Title: White Hornet (The Viper and the Urchin #5)
Author: Celine Jeanjean
Genre: Steampunk/fantasy
Intended audience: Upper YA/Adult
Date Read: 13/10/19 – 17/10/19
Rating: ★★★★★
Review:
Please note: this review contains minor spoilers for the previous four books in this series.
If you’ve been following my reviews for a while, you’ll know that there is very little negative I have to say about the Viper and the Urchin series. This instalment is no different.
In White Hornet, the gang are undercover in the neighbouring country of Airnia, on a spy mission for the Old Girl. They have no idea who they can trust, and at any moment, their covers could be blown…
There was so much intrigue going on. I loved seeing the political machinations inside the House of Bel, even as I hated basically everyone there.
There are some really great character moments, from Adelma using alcohol to try to hide how much recent conflicts in Damsport have affected her (and the others noticing anyway), to Rory and Rafe setting some ground rules in their burgeoning relationship and Longinus finding out more about his family.
I really enjoyed Rory dealing with the Airnian fashions. Rory is no noblewoman, so having to put up with bustles and corsets was very much not to her liking and it was incredibly entertaining. XD
Speaking of Airnia, the descriptions were fantastic. I felt like I was in the middle of a steampunk Imperial Russia with all the descriptions of cold and snow and heated carriages, and enormous coats and pelts. A far cry from muggy Damsport.
This is the first book in the series to end on a cliffhanger, and the next book will be out in a few months. I’m intrigued to see how our team goes as they continue to navigate among their enemies!
(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)
You can read my reviews of The Bloodless Assassin (book 1), The Black Orchid (book 2), The Slave City (book 3) and The Doll Maker (book 4) by clicking their titles.
A Keyboard and an Open Mind 
I have such a hard time waiting for the next book in a series when it ends on a cliffhanger! This series sounds wonderful, great review!
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Fortunately it’s not a massive one but the team is very much still in the thick of things. Celine was kind enough to warn readers in advance for those who want to wait until February and read both at once.
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