Among Thieves by Douglas Hulick
20 March 2012
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Among Thieves, dark fantasy, Douglas Hulick
Just finished reading Among Thieves by Douglas Hulick which I found very entertaining. I couldn’t help wondering whether I should delay reading this as I am also currently re-reading the Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch (and as the LoLL is a masterpiece, in my eyes, this meant that Among Thieves had a lot to live up to – plus I couldn’t help holding parts of the story up for examination to see how it faired against the world of Camorr.
Actually, as it turned out I think that reading the two at the same time and holding them up to comparison turned out to be a really enjoyable experience – they’re not the same in a lot of respects although they obviously have similarities and it would be foolish to deny this.
Among Thieves brings to us the character of Drothe who comes from the city of Ildrecca. By all accounts Ildrecca has a serious problem with crime – we have Upright Men in control of various gangs who split the available area, begrudgingly, between them. On top of that we have the Grey Princes – who for me seemed to have the sort of status of a Godfather of types (some of them with the ability to use magic or ‘glimmer’). The ruler of the land is The Emperor. He seems to have a fearsome reputation, made more so by the threat of his ‘white sash’ troops and his hoarding and use of more powerful forms of ‘glimmer’.
Drothe is a member of a gang run by a very ruthless Upright Man called Nicco. He works as a ‘Nose’ gathering information. (But sometimes dealing in relics – which is forbidden). Basically Drothe is going to become very quickly embroiled in a scheme which he really should avoid – this could be the start of gang wars, imperial wars or the end of all that the undeworld currently know or understand.
What did I love. Firstly, some of the characters. Drothe is a rogue, but he’s sort of lovable and flawed. He’s no badass, which is a relief to some extent, and in spite of the fact that it’s his job to suss out what’s going on he’s not making a good job of it at the start of this book. He seems to run from one catastrophe to the next, usually appearing at the most inconvenient and inappropriate time possible and he doesn’t really have the ability to fight his way out of these situations – without resorting to dirty tricks that is (which he certainly isn’t averse to doing). Which is why he has Degan – covering his back. I really liked Degan (Bronze). He’s tough, sarcastic, he’s a whizz with the sword and seems to have no fear. What a combo. Secondly, the dialogue, which is sprinkled with the way the thieves (or kin) speak – with no explanation to what the words mean. You’re thrown in and expected to learn (a bit like the situation Drothe finds himself in!) The world is also really great. It’s seedy. There are bad sorts – Ten Ways is particularly grim, and on top of that it seems to be pseudo mediaeval with plenty of swashbuckling and fighting taking place. And, on top of that we have plots and counterplots – although nothing too distracting that you can’t race along through the story. Basically, there isn’t a lot of world building and this is without doubt a very fast paced story. If you like your stories to be a bit crazy, if you like to be left a bit to your own devices, and if you’re not a big fan of detail (or lots of detail) then you could be in the right place with this book. The whole story, in fact, takes place probably within a two/three week time frame and the story jumps about with such speed it practically makes your head spin.
If I was to level any criticisms I would probably say – yes, it’s similar to other stories set in this type of setting. I could say the ending is a bit rushed and a bit too neatly tied up and, no, its not a rich tapestry of detail. However, I could also say that none of those criticisms gave me a second’s doubt. I really enjoyed this. I think there is plenty of scope for future stories and I look forward to reading them. No, it’s certainly not Scott Lynch – but I think it has something new to bring and I think there’s plenty of room in this market and in a strange way, reading the two novels alongside each other has demonstrated that to me very well. From My Big Fat Greek Wedding – they’re different, like apples and oranges – but they’re both fruit!
Recommend.
(Plus – and here’s where I sink to my low level of ficklness – the UK cover is hot!) (Although that is not why I picked the book up, obviously
Among thieves
!!)
Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch readalong, week 2
This is week two of the LoLL readalong. This week the questions were supplied by Dark Cargo. If you’re on twitter? use #lynchmob.
If you haven’t read the LoLL then please be aware that this post will contain spoilers. The last week’s reading took us through Chapter 3 to the end of the Interlude: The Boy Who Cried for a Corpse.
1) Do you think Locke can pull off his scheme of playing a Midnighter who is working with Don Salvara to capture the Thorn of Camorr? I mean, he is now playing two roles in this game – and thank goodness for that costume room the Gentlemen Bastards have!
I think he’s being very ambitious, particularly when you weigh is scheme against the fact that the Grey King is running around the place knocking people off willy nilly and nobody seems to know why! And, also, when you consider that for years the Gentlemen Bastards have not just been pulling elaborate cons but they are also conning Capa Barsavi who thinks they are fairly low key thiefs. There’s a lot going on with the potential for huge disaster. I love the costume room – who wouldn’t?
