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A review by jsoakes
Red Seas Under Red Skies by Scott Lynch
4.0
A lot of work went into turning this into a pirate story. It seemed pretty unnecessary, but it was enjoyable once we got there (and the getting there was fun, too. Caldris was almost a nod to Chains as the older/wiser teacher figure). The overall story was fun and impossibly convoluted, consistent with the first of the series. A solid continuation if it did drag a bit.
The relationship depth and character growth was well done, but also went a bit too far at times. "Your life is more important, let me sacrifice myself for you." "No, you're more important to me and I can't possibly live without you, I should be the one to die." etc...
Also, there were a few times that a major reveal was rendered less powerful via over-exposition (never make long term plans for a character- it's a blatant way to forecast death).
Overall, really enjoyable with great dialogue (Lynch's strongest writing is his dialogue), but not as fresh and exciting as the first since it's pretty much understood at this point that Locke/Jean are basically invincible (not infallible and their mistakes are consequential and entertaining, but still).
The relationship depth and character growth was well done, but also went a bit too far at times. "Your life is more important, let me sacrifice myself for you." "No, you're more important to me and I can't possibly live without you, I should be the one to die." etc...
Also, there were a few times that a major reveal was rendered less powerful via over-exposition (never make long term plans for a character- it's a blatant way to forecast death).
Overall, really enjoyable with great dialogue (Lynch's strongest writing is his dialogue), but not as fresh and exciting as the first since it's pretty much understood at this point that Locke/Jean are basically invincible (not infallible and their mistakes are consequential and entertaining, but still).