Zhul
07-31-2006, 10:38 AM
I just recently finished The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch (See the Barnes & Noble listing here (http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?z=y&isbn=0553804677&itm=1) - note that even though the reader review is very positive, it is both inaccurate and scatterbrained). If you click on the cover (for a closeup) you can see that George R. R. Martin (of the Song of Ice and Fire series fame) has expressed that the book is "Fresh, original, and engrossing… gorgeously realized."
I don't read all that often, since I typically immerse myself in a game each night, but I'm very glad I did. It is very entertaining. It is coarse and gritty like Martin's work (i.e. not for kids to read) but it also has a definite sense of humor and at some points a very positive outlook - unlike Martin's works, which seem to be more focused on life being nasty, brutish, and short (though still fantastic).
The setting is in a coastal city that is built on and around buildings that belonged to a mysterious ancient people that have long since passed from memory. It is a fantasy, so there is mention of magic and alchemy and the like. The flavor I got from the city was reminscent of venice, and most characters names sound vaguely Italian in origin. A good theme overall I thought.
The story primarily follows Locke Lamora, an orphan that grows up as a thief and confidence trickster. The story hops between his adulthood and the lessons he learned in childhood, though there are a few chapters that focus on the perspectives of other characters. The transitions usually go from a lesson learned at childhood to Locke's practical application of the lesson learned... or utter disregard for said lesson. One chapter transition in particular was literally laugh-out-loud funny (but I won't spoil it for you).
A great story and a fun read. It gets you interested and keeps you interested.
I don't read all that often, since I typically immerse myself in a game each night, but I'm very glad I did. It is very entertaining. It is coarse and gritty like Martin's work (i.e. not for kids to read) but it also has a definite sense of humor and at some points a very positive outlook - unlike Martin's works, which seem to be more focused on life being nasty, brutish, and short (though still fantastic).
The setting is in a coastal city that is built on and around buildings that belonged to a mysterious ancient people that have long since passed from memory. It is a fantasy, so there is mention of magic and alchemy and the like. The flavor I got from the city was reminscent of venice, and most characters names sound vaguely Italian in origin. A good theme overall I thought.
The story primarily follows Locke Lamora, an orphan that grows up as a thief and confidence trickster. The story hops between his adulthood and the lessons he learned in childhood, though there are a few chapters that focus on the perspectives of other characters. The transitions usually go from a lesson learned at childhood to Locke's practical application of the lesson learned... or utter disregard for said lesson. One chapter transition in particular was literally laugh-out-loud funny (but I won't spoil it for you).
A great story and a fun read. It gets you interested and keeps you interested.