From the Bookshelf of The Sword and Laser…

The Lies of Locke Lamora (Gentleman Bastard, #1)

Scott Lynch

Start date: February 20, 2012

Finish date: March 26, 2012

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Sep 18, 2011 Heather rated it it was amazing

Shelves: sci-fi, fantasy, steampunk

This first in the Gentleman Bastard series was an exhausting, exhilarating, frustrating, charismatic rollercoaster of a ride. I laughed aloud, I cried, I put the book down, I picked it up again and when all was said and done, I felt a great hole in my life.

The Lies of Locke Lamora made their way onto my Nook by virtue of Goodreads recommendations. When I started this book, I have to admit that I hated it, I cursed the author for his crazy writing. I didn't understand the context of the story, I ...more

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Aug 11, 2008 Ashley rated it liked it

Locke Lamora is an orphan, a thief, and an outright bastard. I know this, because he’s part of a group who call themselves the Gentleman Bastards. The Bastards steal from the rich and well … you probably know this story. Locke is so charismatic and engaging, you know why he manages to get away with murder. You also know why you keep turning the pages.

The most disconcerting thing with this book is the time sequencing. It’s written like a movie, or really, a television series. I disapprove. Highly Locke Lamora is an orphan, a thief, and an outright bastard. I know this, because he’s part of a group who call themselves the Gentleman Bastards. The Bastards steal from the rich and well … you probably know this story. Locke is so charismatic and engaging, you know why he manages to get away with murder. You also know why you keep turning the pages.

The most disconcerting thing with this book is the time sequencing. It’s written like a movie, or really, a television series. I disapprove. Highly. With that said, I cannot wait to watch this movie. But, it lacked a few other things I would have ideally liked, like, more depth of character and stuff, but it was good enough, especially for a movie. The plot, the world building, none of that had flaws for me, once you accept it’s fantasy and all that. And heck, who doesnt’ like the name, “Gentlemen Bastards”.

Another issue the time jumping created, anytime I started to really get caught up in the story, the cut away would lose it for me. It was almost worse than when an author has too many points of view, you get anxious to get back to the story you care about, so much so you find yourself skimming the other parts. Oh, and it felt gimmicky. I don’t really like the obvious manipulation.

So what did I like? Why such a high rating? It was a good adventure romp. Wanting to know more kept me going, nobody annoyed me, which is high praises coming from me. I suppose I get overwhelmed when I read something new, and by new I mean, while this is evocative of other works by other authors, I’ve never read this book before. Maybe I just need to get out more. and, Lynch manages to do something I always applaud of, he’s not afraid to kill off a character if it’s necessary for the plot. (even though Martin’s done that the best as of yet in A Game of Thrones)

I’m going to continue with the series, that’s for sure, I hope the time sequencing calms down, and at the same time, I’m afraid of how much less there will be of a story with us being mostly caught up with the past. Discovering everyone’s background really was half of the book, and more interesting to me than the actual storyline. For a debut work in the fantasy field, Locke Lamora really deserves its props. For everyone that likes fantasy starring a rogue type, this book is a great way to divert your time. ...more

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Jan 01, 2012 Eoghann Irving rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 5-star, fantasy

This is the most entertaining fantasy I've read this year and probably the best from a writer new to me that I've read in years.

Locke Lamora is a scam artist. An expert con-man. He and his band of _Gentleman Bastards_ prey on the rich in the city of Camorr (clearly styled after Venice). The stakes however soon grow higher and their plots spin out of control when they get tangled up in the schemes of the Grey King.

Lynch has a great balance between character, plot and background. The fantasy world ...more

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