by Scott Lynch
First published 2013
Locke Lamora lies dying from poison after his latest scheme collapsed. No healer can save him. Jean watches helplessly as his partner fades away. Then a Bondsmage arrives with an offer. The mage can cure Locke using sorcery, but the process will bring agony that might kill him anyway. The price is service. Locke must become a pawn in upcoming magical elections between warring factions. Locke refuses until the Bondsmage mentions one name: Sabetha. She was Locke's first love among the orphan thieves, his equal in cunning and skill. After their stormy romance ended, she vanished from his life. Now she works for the opposing faction. Locke accepts the cure and the mission. Soon he faces Sabetha again in a contest of schemes and manipulation. She remains as brilliant and elusive as ever. Locke must decide whether to defeat her or win her back. Both choices carry deadly consequences in a game where love and survival intertwine.
Genres: romance, adventure, mystery, fantasy
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: The Republic of Thieves
Period: Magical Elections
650 pages · Hardcover · Del Rey
Content warnings: violence