* Free shipping does not apply to: plain books, pillows, blankets, travel mugs, etc and PRE-ORDERS.
CHAPTER 1
Jeremiah sat on the step before his front door, watching as his daughter, Adelma, considered taking her first step.
It was late afternoon, the sun low and yellow. It made a fine halo of Adelma’s dark baby curls, tingeing them with gold, and turned the sea in the Damsian Enclosed Docks to the colour of beaten brass.
The mad chaos of the docks was starting to slow, leaving ships to sway gently in their berths, their masts like a forest jutting out of the sea. A few voices still rang out here and there, final orders being called as dockworkers wrapped everything up for the evening.
Jeremiah’s house opened directly onto the docks, the perfect spot for a fisherman. He had lived in that house his whole life and had grown up among the smells of the docks. Back when Damsport was just a slum, the smells of rotten seafood had mixed with the thick waft of silt and algae, but now it was a whole other kettle of fish.
Old spices, animal dung, meat on the turn that glistened with an oily sheen, sweat from all the dock workers, bruised fruit, spoiled vegetables, and lots he couldn’t identify mingled together as more and more ships arrived each day, bringing exotic cargo.
There was a new smell, too, of late—the acrid coal smoke of steam-powered boats. They were an unusual sight, so the one carefully manoeuvring out in the docks was drawing a crowd. Its engine coughed and wheezed heavy puffs of black smoke from its single chimney as it moved awkwardly.
“Steam power,” Jeremiah scoffed to himself. He turned to Adelma. “Ridiculous. That’ll never take, my girl. You mark my words. Ain’t replacing a good sail and a strong wind. Them fools what are working with steam are wasting their time. Now come on, come to your Da.” He stretched out his arms.
Adelma gurgled happily, stretching her own arms open in reply and swaying like a drunken sailor on her chubby legs, but still, she didn’t walk.
“One foot in front of the other now,” Jeremiah coaxed, still gesturing with his hands.
Adelma squealed and gurgled again. Then she seemed to decide to move forward and lost her balance, falling back on her bum. She hiccupped from the shock of it, looking up at her father, her mouth an O of surprise. She wore only a yellowed cloth nappy, the fabric speaking of the many, many washes it had been through. Her bare brown belly bulged over the top of it. She was so small, so fragile, her brown skin looking pale compared to Jeremiah’s weather-beaten and sun-darkened hide.
Jeremiah laughed, and Adelma broke into a smile in response, delighted. “Come on, my girl.” Jeremiah set her back on her feet. “Let’s try again.”
Today was Adelma’s first birthday, and so Jeremiah had taken the day off from fishing to mourn and celebrate. Adelma’s mother—also called Adelma, as Jeremiah had named his daughter for his wife—had died in childbirth.
“Come on, Adelma,” Jeremiah repeated, waggling his fingers.
She took a hesitant step, wobbling dangerously.
“There you go… There you go!” Jeremiah called out excitedly, prouder than a peacock on parade day. “There you go, my darling girl. Come to your Da.”
A couple walked past at that moment. Their clothes were expensive enough to make it clear they weren’t from this part of town. The woman held on to the crook of her husband’s arm, her nose wrinkling in disgust at the riot of smells. She cast a glance at Jeremiah and Adelma.
Adelma chose that moment to take her second wobbly step, falling forward. Jeremiah caught her and swept her up in his arms, laughing. “I gotcha. You remember that, my girl. Your old man’s always got your back.”
He felt a twinge of sadness at the words. Adelma should have had a mother standing behind her, too. Jeremiah felt oh-so keenly aware of his responsibility. He was the only person Adelma had in the world. He had to not only keep her safe, but also make sure she would continue to be safe even once his time had come.
“Did you see that girl?” the woman asked her husband as they walked past. “She must be two or maybe three, and she doesn’t even walk yet. Disgraceful. I tell you, people in this part of town are little more than savages, and that baby is clearly retarded.”
