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The Viper and the Urchin #3
Slave City
A complicated mission.
A team of misfits that just don’t get along.
What could possibly go wrong?
The team:
A skinny pickpocket with dreadlocks and a big attitude.
A foppish assassin with a fear of blood
An elite fighter, master of the sardonic raised eyebrow.
A smuggler with a drinking problem and a propensity for brawling.
And a no-nonsense, heavily tattooed machinist, trying to keep them all in line.
The mission:
Free a Damsian inventor kept prisoner in the distant city of Azyr.
Spark a rebellion to remove the half-mad tyrant ruling the place, and while they’re at it, end slavery in Azyr.
And do it all without getting killed, shackled into slavery, or arguing.
The latter is proving most problematic.
This latest instalment of The Viper and the Urchin series will make you have fun. Lots of fun.
A team of misfits that just don’t get along.
What could possibly go wrong?
The team:
A skinny pickpocket with dreadlocks and a big attitude.
A foppish assassin with a fear of blood
An elite fighter, master of the sardonic raised eyebrow.
A smuggler with a drinking problem and a propensity for brawling.
And a no-nonsense, heavily tattooed machinist, trying to keep them all in line.
The mission:
Free a Damsian inventor kept prisoner in the distant city of Azyr.
Spark a rebellion to remove the half-mad tyrant ruling the place, and while they’re at it, end slavery in Azyr.
And do it all without getting killed, shackled into slavery, or arguing.
The latter is proving most problematic.
This latest instalment of The Viper and the Urchin series will make you have fun. Lots of fun.
491 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 22, 2019
59 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Celine Jeanjean
32 books249 followersCeline Jeanjean is French, grew up in the UK and now she travels the world as a nomadic writer. That makes her a tad confused about where she is from. During her travels she's watched the sun rise over Angkor Wat, lost her shoes in Vietnam, and fallen off a bamboo raft in China.
Celine writes stories that feature quirky characters and misfits, set in wondrous worlds.
Celine writes stories that feature quirky characters and misfits, set in wondrous worlds.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 25, 2019
I was excited to hear of a new book in the story of former street urchin, Rory and her friend, Longinus the assassin. This time they leave Damsport to travel with Cruikshank, the Machinist, who has been sent on a covert mission to the city of Azyr. Believing they will help Raheeme, a Reformist, to bring slavery to an end and provide water for the poorest of the city, they set out on the smuggling ship of Adelma, a massive, powerful woman they will be glad to have on their side. But they soon discover they are pawns in a power struggle in a hot, dangerous city and Rory is glad to have brave Varanguard, Rafe, accompanying them, even though her feelings for him are still complicated.
The larger than life characters in the Viper and the Urchin series are vivid, extraordinary, yet so real. I cannot help feeling affection for Rory, and Longinus may be a peacock, but his heart is definitely in the right place. In contrast, The Slave City contains a worthy villain in the evil Seneschal who manipulates the obese Prelate, a mere figurehead. Rory and her companions must discover who is trustworthy and who will deceive them, while Cruikshank suffers greatly.
The City of Azyr with its magnificent palace atop a steep hill and dust-covered, ramshackle huts for the poor at the lowest level spells out the structure of society so different to the mishmash of ethnicity and wealth in Damsport. Like a story from the Arabian Nights the vision of Palanquins and mechanised elephants, with richly dressed people served by slaves, is beautifully described, as is the horrific scene in the bloodstained arena. This is a thrilling, frightening adventure.
I received an ARC of this book for my honest review, but I would have bought it as soon as I could anyway.
The larger than life characters in the Viper and the Urchin series are vivid, extraordinary, yet so real. I cannot help feeling affection for Rory, and Longinus may be a peacock, but his heart is definitely in the right place. In contrast, The Slave City contains a worthy villain in the evil Seneschal who manipulates the obese Prelate, a mere figurehead. Rory and her companions must discover who is trustworthy and who will deceive them, while Cruikshank suffers greatly.
The City of Azyr with its magnificent palace atop a steep hill and dust-covered, ramshackle huts for the poor at the lowest level spells out the structure of society so different to the mishmash of ethnicity and wealth in Damsport. Like a story from the Arabian Nights the vision of Palanquins and mechanised elephants, with richly dressed people served by slaves, is beautifully described, as is the horrific scene in the bloodstained arena. This is a thrilling, frightening adventure.
I received an ARC of this book for my honest review, but I would have bought it as soon as I could anyway.
February 8, 2019
When I began reviewing this series, I looked at the characters in terms of three sliding scales: competence, proactivity, and sympathy. At first Longinus—the elegant, mysterious assassin—seems to be supremely competent, proactively controlling his life and choices, if (as a poisoner) he’s somewhat unsympathetic. While Rory, the street urchin, is at the mercy of a pitiless world, an orphan whose dire circumstances should demand our sympathy.
