What do you think?
Gentleman Bastard #0.5
Locke Lamora and the Bottled Serpent
In this tale from Locke's teenage years, our nervous, hormonal, romantically-confused hero spends a few months working as a bar-back in one of Camorr's most brutal Right People taverns. This is one of Father Chains' endless series of training and personal enrichment schemes; as per usual, it's full of fuckery, and as per usual, Locke is expected to work it all out himself. His only real ally of the moment is the aging mercenary Mazoc Szaba, a man addicted to risking his own life in a gambling spectacle involving poisoned wine.
As Locke's troubles boil over, so do Mazoc Szaba's debts, and when you publicly flaunt your obligations to the one and only Capa Barsavi, Barsavi reaches out to publicly remind you of them...
This short story is available in two parts in the October 2024 and January 2025 editions of Grimdark Magazine.
As Locke's troubles boil over, so do Mazoc Szaba's debts, and when you publicly flaunt your obligations to the one and only Capa Barsavi, Barsavi reaches out to publicly remind you of them...
This short story is available in two parts in the October 2024 and January 2025 editions of Grimdark Magazine.
30 pages, Unknown Binding
Published October 1, 2024
About the author
Scott Lynch
65 books27.6k followersI was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on April 2, 1978, the first of three brothers.
The Lies of Locke Lamora, my first novel, was bought by Simon Spanton at Orion Books in August, 2004. Prior to that I had just about every job you usually see in this sort of author bio-- dishwasher, busboy, waiter, web designer, office manager, prep cook, and freelance writer. I trained in basic firefighting at Anoka Technical College in 2005; from 2005-2016 I served as a paid-on-call firefighter in the city of New Richmond, Wisconsin.
In 2007 The Lies of Locke Lamora was a World Fantasy Award finalist.
In 2008 I received the Sydney J. Bounds Best Newcomer Award from the British Fantasy Society.
In 2013, The Republic of Thieves was a New York Times and Times of London bestseller.
In 2025, The Lies of Locke Lamora burst back onto the USA Today bestseller list thanks to its selection as a monthly pick at Barnes & Noble.
In 2026, I was nominated for my first Hugo Award, in the novelette category, for my story "Kaiju Agonistes."
I live in Massachusetts with my wife, acclaimed SF/F writer Elizabeth Bear, and our four cats and two Icelandic horses.
The Lies of Locke Lamora, my first novel, was bought by Simon Spanton at Orion Books in August, 2004. Prior to that I had just about every job you usually see in this sort of author bio-- dishwasher, busboy, waiter, web designer, office manager, prep cook, and freelance writer. I trained in basic firefighting at Anoka Technical College in 2005; from 2005-2016 I served as a paid-on-call firefighter in the city of New Richmond, Wisconsin.
In 2007 The Lies of Locke Lamora was a World Fantasy Award finalist.
In 2008 I received the Sydney J. Bounds Best Newcomer Award from the British Fantasy Society.
In 2013, The Republic of Thieves was a New York Times and Times of London bestseller.
In 2025, The Lies of Locke Lamora burst back onto the USA Today bestseller list thanks to its selection as a monthly pick at Barnes & Noble.
In 2026, I was nominated for my first Hugo Award, in the novelette category, for my story "Kaiju Agonistes."
I live in Massachusetts with my wife, acclaimed SF/F writer Elizabeth Bear, and our four cats and two Icelandic horses.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
August 23, 2026
This is a charming little story set in the past and focusing on Locke's training.
A very nice addition. It wasn't exactly easy—I mean, the narrative flow was a bit uneven, or maybe I was just having a bad day for reading; both are possible.
Still, I really enjoyed it.
“You steal as a habit. You steal waking and sleeping. Left unattended, you strip your surroundings of interesting objects like a bird decorating a nest.“ 😂
„I’ll punch them so hard their teeth will fly out their fucking eye sockets.” 😳
“You are a vexation,” he said. “You are a terror and a frustration and you know it because I tell you these things. But perhaps . . . perhaps I am remiss in not also telling you often enough how very, very proud you make me.” 🫠
A very nice addition. It wasn't exactly easy—I mean, the narrative flow was a bit uneven, or maybe I was just having a bad day for reading; both are possible.
