The Republic of Thieves

Executive Summary: The long awaited third novel in the Gentleman Bastards series, I would put this one about on par with [b:Red Seas Under Red Skies 887877 Red Seas Under Red Skies (Gentleman Bastard, #2) Scott Lynch https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1291336119s/887877.jpg 856785] but not nearly as good as [b:The Lies of Locke Lamora 127455 The Lies of Locke Lamora (Gentleman Bastard, #1) Scott Lynch https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1320532483s/127455.jpg 2116675].Full ReviewI only recently started the Gentleman Bastard series, so I didn't have the anticipation or the wait that many other fans had. I was however wondering if we'd ever meet the occasionally mentioned, but never seen Sabetha anytime soon.This book delivers that in spades. In fact possibly a little too much to the detriment of the other characters. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoy her character, and hope we'll see a lot more from her in the future, but I could have used some more with Jean and the other Bastards.The others? Yes, about half of this novel is a series of flashbacks much like the first novel where we finally learn about Sabetha and her relationship with Locke. I found these parts the better of the two stories. Maybe it was the (albeit brief) appearance of Chains, or the twins. I'm not really sure.For the present day story Locke and Jean are compelled to take their hand at politics, and you'll never guess who they are up against?The writing is once again excellent. I've heard complaints about the pacing, but I didn't find that an issue. In fact I found it much easier to get into this one than I did with the start of [b:Red Seas Under Red Skies 887877 Red Seas Under Red Skies (Gentleman Bastard, #2) Scott Lynch https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1291336119s/887877.jpg 856785].There is once again a slew of hilarious (and often inappropriate to repeat) conversations and one-liners. I often had to pause my reading to set down my book to control my laughter.My major issue is the main story in many ways felt like more of the same. Locke is supposed to be this criminal genius, yet he always seems not just one or two steps behind, but way behind his opposition. Maybe it's because I read all three books in close proximity, but I found it frustrating at points.That said, it was still a fun ride most of the way and I'll be eagerly waiting now for the fourth book in the series.