Only…Longinus has a showstopper flaw for an assassin: he faints at the sight of blood. Not only does that punch holes in his competence and proactivity, but it immediately sends our sympathy levels soaring. Rory, on the other hand, is just so darn competent at being an urchin. Taking proactive control of her own destiny—even if “blackmail the assassin into making her his apprentice” might not seem the ideal strategy—she simply gets on with accomplishing her goal of becoming a master swordswoman.
The newest release in the series, The Slave City, is set a fantastically well-imagined world of sword and steam-powered sorcery, with both Longinus and Rory starting again at half-mast for all three sliders. Under the firm control of the Marchioness and her daughter, they aren’t able to act proactively, nor can they follow their profession (freelance assassins). Both are questioning their own physical competence as well—Longinus because he’s epically seasick as they sail to Azir, and Rory because her life goal of becoming a master swordswoman is facing defeat due to her slight build. But both have also been defined in a significant way by the enemy they faced in earlier books. With no immediate enemy in sight, Rory and Longinus are each looking for their purpose and goals.
The problem faced by authors of any series is that if you vanquish the enemy in each book, how do you move the series forward? There are two main ways to accomplish this, and author Celine Jeanjean does both. First, you could have the villain (in this case, Longinus’ evil sister Myran) vanquished but not dead yet, spinning off like Darth Vader in his escape shuttle to recuperate and plot again. Second, you could have your heroes take on an even bigger evil—in this case, slavery.
Their group has been drafted to mount a rescue mission to the slaver-nation of Azir in hopes of retrieving their countryman—a Damsian machinist rumored to be working on an invention to enable his slaver captors to greatly expand their human trafficking. Stunned to find themselves honestly employed by The Old Girl (Marchioness of the city-state of Damsport), Rory and Longinus are now part of the classic adventure-trope, the five-man-band. If you look at another trope-defining example, Star Wars, their comparable roles are the following:
1. The Leader (Luke Skywalker): Rory, the skinny former urchin and now Logninus’ apprentice assassin is part of the team sent to the slaver stronghold Azyr to rescue a fellow Damsian.
2. The Lancer (Han Solo): Cruikshank, the genius machinist, is Rory’s direct opposite—tall, muscular, older, a thoughtful and meticulous planner who is nominally in charge of the mission.
3. The Big Guy (Chewbacca): Adelma, the hard-drinking captain of a smuggler ship is a massively powerful rage-machine tempered by three loves: drinking, her baby son, and her smuggling ship.
4. The Smart Guy (R2-D2 and C-3PO): Longinus, the elegant clotheshorse, is actually the assassin known as the Viper. His weakness at the sight of blood means he’s devoted his considerable and deadly intelligence to becoming a master poisoner.
5. The Chick (Princess Leia): Rafe, the aristocrat and master soldier, informs a frankly skeptical Rory that he’s her “love interest” and thus appoints himself her sidekick.
As the five members of their little band attempt their rescue mission, they are forced first to confront, then to experience, and ultimately to aid the uneasy coalition attempting revolution against the evils of the slavers. By defining their real opponent—the institution of slavery—as the ultimate evil, any actions the team takes against slavers are by that definition morally imperative, and a signal to let the body count begin.
Of course, that all adds up to a darker story than previous volumes. But the humor and banter between the members of the team keep things entertaining. Luckily for the five-person team, their enemies hadn’t read the Evil Overlord List. (“Shooting is not too good for my enemies." —Evil Overlord List, (c) 1996-1997 by Peter Anspach) Thus in their evil headquarters prisoners were kept together, potential hostages thoughtfully stashed nearby, useful dark corners abound to lurk in, and there are plenty of opportunities for strategic things they could blow up—all while Rafe banters about being the love interest, Rory searches for a new signature weapon, and clothes-horse Longinus sticks out “…like a whore in a convent, with his teal silk shirt, burnt-orange trousers, and hat with an elaborate teal-and-orange feather arrangement.”
As always, even as the individual characters’ sliders move, the entertainment of the adventure created in this series stays at the very top of the scale. Although I'd suggest you read the earlier volumes first, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to readers looking for a fantasy quest with complex characters, a fantastically imagined world, a quirky team, and plenty of humor.
*I received this book for free from the publisher or author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.*
Only…Longinus has a showstopper flaw for an assassin: he faints at the sight of blood. Not only does that punch holes in his competence and proactivity, but it immediately sends our sympathy levels soaring. Rory, on the other hand, is just so darn competent at being an urchin. Taking proactive control of her own destiny—even if “blackmail the assassin into making her his apprentice” might not seem the ideal strategy—she simply gets on with accomplishing her goal of becoming a master swordswoman.
The newest release in the series, The Slave City, is set a fantastically well-imagined world of sword and steam-powered sorcery, with both Longinus and Rory starting again at half-mast for all three sliders. Under the firm control of the Marchioness and her daughter, they aren’t able to act proactively, nor can they follow their profession (freelance assassins). Both are questioning their own physical competence as well—Longinus because he’s epically seasick as they sail to Azir, and Rory because her life goal of becoming a master swordswoman is facing defeat due to her slight build. But both have also been defined in a significant way by the enemy they faced in earlier books. With no immediate enemy in sight, Rory and Longinus are each looking for their purpose and goals.
