“Locke Lamora and the Bottled Serpent” eases readers back into Scott Lynch’s Gentleman Bastards series

As a devoted fan of Scott Lynch’s Gentlemen Bastards series, I must say that diving back into the world of Camorr with “Locke Lamora and the Bottled Serpent” was like slipping on an old, comfortable pair of boots – worn but still remarkably snug. The story is a delightful slice-of-life piece that offers a glimpse into Locke’s formative years, reminding us of the charm and wit that made us fall in love with these characters in the first place.

To be an admirer of “The Gentleman Bastards” is to recognize a desire shared by few other fandoms beyond those who are familiar with George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” or Patrick Rothfuss’ “The Kingkiller Chronicle.” In 2006, author Scott Lynch made a significant impact on the fantasy genre with the debut of his novel “The Lies of Locke Lamora,” which marked the beginning of the proposed seven-book series known as “The Gentlemen Bastards Sequence.” The following year, Lynch published “Red Seas Under Red Skies,” continuing the exploits of master con artist Locke Lamora as he navigated the city-state of Tal Verrar. Fans had to wait quite some time for the third book, “The Republic of Thieves,” which was finally released in 2013 after a six-year gap.

Over a decade has passed since we last met, but I’ve eagerly awaited the arrival of Lynch’s next masterpiece in “The Gentlemen Bastards” series – “The Thorn of Emberlain.” Lynch has been open and honest with us fans about the reasons behind the lengthy production process. Yet, for those who cherish every moment spent with the witty and roguish crew of the Gentlemen Bastards, the anticipation to reunite with Locke and his comrades is palpable.

There’s a strong basis for optimism, as Scott Lynch recently revealed that he’ll be publishing three novellas and a two-part short story in the not-so-distant future, all set within the universe of Gentlemen Bastards. The first part of the short story titled “Locke Lamora and the Bottled Serpent” has already been released last month as part of the 10th anniversary issue of Grimdark Magazine, so you can dive into it immediately if you’re eager to catch up!

After finishing the initial section of “Locke Lamora and the Bottled Serpent,” I’d like to share my thoughts without giving away any spoilers. Here’s a spoiler-free review, providing just enough context to help you understand what awaits in this captivating tale. Join me as we revisit Camorr!

“Locke Lamora and the Bottled Serpent” whet my appetite for more Gentlemen Bastards

There’s one thing I want to drive home right at the top here, to make sure no one gets confused. First is that “Locke Lamora and the Bottled Serpent” is a two-part story. The first part is out now in Grimdark Magazine Issue #40, which released on October 1, 2024. It does not, by any means, finish the tale — that will be for part two, which is slated to released in the January 2025 issue of Grimdark Magazine. Is it kind of hilarious that Scott Lynch’s first ever Gentlemen Bastards “short story” is large enough that it demands to be told in two parts, which almost makes it closer to a novelette really? Yes, but who among us does not want more Gentlemen Bastards? Drink your fill and be happy we’ve not only got new words from Lynch to enjoy, but that we’re going to get more in just a couple more months.

After addressing that matter, let’s delve into “Locke Lamora and the Bottled Serpent”. This novel is significant as it captures a crucial phase in the lives of the Gentlemen Bastards, specifically when they are on the brink of puberty. Therefore, one should not anticipate extensive, far-reaching details that will significantly impact “The Thorn of Emberlain”. Instead, consider it a brief, everyday tale focusing on Locke, offering insights into how he tackled a specific summer during which his foster guardian, Father Chains, assigned him a humbling task. This narrative shares some resemblance with the flashback sequences found in “The Republic of Thieves” in this regard.

Absolutely, one significant advantage of “Locke Lamora and the Bottled Serpent” is that it allows us a brief reunion with the entire Gentlemen Bastards gang, before they were separated by personal disagreements and the catastrophic occurrences in “The Lies of Locke Lamora“. This seems somewhat like wrapping us back in the world of Camorr with a heartwarming tale, which rekindles our affection for these characters and I appreciate that aspect of it.

Fundamentally, this narrative revolves around Locke Lamora, with his fellow crew members appearing more as brief appearances rather than pivotal characters in this specific tale of the renowned trickster’s upbringing. Acknowledging Locke’s unique ability to pilfer items as a double-edged sword, Father Chains orders him to work as a tavern boy at an unsavory establishment frequented by the upper class, instructing him not to amass more than a predetermined amount of money during his tenure there. This brings us to The Jug, a crucial location in the story where Locke crosses paths with a tipsy gambler named Mazoc Szaba, who is known for making wagers and sharing insights about the workings of Camorr’s criminal underworld.

In “The First Part of ‘Locke Lamora and the Bottled Serpent’,” there’s a suspenseful ending that I didn’t mind at all, knowing more chapters are on their way quickly. The aspect I enjoyed most was diving back into Scott Lynch’s imaginative world of the Gentlemen Bastards. To be honest, I really missed his unique writing style, the atmosphere of the series, the intricate chapter arrangements, and the clever blend of historical facts with witty dialogue that frequently incorporates inventive cursing. In essence, it’s always a delight to read new Gentlemen Bastards stories – they’re just plain enjoyable!

If you’re thinking this is a grand, lengthy tale, you might find it falls short of your expectations. Instead, it’s a compact story that fits its scale perfectly. Yet, the fact that The Gentlemen Bastards shows even a glimmer of life is delightful, and it’s evident that Lynch continues to excel in crafting these characters and this narrative. Reading “Locke Lamora and the Bottled Serpent” is an excellent means to reconnect with The Gentlemen Bastards, as you immerse yourself in a brief tale about Locke Lamora. We eagerly await the forthcoming novellas from Subterranean Press, the Road to Emberlain series, and I’m sure I’ll be grabbing a copy of Grimdark Magazine Issue #41 to find out how “Locke Lamora and the Bottled Serpent” concludes early next year.

You have the opportunity to start reading “Locke Lamora and the Bottled Serpent” in the current issue of “Grimdark Magazine”, and that’s not all – this edition is packed with captivating short stories from talented authors such as Mark Lawrence, Andrea Stewart, Christopher Buehlman, among others. Additionally, you’ll find engaging interviews, reviews, and editorials. For just $3.99, it’s a fantastic value!

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2024-11-04 23:41