The Doll Maker - The Viper and the Urchin #4 Paperback

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.

I love this series
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.

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.

Another good one! Excellent work. I truly enjoyed this one all the way through.

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.

Great read, the evolving characters never cease to impress. Action, adventure, and subtle humor, keep the pace, and make the book hard to put down. Can be read as a stand alone, but best of the previous books are read in order first.

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. “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.

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!

Longinus, Rory, and their friends are hard at work deciphering the jumbled pieces to a plot to overthrow the Old Girl. Who is spearheading it? Who else is in play? What new and terrible weapon is being used in this attempt to overturn the leadership of Damsport? Who is in the line of fire? Who escapes and who is captured? Will our heroes save the day? And what is the proper attire to wear to an interrogation? Hm-m-m.

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 into 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. But don't expect 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.
2 people found this helpful

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.

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!
One person found this helpful

Loved the continuation of this series.
Rory and Longinus are back, along with Cruikshank, Adelma and Rafe! Yay! So entertaining. Everyone is back in Damsport. Fast paced intrigue and political manipulations along with a good dose of humour, and a sprinkling of romance had me zipping through this book. I love that we continue to see both Rory and Longinus grow as characters. Rory is gradually realizing that she's more than the street urchin she use to be, and Longinus continues to try to come to terms with his fears. Rory's relationship with Rafe also continues to develop.
But I read it so quickly... and now have to wait for the next book to find out more about Longinus' family background. Sigh�

Rory and Longinus are back, along with Cruikshank, Adelma and Rafe! Yay! So entertaining. Everyone is back in Damsport. Fast paced intrigue and political manipulations along with a good dose of humour, and a sprinkling of romance had me zipping through this book. I love that we continue to see both Rory and Longinus grow as characters. Rory is gradually realizing that she's more than the street urchin she use to be, and Longinus continues to try to come to terms with his fears. Rory's relationship with Rafe also continues to develop.
But I read it so quickly... and now have to wait for the next book to find out more about Longinus' family background. Sigh�

Suspense, humour and romance in an incredible steampunk city
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!

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!

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)

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)