The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch, readalong
31 March 2012
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Readalong, Scott Lynch, The Lies of Locke Lamora
Welcome to this weeks question and answers for the Lies of Locke Lamora readalong. This readalong is being hosted by some lovely and impressive bloggers as follows:
The questions this week are brought to us by SFSignal and are below. If you haven’t read the book then I suggest you stop reading now as there be spoilers below! Also, if you haven’t read the book but have a love of fantasy then I strongly recommend Scott Lynch, I love this series.
1. In the chapter “A Curious Tale for Countess Amberglass” we learn of the tradition of the night tea in Camorr. I found that not so much fantastical as realistic – how about you?
I definitely found it had a ‘real’ feeling. Dona Salvara going to see the Countess for some ‘tea and sympathy’ not to mention a bit of gossip! What could be more normal than that. I think the normal elements are what grounds the book – it almost feels in parts as though it’s a parallel universe, things that you’re familiar with and then things that are fantastic. The tea party is definitely very normal but then there are other elements that bring it back to fantasy. I suppose the setting was rather fantastic, sitting on a glass balcony above the clouds! Probably not my ideal spot with a fear of heights! Then we move on to a rather elaborate cake that sounded a bit amazing – packed with goodies (and calories!) So a good mixing of fantasy and reality. Then on top of that we have yet another of Locke’s plans thwarted. It seemed like such a good ploy by Locke and he seemed to have almost pulled it off! Makes you wonder what else is going to go horribly wrong.
2. When Jean meets with what will become the Wicked Sisters for the first time, the meeting is described very much like how people feel when they find their true work or home. Agree? Disagree? Some of both?
It was like he’d found his soulmate! LOL. I thought that little story was brilliant, like finally Jean had found something that had been missing.
3. Salt devils. Bug. Jean. The description is intense. Do you find that description a help in visualizing the scene? Do you find yourself wishing the description was occasionally – well – a little less descriptive?
No, I didn’t want less description – particularly in this instance! Okay, I can hold my hands up and admit there’s a lot of description in this story, personally, I really enjoy it, however, okay, you could probably lose a bit of detail about the food/drink/clothing – and it wouldn’t be detrimental – but to lose the description on something like the Salt Devils – it would be criminal to have cut that down. It was such an exciting scene – massive, spider like creatures, Locke stuck in a barrel (feel like there’s a pun flying around in that statement somewhere), blue ick flying about all over the place and Jean being brilliant slashing and hacking – no, I thought it was just the right amount of detail. (Was anybody picturing Shelob from LOTR when the salt devils appeared!)
4. This section has so much action in it, it’s hard to find a place to pause. But…but.. oh, Locke. Oh, Jean. On their return to the House of Perelandro, their world is turned upside down. Did you see it coming?
Oh, this is such a sad scene – I was already prepared for it, but, and even though I hadn’t formed a real connection with Calo and Galdo, it still made me very sad. In a way yes, I did see this coming. They were out of the way, the Grey King was at large – he’d clearly been following them and knew where they lived and so it’s not rocket science to assume he’ll want to get his hands on their dosh – after all he thinks Locke is dead – and best irony of all is that he can now use the Bastard’s money to pay the Bondsmage for his services – perfectly despicable methinks.
5. Tavrin Callas’s service to the House of Aza Guilla is recalled at an opportune moment, and may have something to do with saving a life or three. Do you believe Chains knew what he set in motion? Why or why not?
I just think that Chain’s wanted his GBs to be prepared for all eventualities. You never know when something will be useful and so he’s given them a bit of a grounding in all things. And, as we can now see, its paid off.
6. As Locke and Jean prepare for Capa Raza, Dona Vorchenza’s remark that the Thorn of Camorr has never been violent – only greedy and resorting to trickery – comes to mind again. Will this pattern continue?
I think that things have the potential to become much more violent at this stage! It’s personal now!!
