Red Seas Under Red Skies Review

[@korgaupisc129]

I was so into all the ship stuff in this book. And I laughed a lot about the cats and women thing

[@ThomasSisson251]

My Top 3 Best Pieces Advice I've Ever Been Given: 3. My father telling me to always remember my mother's birthday. "She gave you life, the least you can do is give her a card." 2. My uncle telling me not to attend a college where it is winter for 8 months of the year. "It's not really spring break if it's 41 degrees outside." 1. Merph demanding that we all read The Gentlemen Bastards series. When it dawned on me that book 2 was going to turn into a pirate story, I turned every page with glee in my heart and a giggle in my voice. -Thank you again, Merph

[@LessonIsNeverTry]

Feels like Lynch just really wanted to write about pirates, the way their side quest was suddenly introduced and then neatly wrapped up.

[@alinan9154]

I agree with Merphy. The Ezri scene at the end was predictable, but it hurt like hell nonetheless. After all the punches they received during the entire book, the scene with the paintings knocked them down. Also, Locke outsmarting Jean with the antidote was chef's kiss.

[@tezatheboffin2184]

I thought the Locke antidote thing was as predictable as the Ezri death. Still loved the book despite of that.

[@MrSean24601]

“Difficult and impossible our cousins often mistaken for one another, with very little in common.” Favorite quote in the entire book. And the epilogue absolutely ripped me to shreds. Beautiful.

[@Mathue360]

I really enjoyed how fleshed out the sea lore was for this world. I found myself wanting to be a pirate. I really loved how behind Locke and Jean were in this story. It felt right, like two master thieves suddenly up shifts creek. With the poisonings and then the bond magi come back to mess with them and the assassins. Such a good time. BUT the private lore was absolutely the best part. The fact the being Camorri is so infamous that even pirates are like oh you survived out there you'll be fine is the best!

[@VoicesofHonour]

I got to agree with you that killing Ezri was the predictable route, but at this point I was fully expecting to have my expectations to be subverted over and over again that I actually didn't expect it to happen. I do agree with you keeping Ezri alive would been wonderful for the overarching story, but for this book in isolation, I honestly don't know how the payoff of the poisoned wine at the end could have been as good as it was now. It was just such a perfect mirrored scene of the start of the book with Locke giving up on live and forcefully being dragged back into it by Jean. I just read book 3 and I almost forgot how much more I liked book 1 and 2. Thank you for your enthousiasm. Daniel Greene peaked my curiosity back into fantasy, you ensured I gave the right series the attention ;)

[@banjotiki3910]

Yeah Zamira Drakasha is absolutely cool!!!! And when we found out the paintings were fake I was like 🤪🤪🤪

[@joegriggs7809]

MERPH! We need a republic of thieves review!

[@giorgiadifeo23]

Okay… I read Lies of Locke Lamora because you were always talking about it… and for me it was ok. I liked Locke and Jean as characters but I wasn’t blown away by the book so I didn’t continue with the series. A year later I download the audiobook just because I spend a couple of hours a day in the car for work and I needed something long to keep me company. I just finished this yesterday and I LOVED IT! The friendship aspect between Locke and Jean that for me wasn’t flashed out as much as I would have liked in book one, was the thing that really made me fall in love with this book. Every scene between them was pure gold and I can’t wait to see what they’ll be up to in the next books.

[@spuekyblue3382]

Sooo many scenes had me rolling on the floor laughing. Like the thing with the cats you mentioned, or the scene where Jean traps Locke in his room and forces him to find his way out, only to stumble across an increasing number of obstacles. I agree with you about Ezri, really wish she could have made it to book 3.

[@sheniceuy3875]

*sees a review for a book in her favorite series* "Huh, I wonder if she loved this as much as the other books." *sees the length of this video* "Oh yeah, she definitely did." ♥️✨

[@georgierosereads5395]

I love your enthusiasm 🥰 I’ve just finished Red Seas under Red Skies and it’s completely different than what I was expecting after book 1 but I still enjoyed it.

