Author Guide · Fantasy
Scott Lynch
Books in Order
The complete guide to Scott Lynch's Gentleman Bastards series — con artists, heists, and the most inventive fantasy world in modern fiction.
All Scott Lynch Books in Order
01
The Lies of Locke Lamora
Locke Lamora is a thief, a con man, and a liar of extraordinary talent — the leader of a small gang called the Gentleman Bastards working the canals and towers of Camorr. Lynch's debut is one of the most addictive fantasy novels of the 21st century: Ocean's Eleven in a secondary world dripping with invention.
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02
Red Seas Under Red Skies
Locke and Jean head to Tal Verrar — the most exclusive gambling city in the world — for their next con. Then they're press-ganged into a pirate navy. The sequel expands the world and adds a brilliant female captain who steals every scene she's in.
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03
The Republic of Thieves
The long-awaited third Gentleman Bastards book — partially set in flashback, revealing the origins of the gang and Locke's history with the mysterious Sabetha. Worth every year of the wait for the character depth alone.
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04
The Thorn of Emberlain
The fourth Gentleman Bastards novel — long in coming, finally delivered. Locke and Jean face the consequences of everything that came before, against a backdrop of war and revolution. Essential for fans of the series.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should I read The Lies of Locke Lamora first?
Yes, absolutely. The series must be read in order — character development and plot continuity depend on it. Start with The Lies of Locke Lamora and don't skip anything.
How many Gentleman Bastards books will there be?
Lynch has said the series is planned for seven books. As of 2026, four are published. The pace of publication has been slow, but the series is continuing.
Is The Lies of Locke Lamora suitable for new fantasy readers?
It's one of the best gateway fantasy novels for readers who like plot-driven stories with complex characters. You don't need to have read much fantasy — the world is self-contained and explained as you go. The heist premise makes it accessible to non-fantasy readers who enjoy crime fiction.
What should I read after Gentleman Bastards?
Try Joe Abercrombie's First Law trilogy (similarly morally complex, dark, and brilliantly plotted), Patrick Rothfuss's Kingkiller Chronicle (literary fantasy with a con-artist protagonist), or Robin Hobb's Farseer trilogy for equally deep world-building and character work.