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The Viper and the Urchin #4
Doll Maker
Revolution in the streets.
A deadly weapon stolen.
A wardrobe too wide to fit up the stairs.
All is most definitely not well back in Damsport…
Cruikshank has created a deadly new weapon, but someone breaks into her workshop, steals the design, and leaves her for dead.
Time for Rory and Longinus to roll up their sleeves again.
But it doesn’t take long for them to be completely out of their depths, and not just because they’re now roommates, which comes with many challenges. They find themselves facing a creepy doll maker, chaos in the streets, and a powerful man seeking to overthrow the Old Girl. And underneath it all, a sinister plot to bring Damsport to its knees.
Once again, Rory and Longinus find themselves the city’s last line of defence.
Damsport really should invest in some better defences.
A deadly weapon stolen.
A wardrobe too wide to fit up the stairs.
All is most definitely not well back in Damsport…
Cruikshank has created a deadly new weapon, but someone breaks into her workshop, steals the design, and leaves her for dead.
Time for Rory and Longinus to roll up their sleeves again.
But it doesn’t take long for them to be completely out of their depths, and not just because they’re now roommates, which comes with many challenges. They find themselves facing a creepy doll maker, chaos in the streets, and a powerful man seeking to overthrow the Old Girl. And underneath it all, a sinister plot to bring Damsport to its knees.
Once again, Rory and Longinus find themselves the city’s last line of defence.
Damsport really should invest in some better defences.
446 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 27, 2019
40 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Celine Jeanjean
32 books243 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 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 28, 2019
Review originally posted on A Keyboard and an Open Mind April 29, 2019:
Celine Jeanjean is spoiling us. After a gap of several years, we've received two Viper and the Urchin books within a few months of one another. And I have to say I really loved this one. I may have caught myself making silly noises a couple of times.
One thing I enjoyed about this book particularly was that a lot of the stakes were really personal. Friendships were betrayed, loyalties were tested and feelings had to be faced.
We also got to learn more about the history of Damsport, and how the Marchioness and Lady Martha operate. Revolution is in the air and that got quite tense at times. It was interesting to see Rory having to reconcile her loyalties in Damsport with the political situation she sought to dissolve in Azyr in the previous book.
Rafe grows on me more with every book and in this instalment we got to learn a bit more about the family he's unwilling to talk about. I also really loved the dynamic between him and Rory here. I won't say anymore. ;)
Longinus once again needs all the hugs for various reasons. He's still the Longinus we know and love from book one, but he's learning to overcome some of his issues, though they are certainly still haunting him (and that's going to be a major part of the next book, I expect).
I pretty much read this book in one sitting, so now I've got to wait the maximum amount of time for the next one. But I think it will be worth the wait.
Celine Jeanjean is spoiling us. After a gap of several years, we've received two Viper and the Urchin books within a few months of one another. And I have to say I really loved this one. I may have caught myself making silly noises a couple of times.
One thing I enjoyed about this book particularly was that a lot of the stakes were really personal. Friendships were betrayed, loyalties were tested and feelings had to be faced.
We also got to learn more about the history of Damsport, and how the Marchioness and Lady Martha operate. Revolution is in the air and that got quite tense at times. It was interesting to see Rory having to reconcile her loyalties in Damsport with the political situation she sought to dissolve in Azyr in the previous book.
Rafe grows on me more with every book and in this instalment we got to learn a bit more about the family he's unwilling to talk about. I also really loved the dynamic between him and Rory here. I won't say anymore. ;)
Longinus once again needs all the hugs for various reasons. He's still the Longinus we know and love from book one, but he's learning to overcome some of his issues, though they are certainly still haunting him (and that's going to be a major part of the next book, I expect).
I pretty much read this book in one sitting, so now I've got to wait the maximum amount of time for the next one. But I think it will be worth the wait.
(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)
You can read my reviews of The Bloodless Assassin (book 1), The Black Orchid (book 2) and The Slave City (book 3) by clicking their titles.
