In a city built on lies, Camorr's Locke Lamora reigns supreme. Lamora directs the Gentleman Bastards, a tight-knit family of confidence men, whose elaborate games have cost the nobility their fortunes and their pride. Unfortunately, Locke's latest scam is about to be interrupted by a brutal turf war in Camorr's underground.

Scott Lynch was nominated for the 2007 World Fantasy Award for this particular gem. The Lies of Locke Lamora has to be one of the best debut fantasy novels I have read in years.

The city of Camorr is richly and vividly described, as much a character as any of Lynch's protagonists. Camorr evokes a fantastical Venice, where humanity now dwells among the remnants of the once great civilization of the Eldren. The thieves, beggars and whores all dwell in squallor in the shadows of the Eldren's Elderglass creations that have been claimed by the nobility.

Full of ribald black humour and memorable characters, The Lies of Locke Lamora is peppered throughout with engaging interludes, relating a characters childhood, or enlightening the reader about a point of history brought up in the narrative. Lynch's world-building is strong throughout, painting an evocative picture while at the same time leaving enough unspoken to keep you wanting more. And there is more, the second book in the series, Red Seas Under Red Skies is currently available, with a proposed five more books to come.

Check out Scott Lynch's website for more.