Still, I really enjoyed it.
“You steal as a habit. You steal waking and sleeping. Left unattended, you strip your surroundings of interesting objects like a bird decorating a nest.“ 😂
„I’ll punch them so hard their teeth will fly out their fucking eye sockets.” 😳
“You are a vexation,” he said. “You are a terror and a frustration and you know it because I tell you these things. But perhaps . . . perhaps I am remiss in not also telling you often enough how very, very proud you make me.” 🫠
June 3, 2025
There was a place in the alley where the odorous slops and shards ef daily proceedings were to be set, which was Locke Lamora's job, until the mess could be hauled up the crooked stairs and around the block to the public dross-yard, which was also Locke Lamora's job.This was never done before the sun was long-buried and the Fal-selight glass bled of illumination, so every awkward step chanced a painful adventure. Here in the Dregs, light was not so cheap that folk would gladly waste it on the eyeballs of passing strangers. One might catch a break from boat-lanterns on the canal, or from cloudless moonlight, but more often one tripped on stone or trash or bodies. Muttering curses at his own feet in the middle of the night was also Locke Lamora's job.
Told in two parts, Grimdark Magazine #40 and Grimdark Magazine #41, Locke Lamora and the Bottled Serpent tells the story of Locke being tasked with being normal. No crazy heists, no convoluted plans to steal the Duke’s spoon, just good, slightly-honest work. And of course nothing goes as planned for our beloved thief.
December 5, 2025
As with any trip to Camorr, this was delicious in its vividness, but it lacked the spark of fun that makes the Bastards books so special. I do hope the recentness of this publication means Lynch is writing again; I'll never completely give up hope on the series' completion, because it is my favorite.
June 18, 2026
Nije bila loša pričica, ali apsolutno nepotrebna kao sama za sebe. Mogla je sasvim dobro upotpuniti jedan od romana. I još dodatno, sad želim još Lamore.
Buddy Read sa Zdravkom 2026. - 5
Globalni ciljevi: nastavak serijala
Buddy Read sa Zdravkom 2026. - 5
Globalni ciljevi: nastavak serijala
February 25, 2026
Fun, very much Lynch's voice (what a treat to read him again after waiting so, so long for The Thorn of Emberlain, and still waiting). Four stars because, while a pleasure to read, it's not particularly moving, enormously funny, or in some other way such a standout that I can't help but give it full marks.
Read more of my ramblings at my blog The Wunsapon.
[Note: 5 star = loved it | 4 star = liked it lots | 3 star = it was fine | 2 star = disappointing | 1 star = hated it]
Read more of my ramblings at my blog The Wunsapon.
[Note: 5 star = loved it | 4 star = liked it lots | 3 star = it was fine | 2 star = disappointing | 1 star = hated it]
July 30, 2025
I only got into this series after the events of the first book. Once the main cast, the ones that survived, matured and became adults.
So when I saw that this bite sized story takes place before the events of the first book I signed and dived into it thinking I won't like it at all.
But this was a lot of fun and really enjoyable. It's glad to be back in the universe of Gentlemen Bastards after all these years. Now bring me "The Thorn of Emberlain" or I will riot.
So when I saw that this bite sized story takes place before the events of the first book I signed and dived into it thinking I won't like it at all.
But this was a lot of fun and really enjoyable. It's glad to be back in the universe of Gentlemen Bastards after all these years. Now bring me "The Thorn of Emberlain" or I will riot.
February 19, 2025
لطيفة خفيفة تورينا جانب من حوانب مورا ماشفناه من قبل
January 25, 2025
What a delight it is to reenter the world of Camorr, that medieval Venice-inspired city-state with its elaborate criminal underworld staking out rival gang territories along the canals. Author Scott Lynch has published a variety of shorter fiction in the years since his last Gentleman Bastard novel came out in 2013, but this title -- released in two parts over the October 2024 and January 2025 issues of Grimdark Magazine -- is the first to return to that fantasy series and its antiheroic lead, the too-clever-by-half Locke Lamora.
