Reviewer: Ryan O’Boyle
Sleight of hand is essential for any thief. A pilfered pocket with a distraction in the distance helps create a barrier through which the victim may not notice the absence of their coin or when exactly they lost it. This all helps the thief get away and remain out from under the noose.
For Locke Lamora, sleight of hand, lies, and dexterous fingers allow him to be a master thief. An orphan before the age of five, Locke was a survivor of a plague quarantine. Sold to a master thief at an early age, he joins a gang that calls themselves Gentlemen Bastards. Together, they take it upon themselves to liberate the nobles of Camorr from their coin.
Locke’s cunning, silver tongue and gamesmanship kept them at the top of their craft for years. Then came the Gray King. A murderous, mysterious individual who started killing the Capa’s garristas, who are gang leaders. Locke and his gang must navigate the waters of deceit, betrayal and despair to prevent the downfall of their beloved city whilst putting on a daring escapade of brilliant thievery.
I truly enjoyed this book. The clear, concise direction spells out a story of misdirection. It continues to astound and delight throughout. Whenever I thought something would happen, the opposite occurred. With crass language befitting young adults of any era, Locke and company’s witty banter will have you holding your sides from the pain of laughing.
The Lies of Locke Lamora, by Scott Lynch, crafts a tale of intrigue, betrayal, deceit and, of course, misdirection to leave the reader on the edge of their seat. Scott Lynch astonishes with nimble prose that delights the senses and boggles the mind. Read the Lies of Locke Lamora and immerse yourself in a brilliant re-encapsulation of old Italy, full of death and despair but with a little hope sprinkled in.