Scott Lynch

1978

Scott Lynch is an American fantasy novelist whose Gentleman Bastard sequence — beginning with The Lies of Locke Lamora (2006) — is one of the most beloved fantasy series of the twenty-first century. The series follows a band of con artists in a Venice-like fantasy city, combining heist plotting with rich worldbuilding and sharp dialogue.

Past sales0

PeriodContemporary

NationalityAmerican

1. Biography

A short life of the author

Scott Lynch (b. 2 April 1978) was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota. He studied at the University of Wisconsin-New Richmond.

Life and Career

The Lies of Locke Lamora (2006) — about Locke Lamora, a gifted con artist and thief in the fantasy city of Camorr (modeled on Venice), who must outmaneuver both the city’s criminal underground and a mysterious figure called the Grey King — was a critical and commercial success. The novel combines the pleasures of a heist story with epic fantasy worldbuilding.

Red Seas Under Red Skies (2007) — set on the high seas — and The Republic of Thieves (2013) — in which Locke confronts his past — continue the series. The fourth volume, The Thorn of Emberlain, has been long delayed.

Major Works and Themes

Lynch writes about friendship, loyalty, con artistry, and class in a fantasy setting. His dialogue is witty and profane, his plotting is intricate, and his worldbuilding is detailed and convincing.

Key Works

The Lies of Locke Lamora (2006)
Red Seas Under Red Skies (2007)

Collecting Lynch

The Lies of Locke Lamora first edition (Bantam, 2006) in fine condition with dust jacket brings $50–$150. Subterranean Press signed limited editions bring $100–$300. Lynch continues to work on the series.