which sets it apart from it's predecessors/successors. "The Lies of Locke Lamora" deals with the mob culture, "Red Seas under Red Skies" is a rollicking good time with pirates on the high seas and "The Republic of Thieves" heavily delves into politics and theatre.
I love how these varied themes helped explore different facets of our protagonists in each book.
3) As opposed to most other fantasy fiction books I've read, I've got to give it to Scott Lynch for the unpredictable stories and gripping prose he provides us with. These books are quite literally the definition of "page-turners" - and I do not recollect the last time I was so thoroughly engaged.
I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book of this series - and cannot wait to see what direction Scottie L takes the series in next.
"The Lies of Locke Lamora" - 5/5
"Red Seas under Red Skies" - 5/5
"The Republic of Thieves" - 5/5
Overall - fucking awesome.
May 7, 2023
I didn't know a thing about The Lies of Locke Lamora before reading it, I just thought the cover looked really cool so I bought it, took it home and started reading.
It is now quite possibly my favourite book, or one of at least. I was in such a reading slump and yet this book just made me loved reading like I've never loved it before. Some books and some authors just have a way of making you feel everything the characters going through, I imidiately found myself rooting for this little kid and, later, the young man. I laughed so much and cried, sat in awed silence and jumped around squealing like a little girl, and never wanted to put it down for a second. Whatever you're looking for, this book has it. The characters and writing are superb and the dialogue is amazing, the plot is exhilarating and the pacing is perfect. There is never a dull moment and, best of all, it is full of surprises, nothing ever plays out how you expect.
I've often heard it described as 'Oliver Twist meets Oceans 11 with a hint of magic' and I think thats perfect. A loveable group of orphaned con artists just want steal bucket loads of money in peace, but then all sorts of plot happens and shit starts to go down. The main character is so well done because even though he's exceptional at what he does, he has faults and limitations. He's not good at everything and he's not perfect., yet we love him all the same. Theres limited romance and loads of brilliant friendships. and i guarantee whoever reads this book will consider every second their not reading it to be a second wasted.
And if you like this book, just wait until you read the sequel :)
It is now quite possibly my favourite book, or one of at least. I was in such a reading slump and yet this book just made me loved reading like I've never loved it before. Some books and some authors just have a way of making you feel everything the characters going through, I imidiately found myself rooting for this little kid and, later, the young man. I laughed so much and cried, sat in awed silence and jumped around squealing like a little girl, and never wanted to put it down for a second. Whatever you're looking for, this book has it. The characters and writing are superb and the dialogue is amazing, the plot is exhilarating and the pacing is perfect. There is never a dull moment and, best of all, it is full of surprises, nothing ever plays out how you expect.
I've often heard it described as 'Oliver Twist meets Oceans 11 with a hint of magic' and I think thats perfect. A loveable group of orphaned con artists just want steal bucket loads of money in peace, but then all sorts of plot happens and shit starts to go down. The main character is so well done because even though he's exceptional at what he does, he has faults and limitations. He's not good at everything and he's not perfect., yet we love him all the same. Theres limited romance and loads of brilliant friendships. and i guarantee whoever reads this book will consider every second their not reading it to be a second wasted.
And if you like this book, just wait until you read the sequel :)
April 10, 2023
I'M STILL PINING OVER THIS BEJEWELED SERIES; HOLDING OUT A BATTERED BUT STALWART HOPE THAT BOOK 4 WILL COME. THE STORY CANNOT END HERE. LOCKE LAMORA'S JOURNEY MUST GO ON...
Detailed review:
This series is one of my all-time favourites of the genre.
From the moment the happenings of the first page unfold, you are held in a vice-grip of investment. The hardships Locke - the protagonist - faces even at the very beginning, are mysterious in nature. The unwavering wit that he exercises in every situation leaves you guessing where the plot will lead you next.
This series is a voyage of conspiracies, schemes and battles of intelligence within the shadows of grand cities and organisations. It is elegantly interwoven with a detailed world that swallows you up in it's culture and art. In this way, it's almost art within art. Locke and his gang - The Gentleman Bastards - are a band of brothers, trained rigorously from childhood to be masters of espionage and cunning. They rise through society with masterful aliases that even trick the reader at times. It's an unbridled journey through a beautiful world that you never want to end; you fall in love with every aspect and every character; you laugh and sometimes cry alongside them as their treacherous journey splays itself out across your mind.
It's a true masterclass example of fantasy writing that i hope with all my heart continues. I simply cannot accept its ending here. Neither can anyone who picks it up. That fervency alone should be enough to sway you into reading it.
Detailed review:
This series is one of my all-time favourites of the genre.
