Book Review: THE REPUBLIC OF THIEVES by Scott Lynch

The Republic of Thieves, Book Three of Scott Lynch’s Gentlemen Bastard sequence, is a worthy addition to the story of roguish conmen, Locke Lamora and Jean Tannen. This installment was a long time coming and well worth the wait. Lynch does not disappoint. He continues to find new and interesting ways in which to expand his world. The time has never been better to dive into the mischievous universe of Locke Lamora. Book Four is due out late this year.

It is unlikely that Lynch’s series needs an introduction among fantasy fans. Locke Lamora has earned his place alongside other modern, legendary fantasy characters, such as Logen Ninefingers, Jamie Lannister, and Kvothe Kingkiller. If you are unfamiliar with Scott Lynch and his bastards, however, The Lies of Locke Lamora (Lynch’s debut novel) is a jewel of a story, set in a faux, late medieval, Venice-like city, full of magic and wonder. Locke and his gang of conmen aren’t the romantic’s band of merry men, and sometimes, readers might feel uncomfortable rooting for these characters who treat moral boundaries as if they were a pit of vipers. Lynch’s writing can be raw, but also lyrical when the need arises. You might be uncomfortable while reading, but Lynch’s masterful storytelling will grab you and keep you turning the pages. Readers might even find a soft spot for a few thieves along the way.

*Spoilers ahead for Book Two, Red Seas Under Red Skies

The Republic of Thieves picks up right where Red Seas Under Red Skies left off. Locke and Jean haven’t landed in the most comfortable of positions. Locke has been mortally poisoned, Jean is grieving for his lost love, and their efforts in Tal Verrar didn’t exactly pay off. They are desperate men. Desperate men tend to get in over their heads. Locke and Jean have a habit of never holding back, so when they get in over their heads, readers can be sure they’re getting into it about as deep as possible.

*End of spoilers.

The Republic of Thieves follows the same narrative structure as the previous two novels, the story switching between the past and present. The present story taking place is fun enough, but the meat of the novel is taken up with the flashbacks this time, which worked wonderfully. Some familiar faces from Lies return in the flashbacks, and the legendary Sabetha makes her first onscreen debut of the series. This focus on past events makes Republic a different sort of novel than its predecessors, but it feels right. Lynch decided to broaden Locke’s world this time around, rather than focus on another complex romp.

I enjoyed The Republic of Thieves quite a bit more than Red Seas Under Red Skies, but Locke’s first outing still takes the pie. Really, though, it’s like comparing apple to chocolate moose to key lime… it’s pie. Who doesn’t like pie? This series is one of those that readers of all preferences will enjoy. If you haven’t read fantasy for a while, Scott Lynch is where you ought to dip back into the genre. If you’re primary reading focus is fantasy, you’ll recognize The Republic of Thieves—and the Gentlemen Bastard sequence altogether—as the crème of the field.
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Review by Jordan Ricks

Bio:

Jordan started reading genre fiction when Goosebumps hit the shelves during the third grade. He picked up a copy of Ender’s Game a few years later, and then read all six original Dune novels in quick succession. He’s been devouring all things speculative ever since. Thanks to all the reading, the writer bug caught him at a young age–now he just has to learn how to finish writing what he starts. Jordan attended Orson Scott Card’s Writing Class in 2007, and David Farland’s Death Camp in 2009. One day he will finish his college education, and then go on to rule the world. For the time being, he slaves away in a frame shop in Utah, gold-leafing picture frames for artists and designers around the world. When not working for the man, Jordan spends his time at home with his wife and two kids. He usually has an audiobook playing in his ear.

You can catch him on his blog every once in a while at www.jordanricks.blogspot.com, and on twitter @jrdnricks.

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