The problem faced by authors of any series is that if you vanquish the enemy in each book, how do you move the series forward? There are two main ways to accomplish this, and author Celine Jeanjean does both. First, you could have the villain (in this case, Longinus’ evil sister Myran) vanquished but not dead yet, spinning off like Darth Vader in his escape shuttle to recuperate and plot again. Second, you could have your heroes take on an even bigger evil—in this case, slavery.
Their group has been drafted to mount a rescue mission to the slaver-nation of Azir in hopes of retrieving their countryman—a Damsian machinist rumored to be working on an invention to enable his slaver captors to greatly expand their human trafficking. Stunned to find themselves honestly employed by The Old Girl (Marchioness of the city-state of Damsport), Rory and Longinus are now part of the classic adventure-trope, the five-man-band. If you look at another trope-defining example, Star Wars, their comparable roles are the following:
1. The Leader (Luke Skywalker): Rory, the skinny former urchin and now Logninus’ apprentice assassin is part of the team sent to the slaver stronghold Azyr to rescue a fellow Damsian.
2. The Lancer (Han Solo): Cruikshank, the genius machinist, is Rory’s direct opposite—tall, muscular, older, a thoughtful and meticulous planner who is nominally in charge of the mission.
3. The Big Guy (Chewbacca): Adelma, the hard-drinking captain of a smuggler ship is a massively powerful rage-machine tempered by three loves: drinking, her baby son, and her smuggling ship.
4. The Smart Guy (R2-D2 and C-3PO): Longinus, the elegant clotheshorse, is actually the assassin known as the Viper. His weakness at the sight of blood means he’s devoted his considerable and deadly intelligence to becoming a master poisoner.
5. The Chick (Princess Leia): Rafe, the aristocrat and master soldier, informs a frankly skeptical Rory that he’s her “love interest” and thus appoints himself her sidekick.
As the five members of their little band attempt their rescue mission, they are forced first to confront, then to experience, and ultimately to aid the uneasy coalition attempting revolution against the evils of the slavers. By defining their real opponent—the institution of slavery—as the ultimate evil, any actions the team takes against slavers are by that definition morally imperative, and a signal to let the body count begin.
Of course, that all adds up to a darker story than previous volumes. But the humor and banter between the members of the team keep things entertaining. Luckily for the five-person team, their enemies hadn’t read the Evil Overlord List. (“Shooting is not too good for my enemies." —Evil Overlord List, (c) 1996-1997 by Peter Anspach) Thus in their evil headquarters prisoners were kept together, potential hostages thoughtfully stashed nearby, useful dark corners abound to lurk in, and there are plenty of opportunities for strategic things they could blow up—all while Rafe banters about being the love interest, Rory searches for a new signature weapon, and clothes-horse Longinus sticks out “…like a whore in a convent, with his teal silk shirt, burnt-orange trousers, and hat with an elaborate teal-and-orange feather arrangement.”
As always, even as the individual characters’ sliders move, the entertainment of the adventure created in this series stays at the very top of the scale. Although I'd suggest you read the earlier volumes first, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to readers looking for a fantasy quest with complex characters, a fantastically imagined world, a quirky team, and plenty of humor.
*I received this book for free from the publisher or author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.*
February 4, 2019
Review originally posted on A Keyboard and an Open Mind 04 February 2019:
I’ve got to say, I was pretty excited when I got an out of the blue email from Celine Jeanjean offering me an ARC of this book, as it had been a while! I re-read the first two in antipcation and then dived into this third one, where we are not only reunited with all the fabulous characters from this series, but also get to see what this world is like beyond Damsport.
In this instalment, Rory and Linginus, along with a ragtag group of friends, are sent to the nation of Azyr to rescue a Damsian machinist, and assist with the rebellion against the ignorant Prelate and evil Seneschal. Of course, nothing goes to plan…
In this book, Jeanjean diverges from the pattern in the first two books of only having Rory and Longinus as POV characters. We get to see what Cruickshank is doing, along with some of the new characters from Azyr. Sometimes I felt that it let us know what was going on a bit too too early, but it definitely made sense later when nearly all the characters were separated from one another.
I really enjoyed Rory’s character growth. She realises over the course of the book that you can’t always hold onto things from the past, and sometimes you have to let go of things that once seemed the most important things in the world.
The plot is once again tightly structured. Having read all three books in the series in quick succession, I have to say I’m jealous of Jeanjean’s ability to craft a story. Things are foreshadowed and references made in the beginning of the book come full circle by the end.
I’m gather Celine Jeanjean has plenty more ideas left for these characters and I’m definitely looking forward to continuing adventures in this series.
