The Lies of Locke Lamora, a Review

There are many different types of people throughout the port city-state of Camorr. You've got the gentry who living high above the filth and grime of the lower city. You've got the yellowjackets patrolling the town, who seem to be more willing to take a bribe than to actually do any policing. There are priests and priestesses of the Twelve, some more pious than others, but all respected by the cityfolk. There are pawnbrokers and money lenders, sailors and spice merchants. There are many people in Camorr, many honest folk trying to make an honest living. And then there are the thieves.

Locke Lamora has had a knack for stealing things ever since he was a young lad. Taken by the Thiefmaker at an early age, the orphan boy proved to be more than the Thiefmaker could handle. Locke was traded (sold) off to another man, the Blind Priest of Perelandro named Chains. Here, under the tutelage of the "blind" wizened man, Locke began to learn the true art of thievery and deception.

The Lies of Locke Lamora is a fast-paced yarn that guarantees to keep the Reader up long past bedtime. Locke is a fascinating character, instantly sympathetic and charming, but he's not the kind of man you'd necessarily want to be hanging around with. He's gifted at slight-of-hand, as is obvious from his introduction to the story, but he's also got a knack for bringing trouble. Lies is, at its simplest, a heist story about Locke and the Gentleman Bastards (the name of his gang) trying to rob a certain wealthy noble. The story is, however, not simple, and when one man tells lies for a living, life's bound to get complicated.

There are many memorable things from the book. What comes to mind first is the humor. Scott Lynch writes bloody brilliant dialogue (albeit rather blue) that more than once had me cackling like a loon. What's more, the dialogue comes across as genuine, almost as if Lynch spent some time with some con men in his day and picked up on the lingo. Even under pressure, Locke never loses his sarcastic mouth, and it was this humor that really shined.

Another piece of the book that was equally enjoyable was the fantastic world building. The city-state of Camorr is built on the ruins of some ancient civilization known as the Eldren. Not much is revealed about these mysterious ancients other than the ubiquitous glass structures that they left behind. Man does not know how they lived or what they did, and Lynch doesn't offer much (any?) assistance to the Reader, either. He hints at magic and arcane secrets, but hints are all we're given. This offered a lot of depth to the book, but it also leaves one a bit frustrated, too, as answers aren't forthcoming. I could go on and on about the world building, but I'll leave it with just this one piece, so as not to spoil anything.

Scott Lynch has sold me to his world from just one book. I'm curious to know so much more about so many things, but I'm also eager to get back with Locke again, too. The book is presented in an interesting way, following a Chapter-Interlude-Chapter method. Each chapter deals with the present, that being the heist story, while each Interlude deals with something else. For much of the book the Interludes are like a flashback for different characters, but as the book progresses, these sometimes become folktales or history lessons on the world. I thoroughly enjoyed this, and felt that it did wonders with the pacing of the novel.

The Lies of Locke Lamora has been out for a few years now. If you've not read it (or never heard of it, for that matter), then I suggest that you remedy that. The story telling is impeccable, the characters are unforgettable, and the action is high. There's humor aplenty, but sadness and despair aren't strangers, either. All in all, I'm not sure why it took me so long to read this book, but I'm ever so glad I did. Highly recommended.

Lies of Locke Lamora Group Read: Week Four

As I mentioned, I couldn't put this book down after last week's challenge was up. As it happened, I finished the book a few days ago. (Maybe I should say that the book finished me. Wow.) This week's group read is hosted by Ashley (@ohthatashley) of SF Signal and spans from Chapter 9 through the Interlude "Orchids and Assassins."

1. In the chapter “A Curious Tale for Countess Amberglass” we learn of the tradition of the night tea in Camorr. I found that not so much fantastical as realistic – how about you?

Definitely a very practical and Realistic thing.  I can easily see women meeting in secret to chit chat and gossip about things.  Men, on the other hand, meet at the bars and docks and talk (foolishly) in the open.  It's a testament of wisdom, these late night tea times.

2. When Jean meets with what will become the Wicked Sisters for the first time, the meeting is described very much like how people feel when they find their true work or home. Agree? Disagree? Some of both?

Completely agree.  The way the text reads it's as if the hatchets were made for him, like he had some gut feeling that they were right.  This was solidified when he threw the blade.

3. Salt devils. Bug. Jean. The description is intense. Do you find that description a help in visualizing the scene? Do you find yourself wishing the description was occasionally – well – a little less descriptive?

I believe intense was the very word I used.  I might have said creepy, too.  I pictured something like Shelob or the frost spiders in Skyrim, but more vague, which added to the intensity.

4. This section has so much action in it, it’s hard to find a place to pause. But…but.. oh, Locke. Oh, Jean. On their return to the House of Perelandro, their world is turned upside down. Did you see it coming?

I did see it coming.  The world around the Gentlemen Bastards was crumbling, and there had to be casualties.  Even so, it was upsetting that the Sanzas had to die, as I loved their banter and humor.  

5. Tavrin Callas’s service to the House of Aza Guilla is recalled at an opportune moment, and may have something to do with saving a life or three. Do you believe Chains knew what he set in motion? Why or why not?

