Deadly Sting (Elemental Assassin, #8)

Apr 06, 2013 Ferdy rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: awful-love-interest, blah-romance, blah, boring, boring-crap-hero, decent-heroine, disappointing, doormat-heroine, fucked-up-romance, fucked-up-hero, hero-dick-to-heroine, liar-hero, likeable-heroine

(ETA 6/4/13) Now with a fancy new spoiler section.

2.5 stars

I loved the Elemental Assassin series up until Widow's Web, I was really disappointed in Owen's character, so much so that he pretty much ruined the entire series for me. The only reason I decided to read Deadly Sting was because I enjoyed the earlier books and because I'm quite invested in Gin's character. Okay, I also read it because I was hoping Owen would somehow miraculously redeem himself. Unfortunately, that didn't happen. For me,...more

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Mar 24, 2013 Amy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: edelweiss

At this point I can honestly say I don't care what happens plot-wise since, with the help of her air elemental friend, Gin's pretty much invincible/heals everything. With Mab dead, I find my interest waning especially after the blatant character assassination of Owen in book7. Give us a really good Big Bad - one we'll have a reason to hate. Hell, kill one of the minor but loved/important characters off (I'm thinking Owen's sister that way he'll need Gin's help and be forced to grovel for being s...more At this point I can honestly say I don't care what happens plot-wise since, with the help of her air elemental friend, Gin's pretty much invincible/heals everything. With Mab dead, I find my interest waning especially after the blatant character assassination of Owen in book7. Give us a really good Big Bad - one we'll have a reason to hate. Hell, kill one of the minor but loved/important characters off (I'm thinking Owen's sister that way he'll need Gin's help and be forced to grovel for being such an asshat last book) and make Gin hunt their murderer for the next couple of books if you have to.
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The book started out pretty slowly.. It took me a while (2+ months) to finally plow through the first couple of chapters but once I did, I finished the rest in one sitting.

As per usual, this latest installment to the Elemental Assasins series had me on the edge of my seat. If there's one thing Jennifer Estep consistently excels at, it's her ability to write heart pounding action scenes. I'm not going to get into the story since the synopsis pretty much has it down pat. Besides, at this point, I'm pretty sure everyone's only reading to find out what happens between Gin and Owen since, as I've stated before reading the book, Gin's pretty much indestructible thanks to JoJo.

So what happened between Gin and Owen? Not much but also a helluva lot. What the hell does that mean? Well, there was one scene where my heart broke for Gin and had me screaming at the unfairness of it all. (view spoiler) Then there were the handful of other scenes between the two of them that had me fuming because Gin freaking Blanco's inner dialogue was reduced to someone with the insecurities and emotional maturity of a Bieber fan. I mean, I get that killing your lover's first love grants them the right to be pissed at you and even hate you but come the fuck on! Salina was an evil bitch who tried to destroy everyone Owen cared about. Hell, she turned him against his loyal ass best friend for decades and even tried to kill his baby sister! When she was still a baby! Then she tried to kill all of his business associates, his mentor, AND Gin! The woman was pure fucking evil! So forgive me if I don't understand why Owen broke up with Gin when she killed the bitch while saving over 30 other people, their friends and family included. I can't, for the life of me, understand how Owen-knightinshiningarmor-Grayson became the very person he despised and replaced, Donovan-crymeariver-Cain. Or how Gin still hangs onto his every word and action, like a pathetic Reinfeld eagerly awaiting their Master's command. I would've told him not to bother with the angsty temporary break and just dumped his ass a book ago, nonetheless let him string me along for so long. And I'm not even Gin-the Spider-Blanco! For a tough ass assasin, she sure is weak when it comes to men.

Anyway, the book ends on an optimistic note with a hopeful Gin and a sickeningly sweet scene. Me, on the other hand, I could care less about Owen-fucking-Grayson at this point. I'm done, done, done. I think it's about time Gin gets a new man. One who finally accepts ALL of her because Owen played us all with his "I love everything about you" bullshit.(less)

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Apr 09, 2013 mrsj rated it 3 of 5 stars

What did I think of this book?

Well, I kind of like it and I kind of hate it.

To summarize:
Gin went out wearing pretty and met a she-hulk aka giant at the party who decided to rob the place.
Before she is rudely interrupted by she-hulk, she met her friends and ex-lover there.
To make things worse, she saw her lookalike and there's a fashion faux pas! *GASP*
Soon.. we hear " crack! crack! crack! " and the "party" started with more "crack! crack! crack!" & "pft! pft! pft!" & screams & bad...more

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Mar 22, 2013 Marissa rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy, magic, series, first-reads

3.5 stars

This review will contain spoilers from previous books.

The book begins with a hilarious scene where Finn is taking Gin shopping for a new dress to wear to an event he wishes her to attend with him. The event in question happens to be a huge “gala” exhibiting all of Mab Monroe’s fine art, jewelry and most treasured possessions, to which everyone who is anyone will most certainly be attending. (Side note: I absolutely LOVE and ADORE Finn and these books would not be the same without him.)
O...more

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Apr 04, 2013 Karissa rated it 3 of 5 stars

This is the 8th book in the Elemental Assassin series. It was a decent book in this series, but again was a contained mystery of sorts rather than the start to a new story arc. It was a good enough read, but at times felt more like a novella than a book. The ninth book in the series is scheduled for a September 2013 release and will be titled Heart of Venom. Last I read Estep is contracted for 10 books in this series.

Gin is still on the outs with Owen following the events of the last book. Gin a...more This is the 8th book in the Elemental Assassin series. It was a decent book in this series, but again was a contained mystery of sorts rather than the start to a new story arc. It was a good enough read, but at times felt more like a novella than a book. The ninth book in the series is scheduled for a September 2013 release and will be titled Heart of Venom. Last I read Estep is contracted for 10 books in this series.

Gin is still on the outs with Owen following the events of the last book. Gin and Finn go to attend an auction of Mab’s treasures, when they arrive Gin finds out that a giant by the name of Clementine is trying to steal the whole lot. Somehow all of this ties back to Mab. Gin has to stop Clementine if she is going to save her friends and the city.

I was surprised that the whole plot revolved around the art/jewels being stolen at this auction of Mab’s. The story was so concise and straightforward it seemed almost more suitable to a novella. Initially I was thinking that this would be an introduction to a larger story and I was surprised when it wasn’t.

