The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch (Gollancz Fantasy)

Author Scott Lynch is certainly making a name for himself now, marketing his book for via the popular medium the World Wide Web. His name frequently appears on various message boards and other places where fans of fantasy books gather to discuss, and has garnered a lot of praise for his debut novel, the Lies of Locke Lamora. Therefore, it was just a matter of time before I could not resist the temptation any longer and got my copy of the book at my local bookstore. Needless to say, with all the praise and positive comments I had read about this particular novel, my expectations were high, and I was not to be disappointed by his effort. You know, sometimes you come across a book that grasps your attention right when you read the first word written down. Well, I think it is fair to say that the Lies of Locke Lamora rightfully belongs in that category.

Book One of The Gentleman Bastards Sequence describes the life of (in)famous Thorn of Camorr, Locke Lamora, a master thief, slight built but armed with an alarmingly cunning mind. He provides himself and his tight knit band of thieves, the Gentleman Bastards, a living by stealing from the rich upper class of Camorr. Yet, when everything seems to be going his way, Locke Lamora is caught up in a murderous game of life and death, where survival is not as sure as it seems.

For a debut novel, the Lies of Locke Lamora is astoundingly well written. Scott Lynch does need some time to start up and bring the events in to motion, but when everything is set up, you simply cannot stop reading. From page 200, I devoured this book, and that is saying a lot since I am a slow reader who likes to absorb every bit of information. Although a bit unevenly paced (especially the interludes, providing background information contribute to this), the tension of the events unfolding was gripping enough that it did not bother me too much. The book is set in very colorful and ‘fresh’ setting, you immediately feel at home in Camorr, as the mundane come and goings of its citizens are described in a very recognizable way. In addition, the novel is ‘fresh’ in another way, the characters. They are witty, and feel pretty ‘fleshed out’ in sense that they feel like they could have been living human beings like you and me.

What more, unlike most fantasy authors, Scott Lynch portraits his protagonists as being more of an underdog (instead of the hero), by letting more powerful people continually underestimate the Gentleman Bastards. This also makes up for a hell of a lot fun and humorous situation. It is similar to the David versus Goliath set up.

It must be noted that the story of somewhat lineair, it is not as complex as the Wheel of Time or A Song of Ice and Fire, but I do not think it was meant to be like that.

So concluding, Scott Lynch’s debut novel is exceedingly well written, set in a colorful setting. I think you could do much worse than picking up this book. Bring on Red Seas Under Red Skies!

8,5 out of 10