Initial Thoughts Pre-publication: Woo-hoo. Another book in the series!
My Review: Yet another amazing installment in the Jennifer Estep's Elemental AssInitial Thoughts Pre-publication: Woo-hoo. Another book in the series!
My Review: Yet another amazing installment in the Jennifer Estep's Elemental Assassins series. This series just keeps getting better and better. In Snared, Gin's nemesis is a serial killer with a penchant for blondes.
Lots of action. Lots of magic. Lots of down home barbecue cooking. And a few little flashbacks revealing a little bit more of Gin's background.
Great series. Can't wait for more.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of this book .
Everyone who reads Jennifer Estep's Elemental Assassins series loves Finnegan Lane. Finn is suave, debonair, great with money, looks good in black, anEveryone who reads Jennifer Estep's Elemental Assassins series loves Finnegan Lane. Finn is suave, debonair, great with money, looks good in black, and is a wonderful brother/support for Gin. I was really excited to read a story about Finn and was looking forward to something exciting. Well, I did not get what I expected. Instead, the story begins in the aftermath of book 14 Bitter Bite and no one wants to be around Finn.
Finn is forced urged to help out a "damsel in distress" who wants nothing to do with him. There's a bit of snarkiness about cheap suits - something that Finn would never be seen in - some bling, and some of Finn's skills are put to use.
I found this story a little bland for my taste. I think that perhaps I had expected more Bria and Finn, and more of the rest of Gin's gang.
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery, Threshold and Pocket Books for a review copy of this book.
yet another solid installment in Jennifer Estep’s Elemental Assassins series. This series just keeps getting better and better. I can’t believe that Uyet another solid installment in Jennifer Estep’s Elemental Assassins series. This series just keeps getting better and better. I can’t believe that Unraveled is book 15 already. For those of you unfamiliar with this series, the lead character is an assassin known as The Spider, aka Gin Blanco. Gin lives in the very corrupt town of Ashland where she runs a barbeque restaurant called The Pork Pit. By the way, do not read these books when hungry – the author describes all the food and makes it sound so delicious. There’s all sorts of characters in this series – giants, dwarfs, vampires, and elementals, along with us regular folk. The magic is a bit different, following the elements so that there is air magic, stone magic, ice magic and more.
So book 15….Note that the blurb is a little spoilery. I highly recommend that the series be read in order if only to see how much the characters have developed. The author’s writing has improved significantly. Where the earlier books suffered from repetition (especially about eye colors), the later books are better written.
What did I think of Unraveled?
Is it my imagination or has Gin gotten more badass than ever? She just can’t wait to stick it to the bad guys. I don’t know, Gin seems to be more gleeful at any chance of conflict. Whereas an earlier Gin would have stalked her “prey” for a longer period of time – this Gin just wants to get rid of all the bad guys at once.
I loved that this book was set in a Western themed amusement park. It’s a little hokey, but it makes for a very entertaining backdrop. It also allows Gin to be with Owen, Bria, and Finn for a little R & R, even though that doesn’t last long. There’s lots of action and tons of fun as Gin and the gang search for some missing gems hidden at the amusement park.
The secondary characters are great, especially Gin’s assistant Silvio. I love how the villains are like caricatures – they are just so bad and evil.
The only thing that bothered me – and maybe because it was a regional choice of word – was the use of tobaggan to refer to a knitted hat worn in the winter. For me, a tobaggan is a sled, so I kept picturing Gin with a wooden tobaggan sled on her head.
Fantastic series. Highly recommended.
And the good news is that there is another book planned for January 2017! Yah!
Thank you to NetGalley and Pocket Books for a review copy of this book.
Another fantastic installment in Jennifer Estep's Elemental Assassins series.
This is book number 14 and if you've managed to stay up to date in this Another fantastic installment in Jennifer Estep's Elemental Assassins series.
This is book number 14 and if you've managed to stay up to date in this series, you are in for a treat. Rather than give a review of this book (and give away possible spoilers to previous books), I'd like to tell you why I enjoy this series:
1) The world building The series is set in the fictional town of Ashland. The town is corrupt and everyone is on the take. The town is populated by giants, dwarfs, vampires, elementals, and humans. The elementals are your wild card - they have all sorts of powers based on the elements.