Gin has grown a lot as a character. She is learning to accept having people in her life that she cares about and who care about her. She doesn’t really gain any new powers in this book, but it focused on learning to exercise her current powers with more intricacy and finesse.

I enjoyed reading about all of the other characters as well. I continue to be annoyed at Owen for his childishness; he has really taken a step back as a character for me. Finn and Bria continue to be wonderful characters in this series.

There really isn’t anything new in this book that we haven’t seen in previous Elemental Assassin books. While it is a decent read I was surprised that there wasn’t a bit more to the story.

So while I enjoyed reading this book, there wasn’t a lot here that really excited me. It was very similar to previous books...except with less story. Additionally Estep continues to do a bit too much recapping in this book, this is something that she has done in previous Elemental Assassin books as well.

Overall this was a decent read, but in my opinion the weakest book in this series so far. There isn’t much to this story and it is more of a contained mystery than the start of something new and wonderful. I was left feeling like maybe this series is running out of steam. Gin is a great character and I enjoyed reading about her, but Owen remains pretty obnoxious. I guess I would recommend to fans of the series, but just don’t expect too much from this book. This series as a whole is highly recommended to fans of action packed urban fantasy.(less)

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Mar 25, 2013 Experiment BL626 rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal, netgalley, reviewed

The book was exciting as promised.

+ Gin
She was badass as ever. I definitely liked this book better than the previous volume because Gin was all tough in spite of a personal setback that occurred in the previous volume, i.e. Owen. In Deadly Sting, Gin was on the offensive and ready to take down bad guys.

However, to say I’m irked by Gin’s lack of magical prowess is an understatement. The heroine controls two major elements of magic, Stone and Ice. The series perpetually suggested she was possibly...more

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Mar 15, 2013 Shelley aka Gizmo's Reviews rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013-releases, urban-fantasy

Genre* Urban Fantasy
Rating* 4.0

*Review*

Deadly Sting is a very interesting addition to the Elemental Assassin series. You should all know by now that this just happens to be my favorite series. If you haven't well pay attention! ::grin:: At times it's a little over the top because Gin is a dual threat and powerful Stone and Ice Elemental who just happens to own the Pork Pit BBQ Restaurant, has defeated numerous threats to her personal body, and has tried to retire as the assassin known as the Spi...more Genre* Urban Fantasy
Rating* 4.0

*Review*

Deadly Sting is a very interesting addition to the Elemental Assassin series. You should all know by now that this just happens to be my favorite series. If you haven't well pay attention! ::grin:: At times it's a little over the top because Gin is a dual threat and powerful Stone and Ice Elemental who just happens to own the Pork Pit BBQ Restaurant, has defeated numerous threats to her personal body, and has tried to retire as the assassin known as the Spider.

At other times, Gin slips into a dreamlike state and has flashbacks about her time with Fletcher Lane who trained her to become an assassin and was later killed in the first book of this series. She also believes that there is something dark and dangerous stirring that will eventually take her down. We can only hope that dream does not come true and Gin can walk away into the sunset and finally find piece of mind.

Deadly Sting begins a month after the infamous situation between Gin and Owen after the events of Widow's Web. If you haven't read THAT book yet, please don't attempt to read this one until you do. Seriously. Gin is experiencing emotional turmoil and of course, Finn attempts to break her out of her doldrums. This includes taking her to a gala at a museum showing the stolen and collected goods of Gins' former nemesis Mab Monroe.

The cover to Deadly Sting, except for the lack of blood, actually does this book justice for a change because it is exactly what Gin looks like after having to fight for her life and that of her friends at a Gala she didn't want to attend in the first place. Yes, there's lots of bodies. Yes, there's a new villain named Clementine. Yes, there's even a reunion, or sorts, between Gin and Owen that leads to some emotional moments. One can only hope that after the ending of Deadly Sting that we can expect to see more of Gin and Owen in the near future since they are, after all, perfect for each other unlike that asshat Donovan Caine.

There are a few surprises along the way involving a possible replacement for Mab Monroe, and Gin's revenge against a certain lawyer who has been out to get her since she killed his son. Like I said before, Gin has A LOT of enemies that she's made along the way. All of them want the eliminate her and become Mab's replacement.

Overall, Deadly Sting is a fast paced book that leaves you wanting the next book (Heart of Venom) so we can find out what happens to Owen and Gin and who the next villain will be. Definitely recommended to those who love a kick ass heroine who takes no prisoners while protecting those she loves.

*Recvd via Edelweiss on 12/12/2012* Expected publication: March 26th 2013 by Pocket Books (less)

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Dec 27, 2012 Douglas Meeks rated it 5 of 5 stars

Summary:
Red is definitely my color. Good thing, because in my line of work, I end up wearing it a lot.

Most people shy away from blood, but for an assassin like me — Gin Blanco, aka the Spider — it’s just part of the job. Still, it would be nice to get a night off, especially when I’m attending the biggest gala event of the summer at Briartop, Ashland’s fanciest art museum. But it’s just not meant to be. For this exhibition of my late nemesis’ priceless possessions is not only the place to be see...more
Summary:
Red is definitely my color. Good thing, because in my line of work, I end up wearing it a lot.

Most people shy away from blood, but for an assassin like me — Gin Blanco, aka the Spider — it’s just part of the job. Still, it would be nice to get a night off, especially when I’m attending the biggest gala event of the summer at Briartop, Ashland’s fanciest art museum. But it’s just not meant to be. For this exhibition of my late nemesis’ priceless possessions is not only the place to be seen, but the place to be robbed and taken hostage at gunpoint as well. No sooner did I get my champagne than a bunch of the unluckiest thieves ever burst into the museum and started looting the place.

Unlucky why? Because I brought along a couple of knives in addition to my killer dress. Add these to my Ice and Stone magic, and nothing makes me happier than showing the bad guys why red really is my color
Against her better judgment, Gin is coerced into attending a high society gala with the rest of Ashland's elite underworld. On display: the priceless art collection of her deceased nemesis, Mab Monroe, and an excess of crime boss swagger. While not comfortable in her fancy attire, Gin gets vastly more interested in the evening’s events when a group of thieves bursts in and tries to seize the valuable, dangerous gems. Facing a Die Hard-esque scenario in which she must free hostage partygoers while herself trapped in the museum, things get a little bit messy when the bloodshed begins. Let's just say that Gin should have chosen the red gown…

Review:
Gin just can’t seem to have a quiet night out, she has been on a “break” from the love of her life and then to get pulled into a gala event by her brother that was going to life her spirits ……. Yea, that’s gonna happen.

