The Veiled War - The Viper and the Urchin #8 Paperback

An entertaining and engaging read. My favourite so far.
If you've been following this series, then this lastest installment is treat. It ties up a lot of loose ends from The-Shadow-Palace, and has happy resolutions for my all favourite characters. Intrigue, action, and humour make this a very enjoyable and entertaining read.
We're back in Damsport, where internal strife threatens to tear apart the city, while our heros struggle to deal with personal conflicts, and doing what's right. We see how the citizens of the city come together to deal with new threats. And the best thing ever if you like romance: Longinus has a new love interest and she likes him too.
If you're new to the series, check-out the-bloodless-assassin. It does help to read the stories in order. The first 3 books are also available in a box set for a great deal (The Viper and the Urchin). Or if you want an intro first before diving in, go over to Celine's webpage for a free short story: The Pick Pocket. It's also a very enjoyable read and provides a great insight into Rory's character.
Cheers!

If you've been following this series, then this lastest installment is treat. It ties up a lot of loose ends from The-Shadow-Palace, and has happy resolutions for my all favourite characters. Intrigue, action, and humour make this a very enjoyable and entertaining read.
We're back in Damsport, where internal strife threatens to tear apart the city, while our heros struggle to deal with personal conflicts, and doing what's right. We see how the citizens of the city come together to deal with new threats. And the best thing ever if you like romance: Longinus has a new love interest and she likes him too.
If you're new to the series, check-out the-bloodless-assassin. It does help to read the stories in order. The first 3 books are also available in a box set for a great deal (The Viper and the Urchin). Or if you want an intro first before diving in, go over to Celine's webpage for a free short story: The Pick Pocket. It's also a very enjoyable read and provides a great insight into Rory's character.
Cheers!

Please note: this review may contain minor spoilers for the previous books in this series.
Argh, I�m a terrible ARC reviewer, I swear with each time a new book in this series comes out, my review is even later.

After a brief foray into Adelma�s backstory in the previous book, the-veiled-war reunites us with our favourite ragtag group of spies. Celine was quite smart in inserting The-Opium-Smuggler into the series where she did. Characters introduced in The-Opium-Smuggler had parts to play in this next installment and it was good to already be familiar with them; it would have slowed things down to give them the introduction they needed in this setting.

Once again, we get to see more of Damsport. This time, it�s the Mansion where the Marchioness lives, along with the Damsport prison. The world-building just keeps getting bigger and better in this series.

Character-wise, I think Rafe and Cruickshank were my favourites this time around, even if I did keep wanting to shake Rafe into Just. Talking. To. Rory. But still, I enjoyed the way his arc progressed. Ditto for Cruickshank, as one of the older characters, it was hard seeing her wrestle with the new war coming to their shores.

The political intrigue was also great, especially when you realise how long things have been going on under the characters� noses. I�m looking forward to seeing how this all pans out.

Thank you to Celine Jeanjean for a gratis copy of the-veiled-war in exchange for a review

Argh, I�m a terrible ARC reviewer, I swear with each time a new book in this series comes out, my review is even later.

After a brief foray into Adelma�s backstory in the previous book, the-veiled-war reunites us with our favourite ragtag group of spies. Celine was quite smart in inserting The-Opium-Smuggler into the series where she did. Characters introduced in The-Opium-Smuggler had parts to play in this next installment and it was good to already be familiar with them; it would have slowed things down to give them the introduction they needed in this setting.

Once again, we get to see more of Damsport. This time, it�s the Mansion where the Marchioness lives, along with the Damsport prison. The world-building just keeps getting bigger and better in this series.

Character-wise, I think Rafe and Cruickshank were my favourites this time around, even if I did keep wanting to shake Rafe into Just. Talking. To. Rory. But still, I enjoyed the way his arc progressed. Ditto for Cruickshank, as one of the older characters, it was hard seeing her wrestle with the new war coming to their shores.

