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Is this the best pirate book I've ever read? Yes. Yes. I (ayyye) think is!!

Oh boy, what a ride! Imagine "Pirates of the Caribbean" meets "Oceans 11" � and that will give you a pretty good idea of how good this rollicking adventure of a book is. Scott Lynch's storytelling prowess shines in this second installment of the Gentlemen Bastards series, packed with high-stakes heists, thrilling sea battles, and unforgettable characters. It's tempting to draw comparisons to its phenomenal predecessor, The Lies of Locke Lamora (easily a top 5 book of all time for me). However, that might create a false impression that this book isn't great. Instead, I like to think of these books like Olympic Gold and Silver medals � one might outshine the other, but both are truly among the best in their field.

Plot Summary
Red Seas Under Red Skies follows the continued adventures of Locke Lamora and Jean Tannen, our beloved Gentlemen Bastards, as they find themselves in the exotic city of Tal Verrar. Here, they plot to rob the Sinspire, the most notorious and impenetrable gambling house in the world. But their plans soon take an unexpected turn when they become embroiled in the dangerous world of piracy. Forced to navigate the treacherous waters and politics of the sea, Locke and Jean must forge new alliances, face old enemies, and survive deadly encounters to pull off the heist of a lifetime.

� I want to hug you. And I want to tear your gods-damned head off. Both at once."

"Ah," said Locke. "Near as I can tell, that’s the definition of 'family' right there.�

World Building: 4/5
Lynch's world-building is absolutely phenomenal in Red Seas Under Red Skies. He takes us to the exotic and bustling city of Tal Verrar, a city built on layers of history, wealth, and corruption. The lush descriptions of the city, its gambling dens, and luxurious high society draw you in and make you feel like you're right there with the characters. But it doesn't stop there � Lynch also transports us to the open seas, where we're introduced to an equally rich and intriguing world of pirates, naval warfare, and untamed islands - and oh how I love me some boats! The attention to detail and depth of the world-building is truly impressive and serves as the perfect backdrop for the thrilling adventures of Locke and Jean... My only gripe with the world-building is the noticeable absence of "fantastical" elements, which boils down to personal preference. I found myself yearning for more exploration of the mysterious Elder glass monuments scattered throughout the world - or more magic/alchemy to have a bigger effect on the characters/plot as a whole.

“Difficult" and "impossible" are cousins often mistaken for one another, with very little in common.�

Storytelling: 4.5/5
The story here is seriously off the charts good! The plot just blew me away (again) how thrilling and captivating plot that kept me on the edge of my seat. The complex, multilayered narrative showcases his amazing storytelling skills, complete with jaw-dropping twists that had me reeling. Just so so good. Honestly, it's the twists that make this book an absolute rollercoaster of a read, and I just couldn't get enough. Because of this constant double guessing of where things are heading, you get this great building anticipation throughout the book. The whole way I was left wondering how on earth he'd tie everything together in the end. Then BOOM, he just lays it all out for you in the final few chapters. My only quibble was that the ending felt a tiny bit rushed, which maybe made the payoff not quite as satisfying as I'd hoped for.

“Any man can fart in a closed room and say that he commands the wind�

Characters: 5/5
The characters in Red Seas Under Red Skies are truly unforgettable. Locke and Jean, our beloved Gentlemen Bastards, continue to shine in this installment. Their witty banter, unbreakable friendship, and resourcefulness in the face of danger make them an absolute joy to follow. Their growth as characters is beautifully portrayed, and it's impossible not to root for them as they navigate their latest series of misadventures. #Bromance

In addition to our main duo, the supporting cast is just as well-developed and compelling. From the cunning and ruthless Archon of Tal Verrar to the fiercely loyal and determined pirate captain, Zamira Drakasha, every character in this novel feels alive and important to the story. The complex relationships and loyalties at play make for a deeply engaging read that keeps you invested in the fates of each character.

“Know something? I'd lay even odds that between the people following us and the people hunting us, we've become this city's principle means of employment. Tal Verrar's entire economy is now based on fucking with us.�

Writing Style: 5/5
Lynch's prose is nothing short of exceptional in Red Seas Under Red Skies. His writing style is rich and atmospheric, painting vivid pictures of the world and the high-stakes action taking place within it. The dialogue is sharp and witty, with a perfect balance of humor and emotion that brings the characters to life - in this book he was able to make me laugh out loud and cry, which is always a pretty amazing testament. As I've already mentioned, Lynch also excels at building tension and anticipation, leading up to a breathtaking climax that will have you frantically flipping pages to find out what happens next.

“When you can't cheat the game, you'd best find a means to cheat the players.�

Enjoyment: 4.5/5
I can't stress enough how much I loved Red Seas Under Red Skies. The whole package just clicked for me, and I was utterly hooked from start to finish. I was completely engrossed in the world and the characters, always eager to see what would happen next. The twists, oh man, the twists! They kept me guessing, making the ride all the more enjoyable. Every aspect of this book, from the thrilling heists and sea battles to the unforgettable characters and their witty banter, had me captivated. It's true that I had some minor gripes, like the ending feeling a bit rushed, but honestly, that didn't take away from my overall enjoyment. Red Seas Under Red Skies is an absolute rollercoaster of a read, and I can't recommend it highly enough.

Final Rating: 4.5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗

My favourite books of 2023 in preferential order
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕:
1. The Shadow of the Gods - (My Review)
2. The Grace of Kings - (My Review)
3. The Lies of Locke Lamora
4. The Forgetting Moon - (My Review)
5. The Justice of Kings - (My Review)
6. Kings of the Wyld - (My Review)
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗:
7. Morning Star - (My Review)
8. The Blade Itself - (My Review)
9. Red Seas Under Red Skies - (My Review)
10. The Escape Artist: The Man Who Broke Out of Auschwitz to Warn the World
11. Empire of the Vampire - (My Review)
12. Assassin's Apprentice - (My Review)
13. Golden Son
🌕🌕🌕🌕ðŸÐ´:
14. Leviathan Wakes - (My Review)
15. The Winter King - (My Review)
16. Gardens of the Moon - (My Review)
🌕🌕🌕🌗ðŸÐ´:
17. Deadhouse Gates - (My Review)
🌕🌕🌕ðŸÐ´ðŸÐ´:
18. The Song of Achilles - (My Review)
19. Red Sister - (My Review)
🌕🌕ðŸÐ´ðŸÐ´ðŸÐ´:
20. Babel: An Arcane History - (My Review)