April 30, 2019
For Rory and her companion Longinus, this is an exciting time, a new beginning. No longer is Rory a waif, a defiant pick-pocket given a place to sleep and guidance by the wise but eccentric assassin. They are moving into a new home as equals. Rory believes she is paying her way, an independent young woman who helps the Marchioness when Damsport is under threat. Longinus is in his element, decorating their new home stylishly and employing Tess, a maid, to take care of them. But their happiness is soon disturbed when Rory discovers their friend Cruikshank, the skilled machinist, critically injured by brutes who have broken into her workshop. A dangerous weapon containing a lethal explosive has been stolen and the whole city could be destroyed.
Rory must work with Varanguard, Raif, once more and this time she has come of age. She is prepared to recognise her feelings for the strong handsome young man. Together with Longinus they face terrifying events. Rory participates in a thrilling duel on board Crazy Willy’s steamcoach and Longinus faces up to fears from his past when he enters the eerie rooms in Arthur’s Automaton Emporium. He found,
“himself facing rows and rows of beady black eyes, all looking at him. The eyes belonged to dolls. Rows and rows of dolls….
The doll’s eyes were as black and gleaming as beetle wings and so shiny they looked wet….
One had hair but no face so that its black eyes looked out from metal sockets above an articulated metal jaw, its joints held in place by vicious-looking screws.”
Will the Old Girl maintain her position as ruler of Damsport or will a popular rising, funded by bribery and lies, replace her with a corrupt, power-seeking aristocrat who only cares for himself? Rory’s links to the underworld in the Rookery are essential if the city is to survive.
This is the best of all these exciting steampunk adventures. The plot turns from one frightening situation to another problem which must be solved. The characters the reader now knows so well, are courageous, loyal and enterprising and their personal development is believable and heartening. A must read!
Rory must work with Varanguard, Raif, once more and this time she has come of age. She is prepared to recognise her feelings for the strong handsome young man. Together with Longinus they face terrifying events. Rory participates in a thrilling duel on board Crazy Willy’s steamcoach and Longinus faces up to fears from his past when he enters the eerie rooms in Arthur’s Automaton Emporium. He found,
“himself facing rows and rows of beady black eyes, all looking at him. The eyes belonged to dolls. Rows and rows of dolls….
The doll’s eyes were as black and gleaming as beetle wings and so shiny they looked wet….
One had hair but no face so that its black eyes looked out from metal sockets above an articulated metal jaw, its joints held in place by vicious-looking screws.”
Will the Old Girl maintain her position as ruler of Damsport or will a popular rising, funded by bribery and lies, replace her with a corrupt, power-seeking aristocrat who only cares for himself? Rory’s links to the underworld in the Rookery are essential if the city is to survive.
This is the best of all these exciting steampunk adventures. The plot turns from one frightening situation to another problem which must be solved. The characters the reader now knows so well, are courageous, loyal and enterprising and their personal development is believable and heartening. A must read!
May 1, 2019
Sometimes stepping back into a fictional world is like coming home or snuggling under a cozy blanket. Reentering the world of Damsport with Longinus and Rory is more like slipping on your favorite summer dress. But then, as you pull on the comfortable fabric, ready for a sunny day of adventure, you absently slide your hands down your side and discover that your favorite dress, the one you’ve worn again and again, has pockets that you had never even noticed before!
Would I recommend it?
Yes! In case the pockets in dresses reference wasn’t for you, let me be plain. I have always enjoyed this series but as it goes on and the characters continue to grow, I fall more in love with the world, the characters and Jeanjean’s writing. Start with The Bloodless Assassin and enjoy the ride!
Would I recommend it?
Yes! In case the pockets in dresses reference wasn’t for you, let me be plain. I have always enjoyed this series but as it goes on and the characters continue to grow, I fall more in love with the world, the characters and Jeanjean’s writing. Start with The Bloodless Assassin and enjoy the ride!
May 5, 2021
After their adventures in Azyr the gang is back home where things are changing.... starting with the fact that Longinus has at long last convinced Rory to move into a house with him. No more rooftops for her she now has a home of her own even though her tastes in everything vastly different from her roommate. Especially when it comes to his employment of a maid. Which is just one too many things for her to deal with. But while Rory bids a reluctant farewell to her days as a street urchin and Longinus enjoys his small victories... trouble is once again brewing in the city of Dampsport and this time it’s personal.