2)The cast of characters Our heroine Gin Blanco owns the local barbecue restaurant. Not only does she cook, she is also a very lethal assassin. Gin surrounds herself with her "family," a group of people who support her. The villains in this series are almost comic book like and it is really fun watching Gin battle it out with them.
3)The storytelling While earlier books suffered from repetition, the later books keep you reading. There's lots of action, fight sequences, and mystery to keep you reading. The narrative is detailed and that's the charm of this series.
4)14 books and at least one more to come! I'm so glad that there are more books planned for this series. I can't wait to read more.
Highly recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley and Pocket Books for a review copy of this book.
Initial Thoughts: Another solid book in this series. And good news....more books to come!
The Review: This series keeps on getting better and better. I Initial Thoughts: Another solid book in this series. And good news....more books to come!
The Review: This series keeps on getting better and better. I know I've said this before, but author Jennifer Estep can do no wrong when it comes to her Elemental Assassins series. Her books keep me reading late into the night.
Rather than go into details about this book and spoil the series for those who have not yet caught up, let me tell you why you need to read this series.
Gin Blanco aka Genvieve Snow aka The Spider Gin is probably one of the best urban fantasy heroines out there. She's smart, resourceful, and she has a moral code. Gin surrounds herself with her "family" and odd mix of characters that she will do anything to protect. While Gin is best known for her barbecue restaurant the Pork Pit, she is also one of the deadliest assassins in her area. Gin also has magical powers - she is a stone and ice elemental.
The bad guys- The city of Ashland is a very corrupt place and the criminal elements are pretty scary. Gin has to deal with some very powerful elementals, all of whom are jostling for positions of power in Ashland.
Supporting Cast - As mentioned above, Gin surrounds herself with a large group of family and friends that support, protect, and heal her. My favorites include Gin's foster brother Finn, her sister Bria, and her love interest Owen.
The Down Home Cooking - So what does an assassin do to relax? She cooks up a storm. Author Jennifer Estep details almost every ingredient so if you weren't hungry when you started reading, you certainly will be starving by the last page. I'm still hoping that the author will release a cookbook by the end of the series.
Spider's Trap will definitely be a fan favorite. I'm very excited to see that Bitter Bite will be released next February.
The Elemental Assassins series is best read in order. The earlier books suffer from excessive repetition, however the story line is good. Later books are well edited.
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery, Threshold, Pocketbooks for a review copy of this book.
Initial Thoughts 4-4.5 stars. A fantastic installment in Jennifer Estep's Elemental Assassins series. Black Widow was an exciting read and I can't waiInitial Thoughts 4-4.5 stars. A fantastic installment in Jennifer Estep's Elemental Assassins series. Black Widow was an exciting read and I can't wait for more Gin Blanco and her friends.
The Review: This series just keeps on getting better and better!
Black Widow by Jennifer Estep kept me reading all night long. I just could not put it down. Set in the dark and corrupt city of Ashland, Black Widow is the 12th book (yes, 12th!) in the Elemental Assassins series.
Ashland has always been run by a corrupt and power-hungry official with magical abilities. In this installment, there's a bit of a power vacuum due to events in previous books and the criminals are jockeying for power. Gin and her "family" are reluctantly thrown into the mix. Suddenly, their lives are impacted by some rather shady problems. Gin is not the kind of person who sits back and watches. She takes action.
Ms. Estep is a wonderful storyteller. Her writing has improved significantly since the earlier books in the series. There's a lot of description in the writing and if you enjoy cooking, you may even pick up a recipe or two. This series is best read in order. The earlier books suffer from a lot of repetition but keep reading - you'll be glad you did.
I'm so excited to hear that another book is planned in this series. I can't wait to read it!
Thank you to NetGalley and Pocket Books for a review copy of this book....more
It’s not often that a series gets better and better with each subsequent book. Jennifer Estep’s Elemental Assassins series is one such series. ReadingIt’s not often that a series gets better and better with each subsequent book. Jennifer Estep’s Elemental Assassins series is one such series. Reading Poison Promise (book 11!!!) was like reconnecting with old friends. I love the world that this author has built. The town of Ashland is corrupt, its officials are on the take, the bad guys are vying to fill in a power vacuum – this is one interesting place. In the center of it all stands Gin Blanco, aka The Spider, a very efficient assassin and an even better cook.
