Lynch, Scott- Red Seas Under Red Skies (Gentleman Bastard #2); Informal Buddy Read:Starts November 15, 2014

[[deleted user]]

I just got to the part of the book where the prologue takes place and I'm...yeah. Scott Lynch really knows how to weave a story doesn't he? By the way, I know this doesn't matter at all, but I'm OCD about stuff...pg. 637....glass breaks into shards, pottery into sherds. SHERDS, writers out there. Trust me, I spend my whole life just looking at broken pieces of pottery.

[RachelvlehcaR]

Cynthia wrote: "I have to say that Jean is now my favorite. I think Locke is funny and resourceful, but Jean is strong on the outside with a soft(not weak) interior. I think he's also smarter than Locke, though Lo..."

I agree with you. Jean is a favorite but the both of them is the best match!

I just finished the entire part 1 of the book. It's really fun. I love reading about Locke and Jean. They just bicker to each other like brothers. :P

[RachelvlehcaR]

Part Two, Chapter 8,

(view spoiler)[ Poor Locke and Jean. They are not really good sailor and captains. It's painful just to read about them on and kicked off the ship. I'm so happy that everything is right in Locke and Jean's relationship. Reading the prologue in the beginning of the book I was like why is Jean betraying Locke? It's all clean more. Touche Lynch. Touche. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

I finished the book you guys. I finished the book and it was so good but just wait....now we have to read the third one! I have to see what happens. Just have to!!

When someone finishes the book tell me!! I'm dying to see what you think.

[Cynthia]

I promise I haven't forgotten about it. I have 3 more chapters to read for the BOM, then I'll hit this one tonight.

[RachelvlehcaR]

Taryn wrote: "I finished the book you guys. I finished the book and it was so good but just wait....now we have to read the third one! I have to see what happens. Just have to!!

When someone finishes the book tell me!! I'm dying to see what you think. "

I'm hoping to finish it tonight. :)

[[deleted user]]

RachelvlehcaR wrote: "Taryn wrote: "I finished the book you guys. I finished the book and it was so good but just wait....now we have to read the third one! I have to see what happens. Just have to!!

When someone finis..."

Yay!!!!

[Cynthia]

Once again, I'm impressed with Lynch's creativity when it comes to devising games for the wealthy. I've just come to the section where Locke (view spoiler)[

is awaiting the completion of the Therin Throne style chairs he's commissioned. He's watching the living chess game. I think I'm equally impressed and horrified.

I expect a certain level of violence from the criminals, but I'm always surprised at how much ordinary people can delight in the suffering of others, especially when they have some control over it. (hide spoiler)]

[RachelvlehcaR]

Chapter 13 (4)

WOW! (view spoiler)[ Romance is in the air. I just didn't see this happening with Jean and Ezri. He is the romantic one and it makes sense he'd be the one but I don't want a Sherlock and Watson pull apart thing to happen. How will this all play out?" (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

RachelvlehcaR wrote: "Chapter 13 (4)

WOW! [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ For some reason, even at the beginning of the book, I knew Jean was going to get with somebody. I have no idea why, call it intuition. But the fact that it was this little, fighting girl took me a little bit by surprise. (hide spoiler)]

[Srividya]

Taryn: you finished? Oh I really need to get started again. Got caught up with other reads. Will hit this one today in earnest.

[Greta]

Ok, I'm getting going on this now! Will read some more tomorrow and post thoughts! I'm in Chapter 1 still but loving all the banter between Jean and Locke already!!

[RachelvlehcaR]

LOL, look at us. The same people in the group as in the other.

Greta you are in for a treat. :) It's fun.

[Srividya]

Lol.. All for more points for the team Rachel :P

Greta, I agree with Rachel. Am about 20% in and the book is great fun indeed.

[[deleted user]]

Srividya wrote: "Lol.. All for more points for the team Rachel :P

Greta, I agree with Rachel. Am about 20% in and the book is great fun indeed."

I think that's kind of what's great about the books. They can be really fun and serious at the same time. It gives you a nice little break from the strenuous stations when you get to laugh a little first. I just....someone get to the end....it is (view spoiler)[ frackin crazy (hide spoiler)].

[RachelvlehcaR]

Haha! What an ending! I loved it.

[Claire]

RachelvlehcaR wrote: "Cynthia wrote: "I have to say that Jean is now my favorite. I think Locke is funny and resourceful, but Jean is strong on the outside with a soft(not weak) interior. I think he's also smarter than ..."

I don't think I could choose between Jean and Locke. I love them both !

[[deleted user]]

Are we gonna read the third one?

[RachelvlehcaR]

I hope so!

[Cynthia]

OMG I'll read it, but not in then next 2 weeks. Too many other things going on, mostly outside of reading.

I do have one question, and I just want a yes or no answer.

Is the mystery of Sabetha going to be resolved in the 2nd half of this book, or am I desperately turning every page looking for her hopelessly?

Not sure why I want to see her so badly. I just hate loose ends, and she feels like one.

