Why the Gentleman Bastard series should be on your TBR
Introduction
The Gentleman Bastard series, by author Scott Lynch, today includes three books: The Lies of Locke Lamora, Red Seas under Red Skies and The Republic of Thieves. Book four, The Thorn of Emberlain has been in the making for a while and I am patiently waiting to see where Scott Lynch takes us in this engrossing adventure!
This is how the blurb starts: “The Thorn of Camorr is said to be un unbeatable swordsman, a master thief, a friend to the poor, a ghost that walks through walls.”
If this is not enough to sell this story already, let me share a few additional thoughts and ideas for your consideration!
Why the interest in this series?
This is one of my favorite fantasy stories, unusual in the breath and span of the story, slow pacing (with huge pay-off at the end of the story) and a great cast of characters.
The stories focus on a few main characters, including Locke Lamora, a scrawny kid with a big brain, and Jean Tennan, a big boy with big brains. This is a story that focuses on the lives of clever men; in fact, the main trait of the protagonists, what is praised here, are brains over muscles (we also get the muscles). Solutions come from thinking, not only from acting with brutal force.
“‘His name’ said the Thiefmaker ‘is Locke Lamora and I wager the order of Perelandro will find many lies for his, ahhhh, unusual degree of personal initiative.’” (from The Lies of Locke Lamora, page 22).
“My name is Jean Tennan, and I’m the AMBUSH” (from The Lies of Locke Lamora, page 308).
Tropes - friendship
I wanted to mention these two characters, in particular, as their friendship is, for me, the best friendship depicted in fantasy (even above Frodo and Sam). The level of respect and genuine care for one another is uncanny; they are brothers and they make sure that this relation is preserved, no matter the issues and the circumstances. And their friendship starts in a wonderful way, I get a little emotional every time I think about it.
Tropes - found family
It is also a story of found family; especially The Lies of Locke Lamora (but not only) puts the idea on a pedestal and the entire story revolves (in both of its timelines) on this idea. And it is nothing short of glorious for me. If you like the idea of found family, this is a great example of that.
Tropes - more goodies
This story also does not shy away from describing violence and brutality; in fact, Camorr (the city where this story originates) is famous for death and slavery (for the wrong half of the city). It is a world without mercy and our protagonists (anti-heroes really) need to do their best to survive.
Final thoughts
The Gentleman Bastard series is not the typical high fantasy story; it is the story narrated from the perspective of outcasts to high society, people who have the brains and do not have (certain) scruples. It is a story of a close family circle, it is the story of the strongest (and most wonderful) friendship in fantasy. It is a story that unfolds one puzzle piece at the time, slowly and steadily, with legendary pay-off at the end of the story.
If you like slow burn fantasy, with a picturesque world building and scenery and very realistic characters, this series is really made for you!