[@tomjackson150]

Pleased that you mentioned the predictability of Ezri's death. I just finished the book and the second Ezri and Jean talked about how they would retire for a while on a yacht, I just knew she was a goner. It was an amazingly well written scene but I specially went into that battle knowing she was going to be written off, as a way to almost get rid of any complications from the future Jean and Locke team. Was really the only thing in the book that disappointed me and it just felt like the easy option to kill of her character. Amazing book though and love the review

[@nasiaamin312]

I definitely loved Red seas more than lies of Locke lamora. I loved the tension between Locke and Jean, loved the pirate thing, loved Jean and Ezri romance and I absolutely Loved Zamira. I really hope to see her again in future books.

[@Deni-mt9bj]

When I read it for the first time, I liked the first book more. Now that I re-read this, I think I like the story more in the first one, but the second was easier for me to read.

[@nasiaamin312]

@@Deni-mt9bj I struggled with the writing style in first one but in second I knew what to expect, so I enjoyed it more. And for me, the plot of this one was more interesting than first.

[@Deni-mt9bj]

@@nasiaamin312 I had a hard time with the first time because if the flashbacks. But now when I already knew those characters I was able to enjoy it from start to finish.

[@nasiaamin312]

@@Deni-mt9bj Once you get to know these characters, it's an easy read

[@iamdivan7368]

I didn't realize how much manga illustrations on screen help to understand what Merph is talking about in her manga reviews until now. Great job on editing those in, it helps a lot

[@lizryan7451]

I've really got to start reading this series soon. The way you describe Locke and Jean's relationship sounds like EXACTLY my cup of tea!

[@adamtideman4953]

I wouldn't watch this video if you haven't read the first book :D

[@kialynn4708]

I just finished this on my last night shift and absolutely adored it!! I found out about the series from you and it's quickly becoming a all time favorite so thankyou! 😍

[@Deni-mt9bj]

Thanks Merpy for this reviews. It made me finally get to book 3 (I prefer to read in my language rather then english and this is the only one that isn't translated) and I'm enjoing it so much.

[@nahmean7045]

Completely agree with everything you said about Ezri. I had the same thoughts. There is so much that could've been done with the dynamic of their relationship, especially with the eventual introduction of Sabetha.

[@ANIMEniacReview]

Would love to hear your thoughts on book 3. Just finished reading them all for the first time! Was super hyped to learn a 4th book and more will hopefully be coming!

[@noahfroelich4023]

I enjoyed it! My main problem is the overall structure of this work is the same as The Lies of Locke Larmora. Open on Locke running some big confidence scheme. It's fun, he is succeeding, it's all going well. Then, someone outside the scheme catches on and blackmails Locke, forcing him to do some other job or else he will spill the beans on the con game. So Locke does it and vows revenge. He does the job. He gets double crossed anyway. He escapes and gets his revenge. Then he finishes his original confidence scheme against all odds. And then, for some reason, he does not get his money in the end. That description could describe book 1 or book 2. I have yet to read book 3 (I do plan to). Again, I liked both books. There are plenty of movies that I watch and enjoy that are formulaic. Just thought it is worth noting.

[@sengbush0077]

I needed this. Starting book 3 and it’s been like 2 years since I read book 2. Thanks MN!

[@Rachelsjourney]

Ugh! It's been 9 years since I read this book, but it is one of my favorites. I MUST do a reread. I miss these characters - I love these characters. Thank you for the gushing review to remind me.

[@kubilaykan399]

I didnt like opening fake out. It wasnt necessary and it was here for some reason. I loved newly explored gods and religious traditions. It could have been 1200 pages book but they cut as much ad they can is what i got from this book. I think you are not remembering correctly last bit about poison. It is gonna cure one of them for good but splitting is a bad idea said dead alchemist. Idk what to think about Merrain, her bits definitly cut, pirate city get cut by a lot. Last plan was over the top bullshit. I really felt i need to finish this story in 80 pages when read through there.