Gin is one badass assassin. She’s tough, she’s snarky, she’s lethal, and she cares about her family. I like how Gin tries to keep her life as normal as possible. She’s attending community college, taking a course on spy literature, and she surrounds herself with a fantastic support network: her family and friends. To keep it real, Gin continues to work at her restaurant, The Pork Pitt.
Poison Promise might just be the best book so far in the series. It was action packed, full of exciting scenes, bullets flying, and general mayhem. I just could not put this book down.
I think that what makes this series so much fun to read is the diversity of characters in this world. There’s vampires, giants, dwarfs, and elementals in addition to the regular human folk. The elemental magic is different from what I’ve seen in other series.
Then there’s the men of this series. Yes, Owen is still around, but you’ll need to read the book for more info. Gin’s sexy foster brother Finnegan Lane is a perfect backup for Gin. I loved how he got Gin her very own silver Aston-Martin to wreck. Silvio was a good addition to the cast as well. I can’t wait to see him in the next book.
If you have not yet had a chance to start this series, I’d recommend you start with the first book. For those of you who may have stopped reading the series, the writing has improved significantly and the repetition has been greatly reduced.
I can’t wait for the next book – Black Widow due out November 2014.
Thank you to NetGalley and Pocket Books for a review copy of this book....more
Initial Thoughts: An interesting plot device whereby Gin receives some beautiful dark blue roses, which remind her of one of her first hits. The storyInitial Thoughts: An interesting plot device whereby Gin receives some beautiful dark blue roses, which remind her of one of her first hits. The story is 10 years in the past and Gin is younger and a little brash. There's still a lot of details in the cooking, so have a snack ready while you read. There are some nice cameos from main characters in the series before they became main characters. Nicely done.
The Review: I’ve often wondered about Gin’s early days and how she learned how to be one of the most lethal assassins in the Ashland area. The Spider goes back 10 years as we watch a young Gin Blanco go after her first target.
The story begins in the present when a mysterious package arrives. When Gin finally opens the package (after checking for magic, explosives, and explosive magics), she finds a bouquet of black roses inside with a cryptic “Happy Anniversary” message. Only one person would send Gin those roses and Gin begins to reminisce.
Gin tells the story of her first hit on the Vaughn family. Gin was still living with Fletcher and was learning her trade from The Tin Man himself. Finn provided the financial background and assisted during fight training. When Fletcher is approached for the hit, something just doesn’t feel right, but Gin continues to tail her mark.
What follows is the story of Gin’s early days when she was younger and more naïve. Gin gave her heart easily to Sebastian Vaughn, the son of her target. It was nice seeing a happy and more care-free Gin. As an added bonus, many of the supporting characters from the present day series appear in cameo roles. Owen appears as a knight in shining armor (well, he had a car and he was in the right place at the right time). Gin even meets a young girl who was a dead ringer for Bria.
You can really see the growth in Gin’s character from this book. Gin is young and more impulsive. She really wants to prove herself. Now she is much more meticulous and takes the time to properly research her marks.
The writing is kind of fun. The author likes to describe everything, so if that’s not your cup of tea, you may want to skip this series. Gin likes to cook and some passages read like recipes. Have a snack ready as you read. I wish the author would go ahead and publish the Pork Pitt cookbook already. There is still a lot of repetition of eye colors but that’s just the charm of this series. The story is good and it should keep the reader engaged.
The Elemental Assassins series is full of magic, corrupt officials, and really good barbecue. If you have not yet had a chance to start this series, give it a try. Gin is one kickass heroine.
Thank you to Edelweiss and Pocket Books for a review copy of this book.
Initial thoughts: 4 stars - Gin Blanco is one of my favorite assassins. She is well equipped, lethal, ruthless, and she is a fantastic cook. Yup, she Initial thoughts: 4 stars - Gin Blanco is one of my favorite assassins. She is well equipped, lethal, ruthless, and she is a fantastic cook. Yup, she cooks. Kind of takes the edge off of all that killing.
The Review:Heart of Venom takes place a few weeks after the events of Deadly Sting. The story begins rather innocuously, as Gin and the girls plan a girls’ night. But of course, it wasn’t to be and Sophia is kidnapped by Harley Grimes, one of Esteps sickest psychotic villains yet.
