Red Seas Under Red Skies (Gentlemen Bastards #2)

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Red Seas Under Red Skies (Gentlemen Bastards #2)

by Scott Lynch

Red Seas Under Red Skies throws Locke Lamora and Jean Tannen into a wildly different kind of game. After the events of the first book, they're on the run, trying to rebuild their fortunes and reputation. This time, their elaborate con involves the high seas, forced into a dangerous game of piracy and political intrigue against their will. The reading experience is a relentless push-and-pull of intricate schemes, sudden violence, and the always-present, often dark, humor that defines their partnership. You'll find yourself marveling at Locke's brilliant, sometimes reckless, mind while rooting for Jean's grounded loyalty. It's for readers who crave a fantasy heist with a swashbuckling twist, where the stakes are always personal and the characters are wonderfully, complicatedly human. If you love anti-heroes who rely on their wits more than magic, and a story that doesn't shy away from moral ambiguity, this is a fantastic ride.

10 Books similar to 'Red Seas Under Red Skies (Gentlemen Bastards #2)'

If the intricate cons, razor-sharp banter, and morally ambiguous characters of Red Seas Under Red Skies kept you turning pages, then our curated list offers more of that thrilling blend. We've gathered books that share the Gentlemen Bastards' love for high-stakes heists and clever protagonists, like the cunning crews in Six of Crows or Mistborn. You'll also find stories rich with political intrigue and a healthy dose of dark humor, echoing the cynical charm that makes Locke and Jean so compelling.

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Six of Crows
Six of Crows

by Leigh Bardugo

Features a cunning crew of young criminals undertaking an impossible heist in a gritty, magical city. Fans will love the intricate planning, witty banter, strong found family dynamic, and morally ambiguous characters reminiscent of Locke and Jean.

Mistborn: The Final Empire
Mistborn: The Final Empire

by Brandon Sanderson

Follows a charismatic master thief and his crew as they plot an elaborate overthrow of an immortal emperor. The intricate magic system, high-stakes rebellion, and clever protagonist planning will resonate with readers who enjoy Locke's strategic brilliance.

The Blade Itself
The Blade Itself

by Joe Abercrombie

Dive into a world of morally grey characters, dark humor, and brutal realism, where heroes are rare and everyone has an agenda. The cynical tone, political machinations, and compelling character arcs will appeal to those who appreciate the Gentlemen Bastards' darker edges.

Foundryside
Foundryside

by Robert Jackson Bennett

Follows Sancia Grado, a talented thief who can manipulate objects using a unique magic system called scriving. The intricate world-building, clever protagonist, and high-stakes magical heists will captivate fans of Locke's ingenuity and the series' unique magic.

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The Palace Job
The Palace Job

by Patrick Weekes

A fun and fast-paced fantasy heist novel featuring a charming rogue, a diverse crew of misfits, and plenty of witty banter. It captures the adventurous spirit and humorous dialogue of the Gentlemen Bastards while offering a slightly lighter tone.

Kings of the Wyld
Kings of the Wyld

by Nicholas Eames

Join a legendary mercenary band, now middle-aged, as they embark on one last epic quest to rescue a loved one. The strong bonds of found family, epic action, and humorous camaraderie echo the deep friendship between Locke and Jean amidst grand adventures.

Best Served Cold
Best Served Cold

by Joe Abercrombie

A standalone tale of revenge, betrayal, and a meticulously planned campaign of retribution, executed by a formidable mercenary leader and her motley crew. The intricate plotting, morally complex characters, and gritty action will strongly appeal to fans of the Gentlemen Bastards' darker, more strategic side.

The Gilded Wolves
The Gilded Wolves

by Roshani Chokshi

Set in a magical 19th-century Paris, this book features a diverse found family of treasure hunters and scholars solving ancient puzzles and battling secret societies. Readers will enjoy the intricate mysteries, historical setting, and clever protagonists akin to Locke's intellectual prowess.

The Lies of Locke Lamora
The Lies of Locke Lamora

by Scott Lynch

While you've read the second book, returning to the origin story of Locke Lamora and Jean Tannen's legendary cons provides the ultimate experience of their wit, intricate schemes, and unbreakable bond. It perfectly encapsulates the series' signature blend of high-stakes heists, dark humor, and gritty fantasy.

The Blacktongue Thief
The Blacktongue Thief

by Christopher Buehlman

Follow a wry, quick-witted thief as he navigates a dangerous world filled with monsters, magic, and political intrigue, bound by an unusual oath. The dark humor, gritty atmosphere, and compelling narrative voice make it a strong recommendation for fans of Locke's sardonic charm and perilous adventures.