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The Republic of Thieves
(Gentleman Bastard #3)
by
With what should have been the greatest heist of their career gone spectacularly sour, Locke and his trusted partner, Jean, have barely escaped with their lives. Or at least Jean has. But Locke is slowly succumbing to a deadly poison that no alchemist or physiker can cure. Yet just as the end is near, a mysterious Bondsmage offers Locke an opportunity that will either save
...more
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Hardcover, First Edition, 650 pages
Published
October 8th 2013
by Del Rey
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Start your review of The Republic of Thieves (Gentleman Bastard, #3)

3.5/5 Stars
Let me begin by saying that if I’ve read this book without knowing about Scott Lynch’s struggle with depression during this 6-years time of writing it, I’ll probably rate this book lower. This doesn’t mean that the book received a better rating from me because of his depression, but the knowledge did provide me with a better sense of understanding to the events that happened in this book, specifically to why some parts are infuriating to read and why there are times when the words he ...more
Let me begin by saying that if I’ve read this book without knowing about Scott Lynch’s struggle with depression during this 6-years time of writing it, I’ll probably rate this book lower. This doesn’t mean that the book received a better rating from me because of his depression, but the knowledge did provide me with a better sense of understanding to the events that happened in this book, specifically to why some parts are infuriating to read and why there are times when the words he ...more

I have no complaints. No critiques. This series is perfect in my eyes. It's my new favorite series of them all. I cannot WAIT for book four
...more

Jul 21, 2017
Sean Barrs
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
4-star-reads,
fantasy
“You want a lesson, boy? If you find yourself being born, climb back in as quick as you can, because life’s a bottomless feast of shit.”
And isn’t that the truth? Locke Lamora has been through hell, and his life is about to get even more messy. After dealing with a dreaded Bondmagi in the Lies of Locke Lamora, and somehow surviving, Locke has found himself on borrowed time after his experience in Red Seas Under Red Skies.
Pumping through his veins is a deadly poison. It is slowly eating away a ...more
And isn’t that the truth? Locke Lamora has been through hell, and his life is about to get even more messy. After dealing with a dreaded Bondmagi in the Lies of Locke Lamora, and somehow surviving, Locke has found himself on borrowed time after his experience in Red Seas Under Red Skies.
Pumping through his veins is a deadly poison. It is slowly eating away a ...more

4/5
**this review contains mass amounts of quotes and fanart because I'm so inlove with these books and can't get enough. You have been warned**

This is a tough review for me to write, mainly because I really love this series and consider it a favorite, so I had high expectations for this novel. However my expectations for this one were not met and I'm kinda disappointed. I really truly feel it is the weakest story in the se ...more
“False names are fun,” said Calo. “Call me Beefwit Smallcock.”
**this review contains mass amounts of quotes and fanart because I'm so inlove with these books and can't get enough. You have been warned**

This is a tough review for me to write, mainly because I really love this series and consider it a favorite, so I had high expectations for this novel. However my expectations for this one were not met and I'm kinda disappointed. I really truly feel it is the weakest story in the se ...more

i couldnt help it. i was planning on waiting to read this closer to the release of book 4, but after ‘red seas under red skies,’ i just couldnt do it. i was desperate to know what happened next.
while this is my least favourite installment of the series thus far, that really isnt saying much because its still pretty amazing. i feel like the tone is different from the previous two books in that this is a much slower and less plot-oriented story. it definitely focuses more on the characters, their ...more
while this is my least favourite installment of the series thus far, that really isnt saying much because its still pretty amazing. i feel like the tone is different from the previous two books in that this is a much slower and less plot-oriented story. it definitely focuses more on the characters, their ...more

"Hardship is boring as all hell. Gotta find laughs if you can't stay drunk."
What a great fantasy series this is! I did find this one ever so slightly harder to tackle, it's a good 100 pages longer than book 2 and a lot of the content was quite political and less fast moving.
Locke and Jean have managed to escape their latest escapade on the high seas and are now firmly back on land. Before long they have been swept up by the Bondsmagi and forced into another heist filled with deception and tric ...more
What a great fantasy series this is! I did find this one ever so slightly harder to tackle, it's a good 100 pages longer than book 2 and a lot of the content was quite political and less fast moving.
Locke and Jean have managed to escape their latest escapade on the high seas and are now firmly back on land. Before long they have been swept up by the Bondsmagi and forced into another heist filled with deception and tric ...more

