The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch, final readalong
7 April 2012
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Camorr, Gentlemen Bastards, Scott Lynch, The Lies of Locke Lamora readalong
And so we come to the end of our readalong and what an amazing experience this has been. Brought to us by some really amazing hosts and involving so many brilliant bloggers. It’s been great:
Even though this is the final week – you’re never too late to join in (well, you’re a bit late but you can still go back to the readalong and check out the questions) and pick up the threads of discussion. More to the point, you’re never to late to pick up this book and be lost in the world of Camorr and the lives of the Gentlemen Bastards. So don’t wait any longer. The following will however contain spoilers so if you haven’t read the book you might want to stop reading now! This week’s instalment brought us constant tension and laugh out loud moments. Personally I loved the whole scene with Locke in the Tower – firstly coming face to face with Merragio whilst wearing the clothes he’s stolen from him and then bumping into the Grey King as well. Without further ado the questions and discussions follow. The hosts for this blog are below:
1. The Thorn of Camorr is renowned – he can beat anyone in a fight and he steals from the rich to give to the poor. Except of course that clearly most of the myths surrounding him are based on fantasy and not fact. Now that the book is finished how do you feel the man himself compares to his legend. Did you feel that he changed as the story progressed and, if so, how did this make you feel about him by the time the conclusion was reached?
I think to an extent the legend that surrounds the Thorn is one of those typical snowball type of theories which gathers size and momentum as it goes downhill. You could argue that Locke is useless in a fight and also that he doesn’t give his money away to the poor – all of which is true. But, you could also say that he’s never shed blood in any of his jobs, he’s a really big softie (as the Spider herself acknowledged after he returned to the Tower to save the nobility), that he managed to defend himself quite well against the Grey King and also that he paid rather a huge death offering by having the plague ship with all his stolen talons on board (which he could have kept). So, really his reputation is not that far from the mark. I did think he changed as the story progressed. I think at the start of the story you didn’t get too much of an understanding for the feelings he had for his fellow GBs but by the end you could certainly feel the strength of feeling and the regard he held them in. He called them his brothers – which I thought was really rather touching! By the end of the story I definitely liked him, a lot. He proved that as well as being able to plot elaborate cons he was able to think on his feet, act under pressure and show that he cared not only for his own little select gang of bandits but also for many more people as well. Funnily enough I think by the end of the story he fitted the description attributed to the Thorn much more than at the start.
2. Scott Lynch certainly likes to give his leading ladies some entertaining and strong roles to play. We have the Berangia sisters – and I definitely wouldn’t like to get on the wrong side of them or their blades plus Dona Vorchenza who is the Spider and played a very cool character – even play acting to catch the Thorn. How did you feel about the treatment the sisters and Dona received at the hands of Jean and Locke – were you surprised, did it seem out of character at all or justified?
I really liked both of the above characters to an extent. They’re certainly not soft and fluffy and I don’t think we’d ever be friends. But, I had a certain type of respect for the Berangia sisters and the way they were so kickass. And, the Spider, playing at Locke’s game really and allowing people’s own misconceptions to hide her secret identity for this length of time. All that being said, I felt no sympathy for the Berangias. They knew what they were doing. They plotted to catch and kill Jean and they were completely confident in their own abilities. The fact that they lost is just really too bad! I know who I preferred to win! I did have a certain sympathy for Dona Vorchenza when Locke socked her in the jaw, but he had the decency himself to feel bad for his own course of action and really I can’t see how he could have done any differently. She shouldn’t have under-estimated him but she made the mistake of thinking of them both as intellectuals. But, if Locke had remained trapped – she would undoubtedly have made him suffer and would not have shown sympathy. Plus, if you trap something in a corner it’s going to lunge at you eventually.
3. Towards the end we saw a little more of the magic and the history of the Bondsmagi. The magic, particularly with the use of true names, reminds me a little of old fashioned witchcraft or even voodoo. But, more than that I was fascinated after reading the interlude headed ‘The Throne in Ashes’ about the Elderglass and the Elders and why their structures were able to survive even against the full might of the Bondsmagi – do you have any theories about this do you think it’s based on one of our ancient civilisations or maybe similar to a myth??
