August 2009 - Discuss The Lies of Locke Lamora

[Alethea]

August's Alternate Selection




The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch

Discuss here!

Please warn at the beginning of your post if it contains spoilers so that people can scroll past it.

(and apologies for my earlier mistake,
Leviathan doesn't release until October 6th in the US)

[Min]

OMG! I'm so excited! I am a little over halfway through this book and I have to say I LOVE it so far! It really is as the description says: "is one part "Robin Hood," one part Ocean's Eleven."

It's long. But if anyone can get it from their library, the audio is totally worth it. I got to listen to about half from the library before it was due back (21 hours!) so I had to buy the book. : P

[Alethea]

I've had the book for ages, it seems. I got an ARC of the sequel, which led me to buy the first book. Starting it today!

[Mawgojzeta]

Very good book. I lived (until recently) in the same small town as the author. Lived there for years and years yet never met him nor his wife. He is (maybe was) a volunteer firefighter for fire station there.

Anyway, will wait until more people have finished the book to comment more.

[Min]

Mawgojzeta wrote: "Very good book. I lived (until recently) in the same small town as the author. Lived there for years and years yet never met him nor his wife. He is (maybe was) a volunteer firefighter for fire ..."

Have you read the second book? I've heard the third is a prequel without Locke.

[Mawgojzeta]

Mindy: I have read the second book. I found it to be quite fulfilling.... as long as the third book picks right up where the second left off. So, hopefully it is not a prequel.

I looked on his official website and he seems to be keeping it up-to-date but does not comment on detail of the book nor a concrete release date.

[Min]

Mawgojzeta wrote: "Mindy: I have read the second book. I found it to be quite fulfilling.... as long as the third book picks right up where the second left off. So, hopefully it is not a prequel.

I looked on his ..."

I took a look at the cover art for the next book and it looks like Sabetha on the cover. So I assume it is not a prequel.

[Min]

I can honestly say this has to be in contention for my favorite book of the year. It's certainly my favorite so far.

We begin the story when Locke is just a child of five. Immediately, he is deviously lovable. Next come introductions of the Sanzas and Jean, all equally interesting and lovable characters. Despite all the gritty hardships and despair peppered throughout this book, Locke bears them well. He's a character that takes responsibility (once understood) for his actions and in most cases, learns from them.

His character develops through the "now" story line (where Locke is late to mid twenties by my count) and through interludes (where Lynch seamlessly shifts back and forth into the past, each time revealing a little more of Locke & the Gentleman Bastards' as well as Camour history). The depth of friendship, especially between Locke and Jean, can be quite touching.

I love a book that can keep me guessing. Nearly every close call, I would think to myself, how is Locke going to get himself out of this one? Lynch never disappoints, creating elaborate "ah ha" moments as fanciful as one of Locke's scores.

I cannot wait to read the second book to see where the criminal mastermind of Locke Lamora takes us next.

*side note: this book is full (and I mean there might not be a page without one) of swear words. I'm not one to complain about profanity - but in general I don't love a book that is full of it. However, in this case, it seems befitting of the story and adds an element and color that without it, wouldn't be the same story. Also, it can be quite gory in places and the subject matter is probably not for the squeamish or delicate.

[Min]

Mawgojzeta wrote: "Mindy: I have read the second book. I found it to be quite fulfilling.... as long as the third book picks right up where the second left off. So, hopefully it is not a prequel.

I looked on his ..."

I just found the summary for the third book at the back of my second book. It is not a prequel. I added it to the book's profile on GR. The Republic of Thieves

[Samantha]

Hey guys!! I got this one from B&N a few weeks ago, so I should try to start it soon...I've heard so many good things about it so far...can't wait! :D

[Stephanie]

This is one of my all time faves. I absolutely fell in love with the characters!! Locke reminds me of a combo between Robin Hood and Captain Jack Sparrow! I can not wait for book three...I was told the release date isn't until July of 2010!!! Such a long wait!!

[Stephanie]

Mindy wrote: "Mawgojzeta wrote: "Mindy: I have read the second book. I found it to be quite fulfilling.... as long as the third book picks right up where the second left off. So, hopefully it is not a prequel..."

Thank you so much...I have been wondering where this would be heading!!

[Alethea]

aaaaggh. I forgot it at work :( It's ok, I'll be back there in 8 hours anyway.

[Min]

Alethea wrote: "aaaaggh. I forgot it at work :( It's ok, I'll be back there in 8 hours anyway."

Hope you weren't at a crucial part!!! : )

[Min]

Okay, so I have to say I'm pretty excited (if this is true). According to Wikipedia (again, issues with truth-telling here) there are a whole bunch of Locke Lamora books in the works. Also the movie rights were purchased by WB in 2006 and they've hired two writers to adapt it. We'll see if it ever comes to anything (lots of times scripts just sit around until someone decides to make it) Anyway, here is the list of future titles:

1. The Lies of Locke Lamora (June 2006)
2. Red Seas Under Red Skies (July 2007)
3. The Republic of Thieves (forthcoming)
4. The Thorn of Emberlain (forthcoming)
5. The Ministry of Necessity (forthcoming)
6. The Mage and the Master Spy (forthcoming)
7. Inherit the Night (forthcoming)

Has anyone been reading this book for August? It's totally worth the 719 pages.

[Stephanie]

Wow thank you so much for this info...I loved both book one and book two!!

[Min]

I'm reading two right now. They are both fantastic.

[Stephanie]

I agree...I just fell in love with the characters!

[Samantha]

I just finished the first one...my favorite part was the ending, that and Father Chains...so many good quotes! :D

[Min]

I have to say that in general I'm kind of against surprises. : ) But I absolutely loved the way Lynch wove the story in and out of the past. I would read a part and then it would go to one of the "Interludes" and something from the past would shine light on either something I had just read or was about to read. It's a fantastic book.

I also loved Father Chains. I especially loved the bits where Locke was a little naughty kid.

Samantha: You should definitely read the next one. It is just as excellent.

[Samantha]

Mindy- I probably will after I let this one digest a little, lol. :D

[Reema]

I've just bought it but i'm still trying to get through The Name of the Wind!
By the time i finish that i should have Sea Glass and Fire so it will have to wait!

[Min]

Hmmm. Tough competition. : ) How do you like The Name of the Wind? That was one of my favorite books last year.

[Reema]

I must not be in the right frame of mind to read it. It feels like the story is dragging and i'm still waiting for the point. I am only half way through though so i will keep reading.
The whole some one telling a story of some one else telling a story is a little confusing but i am liking it. Will let you know the final verdict when i'm done - if i ever finish it, i've been reading it forever!