I don't know if Chains knew what he set in motion other than that he knew that being having connections to the various temples and priesthoods would be beneficial.  I really liked the flashback for Jean and the description of the cave, with the deadly balconies and walkways.  Such a brilliant thing.  And I loved Jean's quick promotions in rank and how he ultimately escaped.  I hope to see more of Aza Guilla and the rest of the Thirteen.

6. As Locke and Jean prepare for Capa Raza, Doña Vorchenza’s remark that the Thorn of Camorr has never been violent – only greedy and resorting to trickery – comes to mind again. Will this pattern continue?

The Thorn has never been violent, but the Thorn has never been out smarted, either.  However, Chains trained the Bastards in the art of thieving, not killing.  Nevertheless, the man flat told Locke he would kill him if he had to, and so Locke knows that sometimes a killing is a necessary evil.  So will the Thorn become violent?  Not like Capa Raza, I think, but he will have to perform some violent acts.  And who's to say how many violent acts one must do before he's considered a violent person?    

7. Does Locke Lamora or the Thorn of Camorr enter Meraggio’s Countinghouse that day? Is there a difference?

On the tail end of a great question we come to this one.  Is there a difference between Locke Lamora and the Thorn of Camorr?  Ultimately, I think yes, there is, in that the Thorn is the mysterious thief that plagues and cons citizens of Camorr as the need arises.  Locke is the true mystery of the book, I think.  He's the soft-hearted person that we know very little about.  Locke thinks with his heart; the Thorn with his wits.  They're not mutually exclusive characters, but they're so intertwined it's hard (as of yet) to determine who's who.

Lies of Locke Lamora Group Read: Week Three

I was a bit too swamped to put up a post last weekend, but that didn't stop me from pressing on.  Here's the third week's questions of this most fascinating book, hosted this week by Bryce of My Awful Reviews.  You can follow other's responses there.

1. This section is where we finally get to sneak a peek at the magic in The Gentleman Bastards books. From what we read, what are your initial impressions of the magic Lynch is using? Is there any way that Locke and Company would be able to get around the Bondsmage's powers?

From how Lynch describes the powers of the Bondsmagi, they're a tough group of folks.  I expect that their power is somehow linked to the Eldren and the ancient stuff, just like I think alchemy is, but I have no idea of its mechanics or limitations.  Can the Bastards get around the Flaconer's powers?  I want to say yes, but I really have no clue.

2. Not a question, but an area for rampant speculation: If you want to take a stab at who you think the Grey King might be, feel free to do it here.

I had no guesses as to who the Grey King would be.

2.5 (since 2 wasn't really a question) Anyone see the Nazca thing coming? Anyone? Do you think there are more crazy turns like this in store for the book? Would you like to speculate about them here? (yes, yes you would)

No, that was a definite shock.  I thought that maybe she had somehow staged this so as to get off the hook and maybe pull a fast one over on her family, but I quickly realized that this was wrong.  Any more surprises ahead?  Yes, I do believe there are, and considering that I'm up to Chapter 12 now, I think I was correct.  Definitely unexpected.

3. When Locke says "Nice bird, arsehole," I lose it. EVERY TIME. And not just because I have the UK version of the book and the word arsehole is funnier than asshole. Have there been any other places in the books so far where you found yourself laughing out loud, or giggling like a crazy person on the subway?

There's been some humor and some funny lines, but none where I've laughed aloud for very long.  I do have a soft spot for sarcasm, though, and that dark humor is rich.

4. By the end of this reading section, have your opinions changed about how clever the Bastards are? Do you still feel like they're "cleverer than all the rest?" Or have they been decidedly outplayed by the Grey King and his Bondsmage?

Oh wow.  And here I was thinking Locke was incredibly smarter than the rest.  I suppose his inability to see the full picture has always been his problem, as the Interludes paint, and it looks like this scenario has not been accounted for.  But how in the world would he have been able to account for it?  So I do think they have been outplayed, at least for the time being, but I see Locke & Co. pulling out ahead.

5. I imagine that you've probably read ahead, since this was a huge cliffhanger of an ending for the "present" storyline, but I'll ask this anyway: Where do you see the story going from here, now that the Grey King is thought to be dead?

How could I not read ahead.  Lynch certainly knows how to string the Reader along, and I am loving it.  I have no idea where the story is ultimately going, and I can't help but feel like everything in this book is only a set up for the subsequent novels that follow.

6. What do you think of the characters Scott Lynch has given us so far? Are they believable? Real? Fleshed out? If not, what are they lacking?

I think they're mostly believable, especially the Bastards.  They're written in a way that I have feelings for them and their well-being, and logical enough that their decisions are Realistic.  The dialogue is especially strong, giving a conversational tone between speakers.  The different priesthoods are also very well fleshed out, where we're given bits and pieces at a time, building credibility and history.

7. Now that you've seen how clever Chains is about his "apprenticeships," why do you think he's doing all of this? Does he have an endgame in sight? Is there a goal he wants them to achieve, or is it something more emotional like revenge?

