In his highly acclaimed debut, The Lies of Locke Lamora, Scott Lynch took us on an adrenaline-fueled adventure with a band of daring thieves led by con artist extraordinaire Locke Lamora. Now Lynch brings back his outrageous hero for a caper so death-defying, nothing short of a miracle will pull it off.

After a brutal battle with the underworld that nearly destroyed him, Locke and his trusted sidekick, Jean, fled the island city of their birth and landed on the exotic shores of Tal Verrar to nurse their wounds. But even at this westernmost edge of civilization, they can’t rest for long – and are soon back to what they do best: stealing from the undeserving rich and pocketing the proceeds for themselves.

This time, however, they have targeted the grandest prize of all: the Sinspire, the most exclusive and heavily guarded gambling house in the world. Its nine floors attract the wealthiest clientele – and to rise to the top, one must impress with good credit, amusing behavior… and excruciatingly impeccable play. For there is one cardinal rule, enforced by Requin, the house’s cold-blooded master: it is death to cheat at any game at the Sinspire.

Brazenly undeterred, Locke and Jean have orchestrated an elaborate plan to lie, trick, and swindle their way up the nine floors… straight to Requin’s teeming vault. Under the cloak of false identities, they meticulously make their climb – until they are closer to the spoils than ever.

But someone in Tal Verrar has uncovered the duo’s secret. Someone from their past who has every intention of making the impudent criminals pay for their sins. Now it will take every ounce of cunning to save their mercenary souls. And even that may not be enough…

Published
June 2007
Where to find this book
External links open a book search at the selected retailer. Availability may vary.
The Gentleman Bastard Sequence

The series

Full series details →

In a world where cunning and treachery reign, The Gentleman Bastard Sequence pulls readers into a web of intrigue, deceit, and adventure, unlike anything they’ve experienced before. Set in a sprawling, vibrant city where thieves rule the streets and elaborate heists are the order of the day, this series follows Locke Lamora and his loyal companion Jean Tannen as they navigate the underworld’s dangerous games. Together, they outwit kings, criminals, and magical forces with a blend of wit, charm, and unrelenting ambition.

Read full series description

The saga begins with The Lies of Locke Lamora, a fast-paced tale that introduces the daring duo as they attempt to pull off the most audacious con in the city of Camorr. With Locke's brilliant schemes and Jean’s unmatched strength, the two are an unstoppable force—until the rules of the game change, and survival becomes a far more complex puzzle. What follows is a thrilling rollercoaster of betrayals, unexpected alliances, and relentless pursuits that keep readers on the edge of their seats.

But The Gentleman Bastard Sequence isn’t just about heists. It’s a masterclass in world-building, where every street, tavern, and fortress feels alive, its politics and intrigue woven into the very fabric of the story. From the high seas in Red Seas Under Red Skies to the power struggles of The Republic of Thieves, the series invites readers to explore a world that’s rich with history, danger, and a deep sense of loyalty that transcends mere friendship.

At its heart, this series is about more than thieves; it’s about survival, betrayal, and the bonds that hold even the most unlikely allies together. Locke and Jean are far from traditional heroes, but their journeys will make you root for them, even as they walk a dangerous line between right and wrong. With each book, the stakes get higher, the enemies more devious, and the twists more impossible to predict.

The Gentleman Bastard Sequence is an unforgettable adventure that blends heart-pounding action with witty banter and complex characters. It’s a series that dares to defy expectations, crafting a world where every betrayal feels personal, and every victory, hard-won. For those seeking a tale that’s as darkly humorous as it is thrilling, this sequence is a journey worth taking.

Risingshadow

Rating distribution

How reader ratings are distributed across the 1–10 scale.

1017
99
817
71
60
51
40
30
20
10
Risingshadow

What did you think of this book?

Share your experience with other Risingshadow readers.

Risingshadow

Reader reviews

1 review

What Risingshadow readers think about this book

10/10

The Lies of Locke Lamora was a hard book to follow, being one of the best first novels from a new author I've ever read. Red Seas Under Red Skies, however, did not fail to impress.

What can I say? The pacing, as ever, is phenomenal. There's always a sense of anticipation, amusement, or some other form of entertainment when the sections break off.

The story itself was entirely unexected. Whenever you think you have an idea of where it's going, it throws a curve.

It induces both laughter and tears, and the ending was not only extremely fast-paced and satisfying, but leaves you with a sense of foreboding going into the next book.

All-in-all, another perfect score.

Risingshadow

Readers Also Enjoyed