2) Are you digging the detail the author has put into the alcoholic drinks in this story?
I must say that I like the idea of the Brandy that doesn’t give you a hangover! Although it may be a false blessing as you would have nothing to deter you from over doing it! Pickled liver anyone?? I’m not sure about the Ginger Scald – I like things to be spicy – but do I really want to drink something that sounds like it’d take the skin off the roof of your mouth?
3) Who is this mysterious lady Gentlemen Bastard Sabetha and what does she mean to Locke?
Don’t think I should really answer this as I’ve already read the book.
4) Are you as creeped out over the use of Wraithstone to create Gentled animals as I am?
It is really creepy – I don’t like the idea of stripping every bit of personality from the animals – they seem to be little more than shells.
5) I got a kick out of child Locke’s first meeting with Capa Barsavi and his daughter Nazca, which was shortly followed up in the story by Barsavi granting adult Locke permission to court his daughter! Where do you think that will lead? Can you see these two together?
Similar to the answer to question 3 – as I’ve already read it’s difficult to answer this question without giving away spoilers. Although I will say I did enjoy Locke’s first meeting with Nazca – she’s a bit of a handful! Personally, I don’t think a relationship between the two would ever be able to get around the fact that Locke is Nazca’s Pezon and I think both of them would always be very conscious of that and couple that with the fact that neither of them seem to have any interest in the other on a romantic level then it does seem a bit of a none-starter.
6) Capa Barsavi is freaked out over rumors of The Gray King and, in fact, us readers are privy to a gruesome torture scene. The Gray King is knocking garristas off left and right. What do you think that means?
I think he’s very afraid. He’s holed himself and his children up in an attempt to stay protected but he’s fumbling around in the dark really. He’s torturing people to death who genuinley don’t seem to know anything and yet he can’t seem to see this – it’s almost as though he’s become a bit panic stricken or hysterical.
7) In the Interlude: The Boy Who Cried for a Corpse, we learn that Father Chains owes an alchemist a favor, and that favor is a fresh corpse. He sets the boys to figuring out how to provide one, and they can’t ‘create’ the corpse themselves. How did you like Locke’s solution to this conundrum?
This was Locke’s first con! It was great. He accomplished the task he was set and actually made money as well. I suppose I did feel a bit badly for the people in the district of Videnza though – they didn’t seem like a bad lot really.
Hounded by Kevin Hearne readalong week 3
And, so, moving on to week 3 of the readalong for Hounded by Kevin Hearne. Schedule and questions/answers below – but if you havent already read this beware of spoilers.
April 06th: Special interview with Kevin Hearne & announcement of winners!
1. I love Leif Helgarson, Viking Vampire, Esq. I have to say that combo makes a pretty cool attorney. If you could have a paranormal/mythical beastie (or combo) covering your tuckus in court, what would you choose and why?
I like the vampire attorney – I suppose the drawback is that he isn’t available 24/7 and I don’t think I would be totally happy to pay him in blood. But he has been a pretty good attorney so far. I think on the whole I would probably choose a member of the fey (provided I know their real name of course) they’re very twist and turny after all!
2. The police show up to question Atticus about his Irish Wolfhound, Oberon. If you could own any dog breed, what would it be and why? (P.S. Oberon is going on my list of favorite sidekicks!)
I love dogs and I love most breeds even lovely Heinz 57 (which in my country means a mongrel). Currently I own a Fox Hound and a Lakeland Terrier and they are both total maniacs but prior to this I have owned Irish Terriers (Winny and Molly) and two Elk Hounds (which are beautiful spitz dogs, high in stature with a tail curled over their backs, silve coat and black muzzle called Sabre and Ragan). If I was going to choose what to own next I don’t know how I would pick! Maybe a husky.
3. Malina Sokolowski and the other Sisters of the Three Auroras coven have my antennae up. What is your opinion of them?
Being ahead with the books it’s difficult to answer this one without looking like a smartie pants. I’d like to say that I don’t trust the witches but did I really feel like that before I knew what I now know? I dunno!
4. Brighid, goddess of poetry, fire and the forge, gave Atticus the power of Cold Iron, which can be used to fight off that nasty lilttle hellspawn. If you could wield one magical power, what would it be and why?