This may be one of the better books in the series but that statement almost has no meaning in this series since pretty much every book seems like it may be just a bit better than the last in some way. This time is no exception, you get to see Gin at her skillful assassin best and emotional lows. Nothing about this night will go as planned and the fact that bad guys decided to pick tonight to do something stupid is one of those bad decisions you get to only make one time.

The fact that Ms Estep can make you feel that anyone including Gin can be killed in this book just stands as a testament to her writing ability. You feel certain that Gin has to survive so there can be a next book ….. right? She somehow injects the stress, emotion and angst into these books that keep people like me coming back for more. This novel has several twists and turns plus keeping you second guessing as to the motivations of a lot of the things that happen.

Gin is in great form and she is MAD, so as usual, that means somebody (or a lot of somebodies) are going to have a really bad day. Loved this book and it is at least 4.5/5 Stars, maybe more if you love violent heroines and maybe a bit less if it offends you but Gin is the ultimate bad-a$$ you want to avoid and NEVER threaten anyone she cares about, it could be fatal. This is the 8th book in this series and it shows no signs of getting stale, predictable or boring.
(less)

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Mar 26, 2013 Jess rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: for_review, urban-fantasy

Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads
Blog rating: B

Contains series spoilers - beware

It’s been one month since the events in Widow’s Web. Gin and Owen are still on their relationship break and haven’t spoken at all after Gin killed Salina, the woman Owen once loved. Finn, ever the one to love a glamorous night out, takes Gin to a display of Mab Monroe’s personal art collection at the museum. It’s the party to be at since along with all the priceless pieces she owned being on display, Mab’s wi...more Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads
Blog rating: B

Contains series spoilers - beware

It’s been one month since the events in Widow’s Web. Gin and Owen are still on their relationship break and haven’t spoken at all after Gin killed Salina, the woman Owen once loved. Finn, ever the one to love a glamorous night out, takes Gin to a display of Mab Monroe’s personal art collection at the museum. It’s the party to be at since along with all the priceless pieces she owned being on display, Mab’s will is also being made public. What Gin didn’t know was that her friends, including Eva and Phillip, would be there along with Owen…and his date. His date, much to Finn’s horror, was wearing the exact same dress as Gin, a small coincidence that would end up costing her her life this night, but she wouldn’t be the only person dying at the party as the giants of Ashland have banded together to take over. They’re being led by Clementine and her plan is simple, hold everyone hostage, steal all the art, jewels and anything else of value in the museum, use Owen and his ability to work metal to break into the vault for one very valuable piece and oh yes, she lets everyone know that she’s killed the Spider. Only it’s not Gin’s body that gets tossed at the feet of her friends, but rather an unidentifiable body wearing the same dress as Gin, Owen’s date. Gin’s friends, save for Finn, all think she’s dead, but now Gin can be invisible and make her own plots and plans on how to stop the giants and get the hostages to safety.

I love that almost this entire story takes place over the course of one night and the constant action had me hooked in from the start. Gin has to do a lot of sneaking around and quiet killing to keep her “dead” status up so she can make her presence known when she’s ready to. She’s able to bring in Bria and gets Jo-Jo on her way since Phillip takes a bullet early on and needs her healing help. As far as the supporting cast goes, Gin is on her own quite a bit here. Owen is probably her biggest partner once she starts putting her own plan into action and figures out what Clementine’s ultimate plan is, and her endgame is not helping all the giants (like they believe she’ll be doing) she recruited to help her.

Gin always has to be so tough, she really has no other choice. Her heart is broken because of Owen, but she never regrets what she did to Salina. She gets the crap beat out of her yet again, I wonder if it’s possible to ever have a book when Gin doesn’t need Jo-Jo’s air elemental healing services? Probably not, but I wouldn’t mind seeing Gin not get pummeled for once. Finn, as always, brings a lightness to things. His commentary ranging from dresses to being a hostage to him being so smitten with Bria always makes me laugh. The relationship between Gin and her sister Bria continues to get stronger and again, I love! What I like most about seeing their relationship grow is the love between them and that Bria seems to accept Gin now, just as she is. Something that I thought Owen did, until he turned into a different man and character over the past two books.

Ah, Owen. I’m not going to get into why I’m so frustrated with Owen, I put that out there after Widow’s Web. But I just have such a hard time believing that the character we got to know up until Widow’s Web would have ever, ever, ever wanted to let a woman who tortured his little sister live. Jennifer Estep can give Owen and Gin all the angst she wants (as long as the payoff for them is super big and most excellent) but I just can’t get over why she’s changed Owen the way she has over these past two books. I just can’t buy that Owen loved this woman in the past so much that he would beg Gin not to kill her, the same woman who TORTURED his little sister. Gah. Maybe this all my doing, I read Owen as being, not a perfect man, but perfect for Gin and he’s proving to not be worthy of her at all right now. Gin deserves someone to stay by her side and support her. I still think Owen is that guy, but I’m frustrated with the changes I’ve seen in his character over the past two books.

As far as the big bad’s go, Clementine didn’t really bring anything spectacularly scary to the table. I wasn’t on the edge of my seat like I was during the Gin-Mab faceoff. Clementine had super strength and Gin needed to find a way to finesse her own strengths to beat her. It’s a great fight at the end, but nothing that had me oooh’ing and ahhh’ing as the scenes unfolded.

The fast paced writing of Deadly Sting is very engaging and so easy to fall into that it’s hard to put the book down until you hit the end. That said, it won’t go down as my favorite book in the series, it felt like it was missing just a little extra zing that the previous books have, but it’s still so enjoyable and makes me excited to get the next book; especially with the possibility of another very dangerous bad guy (or girl) out there on the horizon. Bring it!(less)

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Jan 27, 2013 Nab rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, urban-fantasy

Rating: 3 out of 5.

My heart is heavy while I write this. Jennifer Estep’s Elemental Assassin series used to be one of the best urban fantasy series I had ever read. Up to and including Book 5, the author could do nothing wrong. I loved her writing, I loved her plots, I loved the setting of the story and most of all I used to love her characters. While I still love the first three aspects of her books, I have been losing respect for her characters.

First it was with Gin in Book 6 and her old flam...more Rating: 3 out of 5.

