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Venom (Elemental Assassin #3)

by Jennifer Estep (Goodreads Author)

4.19 of 5 stars 4.19 · rating details · 8,216 ratings · 462 reviews

What kind of assassin works pro bono?

It’s hard to be a badass assassin when a giant is beating the crap out of you. Luckily, I never let pride get in the way of my work. My current mission is personal: annihilate Mab Monroe, the Fire elemental who murdered my family. Which means protecting my identity, even if I have to conceal my powerful Stone and Ice magic when I need i...more

Paperback, 389 pages

Published September 28th 2010 by Pocket Books (first published September 17th 2010)

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Aug 23, 2011 Lisa O. rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: lovers of this series

Shelves: with-smut, uf-or-pnr, fantasy, vampires, adult-fiction, ebook, swoooooon

It is a truth universally acknowledged that...

- Gin Blanco, aka The Spider, professional assassin, always carries at least five silverstone knives on her at all times: two up her sleeves, two down her boots and one in the small of her back;

- Finnegan Lake drinks a lot of chicory coffee and the supposed caffeine content does not affect him;

- the symbol for Northern Aggression is a heart with an arrow through it;

- Mab Monroe's rune is ruby with wavy rays all around;

- Gin Blanco's eyes are grey whe...more

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Oct 22, 2010 Kat Kennedy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: kat-s-book-reviews

Okay, so I've finished the series now and there's nothing more to say except that the quality has remained, Gin is still badass but going kind of soft and heroic and I love Owen.

I only complaint is that Estep has this annoying habit of recaping things that she's never written about. Particularly Donovan and Gin's relationship.

Imagine if you read a story like Water for Elephants where Jacob joins the circus, falls in love, marries and has children. Then you read the sequel and Jacob starts off th...more

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Oct 03, 2010 May rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: fans of kick ass heroines + magical elements

Shelves: action, scifi-paranormal-fantasy-etc, series

Gin Blanco is a (sort of retired) assassin who's life is blowing wide open. Truths revealed, new possibilities forming, and a whole lot of action going on.

I LOVE this series. I love that it's dark and gritty and that Gin sees herself as this hard shell of a woman when the reality is that she's fierce and loyal and protects those she cares for or makes promises to. It's not sunshine and roses here in assassin land, but I really liked that this book shows us Gin opening up a bit, her circle expand...more

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Nov 22, 2012 Carmel (Rabid Reads) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audio

Reviewed by: Rabid Reads

Jennifer Estep has done it again! Venom is even better than the first two installments which is pretty unbelievable considering how outstanding they both were. No word of a lie, the Elemental Assassin series literally gets better with every book. That's pretty freaking remarkable if you ask me! It felt like that crazy drop in the Tower of Terror except that it lasted for twelve hours! The story is thrilling, the character development is exceptional and Owen Grayson is jus...more Reviewed by: Rabid Reads

Jennifer Estep has done it again! Venom is even better than the first two installments which is pretty unbelievable considering how outstanding they both were. No word of a lie, the Elemental Assassin series literally gets better with every book. That's pretty freaking remarkable if you ask me! It felt like that crazy drop in the Tower of Terror except that it lasted for twelve hours! The story is thrilling, the character development is exceptional and Owen Grayson is just plain smokin' hot.

In this installment we get an even better look inside Gin's assassin persona; it's a scary and fascinating place. In the opening chapter she endures one heck of a beating in order to maintain her cover. I kept waiting for her to unleash a can of whoopass on the giants but hiding her skills was indeed the best long-term game plan for her and that's exactly what she does. You can't help but admire Blanco for willingly getting pummeled when she could have easily come out the winner of the encounter. This is just the first of many instances where she demonstrates her knack for thinking on her feet. As an ex-assassin, Gin finds herself in some pretty hairy situations yet she always manages to keep her cool, even when bullets are zooming past her head! There's more to her than just a cold blooded killer though and that's what makes her story so incredible. Her feelings and doubts go a long way into humanizing her in this book. I think that Estep does an exceptional job developing her characters in this series. They're memorable, life-like and unique; I for one can't get enough of them!

Elliot Slater is the kind of guy you love to hate and the first bad guy of this series that I really wanted to see suffer a slow and painful death at the hands of Gin. I like that it took the entire book for Roslyn's revenge to come full circle; it made the end result extremely meaningful and personal. All of the characters play a role in the main plot which is yet another noteworthy element in this book. As a result, the side stories became an added bonus instead of an essential ingredient in order to tie everything together.