The political intrigue was also great, especially when you realise how long things have been going on under the characters� noses. I�m looking forward to seeing how this all pans out.

Thank you to Celine Jeanjean for a gratis copy of the-veiled-war in exchange for a review

Great read, action with humor
Great series continues. Can be read alone, but as part of the series is best for fullest enjoyment. This author writes fast action with an overlay of humor seldom found in the current generation of writers.
If Celine has one short coming it is that she cannot write as fast as I can read.

Great series continues. Can be read alone, but as part of the series is best for fullest enjoyment. This author writes fast action with an overlay of humor seldom found in the current generation of writers.
If Celine has one short coming it is that she cannot write as fast as I can read.

A whole lot going on.
I loved the last book, The-Opium-Smuggler. And I am extremely glad the author chose to write it, as it certainly put Adelma�s coming off the rails in perspective! How the mighty have fallen. But seeing where she starts out in the book, and where she ends up, is very satisfying. Also, seeing little Alice and Pip�s resourcefulness was definitely amusing. You can�t help but cheer them on! In fact, there is a lot happening with the various people we�ve met in Damsport, and I enjoyed seeing them all come together.
So why the four stars?
Because there IS a lot going on, and it is all packed into one fast paced book. I love the large cast of characters, all of them are interesting and unique. But so much is happening to each one of them (and there are new ones), not to mention the overall story arc, I feel like the book could have been longer and not suffered from it.
Don�t get me wrong, the book is still a good read and I am certainly looking forward to seeing how everything plays out in the next one.
I received an ARC of this book for my honest review. But I also purchased it because the series is an interesting one, with a cast of characters that I look forward to reading more about.

I loved the last book, The-Opium-Smuggler. And I am extremely glad the author chose to write it, as it certainly put Adelma�s coming off the rails in perspective! How the mighty have fallen. But seeing where she starts out in the book, and where she ends up, is very satisfying. Also, seeing little Alice and Pip�s resourcefulness was definitely amusing. You can�t help but cheer them on! In fact, there is a lot happening with the various people we�ve met in Damsport, and I enjoyed seeing them all come together.
So why the four stars?
Because there IS a lot going on, and it is all packed into one fast paced book. I love the large cast of characters, all of them are interesting and unique. But so much is happening to each one of them (and there are new ones), not to mention the overall story arc, I feel like the book could have been longer and not suffered from it.
Don�t get me wrong, the book is still a good read and I am certainly looking forward to seeing how everything plays out in the next one.
I received an ARC of this book for my honest review. But I also purchased it because the series is an interesting one, with a cast of characters that I look forward to reading more about.

The latest and just keeps getting better!
An absolute joy to read. The gang back together, Longinus, Rory, Adelma, Cruikshank and Rory, along with new characters. Their characters just keep growing and expanding. It�s like sitting down with old friends and hearing of their latest adventures. Thank You, just Thank You Ms Jeanjean. You do not disappoint!!

Another excellent book. I highly recommend the whole series. This book is not a standalone. I was concerned that this book might become too dark - it certainly starts with several of the main characters in a bad place and I have become so emotionally invested in them that I hurt with them. Fortunately the author has a light touch with a good balance of humour thrown in, though it has enough tension and suspense to ensure I couldn't put it down. There were a few obvious red herrings - I fell for them. It was good to see more of Pip, Alice and Tommy but I like all the characters. Can't wait for the next in the series.

When heroes return home from a war they have won, the world is not the same as when they left.
The Rookery where Rory lived as a girl is threatened by an insidious enemy whose plan to take over the country begins with its destruction. It will take all the ingenuity and courage of our band of heroes to defeat this foe. But there is a slight hitch.
Adelma, shattered by the loss of her right hand, has drowned herself in alcohol. Rafe, terrified by memories of his mother�s insanity which he believes may be his own future, suddenly finds himself without the stabilizing discipline of the Aranguard. Cruikshank, faced with the reality of a world which is far more deadly because of her invention of a sophisticated gun, finds herself constantly second-guessing the consequences of future actions. And Longinus is looking for a wife. How could things get any worse?

