They say you shouldn't judge book by it's cover. It is true, however, having a great cover art for your book can't hurt, because even though people may not buy the book after seeing a pretty image, they just might take a closer look at the inside, do some research and then decide that they like what they are seeing.

This is definitely the case with me and Scott Lynch's "Red Seas Under Red Skies". Take a look at the cover art and tell me that you'd pass this book without even a blink and I'll call you a liar. ;-) Having fallen in love with the flaming ship I started digging and found out that the novel is a second book in "The Gentleman Bastard Sequence", a seven book fantasy series following the life of the young professional thief and con artist Locke Lamora. Quick glance at the reviews reinforced the feeling that I need to put the series on my "to read" list.

If you want to learn more about the charismatic thief read the book blurb below or take a look at Amazon, where you'll be able to read first chapter of the story.
After a brutal battle with the underworld that nearly destroyed him, Locke and his trusted sidekick, Jean, fled the island city of their birth and landed on the exotic shores of Tal Verrar to nurse their wounds. But even at this westernmost edge of civilization, they can?t rest for long?and are soon back to what they do best: stealing from the undeserving rich and pocketing the proceeds for themselves.

This time, however, they have targeted the grandest prize of all: the Sinspire, the most exclusive and heavily guarded gambling house in the world. Its nine floors attract the wealthiest clientele?and to rise to the top, one must impress with good credit, amusing behavior?and excruciatingly impeccable play. For there is one cardinal rule, enforced by Requin, the house?s cold-blooded master: it is death to cheat at any game at the Sinspire.

Brazenly undeterred, Locke and Jean have orchestrated an elaborate plan to lie, trick, and swindle their way up the nine floors?straight to Requin?s teeming vault. Under the cloak of false identities, they meticulously make their climb?until they are closer to the spoils than ever.

But someone in Tal Verrar has uncovered the duo?s secret. Someone from their past who has every intention of making the impudent criminals pay for their sins. Now it will take every ounce of cunning to save their mercenary souls. And even that may not be enough.?

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