Finn is finally coming into his own and I like that he actually kicked some butt in this installment. I've been on the fence about him for the past two books but now I'm glad he's a part of this series and I look forward to seeing what Estep has in store for him. I love, love LOVE Owen Grayson and how this book ended. I'm kinda hoping that he and Gin team up and go after Mab Monroe together. Wouldn't that be a romantic outing? Yeah... Natural Born Killers style! Sophia's story still remains a mystery but at least we learned something about her this time. I just hope her tale will be as awesome as I expect it to be!

Venom is one giant action scene packed with unforgettable characters, startling truths and the ending is fan-freaking-tastic.

(less)

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Oct 30, 2012 Jennifer (a.k.a The Book Nympho) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audio-books, aadsav

****Review will contain mild spoilers if you are not update on the series.****

Ok the awesomeness of this series just gets better with each book. Each book in the Elemental Assassins series has its own plot with a bigger picture plot surrounding the murder of Gin’s mother and older sister. Things keep building as Gin finds out more about that night and about her later handler, Flecter.

Gin is still mourning her handler and foster father, Fletcher. She is also having a hard time with her love life....more ****Review will contain mild spoilers if you are not update on the series.****

Ok the awesomeness of this series just gets better with each book. Each book in the Elemental Assassins series has its own plot with a bigger picture plot surrounding the murder of Gin’s mother and older sister. Things keep building as Gin finds out more about that night and about her later handler, Flecter.

Gin is still mourning her handler and foster father, Fletcher. She is also having a hard time with her love life. But as one douche bag leaves town; another HOTTER and more suited for Gin, guy comes along.

“I don’t judge you for what you’ve done, Gin. Why are you judging me for another man’s mistakes? Because Donovan Caine did make a mistake,” Owen said in a soft voice. “Letting someone like you go.”

By the time Venom ends I can’t see a more perfect guy for Gin than Owen.

Gin just can’t seem to stay retired from the assassin gig. But instead of getting paid for her skills she is using them as a service to the good people of Ashland.

“I’m just wondering how exactly I went from being the Spider to the Robin fucking Hood of the greater Ashland area... Instead of stealing from the rich, I’m stabbing them to death for the poor.”

Gin and gang has their hands full trying to help Rosyln Phillips with a stalker problem. The stalker in question is Elliot Slater, Mab Monroe’s head of security. Gin has no problem planning a way to kill the giant, since we start out Venom with Slater beating the crap out of Gin on the college campus. How can that be? Gin decides to go along with the beating as not to give away her cover as Gin Blanco.

Gin spends a great deal of Venom protecting her cover in order to get closer to Mab Monroe and figuring out a way to take her out for killing her family all those years ago.

Speaking of family, Gin finally gets to meet her baby sister that she thought died with her other sister and mother on that dark night. Gin and baby sister Bria are on different sides of the law but are more alike than either would have guessed.

Venom is full of action, mystery and a healthy dose of dark humor and snark. I love the world and characters that Jennifer Estep has built. It’s been a while since a series has grabbed me the way this one has.

And now that I’m done with this review and can now start Tangled Threads!(less)

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Apr 16, 2012 Mariya rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy

Owen drained the rest of his tonic. “You know, I’m not used to waiting for a woman to call.” “Well, then this new experience will be good for your ego,” I replied.

Oh my, this Elemental Assassin Series by Jennifer Estep is getting better and better by the book. I extremely enjoyed VENOM. I mean you have this amazing heroine that seriously knows how to kick some "bad guy" butt! VENOM was definitely more action-packed and funnier which I loved and there is definitely more growth by each and ever...more

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Apr 05, 2013 TheBookVixen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: own, read-in-2012, c-b

This review was originally posted on The Book Vixen. I bought this book.

Why I Read this Book: I am absolutely HOOKED on this series. It’s crack.

What I Liked: Venom starts off with a bang and just keeps on going. It never fizzles. I just kept turning the page, page after page, anxious to find out how things would pan out.

The author has plotted these books out ingeniously. Everything comes together, like a jigsaw puzzle without any leftover pieces. Everything mentioned in the story has its purpose...more