I LOVED the flashbacks in the The Lies of Locke Lamora, and I LOVED seeing the gentlemen bastards all working and interacting with each other. In Red Seas Under Red Skies, those flashback were only there for a little bit, and I severely missed seeing all the bastards together! Not this time though! In The Republic of Thieves, we have a full book of interlude flashbacks that contain all the original members of the gentleman bastard… include Sabetha!
The flashback this time dealt, at first, with ho ...more
The flashback this time dealt, at first, with ho ...more

2.5*- 3* RTC
I was in love with the first book in the series, The Lies of Locke Lamora. Everything about it made me jump with joy while reading, even the gory parts. I loved the characters, the cussing, the banter between the characters, the dark side of Locke’s mind, even the never ending world building. On to Red Seas Under Red Skies. I still enjoyed it a lot even though more than half was set on the sea and I am not a fan of seafaring. Still, the plot was interesting, Locke and Jean were as fu ...more
I was in love with the first book in the series, The Lies of Locke Lamora. Everything about it made me jump with joy while reading, even the gory parts. I loved the characters, the cussing, the banter between the characters, the dark side of Locke’s mind, even the never ending world building. On to Red Seas Under Red Skies. I still enjoyed it a lot even though more than half was set on the sea and I am not a fan of seafaring. Still, the plot was interesting, Locke and Jean were as fu ...more

(This review doesn’t really contain spoilers until the second part, when I say there are spoilers. However, some vague information about earlier books is drawn upon in the first part. If you’re being cautious, don’t read this review.)
Upon first discovering its impending release...

Sabetha?!
...Wait. Wait, you mean we actually get to meet Sabetha?
Well, Jesus. I've been wanting to meet this 'Sabetha' forever. If she's the reason Locke is both obsessed with and wary of red-heads, I want to know who s ...more
Upon first discovering its impending release...

Sabetha?!
...Wait. Wait, you mean we actually get to meet Sabetha?
Well, Jesus. I've been wanting to meet this 'Sabetha' forever. If she's the reason Locke is both obsessed with and wary of red-heads, I want to know who s ...more

This first book in this series was very good.
The second book in this series was excellent!
This book was just meh . . .
Each one of the books is a similarly meandering and complex epic adventure with twists, turns, and surprises. The Republic of Thieves was no exception. The problem was that I could not really get invested in either of the main storylines. The previous books were true adventures while these stories just felt like ho –hum, day in the life type stuff.
I will say that if you like the ...more
The second book in this series was excellent!
This book was just meh . . .
Each one of the books is a similarly meandering and complex epic adventure with twists, turns, and surprises. The Republic of Thieves was no exception. The problem was that I could not really get invested in either of the main storylines. The previous books were true adventures while these stories just felt like ho –hum, day in the life type stuff.
I will say that if you like the ...more

Word count: about 250 000 or something, just a rough estimate
Rating: Bouncing around like a unicorn on a pogo stick + why do you keep on hitting me in the face with a brick while I'm trying to have fun? = (yes, you've guessed it) MIND NUMBING CONCOCTION OF AWESOME AND HORRID.

I'm sorry, but there is no way to keep it brief.
First of all, it’s a long book. Yes, reading it undeniably takes a while, but I’ve very much enjoyed it in general. Don’t let the length discourage you from picking that one ...more
Rating: Bouncing around like a unicorn on a pogo stick + why do you keep on hitting me in the face with a brick while I'm trying to have fun? = (yes, you've guessed it) MIND NUMBING CONCOCTION OF AWESOME AND HORRID.

