D.G. ~Shameless Reader~

**4.5 stars**If I learned something by reading this book was to never, EVER, cross a Camorri.Crooked Warden! But there was some action in this book: pirate raids, fights at sea, prison breaks, a mutiny, vengeance, rappelling down cliffs and buildings, fights to the death, cheating at cards, double crossings, deceptions, schemes and everything you would expect out of the Gentlemen Bastards, all spiced with a healthy dose of humor, staggering violence and lots of style. Plus we got to see the depths of Locke’s and Jean’s relationship and how much they mean to each other. If it weren’t for a few minor details, this book could have been a solid 5-star for me.There was so much danger that at every turn I feared Locke would be embraced by the Lady of the Long Silence but alas, Jean was at his back to break necks and take care of business. One of the things I like most about this series is that Locke is not a good fighter. In a fantasy world full of monsters and REALLY SCARY PEOPLE, Locke wins the day with his brain, resourcefulness, glib tongue and amazing acting skills. Not that they got everything they wanted at the end. Like the last book, there was some loss and heartbreak. There aren’t many women in this series but the few ones that show up are just FRIGHTENING. Women are not dismissed because of their gender and there’s a great feeling of equality because they are treated like any man; they are portrayed as competent, tough, and just overall badasses. I would be scared to death to meet any of these women in a dark alley.As can be expected in a story about thieves and pirates, there is A LOT of cursing (there are 232 mentions of the word “fuck” and its variations.) However, the swearing is so creative that it’s downright funny. Some of my favorites:I hope a shark tries to suck your cock!Bloody fucking limp-cocked witless laggard pirates!I’ll fuckin’ kill you later, you cabbage-brained pig-rapist!(Yup, cock is another much used word. :)I had few problems with the story. First, I really hoped we would learn more about the business with Sabetha. I think at this point we need to know why Locke is so hang-up on her that he lives like a monk. (ETA: I just read the description of the 3rd book and it seems that Sabetha will play an important part there.) Second, I would have thought that Drakasha needed more proof to follow along with Locke’s schemes given the danger and lastly, I was really disappointed with one of the things that didn’t work out at the end. I know they should be happy to alive with all their limbs but after all that trouble!Something important that drives the story is not resolved (don't read the description of book #3 if you don't want to know what it is.) That didn’t bother me but some people may consider it a cliffhanger. (ETA: OMG!! Finally! [b:The Republic of Thieves|2890090|The Republic of Thieves (Gentleman Bastard, #3)|Scott Lynch|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348233235s/2890090.jpg|2916344] is coming out in Oct 2013!)Michael Page was simply masterful with the narration. It took me a while to get used to his voice in the first book but as the series is full of men, his gravely voice is really an asset. It’s amazing how he has such two different voices for Locke and Jean, and how he’s able to portray Locke’s emotions when he’s really feeling them and when he’s pretending. He has this panache even pronouncing the section numbers that tells you that you can’t wait to hear what’s coming up next. I really, really hope he continues narrating the series when we finally get the rest of the books.