Scott Lynch: Trending quotes

“You're one third bad intentions, one third pure avarice, and one eighth sawdust. What's left, I'll credit, must be brains.”

Source: The Republic of Thieves

“I can’t name the poison that’s killing your friend. But the one that’s killing you is called hope.”

Source: The Lies of Locke Lamora

“It was strange, how readily authority could be conjured with nothing but a bit of strutting jackassery.”

Source: The Republic of Thieves

“Those prancing little pants-wetters come here to learn the colorful and gentlemanly art of fencing, with its many sportingand its proscriptions againstengagements. You on the other hand, you are going to learn how to.”

Source: The Lies of Locke Lamora (2006), Chapter 13 “Orchids and Assassins” section 4 (p. 567)

“Advice,” chuckled Doña Vorchenza. “The years play a sort of alchemical trick, transmuting one’s mutterings to a state of respectability. Give advice at forty and you’re a nag. Give it at seventy and you’re a sage.”

Source: The Lies of Locke Lamora

“I suspect this is all gonna end in screaming and drowning”

Source: The Lies of Locke Lamora (2006), Chapter 9 “A Curious Tale for Countess Amberglass” section 1 (p. 433)

“When you see the Crooked Warden," said Locke, twisting something in his hands, "tell him that Lock Lamora learns slowly, but he learns well. And when you see my friends, you tell them that there are more of you on the way.”

Source: Red Seas Under Red Skies

“I want to hug you. And I want to tear your gods-damned head off. Both at once."

"Ah," said Locke. "Near as I can tell, that’s the definition of 'family' right there.”

Source: The Lies of Locke Lamora

“I'll wager I would have screwed things up regardless. But… can you imagine those poor bastards grappling their prey, leaping over the rails, swords in hand, screaming, 'Your cats! Give us all your gods-damned cats!”

Source: Red Seas Under Red Skies

“My disinterest in your bullshit is so tangible you could make bricks out of it”

Source: Red Seas Under Red Skies

“Only one way to win when you're being chased by someone bigger and tougher than you. Turn straight around, punch their teeth out, and hope the gods are fond of you.”

Source: The Republic of Thieves

“Maxilan, darling." Locke raised one eyebrow and smiled. "I knew you were driven, but I had no idea you could smoulder. Come, take me now! Jean won't mind; he'll avert his eyes like a gentleman.”

Source: Red Seas Under Red Skies

“Are you smarter than a pig, Locke?”
“On occasion,” said Locke. “There are contrary opinions.”

Source: Red Seas Under Red Skies

“Yeah, but if I don't start my nervous pacing now, I'll never have it all done in time.”

Source: The Republic of Thieves

“If he had a bloody gash across his throat and a physiker was trying to sew it up, Lamora would steal the needle and thread and die laughing.”

Source: The Republic of Thieves

“I'm not as reckless as I used to be. You know, when I was little.”

Source: The Lies of Locke Lamora

“I think piracy is a bit like drinking. You want to stay out all night doing it, you pay the price the next day.”

Source: The Lies of Locke Lamora

“I don’t need to be reminded that we’re up to our heads in dark water. I just want you boys to remember that we’re the gods-damned sharks.”

Source: Red Seas Under Red Skies