really enjoyed the story and adventures. The author surprised me and the story was not predictable.Tthe main character is fun to watch from his early childhood days to his adult hood. However, I sort of curious about the main character's love interest, a girl that is mentioned but never appears in the story.

In a time not unlike old London, Locke Lamora, an orphan, was raised by the Eyeless Priest at the Temple of Perelandro. He was taught to be a gentleman and to be courteous to the wealthy.

He was also taught to lie and steal.

Nobody knew that the Eyeless Priest, a man who was thought to be blind and chained to the church in the Gods' names was actually raising a band of thieves. There, a select number of orphans were raised learning how to cheat, steal, lie and betray practically everyone they met.

Locke Lamora, at a very young age, found himself in Father Chains' care with his fellow new friends, Galdo and Calo Sanza. Along with the twins, Locke learned from Chains techniques to steal and lie in the most daring ways to get the best profits. They learned the secret passages of their city Camorr and met the most powerful people who thought these young thieves were merely businessmen. They were able to fool anyone they pleased and got whatever amount of money they wanted and more.

Years pass and their tight band of thieves grow slowly. But when a clandestine war threatens to tear their city and their carefully built lives apart, Locke realizes that everything their lives have built up to is about to be tested.

Someone is murdering the Capa's most important people, and when Capa Barsavi (a king-like figure in their world) turns to Locke for assistance against this murderer, Locke is caught in a deadly mess between his Capa and a threat against his friends.
Locke has to realize what he holds most dear to his heart and use his thieving skills to turn it to his favor. For if he doesn't, hundreds of lives will be taken.


I was blown away by Lynch's ability to tell a grand and suspenseful story like this! Locke's adventures kept me reading into the night and desperate to find out what would happen next.

There were some parts in the beginning that were terribly slow and I wanted to put the book down, but I had heard so many good things about it and I was just too stubborn to give up, so I read on. And yes, I am very glad that I did.

The plot was full of twists that left you crying at parts and scenes that just made you want to throw the book into a fire! The characters were lively and imaginative and their characteristics added so much depth to the story. I loved the band of thieves for their hilarious antics and the way they planned their plans. They just made me laugh so hard sometimes and I had to put the book down to control myself. And then there were the parts that were so well constructed that I had to take deep breaths and think, I NEVER would have saw that coming.

Brilliantly written with beautiful characters, a stunning plot and a great opening for a sequel. I can't wait to find out more about Locke's adventures and finally get to know something about his past with Sabetha (who isn't even in this book, but is mentioned many times, which drives me crazy!).

I'll be looking forward to his sequel: Red Seas Under Red Skies.

Within a mere hundred pages, this book rocketed itself to the top ten of my favourite fantasy books of all time. The writing style is elegant and fanciful. The characters delightful and unique. The plot intricate without falling into the realm of painfully confusing. Each character leaps of the page, forming a perfect image in your mind. You can see their faces, hear their voices and feel their emotions. This is one of those rare books that could keep you up all night. It's impossible to put down and you never want it to end. It's not a fast read and that is part of what makes it so appealing. You get sucked into this world of Locke's and you don't have to worry about reaching the end too soon.
The plot is intense without making you feel like you have to rush on. It slows down and takes an easier pace without making you wish the author would get to the point already. An entire world is created around this one city, with an extensive map and a mysterious history at its roots.
I can't say enough good things about this book. I enjoyed every word of it, even the heartbreak, and I can't wait to get into the sequel, Red Seas Under Red Skies. I hope Scott Lynch continues to write. He is a gem in the genre.

This book was absolutley brilliant! it had lots of bizarre twists and really good plot i loved all the characters. although it was really discriptive so if you don't like those kinds of books i suggust you find something else. but besides that this was a top quality book i can't wait for the others to come out!!