Gin vows to get Sophia back. After all, Sophia and Jo-Jo are “family” and no one messes with The Spider’s family. What follows is an amazing, action packed, shoot-‘em up, blow ‘em up story that had me on the edge of my seat throughout. Gin follows a cunning and simple plan in order to get Sophia back:
”Like I had told Finn, my plan was simple. Save Sophia. Kill Grimes. Stab to death anyone who got in my way.”
This installment of the Elemental Assassins series provides more about Gin’s background as a young teen. We also learn more about Sophia and how Fletcher had rescued her from the same Harley Grimes. My heart felt for Sophia. It must have been horrible reliving the pain of her kidnapping a second time.
It never ceases to amaze me just how much I enjoy this series. Gin is surrounded by a wonderful group of dedicated characters, each of whom brings in his or her own set of talents to complement Gin’s skills as The Spider. The magic in this series is really neat and I like how the wielder of each type of magic needs to think as they use their particular form of magic.
Leave it up to Gin and her destructive glory. Gin never does anything without some sort of flourish, and the explosions are awesome. I do love Gin’s need to cook some down home dishes as a respite from the violence. Ms. Estep, will you be publishing The Gin Blanco Cookbook at the end of the series?
Oh and if you are wondering about Gin and Owen – my lips are sealed.
Thank you to Edelweiss and Pocket Books for a review copy of this book.
If I had to pick a favorite urban fantasy badass heroine, Gin Blanco would definitely be on the top of the list. The Elemental Assassins series by JenIf I had to pick a favorite urban fantasy badass heroine, Gin Blanco would definitely be on the top of the list. The Elemental Assassins series by Jennifer Estep is one of my favorites. While most series tend to slow down by book 8, this series just gets better and better.
I think that what makes this series so much fun to read is the large cast of magically inclined, yet criminally corrupt characters. No saints here. This is a series set in a city so corrupt with comic-like bad guys.
Most of this book takes place at an isolated museum where the crème de la crème of Ashland society and its criminal elements are attending a soiree revealing all of Mab’s gold. Gin is there – reluctantly, as are all of Gin’s friends. (Yes, even Owen).
The writing has improved significantly. While earlier installments of this series were plagued with repetition, this book is tightly edited and a pleasure to read. This is less of a cookbook and more of an action-packed, edge of your seat, magic infused adventure.
I love how Gin remains so calm and down to earth no matter what. She is a one woman wonder, a lethal weapon. There is a human side to her and she is an assassin with a code of morals. Throughout Deadly Sting, the reader sees the world through her eyes. Her inner dialogue is laid bare and the reader sees what makes Gin tick. In case you are wondering, Gin still has relationship issues.
This series is a lot of fun. Where else can you find a mix of giants, dwarves, vampires, and elemental magic users in one place? The fact that the town of Ashland is so corrupt and that characters do not hesitate to double-cross each other keeps me reading. The sheer variety of eccentric characters makes this series a must read for me.
The next book is Heart of Venom, coming out August 27, 2013. Can’t wait!
Thank you to Edelweiss and Pocket Books for a review copy of this book.
Exciting, riveting, a really fun read in Jennifer Estep's Elemental Assassins series.
I had stopped reading this series about a year ago. I loved the Exciting, riveting, a really fun read in Jennifer Estep's Elemental Assassins series.
I had stopped reading this series about a year ago. I loved the world, the characters, the stories – however the books were rife with repetition, especially the characters’ eye colors. The repetition was so distracting that I had contemplated a drinking game, but then I’d never be able to finish the book. Instead, I just stopped reading the books, which was a shame because the author does tell a good story.
Fast forward – read: skip ahead – (yes, I did skip books 4, 5, and 6 – apologies to those anal readers that MUST read series in order) – to book 7 – Widow’s Web. I was pleasantly surprised by this book. What a difference! The writing (or is it the editing?) has improved 100% and I can honestly say that I enjoyed this book. Gone is the endless repetition, replaced by a riveting story. I literally read Widow’s Web in two sittings, devouring page after page of action packed narrative.