Jeremiah felt a rush of icy anger at the words. Adelma was easily larger than a two-year-old, but no matter how big she was, it didn’t make up for the fact that she had only been alive for a year, and therefore couldn’t quite walk yet.
He stood up, shifting Adelma so he held her with one arm, keeping her balanced on his hip. He hurried after the couple. “Excuse me.”
The couple stopped and looked back, surprised. The woman had the good grace to look sheepish when she caught sight of Adelma.
Jeremiah backhanded the woman across the face hard enough to send her sprawling to the ground in a cry of pain and shock. Before her husband could react, Jeremiah punched him in square in the stomach. The man made a sound like a bladder deflating, and he slowly sank to his knees, groaning with pain.
“My daughter is one year old,” he informed the prone woman, who looked up at him with fear, holding her reddening cheek. “She might be big, but she’s only one, so it’s perfectly normal for her to only be taking her first steps today. In fact, I reckon them was the best first steps anyone’s took in the Rookery. So you say anything about my daughter being retarded again, and I’ll knock every one of your teeth out. Every. Last. Tooth. Got it?”
Jeremiah turned to the husband. “Nothing personal,” he added. “Didn’t want to risk you trying to defend your wife. Got my daughter here to think of.” He patted Adelma’s back. “Couldn’t have you swinging for me and hitting my Adelma. It’s her birthday, after all.”
The husband didn’t reply, still curled around his winded stomach.
“It’ll take you a while to get your breath back,” Jeremiah told him, not unkindly. “I punch pretty damn hard.” He turned and walked away.
Adelma had watched the whole scene unfold in silence, her eyes wide. She held on to her father’s neck with her chubby arms, looking back over his shoulder. She had her mother’s eyes, wide and dark, but everything else about her features came straight from Jeremiah. And he had one ugly mug—a forehead like a stack of books and a nose like a butcher’s cleaver. Jeremiah wasn’t one for vanity, and he hoped Adelma wouldn’t be, either.
He kissed her cheek to reassure her. “You see, Adelma, my girl, that is how we deal with people what insult us. Retaliation is key—never ever let a slight against you pass without answering it. I’ll teach you how. Don’t you worry yourself none for now, my darling girl. Your old Da’s gonna keep you safe.”
Jeremiah opened his front door and ducked low to pass beneath the doorframe, which had been built for regular-sized people. He knew from experience that the world wasn’t always kind to those who were as freakishly big and ugly as him. The jokes, the sniggers, the snide comments saying that only a blind woman would look twice at him. It was likely to be even worse for a girl who looked like that.
Well, he’d make sure Adelma was ready. The world wasn’t going to dare say a bad word about her—he’d see to that.
“I got us a special treat for dinner on account that it’s your birthday,” Jeremiah told Adelma. He blew a raspberry in Adelma’s neck, making her squeal with laughter, and then put her down gently. She didn’t stay standing for long, dropping down to a sturdier sitting position, keeping her eyes on him. Jeremiah smiled at her and closed the door, shutting out the world and all its nastiness.
Real customer stories
4.84 ★ (864)
Verified
Customers said this origin story provides deep character insight into Adelma's journey from fisherman's daughter to smuggler. "Action packed" with vivid world-building and engaging relationships. While some found it more serious than earlier series entries, readers praised the "well written" backstory. Best enjoyed after reading the main series for full context.
- 5 stars: 21 (62%)
- 4 stars: 13 (38%)
- 3 stars: 0 (0%)
- 2 stars: 0 (0%)
- 1 star: 0 (0%)
J
Jessie It's Adelma! Everyone's favorite heavy-drinking, ax-wielding smuggler!
If you�ve followed my book reading advice over the last years you have already read The Viper and the Urchin series. If you need another reminder of that recommendation the series starts here: the-bloodless-assassin. Quick, go read those books.
On that?
