Scott Lynch (1) (1978–)

A strong sequel and definitely a worthy series. I had a few issues with this book, which I'll list here, but generally it was witty, easy to read, and I probably enjoyed it more than the first book. These critiques don't detract enough from that to make it less than a good book from a promising author:

1. Locke keeps complaining about a relationship that you know NOTHING about except from his complaints, despite having followed his life since age 13. Doesn't make much sense. Somehow the author conveniently skipped over all the parts that relate to this woman. I wouldn't mind, except that it comes up so often that you really have to wonder why she's skipped. Clearly she's going to show up later in the series (if she didn't, it would be baffling), but even if this occurs I'm not sure if this was a good stylistic choice.

2. There were almost too many nautical terms in this book. At times it was cool, and felt very realistic, but for someone like me who didn't even know terms like "larboard," it was frustrating. I guess I learned something?

3. The ending feels rushed. Instead of having a smooth, continuous journey, Locke and Jean jump around a lot at the end (with full weeks being skipped) and meet a bunch of people all of a sudden that end up being very relevant to the plot (the Priori in particular). While it's true that this was necessary (otherwise you'd have to follow them on a sea voyage in which nothing happens for a while), it was definitely a strong contrast with other parts of the book, where this time was filled with character building and whatnot. I feel like consistency is important on this front.

4. Locke doesnt seem particularly clever in this book. This is probably not a huge problem, but in a book where the protagonist is supposed to be all wits and no braun (and prides himself on it), his lack of good ideas was often disappointing.

5. Sometimes Jean says stuff you feel like Locke should be saying. Maybe this was only a concern for me, but it really felt like at times the personality lines between these characters got a bit blurred.

6. Jean is actually the best fighter in the world, and will win any fight regardless of how badly he is outnumbered. I found this to be almost a Deus Ex Machina in this book sometimes, and I wish his abilities were more reasonable.… (more)