There’s something to be said about this world. The Elemental Assassins series is set in the extremely corrupt town of Ashland, where criminal elements vie for power, the po-po (police) is on the take, and assassins are readily available for hire. This is a diverse world, full of giants, dwarves, vampires, and humans. Some people are able to control elemental magic and their power comes from the type of magic they wield. Our heroine Gin Blanco controls stone and ice magic.
Gin is one of my favorite urban fantasy heroines. Gin was raised and trained by Fletcher Lane and she is a lethal assassin known by her rune, The Spider. Gin is kick-ass, and it’s easy to imagine her decked out in black leather. Gin is surprisingly down to earth. During her down time, Gin runs the Pork Pit, a popular barbeque restaurant in town. She is surrounded by an eccentric group of secondary characters, my favorites being Finn Fletcher and Sophia, the Goth dwarf.
Gin’s world changes for the worse when Salina Dubois rolls into town. Salina has her eyes on Owen and will not take no for an answer. Salina is also on a path to avenge the death of her father and she plans to take over the town. Gin has some serious butt-kicking to do.
Did I miss anything by skipping ahead 3 books? Probably. I’m told that a major baddy got what was coming. Did I feel lost skipping ahead? No. I will most likely go back and read what I’ve missed – eventually.
Oh, and a little side note. I would love to see the Gin Blanco cookbook one day. Gin cooks when she is stressed out and the cooking parts are so detailed that all we are missing are the recipes. So please Ms. Estep – write a Gin Blanco cookbook once the series is finished.
I’m now excited to read the next book in the series Deadly Sting coming out in March 2013. (and I will go back and read the other books while I'm waiting). ...more
Lots of twisty turns, battles, plotting and conniving.
This was my favorite book so far.
George R.R. Martin really takes the reader on a long emotional Lots of twisty turns, battles, plotting and conniving.
This was my favorite book so far.
George R.R. Martin really takes the reader on a long emotional ride in his books. You can't get attached to any character - the author will just about kill any character.
I did cover my eyes at parts, danced a happy dance for other parts, and went WTF? at other parts. And yes, I cried when someone died.
Aside from that - great book, great series. I highly recommend it.
Looking forward to reading the next one.
Oh, and if you are looking for a reason to avoid attending weddings, George R.R. Martin makes a pretty good case for you. ...more
A Clash of Kings started off slowly for me. The prologue was extremely long and included more new characters (to add to the cast of hundreds). TEPIC!
A Clash of Kings started off slowly for me. The prologue was extremely long and included more new characters (to add to the cast of hundreds). The events of the previous book have led Stannis Baratheon to plot his quest for the crown.
In the sky, a red comet heralds things to come. Each side uses the sighting of the comet to predict their ascent to the throne. You can be assured that there are way too many kings and that situation can’t last long. There will be blood. There will be war. There will be destruction. It truly amazed me to see the repercussions of a very bad decision made by a vengeful child-king.
Meanwhile, the locals are getting restless. Food and resources are growing scarce. The legitimacy of the Baratheon line is in question. Rumors abound about Joffrey’s status as heir to the throne. It seems that the residents of King’s Landing don’t really like the Lannisters.
The intrigue and positioning for power continue. Leave it to George RR Martin to make this almost an Olympic sport. Those who possess information and know how to use it become more and more powerful. You can never be sure which character will change allegiances and why.
To top it off, winter is coming. Winter in this world lasts for upwards of 10 years. There is something out there beyond the wall, but the wars distract. The battle scenes are incredible - bloody, gory, and full of destruction. No one seems to win.
Tyrion remains my favorite character. He gets all of the best lines:
”Truly, sister, you were born to be a widow.”
AND – he gets to bitchslap Joffrey for being an idiot. Tyrion gets it. He understands what it takes to rule effectively, a lesson Joffrey has yet to learn. Tyrion would have made an excellent king. I also enjoyed when he managed to outwit his sister Cersei. Classic!
I never thought I would say this, but I am finally feeling sympathetic towards Sansa. Poor girl! Used as a pawn throughout the first book, she finally gets what she wants. When someone close to her advises her of the implications of her new situation, I felt her despair.
Arya continues to astound me. She is one very resourceful 10 year old. Everything goes wrong for her and she perseveres. At times, I didn’t like her, but you have to give her credit for continuing. I loved her evening prayer when she listed all the people she wanted to kill. Go, Arya.
