The Lies of Locke Lamora
Scott Lynch · 2006
A con-man and thief in a fantasy Venice. Lynch's 2006 debut plays as heist novel and coming-of-age story at once, with the most fun voice in epic fantasy since Leiber's Fafhrd tales. Camorr is a city you want to live in, even knowing it will probably kill you.
The case against
Lynch alternates chapters with flashback interludes, so the heist keeps stalling for scenes of young Locke learning lessons you have already inferred. Around the midpoint the caper comedy lurches into torture and drownings, and the tonal whiplash never settles. Add banter where everyone shares the same foul-mouthed wit, and Camorr starts to feel like one voice wearing different cloaks.
Science Fiction & Fantasy · the Pro canon
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