Fantasy Book Club discussion

It looks like Locke Lamora has a good chance of being a book of the month reading here. It's got a good lead in the voting...

I have a copy, but haven't tried it. I shied away from it when I found out Book 3 has been delayed for release. But I've heard great things about these.

I've already read The Lies of Locke Lamora and Red Seas Under Red Skies.
I bought the first one after reading an extract because I liked the style and I wasn't disappointed. The story is well written and funny, the main characters are impish, mischievous and cunning.
The first book can easily stand alone, so don't worry Chris, you can read it.
Anyway, I think it's the best of the two. I hope the third will be as good as the first.

The Lies of Locke Lamora was easily one of the best books I read back in 2007. It's just a lot of fun (especially if you love con games) and well written dialog. Locke is a great character. Red Seas Under Red Skies by comparison I felt was a bit of disappointment actually because it went off on a subplot I just didn't care for. I still haven't finished it, but I plan to get back to it.

I recently picked up 'Lies' based on the many positive reviews here. Could someone tell
me if this series is meant to be a trilogy or some other known number? I'm not really a fan of the endlessly ongoing series with no clear story arcs. They start getting far too formulaic. Thanks.

blackrose wrote: "I recently picked up 'Lies' based on the many positive reviews here. Could someone tell
me if this series is meant to be a trilogy or some other known number? I'm not really a fan of the endless..."

Go to Scott's website - he's actually got 7 planned. I think Lies of Locke Lamora is one of the best books I've ever read. It's one of only two that I've read, read one other book (Melusine) and then picked up again to read for a second and third time. I read it again right before I read Red Seas Under Red Skies and I plan on reading it again before I get Republic of Thieves. I just hope that isn't delayed *again*.

I will heartily endorse Lies of Locke Lamore! Two of the greatest characters in recent fantasy, and an absolutely amazing read. It hooks you in, is well written but action packed. Can't say enough good about Scott Lynch!

Well, I can deal with 7. I just like to know that there is some sort of plan, a set end in sight. Thanks for the info. I just hope I like it as much as everyone else seems to. :>

If you go to Scott's site, there used to be (hope there still is) a 'synopsis' of what each book is going to be about.

The Lies of Locke Lamora is an entertaining, well written, rennaissance-style adventure. Locke is smart and loyal to his friends and I find myself empathizing with his character. Looking forward to reading the nest installment.

I must say this book blew me away when I read it last year. The second book is on my to-read list. I understand the third is majorly delayed due to personal problems?

I LOVE this series. For me, the plot was anything but predictable... every time I thought I knew what was happening, the story got turned on it's ear. I'm looking forward to book 3, but yeah, it's been delayed quite a bit. The author has been pretty up front as to why though. Hopefully it won't be too much longer before it comes out.

I've just ordered Red Seas...

I love aliens in fantasy too! Its often difficult to write them into the world believably though, sometimes the author creates them to be too far fetched. (weren't there giant insectoid aliens in the Daughter of the Empire series by Raymond E. Feist? or maybe that was a dream...)

I love the idea of Camorr being built on an alien city. It adds to the mystery. And Lynch's concepts are original and detailed.

Nope, that wasn't a dream. There were giant insectoids in the Empire trilogy. Great books, BTW.

Book 3 has been delayed for a long time, I think it's been on my wishlist since 2010. The author has been battling with depression, but he seems to be a lot more active now, which might mean this is the year for book 3.

I really hope so, I am desperate to find out what happens, it's such an original story with so many avenues unexplored - can't wait.

I'm so ready for book 3! So, LE, where does Scott seem to be more active now? I'm not an LJ follower, so ... would it be on his website? Checking ... not.

Gerda wrote: "I LOVE IT. in 2-3 weeks the 3rd books comes out :3"

Looks like it was delayed again

Delayed again !! Nooooooo

I'm about halfway through Lies of Locke Lamora and thoroughly enjoying it. I'm pretty picky, too. The development of the setting is awesome, with just enough surrealism thrown in. I really enjoy books with thorough setting descriptions, deeply imagined. The characters are unique with their own seperate, easily-distinguishable personalities. Unless something happens to disappoint me, I'll continue with this series. It's one of few of read lately that leaves me thinking, "If I lived in this world, who would I be/what would I do?".