Cruikshank can’t resist an offer of a mysterious substance that Adelma has found in her possession. Naturally the smuggler thinks to give something like this to her inquisitive friend. An idea comes to Cruikshank using this substance so she makes and designs a weapon. Something she swore she wouldn’t make and something she is conflicted about presenting to the Marchioness. As her morality and loyalty clash a break in at her workshop takes both the choice and nearly her life out of her hands.
When Rory, Longinus, Rafe and Adelma hear of what happened to Cruikshank they immediately jump into action. Of course they aren’t going to let their friend get hurt and not track down the ones who did it. Cruikshank though is less concerned with her injuries than with being and more concerned with her weapon getting out in the world and the damage it can do. While all that is going on the people of Dampsport are restless and trouble is brewing. Some people think that they need new leadership and that the Marchioness and Lady Martha are no longer fit to lead. They want to hold an election and with protests breaking out all over the city the pressure is on.
Secrets and betrayal and plots from the Arnian emperor are always hiding just around the corner. This time with politics, mechanical spiders, explosives and creepy dolls. And the unexpected return of Myran, Longinus’s nemesis/sister. She has a message for her brother... one that could change his life if she is to be believed. But you can’t trust a thing she says... right? After multiple attacks and an especially deadly one in the Rookery nothing in Damsport is certain anymore.
‘‘Twas another great entry in the series with an adventure at home after the craziness of things abroad in their last mission. The team has come a long way from a group of people more or less forced to work together. They become more and more a family every time.
Cruikshank can’t resist an offer of a mysterious substance that Adelma has found in her possession. Naturally the smuggler thinks to give something like this to her inquisitive friend. An idea comes to Cruikshank using this substance so she makes and designs a weapon. Something she swore she wouldn’t make and something she is conflicted about presenting to the Marchioness. As her morality and loyalty clash a break in at her workshop takes both the choice and nearly her life out of her hands.
When Rory, Longinus, Rafe and Adelma hear of what happened to Cruikshank they immediately jump into action. Of course they aren’t going to let their friend get hurt and not track down the ones who did it. Cruikshank though is less concerned with her injuries than with being and more concerned with her weapon getting out in the world and the damage it can do. While all that is going on the people of Dampsport are restless and trouble is brewing. Some people think that they need new leadership and that the Marchioness and Lady Martha are no longer fit to lead. They want to hold an election and with protests breaking out all over the city the pressure is on.
Secrets and betrayal and plots from the Arnian emperor are always hiding just around the corner. This time with politics, mechanical spiders, explosives and creepy dolls. And the unexpected return of Myran, Longinus’s nemesis/sister. She has a message for her brother... one that could change his life if she is to be believed. But you can’t trust a thing she says... right? After multiple attacks and an especially deadly one in the Rookery nothing in Damsport is certain anymore.
‘‘Twas another great entry in the series with an adventure at home after the craziness of things abroad in their last mission. The team has come a long way from a group of people more or less forced to work together. They become more and more a family every time.
June 18, 2019
Vivid World, Fun Mystery A Great Addition to the series
This is a series that gets better with every book. The worlds come alive. The characters are fun and likable. I'm always excited to read what they will get into next. There are mystery and intrigues which we have come to expect. This was another enjoyable read and a wonderful addition to the series.
I volunteer to read an ARC copy and this is my honest opinion.
This is a series that gets better with every book. The worlds come alive. The characters are fun and likable. I'm always excited to read what they will get into next. There are mystery and intrigues which we have come to expect. This was another enjoyable read and a wonderful addition to the series.
I volunteer to read an ARC copy and this is my honest opinion.
May 9, 2019
In The Doll Maker, a serious threat to the rule of the Marchioness of Damsport brings the team together to determine who is behind it all. It seems straightforward at first. A power-hungry noble/politician wants to oust the Old Girl. Can it be that simple? Of course not. You’ll need to read the book to delve into the complexity of the plot. I will say that I was adamant that, in Damsport, the rule of the Marchioness is just fine. These upstart politicians are going to have a thing coming. I hope…..
Each time I read another book in The Viper and the Urchin series, I am fondly reminded of the first time I met Rory and Longinus. These are two of my favorite characters in all of Steampunkdom. Rory, the urchin who wanted to be a great swordswoman and Longinus, the assassin who passes out at the sight of blood. They are the unlikely duo who formed first, a business arrangement and second, an enduring friendship.
