Susan V. (nrlymrtl) reviewed The Republic of Thieves (Gentleman Bastard, Bk 3) on + 297 more book reviews
Scott Lynch gave us plenty more on Lockes background with the flashback scenes and Jean got some extra training in Espara that was fun to hear about. I have to say the biggest plus to this book was to finally meet Sabetha and I was very pleased with who she turned out to be. She completed the big picture of the Bastards. Between the two timelines (play in Espara & election in Karthain), there was plenty of pranks, egotistical attitudes, and even some deadly danger. The readers also get more info about the Bondsmagi and the Eldren, two elements I have been greatly curious about since Book 1, The Lies of Locke Lamora.
When I review a book, I compare the book to what else the author has written (and I have read) and other books in the same genre. Was this my favorite Lynch book? No. I felt the first two books in the series had a tighter plot, that every element of the story was relevant to the plot. Also, this book left me with many, many questions, and not just about the big arc of the series, but also about story arc contained within covers of Book 3. Finally, there was a big, BIG reveal that could alter how much I like or dislike the series from here on out. I will have to wait til Book 4 to see how things play outBut, with all that said, when I compare this book to other Epic Fantasy or Thievery books, it is still one of my favorites.
It was great to get to spend some more time with Calo, Galdo, and Chains via the flashbacks. I definitely have an expanded list of people/societies that Locke & Jean need to take down. Plus, there is some new mystery surrounding the Bondsmagi for Lynch to explore in future volumes.
When I review a book, I compare the book to what else the author has written (and I have read) and other books in the same genre. Was this my favorite Lynch book? No. I felt the first two books in the series had a tighter plot, that every element of the story was relevant to the plot. Also, this book left me with many, many questions, and not just about the big arc of the series, but also about story arc contained within covers of Book 3. Finally, there was a big, BIG reveal that could alter how much I like or dislike the series from here on out. I will have to wait til Book 4 to see how things play outBut, with all that said, when I compare this book to other Epic Fantasy or Thievery books, it is still one of my favorites.
It was great to get to spend some more time with Calo, Galdo, and Chains via the flashbacks. I definitely have an expanded list of people/societies that Locke & Jean need to take down. Plus, there is some new mystery surrounding the Bondsmagi for Lynch to explore in future volumes.
Kristin K. (escapeartistk) -
First off, this book is not a stand-alone. Both the current plot and the flashbacks assume knowledge of the previous books, especially of 'The Lies of Locke Lamora.'
Secondly, this book foregoes the intricate, convoluted plotting of the first two books in the series. In 'Thieves,' all three 'Bastards' rely primarily on much less elaborate antics to outwit each other - and sometimes even just to get under one another's skin. There is an endearing quality to this, though, which also highlights how well Locke, Jean and Sabetha truly know each other. It's really the relationship between Locke and Sabetha that centers this story. Some readers might not like that. I found that I enjoyed it immensely, perhaps because, at this point in the series, I'm as invested in these highly likable characters' personal lives as in any of their professional machinations.
As always, Lynch is a master of the backstory/flashback, which is as engaging and exciting as the current-time narrative. Also impressive is his ability to craft a female character as interesting and with as much life and depth as Locke and Jean. Lynch even understands sexism to a degree I've rarely seen from other male authors.
I bought this book the day it came out in paperback, and I will probably do the same with 'The Thorn of Emberlain,' which I can only hope retains the same characters. I suppose that means I am officially a Scott Lynch fan.
Secondly, this book foregoes the intricate, convoluted plotting of the first two books in the series. In 'Thieves,' all three 'Bastards' rely primarily on much less elaborate antics to outwit each other - and sometimes even just to get under one another's skin. There is an endearing quality to this, though, which also highlights how well Locke, Jean and Sabetha truly know each other. It's really the relationship between Locke and Sabetha that centers this story. Some readers might not like that. I found that I enjoyed it immensely, perhaps because, at this point in the series, I'm as invested in these highly likable characters' personal lives as in any of their professional machinations.
As always, Lynch is a master of the backstory/flashback, which is as engaging and exciting as the current-time narrative. Also impressive is his ability to craft a female character as interesting and with as much life and depth as Locke and Jean. Lynch even understands sexism to a degree I've rarely seen from other male authors.
I bought this book the day it came out in paperback, and I will probably do the same with 'The Thorn of Emberlain,' which I can only hope retains the same characters. I suppose that means I am officially a Scott Lynch fan.
