The Slave City - The Viper and the Urchin #3 Paperback

Rory and Longinus were supposed to be spies for Lady Martha, but things have been pretty boring Damsport. Luckily, Lady Martha has received a letter from Azyr stating there is a rebellion and they need Damsport’s help. Rory, Longinus, Adelma, Cruikshank and Rafe head over to help the rebels and save a machinist from Damsport who’s been imprisoned. But once there are there, something feels off and they realize someone has betrayed them. Now they have to save themselves before they can rescue anyone else.
We have seen a lot from the perspectives of Rory and Longinus in the previous books, but this one we get the story from Cruikshank and Adelma as well. It’s 3rd person but it does a great job of introducing readers to those characters. Cruikshank really is like a mother hen to the team, in her own way. She definitely likes to keep order! Adelma is a fun character to read about as well. She comes off as a loose cannon but we learn there is more to her than that in this story.
This book takes place in a new city and once again the world building was great. There were new sights and ways of life that were really brought to life in this book. The beginning was definitely world building but once the action picks up, it doesn’t stop. There is also a theme of emotional growth in this book. Rory has been holding onto some past trauma and it has been affecting her most of her life. As she goes through this situation I. are, she learns that it’s not always best to hold onto the past and I loved that for her character.

Wonderful Twists!!!
I absolutely loved this one. Packed with suspense and action, the-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.

I absolutely loved this one. Packed with suspense and action, the-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.

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 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.

Wonderful plot twists in all of them
Grand work of steampunk fiction. Most enjoyable, Start to finish in one setting, couldn�t put it down it was so good. Read the whole series, it won�t disappoint and the only bad thing is the waiting for the next one!

Grand work of steampunk fiction. Most enjoyable, Start to finish in one setting, couldn�t put it down it was so good. Read the whole series, it won�t disappoint and the only bad thing is the waiting for the next one!

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.

I have a great aversion to slavery
Imagine having your station in life decided by a stud in your eyebrow. Ugh. Imagine living in a city separated into three tiers, each separated by high walls, each reachable only by a single set of stairs climbing ever higher with those on the bottom with little water and less hope, with those in the middle only sightly better, and then an elite at the top controlling the water supply for all. Toss in a not-so-secret revolution, a Romanesque circus, a mad ruler, an evil behind-the-scenes manipulator, and our heroes -- Rory, Longinus, Adelna, Cruikshank, and Rafe -- and get set for daring and scary adventures.

Imagine having your station in life decided by a stud in your eyebrow. Ugh. Imagine living in a city separated into three tiers, each separated by high walls, each reachable only by a single set of stairs climbing ever higher with those on the bottom with little water and less hope, with those in the middle only sightly better, and then an elite at the top controlling the water supply for all. Toss in a not-so-secret revolution, a Romanesque circus, a mad ruler, an evil behind-the-scenes manipulator, and our heroes -- Rory, Longinus, Adelna, Cruikshank, and Rafe -- and get set for daring and scary adventures.

A fantastic adventure !
I was so happy to have another adventure with Rory and Longinus! the-slave-city is a great story set in a foreign land (foreign even to the Damsport folks!) I love how Celine can make me feel that unique sense of wonder at being in a completely new environment. The details are utterly transporting. There are edge-of-seat gripping moments and yet the story still has a good bit of humor and just fun adventures. As usual, Celine lets her characters grow and learn with every experience. A fantastic tale. If you haven�t yet met Rory and Longinus you owe it to yourself to start at the beginning of the series!

I was so happy to have another adventure with Rory and Longinus! the-slave-city is a great story set in a foreign land (foreign even to the Damsport folks!) I love how Celine can make me feel that unique sense of wonder at being in a completely new environment. The details are utterly transporting. There are edge-of-seat gripping moments and yet the story still has a good bit of humor and just fun adventures. As usual, Celine lets her characters grow and learn with every experience. A fantastic tale. If you haven�t yet met Rory and Longinus you owe it to yourself to start at the beginning of the series!

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)

I love this series.
I love this series. If you haven't read it yet, start with the "the-bloodless-assassin" or the prequel, "The Pick Pocket". In particular, there's a lot of references in the-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 love this series. If you haven't read it yet, start with the "the-bloodless-assassin" or the prequel, "The Pick Pocket". In particular, there's a lot of references in the-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).

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.

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

feelgood book with strong characters belieable characters
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.

Vivid characters in a thrilling world
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

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.

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

Engaging Read, had to keep reading!
Very enjoyable romp in Celine JeanJean�s Viper and Urchin world. Additional characters from earlier in the series have been fleshed out more. I like the depth and breadth of this world, totally believable. Rory and The Viper and pals get themselves in hot water again on a rescue mission in a well beveloped all too believable foreign land. Lots of twists and turns, full of action and a great deal of intrigue.
I always like the steampunk type machinery. And I always like this author�s work. A worthwhile read, definitely.