From the moment the happenings of the first page unfold, you are held in a vice-grip of investment. The hardships Locke - the protagonist - faces even at the very beginning, are mysterious in nature. The unwavering wit that he exercises in every situation leaves you guessing where the plot will lead you next.
This series is a voyage of conspiracies, schemes and battles of intelligence within the shadows of grand cities and organisations. It is elegantly interwoven with a detailed world that swallows you up in it's culture and art. In this way, it's almost art within art. Locke and his gang - The Gentleman Bastards - are a band of brothers, trained rigorously from childhood to be masters of espionage and cunning. They rise through society with masterful aliases that even trick the reader at times. It's an unbridled journey through a beautiful world that you never want to end; you fall in love with every aspect and every character; you laugh and sometimes cry alongside them as their treacherous journey splays itself out across your mind.
It's a true masterclass example of fantasy writing that i hope with all my heart continues. I simply cannot accept its ending here. Neither can anyone who picks it up. That fervency alone should be enough to sway you into reading it.
April 26, 2019
The series revolves around two characters who are echoes of Fafhrd and the Grey Mouser. The Mouser character, here a nameless chap with a a telephone directory of false identities, is a trickster whose tricks tend to go disasterously wrong; befriending him is very dangerous for your health.
The first volume was pretty exciting, so, as is my way when there's too much tension, I skip read it, then went back again. The two follow-up volumes I also skip read, but this was mainly because there are large chunks of exposition, moral meandering and dramatic gestures that go nowhere. "No, I will not accept succour from someone so evil, even if it means I will die!" Ten pages of faffing about, and he decides not to die. The reader could be blown down with a feather.
There's also some love interest other than the homoerotic thing between the two main characters. Nobody seems to believe in these, including the characters themselves. In fact, by the third volume I felt as if the author also had no further belief in any of his actors.
The third volume ends with the resurrection of the couple's most dangerous enemy. A follow-up is promised, but readers are still waiting for it 6 years later. It's a long time to leave your fans hanging off a cliff.
The first volume was pretty exciting, so, as is my way when there's too much tension, I skip read it, then went back again. The two follow-up volumes I also skip read, but this was mainly because there are large chunks of exposition, moral meandering and dramatic gestures that go nowhere. "No, I will not accept succour from someone so evil, even if it means I will die!" Ten pages of faffing about, and he decides not to die. The reader could be blown down with a feather.
There's also some love interest other than the homoerotic thing between the two main characters. Nobody seems to believe in these, including the characters themselves. In fact, by the third volume I felt as if the author also had no further belief in any of his actors.
The third volume ends with the resurrection of the couple's most dangerous enemy. A follow-up is promised, but readers are still waiting for it 6 years later. It's a long time to leave your fans hanging off a cliff.
September 21, 2023
Its a grungy and vibrant world of cutthroats, corruption, powerful magistrates, orphans, pirates, thieves and harlots, all savagely human. The violence and magics of the land are fitting to the realities, hardships, successes and failures created in this story.
So many unique characters and spin offs of established concepts of right and wrong, good vrs evil, and all the grey areas in between.
Its just a fun ride, with twists and turns and w&%$f!?! moments... The characters truly are endearing bastard gentleman (and a lady thief).
Overall this was an unexpected and delightfully unique read mixing fantasy, sci-fi, suspense, mystery, seemingly impossible feats, loyalty, friendship, and love.
Creative happenings manifest throughout the series, it was largely unpredictable, if not in some of the outcomes, certainly in how they played out. Overall this series reflects the clever inclinations and vast imagination of the characters within, and the author himself.
***** WARNING in my opinion this series is for mature audiences, and within that sphere is still NOT a series for persons who may feel uncomfortable with frequent profanity, fear, poverty, brutality between and among the classes, moral rationality, or culturally/situationally driven violence. ****
So many unique characters and spin offs of established concepts of right and wrong, good vrs evil, and all the grey areas in between.
Its just a fun ride, with twists and turns and w&%$f!?! moments... The characters truly are endearing bastard gentleman (and a lady thief).
Overall this was an unexpected and delightfully unique read mixing fantasy, sci-fi, suspense, mystery, seemingly impossible feats, loyalty, friendship, and love.
Creative happenings manifest throughout the series, it was largely unpredictable, if not in some of the outcomes, certainly in how they played out. Overall this series reflects the clever inclinations and vast imagination of the characters within, and the author himself.
***** WARNING in my opinion this series is for mature audiences, and within that sphere is still NOT a series for persons who may feel uncomfortable with frequent profanity, fear, poverty, brutality between and among the classes, moral rationality, or culturally/situationally driven violence. ****
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