I'm sorry, but there is no way to keep it brief.
First of all, it’s a long book. Yes, reading it undeniably takes a while, but I’ve very much enjoyed it in general. Don’t let the length discourage you from picking that one ...more

Apr 14, 2016
Orient
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
action lovers
Recommended to Orient by:
Milda Page Runner
Gentleman Bastards books are special and unforgettable to me for a good reason: Mr. Lynch used a strong, fun storyline that kept me hooked. "Republic of Thieves" has two branches in a storyline and it is a fun read too. The two stories blend perfectly with the events helping to reveal one another. I think it's a complicated trick to present a story, but Lynch does it skillfully. The main star of this novel is the political intrigue and the Bastards do it nicely with their sly and shrewd characte
...more


German Review on Gosureviews
After 6 years I expected a better story.
Sabetha, teased in the previous two books, turns out to be a very weak and shallow character. One of the main plot lines, their "love story" just doesn't work. They don't really have any chemistry together and later in the book I actually got annoyed whenever they had a scene together.
It started very strong, but the main story was utterly boring and predictable, so much that I had a hard time finishing the book. The end made u ...more

We are back on track!!!
I don’t have time for a super in depth review but let’s just say that some of the magic that was lost for me in Red Seas over Red Skies is now back again.
Part of the reason is the flashbacks to when Locke and Jean were kids running scams and seeing Sabatha when she was part of their team. The other reason is Sabatha now. SHE IS AMAZING!!! You are either going to love her or hate her but I love her and I love Locke’s reactions to her.
I don’t have time for a super in depth review but let’s just say that some of the magic that was lost for me in Red Seas over Red Skies is now back again.
Part of the reason is the flashbacks to when Locke and Jean were kids running scams and seeing Sabatha when she was part of their team. The other reason is Sabatha now. SHE IS AMAZING!!! You are either going to love her or hate her but I love her and I love Locke’s reactions to her.
“I’m, uh, going up to the room … to...more

"You're trying to be charming again," she said softly, "but I choose not to be charmed, Locke Lamora."
Long last, after three hefty books, we finally meet Locke's lost love, Sabetha Belacoros.
Quick crash course for those with short-term memory loss: Sabetha was a Gentleman Bastard and is hinted to be romantically involved with Locke, and then left for some unknown reason. Locke still loves her, but is slightly bitter about it.
That's from the first two books. In this one, we finally meet the ...more

An interesting plot that lacks the suspense of the previous two books
I absolutely loved the first book books in the Gentleman Bastard series, and while I enjoyed this book as well, it's unfortunately a significant step down due to it's plot.
The writing itself remains high quality, and you can't help but love the way both main characters interact with this vibrant world. The way the flashback sequences were done was, as always, a nice touch that I don't normally appreciate in fantasy novels. The ...more
I absolutely loved the first book books in the Gentleman Bastard series, and while I enjoyed this book as well, it's unfortunately a significant step down due to it's plot.
The writing itself remains high quality, and you can't help but love the way both main characters interact with this vibrant world. The way the flashback sequences were done was, as always, a nice touch that I don't normally appreciate in fantasy novels. The ...more

Finally I sit down to write a thoughtful (let's say, trying to) review of the book.
This is just the best book yet on Locke and Jean. We are at a point in which we know the two are the closest buddies ever. They are (and continue to be) the priority on everything and everyone for each other.
Their dialogues are pure gold. I was listening to the audiobook while at the gym and I would giggle or laugh every now and again and people would stare at me as if I was crazy. The jury is still out there on ...more
This is just the best book yet on Locke and Jean. We are at a point in which we know the two are the closest buddies ever. They are (and continue to be) the priority on everything and everyone for each other.
Their dialogues are pure gold. I was listening to the audiobook while at the gym and I would giggle or laugh every now and again and people would stare at me as if I was crazy. The jury is still out there on ...more

Crooked Warden, Nameless Thirteenth, guide Scott Lynch’s pen swiftly through Locke Lamora’s next daring adventure. Grant him new ways of tickling my fancy with poetic swearing, witty scheming, and vicious storytelling.
So apparently the Nameless Thirteenth enjoys pissing on mortals and laughing at their prayers. THIS is what I’ve been waiting years for? THIS didn’t even have the same feel as the first two books in the beloved Gentlemen Bastards series. It felt more like a PG-13 version of an R ra ...more
So apparently the Nameless Thirteenth enjoys pissing on mortals and laughing at their prayers. THIS is what I’ve been waiting years for? THIS didn’t even have the same feel as the first two books in the beloved Gentlemen Bastards series. It felt more like a PG-13 version of an R ra ...more