Wow! Fantastic Book!
I absolutely loved this book!
Rory and Longinus and the gang really have their work cut out for them in the-veiled-war.
First they have to save Adelma from herself. Adelma feels like she has no reason to go on and is slowly drinking herself to death after losing Raddish and then losing her arm. And if you know Adelma, you know that getting her to do anything she doesn't want to do is no small feat.
Then Rafe notices some really odd things going on when he tries to see the Marchioness. The Varanguard is standing down while new soldiers in scary armour with wicked guns are lurking around every corner.
It will take everything Rory, Longinus, Adelma, Rafe and Cruikshank can do to handle what is planned for the Rookery and the whole of Damsport this time.
You won't want to miss this one if you like Steampunk, Fantasy and a wild, humorous, action-filled ride.

Another excellent book in this series
Another excellent book. I highly recommend the whole series. This book is not a standalone. I was concerned that this book might become too dark - it certainly starts with several of the main characters in a bad place and I have become so emotionally invested in them that I hurt with them. Fortunately the author has a light touch with a good balance of humour thrown in, though it has enough tension and suspense to ensure I couldn't put it down. There were a few obvious red herrings - I fell for them. It was good to see more of Pip, Alice and Tommy but I like all the characters. Can't wait for the next in the series.

Good read
A continuation of our teams adventures now that they�re back in Damsport. This was quite a nice evenings read, and I enjoyed it. The story moved along nicely, and I didn�t feel the need to skim any of the chapters because of the plot dragging. The entire series has been entertaining and I look forward to the next installment. And I�m curious as to the outcome between Longinus and his new friend. I received an ARC, but purchased a copy.

Steampunk in an exotic setting
In the eighth book of this exotic steampunk series our five friends have returned to their hometown of Damsport. To really appreciate the humour and pathos of this thrilling tale you really need to have read the earlier novels in the series. In the-veiled-war we view the changing situation through the eyes of each character in turn. Rory, no longer a street urchin, is a self-assured young woman determined to protect her friends in her former homeland of the Rookery. She and Rafe, the Varanguard have still to resolve their problems from their Arnian venture but Rafe continues to conceal his past. Longinus, �the laconic assassin,� is at his well-groomed best, suited in military style to impress a mysterious date made by a matchmaking service. Meanwhile Cruikshank struggles to control Adelma, whose drinking is sending her in a downward spiral.
But they are all shaken out of their own concerns by suspicious actions at the Mansion. The Marchioness has refused to see anyone and her decrees are out of character. Gradually the friends realise that Damsport is threatened from within and soon even the children are in danger. In a dramatic story full of twists and turns, no-one can be relied upon, but heroism wins through. The comradeship and understanding of these damaged but single-minded individuals saves the day, at least for now.

Another great entry to the series, another reason to start with book one of you haven't yet.
Very good read! This book is part of a series and as such it would be best to read the rest of the series first, including The-Opium-Smuggler as it introduces characters and provides background for this book.
All of the main characters are back here and the story is written from their POV, Rory, Longinus, Rafe, Cruikshank, Adelma and a couple of new POV characters are added.
As any good series does the action is getting fast and heavy here near the end. If you think of the whole series as a single book, this one would be the start of the final third. This is where the climax begins building. This book does tell a complete story but you're left hanging because you know that there's more, the tale isn't done, the big baddie was only beaten not eliminated.
Our favorite characters are really developing now, demons delt with, pasts layed raw, truths stated and love realized.

