#26: Scott Lynch, The Lies of Locke Lamora (Gentleman Bastards #1)

[kareila]

Picked this up based on general word-of-mouth, not really knowing what to expect other than a generic fantasy setting. Turns out the hero is the charismatic and deceptive leader of a gang of daring thieves (think Ocean's Eleven) in an urban underworld ruled by a vicious mafia-type boss. More allies, villains, and victims gradually file onto the stage, and when the bodies start to pile up, the hero is forced into an increasingly desperate course of action. A series of cleverly interwoven flashbacks provides welcome breaks from the plot while filling in backstory and occasional foreshadowing. Overall, a little more adult and gruesome than I usually prefer, but the author's skill and style will keep me around for the sequels.