It's a prequel, taking us back to when the protagonist was only thirteen and still learning his illegal trade under the watchful eyes of Father Chains, who has loaned the boy out to a different crew for the summer as a sort of temporary work placement. There he does menial tasks behind the bar at his new bosses' gambling den and tries hard to stay out of trouble, which of course is never easy for either his temperament or the setting.
The descriptive details are immersive as always, and the story gradually focuses around one of the regulars at the establishment, an old sellsword who's clearly circling an unhappy end. But he's friendly with the teen hero in the meantime, and his ultimate fate proves an object lesson for the man that Locke is growing into.
An automatic three stars for the typical excellence of the familiar atmosphere alone, punched up further for the cruel sting of the ending. Ideally I would've liked to spend longer on the plot here, and especially to see more of certain other beloved characters, but this is overall a strong offering that makes me eager for the additional novellas that Lynch has announced are coming out soon.
[Content warning for alcohol abuse, torture, and gore.]
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It's a prequel, taking us back to when the protagonist was only thirteen and still learning his illegal trade under the watchful eyes of Father Chains, who has loaned the boy out to a different crew for the summer as a sort of temporary work placement. There he does menial tasks behind the bar at his new bosses' gambling den and tries hard to stay out of trouble, which of course is never easy for either his temperament or the setting.
The descriptive details are immersive as always, and the story gradually focuses around one of the regulars at the establishment, an old sellsword who's clearly circling an unhappy end. But he's friendly with the teen hero in the meantime, and his ultimate fate proves an object lesson for the man that Locke is growing into.
An automatic three stars for the typical excellence of the familiar atmosphere alone, punched up further for the cruel sting of the ending. Ideally I would've liked to spend longer on the plot here, and especially to see more of certain other beloved characters, but this is overall a strong offering that makes me eager for the additional novellas that Lynch has announced are coming out soon.
[Content warning for alcohol abuse, torture, and gore.]
Like this review?
--Throw me a quick one-time donation here!
https://ko-fi.com/lesserjoke
--Subscribe here to support my writing and weigh in on what I read next!
https://patreon.com/lesserjoke
--Follow along on Goodreads here!
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/6...
--Or click here to browse through all my reviews!
https://lesserjoke.home.blog
April 30, 2025
Good short story. Please Scott finish your next novel!
August 25, 2026
“I am discreet. I am a shadow hiding in another shadow on a very dark day.”
“You are a terror and a frustration and you know it because I tell you these things. But perhaps . . . perhaps I am remiss in not also telling you often enough how very, very proud you make me.”
I miss them so much. I really need The Thorn of Emberlain ... right now. Again, I feel like I won't be able to love another book ever again until we meet again, my dear gentlemen bastards.
I love you.
“You are a terror and a frustration and you know it because I tell you these things. But perhaps . . . perhaps I am remiss in not also telling you often enough how very, very proud you make me.”
I miss them so much. I really need The Thorn of Emberlain ... right now. Again, I feel like I won't be able to love another book ever again until we meet again, my dear gentlemen bastards.
I love you.
February 18, 2026
I’ll show you Camorri mutts and vagabonds how a man goes back to his ancestors. I barely know any of you, but now you all know me.
You’ll never forget for as long as you live. MAZOC SZABA!”
Just a self reminder of why I am waiting for these books since years.
You’ll never forget for as long as you live. MAZOC SZABA!”
Just a self reminder of why I am waiting for these books since years.
May 28, 2026
Really loved being back in this world with Locke and back with Lynch's writing style, felt like coming home. Very funny little side story to Lockes backstory which reflects his character arc in the novels.
Read
August 2, 2026I need more stories set in this world asap
May 25, 2025
Just a great little story about a young boy who works in a bar.
August 19, 2026
I want Book 4 so bad. I'm just happy to see Scott stepping into this world again. This was short but good. Always fun to see more Father Chains.
September 5, 2026
Surprisingly profound for a short story - I'm enjoying getting to know Locke better!
May 19, 2026
Doing the right thing isn’t easy and often comes with an unfair amount of consequences. It’s a simple message that I find all too forgotten in an age of power fantasy novels growing so popular on TikTok. Being the good guy should never be seen as the easier path, otherwise everyone would be a saint.