Rory and Longinus have grown into their characters beautifully over the series. I love how the friendship has strengthened and expanded to other endearing characters like Pip, Alice, Rafe, Adelma and Cruikshank. But mostly I love Rory and Longinus when they are together.
While Rory is now a well-paid employee of the Marchioness, she is always on the lookout for the opportunity to steal. She doesn’t, but she is on the lookout. And Longinus is forever planning out the perfect wardrobe, one that complements him and his surroundings. Some things never change. Another one of the things I love this about this duo.
Enough about my favorite characters. The books is full of other great characters. Poor Cruikshank gets beat up for the second book in a row – totally not fair. Adelma is large and in charge, especially when it comes to protecting her son Tommy. And Rafe does his very capable Varanguard thing. He and Rory may or may not be a couple. This is just about the slowest progressing romance I have been reading about lately. And that is exactly how their romance should be.
There might be a spider, or two, or more. See the very cool book cover!
The book ends with the promise of another dangerous adventure. I eagerly await its arrival!
Many thanks to the author for providing a copy of her book in exchange for my honest review.
Each time I read another book in The Viper and the Urchin series, I am fondly reminded of the first time I met Rory and Longinus. These are two of my favorite characters in all of Steampunkdom. Rory, the urchin who wanted to be a great swordswoman and Longinus, the assassin who passes out at the sight of blood. They are the unlikely duo who formed first, a business arrangement and second, an enduring friendship.
Rory and Longinus have grown into their characters beautifully over the series. I love how the friendship has strengthened and expanded to other endearing characters like Pip, Alice, Rafe, Adelma and Cruikshank. But mostly I love Rory and Longinus when they are together.
“No!” Longinus said in tone that brooked no arguments. So of course, Rory argued.As much as Rory enjoys a good debate, she watches out for Longinus. And Longinus has Rory’s back.
While Rory is now a well-paid employee of the Marchioness, she is always on the lookout for the opportunity to steal. She doesn’t, but she is on the lookout. And Longinus is forever planning out the perfect wardrobe, one that complements him and his surroundings. Some things never change. Another one of the things I love this about this duo.
Enough about my favorite characters. The books is full of other great characters. Poor Cruikshank gets beat up for the second book in a row – totally not fair. Adelma is large and in charge, especially when it comes to protecting her son Tommy. And Rafe does his very capable Varanguard thing. He and Rory may or may not be a couple. This is just about the slowest progressing romance I have been reading about lately. And that is exactly how their romance should be.
There might be a spider, or two, or more. See the very cool book cover!
The book ends with the promise of another dangerous adventure. I eagerly await its arrival!
Many thanks to the author for providing a copy of her book in exchange for my honest review.
May 28, 2019
If I were you, I wouldn’t waste one second of time reading this review. Nope. I’d go straight out and buy this series. [NOTE: it’s really important to get all of them, and read them in order. Plus it’s just SO dang much fun. You’re welcome.]
Are you still here? Really? Okay, here’s a bit about this latest book. In The Dollmaker, Rory and Longinus are still bemused to find themselves honestly employed by the Marchioness of Damsport, “The Old Girl”, who is facing a subtly subversive threat to her rule. Along with their posse—genius machinist Cruikshank, smuggler captain and loving mother Adelma, and self-described love interest Rafe—Rory and Longinus investigate the threat posed by a terrifying new weapon inadvertently invented by Cruikshank.
As I said about Celine Jeanjean’s last book, 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.
In The Dollmaker, we see both Rory and Longinus challenging their own self-image, stepping outside of their own limitations. Rory faces sleeping in a bed, while Longinus faces his greatest fear and greatest enemy in the form of his sister Myran. But that’s all wrapped up in an increasingly three-dimensional world, complete with it���s own slang.
This series just gets more and more fun even as the characters grow, the background story gets richer, and the action gets faster. If I could give it more than five stars, I absolutely would. Failing that, I will just say that I completely recommend it, and can’t wait for the next book.
Are you still here? Really? Okay, here’s a bit about this latest book. In The Dollmaker, Rory and Longinus are still bemused to find themselves honestly employed by the Marchioness of Damsport, “The Old Girl”, who is facing a subtly subversive threat to her rule. Along with their posse—genius machinist Cruikshank, smuggler captain and loving mother Adelma, and self-described love interest Rafe—Rory and Longinus investigate the threat posed by a terrifying new weapon inadvertently invented by Cruikshank.
