Gentleman Bastards reading order

Three novels published. Later volumes have been discussed for years. This page will not invent a shelf date. Publication order is the only path.

The published novels

Read them in this order. Book two changes cities; it is still book two. Book three is written for people who already know the earlier costs.

The Thorn of Emberlain and later announced titles are not on this table until they are books you can hold. Do not wait for them before opening Lies.

Short fiction exists around this world. Optional. Not a prequel on-ramp.

Common mistakes

• Starting with book three because a blurb mentioned Sabetha.
• Treating book two as a standalone pirate novel.
• Postponing book one until the series is “done.”
• Using a film-or-show rumor as a reading order.

What to read next

1. Six of Crows / Grishaverse (Leigh Bardugo) — If you want a finished heist duology with a younger temperature.
2. The First Law (Joe Abercrombie) — If you want another finished grim door after an unfinished crew.
3. [The Lies of Locke Lamora, then stop.] Three books is a real visit.
4. Kingkiller Chronicle (Patrick Rothfuss) — If you want another unfinished voice-forward fantasy. Not as comfort. As honesty.
5. The Books of Babel (Josiah Bancroft) — If you want a climb that kept publishing.

FAQ

Is the series finished?
Not as originally sketched. Three novels are published.

Do I have to read them in order?
Yes.

Standalone?
Lies can be visited alone. You will be leaving a conversation mid-sentence if you continue later.

Sources

• Scott Lynch — author site. Opened 2026-09-13.
• Gollancz, The Lies of Locke Lamora — publisher page for book one. Opened 2026-09-13.