Rosie’s #Bookreview Team #RBRT The Viper and the Urchin by @CelineJeanjean

Today’s team review comes from Crystin, she blogs at https://crystinlgoodwin.wordpress.com/

Crystin chose to read and review The Viper and the Urchin by Celine Jeanjean

Title: The Viper and the Urchin by Celine Jeanjean

• Genre: Steampunk mystery

 

Longinus isn’t your typical assassin. He’s a gentleman assassin – the most elegant assassin in Damsport. As such, he doesn’t rely on messy methods of killing, like using swords or daggers. No, no, real assassins use poison.

Of course, the fact that Longinus can’t stand the sight of blood has nothing to do with his preference.

But when orphaned waif Rory discovers his secret, Longinus is blackmailed into teaching her how to sword fight. As if that wasn’t embarrassing enough, a mysterious rival assassin is taking credit for Longinus’s kills – and copying his poisons. When Rory and Longinus realize they’re the assassin’s next target, it’s a race against time to uncover the impostor’s identity … but they discover far more than they bargained for.

I have to admit, this book was a surprising delight. I love sassy characters, and let me tell you: both Longinus and Rory are as sassy as they come. This isn’t a typical steampunk either – rather, it’s more of a low fantasy with steampunk flavor. I heartily approve of the mix, and the mystery element was also fairly well done. I did have one or two moments where I felt things were a little too convenient – but overall, it didn’t interfere with my enjoyment of the story. If anything, it probably added to the humor: I would snort to myself and roll my eyes … but kept right on reading.

I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a fun read, especially one who likes unique, well developed characters – cause this book had a few of them. The same goes to readers who enjoy discovering new worlds and exploring new genres. There’s just enough fantasy/steampunk/mystery/action/romance/suspense woven all together to give readers a taste of each without being overpowering. Well, except for the action – there’s a lot of action. Sword fights, street chases, a race to save the country … those are essentials to any good book. 😉

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I discovered this book because I’m a proud member of Rosie’s Book Review Team!

Find a copy here from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com