I can’t decide between being able to fly in order to beat all the traffic on the way to work or having the ability to set things up to clean my house – like the vac automatically working or the dishes being washed – a bit like in Harry Potter. I would love to say I’d like to get all my cleaning done but to hell with that – on the whole, I’d like to be able to fly and the cleaning can wait!
5. The cops show up at Atticus’ shop to search for poor Oberon, who remains magically hidden throughout the ordeal. What is the one thing you would do if you could remain hidden from sight? I want to hear some good answers for this one!
I suppose if you were hidden from sight you could hear and see such a lot of things. It’s difficult to choose. Maybe you could listen in to some examination questions beforehand and be clued up to pass your test. Or you could follow people around and get to hear if they discuss you. Or, you could watch somebody put in the code for their safe or [password for their computer!!! Oh, it’s all a bit horrible. I’m trying to think of something good about being hidden from sight but it all seems a bit sneaky so I’m not sure I can come up with anything good – although I suppose you could travel for free, you could probably get in to watch the movies for free, you could probably eat for free just walking in and out of restaurants picking things up and you could probably sleep for free – so, fairly carefree existence. (although still all a bit sneaky!)
The Third Section by Jasper Kent
Just finished reading Third Section (actually the 3rd novel in the Jasper Kent series of books). If you haven’t read the first two novels (Twelve and Thirteen Years Later) then the rest of this post will undoubtedly contain spoilers and therefore please do not read on (unless of course spoilers are what you seek!)
If you’ve read Thirteen Years Later you’ll already be aware that Alexsei has been exiled to Siberia following his involvement in the Decembrist uprising. Third Section brings to us two different storylines controlled now by Alexsei’s children, Tamara (Toma) and Dmitry. Tamara now works for the Third Section and is investigating a grisly murder. As a result of her investigations she uncovers a number of similar murders that took place in 1812 and 1825 and these in turn uncover the name of Alexsei as a potential witness to murders during both time periods. Tamara is keen to find Dimitry to discuss the murders but also she is desperately searching for her real parents, of whom she remembers very little. Dmitry ‘s actions are now mimicking those of his father in that he is involved in the Crimean war. During his time at Sevastopol Dmitry is befriended by another soldier Typelov who he is soon to realise has his own motives for seeking him out.
To be totally honest I would say that this instalment was my least favourite of the three. I felt the storylines were not as absorbing, the tension not as mmm, tense, and I don’t think I found it as rewarding reading about Tamara and Dmitry as I did reading about Alexsei. That being said I would still not hesitate to recommend. Just, for me personally, it almost seems to suffer a little from ‘middle book syndrome’ (even though it isn’t the middle book) or at least it seems to be used as a vehicle for setting up the next story.
What I did particularly enjoy was the insight into the vampire mind and a little bit more of the uncovering of their true nature. Iuda (or Yudin as he is now called) is his usually wonderful despicable and base self. He is such a superb villain (if that is not a contradiction in terms). He really is quite something and I must applaud Jasper Kent for giving him life. I don’t think I can remember reading a better ‘baddie’ – if that makes sense?
I also enjoyed reading about Tamara’s escapades and uncovering her, rather sad, story. She has plenty of character and gusto and certainly makes up for the lack of those attributes in Dmitry. I don’t know why but I really couldn’t find myself liking Dmitry. He seems almost like a very poor reflection of his father. As though living in the shadow of the ‘three fingered man’ has left him wanting in a number of ways. His character certainly doesn’t improve as you reach the conclusion but no more of that (although at least at the end he does seem to be suffering some regret).
Again, the story is a rich tapestry of well researched history, myth and horror. The voordalaks certainly continue with their gory feasting and their appetites seems to know no bounds. Deaths and blood are in abundance and as the conclusion approaches a number of twists are revealed.
Although this lacks the tension that had me racing to the end in Thirteen Years Later I still enjoyed the read and will without doubt pick up No.4 with eager anticipation. I love the combination of history, horror and myth and if you want some good old fashioned vampires reminiscent of Stoker then pick up Jasper Kent.
Third Section
The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch readalong, week 1
For the next few weeks I will be joining a number of other people taking part in a readalong of the Lies of Locke Lamora, followed by another readalong of Red Seas Under Red Skies. I’m so excited to be doing this because Scott Lynch’s third novel is due to be released this summer and so this acts as a perfect reminder of all that has already taken place.
I love these books! They’re dark, gritty and brutal. They’re populated by great and complex characters. Definitely unflinching and not for the YA market!