Great, now that you are caught up The-Opium-Smuggler takes a step back from the series and gives the backstory for Adelma, everyone�s favorite heavy-drinking, ax-wielding smuggler.
If I were to be at all critical of this story it would be to say that it seems that the messages, and even a bit of a moral, is laid out with a heavy hand. And I did feel that way for a bit and then I realized that this book is about Adelma. The woman who does anything she pleases, as she pleases, with two axes to back up her decisions, all while drinking men under the table and running her own smuggling ship. Adelma knows no way of approaching a situation other than head on. There is no subtlety about her (unless she�s sneaking something through customs), no pretense. So why should I be surprised when the same is true of her finding her way earlier in life? So, if this book approaches those life lessons with the heavy hands used to brawl and work, I forgive it. This is Adelma�s story and it wouldn�t ring true any other way.
Would I recommend it?
While this book could be read as a stand alone, I think it would be best to read it in conjunction with the rest of the series. However if you have read any of The Viper and The Urchin book and have met Adelma, you will absolutely want to know how she started her smuggling journey and her relationship with Radish!
J
Jessie If you�ve followed my book reading advice over the last years you have already read The Viper and the Urchin series. If you need another reminder of that recommendation the series starts here: the-bloodless-assassin. Quick, go read those books.
On that?
Great, now that you are caught up The-Opium-Smuggler takes a step back from the series and gives the backstory for Adelma, everyone�s favorite heavy-drinking, ax-wielding smuggler.
If I were to be at all critical of this story it would be to say that it seems that the messages, and even a bit of a moral, is laid out with a heavy hand. And I did feel that way for a bit and then I realized that this book is about Adelma. The woman who does anything she pleases, as she pleases, with two axes to back up her decisions, all while drinking men under the table and running her own smuggling ship. Adelma knows no way of approaching a situation other than head on. There is no subtlety about her (unless she�s sneaking something through customs), no pretense. So why should I be surprised when the same is true of her finding her way earlier in life? So, if this book approaches those life lessons with the heavy hands used to brawl and work, I forgive it. This is Adelma�s story and it wouldn�t ring true any other way.
Would I recommend it?
While this book could be read as a stand alone, I think it would be best to read it in conjunction with the rest of the series. However if you have read any of The Viper and The Urchin book and have met Adelma, you will absolutely want to know how she started her smuggling journey and her relationship with Radish!
R
RB Good next book in the series
Very suspenseful and a surprising turn of events. Damsport and The Marchioness are in serious trouble. Rafe struggles with his demons, as does Adelma. On the lighter side, Longinus is looking for a wife with a lovely twist. I�m looking forward to the next installment!
R
RB Very suspenseful and a surprising turn of events. Damsport and The Marchioness are in serious trouble. Rafe struggles with his demons, as does Adelma. On the lighter side, Longinus is looking for a wife with a lovely twist. I�m looking forward to the next installment!
J
JetGirl A grand adventure!
I am a huge fan of this series, and this book was not a disappointment ! Adelma is a fun character in the series, and it was a lot of fun to see her as a child and to follow her adventures in becoming a smuggler. Her back story adds a lot of depth to her part in the rest of the series as well. I am always impressed by the way Ms. Jeanjean invites her readers into the lives of her characters with such vivid details both in the world and in the qualities and flaws of her characters. They are all so relatable I could read a story like this about the most minor personalities in the books. I can hardly wait for the next one!
J
JetGirl I am a huge fan of this series, and this book was not a disappointment ! Adelma is a fun character in the series, and it was a lot of fun to see her as a child and to follow her adventures in becoming a smuggler. Her back story adds a lot of depth to her part in the rest of the series as well. I am always impressed by the way Ms. Jeanjean invites her readers into the lives of her characters with such vivid details both in the world and in the qualities and flaws of her characters. They are all so relatable I could read a story like this about the most minor personalities in the books. I can hardly wait for the next one!