(Thank you to Celine Jeanjean for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for a review. This did not affect my opinions in any way)
I’ve got to say, I was pretty excited when I got an out of the blue email from Celine Jeanjean offering me an ARC of this book, as it had been a while! I re-read the first two in antipcation and then dived into this third one, where we are not only reunited with all the fabulous characters from this series, but also get to see what this world is like beyond Damsport.
In this instalment, Rory and Linginus, along with a ragtag group of friends, are sent to the nation of Azyr to rescue a Damsian machinist, and assist with the rebellion against the ignorant Prelate and evil Seneschal. Of course, nothing goes to plan…
In this book, Jeanjean diverges from the pattern in the first two books of only having Rory and Longinus as POV characters. We get to see what Cruickshank is doing, along with some of the new characters from Azyr. Sometimes I felt that it let us know what was going on a bit too too early, but it definitely made sense later when nearly all the characters were separated from one another.
I really enjoyed Rory’s character growth. She realises over the course of the book that you can’t always hold onto things from the past, and sometimes you have to let go of things that once seemed the most important things in the world.
The plot is once again tightly structured. Having read all three books in the series in quick succession, I have to say I’m jealous of Jeanjean’s ability to craft a story. Things are foreshadowed and references made in the beginning of the book come full circle by the end.
I’m gather Celine Jeanjean has plenty more ideas left for these characters and I’m definitely looking forward to continuing adventures in this series.
(Thank you to Celine Jeanjean for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for a review. This did not affect my opinions in any way)
January 22, 2019
If you go back to the book blurb and read about the “The team” and “The mission”, you will get the gist of everything I love about this book. Especially “The team”. I see no reason why I can’t use what has already been written to get this review started:
“A skinny pickpocket with dreadlocks and a big attitude.” This would Rory. She may be physically petite, but her character is enormous. I’ve read three novels and one prequel novella where Rory shines as the big-hearted pickpocket imp. She reads as anywhere from 14 to 18 years old, depending on whether she is arguing or explaining, picking pockets or considering her feelings for a certain warrior. I love Rory and she will always be my favorite.
“A foppish assassin with a fear of blood.” – Longinus is still full of himself. As he should be. He is very smart and his habit of putting his own spin on everything tends to make his ideas shine even when not everyone agrees with him. The description of an assassin that fears the sight of blood was what got me reading this series in the first place. He still fears blood and it will become problematic.
“An elite fighter, master of the sardonic raised eyebrow.” Rafe doesn’t say too much, but he is always there to support, project and fight for the team. Rafe has a noble background, but that does not keep him from casting an eye toward Rory. Rory says she wants nothing to do with him. This is just a budding romance and not a big part of the story, but I do enjoy the dynamic between the two. I picture a young Orlando Bloom when I imagine Rafe.
“A smuggler with a drinking problem and a propensity for brawling.” Ah Adelma. She had a role in book 2, The Black Orchid, but I thought she was done. I was pleasantly surprised to find her in this story. Loud, strong and very loyal, Adelma would rather punch first and ask questions later. Sometimes, a team needs just this type of person.
“And a no-nonsense, heavily tattooed machinist, trying to keep them all in line.” Cruikshank, is the level headed adult in the group. Creative genius, commanding, and keeps the troops under control. I admired her in previous books, but she is large and in charge in The Slave City. Cruikshank has had an interesting life, only hinted at in this book, but perhaps we will get to know her more in the future.
Most of the action takes place in the city of Azyr. Ms. Jeanjean has a knack for turning inanimate objects into something alive and breathing. Azyr is one such object. The city is divided into three parts that strickly separate the classes. There are walls and lots of steps between them. While my description may sound boring, I assure you, the author’s descriptions of the city brings it to life. One of my favorite scenes is where the team is climbing the steps to a higher level and all along the way, there is activity, including vendors hanging out in the air to sell all manner of goods to anyone scaling the wall.
So much intrigue, so much action, so much danger. So much fun! There are so many things going on in this book, neither the book blurb, nor my review, will ever do it justice. So I will leave you with a few tantalizing bits:
A mechanical spider
Lizards (really large lizards)
Steam-powered elephant
Traitor
Daria’s boots
Much thanks to the author who provided an advance copy of her book so that I could bring you my honest review.
“A skinny pickpocket with dreadlocks and a big attitude.” This would Rory. She may be physically petite, but her character is enormous. I’ve read three novels and one prequel novella where Rory shines as the big-hearted pickpocket imp. She reads as anywhere from 14 to 18 years old, depending on whether she is arguing or explaining, picking pockets or considering her feelings for a certain warrior. I love Rory and she will always be my favorite.
“A foppish assassin with a fear of blood.” – Longinus is still full of himself. As he should be. He is very smart and his habit of putting his own spin on everything tends to make his ideas shine even when not everyone agrees with him. The description of an assassin that fears the sight of blood was what got me reading this series in the first place. He still fears blood and it will become problematic.