[@caspianrobins7756]

I just finished this book. I think the beginning was a little harder for me to get into than tloll, but the ending and middle were brilliant and I maybe like them a little bit better than book 1. So, I have no idea which one I love more. Thank you for telling me about this wonderful series merphy. I love it.

[@ryan_d.v]

What a coincidence, I just picked up "On Stranger Tides" and was just watching your pirate recommendation video- and when you talked about this it sounded so interesting! Guess I gotta pick it up now :^)

[@lucyscandalo]

Yes!! I've been waiting for this review for soo long! I can't wait for the review of a republic of thieves (my favorite one).

[@michalseva110]

I love your emotions😂😂. And I agree with you Ezri should stay live! But its superamazing series! I love it so much!!!!

[@thecontradictorian2225]

This is the standard to which I hold all books with a maritime setting, and they never hold up compared to this. SO GOOD.

[@tyvn2283]

I think the first book is like objectively better but red seas own my entire heart. And I too really love pirates (and boat media in general) so maybe that is just a given lol. There are so parts of this book I adore (spoilers from here on i suppose), like the whole parlor passage section or the bits on the amusement war and how locke was disgusted by it yet kept coming back especially that little part about the thorn of camorr and making the rich remember. Of course I also really like the characters too (Jabril my beloved

[@borringwastoftime]

I love her passion and love for great books

[@shandaboreson2998]

Love the Gentlemen Bastards series! I completely agree with you about Ezri.

[@lelandvaughan4429]

A book series I'll always love that is BRIMMING with Sky Pirates is the Edge Chronicles. It's a YA fantasy with beautiful illustrations and is a pretty quick read, but I'd love to see someone talking about it again.

[@ChasingForever]

Loved this book too. Locke and Jean are one of the best character duos in bookdom. Please take a look at "Mask of Mirrors." It's "Gentlelady Bastards" with Ren and Tess as a dynamic duo.

[@Hoid1990]

Will do! Thanks for recommending

[@MrGramCam]

Merphy! Are we going to get a review on The Republic of Thieves next?!

[@cheyannelencioni1389]

I just finished Red Seas Under Red Skies and can’t wait for Book 3 once I get my hands on it! Thanks for the recommendation, Merphy!

[@Morfeusm]

Book 3 was personally my favorite one!

[@angelaholmes8888]

I absolutely enjoyed this book I'm glad that I decided to continue with the series 🌟💯

[@Geert2682]

Hi Merphy, if you love nautical stories with strong friendship you should read 'Master & Commander' by Patrick O'Brian! It is my favourite series and I suspect you'd love it too.

[@drsaumyasingh4941]

You should try the Liveship Traders trilogy by Robin Hobb if you love pirates!!

[@mishranidhi8352]

Yes

[@lelandvaughan4429]

Been looking to get into Hobb so I think I'll give this a look, thanks!

[@mishranidhi8352]

@@lelandvaughan4429 start from farseer trilogy

[@lelandvaughan4429]

@@mishranidhi8352 Ah, are they connected storylines then?

[@mishranidhi8352]

@@lelandvaughan4429 a little (you can skip it) ... But farseer in itself is a great trilogy. Give it a try... It's amazing ❤

[@schnappicrocodil9249]

I was dissapointed when Ezri died, because I thought we were slowly rebuilding a crew like we had in the first book. I like it with just Locke and Jean, but we could use something different to spice things up and have someone else to rely on when things go rough. Zamira could have died saving her kids and destroyed the Sovereign and that would have freed up Ezri to go with Jean. Starting the third book now, hopefully whoever gets introduced doesn't turn into fried chicken by the end.

[@iantha999]

I knew she was dead as soon as she gave that bag with a lock of hair... (and tought she'd die way before that)

[@Alkemisti]

I didn't see that character death coming, but afterwards I thought, 'yea, that makes sense.'

[@debthompson5454]

Okay, I'm convinced...this is my next new series!

[@TavrinCallas77]

When will we be getting a Republic of Thieves review? I didn't enjoy it as much as the first two but I getting a video on it would still be great. Plus it would be a great recap for what actually happened in it because there was so much going on.