[Claire]

Cynthia wrote: "OMG I'll read it, but not in then next 2 weeks. Too many other things going on, mostly outside of reading.

I do have one question, and I just want a yes or no answer.

Is the mystery of Sabetha go..."

I understand what you're feeling. I'm not as far in the book as I would have wanted by now, but the mystery is eating me alive. If we read the third, I'll join you all. Just not yet.

[Claire]

Wolf sharks or stiletto wasps? What would you chose?

[[deleted user]]

I'd choose the wasps. The air is my home turf too lol

[Claire]

Haha

[Cynthia]

Stilleto wasps!

[Snowtulip]

I've just started Chapter Two, hoping to get a lot of reading tonight!

I must say my heart was breaking a little throughout Ch. 1, but agree that I absolutely love Jean even more afterwards :)

[Snowtulip]

Finished Chapter 5 (view spoiler)[ this is getting deeper and more twisted, pirate ships! I was also surprised when Locke spoke of Sabetha when they were out on the rocks climbing, it sounds like they are made of the same cloth, I really hope we get to meet her in this book. (hide spoiler)]

[Greta]

Srividya wrote: "I have just started this one and am in the first chapter. I agree with you Taryn - the series seems to be one filled with immense greed and lust for power and money but somehow despite all that I f..."

Srividia and Taryn, I agree that Tal Verrar has the feel of Las Vegas!

[Greta]

Thoughts on Chapter 1: (view spoiler)[I love the relationship between Jean and Locke, they are such a funny pair! It seems like quite the challenge to move all the way up the Sinspire and their plan with those two women is pretty risky. What if someone had figured out that they were doing obvious hand signals on purpose? The only reason no one suspected poison was because the poison is so expensive? I think that is why Locke and Jean are so successful. They are willing to go to all lengths to pull off their cons, including investing large amounts of time and money.

Wow, that scene with the Magi of Karthain would have been very intimidating! They managed to defeat one of the Magi, but now they have all the rest against them. I am so curious to see how they survive! (hide spoiler)]

[Claire]

Snowtulip wrote: "Finished Chapter 5 [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I was also suprised to hear about the elusive sabatha, even more so because it came from Locke. This let me hope that maybe we'll learn more soon. (hide spoiler)]

[Greta]

Thoughts through Chapter 2 and Interlude:

(view spoiler)[I am surprised to see Locke hit such a low in his life, but glad that Jean was able to help him through that period.

I was shocked that Locke would tell Requin he's been cheating him for two years. I realize that is part of the plan, but they always amaze me with how daring they are!

The abrupt change between the first chapter and the interlude confused me a little, but now I'm enjoying reading both the present day scenes and the events leading up to present day. (hide spoiler)]

[Snowtulip]

Angel wrote: "Snowtulip wrote: "Finished Chapter 5 [spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

Fingers crossed!

[Snowtulip]

Greta wrote: "Thoughts through Chapter 2 and Interlude:

I am surprised to see Locke hit such a low in his life, but glad that Jean was able to help him through that period.

I was shocked that Locke would tel..."

That scene hit me hard (view spoiler)[because I think I've been seeing Locke as bigger than life, this humanized him more to see him so grief stricken. It also showed such strength and care from Jean especially since he was also grieving, he' the emotional and physical backbone of the Gentlemen Bastards (hide spoiler)]

[Greta]

Snowtulip wrote: "Greta wrote: "Thoughts through Chapter 2 and Interlude:

I am surprised to see Locke hit such a low in his life, but glad that Jean was able to help him through that period.

I was shocked that L..."

Yes, very well put Snowtulip!

[Tara]

Hi everyone I just found this buddy read.. So I'm in!

I started about a week ago and at chapter 5. I am loving this book.. I thought it had a very strong beginning and is very fast paced.

I am wondering what everyone thinks about (view spoiler)[ Locke being more compassionate in this book especially towards the people in the games in Salon Carbeau. I don't remember the author showing this side of him that much in the first book, it could be a result of the friends he lost in book 1. (hide spoiler)]

[Greta]

Ok, done through Chapter 4 and Reminiscence:

(view spoiler)[What an idea to play Stragos and Requin off on each other. Was this a part of their plan all along? I am curious to see how long they can go between these two men.

The Salon Corbeau was really interesting. I like how it gives some insight into Locke and Father Chains' philosophy of thieves prosper and rich remember. I wonder if Locke will ever go back to Salon Corbeau and take action against the rich there and the Amusement War. What a horrible institution that is!! And to have children participating in the torture is just terrible.

I'm also very curious now about those chairs and what the added feature is! Can't wait to find out. I just love how these guys put years into their schemes...they are so complex and well thought out.
(hide spoiler)]

Ok, back to reading!!

[Greta]

RachelvlehcaR wrote: "Chapter 2:
Requin if petty violent. It reminds me of the movie Casino.

I love how Locke was holding 5 different decks of cards to make a point.

Okay, Jean reading romance books. That made i..."

