Lies of Locke Lamora Readalong, Part IV

This week’s reading was intense!

To the left is another excellent piece of Locke Lamora fan art–“Falselight” by Shoughad.

Many thanks to Andrea and company for hosting this.  A list of other participating blogs and discussions can be found at The Little Red Reviewer.

The following questions/discussion will contain spoilers.

1.      In the chapter “A Curious Tale for Countess Amberglass” we
learn of the tradition of the night tea in Camorr. I found that not so
much fantastical as realistic – how about you?

I went through this chapter pretty fast, mostly because Locke was still floating in a barrel of horse piss and unconscious by now at the very least.  The tea was interesting, as was learning more about the Spider.

2.      When Jean meets with what will become the Wicked Sisters for
the first time, the meeting is described very much like how people
feel when they find their true work or home. Agree? Disagree? Some of both?

I like it.  The Wicked Sisters suit Jean, and he’d be rather naked without them.  However, I was more impressed with the description of the razor-sharp rose garden that feeds on blood.  I want a garden like that.
3.      Salt devils. Bug. Jean. The description is intense. Do you
find that description a help in visualizing the scene? Do you find
yourself wishing the description was occasionally – well – a little
less descriptive?

I probably could have used a little less description, mostly because the detail of the fight made me feel like Locke would probably drown before they got him out.

4.      This section has so much action in it, it’s hard to find a
place to pause. But…but.. oh, Locke. Oh, Jean. On their return to the
House of Perelandro, their world is turned upside down. Did you see it
coming?

I did.  I saw it coming since Nazca died, actually, and was wondering when exactly it would happen.  Of course, my three favorite characters (Nazca, Bug, and Chains) are all dead now.  I really need to stop getting attached to characters that are going to be killed off.

5.      Tavrin Callas’s service to the House of Aza Guilla is recalled
at an opportune moment, and may have something to do with saving a
life or three. Do you believe Chains knew what he set in motion? Why
or why not?

Chains knew that eventually his little fledgelings would have to leave the nest, and that they’d have to have the tools to fend for themselves.  That was the point of the apprenticeships; Jean can be a death priest if he so chooses, and Locke can be a farmer.  I think it’s a good thing that the Bastards are able to step outside their norm in order to blend in when they have to.

6.      As Locke and Jean prepare for Capa Raza, Dona Vorchenza’s
remark that the Thorn of Camorr has never been violent – only greedy
and resorting to trickery – comes to mind again. Will this pattern
continue?

Violent will be an understatement when Locke gets his hands on Capa Raza.  That being said, the Thorn wasn’t violent to start with, but instead he was pushed there by people killing off his friends.

7.      Does Locke Lamora or the Thorn of Camorr enter Meraggio’s
Countinghouse that day? Is there a difference?

I don’t see a difference between the two.  Locke has been the Thorn since he began breaking the Secret Peace to rob the nobility.  When Locke announced his intention to go back to the Salvara game, I started getting worried.  I had thought that the whole Grey King deal had convinced him that it was time to drop it, but now he’s got the Spider laying an ambush for him as soon as he comes back.  I hope he comes out okay and manages to outsmart them.

Next week’s reading will cover the final segment of the book.  I can’t wait to see how it all concludes!  I’m also curious as to whether Lynch is one of those authors who ends his books, or whether it’s going to cut off abruptly at a moment of suspense.