As I said about Celine Jeanjean’s last book, 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.
In The Dollmaker, we see both Rory and Longinus challenging their own self-image, stepping outside of their own limitations. Rory faces sleeping in a bed, while Longinus faces his greatest fear and greatest enemy in the form of his sister Myran. But that’s all wrapped up in an increasingly three-dimensional world, complete with it���s own slang.
This series just gets more and more fun even as the characters grow, the background story gets richer, and the action gets faster. If I could give it more than five stars, I absolutely would. Failing that, I will just say that I completely recommend it, and can’t wait for the next book.
August 19, 2021
This book is full of excitement, danger, deviousness but above all, fun! What more could you ask?
Once again this author has created a really fun to read and exciting book; full of wonderful, complex characters with strong loyalty and respect between them, plus a lot of ribbing and teasing to even things out a bit.
I love these books. Is there is intrigue and menace...yes! But is there also funny, quirkiness coming from the group of main characters...absolutely! I just didn't want to put the book down; I was so focussed on it that each coffee I had just kept going cold!
The story is full of danger, and action, and at one point things get downright creepy! But it is a really well written story overall and I was most impressed with it.
The city of Damsport which is a trading city; is run by the Marchioness, who is a formidable woman, and is lovingly referred to by one and all as, 'The Old Girl'.
Damsport is the most important trading city in the world and as such is well used by many races of people and trading countries from all around it. The Marchioness is the woman who pretty much single handedly brought Damsport from a run down, poverty striken area with no hope or finances; into the amazing trading hub that it was now. The Marchioness created trade deals and finances for Damsport. But although trade is doing well, there is jealousy from one country called the Airnian Empire, which is run by a particularly nasty Emporer. He has sent a spy to Damsport, with a view to causing issues for the Marchioness.
Our main characters; Longinus (an assassin with a blood phobia), Rory (started life as an urchin, now has excellent pickpocket abilities), Rafe (a Varanguard of exceptional fighting ability), Adelma (A formidable and well respected sea Captain) and Cruickshank (also a formidable woman and mechanical genius); have come together to find the spy in Damsport,and stop them if possible! They are a quirky group and they provide some great comedy along the way.
Needless to say, much mayhem, death and danger lurks on every page of this awesome book. You'll kick yourself if you miss it!
Once again this author has created a really fun to read and exciting book; full of wonderful, complex characters with strong loyalty and respect between them, plus a lot of ribbing and teasing to even things out a bit.
I love these books. Is there is intrigue and menace...yes! But is there also funny, quirkiness coming from the group of main characters...absolutely! I just didn't want to put the book down; I was so focussed on it that each coffee I had just kept going cold!
The story is full of danger, and action, and at one point things get downright creepy! But it is a really well written story overall and I was most impressed with it.
The city of Damsport which is a trading city; is run by the Marchioness, who is a formidable woman, and is lovingly referred to by one and all as, 'The Old Girl'.
Damsport is the most important trading city in the world and as such is well used by many races of people and trading countries from all around it. The Marchioness is the woman who pretty much single handedly brought Damsport from a run down, poverty striken area with no hope or finances; into the amazing trading hub that it was now. The Marchioness created trade deals and finances for Damsport. But although trade is doing well, there is jealousy from one country called the Airnian Empire, which is run by a particularly nasty Emporer. He has sent a spy to Damsport, with a view to causing issues for the Marchioness.
Our main characters; Longinus (an assassin with a blood phobia), Rory (started life as an urchin, now has excellent pickpocket abilities), Rafe (a Varanguard of exceptional fighting ability), Adelma (A formidable and well respected sea Captain) and Cruickshank (also a formidable woman and mechanical genius); have come together to find the spy in Damsport,and stop them if possible! They are a quirky group and they provide some great comedy along the way.
Needless to say, much mayhem, death and danger lurks on every page of this awesome book. You'll kick yourself if you miss it!
May 4, 2019
Wow, no spoilers, but that’s two books that Cruikshank has gotten a raw deal in! It works out in the end… mostly. Still, curiosity almost killed the cat!