7. Does Locke Lamora or the Thorn of Camorr enter Meraggio’s Countinghouse that day? Is there a difference?
I think Locke Lamorra enters the counting house. I think the Thorn of Camorr no longer exists. And I think this is seen in the way that Locke has to make a few attempts before he finally succeeds in obtaining a set of clothes. He’s not being calm and collected, he’s not taking the time to study his opponents, he’s just hellbent. The Thorn of Camorr was a conman – almost playing with the rich and flaunting his brainpower, ‘look at me, look at how easily I walk among you and deceive you’ and actually not just deceiving them but also pulling the wool over the eyes of the rest of the criminal element. I think from now on we will only see Locke, I think he will still be clever, and come up with plans, after all he did succeed in the Countinghouse, but he now has a different motivation. Let’s hope he doesn’t resort to his previous reckless self – revenge is a dish best served cold (or something like that!) or – another quote – fools rush in.. etc. etc. That was very rambling and incoherent – for which apologies. Basically, I think the Thorn has now gone and Locke is in the building!
Thanks for the questions
Lynn 😀
Hounded by Kevin Hearne, readalong, final chapters
March 09th: Chapters 6-10 hosted by On a Book Bender
March 16th: Chapters 11-15 hosted by Smash Attack Reads!
March 23rd: Chapters 16-20 hosted by In the Closet With a Bibliophile
March 30th: Chapters 21-25 + epilogue hosted by The Unread Reader
April 06th: Special interview with Kevin Hearne
1. In a moment of anger, Atticus reveals something about himself that he usually keeps very secret, for his own benefit. Has something similar ever happened to you? Have you ever spilled a closely guarded secret in a moment of excitement or anger or absent-mindedness?
I must admit that I’m pretty good at keeping my own counsel. I did let something very personal out of the bag with one of my friends when I was a little bit the worse for wear (or drunk more to the point!). She was also fessing up about things. Funnily enough neither of us has ever referred to that evening since (not in a bad way but more like we’re pretending we forgot!) That does seem a bit of a cop out for an answer but to be honest I can REALLY keep a secret!
2. Atticus tells Mrs. MacDonagh, “the universe is exactly the size that your soul can encompass. Some people live in extremely small worlds, and some live in a world of infinite possibility.” Then he asks her what she is going to do with the new information she has discovered. What would you do if you found out that other beings were among us? Would you deny it or embrace it?
I love that phrase about the universe being the size that your soul can encompass. It’s really quite a beautiful sentiment. I think I might have had a bit more of a jaw dropping moment than Mrs MacDonagh – she barely batted an eyelash when demons and weres were stomping over her lawn! But I’d like to think, and in fact I’m fairly sure, that I would accept it – (although I would undoubtedly think someone was trying to pull my leg). Doubting Tom – looks like a trusting ninny by comparison to me.
3. So far, Atticus has revealed a few of his powers and has even shared some power by putting bindings on Granuaile. What do you think has been his coolest or most helpful power so far?
Given the amount of trouble Atticus manages to find himself in I think his healing power is undoubtedly his best magic ability. That being said his necklace is pretty impressive and has saved his life at least once. And, I like his shape shifting. OMG I can’t choose. But I will. Healing. No, necklace – definitely it’s the magic necklace he’s made – if he hadn’t got the necklace he would be dust and his healing powers would be worthless then!
4. Atticus gets pretty pissed when he finds out that Aenghus Óg is drawing power from the Earth and, in turn, killing it. That’s when Atticus decides he must fight the old Fae for committing such a heinous offense. What is something you would fight for, even if it meant you might die trying?
I really love the way Atticus wants to protect the earth – eco warrior! Plus, he’s not even going to run out of town now that his enemies know where he lives, because he wants to stay and fix the forest. Atticus – he is the ‘cuteness’!
My children – I realise that’s totally predictable but I would do anything for them and if they were under any type of threat I think I would be possessed with some sort of super power, superhuman strength or something (or maybe I was drinking wine when I typed this answer and let’s face it you’re invincible when you’ve had a drink, not to mention have brilliant judgement, can dance like nobody ever before, look cool, and don’t tuck your skirt into your knickers when you’re at the toilet because your co-ordination is also awesome.