Well, the most obvious comparison that I could come to with this would be the Roman Empire. The Roman’s went all over conquering and ruling – but they didn’t always stay and yet they left a legacy behind wherever they went. But, the thing I was thinking about most when reading about the Elderglass was the City of Atlantis – and don’t ask me why – I can’t explain myself but I’ve always pictured Atlantis as being contained in a huge, glass bubble!
4. We have previously discussed Scott Lynch’s use of description and whether it’s too much or just spot on. Having got into the last quarter of the book where the level of tension was seriously cranked up – did you still find, the breaks for interludes and the descriptions useful or, under the circumstances did it feel more like a distraction?
I actually still enjoyed the interludes and the description. I did have a moment towards the end where I was almost cursing and thinking ‘not bloody now for godssake’ but then as usual with these little mini stories I got sucked in. To some extent I do think it lessens the tension but on the plus side it felt as though it made me slow down and think a bit more than I otherwise might of and so I accredit this with stopping me from just simply racing ahead and finishing as quickly as possible.
5. Now that the book has finished how did you feel about the conclusion and the eventual reveal about the Grey King and more to the point the motivations he declared for such revenge – does it seem credible, were you expecting much worse or something completely different altogether?
I really enjoyed the conclusion – particularly the whole Grey King and Locke fighting to the death scenario (which does make me sound a bit bloodthirsty!). Just, they both had their own individual reasons and at that particular juncture they both pretty much hated each other – Locke because of the GBs and all that he and Jean had also been put through and the Grey King because of his sisters, his plans being thwarted and the sinking of his means of escape together with all the money which he thought he’s gained! It’s difficult to remember how I originally felt about the motives of the Grey King, I think what he and his family suffered was terrible but I kind of lost all sympathy for him because he didn’t care who he affected in his plans for revenge. He just went hell for leather and swept everyone up in is plot. The GBs had never done anything to hurt or offend him and look how badly they fared in his scheming. I suppose it would be childish to say he was unfair – but he was!
6. Were you surprised that Locke, being given two possible choices (one of which could possibly mean he would miss his chance for revenge on the Grey King) chose to go back to the Tower – especially given that (1) he would have difficulty in getting into the building (2) he would have difficulty in convincing them about the situation and (3) he would have difficulty in remaining free afterwards? Did anyone else nearly pee their pants when Locke and the rest were carrying the sculptures up to the roof garden?
I actually was surprised that Locke returned to the Tower to rescue the nobility but I think it’s one of the finer turning points of the story which helps to emphasise the true nature of the man. And, I was so tense when they were all carrying the sculptures up to the top – even though I knew the ending. That whole wraithstone thing was so nasty!
7. Finally, the other question I would chuck in here is that, following the end of the book I was intrigued to check out some of the reviews of LOLL and noticed that the negative reviews mentioned the use of profanity. How did you feel about this – was it excessive? Just enough? Not enough?
I really didn’t find the swearing a problem at all, in fact, on rereading I was surprised because I thought it seemed that there was less of it than I remembered! I probably wouldn’t mind a bit more – it makes me laugh when they’re all cussing at each other and the air turns blue!
8. Okay one further, and probably most important but very quick question – having finished, will you pick up the sequel, Red Seas Under Red Skies?
Hell yes!
The Taker by Alma Katsu
Just finished reading The Taker by Alma Katsu. I enjoyed this story even though it actually wasn’t what I’d originally thought it would be.
The Taker is portrayed as a love story blending paranormal and history. I would start by saying that I’m not sure that I would describe this story as an immortal love story. It’s certainly a story about immortals but by describing it as a love story it gives you a certain expectation which I’m not sure is entirely true. Personally, I would describe this as an immortal story of unrequited love. A tale of obsession that reaches across the ages.