Rachel- (view spoiler)[I also wondered if Stragos really poisoned them...it would be so easy to just tell someone that you had poisoned them and they'd be likely to believe you rather than risking it and dying. (hide spoiler)]

[Greta]

Angel wrote: "Wolf sharks or stiletto wasps? What would you chose?"

Yes, stiletto wasps!! Either way I'd probably die though!

[RachelvlehcaR]

Greta wrote: "Rachel- [spoiler] "

Exactly!

[Srividya]

Am on Chapter 8 now. Started reading this one again after a break. Hopefully i won't get distracted by other reads till I finish this.

(view spoiler)[I loved the scene on the ship. I know it was mean and maybe meant a lot of uncertainty to the boys but it was realistic. After Locke had made the prayer to the Crooked Warden, I would have been annoyed if the others hadn't mutinied. It wouldn't have felt real. I just wish that Jean hadn't had to leave his crooked sisters aboard. Hope he gets it back.

Have reached the part where these two get picked up by the pirate ship. Lol what a scene. I can't wait to see what happens next. (hide spoiler)]

@Greta (view spoiler)[I totally agree with you. I believe that they weren't poisoned and it was simply a ruse. In any case we shall find out more later I guess (hide spoiler)]

@Tara (view spoiler)[I am loving this compassionate side of Locke's. In fact, the author has beautifully shown him to be a human, full of faults, weaknesses and compassion along with wit and a uncanny sense of getting away with murder! It makes for a realistic read. Am glad that Locke didn't become a superhero suddenly. Guess that's what makes him more special. (hide spoiler)]

[Tara]

@Srividya (view spoiler)[ I agree, I feel that the author has added more to his personality in this book and we're able to know him more. I wonder if he will go back to Salon Carbeau to change the way the games are conducted in a way that the defaults do not lose their pay but at the same time are not subjected to humiliation and torture or perhaps get rid of the whole place. (hide spoiler)]

[Srividya]

Just finished Chapter 12 Part 4 and (view spoiler)[By god that was eerie! It was so wonderfully written but.. and imagine that the fog knew Locke's real name. I wonder what the mystery is behind his name. I wonder whether we will know about it in this book or even the next!

I was getting a little tired with all the sea. Reminded me of that awful movie Waterworld, which I had seen long back. However, this part changed it all. Its getting exciting again.

I also loved the way Locke and Drakasha got together and how Locke finally told her everything. I am not sure about Jean and Ezri though. I love that they are together but when you look at the long term nature of the relationship- I am not so sure.

I simply love the way this book deals with the human part of these two Gentleman Bastards rather than merely their cons. It shows their conflicts while also talking about the strength of their friendship. It is a wonderful read (hide spoiler)]

[Srividya]

@Tara (view spoiler)[I wish he would simply go and destroy that place but then it would make him a superhero, which he isn't. So I guess that place will remain till he can think of something to change its ways, although am not too sure that it will happen (hide spoiler)]

[Srividya]

Chapter 14 Part 10 - (view spoiler)[Ooh I loved this part where Locke attacked Salon Corbeau. I didn't think he would be able to do anything but what fun and what a fitting ransacking of that horrible place. Total fun :) (hide spoiler)]

[Snowtulip]

I'm just a few chapters behind you Srividya, I'm sooo tempted to hit those spoilers ;)

[Srividya]

Lol Snowtulip. I so understand that sentiment but don't else it might spoil the story for you ;)

Here's another big one Chapter 15

(view spoiler)[Ohhh why did Lynch have to kill Ezri!! I was just loving their story. But I guess it was impossible to keep her in the story. Their relationship would not have had any future! :( But its a bummer! I loved the whole fight scene though. It was written very well, taut and perfect. The funeral scene was really touching. I really felt bad for Jean. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 16 beginning (view spoiler)[I am already excited to know how they are going to get what they want. Seeing Locke and Jean back in action, especially at what they do best is so rewarding. However, I am sensing a cliffhanger of an ending here.. I am not sure why?! (hide spoiler)]

[Claire]

Just started chapter 11. At first I was really confused about the (view spoiler)[ritual. (hide spoiler)]. It's strange but I like it :)

I still love it so far. I loved chapter 10 (view spoiler)[when they attacked the other ship. Jean is getting attached to the crew. I wonder if Locke will be able to see past his revenge. And the story with Sabatha gets more and more frustrating. I wanna know! (hide spoiler)]

[Srividya]

I just finished

(view spoiler)[OMG what an end!! I felt really bad for those two when they found out that the paintings were fake but I was totally laughing at that time! The poison and antidote thing is making me really nervous, although I bet that there will be something later. After all what is the Gentleman Bastard series without Locke? (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Srividya wrote: "I just finished

[spoilers removed]"

I know right?! I just can't wait to see what happens as we continue on in the series...

[RachelvlehcaR]

Srividya wrote: "I just finished [spoilers removed]"

I love it. (view spoiler)[ I loved the ending and I laughed too. As for the poisoning I have always felt that perhaps it was fake. Who knows. I can't wait to read the 3rd book. (hide spoiler)]