The Lies of Lock LaMora by Scott Lynch is one of the most original books I have read in a long time. The first book in his Gentlemen Bastards series, I was totally invested in this book from page one. This fantasy book tells the story of an orphan boy, Locke LaMora and his group of friends and partners that call themselves “The Gentlemen Bastards”. Con-men and thieves, they develop elaborate, often twisted schemes to rob the rich and fill their own coffers. Yes, that’s right, they are only out for themselves. This book is so good on so many levels I hardly know where to begin. The author tosses in descriptions of fantastical things and places here and there until he has built this wonderful medieval fantasy city of Camorr in which to grow his story. The story is interesting, varied, fun and exciting. Full of intricate plots and unforeseen happenings, sometimes we are in the present, and sometimes he takes us into the past of the main characters so we can see for ourselves how Locke came to be the master thief and ringleader of The Gentlemen Bastards. One of many gangs in the underworld of this city, The Gentlemen Bastards live on the edge as they deceive everyone including their underworld boss up to the very heights of society. Their loyalty is only to each other. A fantasy book quite unlike any other I have read, the author has used many fantasy principles like brotherhood, intrigue, magic and revenge but stamped these plot devices with his own mark. A very creative, humorous, adventuresome book with an edge. Some violence and gore which is only to be expected given the drift of the story. My only minor complaint would be perhaps the lack of a strong female lead, although the book definitely supplies us with a few strong females in lesser roles, but this is the first book, and, this is a character development that could be revealed in a later book. For a fresh look at fantasy, I highly recommend The Lies of Locke LaMorra.

The Lies of Locke Lamora is an incredibly fascinating and rich story. Lynch does a magnificent job ensnaring readers into this new fantastical world. The writing draws you in, alternating between past and present--providing an intriguing backstory in conjunction with a fast-paced plot that leaves you hungering for more. I for one fell in love with the characters and the world that Lynch created. I would definitely recommend this to any lovers of fantasy or action/adventure.

A fantasy version of Harry Harrison's Steel Rat. A charming con artist working against evil always with a eye toward profit.

Scott Lynch's debut novel, The Lies of Locke Lamora, is compulsively entertaining. Locke is a charismatic young thief who lies, schemes, and improvises his way out of an endless series of nearly impossible situations. The book's setting, Camorr, is a vividly detailed fantasy version of an Italian Renaissance city that amazed me with its realism. Scott Lynch populates this exquisite city with a variety of wonderful characters. In particular, the two main characters, Jean and Locke, are both strongly realized and very likeable. The book's dark and violent tone is neatly offset with a perfect sprinkling of light-hearted humour. Still, despite its many successes, this novel shows the debut author's inexperience. In particular, the author suddenly drops one of the book's two main storylines (the Gentleman Bastards backstory) in the middle of the novel! Also, Scott Lynch takes a long time to find the story, leaving the first few hundred pages of this book somewhat dry. Still, readers who can ignore these faults are rewarded with a truly wonderful tale.

Thouroughly enjoyable; once it grabs you it doesn't let go. Fluid writing with a fast-paced story and plot twists that had me clutching the book in shock combined with believable characters and witty one-liners make this book memorable. I'll probably be re-reading this soon!

Great writing and interesting characters mark this book out from the sea of Tolkien imitators. I also like the fact that the main character is an anti-hero. A true "Magnificent Bastard", (His group is even named the Gentlemen Bastards)

Reminiscent of Fritz Leiber's Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser stories re-published in the 70's or the early Thievesworld collections of the 80's, but a higher calibre of writing. Its sequel is nearly as good but must expand the setting and therefore lacks the magic of first introduction this has.

The Thief Lord for adults.

As a long-standing fantasy fan who craves great writing as opposed to rehashed themes, I found this one memorable. Superb pacing and plotting with more twists than Le Mans, strong characters who are believable, and incredibly smooth writing. This one is a keeper, and the second title in the series is even better.