They say he steals from the rich and gives to the poor. They say he's part man, part myth, and mostly street-corner rumour. And they are wrong on every count. Only averagely tall, slender, and god-awful with a sword, Locke Lamora is the fabled Thorn, and the greatest weapons at his disposal are his wit and cunning. He steals from the rich but the poor can go steal for themselves. What Locke cons, wheedles and tricks into his possession is strictly for him and his band of fellow con-artists and thieves: the Gentleman Bastards. They live in the city of Camorr, home to Capa Barsavi, the criminal mastermind who runs the city. There are whispers of a challenge to the Capas power from the Grey King, a challenge from a man no one has ever seen, a man no blade can touch.

Scott Lynch