The Republic of Thieves

The Political Con and the Scars of the Past

The Republic of Thieves is the third novel in Scott Lynch's Gentleman Bastard sequence. Published in 2013, this installment is perhaps the most personal and revealing of the series, shifting the focus from high-seas adventure back to intricate political maneuvering and exploring the mysterious origins of the protagonist, Locke Lamora.

Forced into the Game

The novel begins with Locke gravely ill after the traumatic events of the previous books. To save his life, his partner Jean Tannen makes a desperate bargain with the Bondsmagi (a powerful group of sorcerers) of the city of Karthain.

The Bondsmagi agree to heal Locke, but in return, the Gentleman Bastards must rig the city's upcoming political election. Their target is the Archon of Karthain, and their task involves a complex, multi-layered campaign of infiltration, deception, and subtle sabotage, all conducted under the strict, watchful eyes of their new magical handlers.

Locke's Past and the Shadow of Sabetha

The central emotional and narrative thread of this book is the reappearance of the legendary fourth member of the Gentleman Bastards: Sabetha. Sabetha is Locke’s first love, a brilliant con artist and rival whose betrayal and disappearance years ago continue to haunt him.

• Rivalry and Romance: Locke and Sabetha find themselves working for opposing factions in the election, transforming the political con into a deeply personal rivalry. Their relationship—told through a blend of present-day maneuvering and extensive flashback sequences to their childhood and early years together—reveals crucial details about Locke's mysterious background and the true depth of his cunning.

• The Elderglass Mystery: The narrative deepens the world's lore by exploring the magical side of Karthain, particularly the history of the Elderglass architecture and the vast, powerful network of the Bondsmagi. This expands the scope of the world beyond mere heists into the realm of true high fantasy.

The book is an intense exploration of Locke’s psyche, revealing the vulnerabilities hidden beneath his audacious confidence. The political stakes are immense, but the personal stakes—Locke's chance to finally confront the woman who broke his heart—are what truly drive the narrative forward. The climax is a double-con, a magical confrontation, and a heartbreaking emotional decision.