“An elite fighter, master of the sardonic raised eyebrow.” Rafe doesn’t say too much, but he is always there to support, project and fight for the team. Rafe has a noble background, but that does not keep him from casting an eye toward Rory. Rory says she wants nothing to do with him. This is just a budding romance and not a big part of the story, but I do enjoy the dynamic between the two. I picture a young Orlando Bloom when I imagine Rafe.
“A smuggler with a drinking problem and a propensity for brawling.” Ah Adelma. She had a role in book 2, The Black Orchid, but I thought she was done. I was pleasantly surprised to find her in this story. Loud, strong and very loyal, Adelma would rather punch first and ask questions later. Sometimes, a team needs just this type of person.
“And a no-nonsense, heavily tattooed machinist, trying to keep them all in line.” Cruikshank, is the level headed adult in the group. Creative genius, commanding, and keeps the troops under control. I admired her in previous books, but she is large and in charge in The Slave City. Cruikshank has had an interesting life, only hinted at in this book, but perhaps we will get to know her more in the future.
Most of the action takes place in the city of Azyr. Ms. Jeanjean has a knack for turning inanimate objects into something alive and breathing. Azyr is one such object. The city is divided into three parts that strickly separate the classes. There are walls and lots of steps between them. While my description may sound boring, I assure you, the author’s descriptions of the city brings it to life. One of my favorite scenes is where the team is climbing the steps to a higher level and all along the way, there is activity, including vendors hanging out in the air to sell all manner of goods to anyone scaling the wall.
So much intrigue, so much action, so much danger. So much fun! There are so many things going on in this book, neither the book blurb, nor my review, will ever do it justice. So I will leave you with a few tantalizing bits:
A mechanical spider
Lizards (really large lizards)
Steam-powered elephant
Traitor
Daria’s boots
Much thanks to the author who provided an advance copy of her book so that I could bring you my honest review.
February 12, 2019
My favorite band of misfits is back in the latest installment of the Viper and the Urchin series. Hurrah! These characters are like old friends to me, so I was very happy to see them return.
In this book, they’re headed to the exotic city of Azyr to help spark a revolution to overthrow the slavery that plagues the city. And by “they” I mean Rory, Longinus, Adelma, Cruikshank, and Rafe. If you’ve read the previous installments, you’ll know who these characters are. If you haven’t, stop right now and go read the first book “The Bloodless Assassin.” You can thank me later.
While I do love these characters, some of the magic between them seems weaker in this installment than the previous ones. I think this might be due to the addition of Cruikshank as a point-of-view character, which is new for this book. And while I like Cruikshank, I don’t love her like I love Rory and Longinus. So the joy of getting to hang out with my two favorite characters was a bit diluted, even though Cruikshank is definitely cool in a no-nonsense, smoking cigars and getting her body covered in tattoos kind of way.
I think the city of Azyr was interesting and well-done in the sense that I honestly felt “homesick” for Damsport. There the usual ruffians seem all warm and snuggly when compared with the cold, calculating, and cruel people of Azyr. The lizard races? Ugh. If a city ever was in need of a revolution and “do-over” it’s definitely Azyr. It was satisfying to watch our Damsians get in there and do their thing.
There’s a lot of great imagination in this book just as there was in the previous ones. The city was vibrantly described, and I could believe I was there. There’s lots of action and plenty of curveballs to keep you wondering what’s going on and what will happen next. All in all, a very enjoyable book and I am very much looking forward to the next installment.
Many thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy of the book in exchange for my honest review!
In this book, they’re headed to the exotic city of Azyr to help spark a revolution to overthrow the slavery that plagues the city. And by “they” I mean Rory, Longinus, Adelma, Cruikshank, and Rafe. If you’ve read the previous installments, you’ll know who these characters are. If you haven’t, stop right now and go read the first book “The Bloodless Assassin.” You can thank me later.
While I do love these characters, some of the magic between them seems weaker in this installment than the previous ones. I think this might be due to the addition of Cruikshank as a point-of-view character, which is new for this book. And while I like Cruikshank, I don’t love her like I love Rory and Longinus. So the joy of getting to hang out with my two favorite characters was a bit diluted, even though Cruikshank is definitely cool in a no-nonsense, smoking cigars and getting her body covered in tattoos kind of way.
I think the city of Azyr was interesting and well-done in the sense that I honestly felt “homesick” for Damsport. There the usual ruffians seem all warm and snuggly when compared with the cold, calculating, and cruel people of Azyr. The lizard races? Ugh. If a city ever was in need of a revolution and “do-over” it’s definitely Azyr. It was satisfying to watch our Damsians get in there and do their thing.
There’s a lot of great imagination in this book just as there was in the previous ones. The city was vibrantly described, and I could believe I was there. There’s lots of action and plenty of curveballs to keep you wondering what’s going on and what will happen next. All in all, a very enjoyable book and I am very much looking forward to the next installment.
Many thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy of the book in exchange for my honest review!