Although the story seems to wander on occasion, it was mostly because there are some on going story threads being tied up (I have always had a thing for Rafe!) and some new ones begun. I am very interested to see where those new threads lead. The story does not end on a cliffhanger, but it just falls short. There are a pile of questions and a straight in lead to the next book.
A good portion is told from the POV of Rory and Longinus which is great. They have such different ways of seeing the world. They grow a lot in this book.
If you haven’t read this series yet, but like books with characters that are real (brokenly so in some cases), and a story that has you asking “what is the real game here” then go back and start with the Bloodless Assassin. It will be worth it. Keep in mind that this is not a cookie cutter series where the two main characters fall madly in love with each other. There is romance, just not between the two main characters.
Mostly there is friendship and a growing bond between a diverse group of people, all wrapped up in an interesting storyline set in a fully realized and vivid world.
I received an ARC of this book for my honest review, but I will also be purchasing it because it was an interesting read with a cast of characters that I enjoy reading about.
Although the story seems to wander on occasion, it was mostly because there are some on going story threads being tied up (I have always had a thing for Rafe!) and some new ones begun. I am very interested to see where those new threads lead. The story does not end on a cliffhanger, but it just falls short. There are a pile of questions and a straight in lead to the next book.
A good portion is told from the POV of Rory and Longinus which is great. They have such different ways of seeing the world. They grow a lot in this book.
If you haven’t read this series yet, but like books with characters that are real (brokenly so in some cases), and a story that has you asking “what is the real game here” then go back and start with the Bloodless Assassin. It will be worth it. Keep in mind that this is not a cookie cutter series where the two main characters fall madly in love with each other. There is romance, just not between the two main characters.
Mostly there is friendship and a growing bond between a diverse group of people, all wrapped up in an interesting storyline set in a fully realized and vivid world.
I received an ARC of this book for my honest review, but I will also be purchasing it because it was an interesting read with a cast of characters that I enjoy reading about.
May 16, 2019
More creepy stuff back home...
Our intrepid revolutionistas return home, somewhat worse for wear, and now that madwoman Myran is back causing more trouble. The Viper is no longer passing out as soon as he sees blood; with some help from his friends, he has developed a "protocol". He lasts long enough to save a couple lives, so it IS working. His PTSD is much better too. The Urchin, Rory is really unsure of her place. Coming up in the world is nice, but brings many painful changes to her social sphere. She has some great strong female role models, and is learning to define herself. The folks that The Old Girl, leader of this free city, elevated to Noble status are selling her out to powers unknown, but probably the Emperor. Beloved by her people, some rabble rousers are conspiring to give her a black eye. Myran is right in the thick of it as per usual, but weird stuff is happening with her, too. Read to find out what happens.
Our intrepid revolutionistas return home, somewhat worse for wear, and now that madwoman Myran is back causing more trouble. The Viper is no longer passing out as soon as he sees blood; with some help from his friends, he has developed a "protocol". He lasts long enough to save a couple lives, so it IS working. His PTSD is much better too. The Urchin, Rory is really unsure of her place. Coming up in the world is nice, but brings many painful changes to her social sphere. She has some great strong female role models, and is learning to define herself. The folks that The Old Girl, leader of this free city, elevated to Noble status are selling her out to powers unknown, but probably the Emperor. Beloved by her people, some rabble rousers are conspiring to give her a black eye. Myran is right in the thick of it as per usual, but weird stuff is happening with her, too. Read to find out what happens.
August 25, 2025
Doll Maker
Viper and Urchin 4
Celine Jeanjean
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
444 pp, 44.4 points
This book is as great as the rest have been, no cap.
I tried to pull quotes to show you Longinus, but I realized that his quirks aren’t as definable as I’d think. He’s a whole story.
It’s not like the others revolve around him, either. Two of them have their own inner monologues (which are interesting in themselves), then our author likes to throw monkey wrenches around with wild abandon. There’s mechanical spiders, a sister who shouldn’t be there - advocating for a mother who should be dead, an attempted forced governmental change, creepy AF dolls (you know the kind) and plotting gone awry, but not before people have died. Rory gets to do a break-and-enter, she and Rafe become ‘official’ [!] and Longinus faces his lady+love and also finds someone else who can make satisfactory coffee.
It’s a busy book. Totally enjoyable.