E
Ed A. A well written story involving Adelma and her past. However I wasn’t able to get into it like the others in the series. Your mileage may vary, so give this one a chance. BTW I received an ARC for review.
E
Ed A. Adelma�s story
A well written story involving Adelma and her past. However I wasn�t able to get into it like the others in the series. Your mileage may vary, so give this one a chance. BTW I received an ARC for review.
E
Ed A. A well written story involving Adelma and her past. However I wasn�t able to get into it like the others in the series. Your mileage may vary, so give this one a chance. BTW I received an ARC for review.
K
Kristin G. While this book did not have all the characters we love so much from this series, I enjoyed learning about Adelma’s life and how she became the person we know from the books now.
This book was auctioned packed as Adelma not only works hard for a place in the world on smuggling but also learns to let people into her life and trust more than herself. I highly recommend this book!
I received an ARC copy of this book. This did not influence my review! I could not put the book down.
M
Mickey A nail biting read.
The-Opium-Smuggler has a unique main character. Adelma is rough, tough, independent, and has learned that in life, the only one she can depend on is herself. She�s not nice, and if anyone disrespects her, she�ll make them sorry. She�s smart, confident in her skills and will risk everything to pursue her dreams.
This story line will have you biting your nails a bit while you find out whether Adelma learns in time, that friends are important, and sometimes, nice is better than mean. Or she just might end up losing everything.
I found this a bit more of a serious read than previous viper & urchin books, but very well written. The story line isn�t tied to the other stories, so can be read as a stand alone. For something lighter, I highly recommend the-bloodless-assassin, or sign up for The Pick Pocket. A free book from Celine Jeanjean�s blog.
K
Kristin G. Action packed fun
While this book did not have all the characters we love so much from this series, I enjoyed learning about Adelma�s life and how she became the person we know from the books now.
This book was auctioned packed as Adelma not only works hard for a place in the world on smuggling but also learns to let people into her life and trust more than herself. I highly recommend this book!
I received an ARC copy of this book. This did not influence my review! I could not put the book down.
M
Mickey The-Opium-Smuggler has a unique main character. Adelma is rough, tough, independent, and has learned that in life, the only one she can depend on is herself. She�s not nice, and if anyone disrespects her, she�ll make them sorry. She�s smart, confident in her skills and will risk everything to pursue her dreams.
This story line will have you biting your nails a bit while you find out whether Adelma learns in time, that friends are important, and sometimes, nice is better than mean. Or she just might end up losing everything.
I found this a bit more of a serious read than previous viper & urchin books, but very well written. The story line isn�t tied to the other stories, so can be read as a stand alone. For something lighter, I highly recommend the-bloodless-assassin, or sign up for The Pick Pocket. A free book from Celine Jeanjean�s blog.
K
Kristin G. While this book did not have all the characters we love so much from this series, I enjoyed learning about Adelma�s life and how she became the person we know from the books now.
This book was auctioned packed as Adelma not only works hard for a place in the world on smuggling but also learns to let people into her life and trust more than herself. I highly recommend this book!
I received an ARC copy of this book. This did not influence my review! I could not put the book down.
E
Emma great book but bitter sweet
This book is harder to review than most books in the Viper and the Urchin series. I kept wondering how I would feel had I not read the other books. It is bitter sweet, I found knowing more backstory whilst knowing what happens next painful. As in all the other books the characters are great and it is impossible not to become invested in them. I liked that some of the consequences for drinking alcohol to excess were shown even as in other books I like that characters drink freely without much judgement. Can't wait for the next book in the series which I recommend to everyone.
E
Emma This book is harder to review than most books in the Viper and the Urchin series. I kept wondering how I would feel had I not read the other books. It is bitter sweet, I found knowing more backstory whilst knowing what happens next painful. As in all the other books the characters are great and it is impossible not to become invested in them. I liked that some of the consequences for drinking alcohol to excess were shown even as in other books I like that characters drink freely without much judgement. Can't wait for the next book in the series which I recommend to everyone.
