Our adventure in Karthain is at an end but it seems there are many more awaiting us in the future. 😉
This week’s questions were brought to us by Allie:
In Espara:
1. The Republic of Thieves: It’s the first and final performance! What did you think of the play? Were you entertained, or eager to get on with the rest of the story? Also, how do you feel about how the play fits in the novel, in terms of the story and the characters who 
play the parts?
It was fun but at this point I was very eager to get to the Karthain part of the story. It was fun to read about Espara though and I think the whole interlude fit nicely into the story. But that’s it for me, it was just an interlude to get to the more interesting part. 😉
2. The Other Performance: Of course, the GB and company had another important performance to get through—the one that ensures none of them end up hanged! What was your favorite part of this scheme? Do you agree with their plan for dealing with Moncraine’s treachery?
I don’t think there was anything else they could have done about Moncraine. But that whole performance was worthy of theater! It was such smart thinking on their feet and under true duress, I was very glad to see it succeed. Best part? I’m not sure – possibly the one where Sabetha and Locke get the unexpected lecture…
In Karthain…
3. The Election: It seems Lovaris was indeed the final trick, and the election is over. Are you satisfied with how things turned out? Do you wish that the election had focused more on the political problems of Karthain, or are you satisfied with the mudslinging and pranks that went on between Locke and Sabetha?
I’m satisfied. With everything. I didn’t think Lynch would pull another stand-off between Locke and Sabetha (like we had in the beginning of the book) but he had, and I’m glad he did. I think that works best for the dynamics of the duo. No one getting the upper hand.
4. The War: Do you have any speculation on what specific issues might have escalated the two Bondsmagi factions rivalry into this kind of violence? What do you think the surviving Bondsmagi will do next, with all their gathered money and knowledge?
I knew the faction wanted to take over power but I thought it was only political. I didn’t understand that both parties would actually aim to kill the opponents. I didn’t see that coming at all, and for the surviving Bondsmagi, I have no idea what they will do or where will they go, but I think they lost an important player at the end of the story.
Why it escalated? Because the faction wanted to gain more power and basically take over the world?
5. Patience: Given the final revelation that Patience does hate Locke for what he did to the Falconer, what do you make of her behavior towards Locke throughout the book? Do you think her plan of vengeance is well suited to Locke? What do you make of the Black 
Amaranth story now, as well as the prophecy she threw on top?
Oh hell! Can I just say that I didn’t feel bad at all by the end of the book and her downfall. She really got on my nerves with that whole “I’m so much better, stronger and smarter than you Locke and I’ll basically ruin your life with what I’m about to reveal”.
I don’t trust her – especially since she explained why they called her the Seamstress. I think whatever she knew about Locke’s future, she made it sound in a way that would fit her machinations and sound bad for Locke.
And speaking of her predictions, I know she couldn’t have foreseen her own future but how did she miss the Falconer’s?! Because she interfered with it?
6. The Epilogue: Speaking of vengeance, do you think the Falconer’s vengeance against his mother was merited or excessively cruel, given the circumstances? On that note, how do you feel about the Falconer’s transformation and possible status as a continuing villain?
After what she did to Locke’s state of mind and after her arrogance and conceit, I’m fine with it. It’s obvious she also had her fingers in Falconer’s fate so it seems she’s actually a bad guy (woman). Also, I don’t think there was much else he was able to do at that point.
As for Falconer being the villain, well, it’s SCARY AS HELL. Honestly, the anger and power in him, I’m scared for Locke. Albeit, if we listen to Patience, it will take some time for Locke to find and lose the 3 things, so he might be fine for quite some time yet (before the silver rain). I think the Falconer will go after the Bondsmagi first.
7. Wrapping up: Thus ends the third book in the Gentleman Bastard sequence. How do you think it compares with the first two? In the end, do you prefer the Espara storyline or the Karthain storyline, or did you like them both equally?
I wish the guys would finish an adventure richer than when they started with which shouldn’t be that difficult as they are always poor in the beginning. But no, that doesn’t seem possible it seems. 🙂 At least no one is dying this time around…
Of course I prefer the Karthain storyline, Espara was fun but the real stuff was happening in Karthain.
Final thoughts: Honestly, I felt kind of stupid Jean had to point it out to Locke (and me) that they better run for it, as someone will probably invade Karthain asap. 🙂
Check out the final thoughts of my fellow Gentleman readers:
Coffee, Cookies and Chili Peppers
Tagged: Book review, Gentleman Bastards, Locke Lamora, read-along, Republic of Thieves, Scott Lynch
All I am - a redhead 
I almost lost interest in the actual play once the whole ‘hide Bouldazi’ plot got underway. It was just too tense.
