THE REPUBLIC OF THIEVES

Locke and Jean barely escaped with their lives from what should have been the greatest heist of their career. Now they're looking for sanctuary and an alchemist who can cure the poison that is slowly killing Locke. They find neither, but with their luck, money and hope exhausted, they receive an offer from a power that has never had their best interests at heart: The Bondsmagi of Karthain. The Bondsmagi expect the two Gentlemen Bastards to rig an election in their home city of Karthain. They will be opposed. The other side has already hired the services of Sabetha Belacoros, the one person in the world who might match Locke's criminal skill, and the one person in the world who absolutely rules his heart. It's con artist against con artist in an election that couldn't be more crooked, all for the benefit of the mysterious Bondsmagi, who have plans within plans and secrets they're not telling ...