[@JimboTauJones]

When I run my D&D campaigns I Kinda use Scott Lynch, normal stuff normal characters walking down the road OK that cave over there filled with an ancient primordial evil you’ll never understand and you keep moving

[@austrociking4345]

Any chance we could get a review of The Count of Monte Cristo?

[@merphynapier42]

After I reread it for sure!

[@moev29]

I didn’t know if I was going to like this one. I’m hit or miss on boat related books. And it starts slow. But Merphy. The amount of ugly crying that happened. Dear god. 😭

[@Kappabyte]

That shelf is honestly GOALS

[@FirstOfTheMagi]

I kept picturing Locke in a Long John Silver from Black Sails role lol

[@onlookerviewer]

On my first read I actually thought this was the weakest in the series, but after watching this im remembering what i really liked about so might revisit. thank you!

[@chrysalexander2594]

I just finished the book today! And I’ll say I did not predict her death and it hit me hard

[@tezatheboffin2184]

Favourite thing from the book - Carousel Hazard. That soooo needs to become a real world thing lol

[@Kujakuseki01]

Such an incredible follow up to Lies.

[@JasonReads]

I loved this book, slow burn to begin, but then, Pirates! I totally agree that I wish Ezri could have stuck...for at least another book or two her end was heartbreaking.

[@lipeeefl]

My only critique of this book is how rushed the conclusion felt. Also the chairs, all that trouble for rope?!

[@ViperRT99]

What are your thought's on this series never getting finished? I hear good things about it, but I'm sick of starting series that are never going to be finished.

[@Lysis99]

I remember hating that book only for the cheap mental trick at the beginning with the first chapter. I don't remember most of it. (PS I loved the first one) I'm pretty sure I would love it if I re-read it, since I can skip the first chapter and appreciate the story way more

[@trillatreez2390]

There are so many different hearty laughs in this book. My all star mvp is Jabril. That’s my guy.

[@kitoudark]

7 Book total series?!?! How did i not know this D:, thats fantastic.

[@y4notu236]

I read the first book like 7 years ago now I gotta read the others!

[@cheeko8080]

I loved that Oceans 11 beginning and couldn't connect to the rest. I wish he'd stuck in that cool slick world that he established at the beginning.

[@c0barsm]

Jean is my favorite and what happens to him breaks my heart 😥

[@jbkiki95]

You should read the "Outlander" series

[@connerpeterson1119]

If you liked the first one and are really hating the second one, maybe skip to the epilogue? I'd recommend you try and just read on though.

[@kodaimunakata2043]

I want Merphy to narrate these books so bad!!

[@ArmanAbedi]

This book is my favorite of the series so far, even though I typically don't like pirate stories

[@kimbeverly8960]

Red Seas is like a wonderful side quest for Locke and Jean's main storyline. As for Ezri stuff, I couldn't agree with you more. Predictable (and totally unnecessary!) but it broke me all the same. I would have loved to see her interact with the scenarios and...uhm...people...in The Republic of Thieves.

[@viinaart]

I honestly actually genuinely think I enjoyed this one just a liiiittle more than the first book. It was just so much fun! And pirates, man!!

[@jag519]

Yeah, the fridge was the one thing that stopped this from being a 5 star book for me. I saw it coming and said "if this happens, it wont be good enough to be 5 star" and then as the the scene started I was like "oh, here it's going to be, the scene that stops this from being 5 stars" and then it happened. And I was right about all of it.

[@TiciaM]

Didn't finish so I didn't get spoilers, but wanted you to get the algorithm bump of a comment. :)

[@paperstars9078]

What I love about this book more than book one is the dynamic between Jean and Locke. I really hated it when X died, cause I though, nice, another quick witted *insert gender here* character, that fits well with jean and locke but no....And Also I have to admit, Lynch only took it 2 books to make me love the combo of Jean and Locke to death, while I think Skulduggery Pleasant achieved the same thing, but it took 4 books. Maybe its because book 2 here was so all over the place, that you didn't have anything to hang on apart from Locke and Jean. But well... it worked. Ok, also, there is exactly one mention of the word Skulduggery in this book, on page 395 in the paperback version. So you know what book you have to read next....

