Red Seas Under Red Skies, read-long, last week (5)

So we've come to the end of another adventure with Jean and Locke and how this one ended, I'm wondering how will they both make it into the next  book.
But I'm optimistic about Mr. Lynch finding a way around it, even if it's the easiest one, it was all a ruse.

Ok, onto the questions provided this week by Lynn of the Lynn's Book blog.

1. Oh my god, such a lot going on I thought the showdown between the Poison Orchid and the Sovereign was brilliantly written and they were holding their own until Utgar and his nasty device turned up. Well a lot of you had kind of predicted it, and I suppose we’d been let off too easy so far in terms of deaths of well-liked characters – but come on, did you expect something like that? And how on earth will Jean ever recover?

I didn't predict it but I thought those who did were on to something. And it proved correct. And it was even worse because it showed how much she truly loved Jean. My heart just broke.
I don't want to think about the aftermath. I suffer thinking about Jean just now. I also believe on the outside it will look like he recovered but he will keep suffering for years to come.
Here is where I must say it was some great writing that managed to convey in their short affair the love they felt for each other.


2. The deceit, the betrayal, first Rodanov and then Colvard. Even now I’m not entirely sure I understand Colvard – Rodanov was never keen on the oath but Colvard seemed okay with it all and yet in this final deceit she was more devious than Rodanov – what do you think was her motive?

I know I don't understand Colvard but I really haven't thought about her betrayal. I didn't get a feeling if there was nobody against the plan, she would do something.
She strikes me more as a cunning politician, always getting the best out of a situation without dirtying her hands.


3. Merrain – such a puzzle, no real answer, the mysterious tattoo, the determination to kill everyone to keep her identity and that of her master a secret. Does anybody have any ideas where she’s from and what she’s up to exactly and who the hell is she working for??

I'm afraid here is where I go back to my standard Lynch answer - no idea. :)
Hopefully she will turn up again in a future book where we get some more info on her.


4. Finally we get to the point of the GB’s latest scheme, all that elaborate planning for two years, fancy chairs, gambling, dust covered cards, abseiling lessons – all for one gigantic bluff. I loved the diversionary tactic here but having finally reached the end of the story and, more to the point, the end result – do you think the GB’s are as clever as they think they are?

First off, the diversionary tactics were great and the plan to do it also great. BUT (saying this with a huge grin), it once again proves our heroes are young, and no  matter how smart they are, they still seem to lack enough experience to make them as clever as they think they are.
I do think they will eventually get there which is where the series will probably end.


5. I must admit that I liked Requin and Selendri – particularly at the end – I don’t think Requin will go after Locke and Jean, he was even sort of cool and composed about it all, in fact he came across as a bit pleased with himself because he had the last laugh. Plenty of good characters this time which did you enjoy reading most about this time?

I don't think Requin will go after them either. And the end made him really a character I can respect. I had such a laugh when he explained to Selendri why they needed to go to the vault. :D
Completely unexpected but so funny how he got the last laugh. He is the one who seems to me really to be at the top of his game.


6. Finally, a triple barrel question, I know I shouldn’t ask this BUT, on reflection do you have a favourite between LoLL or RSURS?? And why? Are you going to pick up Republic of Thieves? And, where do you think Lynch will take us to next??
 
Yes, I consider RSURS a favourite of the two.  Not so many shocking deaths of family characters and friends. Female pirates, Locke taking that kitten with them (I knew it!!), a love story (even though a tragic one), games within games, and the bad guys getting their asses kicked in a really satisfying manner...
Definitely my favourite.
But then again, after reading the Republic of Thieves, I will probably change my opinion to reflect my adoration of that book.
Which of course means I am looking forward to reading it. :)
As soon as possible.