July 6, 2021
A couple of the things I loved about the two previous books in this series were the unique and engaging characters who had such strong voices of their own and the vivid location so different from the steampunk version of London or maybe the Americas that you usually see. In this book, the location was just as vivid and unique, but it took a while for the characters’ voices to come out.
For the first part of the book, I would have been inclined to give a solid three stars. The story was interesting, and I was still invested in the characters, but their voices were a little weak. It wasn’t readily apparent when the POV changed. Also, although I loved Cruikshank in the previous books, she wasn’t strong enough to carry the beginning of this book. Thankfully about half way in, the story gets its legs underneath it and we are off and running again. By the end, it had certainly moved into four star territory with political intrigue, roof top adventures (not as many as before, sigh), flamboyant, dramatic gestures and a whisper of possible romance (one can always dream), all the things that made the other books so appealing!
I received an ARC of this book for my honest review, but I will also be purchasing it because it was an enjoyable read with a cast of characters whose adventures I hope will continue.
For the first part of the book, I would have been inclined to give a solid three stars. The story was interesting, and I was still invested in the characters, but their voices were a little weak. It wasn’t readily apparent when the POV changed. Also, although I loved Cruikshank in the previous books, she wasn’t strong enough to carry the beginning of this book. Thankfully about half way in, the story gets its legs underneath it and we are off and running again. By the end, it had certainly moved into four star territory with political intrigue, roof top adventures (not as many as before, sigh), flamboyant, dramatic gestures and a whisper of possible romance (one can always dream), all the things that made the other books so appealing!
I received an ARC of this book for my honest review, but I will also be purchasing it because it was an enjoyable read with a cast of characters whose adventures I hope will continue.
January 30, 2019
I love this series. If you haven't read it yet, start with the "Bloodless Assassin" or the prequel, "The Pick Pocket". In particular, there's a lot of references in Slave city that will make a lot more sense, if you read "The Pickpocket" first (which is free from Celine Jeanjean's website).
I'm always super happy when I find an author I like because it means hours of entertainment for me. If you like Lindsay Buroker, I think you'll like this series from Celine Jeanjean as well. Although the stories are very different, there's some similarities in the writing style, where adversarial parties come together and find a way to work together and persevere through difficult challenges. There's also irreverent humour to make me laugh, and developing relationships to keep it interesting.
In this book, you'll find out more about characters who were periphery in previous books (Rafe, Cruikshank, and Adelma). My favourite parts are the developing relationship between Rory and Rafe, and how Longinus is developing into a stronger character in his own right. I'm hoping (figures crossed) to read more about these characters in future stories (hint hint to Celine, if she happens to read reviews :-D).
I'm always super happy when I find an author I like because it means hours of entertainment for me. If you like Lindsay Buroker, I think you'll like this series from Celine Jeanjean as well. Although the stories are very different, there's some similarities in the writing style, where adversarial parties come together and find a way to work together and persevere through difficult challenges. There's also irreverent humour to make me laugh, and developing relationships to keep it interesting.
In this book, you'll find out more about characters who were periphery in previous books (Rafe, Cruikshank, and Adelma). My favourite parts are the developing relationship between Rory and Rafe, and how Longinus is developing into a stronger character in his own right. I'm hoping (figures crossed) to read more about these characters in future stories (hint hint to Celine, if she happens to read reviews :-D).
February 1, 2020
Oh Celine! Oh Celine... I'm so sorry for having to give this book 4 stars... but my poor head just can't get over "the stone benches carved from the stone", the grammatical error in the second to last chapter and the oh-too-convenient plot point towards the end. Nitpicky, I know but consider me the Longinus on of silly stuff like that. My brain won't let me forget it!
Those concerns aside, this 3rd major installment of "The Viper and the Urchin" series is very rich in world building and character development. No wonder it's nearly 500 pages! I applaud that the plot twist was actually in the first half of the novel. I appreciate a writer that can break patterns when they are writing a series. Even with my complaints, Mlle Jeanjean still captured my attention and I found it difficult to put the book down. [Though... I would have finished it about 16 hours earlier if I hadn't been so tired, but I wanted to savor the end (and maybe that's why I picked up on two of those three concerns.)] Love the wit, the sarcasm, and how all of the characters have their strengths and weaknesses, complimenting this group of intrepid adventurers! (At least in Rory's eyes.)
Those concerns aside, this 3rd major installment of "The Viper and the Urchin" series is very rich in world building and character development. No wonder it's nearly 500 pages! I applaud that the plot twist was actually in the first half of the novel. I appreciate a writer that can break patterns when they are writing a series. Even with my complaints, Mlle Jeanjean still captured my attention and I found it difficult to put the book down. [Though... I would have finished it about 16 hours earlier if I hadn't been so tired, but I wanted to savor the end (and maybe that's why I picked up on two of those three concerns.)] Love the wit, the sarcasm, and how all of the characters have their strengths and weaknesses, complimenting this group of intrepid adventurers! (At least in Rory's eyes.)