The story starts with Dr Luke Findley beginning his shift at the hospital where he lives in St Andrews, Maine. Basicially Luke is not entirely happy with his lot in life. He’s a doctor in a town where he doesn’t wish to live. His family obligations have brought him back there and now he feels trapped. His wife has left him taking his children and with his mother recently deceased he has very little to keep him in this small backtown and yet here he remains. Until Lanore McIlvrae comes into his life. Lanore, or Lanny, is brought into the hospital by the police as a potential murder suspect. She’s brought in for examination by Dr Luke Findley who is going to become more deeply involved than he could have imagined when he set off for his shift that evening.
And, so we begin with Lanny’s story which spans back over the course of 200 years (in fact it goes much further back than that when we start to learn the story of one of the other characters from the story).
Firstly, the characters. They’re an odd bunch. We have Lanore. Goodness knows she doesn’t always make the best decisions. She can certainly be very selfish and cruel but she is aware of these shortcomings in herself. I’m not sure at this point whether I exactly like Lanny which is a strange position to be in after reading her story and I’m not altogether sure I trust her either. What I do enjoy about Lanny is how she relates her story. Her voice. Which is really quite compelling. I found myself totally gripped to the story whenever we found ourselves going back in time and probably could probably have done without the more modern day elements completely. The historical elements are fascinating to read about. The details about the lives, firstly when Lanny lives in Maine and then when she goes to Boston are really well written and interesting to read about. You certainly spend a lot of time with Lanny so in that respect she has plenty of character. What I struggled to come to terms with is why she was so obsessed with Jonathon. Jonathon is the son of the town’s benefactor. He is perfect in all respects. Absolutely gorgeous to behold, rich, intelligent and his full life is mapped out. He is far and above Lanny in his station in life and without her practically throwing herself at his feet would never have noticed her at all. However Jonathon is lonely, he has no friends and Lanny becomes his companion – platonic of course. Jonathon is only really briefly sketched as far as I’m concerned. He’s a total philanderer and basically seems to have sexual relationships with all the females in town – not helped of course by the fact that most of the women are so overcome with desire for him on account of his good looks that they simply throw themselves at his head. The problem I have is that Lanny is obsessed with this guy for 200 years and yet apart from his good looks we have very little other reason to see why. He also, isn’t the most likable character. He’s quite weak at the start of the novel and appears to go through life with a very bored and abject expression. I wouldn’t say I disliked him – just that I feel perfectly indifferent towards him and so apart from the fact that Lanny can’t have him – what exactly is the attraction that it remains so strong for that length of time. I guess basically it seems a little bit fickle. Yes, you may be attracted to a person’s looks initially but after that there has to be more? Anyway, I digress!
We are then introduced to the character of Adair – and what a perfectly horrible little monster he is surrounded by his little crew of vipers – of which he is soon to make Lanny a member of. We now take a further step back in time to hear Adair’s tale – which is really quite dark and twisted. This certainly isn’t a YA book although maybe it would cross over for the older element – that being said, there are a few elements that are rather brutal, not gratuitously so but the back stories include rape, beatings and elements of torture. The thing with Adair is we are given a much greater insight into his character which makes him much more real. Perhaps this is because Adair is set to play a much bigger role in the next novel?
We also, of course have the character of Luke. Again, Luke, feeling so/so about him. Apart from his obvious unhappiness with life in general we don’t get a good feel for him really and clearly he’s there as a means by which Lanny can relate her story.
I don’t really want to elaborate further on the plot as I don’t want to give away spoilers and although it seems as though I’ve been quite critical above I think it’s almost in a good way. Just that I had lots of ‘what if’s or ‘what’ moments! This is a story about immortals – we are given some background into this and the end reveals a twist that I hadn’t anticipated.
Basically, in spite of the observations about the characters, I thought this was a really good story. I’ve never read Interview with a Vampire but have seen the film and for me this has a definite flavour of that type of story. I can’t say whether it read like Anne Rice but maybe others will have a better idea of that.
I’m hoping that with the developments at the end maybe Lanny will become a changed individual in the next instalment? Anyway, time will tell and I look forward to picking up number 2.
I think that if you want a good historical/paranormal read then this may be for you. It’s not always the most gentle read but it is definitely compelling. Plus, the other thing that I do really like about this book is that although this is a trilogy there isn’t a cliff hanger ending and you could actually stop reading at this point.
The Taker
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.
