3 stars out of 5, first impressions, not as good as Lies of Locke Lamora, but if you liked it you’ll like this one too. Doesn’t have much fantastic feel, but all the wit and banter make up for it quite well. I really appreciate that Lynch is writing these modern thriller and adventure books within the fantasy genre.
This is story of Jean and Locke trying to rob the biggest casino of Tal Verrar, where they fled from Camorr. Not surprisingly there are kinks on the way and they have to embrace the sweet life of sailors. Oddly enough, quite a few of those now verses from various books. Reavers are civilized people.
Lynch does realize his world just enough for the stories he writes, but doesn’t go into too many in depth explanations, which is refreshing and the way I prefer. Though I have to say, that the thought of gambling town in time when moving from place to place wasn’t that fast seems a bit stretching it. What does bother me, is the way everyone seems to be rather well educated. There are just too many people quoting verses and poems. I do appreciate the way it creates contrast when lowbrow professionals utter these, but it does take some of the credibility away.
My biggest gripe with the story is that Lynch wanted to put fantasy(or more fantasy) versions of Ocean’s 11 and Pirates of The Caribbean in the same book. There’s a lot of action, but quite a lot of it feels a bit counterproductive. I would have preferred somewhat shortened version.
As in Lies the main attraction is the fine banter and wit, especially between Jean and Locke. This does eat away some of the fantasy feel, but at the same time keeps you going. Where Red Seas Under Red Skies departs from some of the other adventure books, there are a lot of dark undercurrents. Bondsmagi visit occasionally, they don’t seem too happy about the way Locke and Jean treated the Falconer in Lies.