Red Seas Under Red Skies

Gentlemen Bastards, #2

by Scott Lynch

Mass Market Paperback, 760 pages

English language

Published Aug. 7, 2008 by Bantam Spectra.

ISBN:: 978-0-553-58895-8
Goodreads:: 2171498

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(15 reviews)

After a brutal battle with the underworld that nearly destroyed him, Locke and his trusted sidekick, Jean, fled the island city of their birth and landed on the exotic shores of Tal Verrar to nurse their wounds. But even at this westernmost edge of civilization, they can’t rest for long—and are soon back to what they do best: stealing from the undeserving rich and pocketing the proceeds for themselves.

This time, however, they have targeted the grandest prize of all: the Sinspire, the most exclusive and heavily guarded gambling house in the world. Its nine floors attract the wealthiest clientele—and to rise to the top, one must impress with good credit, amusing behavior…and excruciatingly impeccable play. For there is one cardinal rule, enforced by Requin, the house’s cold-blooded master: it is death to cheat at any game at the Sinspire.

Brazenly undeterred, Locke and Jean have orchestrated an elaborate plan …

Brazenly undeterred, Locke and Jean have orchestrated an elaborate plan to lie, trick, and swindle their way up the nine floors…straight to Requin’s teeming vault. Under the cloak of false identities, they meticulously make their climb—until they are closer to the spoils than ever.

But someone in Tal Verrar has uncovered the duo’s secret. Someone from their past who has every intention of making the impudent criminals pay for their sins. Now it will take every ounce of cunning to save their mercenary souls. And even that may not be enough.…

3 editions

Kathrin Passig reviewed Red Seas Under Red Skies by Scott Lynch (Gentlemen Bastards, #2)

Review of 'Red Seas Under Red Skies' on 'Goodreads'

3 stars

Man merkt, dass der Autor seine Figuren in eine Piratenschiffsituation bringen wollte, und ungefähr die ersten 200 Seiten verwendet er darauf, das mühevoll einzufädeln. Ich hätte nach der Leseprobe nicht weitergelesen, wenn es das Buch nicht gratis in der Open Library gegeben hätte. Dann folgen 350 Seiten vollkommen unlangweiliges Seefahrtsvergnügen (hier kommt jetzt auch endlich die Piratinnensache vor, wegen der ich den ersten Band gelesen habe). Dass Teile des Plots, wie irgendwo steht, bei "Pirates of the Caribbean" entliehen sind, hat mich nicht gestört. Am Ende muss dann die vermurkste Konstruktion vom Anfang wieder abgewickelt werden. Aber dadurch, dass das Buch insgesamt sehr lang ist, enthält es im Mittelteil ein 4-Sterne-Buch von ganz normaler Länge, man braucht nur Anfang und Schluss wegzulassen.

Jolteon reviewed Red Seas Under Red Skies by Scott Lynch (Gentleman Bastard, #2)

Review of 'Red Seas Under Red Skies' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

An excellent continuation of an excellent series while in a drastically different setting from the previous book.

Antolius reviewed Red Seas Under Red Skies by Scott Lynch (Gentleman Bastard, #2)

Review of 'Red Seas Under Red Skies' on 'Goodreads'

3 stars

I wish there was more of the pirate stuff.

Good:
Jean Tannen is the most lovable character ever
Second part of the book, when the pirate adventure kicks off, is just great

Bad:
Archon is a weak & unconvincing antagonist
Getting poisoned as an excuse for becoming pirates feels contrived
Casino job lacks ties to the pirate plot & under delivers in the end
False betrayal foreshadowing is cheep & unnecessary

B. Zelkovich reviewed Red Seas Under Red Skies by Scott Lynch (Gentlemen Bastards, #2)

Review of 'Red Seas Under Red Skies' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

This book was a bit slower. It introduced a lot of knowledge and world - building, but sacrificed a touch of plot and a lot of pacing. The last 100 pages were fast-paced, and once again was very satisfying, although it didn't quite keep up with its predecessor. A solid second installment, that keeps me looking forward to the further adventures of the remaining Gentlemen Bastards.