The Lies of Locke Lamora

by Scott Lynch
The Lies of Locke Lamora cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Fantasy
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99 Hardback • £18.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 4141
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9780593725429
  • Publisher: Del Rey
  • Published: 2024-08-27
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 4

The Lies of Locke Lamora introduces readers to the vibrant, dangerous world of Camorr, where the streets are ruled by thieves and the powerful. Young Locke Lamora, an orphan, rises through the ranks of the criminal underworld under the guidance of a master con artist, forming the infamous Gentlemen Bastards. Their daring heists and clever schemes make them legends, but when a more sinister threat emerges, Locke must use all his wit and cunning to survive. This gripping tale blends intricate plotting, rich world-building, and sharp dialogue, making it a standout in the fantasy genre. The novel's intricate heists and complex characters have earned it widespread acclaim, with George R. R. Martin and Patrick Rothfuss singing its praises.

Reviews
Amazon · 2025-10-22
fantastic 4.50

The book is a fantastic story with well-developed characters and a richly detailed world, though it contains a lot of profanity.

The reviewer appreciated the depth of the characters and the immersive world-building in the book. The story was praised for its creativity and the engaging narrative that kept the reader hooked. However, the reviewer noted the frequent use of profanity, which might not be suitable for all readers. The character of Locke was particularly highlighted for his complexity and the intriguing dynamics with other characters. The reviewer found the book to be a compelling read, with a good balance of action, humor, and emotional depth.

Quick quotes

    I wonder what she did to get Locke so in love with her.

    Lynch has created a fantastic story with The Lies of Locke Lamora.

    Yes, there is a lot of swearing and ...

Reddit - r/Fantasy · 2025-10-21
intriguing 4.50

The book surprised the reviewer with its transition from light-hearted to dark, making it a memorable read.

The reviewer on Reddit found The Lies of Locke Lamora to be one of the most surprising books they read that year. They appreciated how the story started off light-hearted and humorous but took a dark turn, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. The reviewer enjoyed the unexpected twists and the richly detailed world-building, making it a standout fantasy novel.

Quick quotes

    The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch is the book that surprised me the most this year.

    What starts out as light-hearted and humorous turns into dark, ...

    The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch is the book that surprised me the most this year.

Before We Go Blog · 2023-01-05
excellent 4.50

The book is praised for its excellent character development, great story, and immersive world-building, with Locke being an outstanding actor.

The reviewer was highly impressed with this book, noting its excellent character development and immersive world-building. They found the story to be compelling and well-told, with Locke being a standout character. The reviewer appreciated the depth of the characters and the richness of the world-building, which made the story come alive. They also noted the book's ability to balance humor and darker elements, making it a well-rounded and enjoyable read.

Quick quotes

    The Lies of Locke Lamora has it all: excellent character development, a great story, and immersive worldbuilding.

    Locke is an outstanding actor ...

    The Lies of Locke Lamora is a great Book 1 and I loved the getting up to's of the ...

Novel Notions · 2020-09-22
impactful 4.50

The book is described as original, engrossing, and emotionally impactful, with a well-written tale of avarice and brotherhood.

The reviewer found this book to be a treasure, praising its originality and emotional depth. They highlighted the well-crafted story of avarice and brotherhood, which they found to be both engaging and impactful. The reviewer appreciated the emotional journey the book took them on, making it a memorable read. The characters and their relationships were particularly noted for their depth and complexity.

Quick quotes

    Original, engrossing, emotional, and devastatingly impactful; this extremely well-written tale of avarice and brotherhood is a treasure of gold.

    The Lies of Locke Lamora is a great Book 1 and I loved the getting up to's of the ...

    The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch is the book that surprised me the most this year.

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