My heart is heavy while I write this. Jennifer Estep’s Elemental Assassin series used to be one of the best urban fantasy series I had ever read. Up to and including Book 5, the author could do nothing wrong. I loved her writing, I loved her plots, I loved the setting of the story and most of all I used to love her characters. While I still love the first three aspects of her books, I have been losing respect for her characters.

First it was with Gin in Book 6 and her old flame. I didn’t like how she acted and kept things from Owen. But I got over it because she left her ex behind irrevocably. The next two books in the series have been devastating. Because I have just lost and lost any love and respect I felt for Owen.

I am disappointed in Owen. He realises how much he misses her when he thinks she might be dead. That just wasn’t good enough. It makes me doubt every sweet word, every promise he has ever made to her. A chance event like that shouldn’t be a major turning point for character’s emotions in a book. Because if it is, then it makes anything they feel shallow. Makes me, as a reader, doubt his feelings for her. Because what if that didn’t happen? Would he move on, find some other girl to settle down with, someone else to love. I love HEAs and fated couples as much as the next person, but chance events like that make relationships seem very fragile. That they wouldn’t have been reconciling if it weren’t for that single event.

And Gin. I love her. She is strong and keeps her head up even when she is knocked down. And knocked down she is. I could feel her heartache after seeing Owen with his date and I wished Jennifer Estep would find her someone else who can love her wholly and unconditionally. Yes ladies and gentlemen, a HEA with Owen won’t satisfy me anymore. I could never forgive him, even though Gin might and has. Actually, she doesn’t even think he has done her wrong, but it isn’t okay that he is so grieves Salina who was a psychopathic murderer but not Gin the vigilante. This constant tension between them because of her job makes me so angry. He wants her to change who she is, and that isn’t fair.

Throughout the book, Gin just hopes and hopes for signs from Owen but he disappoints her at almost every turn. It made me so sad to see her yearning for something from him. He doesn’t deserve her; she needs someone who will fight for her even when the going gets tough.

ARC courtesy of Edelweiss and Simon & Schuster(less)

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Mar 26, 2013 Anna (Bobs Her Hair) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Urban Fantasy/PNR fans

Shelves: arc, urban-fantasy, edelweiss, for-review

3.5 stars – Predictably, Gin kicks butt.

Nothing ever comes easy for Gin Blanco, aka the Spider. From purchasing a formal gown to attending a gala event, peril finds this restaurant owner and ‘retired’ assassin. As we’ve seen throughout the Elemental Assassin series Gin is very skilled with silverstone knives, and since she is the protagonist we, know she’ll rise to the occasion. So, what keeps us reading? Gin’s personal growth, emerging abilities, love life (Owen!), family dynamics, and special...more

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Mar 31, 2013 Ezinwanyi~For you, Agron (Mira, Crixus, Gannicus & Spartacus) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: tower-team-b-books-2013, challenge-factory-2013, dwarfs, elementals, fantasy, giants, magic, paranormal-romance, urban-fantasy, vampires

4.5 stars. Definitely the best in the series in my opinion.
This book was 90% plot and action, low romance. While I love the romance, this story was well done. Riveting and just entertaining.

Finnegan Lane was invited to an Art Exhibit of the items owned by the infamous Mab Monroe and of course Finn invited Gin to be his date.
First, he wanted to get Gin out the house since she has been moping about her separation with Owen and he was also curious about the items that the dead fire elemental had a...more

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Feb 19, 2013 Beth rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: edelweiss, magic, magical, romance, action-adventure, action-romance, adult

Gin Blanco, Pork Pit owner and assassin, always seems to find trouble. This time it comes in the most unusual fashion. Gin is talked into attending a charity function with her foster brother and most of her friends...all of Ashland’s rich, famous and infamous have come out to see Mab’s art collection. The gallery opening isn’t really any trouble but the group of giants taking the attendees hostage and robbing them and the museum...now that’s definitely trouble. Accidently killing an innocent, th...more

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Apr 26, 2013 Jenni Ebba rated it 3 of 5 stars

IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE OTHERS IN THIS SERIES YET~~~~DO NOT START HERE!!!!
I don't know how to feel about this one yet. I mean Estep's wonderful skills as a writer come through, Gin is still a killer heroine (no pun intended), and the plot still held me spellbound. I guess my problem is that despite the great plot this novel felt like filler. It hinted at a new baddie coming to town, which means more books.... I want to start with Estep's series. Gin Blanco is a semiretired assassin who more or l...more IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE OTHERS IN THIS SERIES YET~~~~DO NOT START HERE!!!!
I don't know how to feel about this one yet. I mean Estep's wonderful skills as a writer come through, Gin is still a killer heroine (no pun intended), and the plot still held me spellbound. I guess my problem is that despite the great plot this novel felt like filler. It hinted at a new baddie coming to town, which means more books.... I want to start with Estep's series. Gin Blanco is a semiretired assassin who more or less always seems to be stepping in to help others. And lets face it Blanco doesn't step in, unless it requires bloodshed. She runs a down to earth Bar-b-Q pit that swears to be Ashland's best.
Gin Blanco has been through it all. Losing her family at a young age to a crazy mob boss who paid too much credence to a prophecy, losing her mentor to one of the crazy lady's assassins, and then after finally killing said crazy mob boss she still cannot get a freaking break! Yes, she found out her baby sister is still alive, but can a woman get a little romance? NO.
First there was Donovan. Sweet predictable man with a white knight complex. He couldn't handle Gin doing what she had to do, nevermind her having to deal with the most corrupt city known in the Southern hemisphere. Then comes along Owen. Now I wasn't sold on Owen being for Gin, but then he slowly grows on you. He swears he would never pull a Donovan-he understands that to defeat the bad guys there are times when bloodying your hands is necessary. Then comes in his ex-fiance and Owen begins sneaking around. WTF?!?! This woman hurt his little sister repeatedly and when Gin offs her in self defense Owen gets Donovanitis?
Heck this novel starts with Owen appearing at the museum gala with Gin's lookalike? And Gin is hung up on this asshole? Come on forget Owen and give us a good hero. One that deserves our wonderfully loyal Gin Blanco AKA Genevieve Snow. Owen is a lying jerk that needs to pull his head out of his butt or hit the road. Plain and simple.
Other than this held up love issue, the novel was great! Gin proves to be a powerful Elemental that continues to grow in leaps and bounds. Now if only her friend Sophie, a powerful Air Elemental would tell Gin what she sees her becoming everything would be almost perfect. Guess we will just have to wait and see what happens in the next one that isn't out until August!

