4.5 star, rounded up. 
 It's not as good as the first book but it's pretty close. I'm not a big fan of seafaring adventures and while that part of the book was very well written, I got a bit bored after some time. And I miss Calo, Galdo and Bug. For the good part of this book it's just Jean and Locke. I love them but I was waiting for some new characters (not villains) and it took quite a long time for them to show up. (view spoiler)[ And didn't take very long for them to disappear, unfortunately. In the first book I wanted to spend more time with the original gang. Most of them were killed just when I've started to love them. This time Jean finally started being happy and we were introduced to very likable female character (finally!) and she got killed. S. Lynch is not afraid to kill his characters, but I think it wouldn't hurt if they stayed a bit longer. It's like you can't be happy for too long in S. Lynch world. I don't need happy ending every time, but sometimes it's just too much and S. Lynch really annoys me. (hide spoiler)] 
 There are three main reasons why I love this book: 
 First, the great story. There are so many plot twists that usually it's impossible to guess what will happen next. It's not predictable and keeps you engaged to the very end. Granted, there are some dull moments, but most of the time it's pretty interesting. The characters keep getting into more and more trouble until you think they can't possibly get out of the mess alive. And there is no miracle in the end. They pay the price and not all of their plans work out, so it makes the book more realistic. 
 I also love how all the little interludes/reminiscences are just cleverly done peaces of the story that in the end fall into place. 
 Second thing: the humor in this book is just great. It's been awhile since I've had so much fun reading. The dialog between Locke and Jean can be very hilarious. There were many times when their banter made me laugh so hard. And the humor never seems forced, it's just very natural. Without it, the book wouldn't be so enjoyable. 
 Third thing. Interesting, realistic, likable characters. It's so easy to love Locke and Jean. I mentioned it in my review of the first book. They are thieves, criminals and sometimes they kill or even torture people (you have to really annoy them) but they are also pretty decent guys. Better than many "honest" people. And their friendship and devotion to each other is heartwarming. 
 One more thing. You have to be ready to experience all kind of different emotions while reading this book. Yeah, it's a sure thing in most books but S. Lynch sometimes takes it to the extreme...one minute you laugh so hard you nearly cry and the next moment you might need tissues for a very different reason...you've been warned. It's a dark story. (view spoiler)[ I'm still mad at S. Lynch for killing Ezri...but for some reason that scene with Bug in the first book hit me harder...I guess I wasn't expecting it...this time I was more prepared. (hide spoiler)] 
 In a way I'm glad I haven't discovered these books earlier. I've heard that it always takes the author some time to write the next story. Well, the end of this book is sort of cliffhanger and I'm glad that the Republic of Thieves is already waiting on my Kindle...you would hear me complaining otherwise...