The Lies of Locke Lamora
by Scott Lynch
Locke Lamora and his gang of thieves con their way through Camorr, a city built on shadows, deceit, and ruined gods—until a rival slips from the darkness and everything begins to bleed. It’s witty, brutal, and beautiful, especially for those who love heists with teeth.
About This Book
In the city of Camorr, a place reminiscent of late medieval Venice, Locke Lamora leads the Gentleman Bastards, a group of elite con artists. Under the mentorship of Father Chains, they execute elaborate schemes to swindle the wealthy, all while adhering to the Secret Peace—a tacit agreement that shields the nobility from the criminal underworld. The gang's camaraderie and shared purpose form a tight-knit family, bound by their shared code and mutual respect.
Their latest target is Don Lorenzo Salvara and his wife, Doña Sofia, a skilled alchemist. Locke adopts the guise of Lukas Fehrwight, a merchant from Emberlain, to infiltrate their lives. However, their plans are disrupted when a mysterious figure known as the Gray King begins eliminating key members of Camorr's criminal hierarchy, including Capa Barsavi, the city's dominant crime lord. This upheaval forces Locke and his crew into a perilous game of survival, as they navigate treachery and shifting alliances within the city's underworld.
The narrative unfolds with a dark and intense atmosphere, blending suspenseful heist sequences with the looming threat of betrayal. As Locke and his companions confront formidable adversaries and grapple with the consequences of their actions, the story delves into themes of loyalty, vengeance, and the complexities of moral choices. The intricate plotting and richly developed characters create a slow-burn tension that propels the tale forward, keeping readers engaged in the unfolding drama.
What Readers Say
Readers praise the novel's witty and engaging writing style that keeps them hooked from start to finish. Many appreciate the richly detailed world-building that immerses them in the gritty city of Camorr. Fans note the emotional depth and camaraderie among the 'found family' of thieves, enhancing the story's impact. Some readers find the pacing uneven, with a slow start and a rushed conclusion that may affect enjoyment. The book contains mature themes, including violence and strong language, which may not be suitable for all readers.
Rating Distribution
Based on 83 Open Library ratings
Reader Reviews
9 curated reviewsnot4prophet
Feb 6, 2008
The Truth behind "The Lies"
"The Lies of Locke Lamora" arrived last year with all the usual hype. But it also arrived with much more than the usual merit. This book is the book we've all been waiting for. It's the one that cooks up a brand new fantasy world starkly different from anything seen before, and stews it together with outstanding plot, characters, and writing. The next great fantasy author is here in the form of Scott Lynch, and with luck he'll be with us for years to come."The Lies of Locke Lamora" is about crime. The title character is a con artist who leads a small band of crooks through stealthy schemes to
James M. Pitzner "jpitzner"
Dec 13, 2006
Truly entertaining
The fact that this book is a first effort by Scott Lynch is amazing in and of itself, however there are many authors with great first effort novels. What I think is so amazing about this book is the fact that this story is one that could easily transcend the fantasy genre into mainstream appeal.The story is written with a very quick wit, a compelling set of characters, especially the main protagonist of the book, and the story is a fun ride from beginning until end. This is a story of intrigue, humor, friendship, good, evil and revenge.Locke Lamora is a character who is multi faceted, he's a t
Brian
Apr 12, 2006
Fantastic Story
Imagine The Arftul Dodger (Oliver), Johnny Hooker (The Sting), Vito Corleone (The Godfather), and James Bond rolled into one. Lynch has done a superb job creating the protagonist Locke Lamora and the world in which he lives. The plot is fascinating, unpredictable, and easy to follow. I couldn't put the book down. It's a real page turner. If you like fantasy, action, sci-fi, suspense, historical fiction, mystery... you will LOVE The Lies of Locke Lamora. I did!
Noah Smith
May 12, 2010
If only more modern fantasy were like this!
Modern fantasy tends to ape the current bestsellers - bloated Robert Jordan type epics in the 90s, gritty war-and-politics stories in the George Martin era. The Lies of Locke Lamora is awesome because it doesn't fall into this trap; Scott Lynch realized that it's better to make something original.Originality is something this book has in spades. The city, Camorr, breathes with life, even more than the famous New Crobuzon of China Mieville's books. Equal parts Renaissance Venice and early modern London, it feels real in a way fantasy cities rarely do, with a culture and a political economy that
Laura
Feb 28, 2011
Really a great read
I really enjoyed this book. I mean really really enjoyed it. It was witty, interesting, unique and unpredictable. The characters were facinating, detailed and amusing. The details were what made them real for me. Many of the people wear glasses, for instance. I also appreciate the strong female characters in every facet of politics, social status, leadership, warrior status and underworld. The world itself was really unique and interesting. I read a lot of books, and its bene a very long time that I was so thuroughly engulfed and surprised by one. But, it was the sarcasm and wit that won me ov
Tristan Cartony
Jan 4, 2008
Such an amazing novel
Scott Lynch has created an amazing story. The world he describes is fully fleshed out and so very real; part fantasy, part alternate universe, he creates a fantasy world that is both alien and yet immediately accessible, filled with magic, old world technology, and current world pop-culture. The characters are each unique, flawed, courageous, humorous, and very, very real.I love fantasy-based stories, but grew tired of the typical quest style writings (as great as they are, this includes Tolkien's, Edding's, Donaldson's, Jordan's, and Martin's works). It was such a delight to read something th