Running the length of a typical flashback chapter The Bottled Serpent did its job. It was so nice to dip back into the city of Camorr and have another adventure with Locke. Gods, I need book 4.
Running the length of a typical flashback chapter The Bottled Serpent did its job. It was so nice to dip back into the city of Camorr and have another adventure with Locke. Gods, I need book 4.
May 28, 2026
Corto relato de Locke cuando tenía 13 años y pulía su arte de engañar y robar. Algo aburrido y disperso, pero un buen final lo ha mejorado. C
February 3, 2026
Great little Gentleman Bastards short story--not something we've had before.
Terrific premise: as a boy, Locke is sent out on a training placement to a tavern where they have this wacky habit of letting people call for odds on whether they can do a particular activity they name or not, like a dare game but with betting.
One of the regulars, an old mercenary, befriends Locke, and has a habit of calling for odds on whether he can drink various amounts of 'bottled serpent' a horrendously powerful spirit that can kill the imbiber if too much is drunk.
I won't spoil the story, but it's very well constructed, like an excellent joke, and the twist, even though I saw it coming just before, was still a gut-punch and very satisfying.
An excellent self-contained anecdote from Locke's early years.
I will note there is a kind of moral at the end and a curious plagiarism and tweak of a Matthean beatitude late in here: 'Blessed are those who remember a thief, for they will inherit the night' (might be slightly off as I'm paraprhasing from memory). This ties in with Locke's status as a novitiate priest of the Crooked Warden and is laden with irony since Lynch has himself stolen it from the Bible. After all, what is a creative artist but a thief of other people's ideas, and of God's?
Gesu remembers you, Scott Lynch, and he owns even the night, and hence will choose who gets to inherit it.
Bravo, and thank you.
(It was a bit cheeky of Grimdark Magazine to split this over two issues, as I had to buy both to read all of it, it's not very long, and I have no particular interest in reading any of the other material in the issues, making this the most expensive short story I have ever purchased by far.)
Terrific premise: as a boy, Locke is sent out on a training placement to a tavern where they have this wacky habit of letting people call for odds on whether they can do a particular activity they name or not, like a dare game but with betting.
One of the regulars, an old mercenary, befriends Locke, and has a habit of calling for odds on whether he can drink various amounts of 'bottled serpent' a horrendously powerful spirit that can kill the imbiber if too much is drunk.
I won't spoil the story, but it's very well constructed, like an excellent joke, and the twist, even though I saw it coming just before, was still a gut-punch and very satisfying.
An excellent self-contained anecdote from Locke's early years.
I will note there is a kind of moral at the end and a curious plagiarism and tweak of a Matthean beatitude late in here: 'Blessed are those who remember a thief, for they will inherit the night' (might be slightly off as I'm paraprhasing from memory). This ties in with Locke's status as a novitiate priest of the Crooked Warden and is laden with irony since Lynch has himself stolen it from the Bible. After all, what is a creative artist but a thief of other people's ideas, and of God's?
Gesu remembers you, Scott Lynch, and he owns even the night, and hence will choose who gets to inherit it.
Bravo, and thank you.
(It was a bit cheeky of Grimdark Magazine to split this over two issues, as I had to buy both to read all of it, it's not very long, and I have no particular interest in reading any of the other material in the issues, making this the most expensive short story I have ever purchased by far.)
April 3, 2026
Actual rating: 4.5 stars.
I was shocked last month to discover that the first of the short stories Scott Lynch has written in the world of The Gentlemen Bastards has been published in Grimdark Magazine's 40th and 41st issues. Since I was already planning on getting a free trial of Kindle Unlimited in the month of April, I wanted to see if the issues of the magazine would be part of KU. Turns out, they were. I was so excited to dive back into Camorr with new stories of Locke and his crew. This one heavily features Locke in the summer of his 13th year when he is loaned out to another gang with the task of not stealing. We see the lessons he learns and the friends he makes along the way.