If you haven’t already read these books and don’t want to read spoilers please don’t continue with the rest of this post (and, really, if you haven’t read these books what exactly are you waiting for – really, just read them). If you want to join this readalong follow this link:
littleredreviewer.wordpress.com
1. If this is your first time reading The Lies of Locke Lamora, what do you think of it so far? If this is a re-read for you, how does the book stand up to rereading?
I’ve already read the Lies of Locke Lamora but it was some time ago now and so rereading all the detail again is amazing. I think I’m noticing so much more this time because I think the first time I read a book I read it very fast and am totally on a mission to find out what’s happening next so I don’t tend to savour the writing as much as I should. With this reread I’m taking my time and absorbing properly all the information about the place, the food, the descriptions of the orphans and being introduced again to the Thiefmaker (who I can’t help picturing as Fagin from Oliver Twist) and Chains.
2. At last count, I found three time lines: Locke as as a 20-something adult, Locke meeting Father Chains for the first time, and Locke as a younger child in Shades Hill. How are you doing with the Flashback within a flashback style of introducing characters and the world?
I’m really enjoying the flashbacks and the slow reveals of what actually took place with Locke that led to the Thiefmaker finally reaching the end of his tether and deciding to dispose of him. I think the way the time lines jump back and forth make it more interesting. One moment we’re looking at Locke and his crew and what their next job is, then just as they reach a critical point we bounce back to Locke telling his story to Chains. One part of me is thinking what – no, I want to see what happens next, but then pretty rapidly I’m absorbed in ‘younger’ Locke’s tail and then I’m equally as eager to carry on reading that story. I think writing like this and jumping inbetween helps to focus your attention, plus, it’s like you’re reading more than one story so it’s double or even triple the excitement.
3. Speaking of the world, what do you think of Camorr and Lynch’s world building?
At the risk of appearing to just automatically like everything that Scott Lynch does I’m going to admit that I love the world building. What I particularly enjoy is the detail – maybe it’s not to everyone’s liking – but, I find it really easy to build up the world in my own mind’s eye. I have my own idea of what the place actually looks like (which might not be the same as everyone else’s but that’s the beauty of reading). I like the fact that traditions, lifestyles, even food have all been thought about. It makes the whole reading experience rewarding. I even have my own picture of what I think Locke looks like, the twins, Chains – I’ve got it all pictured. Plus, I like the fact that SL has thought about it all. He doesn’t just say ‘okay, here’s the world and this is what it’s like and expect you to be wowed – he builds it up gradually, he introduces you to the unsavoury elements and explores the underground, he gives you a bit about the history, just enough to keep you going, I can practically taste the food and the wine. I can imaging the squalor of certain elements and the richness of others. There are loads of layers that gradually build to give you a perfect picture. It’s like a work of art 😀
4. Father Chains and the death offering. . . quite the code of honor for thieves, isn’t it? What kind of person do you think Chains is going to mold Locke into?
Well, it seems a contradiction in terms, but I guess that Chains is going to mold Locke into a thief with honor! He’s not just going to be a ‘grab and run’ or sneak in the night. He’s going to use his cunning and intellect. Chains is going to develop him and teach him the ways of the world so that he can blend into any setting with ease. He’s going to help develop him to think on his feet and be quick witted. He’s going to help him to become an actor of sorts.
5. It’s been a while since I read this, and I’d forgotten how much of the beginning of the book is pure set up, for the characters, the plot, and the world. Generally speaking, do you prefer set up and world building done this way, or do you prefer to be thrown into the deep end with what’s happening?
I enjoy reading either way, providing the writing is good and in this case it is. Sometimes when reading a novel I just feel like I’m suddenly reading a huge info dump, which doesn’t blend in well with the story and feels quite literally as though the author is thinking ‘okay, let’s get this over and done with’. I don’t enjoy that and it can be distracting and take you away from the plot which is just annoying. The start of this book helps you to see how Locke is as a boy and gives you an appreciation of how is character has come along to reach where he is as an adult. You can see that even at a very young age he was going to be a lot more than just a regular pickpocket – he likes to succeed and has a lot of ambition.
6. If you’ve already started attempting to pick the pockets of your family members (or even thought about it!) raise your hand.
No, I wouldn’t be any good at this as I’m a total wimp. I think that there is a pickpocket in the making in my house however – I usually have to buy a new set of headphones every month (why? I dunno!) plus little things have a mysterious habit of going missing – or I’m losing the plot and can’t remember where I put them. Perhaps we have Borrowers under the floorboards – which would explain why I have 50 pairs of odd socks.
Great questions. Loving it.
Thanks 😀
On a totally superficial note : I love this cover (I can’t help myself from just going there!)
The Lies of Locke Lamora