E
Emily W. When Celine first offered me an ARC of The Opium Smuggler, warning me that it was not a continuation of the Viper and the Urchin series but in fact an origin story for our favourite smuggler, Adelma, I was still keen to read it. I thought it was be a rollicking, fun romp. I did not expect to get quite so invested!
As usual, the world building is brilliant, from Adelma’s father’s clever method of ensuring lobster pots remained underwater and away from thieving hands, to the quarantine systems in the docks of the various countries. Once again we get to visit a new country, this time Terraverre, run by a benevolent dictator, and seemingly almost perfect. But as usual, there is something darker beneath the surface.
I loved Adelma’s plans to be the first person to successfully smuggle opium into Terraverre, and I loved how in character some of her terrible decisions were.
I also absolutely adored her burgeoning relationship with Radish! She was so in denial about any feelings she had. Radish had to put up with a lot, but he wasn’t perfect either. And knowing how deeply they came to care for each other just made it extra enjoyable.
While I’m definitely looking forward to getting back to the usual cast of characters with the next book in the series, I very much enjoyed this diversion! Thanks again Celine for such consistently great books!
(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)
E
Emily W. When Celine first offered me an ARC of The-Opium-Smuggler, warning me that it was not a continuation of the Viper and the Urchin series but in fact an origin story for our favourite smuggler, Adelma, I was still keen to read it. I thought it was be a rollicking, fun romp. I did not expect to get quite so invested!
As usual, the world building is brilliant, from Adelma�s father�s clever method of ensuring lobster pots remained underwater and away from thieving hands, to the quarantine systems in the docks of the various countries. Once again we get to visit a new country, this time Terraverre, run by a benevolent dictator, and seemingly almost perfect. But as usual, there is something darker beneath the surface.
I loved Adelma�s plans to be the first person to successfully smuggle opium into Terraverre, and I loved how in character some of her terrible decisions were.
I also absolutely adored her burgeoning relationship with Radish! She was so in denial about any feelings she had. Radish had to put up with a lot, but he wasn�t perfect either. And knowing how deeply they came to care for each other just made it extra enjoyable.
While I�m definitely looking forward to getting back to the usual cast of characters with the next book in the series, I very much enjoyed this diversion! Thanks again Celine for such consistently great books!
(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)
C
Cari More than I Expected
I enjoyed this book much more than I expected to. Let me clarify, I have enjoyed all the books in this series and expected to like this one as well. But, the premise just didn�t grab me when I first heard about it. It felt like it would be a deviation from the storyline, a bit of a filler book� it wasn�t. I loved this book! And in fact, it came at a perfect time in the series considering what Adelma went through in The-Shadow-Palace. Almost like a flashback episode that launches you into the rest of the series, but with a more indepth understanding of the storyline all around.
Fair warning, it has a happy ending. I say fair warning because anyone who has read the series will know why that might be a bit of a punch-in-the-gut.
I received an ARC of this book for my honest review. But as always, I will also purchase it because the series is an interesting one with a cast of characters that I enjoy reading about.
C
Cari I enjoyed this book much more than I expected to. Let me clarify, I have enjoyed all the books in this series and expected to like this one as well. But, the premise just didn�t grab me when I first heard about it. It felt like it would be a deviation from the storyline, a bit of a filler book� it wasn�t. I loved this book! And in fact, it came at a perfect time in the series considering what Adelma went through in The-Shadow-Palace. Almost like a flashback episode that launches you into the rest of the series, but with a more indepth understanding of the storyline all around.
Fair warning, it has a happy ending. I say fair warning because anyone who has read the series will know why that might be a bit of a punch-in-the-gut.
I received an ARC of this book for my honest review. But as always, I will also purchase it because the series is an interesting one with a cast of characters that I enjoy reading about.
d
david A grand addition!
