The Lies of Locke Lamora
Scott Lynch
Pan MacMillan
Trade Paperback, pages got given, price not given
Reviewed by Gail Jamieson, on 14 August 2006
Book One of The Gentleman Bastard Sequence
This is a first novel from Scott Lynch. Locke Lamora is taken in as a
small child by Father Chains, priest of the rather imaginary Thirteenth God.
His education is basically to enable him to become an exceptional conman. He
goes through a selection of the studies of the other twelve real Gods, as
well as showmanship, culture and fine cuisine, sword play and mummery to
mention a few. But he has a natural talent to start with and a very sly
mind. He and four other initiates become the "Gentleman Bastards", and he
himself becomes the legendary "Thorn of Camorr".
This is a rollicking tale of deception and intrigue and is very
entertaining to read. One small problem for me was the jumps in time
sequence so that occasionaly I had to go back to see if I had missed
something.
One definite advantage is that although this is Book One, it is a
complete story.
This is a sort of Fantasy Robin Hood who lives on a planet with an
unmentioned number of moons and Bondmages for hire, but this Robin Hood
has his weaknesses as well and an undeniable conscience.
A very clever book with numerous plot complications. I read it quickly
from cover to cover and shall look out for the further adventures of the
surviving Gentleman Bastards.
Highly recommended fantasy.
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