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Oct 16, 2010 Katie(babs) rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Gin Blanco is trying her best to stay as a retired assassin. But unfortunately bad news follows her, mainly because of the turn of events in Web of Lies, where she ended up snuffing out the son of a very dangerous man, Jonah McAllister, who is also the lawyer for one of Ashland’s most powerful elementals, Mab Monroe. Venom starts where Gin has the flu and is suffering from a bad cold. She’s attacked by Jonah and some of his thugs because he thinks she knows something about his son’s death. Gin p...more Gin Blanco is trying her best to stay as a retired assassin. But unfortunately bad news follows her, mainly because of the turn of events in Web of Lies, where she ended up snuffing out the son of a very dangerous man, Jonah McAllister, who is also the lawyer for one of Ashland’s most powerful elementals, Mab Monroe. Venom starts where Gin has the flu and is suffering from a bad cold. She’s attacked by Jonah and some of his thugs because he thinks she knows something about his son’s death. Gin puts on the scared act and is beaten within an inch of her life. Mab puts a stop to it. Mab, Jonah and his goons all think Gin is some weak, pathetic loser. And because of that Mab has no idea what Gin is capable of and will be taken down. Gin wants to kill Mab, who was responsible for murdering her parents, almost killing her when she was a barely a teen, and up to most recently thought her younger sister Bria had been dead all these years. The biggest surprise in store for Gin is that Bria is alive and has moved to Ashland to take over the role of detective, the one Gin’s sometime lover, Detective Donovan Caine had recently vacated.

Gin’s attack doesn’t weaken her resolve. She’s fixed up by two very powerful dwarfs who are skilled in healing, and has the support of Finn Lane. Finn’s father Fletcher took Gin in and taught her to be an assassin. Years later he was tortured and killed. Gin also wants revenge for Fletcher’s murder because she thinks Mab may also had something to do with it. Gin and her crew carefully plan a way to bring down Mab, but Bria is sniffing around. And because of that, Bria is marked for death. Now Gin has to protect Bria, while keeping her true identity a secret, as well as lend aid to an old lover of Finn’s, a vampire, who is being stalked by one of Mab’s psychotic goons.

And, if that’s not bad enough, or perhaps in Gin’s case, a very good thing, the mysterious, rich Owen Grayson, who first appeared in Web of Lies (Gin saved his sister), wants to know Gin better. He too has a past much like Gin’s that bonds them. And because of that, Gin may have found not only someone who understands her, but a lover who won’t judge her like Donovan did every time they were together.

Venom is another wonderful installment of Jennifer Estep’s Elemental Assassin series. Gin makes no excuses about ending the lives of those who cause pain and suffering to innocent people. She’s much like Robin Hood, but instead of stealing from the rich to give to the poor, she’s a vigilante who is the judge and jury when it comes to the sort of punishment she dishes out. Gin also prefers to use weapons, knives being her weapon of choice, rather than her own elemental powers, and only if she has no other choice left.

What I also find amazing about Gin is her devotion to her friends, who are essentially her family. Her brother Finn, in everything but blood, is a smooth character who hides a very resourceful nature. Just as Gin puts on certain act for the world, Finn does also. And I have a good feeling that because Finn adores Gin, he’s close to feeling the same for Bria, but in more physical terms. And speaking of physical, Owen is a worthy partner and lover for Gin. He’s definitely not a rebound from Gin’s disastrous relationship with Donovan. I can’t wait to see what Jennifer has in store for these two, and if and when Donovan will return at some point.

Kick-ass balls to the walls action is what I think when it comes to Gin Blanco and this series. Venom may just have your adrenaline running where by the end you’ll be panting for the next book. (less)

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Oct 31, 2010 Alisha rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

Initial reaction (upon finishing): Rock ON! That's how it's freakin done.

This was an absolutely fantastic addition to the Elemental Assassin series. I just don't know where to start. But I'll say this: Venom is a very pivotal book, placing Gin in the position of finally being able to address (and do something about) her family's torture and murder. I would not recommend beginning the series here (rather, first check out Spider's Bite and then Web of Lies). Technically the main plot arc is self-c...more Initial reaction (upon finishing): Rock ON! That's how it's freakin done.

This was an absolutely fantastic addition to the Elemental Assassin series. I just don't know where to start. But I'll say this: Venom is a very pivotal book, placing Gin in the position of finally being able to address (and do something about) her family's torture and murder. I would not recommend beginning the series here (rather, first check out Spider's Bite and then Web of Lies). Technically the main plot arc is self-contained in this one installment, but Gin makes a lot of decisions and does a lot of soul searching that simply won't have the same impact without proper context.

For example, this book finds Gin's sometimes-lover Donovan Cain long-gone, as he's "gotten outta Dodge" to escape his considerable attraction to our beloved assassin. Eager to fill that void is Owen Grayson...but we're repeatedly reminded of Caine during Gin's interactions with Owen, due to her feeling once-burned; she basically compares everything from their kisses and physical attributes to their respective morals and motivations. Her wanting to know Owen at all is colored by her past with Caine. Personally, I really found the introduction of Owen as a major figure to be an intriguing one. His presence brings an enticing air of mystery, for both Gin and the reader.