3 Stars (Sorry, but this is due to my hang up about Owen and Gin's angst over missing his royal jackassness... I know not a real word.) (less)

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Mar 21, 2013 Julie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2013, favorites

Posted at Yummy Men & Kick Ass Chicks

Gin Blanco and friends are back in Deadly Sting, the eighth book in Jennifer Estep’s Elemental Assassin series. (Holy cow! Eight already?!) I was very pleased with this installment and am happy to say that it was one of my favorite from the series so far. Apart from the first couple of chapters, the entire book takes place over one night and in one location. I found this to be a very clever idea and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Finn convinces Gin to accompany...more Posted at Yummy Men & Kick Ass Chicks

Gin Blanco and friends are back in Deadly Sting, the eighth book in Jennifer Estep’s Elemental Assassin series. (Holy cow! Eight already?!) I was very pleased with this installment and am happy to say that it was one of my favorite from the series so far. Apart from the first couple of chapters, the entire book takes place over one night and in one location. I found this to be a very clever idea and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Finn convinces Gin to accompany him to a big shin-dig at Ashland’s fancy art museum. Of course, once they are there, all hell breaks loose as the place gets robbed by a large group of Giants. The Giants are lead by a ruthless leader named Clementine and her plan is pretty nifty. The more I read about what was going down, the more impressed I was.

I honestly don’t know why the cream of the crop of Ashland goes to these fancy soirées. I mean, every time they are all together in one place, someone cooks up a plan to kidnap them or kill them or rob them! I mean, c’mon people?! It’s like Murder She Wrote. Why would anyone want to live in Cabot Cove. Someone dies there every week! *grin* Just kidding…mostly. I hope the fanciest members of Ashland keep getting together. It makes for some great stories!

Gin is a little heart-broken in this installment but I was glad to see that she wasn’t too mopey. It would not have suited her and I was pleased to see how Jennifer had Gin deal with her heartache. Gin showed us once again why she is such a strong character. She is so down to earth and truly likeable. Loyal to a fault and willing to do anything that needs doing in order to protect those she cares about. I love to watch her with her friends and family – their banter is so natural.

Finn is always a character I look forward to reading and he did not disappoint in this book. You can’t help but grin when he’s on the page. He’s so full of himself but he, like Gin, would do anything to protect those who cared for. And he is forever adorable with Bria. Speaking of Bria, I enjoyed her in this installment. Often, I want to help her take the stick out of her butt a bit, but it wasn’t there at all this time around. I like this Bria. I like how she is loving and warm towards her sister Gin even though she doesn’t quite agree with Gin’s assassin past/current pastime.

Owen makes me sigh. I didn’t feel like smacking him this time around because he seems to understand that what happened in the last book needed to be done. Doesn’t mean he likes it though and doesn’t mean he forgives Gin but at least he’s more grounded about things a bit. Reading the blurb for book nine, Heart of Venom (due out August 27th 2013) it seems that Owen and Gin are going to be dealing with their feelings for each other and I so can’t wait for that. They really are perfect for one another and I hope they realize it as well as we fans of the series do.

And who the hell is MM Monroe?! OMG the mystery is killing me!

And boo-ya Jonah McAllister!

Deadly Sting continues to prove that Jennifer still has many original and entertaining ideas for this series. And I for one look forward to reading each and every one of them.

4.5 stars(less)

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Jun 15, 2013 Romancing the Book rated it 4 of 5 stars

Reviewed by: Jen
Book provided by:Edelweiss
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book

’ve been reading this series since the beginning and while it has some flaws (mostly repetition that grates on my nerves), I feel that there as been some new life pumped into the series with recent installments. While this book wasn’t perfect, I did enjoy it and once I got started, I couldn’t put it down.

To start off, this is the eighth book in this series. It mostly stands alone… although I would strongly r...more Reviewed by: Jen
Book provided by:Edelweiss
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book

’ve been reading this series since the beginning and while it has some flaws (mostly repetition that grates on my nerves), I feel that there as been some new life pumped into the series with recent installments. While this book wasn’t perfect, I did enjoy it and once I got started, I couldn’t put it down.

To start off, this is the eighth book in this series. It mostly stands alone… although I would strongly recommend reading at least book seven, Widow’s Web, as much of what happens in that story is alluded to and directly effects events in this series. Also, if you’re looking for a romance, it’s not here. And if you’re squeamish when it comes to blood and gore… well, you’re forewarned as it’s in abundance in this series.

Now that I’m done with the warnings on to my actual review. I really enjoy this series. It’s a little out of my normal read as there isn’t much romance, but I am almost always guaranteed a fun ride when reading about Gin Blanco. It’s always interesting to follow Gin on her adventures as an ex-assassin who just can’t seem to have a moments peace.

In past books in the series, Gin has gotten up close and personal with vampires, dwarves and other elementals. In Deadly Sting, it’s time for the giants to take center stage. It’s not that we haven’t seen them before, but it was usually on a one-on-one basis. But this time around she’s dealing with an army of them. And here’s my one big problem with this story. Yes, as an elemental, Gin is going to be tougher than the normal human… especially with her stone magic that allows her to harden her skin. But how realistic (and yes, I know it’s fantasy) is it for her to go up against an army of giants and survive (and yes, that might be giving away the ending, but do you really think the heroine is going to die knowing there is another book coming out soon)? Not to say Gin doesn’t come out unscathed, but I just kept shaking my head as she kept getting out of jams.

My other irritation was Gin’s relationship with Owen. In the last book, Owen did a crazy 180 on Gin and now they’re on a break even though it’s obvious they still have feelings for one another. Gin is waiting Owen out while he works through some issues. But I’m not sure if it’s just me, but I can’t figure out why Owen is so conflicted. I’m just not a big fan of this storyline and hope it gets resolved sooner rather than later since those scenes were almost painful to read.