Finished Lies. Immediately downloaded "Red Seas Under Red Skies". I really like this series. Let's hope this one's as good as the first one...

On 6/5/12, I pre-ordered "The Republic of Thieves" and
"The Bastards and the Knives: The Mad Baron's Mechanical Attic and The Choir of Knives: An Omnibus: The Gentleman Bastard - The Prequel" from amazon.co.uk. The dispatch estimate is 3/22/13 and the
delivery estimate, 3/29/13-4/3/13. These are both paperback copies. Hardcover is available 10/18/12 for "Republic" and 3/1/13 for "Bastards". While more expensive, I can hardly wait!

K.A. wrote: "Finished Lies. Immediately downloaded "Red Seas Under Red Skies". I really like this series. Let's hope this one's as good as the first one..."

I think it's better... (and will say no more)

I love these books by Scott Lynch. They're so clever, humorous and the characters so well contrasted. Can't wait for to final book- I've been waiting years now! What's a little more time!

I'm also waiting for the next one. I loved "Lies", but unfortunately I had some issues with "Red Seas Under Red Skies". Not so many that I won't continue the series, though; that first book is too promising to quit now! Any word on the next release?

Bleah. Publication of "Republic of Thieves" (book 3) pushed back to September 2013. An excerpt is available; haven't read it. By that time, I'm going to have forgotten what I already read. Too bad.

K.A. wrote: "I'm also waiting for the next one. I loved "Lies", but unfortunately I had some issues with "Red Seas Under Red Skies". Not so many that I won't continue the series, though; that first book is too ..."

I liked both books a lot. The only issue of Red Seas for me is the too long nautical explanations, i liked the story.

Gentleman Bastards has become one of my restrict top 5.
Hope that Scott Lynch get better soon to publish the rest of the series.

I tried to get into the Lies of Locke Lamora after reading all the positive comments, but for whatever reason I just couldn't get into it. I'll pick it up again later and maybe at that time I hope it grabs onto me and drives me into reading it more.

I flew through Lies. Absolutely loved it. I read Red Seas immediately after and enjoyed it, but did not love it like I did Lies. Finally RoT came out and I thought it was a step back in the right direction. The ending was a big curveball that really opened up a lot of directions Lynch can take this series.

The Thorn of Emberlain is set to release on 9/17/15.

I did the first book as a buddy read and both of us gave it three stars. It really had a lot of potential in a con story kind of way. I did feel that the whole persona of the characters was quite cliche for thieves but they were definitely fun to read. My rating went down due to the ending, which seemed to go too ethical and what felt like a twist coming fell flat.

http://scottlynch78.tumblr.com/post/1...

:(

Well I'm glad he is taking time for himself, and not rushing it. While I'm disappointed Thorn wont be out until next year, I think it will be worth the wait :)

I can sympathize with him because I too have an anxiety disorder and I know how that can negatively impact work. I don't mind the wait. When it comes out, I'm sure it will be great and there are still plenty of books out there in the sea.

I´ve read both books and really liked them (4 stars each one).
Have no idea about author´s personal life, and don´t care about it.

Anticipating the 3rd book, because the first two gave me lots of entertaintment and do hope next one is going to be fun, too.

Lára wrote: "I´ve read both books and really liked them (4 stars each one).
Have no idea about author´s personal life, and don´t care about it.

Anticipating the 3rd book, because the first two gave me lots of ..."

The Thorn of Emberlain will be the fourth book, not the third. The first three were Lies of Locke Lamora, Red Sea under Red Skies and Republic of Thieves. Seems that you still have a Gentlemen Bastards book left to fill your time with while waiting for the Thorn ;)

This is definitely one of my favorite series. I am excited for the fourth one to come out and will patiently wait for it. It's nice of him to keep his fans updated like that.

For those of you who have already read the complete trilogy,
how is the writing style in the 2nd and the 3rd book in comparison to the 1st one?

I really loved the story and world in Lies, but struggled a bit with Lynch's generosity of descriptions.