We've also got a conundrum that forms the main plot and is directly influenced by the events of book two. That is to say, some of Gin's decisions and actions come back to bite her in the butt. I actually loved this inclusion, because it reveals Gin's humanity, humility, generosity and sense of honor/fidelity. Eat your heart out, Donovan Caine. ^_^

The plot was deliciously paced; just about every returning character is fleshed out more (and to addictive effect!). Estep has trained me to be on guard; I feel like no one is safe and anything can happen (which not always the case in series, open-ended or not). This is the installment that really solidifies the series arc; I am now absolutely vested in the outcome of the next books to come.(less)

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Oct 29, 2011 Kitt rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, read-2010, urban-fantasy, cliff-hanger, books-i-own, elemental-assassin

A short note before I start my review of Venom. It really isn't possible for me to tell you the plot of this story without some mild spoilers to not only Spider's Bite and Web of Lies, but to Venom. There are, also, so many wonderful things that happen in this book and everyone of them are spoilers too. So what's a girl to do? I'll spill as little as possible, but if your interested in none, skip over my spoiler section.

*Spoiler Alert*

"For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction."

Gi...more A short note before I start my review of Venom. It really isn't possible for me to tell you the plot of this story without some mild spoilers to not only Spider's Bite and Web of Lies, but to Venom. There are, also, so many wonderful things that happen in this book and everyone of them are spoilers too. So what's a girl to do? I'll spill as little as possible, but if your interested in none, skip over my spoiler section.

*Spoiler Alert*

"For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction."

Gin Blanco is learning Newton's third intimately. This theme was brought up several times in Venom, but the main circumstance is with her new arrangement with Roslyn Phillips. In Web of Lies, Roslyn owes Gin for Fletcher Lane and she knows it, so when Gin comes demanding her help to enter Mab Monroes soiree to kill Tobias Dawson, Roslyn could do nothing but comply. This is the case of the closer we get to people, the more we care about them and Gin Blanco is turning out to be no different. As a result, because she asked Roslyn to lie to Mab Monroe about the where abouts of a certain invitation and rune, Gin has placed Rosyln right in the line of sight of Mab's second in command, Elliot Slater. Now, Elliot is obsessed with Roslyn and is administering his own special brand of love to which Gin can't let slide. Elliot Slater will never touch Roslyn again is Gin has anything to say about it.

*Spoiler End*

All we've ever seen of Gin is "The Spider", never really before have we've seen Genevieve Snow, and in Venom, this side is the one with feelings, fears, and love. As more about Gin's past is uncovered, the more we get to see the harsh truth of Gin's reality. It's no secret how much I love this character and now I get to see her as more human and with compassion.

Let me just say that Ms. Estep has a great cast of characters. All well rounded and each personality stands out clearly in my mind. I have my favorites, but can I just say how excited I am that Donovan Caine is no longer around? Good riddance Caine, I won't be missing you and please, don't come back because we have Owen Grayson now. *sigh* Owen. There is a scene that just wretched my cold little heart in to a big pile of goo pushing me further on to team Grayson, as if I needed anymore of reason than I was shown prior. He's one hot, sexy beast and utterly perfect for Ms. Blanco and in Venom you'll see exactly why I think so.

I'm absolutely dieing here to tell you everything that happens, but instead, let me just tell you some of the questions that I had: What exactly is Sopia Deveraux doing with those bodies? Does she have any magic? Why did Mab Monroe kill Gins family? Why was she after Bia?

All of these and more will be answered through a page turning, action pact plot. Ms. Estep sure knows how to deliver a fantastic story and awesome fighting scenes. As you can see, I completely enjoyed Venom more than Web of Lies, but some of the quirks that bothered me in the series first two novels are still present and I can only contribute this to the rapid succession in which all three novels were released. And while Venom might be left with a bit of a cliff hanger, it only increases my appetite for this series and makes me want Tangled Threads that much more.(less)

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May 13, 2012 Ian rated it 4 of 5 stars

Very classy ~~sci-fi /~~ fantasy. Gin is an elemental assassin, a rare magic user who has the power to command two elements, both stone and ice. Her nemesis Mab Monroe is a fire user who doesn't even now she exists...yet. But when Gin steps in to help Rosalyn, a vampire who is being stalked by Mab's enforcer and bodyguard that could change and put her life and those of her loved ones in peril.

