[pat5150]

Yep, a lot of readers are saying that Scott Lynch could be one of the coices that will shape the future of the fantasy genre. And right now, it's kind of hard to disagree with such a claim!

RED SEAS UNDER RED SKIES will permit us to see if he can do it a second time around!

Patrick
www.fantasyhotlist.blogspot.com

[jscottnelson]

pat5150;125805 said:

Yep, a lot of readers are saying that Scott Lynch could be one of the coices that will shape the future of the fantasy genre.
[/url]

Hey Pat,

I loved TLOL and look forward to Scott's next work -- but I get uncomfortable with the idea of anyone's voice "shaping" fantasy.

It seems that one of the problems with publishing is the "me-too" mentality of finding the "next" whoever is hot at the moment, and finding books that are similiar to whatever just sold big right now. That kind of thinking by those who make decisions of what to buy encourages imitation and convention, which is exactly what the readers most often DON'T want.

The new voice that often unexpectedly hits big is often hailed for being "unique" and "fresh" (which is how TLOL came across to me), but as soon as it works the publishers want the "next" TLOL. And we'll get a whole slew of caper novels and small-scope fantasy -- and likely a lot of it will not be anywhere as good as Lynch's work. Or at least that is my fear.

While my own work certainly falls into some categories that would be similar to other writers, I wasn't consciously trying to be the "next" anyone, or write a book just like anyone else. I was simply trying to tell the story of some characters who interested me in my particular world -- in particular -- exploring the idea that evil isn't black and white -- it is a question of context and motivation. The market is pretty tough, and my agent (Matt, who you are having check out your book too) told me that in part it is because lots of houses suddenly want horror and "vampire porn" ala Hamilton.

What do you want to guess that in the near future there will be a glut of vampire books out there because of the me-too mentality?

[Dr Trouble]

Sounds like someone trying to cover his tracks ....

[Anomander Rake]

Well I've finally finished reading The Lies of Locke Lamora, and it was fantastic. I thought the main story in this book would have been the main story for the series, but it came to a conclusion in just this one book.

Can't wait for the next one. An Author to watch out for.

[QuickTidal]

I have gotten no less than 8 people to buy and read this book after I glowed about it to gthem...and every last one loved it!

Can't wait, can't wait, can't wait for Red Seas Under Red Skies.

[ChrisW]

I avoided all the hype about this book before I read it and i'm trying to avoid all the hype now. Tis a very entertaining book but it's nothing original and imo its' way over hyped.

[Sir Thursday]

It seemed fairly original to me...although I profess that I do have a very loose definition of 'original'. To me originality is not necessarily coming up with an original idea, but sometimes finding an original way to blend not so new ideas together. Whether or not you've read a lot of books with settings based on Venice or not, you must agree that Godfather + Ocean's 11 + Venice is an original combination, yes?


Sir Thursday

[caladanbrood]

The title of the sequel puts me off - I'll still read it, because the first one was very good, but I hope he doesn't do a Mieville and change from a great in-city writer to an avergae out-city writer.

[ChrisW]

Whether or not you've read a lot of books with settings based on Venice or not, you must agree that Godfather + Ocean's 11 + Venice is an original combination, yes?


Huh, you talking movies? I'd compare the book as more of a cross between a Stover book and a Vlad Taltos book by Brust.

[QuickTidal]

ChrisW;133614 said:

Whether or not you've read a lot of books with settings based on Venice or not, you must agree that Godfather + Ocean's 11 + Venice is an original combination, yes?


Huh, you talking movies? I'd compare the book as more of a cross between a Stover book and a Vlad Taltos book by Brust.

Heh...and you'd be nuts man! LOL. It's nothing like those. I agree with the Godfather+Oceans 11+Venice analogy.

[pat5150]

As I said in my review last spring, don't believe the hype and read this book for what it is. A fun and entertaining caper.

The problem is that the hype makes TLOLL sound like its the second coming of GRRM or something similarly vast in scope. Which is not, so I can see how this novel can disappoint some people.

But the majority of readers are loving it, so that's a good thing!

Patrick
www.fantasyhotlist.blogspot.com

[QuickTidal]

pat5150;133640 said:

As I said in my review last spring, don't believe the hype and read this book for what it is. A fun and entertaining caper.

The problem is that the hype makes TLOLL sound like its the second coming of GRRM or something similarly vast in scope. Which is not, so I can see how this novel can disappoint some people.

But the majority of readers are loving it, so that's a good thing!

Patrick
www.fantasyhotlist.blogspot.com

Yeah, that's nicely put Pat. It is a whole different animal from GRRM, and is simply a great caper book.

[ChrisW]

I don't even know why people are comparing it or mentioning GRRM.

[Werthead]

There is a hint of GRRM in the writing (understandable, since GRRM is one of Lynch's favourite authors). The character interplay and in particular the humour between Locke and Jean is similar to that between Tyrion and Bronn (or Tyrion and Jaime, or Tyrion and Varys etc), although a lot more heartfelt. The dark humour and willingness to kill off major characters is also GRRM-esque.

The storyline and the scope - for now - are however completely different.

[Anomander Rake]

Jean kinda reminded me a bit of Sam From ASoIaF.

There does seem to be a pattern starting to emerge of Twins being the mischevous ones, comedian ones (e.g. George and Fred in HP etc).

[ChrisW]

you're no fun brood;) All three adjectives were factual and more descriptive than just writing GRRM:(

[ObsoleteResolve]

A few notes on the book:

One, it rocks. I really, really, really like it and am utterly happy I decided to shell out the 23 dollars for it in hardcover, rather than waiting for it to come out in paperback. I've heard enough good about it here that I was willing to risk it on a debut novel.

Secondly: A Return of a Little Faith in Hollywood

The Lies of Locke Lamora being optioned goes a good way towards alleviating my sheer, unadulterated rage at Eragon becoming a movie

[Werthead]

My rage was more directed at Wizards' First Rule becoming a mini-series. Lies of Locke Lamora could be good, especially as the scriptwriters have apparently been taking Lynch's input seriously (removing a love story because it impacted the Locke-Sabetha story arc, for example).

[ObsoleteResolve]

I can also very readily see it as a movie-- the cinematic moments in the novel are rather obvious

Hahah, I think WFR as a MINI-SERIES (what, made for TV? Haha) is hilarious, personally

Feature length film > MINI SERIES. :-D

[Paran]

Agree with you Pat - taking it for what it is, tLoLL is a pretty cool caper novel along the lines of Ocean's 11, Lock, Stock & 2 Smoking Barrells, etc with a historical/fantasy setting. It isn't in the same league as MBotF or aSoIaF, and I did find some annoying bits in it - the end fight for instance. Still, it's better than most things out there and was money well spent, but I was more impressed with Hal Duncan's debut. I look forward to the next book, which will hopefully be a tighter read.