But the rest of the story is just so well painted that I often felt like I was actually watching it unfold. The bad guys are deliciously evil and the good guys aren’t perfect or saints. With such a wide cast of characters, there is something for everyone. All-in-all, I enjoyed the story and do look forward to the next installment.(less)

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Jun 09, 2013 Ashley Dawn rated it 5 of 5 stars

This was a good book. Gin isn't overly thrilled with going to the gala, but at least she has a 'one of a kind' red dress to wear that looks fabulous on her. Fin has wonderful taste in women's clothing, even if he is dating Gin's sister. It could be a bad idea going to a party for the woman you killed but she can't say no to Fin. At the gala there are lots of people who would love for the Spider to be dead, and she is recognized by pretty much all of them. One in particular seems to have her sigh...more

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Jun 07, 2013 Jeffrey Grant rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was better than the last installment although many of the issues I had with that book still remain; everyone is just in a holding pattern, doing what they do. The secondary characters are all but completely shut out of the story except for Owen and Bria, but the story doesn't need them as much this time around
This is Gin meets Die Hard, which means we get to spend most of the time reading about Gin being The Spider, which is much better than Gin being the center of a pseudo-soap opera, beca...more

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May 30, 2013 Stephanie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: owned

Gin is an awesome killer in this book as she works her way through the bad guys to save her friends and family.
Maybe some spoilers so consider yourself warned.
Since this one doesn't have as much romance in it There was a lot of emphasis on the stye and wit that Gin herself has as she works alone. We get to see more of her in depth character, how she thinks and wars with herself about the ethics about her actions. I'll admit I haven't read many of the previous books (something I am going to remed...more

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Apr 09, 2013 Sara rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: gin-blanco

In Deadly Sting, Gin Blanco deals with a gang of giants while attending a museum exhibit of Mab Monroe's belongings.

Warning, Spoilers Ahead...

What I Liked -

Gin and Owen are on the road to a reconciliation. I was going to howl bloody murder if they stayed apart for long. I really love Owen and he is such a good match for Gin.

Owen in general - He was the highlight of the book for me from showing his finesse in opening the museum vault, to his reaction to Gin after her supposed death, to stealing...more

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Apr 06, 2013 Lita Bouquard rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: sci-fi-fantasy

When I began the elemental series, Gin Blanco the deadliest assassin had just a few people she trusted. In each continuing novel she has managed to accumulate more and more people in her inner circle which of course means more people to care about. And nobody messes with those that the Spider loves. Gin and Owen's relationship is painful due to her slicing his first love's throat in book 7. Owen is struggling to deal with his conflicting emotions. Ugh after all Gin does for everyone is hurts to...more

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Apr 03, 2013 Zee rated it 3 of 5 stars

Okay so I've just finished the book, and have had a bit of whiskey. I have a feeling I'm going to edit most of this tomorrow morning but at the moment I have to get my feelings out.

The thing that brings the book down for me is the romance element. Because of Keri Washington's amazing portrayal as Olivia Pope in Scandal I have a better grasp of the dichotomy of someone who is so excellent in their professional lives but hopeless when it comes to personal. But even then that is not enough for me...more Okay so I've just finished the book, and have had a bit of whiskey. I have a feeling I'm going to edit most of this tomorrow morning but at the moment I have to get my feelings out.

The thing that brings the book down for me is the romance element. Because of Keri Washington's amazing portrayal as Olivia Pope in Scandal I have a better grasp of the dichotomy of someone who is so excellent in their professional lives but hopeless when it comes to personal. But even then that is not enough for me to totally get the Gin Blanco guilt complex.

Gin Blanco is an amazing character. She feels for people. She does her job as an assassin not for profit but in order to protect the people she loves, the greater public and sometime just to help people. She does this and has an amazing heart but for some reason she doesn't seem to know that and it upsets me. It seems that her own bad feelings for what she does opens the door for her acceptance of those she loves to treat her like utter crap.

This was clear in the beginning of the series when she allowed Donovan Cain to come and go as he wanted, putting her down at any chance he had. But once she had met Owen, someone who protrayed as though he loved her through and through I thought that she had grown to accept herself. But no, In By a Thread we learned that she was still that same self-loathing person when she allowed Brie to treat her like crap for most of the book. But once again I assumed that this was all over.

Now in these last to books we have been treated to an Owen ala Donovan character swap that has really gotten me upset. The fact that she can still stand and "hope" for Owen to come around while he is so CLEARLY in the wrong gets me. The fact that she can understand and bears that guilt as if she HAD done something wrong gets me. But to be honest if she did let Salina live and that crazy psycho killed Eve would Owen still have blamed Gin. Yes I think so. He has become the character that he only agrees with what Gin does so long as it doesn't REALLY effect him.

Personally at this point I think he is beyond redeemable. Even the little scene at the end left me more annoyed then hopeful. I think Gin still has a lot of growing to do as a character so she no longer takes this crap from people who supposedly love her. I also think Owen has a lot to do in order for me to support him as a leading man again.

Personally my hope is that this Mysterious person will be completely opposite of his (hopefully a he) predecessor and turns out to be exactly the kind of person that Gin needs. At the moment I can no longer put Owen in those shoes and cant see how he'll be able to claw his way back into our hearts.

Okay now that this rant is over, I will say that this series is much more than a romance, thankfully. Jennifer Estep is amazing at writing the actions scenes, suspense and I love the world of elementals, giants, dwarfs and more. This is a fantastic urban fantasy world. Overall this book and the series was a great read. In fact I pretty sure if I wasn't so upset at the Owen/Gin situation this book would have gotten 5 stars.

And although I made this incredibly long rant I am still eagerly anticipating Heart of Venom. I absolutely LOVE this series and maybe I am a bit too passionate at the moment because I love it so much. Grrr.(less)

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Apr 03, 2013 Vanessa Vendrasco-Aere rated it 5 of 5 stars

WARNING: May contain spoilers of previous novels in the series!

Let me start off my saying that I love Jennifer Estep. I follow a couple of her series and I think she is a fantastic and creative writer. I enjoy absolutely everything she writes.

Now saying that… this is the eighth book and plot-wise, my interest is waning. We all know how it goes. Gin is a Bad Ass (notice the capital B and A). She is all powerful, quite literally has some epic ninja skills, and after she beats the bad guy and nea...more WARNING: May contain spoilers of previous novels in the series!

Let me start off my saying that I love Jennifer Estep. I follow a couple of her series and I think she is a fantastic and creative writer. I enjoy absolutely everything she writes.

Now saying that… this is the eighth book and plot-wise, my interest is waning. We all know how it goes. Gin is a Bad Ass (notice the capital B and A). She is all powerful, quite literally has some epic ninja skills, and after she beats the bad guy and nearly dies in the process, she has Jo-Jo heal her all up and she is fit as a fiddle. This book followed the pattern to the T. But us devoted Elemental Assassin readers aren’t so dedicated because of the plot anymore, are we? No, we want to know: What happens between Gin and Owen?!