I had so much fun with this one. Even with the ending and Chains being, well, Chains. He's there to surprise you and also remind you that punishments are still a thing. It was also good to see Locke develop a kind of friendship with someone outside of his own gang. And Lynch did a good job of highlighting the opportunities that Locke had to steal and the moments he instead chose to do as instructed. I also loved the absurdity of the waterspouts and how everyone around reacted to this oddity of nature.
Somehow, this story just made me miss Camorr, the Gentlemen Bastards and their cons, so much more than I already did. It's been years since I first read The Lies of Locke Lamora and got put in with the rest of the prisoners waiting for a small morsel from this world and going back into the world with new material just made me miss it so much. I'm so hopeful that now that this story has been published we'll get more in the series.
I was shocked last month to discover that the first of the short stories Scott Lynch has written in the world of The Gentlemen Bastards has been published in Grimdark Magazine's 40th and 41st issues. Since I was already planning on getting a free trial of Kindle Unlimited in the month of April, I wanted to see if the issues of the magazine would be part of KU. Turns out, they were. I was so excited to dive back into Camorr with new stories of Locke and his crew. This one heavily features Locke in the summer of his 13th year when he is loaned out to another gang with the task of not stealing. We see the lessons he learns and the friends he makes along the way.
I had so much fun with this one. Even with the ending and Chains being, well, Chains. He's there to surprise you and also remind you that punishments are still a thing. It was also good to see Locke develop a kind of friendship with someone outside of his own gang. And Lynch did a good job of highlighting the opportunities that Locke had to steal and the moments he instead chose to do as instructed. I also loved the absurdity of the waterspouts and how everyone around reacted to this oddity of nature.
Somehow, this story just made me miss Camorr, the Gentlemen Bastards and their cons, so much more than I already did. It's been years since I first read The Lies of Locke Lamora and got put in with the rest of the prisoners waiting for a small morsel from this world and going back into the world with new material just made me miss it so much. I'm so hopeful that now that this story has been published we'll get more in the series.
May 16, 2026
A young Locke is sent off with strict instructions from Father Chains, and he tries oh, so hard, to follow them.
Novella taking us back to Camorr for a summer of storms, wherein our hero needs to behave himself. I’d forgotten how much I enjoy the world Lynch has built for the Gentleman Bastards series, so this was a lovely, albeit brief, return. I prefer Lynch’s novels, finding the format better suited to his writing. He just doesn’t have the space to do that thing he does so well in such a small space. I’ll not turn down any new story featuring Locke Lamora though!
Novella taking us back to Camorr for a summer of storms, wherein our hero needs to behave himself. I’d forgotten how much I enjoy the world Lynch has built for the Gentleman Bastards series, so this was a lovely, albeit brief, return. I prefer Lynch’s novels, finding the format better suited to his writing. He just doesn’t have the space to do that thing he does so well in such a small space. I’ll not turn down any new story featuring Locke Lamora though!
May 23, 2026
What an utter treat to be back in the world of the Gentleman’s Bastards, and particularly in my favourite fantasy setting of all time Camorr.
I truly love this series, this city and these characters. Seeing Locke as a teenager again felt nostalgic, and hearing mention of the various players and factions within the Camorr underworld once more was just thrilling.
The writing, as expected, is sharp, the dialogue is witty and Scott’s penchant for memorable insults remains intact.
I wait with bated breath for ToE!
I truly love this series, this city and these characters. Seeing Locke as a teenager again felt nostalgic, and hearing mention of the various players and factions within the Camorr underworld once more was just thrilling.
The writing, as expected, is sharp, the dialogue is witty and Scott’s penchant for memorable insults remains intact.
I wait with bated breath for ToE!
June 6, 2026
I very rarely give short stories a 5-star rating, but this one easily earned it.
This is a very short story taking place early in Locke's tutelage under Father Chains in Camorr. It's a perfect microcosm of why this series (and Locke in particular) is so beloved. It's about criminals and thieves, but there's also that half-nod to honor that always shows itself with the Gentlemen Bastards if you pay attention long enough.
Scott Lynch is a brilliant author to pack so much into a 30-page story that is ostensibly about Locke cleaning up after drunks in a tavern.
This is a very short story taking place early in Locke's tutelage under Father Chains in Camorr. It's a perfect microcosm of why this series (and Locke in particular) is so beloved. It's about criminals and thieves, but there's also that half-nod to honor that always shows itself with the Gentlemen Bastards if you pay attention long enough.