5. What did you think of the final showdown between Atticus and Aenghus Óg? Did it go down the way you expected? Was there anything about their battle that surprised you?
I think their battle was much better than I anticipated – it was very real! No hour long thrashing, just straight to the point (no pun intended) and basically Atticus does what he has to do to survive. Plus Aenghus was such a maniac with that armour! Geeky anybody?
6. What was your favorite/least favorite part of Hounded? Who was your favorite/least favorite character?
My favourite parts – difficult! Probably all the internal dialogue with Oberon (although all the funny references to things such as Star Wars, etc comes a close second). Saying that, Oberon is definitely my favourite character (after Atticus that is!!!). I do like the lawyers as well. Witches the least favourite – well at least the double-crossing element. Could I at least give one straightfoward answer today – probably not.
7. What do you think is coming up next for Atticus? Will you continue reading this series, and if so, what do you hope to see happen in the next book?
I won’t answer this because I’ve already read book two and I’m waiting to finish the readalong before I pick up number three – which will then dovetail very nicely for the release of number four! Anyway, as I said I could keep a secret above it would be pretty stoopid to go and spill the beans now! And, yep, unless something goes seriously wrong I’m set to continue reading about Atticus.
I’d like to thank all the lovely ladies above who hosted this readalong. I’ve had a great time and got to meet some lovely peeps.
Cheers ears!!
😀
The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey
Just finished reading The Snow Child which is the debut novel of Eowyn Ivey. The Snow Child is based on a Russian fairy-tale about an old couple who live alone in a forest. They are unable to have children. One winter’s evening they build a small child out of snow and dress it with mittens and scarf. A combination of magic and longing brings the snow child to life to fulfil the old couple’s desires for a child.
Eowyn’s story brings to us Jack and Mabel. They have moved to a homestead in Alaska. A new beginning for them and also an opportunity to escape their old lives which is blighted with sorrow – more so since ? lost her baby during the first few months of pregnancy.
I actually really enjoyed this book in fact I loved it!. The writing is quite captivating and it does have a magical feel about it. It isn’t particularly a book filled with laughter and joy but in spite of this it isn’t a sorrowful read. The couple are indeed sad not to be able to have a family but this doesn’t stop the love which they feel for each other coming across. Their lives are hard. After all they’re out in Alaska and let’s face it, it’s pretty damned cold for a lot of the time on top of which they are very isolated and scraping a living is extremely hard work. However, slowly, and despite their (or more particularly Mabel’s) best efforts against it they make friends with their nearest neighbours and start to enjoy a little more success with their farm. One evening, following heavy snowfall, they let their hair down and make a snowchild – in the morning the snowchild has been reduced to a pile of snow and the mittens and scarf that the couple used to decorate her with have disappeared. They then start to see a child, with long blond hair flitting in and out of the woods at the rear of their property. Eventually they befriend the child and try to take her under their protection. It is a strange story, not least because you’re never quite sure whether the couple are imagining the child – nobody else ever sees her and the couple’s neighbours think they are suffering from ‘cabin fever’.
I won’t go any further with the plot. There are apparently a number of variations of this particular story that it would not be difficult to find out about and read. However, I enjoyed not knowing what version the story would follow and more to the point the fact that I wasn’t sure whether it would follow the fairytale at all or would adopt a different version completely.
I enjoyed reading about the couple and how their lives changed with the introduction of their neighbour’s into it and particularly their son Garrett. They open up more to each other and their friends and see their home and landscape through new eyes. There are certainly some beautifully described scenes which make it incredibly easy to conjure up in your mind the beauty and savage nature of the place.
I hope I don’t give too much away if I say the ending is slightly bitter sweet – but don’t be distracted by this. It’s a lovely story, well told and an amazing debut. The descriptions and writing are incredibly easy to get along with and the whole magical element is quite beguiling.