Blessed is the one who aids a thief, hides a thief, revenges a thief, and remembers a thief, for they shall inherit the night.
I used to think of the Gentleman Bastard series as a mediocre series, but this third instalment finally managed to impress me. Action wise, this had quite a few. Not enough to fully impress me, but quite adequate to keep things interesting. This novel felt more like a character development novel for Locke and the ever mysterious Sabetha.
So we finally get to ...more

Of the three books in the Gentleman Bastard series (Will there ever be any more?) I liked this one least. I really loved meeting Sabetha finally, and seeing Locke and her past. I also loved that we get more information on Locke's mysterious past. I wish this one had kept up the same sense of urgency and suspense that the first two books had though. I wasn't as captivated by the plot because this one focused so much on Locke and Sabetha's perpetually strained relationship. I'm looking forward to
...more

Fantasy Review Barn
Spoilers from the first two books guaranteed.
Prologue
The young man has found a rekindled interest in the fantasy genre. Joe Abercrombie pulled him back in with The First Law. George RR Martin tried to break him. Eagerly the man searches forums for something new, something great, a series to follow for years to come. Making his choice he grabs one of the shelf, thinking “damn that is a long, awkward title.”
1
The man, slightly older, fires up his Kindle. It is finally here! Eage ...more
Spoilers from the first two books guaranteed.
Prologue
The young man has found a rekindled interest in the fantasy genre. Joe Abercrombie pulled him back in with The First Law. George RR Martin tried to break him. Eagerly the man searches forums for something new, something great, a series to follow for years to come. Making his choice he grabs one of the shelf, thinking “damn that is a long, awkward title.”
1
The man, slightly older, fires up his Kindle. It is finally here! Eage ...more

I really enjoyed reading this series. I love the Locke and Jean bromance. And I'm delighted with the humour, though crude, is strangely eloquent. However, the quality of the books seem to be dropping as the series progressed.
As engaging as the plot was, The Republic of Thieves did suffer from really uneven pacing; some setpieces were dragged out, some rushed through. What I did absolutely love from this book was the backstory Interludes which brought the reader back to Locke's much younger days ...more
As engaging as the plot was, The Republic of Thieves did suffer from really uneven pacing; some setpieces were dragged out, some rushed through. What I did absolutely love from this book was the backstory Interludes which brought the reader back to Locke's much younger days ...more

Jun 01, 2019
♛ may
rated it
really liked it
Shelves:
ded,
series,
600-pgs,
aaaaaaaaaa,
bye,
my-heart,
i-am-trash,
i-will-go-down-with-this-ship,
high-fantasy
well,,,,,,,,,,that epilogue was really a turn of events.
i'm freaking obsessed with this series, gIVE ME MORE
rtc ...more
i'm freaking obsessed with this series, gIVE ME MORE
rtc ...more

Oct 22, 2016
Teal
rated it
did not like it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
fiction,
series,
sff,
reviewed,
own,
ebook,
hated-it,
read-in-2016,
mc-on-ace-spectrum,
this-never-happened
To the 1st book in the series: 5 stars, and a spot on my All-Time Favorite Fantasy Novels list.
To the 2nd in the series: 4 stars, and a hearty recommendation.
To this, the 3rd in the series: 1 star, and an earnest plea to the author to never try to make a career of writing romance.
I waited for this book for years -- and once I had it in my hands (pretty much the first moment it became available), it took me years to finish it. How many years? I'm not sure, exactly -- I know it was more than two, ...more
To the 2nd in the series: 4 stars, and a hearty recommendation.
To this, the 3rd in the series: 1 star, and an earnest plea to the author to never try to make a career of writing romance.
I waited for this book for years -- and once I had it in my hands (pretty much the first moment it became available), it took me years to finish it. How many years? I'm not sure, exactly -- I know it was more than two, ...more

