The Viper's Revenge by Todd Shuler is a work of historical fiction and the second book in the Dew on Ginkgo Leaves series. The novel opens with an apprehensive scene. Huimin, the Emperor and Empress’s chief attendant, has allegedly been kidnapped by the influential Golden Ginkgo Society (GGS), which poses a deadly threat to the Dragon Throne of China. Having carried out successful missions in the past, General Yu Luan, an adviser and close confidante to the Emperor, and his strong-willed and brave wife, Jade Flower, work on identifying the informant who is working with the GGS and has close contact with the dynasty. As the threat continues to grow and the GGS’s audacity increases, Yu Luan and Jade Flower become more aware of the risk the dynasty is facing.

Todd Shuler weaves Yu Luan and Jade Flower’s volatile personal relationship into their dangerous mission of protecting the Dragon Throne. Their conversations and perspectives bring out their personalities and flaws, which makes them realistic as the main protagonists in the story. Their close friends Ching and Anbai are also significant to the novel as they help Yu Luan and Jade Flower navigate their personal lives. Their wisdom is also critical to the mission. The plot is peppered with many risky events and, for a while, the truth about the person behind the dreaded GGS is shrouded in mystery. Though resolute and fearless, Jade Flower is deeply flawed. Many times, her impulsiveness and short temper jeopardize the mission. With the help of her friends, she begins to grow and her progress is covered in the novel, another aspect I appreciated about the book. Even though I have not read the first book in the series, I was able to dive right into this one. The novel is well-written in all aspects. The Viper's Revenge by Todd Shuler is a gripping read that combines the uncertainty of a treacherous assignment with the dramatic scenes of a young couple’s relationship.

After twenty-eight-year-old General Yu Luan and his wife, Jade Flower, had saved the empire and the Dragon Throne from being overthrown by the Golden Ginkgo Society, they witness another threat by the same group in the form of a note that warns of the fall of the empire in 90 days. Additionally, the chief attendant of the Emperor is kidnapped, prompting the Emperor to send a warrior troop on an assignment to Shanghai, a city that is home to many members of the Golden Ginkgo Society. As they journey towards Shanghai, the elite warriors, including Jade Flower and her husband, encounter some wild animals that seem out of place on the path they traveled. Has the mission been compromised? Find out in The Viper's Revenge: Book 2 of the Dew on Ginkgo Leaves by Todd Shuler.

Set in a world of sword-wielding samurais and brick-hard Fung Fu warriors, The Viper's Revenge delivers a heart-racing and hard to put down action story that sharply portrays the rich, ancient culture of China. I knew my emotions were fully arrested by the story when I was worried and scared for the protagonists as I followed them through several dangerous clashes, with some resulting in death. However, that didn't deter me from finishing the book as soon as possible because I just had to unravel the mystery of a possible betrayal; Todd Shuler's strategy is to ensure that every single line propels you to the very next. The Viper's Revenge is enjoyable as a stand-alone book, but make sure to finish important chores before picking it up. I mean it. Don't leave your stove on!