August 23, 2025
Slave City
Viper and Urchin 3
Celine Jeanjean
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
489 pp,
What an absolute stonker of a book! The plot kept marching inexorably forward, stopping to show us sights or ramp up the action. Not a dull moment to be found.
Our friends Rory and Longinus go to another city to (ostensibly)set up trade deals. Their party includes the smuggler captain, the machinist with a heart of gold, and Rory’s maybe love interest.
They’re there to rescue one of their city’s brightest machinists, and to help make come true the Marchioness’s dream of freeing the city from slavery.
There is enough double-crossing and nefarious plotting to keep your little heart content as they face down an evil seneschal, fighting pits complete with poisonous lizards, an entirely unhinged prelate, about half the city watch, and the city hierarchy established long ago.
It was wild. Worth the late night binge.
Viper and Urchin 3
Celine Jeanjean
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
489 pp,
What an absolute stonker of a book! The plot kept marching inexorably forward, stopping to show us sights or ramp up the action. Not a dull moment to be found.
Our friends Rory and Longinus go to another city to (ostensibly)set up trade deals. Their party includes the smuggler captain, the machinist with a heart of gold, and Rory’s maybe love interest.
They’re there to rescue one of their city’s brightest machinists, and to help make come true the Marchioness’s dream of freeing the city from slavery.
There is enough double-crossing and nefarious plotting to keep your little heart content as they face down an evil seneschal, fighting pits complete with poisonous lizards, an entirely unhinged prelate, about half the city watch, and the city hierarchy established long ago.
It was wild. Worth the late night binge.
May 16, 2019
Loads of adventure
The Viper and the Urchin series is set in a fantasy world full of fantastical steampunk creations and crazy alchemists. The Viper is an assassin who gets tricked into teaching swordplay to an abandoned street teen. She becomes his closest friend, helping him overcome a severe case of PTSD, triggered by the sight of blood. He helps her become more than the street urchin she's always been. In this book, they travel to another country to foment rebellion and secure a trade agreement. Mayhem ensues, complete with several near-death experiences, but in the end the get back home more or less in one piece. Lots of fun, adventure and great characters. Good read.
The Viper and the Urchin series is set in a fantasy world full of fantastical steampunk creations and crazy alchemists. The Viper is an assassin who gets tricked into teaching swordplay to an abandoned street teen. She becomes his closest friend, helping him overcome a severe case of PTSD, triggered by the sight of blood. He helps her become more than the street urchin she's always been. In this book, they travel to another country to foment rebellion and secure a trade agreement. Mayhem ensues, complete with several near-death experiences, but in the end the get back home more or less in one piece. Lots of fun, adventure and great characters. Good read.
June 18, 2019
Fun & Adventure
This is the third book in the series. It was so much fun and more adventure. The characters are smart and the dialogue clever. Great mystery adventure in another time. Others have talked about the story, so I am telling you I had a lot of fun reading it. The characters made me smile. This is the third book in the series so if you not read the others you should, The Bloodless Assassin and The Black Orchid.
I volunteer to read an ARC and this is my honest opinion. I have purchased the other two books in this series previously and read them. Great series.
This is the third book in the series. It was so much fun and more adventure. The characters are smart and the dialogue clever. Great mystery adventure in another time. Others have talked about the story, so I am telling you I had a lot of fun reading it. The characters made me smile. This is the third book in the series so if you not read the others you should, The Bloodless Assassin and The Black Orchid.
I volunteer to read an ARC and this is my honest opinion. I have purchased the other two books in this series previously and read them. Great series.
July 13, 2020
Another fine addition to the Sword and Steampunk saga
While this book took a little longer to sink its hooks into me, The Slave City finished strong. Rory, Longinus, and their friends go on their first foreign mission in service to the Marchioness. Rafe, Cruikshank, and Adelma play more developed roles as they adventure in a land where the culture is barbaric, the villains are worse than reptilian, the fighting is brutal, and the Damsian team just might not make it home alive!
While this book took a little longer to sink its hooks into me, The Slave City finished strong. Rory, Longinus, and their friends go on their first foreign mission in service to the Marchioness. Rafe, Cruikshank, and Adelma play more developed roles as they adventure in a land where the culture is barbaric, the villains are worse than reptilian, the fighting is brutal, and the Damsian team just might not make it home alive!
February 10, 2020
I absolutely loved this one. Packed with suspense and action, Slave City is my new favorite in this fabulous series.
Rory, Longinus, Cruikshank, Adelma and Rafe are all involved in the latest mission from Lady Martha in a distant country, and there is more danger and deception than they ever dreamed of.
There were so many surprises and the suspense was wicked intense. Kept me hooked from the first paragraph.
Rory, Longinus, Cruikshank, Adelma and Rafe are all involved in the latest mission from Lady Martha in a distant country, and there is more danger and deception than they ever dreamed of.
