Lies of Locke Lamora a trilogy or more?

[mewmartigan]

Hi All,

I was thinking about starting The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch as I have heard good things about it.

I know there are 3 books out but it looks like its projected to be an 8 book series. I'm not sure if I want to start it with only 3 books out. For some reason I had it in my head that it was a trilogy.

So.....does each book have a self contained story? Or does one trilogy have a self contained story?

Thanks!

[DiapDealer]

The first book is almost entirely self-contained. The second is mostly self-contained with just a few big teases for the third book left dangling. The third book (so I'm told) leaves the reader pretty-much "in the lurch."

[Dazrin]

Originally Posted by DiapDealer

The first book is almost entirely self-contained. The second is mostly self-contained with just a few big teases for the third book left dangling. The third book (so I'm told) leaves the reader pretty-much "in the lurch."

Completely agree on the first two. I haven't read or even looked for reviews of the third yet, so I can't comment on that.

[DrNefario]

I've read the third. It's still a self-contained story. There are elements that run across the books, but each one feels like it has a beginning, middle and end.

[ametzler]

Originally Posted by DrNefario

I've read the third. It's still a self-contained story. There are elements that run across the books, but each one feels like it has a beginning, middle and end.

I would like to confirm this and strongly recommend the first book in the Gentleman bastard series (Lies of Locke Lamora) on its own. It is a great read and up until now the strongest novel in the series. If you do not feel like starting a new series just read this book and stop there.

[DiapDealer]

Originally Posted by DrNefario

I've read the third. It's still a self-contained story. There are elements that run across the books, but each one feels like it has a beginning, middle and end.

How much longer does The Republic of Thieves keep going on PAST its self-contained "ending" compared to the first two books?

[mewmartigan]

Thanks all, looks like the first book at least is a go.

[Gazella]

Sounds like a good read. I've added it to my wish list. Which already has over 100 books

I think I should start buying some of the books on the list

[JoelArnold]

I've only read the first one, but I thought it was fantastic. Loved it!

[bucsie]

Originally Posted by DiapDealer

How much longer does The Republic of Thieves keep going on PAST its self-contained "ending" compared to the first two books?

Third volume - once the story is wrapped up, there is a person that does some super-cryptic fortune telling for the main character. And

Spoiler:

the supposedly incapacitated villain rises again.

Edit to add: The books wrap up the stories pretty neat, without cliffhangers from one book to the next. It's just that in the later books there are a few references to the previous ones, so they should be read in order.

[DiapDealer]

You must have a different definition of cliffhanger than I do. Because I'd say the ending to Red Seas Under Red Skies almost defines the technique (especially when there was no book three in sight at the time).

[mewmartigan]

So I just finished reading The Lies of Locke Lamora and thought it was a blast. It is definitely a self contained story with everything wrapped up at the end. I look forward to the next two books...sounds like 2 ends in a cliffhanger but 3 wraps things up satisfactorily.

On a sidenote, I wonder if the book was an inspiration for the videogame Dishonored....the book and game seem like they could easily take place in the same town.

[DiapDealer]

Even though 2 ends in a classic cliffhanger (after the main plot is wrapped up), I wouldn't hesitate to recommend reading it (even if 3 wasn't published yet). It may leave you hanging as to what does happen next ... but what doesn't happen isn't all that hard to predict.