Scott Lynch is a brilliant author to pack so much into a 30-page story that is ostensibly about Locke cleaning up after drunks in a tavern.
June 16, 2026
What a nice surprise this was. I had no idea this short story existed a few days ago, so I had the get it and read it straight away, and man am I glad I did.
This little slice of Camorri life had all the charm, wit and elegance of any of the Bastard books, all rolled up in a neat little package. Though I’m still majorly pining for the rest of the series to be written, joining Locke and the rest of the gang for a 40 page jaunt was a pleasure I didn’t know I needed.
If you’ve read the trilogy definitely pick this up and read it right away. It’ll be the best hour of your week.
This little slice of Camorri life had all the charm, wit and elegance of any of the Bastard books, all rolled up in a neat little package. Though I’m still majorly pining for the rest of the series to be written, joining Locke and the rest of the gang for a 40 page jaunt was a pleasure I didn’t know I needed.
If you’ve read the trilogy definitely pick this up and read it right away. It’ll be the best hour of your week.
August 29, 2025
This short story feels like stepping back into Camorr with all its grit, wit, and danger. Getting a glimpse of Locke in his younger years awkward, reckless, and clever as ever, was both hilarious and heartwarming. The banter is sharp, the tension is real, and Mazoc Szaba is such a fun addition to the mix. Even though it’s short, it has all the charm and chaos I love from the Gentleman Bastard series. A must-read for anyone who can’t get enough of Locke’s misadventures!
May 13, 2026
ya okay, it's a slim slim book, thats really just a chapter in one of his other books. Not really sure the purpose of it, other than, maaaaybe if I had finished all of the other books and was just yearning for a bit more Locke. Unfortunately I read it right after The Lies of Locke Lamora so it didn't quite do anything for me. Hoping to hear more about the female Gentleman bastard, S... something. We shall see.
June 6, 2025
5/5
I’ve been threatening to reread Locke Lamora for months now and this short story came to me at the perfect time. It’s just that every funny and mischievous book I’ve been reading lately feels like chasing the glee I felt reading Locke for the first time. Delightful, vulgar, hilarious writing style and the most diabolical characters I hold an unreasonable amount of affection for.
I’ve been threatening to reread Locke Lamora for months now and this short story came to me at the perfect time. It’s just that every funny and mischievous book I’ve been reading lately feels like chasing the glee I felt reading Locke for the first time. Delightful, vulgar, hilarious writing style and the most diabolical characters I hold an unreasonable amount of affection for.
June 25, 2025
Scott Lynch’s Locke Lamora storyline is warm hot choco on a cozy winter night. Always brings happiness and contentment in its clever and lovely writing style. This short story, written in two parts, definitely did not disappoint. But worst still, it makes me crave more strongly the hotly anticipated 4th book in the series. Scott! Please! Release more Camor magic into our lives!
May 30, 2026
It's good to be back
I'm so glad that we have more stories of Locke and his training days in Camorr. I've missed his antics.
I did miss Jean, but it made sense in the context of this story.
It was interesting seeing where some of Locke's morality comes from, and how these sorts of decisions follow through into The Lies of Locke Lamora.
I'm so glad that we have more stories of Locke and his training days in Camorr. I've missed his antics.
I did miss Jean, but it made sense in the context of this story.
It was interesting seeing where some of Locke's morality comes from, and how these sorts of decisions follow through into The Lies of Locke Lamora.
June 21, 2026
Always good to read more about Locke and the gang, but you should go in knowing that:
a) while the gang are occasionally mentioned, it's mostly just Locke
b) Locke is explicitly forbidden from grifts or tricks
So it's a neutered Locke who learns a lesson and interacts with some crazy characters. A fun read, but just makes me want more of the Gentleman Bastards!
a) while the gang are occasionally mentioned, it's mostly just Locke
b) Locke is explicitly forbidden from grifts or tricks
So it's a neutered Locke who learns a lesson and interacts with some crazy characters. A fun read, but just makes me want more of the Gentleman Bastards!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews