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About The Opium Smuggler by Celine Jeanjean

Adelma has one dream: to set herself up as a smuggler. But as the daughter of a fisherman, that’s easier said than done.

As she slowly starts to network in the smuggling world, she comes across a man who loudly mocks her looks. What’s a self-respecting wannabe smuggler to do? Punch his lights out, of course. Preferably in front of an audience—adding humiliation to injury.

But the man turns out to be far more powerful than she realised, successfully ensuring no one in the smuggling world will give her work.

With no options left, Adelma turns to one of the most dangerous people in Damsport. No one knows where The Widow comes from, whether she’s truly a widow, or how she came to operate Damsport’s largest criminal network.

Adelma’s first smuggling job is going to be a route that no seasoned smuggler has ever survived. That’s enough of a challenge, but it’ll be even harder with someone after her, determined to make sure she fails.

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Review of The Opium Smuggler

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.

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