The Rookery where Rory lived as a girl is threatened by an insidious enemy whose plan to take over the country begins with its destruction. It will take all the ingenuity and courage of our band of heroes to defeat this foe. But there is a slight hitch.
Adelma, shattered by the loss of her right hand, has drowned herself in alcohol. Rafe, terrified by memories of his mother�s insanity which he believes may be his own future, suddenly finds himself without the stabilizing discipline of the Aranguard. Cruikshank, faced with the reality of a world which is far more deadly because of her invention of a sophisticated gun, finds herself constantly second-guessing the consequences of future actions. And Longinus is looking for a wife. How could things get any worse?

I absolutely loved this book!
Rory and Longinus and the gang really have their work cut out for them in the-veiled-war.
First they have to save Adelma from herself. Adelma feels like she has no reason to go on and is slowly drinking herself to death after losing Raddish and then losing her arm. And if you know Adelma, you know that getting her to do anything she doesn't want to do is no small feat.
Then Rafe notices some really odd things going on when he tries to see the Marchioness. The Varanguard is standing down while new soldiers in scary armour with wicked guns are lurking around every corner.
It will take everything Rory, Longinus, Adelma, Rafe and Cruikshank can do to handle what is planned for the Rookery and the whole of Damsport this time.
You won't want to miss this one if you like Steampunk, Fantasy and a wild, humorous, action-filled ride.

An absolute joy to read. The gang back together, Longinus, Rory, Adelma, Cruikshank and Rory, along with new characters. Their characters just keep growing and expanding. It�s like sitting down with old friends and hearing of their latest adventures. Thank You, just Thank You Ms Jeanjean. You do not disappoint!!

Very good read! This book is part of a series and as such it would be best to read the rest of the series first, including The-Opium-Smuggler as it introduces characters and provides background for this book.
All of the main characters are back here and the story is written from their POV, Rory, Longinus, Rafe, Cruikshank, Adelma and a couple of new POV characters are added.
As any good series does the action is getting fast and heavy here near the end. If you think of the whole series as a single book, this one would be the start of the final third. This is where the climax begins building. This book does tell a complete story but you're left hanging because you know that there's more, the tale isn't done, the big baddie was only beaten not eliminated.
Our favorite characters are really developing now, demons delt with, pasts layed raw, truths stated and love realized.

In the eighth book of this exotic steampunk series our five friends have returned to their hometown of Damsport. To really appreciate the humour and pathos of this thrilling tale you really need to have read the earlier novels in the series. In the-veiled-war we view the changing situation through the eyes of each character in turn. Rory, no longer a street urchin, is a self-assured young woman determined to protect her friends in her former homeland of the Rookery. She and Rafe, the Varanguard have still to resolve their problems from their Arnian venture but Rafe continues to conceal his past. Longinus, �the laconic assassin,� is at his well-groomed best, suited in military style to impress a mysterious date made by a matchmaking service. Meanwhile Cruikshank struggles to control Adelma, whose drinking is sending her in a downward spiral.
But they are all shaken out of their own concerns by suspicious actions at the Mansion. The Marchioness has refused to see anyone and her decrees are out of character. Gradually the friends realise that Damsport is threatened from within and soon even the children are in danger. In a dramatic story full of twists and turns, no-one can be relied upon, but heroism wins through. The comradeship and understanding of these damaged but single-minded individuals saves the day, at least for now.

Another excellent book. I highly recommend the whole series. This book is not a standalone. I was concerned that this book might become too dark - it certainly starts with several of the main characters in a bad place and I have become so emotionally invested in them that I hurt with them. Fortunately the author has a light touch with a good balance of humour thrown in, though it has enough tension and suspense to ensure I couldn't put it down. There were a few obvious red herrings - I fell for them. It was good to see more of Pip, Alice and Tommy but I like all the characters. Can't wait for the next in the series.

A continuation of our teams adventures now that they�re back in Damsport. This was quite a nice evenings read, and I enjoyed it. The story moved along nicely, and I didn�t feel the need to skim any of the chapters because of the plot dragging. The entire series has been entertaining and I look forward to the next installment. And I�m curious as to the outcome between Longinus and his new friend. I received an ARC, but purchased a copy.