Summary
The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch is a fantasy novel that combines elaborate heists with complex world-building. Set in the fictional city of Camorr, which resembles medieval Venice, this 2006 debut features the Gentleman Bastards, a group of con artists led by Locke Lamora. Alternating between their current schemes and Locke's past, the story interweaves fantastical elements with underworld intrigue.
Plot
The Lies of Locke Lamora unfolds a story of heists and ambitions in Camorr, a crime-ridden city. The plot shifts between Locke Lamora's early years, under Father Chains's guidance, and his entanglement with the Gray King.
Locke and the Gentleman Bastards are con artists who pose as petty thieves while actually amassing wealth. Locke impersonates a noble to deceive Don Lorenzo Salvara into purchasing protection from a fictional rebellion. The Gray King challenges Camorr's criminal order by targeting Capa Barsavi's allies. The Gray King coerces Locke into impersonating a key player in these schemes, leading to heightened tension with the murder of Barsavi's daughter.
Amid rising challenges, betrayal occurs with the murder of the Sanza twins and Bug, close members of Locke's crew. Locke and Jean Tannen then pursue the Gray King, revealed as Capa Raza, who takes control of Camorr. The story culminates in a confrontation where Locke thwarts Raza's plan to attack Camorr's elite. Locke prevails, avenges his team, and exits Camorr with Jean, leaving their future open-ended and hinting at new adventures.
Characters
Locke Lamora: The protagonist, Locke Lamora leads the Gentleman Bastards with strategic expertise. His skills in thievery and role-playing make him pivotal in executing complex schemes.
Jean Tannen: As Locke’s loyal partner, Jean Tannen offers strength and moral guidance within the Gentleman Bastards. His combat skills and unwavering dedication are crucial to the group's survival in perilous circumstances.
Father Chains: Acting as a mentor, Father Chains pretends to be a blind priest of the Nameless Thirteenth God. He instructs the boys in theft and philosophy under the guise of religious teachings.
Calo and Galdo Sanza: The Sanza twins provide humor and deception skills to the Gentleman Bastards. Their abilities enhance the effectiveness of the gang’s elaborate schemes.
Bug: The group's apprentice, Bug is eager to prove himself through his cleverness and enthusiastic learning. His role within Locke's circle underscores his potential among the trusted companions.
The Gray King: This mysterious figure becomes a significant adversary due to his quest for revenge and power in Camorr's criminal underworld. His actions challenge Locke and his crew.
The Falconer: A skilled bondsmage aligned with the Gray King, The Falconer utilizes magic to intensify the dangers faced by Locke and his team, increasing the stakes in their struggle.
Capa Barsavi: As Camorr’s crime lord, Capa Barsavi dominates the city's underworld. His rule is both respected and feared, maintaining a precarious balance of power.
Setting
Camorr resembles medieval Venice with its network of canals and intricate architecture. Elderglass structures, a remnant of an ancient civilization, dominate the skyline. The city hosts a dual power structure: the Duke has official authority, while Capa Barsavi controls the criminal underworld. This setup underscores the economic divide between the wealthy elite and the criminal underclass. Cultural elements, such as the Teeth Show where gladiators face sharks, contribute to the city's perilous environment. These aspects establish Camorr as a setting rich in complexity, providing a backdrop for the unfolding narrative.
Themes
The Lies of Locke Lamora explores themes that significantly impact character relationships and narrative progression. Friendship and loyalty play vital roles, evident in the bonds among the Gentleman Bastards. Characters' actions and sacrifices reflect unwavering loyalty. Deception and identity are essential to the protagonists' fates. Locke's expertise in disguise blurs truth and illusion to achieve his objectives. Survival remains crucial as characters traverse the dangerous underworld of Camorr, depending on their wits and mutual trust. These themes shape the narrative, examining the intricacies of human motivation and morality.
Quick facts
The Lies of Locke Lamora is Scott Lynch’s debut novel, published in 2006.
The city of Camorr is inspired by Venice, combining canals, Renaissance aesthetics, and unique Elderglass architecture.
Locke Lamora, protagonist and master con artist, heads the Gentleman Bastards, known for elaborate heists against nobles.
The narrative innovatively combines fantasy, crime, and humor with a focus on brotherhood and wit.
The book frequently alternates timelines, enhancing character depth through past Interludes.
The antagonist, the Gray King, disrupts Camorr's criminal underworld and poses a significant challenge to Locke.
Locke Lamora's character draws comparisons to Ocean’s 11’s Danny Ocean for his daring schemes and wit.
The Lies of Locke Lamora is the first book in The Gentleman Bastards series.
The story explores themes of deception, revenge, loyalty, brotherhood, and moral complexity.
Praised by critics for its intricate plotting and rich world-building, The Lies of Locke Lamora received an endorsement from George R.R. Martin.
The novel's darker narrative often challenges fantasy tropes by killing off protagonists.
The Lies of Locke Lamora won the SF Site Readers' Choice Award in 2006.
Warner Bros. obtained movie rights shortly after the 2006 release, but production never materialized before rights expired in 2010.
About the author
Scott Lynch (1978-) is an American of fantasy novels best known for his Gentleman Bastard series. He made his publishing debut in 2006 with The Lies of Locke Lamora, introducing readers to the fictional city of Camorr and its gang of con men. Drawing from historical periods like the Renaissance to shape his world-building, his work blends fantasy with crime and moral themes.