What can I say, a wonderful addition to this series. Aledma�s story is first rate. Gives one much insight to her personality. It is well worth reading just for her. Awesome book, awesome series. Waiting for the next book from one of my favorite authors, thank you Ms Jean , just thank you!
J
Jane F. Awesome backstory for a central character
Adelma is a super fun character in The Viper and the Urchin series by Celine Jeanjean.
The-Opium-Smuggler takes the reader back into Adelma's youth to show us how she became the badass smuggler she is today.
From hair raising smuggling schemes to wild revenge plots to watching her finally dare to trust someone besides herself and her father, Adelma's story takes us on a wild and fun ride.
I highly recommend it.
D
Dan H. Adelma's back story. An important part of the series.
Adelma's backstory, the story of how she becomes a smuggler, of what makes her tick and of her love for Radish. It does work as a stand alone story but it's best as follow up in the Viper and the Urchin series, this would be book 7 in the series but could be read at anytime after belong introduced to Adelma, after book 2 at the least but I feel you don't really get a feel for Adelma until after book 6.
It's most definitely not a happy feel good story, at least until the very end. But Adelma isn't a happy feel good kinda person. Her reaction to what happens to Radish in another book makes more sense now.
I would not have read this book of I hadn't read the rest of the series already but because I'm invested in the series I want to know more about all the characters. This book filed in gaps of knowledge and it wasn't so long as to bore.
The point of this rambling review is this, read the rest of the series first, it's most definitely worth it. Then read this book, it will make things click and you'll enjoy it more.
r
rann Enjoyed getting to know Adelma a little better.
The story of Adelma�s earlier life gives perspective on Adelma and how she got to be who she is.
Adelma is influenced by her father who she loved very much. �You see, Adelma, my girl, that is how we deal with people what insult us. Retaliation is key � never ever let a slight against you pass without answering it.� This advice from her father made Adelma a force to be reckoned with. From the first time she was bullied � to Assurak, the man who mocks Adelma early in this story. Adelma likes to throw punches first and ask questions never. Pop also said, �People always let you down. At the end of the day, you can only rely on me and on yourself.� Wise words that make Adelma trust no one and believe that everyone has a game.
Adelma is influenced by her love of the sea, having grown up fishing with her father. She sails the boat her father left her. She is a very capable sailor and because of that believes the life a smuggler will do just fine for her. After a few small successes, she can�t resist the opportunity to join up with the Widow.
And she is influenced by Radish, who will become the love of her life. The contentious relationship between Adelma and Radish is highly entertaining.
The story also introduced Two Planks who will become Rory�s friend. Rory and the rest of the crew are all absent from this story. This is Adelma�s story alone.
Honestly, I wasn�t sure if I would like The-Opium-Smuggler. Adelma is my least favorite character in The Viper and the Urchin series. She is loud, sometimes obnoxious, always drinking and often thinks the best way to handle a sticky or annoying situation is through violence. So no, Adelma has not endeared herself to me.
But I truly enjoyed getting to know Adelma a little better. Readers of the series should check this out. If you have not been reading this series, don�t worry. The-Opium-Smuggler stands entirely on it�s own.
Thanks to the author who provided a copy of her book in exchange for my honest review.
You may also like
Hi! I'm Celine
I write different flavours of fantasy with a twist, but always with one uniting thread: quirky, flawed characters and heart-warming found families.
My books span the sub-genres of steampunk (but set in a secondary, tropical world) urban fantasy (set in Asia and London) and gothic gaslamp fantasy.
I'm French, grew up in the UK, and for the last few years I've been living a life of nomadic adventure, exploring the world with my laptop as my constant companion. My adventures have been a great source of inspiration for my stories.
These days I'm trying to figure out where in the world I might stop and setup some bookshelves.
I love to hear from readers, so feel free to contact me at with our contact form.
