The Fantasy Review‘s list of 5 Fantasy Books Better Than ‘The Lies of Locke Lamora’, According to Goodreads.
The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch is the first book in the popular Gentleman Bastard series. This first book in the series has a rating of 4.30 on Goodreads, but here are some similar books with higher ratings (also first books in a series).
The Crown Tower (The Riyria Chronicles #1) by Michael J. Sullivan
Goodreads Rating: 4.33
From the blurb:
Hadrian Blackwater, a warrior with nothing to fight for, is paired with Royce Melborn, a thieving assassin with nothing to lose. Hired by an old wizard, they must steal a treasure that no one can reach. The Crown Tower is the impregnable remains of the grandest fortress ever built and home to the realm’s most prized possessions. But it isn’t gold or jewels that the wizard is after, and if he can just keep them from killing each other, they just might succeed.
Blood Song (Raven’s Shadow, #1) by Anthony Ryan
Goodreads Rating: 4.42
From the blurb:
Vaelin Al Sorna was only a child of ten when his father left him at the iron gate of the Sixth Order to be trained and hardened to the austere, celibate and dangerous life of a warrior of the Faith. He has no family now save the Order.…
A Little Hatred (The Age of Madness #1) by Joe Abercrombie
Goodreads Rating: 4.45
From the blurb:
The chimneys of industry rise over Adua and the world seethes with new opportunities. But old scores run deep as ever.
On the blood-soaked borders of Angland, Leo dan Brock struggles to win fame on the battlefield, and defeat the marauding armies of Stour Nightfall. He hopes for help from the crown. But King Jezal’s son, the feckless Prince Orso, is a man who specializes in disappointments….
The Name of the Wind (The Kingkiller Chronicle, #1) by Patrick Rothfuss
Goodreads Rating: 4.52
From the blurb:
My name is Kvothe.
I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to Gods, loved women, and written songs that make the minstrels weep.
You may have heard of me.…
The Will of the Many (Hierarchy, #1) by James Islington
Goodreads Rating: 4.67
From the blurb:
AUDI. VIDE. TACE.
The Catenan Republic – the Hierarchy – may rule the world now, but they do not know everything.
I tell them my name is Vis Telimus. I tell them I was orphaned after a tragic accident three years ago, and that good fortune alone has led to my acceptance into their most prestigious school. I tell them that once I graduate, I will gladly join the rest of civilised society in allowing my strength, my drive and my focus – what they call Will – to be leeched away and added to the power of those above me, as millions already do. As all must eventually do.…
