The Lies of Locke Lamora – Scott Lynch

The Lies of Locke Lamora
Book One of The Gentleman Bastard Sequence
By Scott Lynch
Pub: Gollancz



Locke Lamora, child prodigy. As an orphan with a natural talent for larceny Locke’s nimble fingers, over acting, and thief’s brain soon land in him in more trouble than his life is worth, with his master, the Thiefmaker. Sold off to Father Chains, Locke is given an education which befits his natural talents.

Locke Lamora, rip-off artist. Leading the gang of confidence tricksters he grew up with, Locke is running the rich of the city of Camorr through scam after scam after swindle, earning more gold than he can possibly spend, and a clandestine reputation as the Thorn of Camorr, wanted for his crimes. It is not only the rich who would happily see the Thorn dead, but also the rest of the cities underworld. Locke treads a careful line between licking the boots of the self styled Capa Barsavi, toeing the line as a dutiful and loyal underboss, and breaking the Capa’s golden rule, that the nobles are left alone.

Locke Lamora, Gentleman Bastard. Entering into a long con with Don Salvara, involving brandy and politics, Locke’s plans are thrown into disarray by the presence of a mysterious killer stalking the criminal underworld. Forced to juggle the pretence of being an honest thief with the latest con game, Locke and the Gentlemen Bastards struggle to stay alive.

Lies, Scott Lynch’s first novel, is, in all honesty, brilliant. The first of a planned seven part sequence (the second of which, “Red Sea under Red Skies” is out, and the third “Rebuplic of Thieves” is due Feb 2011) the book serves as self contained story and springboard into Locke’s world and further acts of magnificent robbery.

The story of the Bastard’s current con is interwoven with Locke’s chequered past, providing the reader with background without slackening the book’s break neck pace. The two halves of the plot hold together remarkably well, although there is inevitably some telegraphing of events from one section to the next.

All the characters are very, very well realised, and the dialogue snaps along, with both protagonists and narrative mixing in humour with frivolous, swearing, abandon. The city of Camorr itself deserves a mention for being truly wondrous, mixing Venice with swathes of fantasy.

The story remains firmly routed in the thick of the action throughout, ranging from brawls, to the delicate negotiations of the con, sparing breath for only a small about of world building.

Personally I really can’t recommend the book enough, my only caveat being that once you start the series you’ll be sucked in and forever checking on-line for the arrival of the next book.

Also, new reviewer, so, you know, hello all.