Now, on a separate note this particular story will go to one of my challenges currently being hosted by Carl at Stainless Steel Droppings (press this link and go check it out – this is an awesome none-challenge with such cool categories and loads of bloggers taking part and discussing books). This is a challenge that isn’t a challenge (in other words it’s all about the fun). There are four elements to this non-challenge – fairy tale, myth, folklore and fantasy. I do have a dilemma about which category this book fits into however. The author say’s it’s based on a Russian fairy-tale – so perhaps it falls in the fairy tale element – however, it doesn’t actually have any fairies in it – not sure if that matters. I’ve been thinking back about some of the stories that we call fairy tales – and they don’t all have fairies or fairy godmothers in them after all – but, personally I feel as though this falls more into a sort of folklore type of story! Dunno . Open to suggestion on this one. But definitely veering to the folklore side? Help!
Anyway, final note this is a lovely magical tale, emotional, beautiful, well written and captivating.
The Snow Child
Plus – check out this cover. I know that I should rise above it but this is a lovely cover and you can’t tell from the picture above but it’s designed to look like an old blue leather bound book.
The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch, readalong
24 March 2012
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Readalong, Scott Lynch, The Lies of Locke Lamora
Okay, we’re on to the third week’s readalong of Scott Lynch’s Lies of Locke Lamora. This week we stopped at a particularly tense part of the book – and can I just ask who the hell came up with that stopping point!!! You raging maniac you! I have managed to not read on, but I have read this before and I want to take my time with this readalong. This readalong is being hosted by some lovely and impressive bloggers as follows:
If you haven’t read this book – then really, I would recommend it m0st heartily. Plus, come and join us all, we’re having a great time. If you have read it and want to readalong then get in touch with one of the lovely people above and they’ll add you to the info. And, be aware, ‘there be spoilers ahead’.
1. This section is where we finally get to sneak a peek at the magic in The Gentleman Bastards books. From what we read, what are your initial impressions of the magic Lynch is using? Is there any way that Locke and Company would be able to get around the Bondsmage’s powers?I guess I would say I’m more puzzled, or intrigued, by the magic we’ve seen used. There isn’t much of an explanation this far into the story about ‘why’ the Bondsmage can use magic or where they draw their power from – although I could be missing something here! I enjoyed Chains story about the Bondsmage and how they became such a force to be reckoned with. It’s all part of the world building that I enjoy so much about this book.
2. Not a question, but an area for rampant speculation: If you want to take a stab at who you think the Grey King might be, feel free to do it here. Even though I seem to have forgotten such a good deal about my original reading I’m not going to take a guess because if it turns out to be in any way remotely connected it will look like a big fat spoiler (or as though I’m trying to be a tremendous smartypants)! I am intrigued though (and I have really not a clue – how is that even possible?)
2.5 (since 2 wasn’t really a question) Anyone see the Nazca thing coming? Anyone? Do you think there are more crazy turns like this in store for the book? Would you like to speculate about them here? (yes, yes you would) Again, I would love to speculate about the crazy turns in store – but spoilery! Dang!! And, believe it or not I’d forgotten about Nazca – I knew in my tiny brain that her and Locke were not going to get it on, but I had forgotten about her being murdered. Strangely enough I remembered the whole scene with the barrel full of horse urine – what is up with me, really? The other thing about this is – I was really quite enjoying the character of Nazca and here she is getting bumped off – I think that’s a really difficult thing for an author to do and I really respect it. I’m not saying I enjoy losing the characters that I like but sometimes it is necessary and it’s a hard decision. Big respect for not being too precious to lose a character if the plot needs it.
3. When Locke says “Nice bird, arsehole,” I lose it. EVERY TIME. And not just because I have the UK version of the book and the word arsehole is funnier than asshole. Have there been any other places in the books so far where you found yourself laughing out loud, or giggling like a crazy person on the subway? I have been laughing out loud a lot – but I think you probably hit on what was, for me, the funniest scene – when Locke met the Grey King and his bondmage for the first time. ‘Nice bird, arsehole’ is pretty hilarious! I always feel really odd about using ‘asshole’ – just the whole ass/donkey thing! I did think of a couple of lines I really enjoyed: “When you don’t know everything that you could know, it’s a fine time to shut your fucking noisemaker and be polite.” and the story about the half crowns where Tesso says “because I can’t imagine that you shit-wits would really be sitting there right where we beat the trouser gravy out of you just yesterday”. Trouser gravy? LOL! There are others, but I’ll leave it now (it could become an essay!)
4. By the end of this reading section, have your opinions changed about how clever the Bastards are? Do you still feel like they’re “cleverer than all the rest?” Or have they been decidedly outplayed by the Grey King and his Bondsmage? Well, as much as I hate to say it, I feel that they’ve been ‘bested’ at this point. The Grey King knows exactly what they’re up to and how to turn the screw. They are between a rock and a hard place and don’t even have the option to run because they’ll never get away with it now. I suppose if they’d got out of there years ago – and it seems like they probably had enough money to do so, but they kept just wanting to put in one more job – then they wouldn’t be in this mess – but hindsight is a thing of beauty! (I wonder if you can buy hindsight glasses – I want a pair of those)
5. I imagine that you’ve probably read ahead, since this was a huge cliffhanger of an ending for the “present” storyline, but I’ll ask this anyway: Where do you see the story going from here, now that the Grey King is thought to be dead? Won’t elaborate on this as I have already read. Also, can’t remember and haven’t actually read ahead! And, I don’t have the first bloody clue.
6. What do you think of the characters Scott Lynch has given us so far? Are they believable? Real? Fleshed out? If not, what are they lacking? I really enjoy the characters so far, we get little glimpses into the history behind the relationships and I think that slowly but surely we have a world being developed with really easy to picture characters. To be honest, I think Jean may be my favourite character – I’m not sure why. I like his nature, he’s very real. But I also like that he can just totally look after himself!
7. Now that you’ve seen how clever Chains is about his “apprenticeships,” why do you think he’s doing all of this? Does he have an endgame in sight? Is there a goal he wants them to achieve, or is it something more emotional like revenge? Ha, I can’t actually remember whether Chains had any other goal such as revenge. I like Chains and I like the way he sometimes doles out his lessons – like the way he taught Locke a bit of humility when Jean first came to stay! I feel as though he thinks he’s like a master tutor and he’s giving his apprentices the best, the fullest, the most comprehensive education in how to be a trickster – he’s like the Ivy League of conman tutors!
Comments from other bloggers:
Nashville Book Worm
Rose’s thingamajig
Rememorandum / Logan K Stewart
The Hugo Endurance Project
Booky Pony
John Ayliff
Numbers Words and Ramblings
Hounded read along week 4, Kevin Hearne
March 09th: Chapters 6-10 hosted by On a Book Bender
March 16th: Chapters 11-15 hosted by Smash Attack Reads!
March 23rd: Chapters 16-20 hosted by In the Closet With a Bibliophile
March 30th: Chapters 21-25 + epilogue hosted by The Unread Reader
April 06th: Special interview with Kevin Hearne
5. Laksha is a witch, a truly evil one at that for many of the things she’s done in the past. However, she’s supposedly seen the error of her ways. Do you think she really has? Would you be willing to trust her? Do you think Atticus is smart to have decided to trust her to help him with the “other” witches?
I think Laksha can be trusted to an extent! But with a large “Caution” stamp!! She is old – she’s been around and seen a few things, and basically although she’s trying to atone for some of her past misdeeds I wouldn’t say she’s a totally ‘soft and fluffy’ character. I like the fact that she seems to make a pact and stick to it and she’s certainly powerful and useful to have when in a tight spot! I would not want her to become an enemy that’s for sure.
Thanks for the questions
Lynn 😀
