R E K. (bigstone) - , reviewed on 1/18/2017 + 1453 more book reviews

After I finishing the Lies of Locke Lamora, I looked forward to reading, Red Seas Under Red Skies, the second in this series. The fact that Locke is grieving deeply for the loss of three members of the Gentlemen Bastards as the novel opens, endears him to this reader. It is only through the attentions and patience of Jean Tannen that he finally recovers. Only good friends like Locke and Jean can talk with each other the way the narrative flows in this novel. Plus, it's reassuring that their friendship was not harmed by the loss of three members of the Gentlemen Bastards. And, their ability to communicate with the slightest of signals enables them to scam the most skillful gamblers with finesse. Check out how they do it this time.

Locke and Jean are in Tal Verrar where they plan to attempt one of their most difficult and skillful robberies when they break into the vault at the Sinspire, Tal Verrar's major casino and entertainment location. However, their plans for the robbery are foiled by the Archon of Tal Verrar. The Archon administers a latent poison in their drinks to ensure that the two will do whatever he decides best serves his ends. In an almost unbelievable twist they must go to sea, become pirates and help the Archon capture a famous pirate that will enable him to build his navy to protect Tal Verrar. Thus, they find themselves linked to this man who will give the antidote only when they follow his directions.

Exposed as the sailor he is not, Locke, accompanied by Jean, is placed in a small boat when the crew stages a mutiny. They are rescued quickly by the very pirate they were to capture, Zamira Drakasha. She is a large, muscular tough woman who is captain of the Poison Orchid. She loves her children to distraction but will take no excuses from any of her crew, let alone Locke or Jean. Locke knows that to win her confidence and trust he must be honest and answer her questions. Jean, surprisingly, falls in love with her sidekick, Ezri. The tale spins out from here as Locke tries to keep wheeling and dealing and plots to outwit the Archon. He and Jean must determine how to just stay alive yet seek revenge on the Archon. While I would like to see the novels in the series tighten up I will look for the next in the series because I find Locke and Jean such well constructed characters that I don't want to miss what happens next.

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