[@Bob_games103]

Yeah! I've been hopping to get off board with what I carry for this review 😪

[@weareallstories6420]

I liked book one more than book two for multiple reasons: Spoilers: The way Locke and Jean were pressured into working for the bad guy was different, but it is what drives the plot forward in all three books. I was disappointed by the resolution of the ‚mysteries assassins‘ plotline. Also, you are right about the intentionality of the flashbacks seemingly decreasing in the second book. Erzi dying was absolutely predictable. I really loved a lot of the side characters in book one whereas many in book two weren’t as captivating. I only really remember the guy who taught Locke and Jean how to run a ship, the pirate captain and Erzi. That being said, I still love the series and this was a good book! Sorry for all the negativity and of course feel free to disagree. There are too many things that I liked to list them here as well and you did talk about most of them already. :)

[@kitty4407]

I absolutely loved book 1 and hated this one so much I don’t know if I’ll bother continuing the series. 😂 Maybe it’s all the sea and ship stuff but it was not my jam at all.

[@Gwydda]

I usually enjoy this kind of books, but this one I thought was just... Meh? I actually didn't find the world immersive at all, rather I actually saw the author behind it all in a way I never have before or after. It felt like an endless flood of "see what I did there?" and "aren't I ingenious?" But I'm glad you all liked it. I actually started the third book yesterday, and so far it's feeling a lot less forced than the second :) I feel like I'm back to the good writing of the first book!

[@Gwydda]

Update: I ended up disliking the third book even more than the second. This series is over for me.

[@mesmeran296]

I genuinely think that the series got worse with each new book

[@hexipo2352]

Personally i think the meandering plot switching nature of the book adds to the immersion, it feels real, like this thing happened and this is the consequence. And also originally, when i saw it was going to be pirate themed i thought "FFS" but i loved it and all the characters. Honestly, im not sure i will continue with the series which is a weird 50/50 - and its not because its bad, its just that for me, the ending was the perfect ending to their story, and im worried if the rest could ruin it lol

[@MrSean24601]

May I inquire as to when we can get a “Republic of Thieves” review? 😀

[@Atlas-FM8]

I also thought Ezri was doomed. When they talked about their future together I was like “uh oh” then when she gave Jean her lock of hair I knew for sure. It was just too telegraphed.

[@MrRc48]

Just finished this books and I have to ask, do we ever meet Sabetha? Is Lynch holding to Lockes wish that she isn't brought up?

[@CSLWoodward]

She gets more fleshed out in book 3

[@miandagny]

"I don't want to spoil anything" : "the mutiny happens" "ezrie dies"

[@nahmean7045]

She made the first ten minutes spoiler free, then said she was going to start talking spoilers for the rest of the video.

[@keithshaw3272]

My favorite series, joe Abercrombie is a close second

[@aadrijadey]

Can you please please do a recommendation video on horror books/psychological horror ? I need some good books for this October's SpOoKy season?

[@cecirapalini]

Do you like other books setting on ships? Like Moby Dick?

[@peterlalah7277]

This is the only series you argue for people not to die.

[@casualcouch9459]

I was excited for ezri to join and the boys to get a win but she dies and i was just irriated i like the boys but i want a few more additions

[@shishirkhobragade]

There's only one thing I'd say to people who say a book is too long, or something is over described and stuff like that... 'Journey before destination'

[@viktoriabazyk8193]

i liked the plot making a complete u-turn bc it felt like one day lynch just woke up and thought huh,, today i feel like writing about pirates no other author could get away with that but since i like lynch's writing style and characters i guess his story can take me wherever he wishes. i'm just along for the ride :) i also could predict ezri's death - from the moment i saw jean's interest in her i knew she was dead meat. this is why i couldn't connect with her character at all - bc i knew right away that she is only here as a love interest who's gonna die to further the male character's plot line so ultimately when it happened i didn't care at all. zamira on the other hand didn't have these "female character in a fantasy written by a dude" vibes about her so she became one of my faves very fast. love that scene where she beats up another (female) pirate captain in a port tavern. i'd really like to see more of her but it seems she isn't gonna be a recurring character :( the final scene was absolutely amazing! "you bastard! - gentleman bastard😎" i love these guys

[@shirashmu2188]

I love these books a lot but I love hearing Merphy gush about them even more (37 minutes of me squealing in agreement)

[@shadabkhan-ng5xe]

And thus my TBR grows...

