# The Viper and the Urchin: Books 1-3
## Book 1 – The Bloodless Assassin
- **Introduction to the Gang**
- Skinny pickpocket with dreadlocks
- Foppish assassin with a fear of blood
- Handsome elite fighter with a sardonic raised eyebrow
- Smuggler with a drinking problem and love for brawling
- No-nonsense, heavily tattooed female machinist
- **Setting**
- Victorian London meets tropical world
- City of Damsport
- **Plot Overview**
- Mechanical, steam-powered spider adventure across rooftops
- Cutthroat infested, crookback lanes
- Decadence of Damsport’s steam baths
- Mystery of the dead alchemist in the baths
- **Key Themes**
- Quirky characters and humor
- Adventure and missions
- Team dynamics and conflicts
## Book 2 – The Black Orchid
- **New Setting**
- Luxurious black and gold brothel
- Flow of wine and silk like water
- **Plot Overview**
- Mysterious disappearances among clientele
- Investigations and uncovering secrets
- **Character Development**
- Deepening relationships within the gang
- Individual fears and motivations explored
- **Key Themes**
- Debauchery and luxury
- Mystery and suspense
- Humor and snarky banter
## Book 3 – The Slave City
- **Exotic Locale**
- City of Azyr with Arabian nights atmosphere
- Mechanized elephants
- **Plot Overview**
- Central arena with bloodstained sand
- White marble palace housing a mad tyrant
- Gang's mission in the slave city
- **Character Arcs**
- Growth and transformation of each gang member
- Facing personal challenges and fears
- **Key Themes**
- Oppression and rebellion
- Adventure and danger
- Unlikely friendships and teamwork
## Overall Series Themes
- **Quirky Characters**
- Unique traits and personalities
- Dynamic interactions and banter
- **Steampunk Elements**
- Mechanical inventions and innovations
- Victorian and tropical fusion settings
- **Adventure and Humor**
- Missions filled with action and comedy
- Balancing serious stakes with light-hearted moments
- **Strong Female Lead**
- Central role of the no-nonsense machinist
- Representation of strong female characters
## Perfect For Fans Of
- Lindsay Buroker
- Terry Pratchett
- Gail Carriger
- Shelley Adina
- Joseph Lallo
- Tilly Wallace
- CJ Archer