Well, hate to break it to you, but the answer is a whole hell of a lot of more complicated. Looks like another book is in out future. Of course, I already knew that though because, as I said, I am a huge fan of Jennifer Estep (aka I stalk her website to learn about when new books are coming and read every description, sneak peak, and spoiler I can get my grubby hands on). I just can’t wait until the two finally get together. Gin deserves her happily-ever-after. Over the past 8 books, shes handed out more than her fair share, that’s for sure.

Anyways, back to the book. After Mab was defeated, each book has kind of been a filler to play out the love story until a new BIG BAD comes to play the field. After reading book 8, I think that this may just happen in book 9. Good timing too, we are in desperate need of some stability here, like a bad guy we can hate for a few books before Gin defeats them. But for all the books faults long-term wise, I will say this much: Jennifer knows how to write, and write well. Short-term wise, she’s kind of a God. Each book has plenty of action that is written so realistically and creatively, you find your heart pounding at every swipe of her blade. She knows how to build suspense and how to give you just enough information to satisfy your curiosity while leaving you wanting more until the truth all comes out. She DEFINITLEY knows the meaning of ‘subtle hints’.

Overall, it was a good book, but not a great one. However, I am still both a dedicated Jennifer Estep fan, as well as a Elemental Assassin fan. I DO REALLY want to know what happens between Owen and Gin after all :p I guess we’ll find out soon enough. 7/10

http://yabookbutterfly.blogspot.ca (less)

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Apr 02, 2013 Nina rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: enjoyed-it-but-not-must-read

More of my book reviews at http://mustreadbeforeyoudie.blog.com

Another Elemental Assassin book and it was a good read – enjoyed it!

I love Gin. I love her sense of good and justice, her honor code, and her spunk. She’s a ruthless killer with a fierce heart for family and protecting those she loves. I’m shocked at how much I still love this series after the 8th book! The characters remain true to who they are, and the plot flows smoothly from one book to the next (in a way that keeps you entertain...more More of my book reviews at http://mustreadbeforeyoudie.blog.com

Another Elemental Assassin book and it was a good read – enjoyed it!

I love Gin. I love her sense of good and justice, her honor code, and her spunk. She’s a ruthless killer with a fierce heart for family and protecting those she loves. I’m shocked at how much I still love this series after the 8th book! The characters remain true to who they are, and the plot flows smoothly from one book to the next (in a way that keeps you entertained, and it makes sense, not like other series where the plot seems to be constructed for the shock value). Can’t wait to read the 9th book!

As I’m writing this review, I’m thinking about what exactly it is that makes the Elemental Assassin series so dang good. So many things I love about it. Best things are reading Gin’s point of view so we understand how her mind thinks and seeing her get beat up and surviving. These are all present in past books and all are consistently good. After the Mab Monroe plot was done, I was wondering if this series was eventually going to go downhill, and I’m so glad it’s still keeping me entertained!

Spoilers below. (view spoiler)(less)

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Mar 31, 2013 L.n. W. rated it 4 of 5 stars

I couldn't stop reading this book until it was done. I truly enjoyed how Jennifer was able to keep the suspense going and how she concentrated all of the action in one location...the museum. I'm especially intrigued to find out who M.M. Monroe is...I'm thinking that Mab had an illegitimate child that no one knew about. Wouldn't it be mind blowing if her heir turned out to be related to Gin somehow? Like if Gin's father had an affair with Mab and fathered a child...which was part of the reason th...more I couldn't stop reading this book until it was done. I truly enjoyed how Jennifer was able to keep the suspense going and how she concentrated all of the action in one location...the museum. I'm especially intrigued to find out who M.M. Monroe is...I'm thinking that Mab had an illegitimate child that no one knew about. Wouldn't it be mind blowing if her heir turned out to be related to Gin somehow? Like if Gin's father had an affair with Mab and fathered a child...which was part of the reason that Mab had such a hate-on for Gin and her family? I'm just speculating of course...but talk about a plot twist!
Anyway...back to Deadly Sting...I've read other people's reviews and many people were mad about Owen and the fact that he's being such a hard ass about getting back with Gin. I agree that he's being difficult...but let's be real...the man watched Gin kill an old flame of his while Flynn held him at gunpoint. That's not something that can be easily forgotten or forgiven. So I'm glad that everything wasn't nicely sewn up into a pretty bow by the end of this book. They need more time to work things out. Maybe by book 9 or the final book 10 they'll be able to get past their issues.
One thing that I didn't like was the "Super Hero" type of character that Gin became. It's like watching a movie where the main character is being bombarded by gunfire and explosions and never once gets hit. Gin was beaten within an inch of her life by a giant with super strength...an extremely angry giant at that...but she only suffered a couple of broken ribs and a shattered collar bone. Technically, she should have have been killed...but it's all good...you can't kill off the main character or there'd be no more books :-) But hopefully in the next installment she won't be Super Girl...unless that's the point that Jennifer is making since Gin keeps remembering Jo-Jo telling her that she's going to be even stronger than Mab one day. So maybe Gin is working towards that invincibility that Mab seemed to have. I'm looking forward to book 9 in the series...(less)

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Mar 23, 2013 CoffeeTimeRomance andMore rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance

Gin Blanco is having a difficult time with her wardrobe lately. Every time she puts on a nice dress, she winds up in a situation that ends with the lovely dress being covered in blood. Her solution? Buy a blood red dress to wear to the reading of Mab Monroe’s will.

Of course a criminal mastermind like Mab would never allow her will to be read in the typical fashion. Her directives specify all of her treasures and spoils of war be displayed at Ashland’s premier art gallery for perusal by the Who’s...more

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Mar 23, 2013 Fangs for the Fantasy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Dragged by Finn to an auction so they can paw through the remains of Mab’s estate, Gin is predicting a boring night (certainly more boring than dress shopping with added fun mugging).

A boring night that quickly becomes slightly nightmarish when she sees her sort-of-ex-Owen with another woman on what may be a date.

Thankfully relationship issues are rapidly overruled by a new threat – art thieves with guns, bombs and a willingness to shoot hostages.

The Spider just can’t have a night off.

In have to...more Dragged by Finn to an auction so they can paw through the remains of Mab’s estate, Gin is predicting a boring night (certainly more boring than dress shopping with added fun mugging).

