Red Seas Under Red Skies by Scott Lynch

 The follow up to the hugely impressive Lies of Locke Lamora, (also reviewed on this blog), comes across as a very different book. The scams, while equally elaborate take a back seat in this installment to the adventure and survival of our heroes.
 A smaller cast, initially, due to the heart-breaking events at the end of the first book, we meet Locke and Jean recovering from that epic showdown. Their relationship has changed as well, giving Jean much more of an important role.  The characterisation is much more developed here, we see stresses between characters which didn't exist, or were ignored, earlier.  This makes for a rounder reading experience as we can relate to the players, rather than simply be impressed by them, as was often the case in the first book.
 With the book starting with just Locke and Jean, the scale felt small and intimate. Gradually though, Lynch introduces more characters, both friends and foes.  Each of these feels real too, which is a real testament to the author's skill. As with book one, a lot of plates are spinning at once, and here, much more so, the characters actually add to and influence the plots rather than simply exist as pawns within the game.
 A much more mature book, and a brilliant sequel to a really good debut.