The Republic Of Thieves

Third installment in Scott Lynch's GENTLEMEN BASTARDS series. Locke and Jean have left Tel Verrar in their wake. Locke is dying, the alchemist's poison ravaging his insides.Even the best physickers are unable to heal him. Locke is resigned to his fate, but help comes from the most unexpected of places - the Karthani BondsMagi. The magi offer to heal Locke, but in return they want him to interfere in Karthani politics, to fix the upcoming elections. Locke agrees, and comes up against the opposing faction's pawn - Sabetha, the love of his life. What other surprises await him in Karthain ? What, if any, hidden goals do the BondsMagi have ? PERSONAL OPINION: This book started out smooth and before I knew it, I was well into the book and enjoying it tremendously.The flashbacks,with Chains and the Sanza twins, reveal more about Locke's past. I missed Calo and Galdo in Red Seas - the back and forth, the camaraderie. And I finally get to meet Sabetha - only to be tremendously disappointed. I found her shallow and whiny. I disliked every page with Sabetha in it. I dislike the way she takes offense at the most innocent comment. I dislike how Locke behaves around her - apologising left and right, for any and no reason. I dislike how she seems to flee at the drop of a pin. I even disliked younger Sabetha in the flashbacks. Here we have the Gentlemen Bastards together in a room- all friendly and foul-mouthed, and all is well. In walks Sabetha and throws a damper on the whole scene. Everytime. She ruined it every time. That aside, I found this book better than Red Seas Under Red Skies. An enjoyable read that finally reveals who Locke Lamora actually is, and where he came from. Oh yes, his name is revealed too - the one he whispered to Jean in LIES.