Quotes from book
The Republic of Thieves

The Republic of Thieves

The Republic of Thieves is a fantasy novel by American writer Scott Lynch, the third book in the Gentleman Bastard series. It details the continuing adventures of Locke Lamora and Jean Tannen, as well as Sabetha, Locke's previously absent love interest. The book was released on October 8, 2013 in the US and October 10 2013 in the UK & Commonwealth. It is published by Random House and Orion.


Scott Lynch photo

“Damn it, when will you learn that refusing to admit you’ve lost isn’t the same as winning?”

Interlude “Striking Sparks” section 2 (p. 233)
The Republic of Thieves (2013)

Scott Lynch photo

““Thank you very much, sir,” said Beth with nothing resembling actual gratitude.”

Prologue “The Minder” section 5 (p. 10)
The Republic of Thieves (2013)

Scott Lynch photo
Scott Lynch photo

““You need money that badly?”
“As a tool, certainly. Its application is simple and universally effective.””

Source: The Republic of Thieves (2013), Chapter 4 “Across the Amathel” section 3 (p. 190)

Scott Lynch photo

“The sun is up, and all that money out there won’t steal itself.”

Interlude “The Undrowned Girl” section 1 (p. 69)
The Republic of Thieves (2013)

Scott Lynch photo

“Are you really that arrogant, that logic is as optional as a fashion accessory for you?”

Source: The Republic of Thieves (2013), Chapter 9 “The Five-Year Game: Reasonable Doubt” section 2 (p. 551)

Scott Lynch photo
Scott Lynch photo

“You’re trying to be charming again,” she said softly, “but I do not choose to be charmed, Locke Lamora.”

Interlude “Striking Sparks” section 6 (p. 247)
The Republic of Thieves (2013)

Scott Lynch photo
Scott Lynch photo
Scott Lynch photo
Scott Lynch photo
Scott Lynch photo

“Next came the sort of kiss that banished the world to distant background noise and seemed to last a month.”

Source: The Republic of Thieves (2013), Chapter 10 “The Five-Year Game: Final Approaches” section 13 (p. 610)

Scott Lynch photo

“Most of us find it starkly ludicrous that the height of all possible ambition, to the ungifted, must be to drape oneself in crowns and robes.”

Source: The Republic of Thieves (2013), Chapter 4 “Across the Amathel” section 3 (p. 191)

Scott Lynch photo

“I’m going to give you a thorough examination. This may cause some discomfort, but don’t complain. I won’t be listening.”

Source: The Republic of Thieves (2013), Chapter 1 “Things Get Worse” section 8 (p. 47)

Scott Lynch photo

“People die when they get hanged. It’s why they hang them!”

Prologue “The Minder” section 8 (p. 19)
The Republic of Thieves (2013)

Scott Lynch photo

“I’m not without my sympathies, Lamora. They just don’t necessarily reside with you.”

Source: The Republic of Thieves (2013), Chapter 5 “The Five-Year Game: Starting Position” section 6 (p. 270)

Scott Lynch photo

“Maybe this is going to complicate the hell out of things. So what? You’re the complication I want more than anything else. You’re my favorite complication.”

Source: The Republic of Thieves (2013), Chapter 8 “The Five-Year Game: Infinite Variation” section 2 (p. 449)

Scott Lynch photo

““Why the hell are you here?”
“A matter of conscience.”
“Really?” said Locke. “Yours? You keep alluding to its existence. Somehow I’m not convinced.””

Source: The Republic of Thieves (2013), Chapter 9 “The Five-Year Game: Reasonable Doubt” section 1 (p. 543)

Scott Lynch photo

“Push your luck, gorgeous, and eventually luck pushes back.”

Source: The Republic of Thieves (2013), Chapter 8 “The Five-Year Game: Infinite Variation” section 8 (p. 468)