[@airistkd]

Please review Artemis by Andy Wier.

[@TomOostenrijk]

I liked this book Scott Lynch is a quality Author. That being said. The first book is probably still my favourite of the three.

[@Morfeusm]

I must be in minority here but I enjoyed the third one the most.

[@TomOostenrijk]

@@Morfeusm You probably are in the minority if I´d have to bet. But all three books great, so big diff.

[@zofiabochenska1240]

Finally I cought up and can watch the video! Now I hope you wouldn't get to the third book too soon 😅 I loved the book, loved the conflict between main characters and loved a lot of the scenes. I have two main complaints tough - the pacing, and the plotholes. So for the pacing, it is what you said - the pirates thing is starting way into the book, and I think we could do better without the casino storyline (however, the carousel scene was brilliant). It got so rushed in the end, and even though the conclusion was satisfying, it could be a better book with that part shortened significantly. Spoilers ahead Secondly, the plotholes. And I was so angry, I had to explain half of the book to my fiance, to be able to rant about it. Firstly, no way that the old sailor wouldn't take the cats himself. Just impossible, and I wish the author came up with some better reason, for why there were none - it was so easy to fix, to have same conclusion, that I got really angry for this thing. And the socend - zero intel Locke got on pirates. C'mon, the guy speaks every language with every accent, had meticoulus research put into every scheme, and then he is sent to became a leader of pirates without knowing a single name? Of people who had bounty on their heads, so clearily are known in the city? Riddiculus. And again - wouldn't change much, if together with sailing lessons, he would get an excesive list of facts to learn. I know this isn't that important, but got me really angry, and I think this is the best place to complain about it ;) And yeah, the death of Ezri... lazy. I'd much rather see the trio of them in the third book.

[@lewys9204]

I laughed so hard when I heard you say gentleman bastard series it woke the baby 😅🤦‍♂️

[@apoorvajangale9667]

I think even with all these crazy adventures they're still showing locke and Jean two deeply flawed characters going through so muchh and just having each other's back like that was the story for book 1( bt yes we had more people taking care of each other there) and it's still true for book 2 so crazy plots aside they're still sooo themselves that you believe it you know locke and Jean will get into these adventures!

[@cecirapalini]

Sorry, I could never finished book 2 on the series, maybe I'll finish it someday but I just wasn't invested in the plot, and I wasn't a huge fan of the pirate ship setting. I still like the characters and some parts of the book though, so maybe I'll come back to it. Book one was excellent however.

[@Morfeusm]

I had so much love hate relationship with this series until book three which I enjoyed very much!

[@cecirapalini]

@@Morfeusm yeah I'm exited for book 3, that's why I want to finish book 2

[@almogdov]

Take a drink every time Merphy says "So much"

[@Morfeusm]

Amy ban so drtsbnk I can’t ecstatic ahhhanayb

[@nightmarewolf3515]

Book 4 needs to come out

[@Morfeusm]

He wrote somewhere recently he writes a ton but has still major health issues. I think he started or changed medications so fingers crossed 🤞

[@Banerer]

This isn’t related to the discussion of the video but do you happen to know where I could find the release date of The Thorn of Emberlain?

[@CSLWoodward]

While a draft is written (he posted on Twitter), no other news has been made

[@adamshuiabu9348]

What are pros ?

[@MugiwaraMSH]

I loved the first book but the second book was kinda meh to me. I enjoyed the story to an extent but, imo, it was no where near as good as the first book.