There were so many surprises and the suspense was wicked intense. Kept me hooked from the first paragraph.
October 5, 2024
A Real Adventure
Rory has always dreamt of adventure, and being sent on a mission to Azyr to rescue a Mechanic being held captive there is certainly that. Adelma’s captains the ship that takes Rory, Rafe, Cruickshank, and Longinus across the seas. The rescue mission turns into support for a revolution aimed at freeing the slaves and equalizing the status of citizens in Azyr. It is a big job, but the Rory’s team has very special skills. It is a grand, if bloody adventure.
Rory has always dreamt of adventure, and being sent on a mission to Azyr to rescue a Mechanic being held captive there is certainly that. Adelma’s captains the ship that takes Rory, Rafe, Cruickshank, and Longinus across the seas. The rescue mission turns into support for a revolution aimed at freeing the slaves and equalizing the status of citizens in Azyr. It is a big job, but the Rory’s team has very special skills. It is a grand, if bloody adventure.
January 31, 2019
Celine Jeanjean has become one of my favourite authors on the strength of the three Viper and the Urchin books. I have reread all of the books and joined the mailing lit to ensure I don't miss any. In the last book Rafe disappointed me but I felt he redeemed himself in this book. An assassin who faints at the sight of blood, fantastic world building and Rory, what's not to love.
January 19, 2020
Loving this Series
These are fun books, full of creativity and characters rich. Anyone who enjoys adventure and fantasy tales will enjoy them. I particularly like the humour and Steampunk elements.
These are fun books, full of creativity and characters rich. Anyone who enjoys adventure and fantasy tales will enjoy them. I particularly like the humour and Steampunk elements.
February 9, 2019
Whoooooo boy
She’s been gone forever and comes out with this. Yes luv!!! This might be the best of the three . So glad I hung with it
She’s been gone forever and comes out with this. Yes luv!!! This might be the best of the three . So glad I hung with it
March 2, 2019
Really really enjoyed this one. A solid 4 stars....
I'm looking forward to the next one.....that isn't out yet :(
I'm looking forward to the next one.....that isn't out yet :(
September 23, 2021
This series has progressed along the way, with this one being by far my favourite book so far!
April 1, 2022
This series grew on me as I've read them. Lots of fun characters
April 20, 2023
Great steam punk adventure. Celine Jeanjean tossed me a bonus at the end. Waiting for it to hit my in box.
January 28, 2020
After a second success at protecting the Marchioness and protecting Dampsport Rory, Longinus, Cruikshank, Rafe and Adelma are on a mission that has them hitting the high seas. Lady Martha as aimed control of the city temporarily while her mother recovers. She has tasked the merry band of misfits to travel to the far away city of Azyr. Officially they are making a diplomatic mission unofficially they are to rescue a Damsian inventor that’s been held captive and aid the rebellion brewing and free the people from slavery, no easy task but it’s what needs to be done.
From the start things don’t go quite as planned starting with the person they are supposed to meet not knowing anything about their arrival. The powerful rulers of Azyr will not give up their power and the rebellion faces many problems. Outsiders inserting themselves into the situation? Not that welcome but since they are there why not utilize a resource? While plans are being made there’s also deception and danger brewing behind the scenes. When the team gets separated they will need all their skills and any allies to make it out alive. The rebellion is coming and the people will no longer live under the thumb of an oppressive ruler.
From the first book I have been completely obsessed with Rory and Longinus and their friends. They learned to work together and really become a team. I could literally read about their adventures/shenanigans forever.
From the start things don’t go quite as planned starting with the person they are supposed to meet not knowing anything about their arrival. The powerful rulers of Azyr will not give up their power and the rebellion faces many problems. Outsiders inserting themselves into the situation? Not that welcome but since they are there why not utilize a resource? While plans are being made there’s also deception and danger brewing behind the scenes. When the team gets separated they will need all their skills and any allies to make it out alive. The rebellion is coming and the people will no longer live under the thumb of an oppressive ruler.
From the first book I have been completely obsessed with Rory and Longinus and their friends. They learned to work together and really become a team. I could literally read about their adventures/shenanigans forever.
January 24, 2020
I could not wait to get my hands on this book. I have enjoyed the first two books of this series and this book did not disappoint either. Whenever I pick up one of these books I cannot put it down. Definitely, recommend this book as a must read now and if you haven’t read the first 2, get all three.
I received and ARC copy of this book and have never been more excited to read an ARC book. I will be buying it too.
I received and ARC copy of this book and have never been more excited to read an ARC book. I will be buying it too.
March 18, 2021
This third installment of the Viper+Urchin series maintains the delight of the first two. The characters whom I already got a kick out of, expanded and deepened even more. Serious topics were addressed in ways that were at times difficult to experience, and yet rowdy (in a good way) with each determined action by the group of friends. Reliance on one another, and greater understanding of each other. All with revolution, giant lizards, despicable villains, and steampacks.
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