I enjoyed Bran’s chapters the most, especially when he was dreaming of his wolf. Can’t wait to see what happens next with him.
I’m going to have to set aside some time to get through the next book which has only 1,177 pages. Can’t wait to get into that one.
Venom is the third book in Jennifer Estep’s Elemental Assassins series. I enjoy these books for the most part, especially the author’s imaginative wor Venom is the third book in Jennifer Estep’s Elemental Assassins series. I enjoy these books for the most part, especially the author’s imaginative world building. I love how the author has created a world filled with humans, giants, dwarfs, vampires, and practitioners of elemental magic. This world is set in the city of Ashland, a corrupt city where most of the city officials and the police force are under the control of Mab Monroe and her cronies.
In this installment, Gin is enjoying her retired life. She is running Fletcher’s restaurant The Pork Pitt. Gin is a little bit bored and when Roslyn comes to her with a problem, Gin can’t refuse. Roslyn is being stalked by the giant Eliot Slater. Eliot has a way of playing with his girlfriends until they “disappear.” Gin feels guilty because Roslyn only came into Eliot’s attention because of Gin’s disguise in the previous book. Gin decides to come out of her retirement to help Roslyn. Gin takes quite a lot of beatings in this book, but the capable Jo Jo is always there to heal her.
The characters in this book are great. I love how Gin has gathered a whole group of friends that work with her and support her. The dwarfs – Sophia and JoJo are like Gin’s extended family. Sophia works at the restaurant along with her secondary job – disposal and crime scene cleanup. JoJo is like a second mother, always healing Gin with her air elemental powers. Finn provides excellent back up during jobs.
Gin’s love life is definitely looking up. I just wish she would quit mooning over Donovan and see what she has in front of her. Owen is more than ready to accept Gin for herself. He does not judge her, nor is he condescending. Owen is the perfect match, and good looking too!
We also learn more about Bria, Gin’s long lost sister. Gin manages to get to know her sister, but I would have liked to have seen more.
Just a few things kept me from giving this book a higher rating. The book suffers from a little too much repetition. A lot of grey eyes talking to hazel eyes. The author also recaps a few too many times. A little tighter editing would make this a 5 star read.
Web of Lies is the second book in Jennifer Estep’s Elemental Assassins series. Our heroine Gin Blanco has now retired from her extremely lucr3.5 stars
Web of Lies is the second book in Jennifer Estep’s Elemental Assassins series. Our heroine Gin Blanco has now retired from her extremely lucrative career as The Spider and has now settled down working at her restaurant The Pork Pitt. Gin finds retirement a little boring. When the opportunity to help Fletcher’s old friend Warren Fox arises, Gin agrees to do the job.
There are a lot of things to love about this series. The author builds an imaginative world where some people have the ability to control elements such as fire, ice, stone, air or a combination of some of the elements. The descriptions of the magic were intriguing. Gin’s elemental ice magic was handy for cooling drinks, creating lock picks, and ice knives. Her stone magic was useful as an alarm system among other things. I liked how the characters used magical runes to symbolize their abilities and distinguish themselves. This world also has giants, dwarfs, and vampires. The giants were huge imposing figures, the dwarfs stocky and strong, while the vampires were a little wimpy for my tastes.
The cast of characters are great. Gin shines as an assassin trying to run a business in a very corrupt town. Gin is witty and thinks on her feet, she has confidence except when it comes to love. Her attraction to Donovan Caine drove me crazy. I couldn’t stand her mooning over this character. Donovan Caine behaved in a way that just did not jibe with his righteous and moral ways. I despised his character. I loved the characters close to Gin, namely Finn, Sophia and Jo-Jo. They are the closest thing Gin has to family. Finn was just an awesome character - I love Finn.
There was a lot of repetition in this book. We are told that Donovan Caine smelled clean and soapy several times. The author uses “eyes” a little too much – “my gray eyes” appears in the text well over 20 times. There are also a lot of extraneous details that could have been left out, for example her description of a chicken salad sandwich was pretty much the recipe. A tighter edit would have made this book more readable.
Despite these things, the story itself was good, with a lot of action and excitement. I will definitely continue to read this series.
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