The novel was nominated for the World Fantasy Award and the Lucas Prize. The life of an orphan is mysterious—and often short—on the dark island of Camor. It is a harsh, short-lived life, and one whose owner can barely enjoy life until he is assassinated or enslaved. However, the young Luc Lamora escaped both death and slavery, and was trained by a skilled conman in the arts of deception and cunning. He then assumed the leadership of a band of light-handed brothers known as the Bastard Masters. His fame soon spread, and his scheming spread, until he deceived the most feared of the underworld's lords. However, in the darkness lies a more greedy and cruel adversary. When Luc sees a bloody coup threatening everyone he loves and every meaning in his miserable life, he vows to defeat the enemy at his cruel game, or die in the attempt.