The Lies of Locke Lamora (Gollancz)

It started a little slow, but about a third way through the story really took off and it became hard to put down.

I'd tell you 1, 2, 3 or 5 stars. I'd tell you I wasn't entertained. I'd tell you I wasn't captivated by the prose. ...But I'd be lying.

These days, very few books keep me up until 2 at night. This one did it for me.

In a fantasy city inspired by Venice in the Renaissance, Locke Lamora is a thief. Not any common thief though, he's been brought up to be the BEST thief, along with his crew. He made me think of Arsène Lupin or Fantômas (minus the sadistic approach—which is taken by Lamora's enemies).

The action is fast-paced, the world is well made, but I regret that almost all major characters are men.