Viper and Urchin 4
Celine Jeanjean
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
444 pp, 44.4 points
This book is as great as the rest have been, no cap.
I tried to pull quotes to show you Longinus, but I realized that his quirks aren’t as definable as I’d think. He’s a whole story.
It’s not like the others revolve around him, either. Two of them have their own inner monologues (which are interesting in themselves), then our author likes to throw monkey wrenches around with wild abandon. There’s mechanical spiders, a sister who shouldn’t be there - advocating for a mother who should be dead, an attempted forced governmental change, creepy AF dolls (you know the kind) and plotting gone awry, but not before people have died. Rory gets to do a break-and-enter, she and Rafe become ‘official’ [!] and Longinus faces his lady+love and also finds someone else who can make satisfactory coffee.
It’s a busy book. Totally enjoyable.
February 16, 2020
Ms. Jeanjean is back on track with a great story, thrilling plot and great discussion about politics within Damsport. It's almost like she's been reading the news...
There are so many great parts to this book, but I admit my favorite scene is the Marchioness at the Forum. She is such a powerful speaker. Fair, but powerful.
A great read (even with that tiny grammatical error at the beginning).
There are so many great parts to this book, but I admit my favorite scene is the Marchioness at the Forum. She is such a powerful speaker. Fair, but powerful.
A great read (even with that tiny grammatical error at the beginning).
February 17, 2020
The Doll Maker is the 4th book in the Viper and the Urchin series and it is just as amazing as the first three.
With loads of intrigue, danger, a splash of romance, humor and above all, friendship and loyalty, this book has everything needed to make it a riveting page turner.
Steampunk fantasy at its finest.
With loads of intrigue, danger, a splash of romance, humor and above all, friendship and loyalty, this book has everything needed to make it a riveting page turner.
Steampunk fantasy at its finest.
May 1, 2019
Very enjoyable read
I received an ARC to review. This story was flowed along and grabbed me, just like the other books in the series. We see Rory and Longinus’s characters fleshed out even more. Looking forward to the next book.
I received an ARC to review. This story was flowed along and grabbed me, just like the other books in the series. We see Rory and Longinus’s characters fleshed out even more. Looking forward to the next book.
May 7, 2019
More Damsport adventure
One of their own is attacked and Rory and Longinus’ motley crew springs to action. the fund that The Old Girl is facing trouble, a serious threat to her rule. A ghost from Longinus’ past raises its terrifying head. A good read!
One of their own is attacked and Rory and Longinus’ motley crew springs to action. the fund that The Old Girl is facing trouble, a serious threat to her rule. A ghost from Longinus’ past raises its terrifying head. A good read!
May 28, 2019
What a fun read!! So great to spend time in Damsport and follow these guys' adventures. They continue to grow and bond and evolve, and it's always exciting to see what trouble they'll get into next. Imaginative and quick, this story is sure to grab you.
June 10, 2019
So good
This series is so good! The characters are engaging, hilarious, and earnest. Pacing is good, plot not too obvious, no sketchy "romances." I've read all four in the last three days. A+ and signing up for the newsletter now.
This series is so good! The characters are engaging, hilarious, and earnest. Pacing is good, plot not too obvious, no sketchy "romances." I've read all four in the last three days. A+ and signing up for the newsletter now.
May 5, 2019
I love this series. Both plot and characters work well and each book builds this world. I am now ridiculously invested in all the characters. Already eagerly awaiting the next book.
August 5, 2019
Addicting
I can't get enough of these guys. It's going to be tough going waiting for the next one. I feel like they're a part of my life .
I can't get enough of these guys. It's going to be tough going waiting for the next one. I feel like they're a part of my life .
September 19, 2019
Eagerly waiting the next installment.
I quite enjoyed the continued character development. I can't wait to see where the story takes them next in Airnia.
I quite enjoyed the continued character development. I can't wait to see where the story takes them next in Airnia.
October 24, 2019
Steam punk sass !
Love this Erie’s .. flawed heroes, witty banter, gadgets and plot twists galore. You too will fall in love with Rory and the gang.
Love this Erie’s .. flawed heroes, witty banter, gadgets and plot twists galore. You too will fall in love with Rory and the gang.
July 23, 2020
Very good. Straight forward story telling
May 16, 2023
Short but sweet.
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