Indeed, what is Chains endgame?  I do not think it's to bring down the nobility and break the Peace as has been described earlier.  It seems too simple, too less a plan than Chains calculating mind would create.  No, I think Chains had something deeper to instill in the Bastards and unleash on Camorr.  Does it have something to do with the Thirteenth?  Maybe.  I honestly have no idea.  I don't think it's a simple revenge game, but it could very well be, bearing in mind the Interlude "Tale of the Old Handball Players."  (I know, I read ahead, but this isn't a spoiler...)

So overall the book has been highly enjoyable, and I can easily see why Lynch has such a following.  Make sure you go and check out the other blogs on the Group Read.

Lies of Locke Lamora Group Read: Week 1

Scott Lynch's Lies of Locke Lamora is widely regarded as something beyond special to many genre readers.  Released in 2006, the book has been on my TBR practically ever since, waiting for me to pick it up and show it some love.  That time has come, in part because of my 2012 Manifesto, but mostly due to the Little Red Reviewer's Group Read.  This seemed like the perfect opportunity for me to try out Scott Lynch's world.  (Awesomely enough, the Man Himself, Mr. Lynch, has decided to hop on the Group Read, too, and he'll be blogging at his livejournal site.  Sweet.)

For Week One, we read up through the Interlude titled "Locke Stays for Dinner."  I enjoyed the read so much that I'm almost through the Second Week's assignment, too...  The questions for Round One are below, brought to you by Andrea, the Little Red Reviewer (and self-proclaimed Locke Lamora fanatic).

1. If this is your first time reading The Lies of Locke Lamora, what do you think of it so far? If this is a re-read for you, how does the book stand up to rereading?

This is my first time, and I'm fascinated by everything I'm reading so far.  I love the Elderglass stuff, and the whole fact that Camorr is built on some kind of ancient civilization or something is possibly the most puzzling thing to me currently.  I also like the mystery of the shadow-thing that's following Bug/Locke/etc. in the beginning, and as of yet we have no idea who/what it is.  As for the Big Score, I'm really digging it.  See, I had a bit of an obsession in high school with heist movies (Snatch, in particular).  So much so that I, uhm, well, never stooped to stealing, but I did help some friends out in their lifting of a giant world map from the teachers lounge....  I schemed and plotted and ran surveillance before the Big Day, but on when it came down to it, I chickened out and instead served as a Watchman instead, kind of like the Teasers Lynch writes about.  I'm not proud of my choices and involvement, and I in no way condone theft or general skullduggery, but it's still a cool story.  So yeah, suffice it say that I'm loving the Gentleman Bastards business.

2. At last count, I found three time lines: Locke as as a 20-something adult, Locke meeting Father Chains for the first time, and Locke as a younger child in Shades Hill. How are you doing with the Flashback within a flashback style of introducing characters and the world?

I'm a sucker for the frame story, so scratch another mark for Scott Lynch in my book.  His skill at handling the timelines is deft, and I don't think I've been confused yet.  Plus, I am/was a LOST fan, so I've got no problem with this.

3. Speaking of the world, what do you think of Camorr and Lynch's world building?

I touched on this a bit in the first question, but I'm really liking it.  It has a different feel to me than many other SFF worlds that I've read.  I can't help but think that if I went overseas to Italy that this kind of stuff is exactly like what I would see, with the canals and the names and the foodstuffs.  I get the impression that Lynch's world is robust and that there's a hearty history to it that I'm only starting to appreciate.  I also like how Realistic this book reads, from how the characters act/talk to how the world operates.  So far, so good.

4. Father Chains and the death offering. . . quite the code of honor for thieves, isn't it? What kind of person do you think Chains is going to mold Locke into?

Can I answer with "I think Chains is molding Locke into a Gentleman and a Bastard?"  Religion is obviously very important to Camorr, and the fact that the Thirteenth is a denied deity by most (or most are oblivious?) catches my attention.  I'm curious as to the kind of man Chains is, and the kind of man he used to be before becoming the Blind Priest.  He must either be very devoted to his god or very ambitious with his plans.

5. It's been a while since I read this, and I'd forgotten how much of the beginning of the book is pure set up, for the characters, the plot, and the world. Generally speaking, do you prefer set up and world building done this way, or do you prefer to be thrown into the deep end with what's happening?

I love soups.  Chicken noodle.  Potato.  Vegetable.  You name it, I'll try it.  Sometimes I'm in the mood for some homemade soup, and that takes work to peel and dice the veggies, prep the meat, and measure the add-ins.  Once the works done, the soup then has to boil for quite some time before I get to enjoy the fruit of my labors, but it's okay, because not only do I like soup, I like to cook.  But sometimes I pull a can of Chunky out of the pantry and put it in the microwave.  Homemade trumps Chunky every time, but that doesn't mean that the Chunky isn't good and it doesn't hinder Chunky from accomplishing its purpose.

So far I'm very much enjoying the world of Camorr and the life and times of Locke Lamora.  I have no idea where this story is going, but I'm looking forward to making the journey.