A boring night that quickly becomes slightly nightmarish when she sees her sort-of-ex-Owen with another woman on what may be a date.

Thankfully relationship issues are rapidly overruled by a new threat – art thieves with guns, bombs and a willingness to shoot hostages.

The Spider just can’t have a night off.

In have to say, I wasn’t that thrilled with this story. I mean, the action was well done and well written as usual, I love these characters and the setting was intriguing. It had action, it had excitement, it had this wonderful world I love.

But it came down to being “Gin goes somewhere, bad guys try to rob it, Gin stops them.” I actually had trouble writing a summary that wasn’t just one sentence. I kept waiting for the whole museum robbery to end and us to move on to the main plot now the prologue has finished until I got to 75% in and I realised, wait, this is actually the whole story. There’s no real twists, no grand revelations, there’s a couple of side issues taking up a tiny amount of room, but that’s about it. It’s a linear, simple, action story.

I mean, it’s good at that. The fights scenes are excellent and there’s a wonderful bit of stylistic writing in that Gin often stops and watches her prey for a long time before actually acting. It can be really frustrating reading because you’re urging her to move and she isn’t – but she is the Spider, renowned for her patience and that was really brought home in this book; just how patient she is, how long she is willing to wait for the ideal situation. Except… someone was actually bleeding to death while she was being this patient. Great stylistically, a bit less so in terms of fitting the situation.

And I liked her flashback with Fletcher, giving another sense of who she was and how she became who she is – but also the ruthlessness that has been instilled into her. I liked it, it would have been great character development for… someone who wasn’t Gin. Sorry, but while I loved so much of it, the idea of Gin getting the job done no matter what, even if it meant using a loved one as bait, doesn’t quite gel with how she’s acted towards her extended family.

I’d also quite like her skill as an assassin be showed by her not getting hurt in a battle rather than her constantly being severely beaten before getting magical healing – less kamikaze Gin and more skilful, awesome Gin.

Having said that, I think it’s a real mistake to look at any of the Elemental Assassin’s series in terms of individual books – this is one of those series that works incredibly well as a collective whole. The pacing of the series, the way each book is presented as its place in the series and general development of the series are all extremely well done – looked at as a whole the writing and organisation is incredible, some of the best I’ve ever read.

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Jan 27, 2013 Bookmom rated it 4 of 5 stars

I’d just started reading the Elemental Assassin series, back to back, and was only about 4 books into it when I saw that I could try for an ARC of this book. After reading them in order and finishing this one, I feel like I’ve hit a brick wall. I hate waiting for the next release, especially when the last book I read still hasn’t hit store shelves yet. *lol*

What a ride! And not just this book but the entire series.

In a world filled with human, vampires, dwarves and giants, you’ve also some that...more I’d just started reading the Elemental Assassin series, back to back, and was only about 4 books into it when I saw that I could try for an ARC of this book. After reading them in order and finishing this one, I feel like I’ve hit a brick wall. I hate waiting for the next release, especially when the last book I read still hasn’t hit store shelves yet. *lol*

What a ride! And not just this book but the entire series.

In a world filled with human, vampires, dwarves and giants, you’ve also some that have power with elementals, such as Stone, Ice, Air, Fire and offshoots of these major ones. And in the Southern town of Ashland you’ve got plenty of powerful folk and mob bosses.

Gin is an assassin with the rare combination of Stone and Ice elementals, who retires from that profession very early in the series. The problem is that people need help and Gin has made a lot of enemies as The Spider. She’s not allowed to retire. At the beginning of the series, Gin’s only family/friends are dwarf sisters, her mentor and her foster brother Finn. As the series progresses her ‘family’ grows considerably, which isn’t always good as the bad guys know they can get to her through them. But to have people accept her even knowing she’s an assassin makes a huge difference in her life.

In this latest installment, Finn forces Gin into attending a black tie event at the local museum, showcasing the art and jewelry of Mab Monroe, the woman who had pretty much run the town, and the woman Gin assassinated. Now think about the movie, Die Hard. Gin had left that area of the museum to get some air when a group of giants decide to rob everyone and take everything worthwhile out of the museum. Gin has to do something; people she cares about are among the hostages. And like Die Hard, things aren’t necessarily what they appear on the surface. Expect some twists and surprises.

What’s really cool about Gin is that her elemental powers are very powerful, but she prefers to rely on her knives and physical abilities because what would happen if she starts depending on those powers and they are depleted? These are normally used as a last resort. What makes Gin special is not only her physical and metaphysical abilities, but her will and determination, especially to keep a promise or to protect her ‘family.’ Her morals are very strong considering what she does.

The secondary characters are nothing to scoff at either, whether they are the good guys or the bad. All are interesting and many are well fleshed out; at least those closest to Gin.

This story, like all of the others in the series, is packed full of action and daring, and it doesn’t end with the death of the bad guy du jour. Feelings, relationships and consequences are just as important as taking out the bad guy and you get much more than the requisite chapter following the downfall of the bad guy. It helps to make Gin and much more well-rounded character.

I don’t suggest reading the books back to back without at least something else in between them. The author writes some back history for all important people and prior events mentioned. This makes it easy to pick up any of the books at any time and be able to delve right in without having to read a prior book much less reread the last one. But back-to-back, well that’s a lot a whole lot of duplication.

Read as an ARC from Edelweiss.(less)

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Mar 26, 2013 Elodie rated it 2 of 5 stars

To me this serie stopped when Gin killed Mavis, I mean she was THE villain of the story. I just don't see how you can top that. Now the books keep being weaker and weaker, I don't understand.
What the heck happened with Owen? He was such a strong character at first, loyal, understanding of Gin, accepting all her faults and weaknesses... and now he's just an a**hole. Feels like he doesn't love her, there's no passion, nothing. He wouldn't fight for her, he doesn't get angry or anything either, it...more

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Jun 09, 2013 Vivian rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-2013

The writing has definitely improved throughout the series though I miss counting the repetitive phrase :)

Most of the story takes place during a gala where some giants try to pull off a major robbery. Even knowing Gin will come out of it okay, there were some nail-biting moments in the story. How is she going to save the day? And there's no Jo-Jo around to heal her! This was a lot of fun and moved at a decent pace but the ending was stellar.

All I'm going to say about the ending. Karma baby.

And is...more

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Deadly Sting (Elemental Assassin #8)

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