I read a fair amount of fantasy growing up, but as an "older person," haven't often been grabbed by the genre. When it was first published in 2006, Scott Lynch's The Lies of Locke Lamora sucked me in big time, and it's by far the best fantasy novel I've read in a long time (Lynch has a second book out now, but they should be read in order).
It might be more of a guy book, but I don't think so - if any gals have read and liked it (or not), please consider leaving a comment.
The plot is based on a band of orphan thieves, purchased/enslaved by a blind priest master-thief autocrat, who teaches his fledglings the art of his trade. They steal for him and he protects and provides (sort of) for them. Locke Lamora is a slight, runt of a thief, but clever and extremely adept. As he leads a band of co-thieves on increasingly bold and successful raids, the authorities label him the Thorn of Camorr, and want his head. A powerful, evil magician is also out for Locke, and rival thieves would like nothing more than to see him fall. Scott Lynch throws in lots of fun, skin-of-his-teeth adventures, with really great writing, and some unpredictable plot turns.
I'm not sure why this book never made bigger waves - it did get on some "best books" lists. I mentioned it to co-workers and they all loved it (including a few gals). Scott Lynch now has a broad fan base, and I read that a studio has purchased the movie rights. So give it a try, read 20 or 30 pages, and if you're not hooked, money back guarantee (library books only).
Leave a comment