The unexpected lecture was pretty funny – I think it was even funnier for me because I kept forgetting how young they were at that particular point.
I also quite liked the stand off – it gave Sabetha a little glowing moment of triumph and then pulled it back so they could all feel the warmth of success. And basically, no losers!
Yeah, I never saw that whole Bondsmagi thing coming – they’re so damned tricky aren’t they! Wiping out half their own kind just like that – you’d be too scared to disagree with each other after that.
That’s a good point – how come she couldn’t see what the Falconer would do? Was it just because it all goes grey with the connection to her own future. It still felt a little bit rushed for me – I would have liked to have at least see her fight back a little.
They never end up with any money do they. They live like princes for a while though at least.
Lynn 😀
LikeLike
I kept forgetting how young they are too. 🙂 I also keep forgetting they are still in their early 20s for the Karthain story too.
You’re right – at least for a while they live as princes. But since every scheme is supposed to bring them money, it’s funny how they never end up with any. 😉
LikeLike
4. Hmm, yeah, will Patience’s death have a major impact on her faction? How much do they rely on her? Will the Falconer pose a threat to them as a group?
7. *sigh* They’re always losing out on a fortune aren’t they? Patience’s prophecy suggests that Locke at least might be rich again for a while but for now they’re just broke.
LikeLike
Oh, I think Falconer will prove a serious threat to the rest of the Bondsmagi. One they won’t see coming until the revenge hits them. At least that’s how I see it.
I must admit I didn’t see Patience’s prophecy as Locke being rich – I’m taking it more in the way, he might be responsible for a person being crowned than actually getting one for himself.
LikeLike
[…] See what the rest of the Lynch Mob had to say Tethyan Books Over the Effing Rainbow Lynn’s Books Genki na Hito Little Red Reveiwer Dab of Darkness Theft and Sorcery Coffee, Cookies and Chili Peppers Joma’s Fantasy Books All I am – a redhead […]
LikeLike
I think the Falconer will go after the other Bondsmagi first, too. Locke and Jean did maim him, but the other Bondsmagi murdered all his friends, after all. I have very little sympathy for Patience either (she’s a horrible person!), but the bird torture-death scene was a little much for me.
Maybe next book, Locke and Jean (and Sabetha, maybe?) will end up pulling off a major con and getting wealth again. Or hey, maybe they’ll trick their way into a crown!
LikeLike
And it was his mother’s party so that’s a huge disadvantage for them. 🙂
In my opinion, the crown from the prophecy might mean Locke’s actions might actually put someone on the throne. That would be a nice story for the next book.
As for torture, I don’t Falconer can do anything else. And won’t be doing anything less in the future either.
LikeLike
the bathhouse scene was hilarious! yet again, leave it to Sabetha add that extra dollop of reality by being half naked. it’s amazing what a little bit of boobs can do. 😉
the Falconer might still be pissed at Locke and Jean, but he is really, insanely pissed at the rest of the Bondsmagi. I didn’t want Patience to go down so easily, but she was a bit of a sanctimonious pain in the butt, wasn’t she? The Falconer is such a great villain because I think at this point he is completely unpredictable.
if the guys ever finished an adventure with money in their pockets, they’d have no idea what to do with the money. Chains taught them how to get money, he never taught them what to do with it once they had it.
LikeLike
You are so right about that! I hate the fact that boobs can have such an influence, but hey, if it works in my advantage, that’s fine with me. 😉
Hmm, you have a point there. What would they do with the money? Probably invest it into another scheme…
LikeLike
I enjoyed that little unexpected lecture from the Baroness too! So funny to hear her so worried over family honor, etc. and telling Sabetha to not get pregnant, basically. And Locke having to stand there and try not to give away anything crucial in his shock.
I too expect the Falconer to go after the Bondmagi first – because those few left could conceivably take him down, especially if they help one another out.
LikeLike
That’s true. Falconer might be exceptionally strong but still not stronger than several Bondsmagi at the same time.
I expect more torture to follow, especially as he has intimate knowledge of their weaknesses.
LikeLike
[…] All I Am – a redhead […]
LikeLike
Patience didn’t irritate me as much as she did other bloggers 😉 I think the Falconer tapped into some incredible power that even she couldn’t comprehend and so he was able to bend events to his favour and no prophecy could have come in time to save Patience. Speaking of prophecies… Silver rain – Dreamsteel – Falconer and his powers… How is Locke going to get out of this one???
LikeLike
I think it’s because I hate lying and going behind people’s backs to make them suffer. And she did all that.
Yes, contemplating Locke’s future with Falconer around is not a nice thing…
LikeLike
[…] 67. Scott Lynch: The Republic of Thieves […]
LikeLike