Author: Scott Lynch | Narrator: Michael Page
Runtime: 23h 43m | Genre: Fantasy, Heist, Low Fantasy, Adventure
Locke and Jean are hired by the Bondsmagi to rig an election in Karthain, facing off against Locke’s estranged love, Sabetha.
In *The Republic of Thieves*, Scott Lynch delivers the long-awaited introduction of the fourth Gentleman Bastard: Sabetha Belacoros. Dying from magical poison contracted in Tal Verrar, Locke Lamora is saved at the eleventh hour by the enigmatic Bondsmagi of Karthain. The price? Locke and Jean must manipulate a contentious parliamentary election for the Deep Roots party, while their political opponents have hired none other than Sabetha to back the rival faction. What follows is a delicious contest of election rigging, theatrical sabotage, and razor-sharp psychological warfare between two masters who know each other's every move.
Michael Page once again demonstrates why his voice is indispensable to this series. By weaving between the present-day election caper and a sweeping flashback to the Bastards' adolescent theatrical tour in Espar, Page captures the blossoming, tempestuous romance between Locke and Sabetha with authentic tenderness. His delivery of Father Chains' colorful lectures and Jean's exasperated loyalty keeps the narrative delightfully buoyant throughout its twenty-four-hour runtime. Listeners who adored The Lies of Locke Lamora and Red Seas Under Red Skies will cherish this deeply personal chapter.
At twenty-three hours and forty-three minutes, *The Republic of Thieves* delivers immense credit value for fantasy and heist enthusiasts. It culminates in shocking revelations regarding Locke’s true origins that fundamentally upend the series, leaving listeners thrilled and hungry for the next chapter.
Gentleman Bastard Series Reading Order: • The Lies of Locke Lamora (Book 1 – 21h 59m) • Red Seas Under Red Skies (Book 2 – 25h 34m) • The Republic of Thieves (Book 3 – 23h 43m)
Michael Page handles the dual timelines of *The Republic of Thieves* with effortless mastery. His portrayal of Sabetha is sharp, independent, and intellectually intimidating, presenting a worthy foil to Locke's theatrical swagger. The comedic timing during political sabotage sequences is pitch-perfect, with crystal-clear dynamic range and zero listener fatigue over twenty-four hours.
*Note: Narrators may differ across regional releases and audiobook editions.