An unedited preview of the first 5500 words of the Republic of Thieves can be read here. Publication has also been pushed back to September, 2013.
I'm sorry all you gentlemen bastards, but now we wait.
...more
I'm sorry all you gentlemen bastards, but now we wait.
...more

Seeing as this is the 3rd book in a series, I don't want to say too much about the plot. I will say that I enjoyed this one much more than Red Seas Under Red Skies but still not quite as much as the first book The Lies of Locke Lamora.
I appreciate that we *finally* got to learn more about Sabetha, and the flashbacks in this book, YOU GUYS, the flashbacks were SO good. I loved the theatrical and political aspects of this one a lot. And as always, Locke & Jean are the ultimate BroTP (pretty sure ...more
I appreciate that we *finally* got to learn more about Sabetha, and the flashbacks in this book, YOU GUYS, the flashbacks were SO good. I loved the theatrical and political aspects of this one a lot. And as always, Locke & Jean are the ultimate BroTP (pretty sure ...more

full review...
The Republic of Thieves is yet another outstanding and highly entertaining continuation of the witty, highly sarcastic and definitely R17-rated series Gentleman Bastards!
4 ½ Stars
Again, Scott Lynch had me on the floor belly up laughing for most of the series, and trust me ‘The Republic of Thieves’ was just as fun as the previous 2 entries in the series! I’m a big believer of Goodreads, and all the wonderful (and some not so wonderful) reviews in here. Nothing is worse than reading ...more
The Republic of Thieves is yet another outstanding and highly entertaining continuation of the witty, highly sarcastic and definitely R17-rated series Gentleman Bastards!
4 ½ Stars
Again, Scott Lynch had me on the floor belly up laughing for most of the series, and trust me ‘The Republic of Thieves’ was just as fun as the previous 2 entries in the series! I’m a big believer of Goodreads, and all the wonderful (and some not so wonderful) reviews in here. Nothing is worse than reading ...more

Without any doubts Gentleman Bastards is one of my favourite series to date even though from instalment to instalment it steadily goes down the slope with the full quintuple fuckdamn of stars for The Lies of Locke Lamora , three and a half star aboard for the Red Seas Under Red Skies and three very conflicted stars here.
If you remember, I had a feeling that the previous instalment of Gentleman Bastards was the book proper an accompanying pirate novella. Now, the Republic of Thieves is also a co ...more
If you remember, I had a feeling that the previous instalment of Gentleman Bastards was the book proper an accompanying pirate novella. Now, the Republic of Thieves is also a co ...more

Quit being so hard on yourself. We are what we are; we love what we love. We don't need to justify it to anyone... not even to ourselves.
Yes. You are absolutely correct, Locke. So no matter how unhappy I am with this installment, no matter how lovesick you were with Sabetha, no matter how thinner this book's plot is compared with the first two, no matter how bored I felt when Patience is talking, I am still giving this four stars, because gods damn it, I am so biased when it comes to Lynch ...more
topics | posts | views | last activity | |
---|---|---|---|---|
What's the Name o...: SOLVED. Fantasy series with bank heist in one book [s] | 2 | 48 | Feb 09, 2020 10:23AM | |
Nothing But Readi...: Lynch, Scott--The Republic of Thieves (Gentlemen Bastard #3); Informal buddy read; Starts 15 June 2018 | 66 | 165 | Jul 02, 2018 06:29PM | |
Fantasy Buddy Reads: Republic of Thieves [Feb 14, 2018] | 134 | 67 | Feb 20, 2018 06:42AM | |
Fantasy Buddy Reads: The Republic of Thieves [July 2017] | 98 | 94 | Jul 13, 2017 07:46PM | |
SF/F Read Alongs: [July-Aug] The Republic of Thieves (Gentleman Bastards #3) | 57 | 38 | Aug 14, 2016 12:20AM | |
Around the Year i...: The Republic of Thieves, by Scott Lynch | 2 | 24 | Feb 17, 2016 10:01PM |
I 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 s ...more
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 s ...more
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