The Assassins' Guild

The Viper and the Urchin #1.5

by Celine Jeanjean

The problems begin when Rory and Longinus are summoned to the Assassins' Guild.

Longinus wants Rory to change into something more elegant - not going to happen.

Rory can't make Longinus stop calling her his assistant.

Their problems get worse when the Guildmaster asks them both to investigate an attack against her and find out who is behind it. If they fail, the consequences will be....unpleasant. And it looks like the attempted assassination is mixed up in dangerous Guild politics.

Between their arguments and making sure the assassins they’re investigating don’t kill them, it's one hell of a challenge.


Please note this novella can be enjoyed as a standalone, or if you want to follow chronological order, it's best read after The Bloodless Assassin, book 1 in the series.

Kindle Edition

First published July 5, 2021

About the author

Celine 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.

Reviews

[Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice short read, a novella featuring Longinus, who is temporarily suspended from the Assassins Guild, and his partner in crime, Rory, who thinks of herself as his partner but becomes his apprentice when Longinus is summoned to see the Guildmaster. This builds on the relationship between the pair, following on from The Bloodless Assassin. I liked the bickering between the two: Rory is an urchin with street smarts, Longinus is desperate to redeem himself and his family, and likes the finer things in life. They bounce off each other very well. There is more world building about the politics and hierarchy of the Guild, and the craft itself. I look forward to the next in this series.

[Liza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought it was a great little book.

Logic says that assassinations by poison are great since they can hide the crime. The concept of an assassin who faints at the sight of blood is amusing.

Longinus has been suspended because his fainting embarrasses the Guild. He hopes that carrying out a task will reverse the decision.

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read at least two other books of this series and enjoyed both of them! This one was no exception. The book is well written the plot is easily followed and the characters are quite interesting. If you have an open mind, you should enjoy this book. I definitely recommend it.

[Doreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice and short read, fits in perfectly even after completing the series

[Jim Grogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A between book background builder to fill in a few gaps I'm their adventures so far as always very good

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really liking Jeanjean's writing. This was a 1.5 story so short with the groundwork laid by the 1.0 book. Steampunk.

[C.A. Morley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Longinus and Rory have formed a partnership, but it is put to the test when they encounter experienced killers from the Assassin's Guild. Although Longinus has grown up in the industry, Rory is new to the world of hitmen. Despite their differences, someone is out for blood and it’s up to Longinus and Rory to stop them. However, Longinus has a fear of blood that could put their mission and their lives at risk. Will he be able to redeem himself and be reinstated in the guild or will he get himself and his new partner killed? I really liked how Rory used her scrappy style and wits in this story. And Longinus has a beautiful, but tortured soul. It’s recommended that readers start with the first book, The Bloodless Assassin, before diving into this novella.