The Lies of Locke Lamora

Desperately searching for a book to compare to the smash hit series A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin? Try a book the author himself recommends.

 The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch is a tale about an enterprising young man, a thief by trade, who is extraordinarily gifted at his work. His only problem is that he steals too much. In the carefully balanced city of Camorr, thieves are in the pay of the ruler of the city. They may steal from commoners and the middle class, but absolutely may not steal from the upper nobility.

Enter Locke Lamora, our protagonist, leader of the legendary thieving gang the Gentlemen Bastards. For him, only the most ambitious heists will do. When he sets his sights on the fortune of one of the nobility of Camorr, trouble is sure to (and does) follow.

The author expertly explores heavy themes of the nature of morality, revenge, and friendship while never losing sight of the humor in everyday life. I felt that the characters and situations were realistic - there was never any sense that the author was protecting his characters from harm or sugar-coating situations. With Lynch's flowing, descriptive prose, you can practically taste the roasted capon and touch the colorful silks worn by the rich. The Lies of Locke Lamora is set in a lush, harsh alien world that is eerily similar to our own. The author weaves a engrossing tale of thievery and corruption with a main character you'll fall in love with - just don't leave him alone with your valuables!