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Mar 03, 2012 Merve Özcan rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: assassin, immortal, mythology, romance, vampire, elemental, tough-female-lead, contemporary

Ne söyleyebilirim bilmiyorum.
Kitap öncelikli olarak bir yöne çok takılıp kalmıştı.Aşırı şekilde duygusaldı.Gin Ross'u (vampir) öldürmek isteyen bir devi öldürme planları yapıyordu.Owen'le işleri düzeltip, bu sayfayıda kapatıyor yazar. Bria ile bir ilişki geliştirmesi güzel. Kendini açık etmesi ise kitaba tamamiyle yeni bir heyecan getirdi. 4. Kitabı okusam mı diye çelişkiye düştüğümü itiraf etmeliyim.

Yazar Eliot'u öldürme kısmına çok takılmıştı bu beni çok sıktı. Kitabın %60 ı bu düşüncenin etra...more

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Oct 17, 2010 Sasha rated it 5 of 5 stars

I'm hooked, and loving it. If you haven't started this series you're missing out. Estep writes a fast paced, suspenseful story with fascinating characters that I cheer for wether they're wielding weapons and magic in battle, or learning to trust and love. Start with Spiders Bite, and keep on going.

I can't say enough good things about this series. There are plenty of UF/paranormal books out there who tout a kick ass heroine, but so few live up to it. Gin and her motley family kick ass, and take...more

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Apr 22, 2013 Rie Conley rated it 5 of 5 stars

OMG! These simply keep getting better. This is one of my 3 favorite series (other included: Mercy Thompson and Night Huntress) and Jennifer Estep does not disappoint in the third book within this amazing series. Seriously guys, it’s amazing you should be reading it, like right now….

I did get incredibly annoyed simply because I couldn’t read this book as fast as I wanted to. There are threads that run through this story that I wanted to know right then. Gin goes after the head security of the bad...more

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Dec 25, 2012 Yvonne Boag rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: supernatural

The book opens with Gin getting beaten up by Mab's security detail. Events that took place in the last book come to bear on Gin...with a vengeance. Once again Gin comes out of retirement to help someone close to her. Roslyn the vampire who had helped Gin out in the previous book has a stalker and it is Elliot Slater. Gin feels guilty because if it wasn't for her Roslyn and Elliot would never have met. Bria, Gin's sister (though Bria doesn't know it) tries to help but only puts herself in the lin...more

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Oct 05, 2012 Meg rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: women-supernatural

Venom
OR
Who Let This Vampire Eat My BBQ?

Aaaand my interest in this series is waning. Even as we're getting into the heart of the series, the conflict we've been building toward from the beginning, I find myself less interested in picking up the next book in the series.

It's not that it's really doing anything wrong. Still lots of solid heavy hitting action, secondary characters who get us emotionally involved in the conflict, Gin's still hard and bad ass and emotionally a little distant.

A minor p...more

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Jun 26, 2012 Taylor rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: kickass-heroine, best-of-the-best, assasins

Gin Blancho gets beat up by giants, saved by her long lost sister, and doesn't do anything. Seriously if the titles had names, that is what chapter one should be. I love Gin, I really do, but she thinks that she has a hardened heart, a little too much. Otherwise, she wouldn't have been as wounded by Caine, and willing to give the amazing Owen (who has gone up exponentially in my standings) a chance. But no, her heart is too fragile. But besides that, her sister, Bria, has taken over Donovans spo...more

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Jun 25, 2012 Katrina Ly rated it 5 of 5 stars

Loved it.

Gin is so awesome. Seriously, I cannot believe how awesome she is. Now, I dunno about you but i'm totally sold on a book if the main character is awesome and the fact the plot and the way it was written was just so SOOOOOO GOOD is just another bonus. I AM SO GLAD SHE FINALLY DITCHED THE DETECTIVE. He was getting on my nerves, acting all high and mighty and better than Gin when really he never even came close to deserving someone as smart, funny and sassy as Gin. Oh my god she's so aweso...more

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Apr 14, 2012 Kathy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Venom,

I strongly suggest you read the previous books in the series (Pre-prequel-Web of Deceit; Prequel- Spider's Bargain; installment #1-Spider's Bite; Novella-Web of Death; installment #2-Web of Lies) prior to reading this installment.

Gin, our favorite assassin is back with a new purpose in life..to help those without a voice. I usually don't like books where the heroine tries to be goody-two-shoes all the time and thank goodness, this is not one of those books.

Gin is tough, savvy and has a on...more

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Feb 01, 2012 Naoms rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: witches-magic-users-shamans

I liked this book! I am beginning to see what so many of my goodreads friends enjoy so much about this series.

Venom starts with a bang, or more like an unfair attack of a lone woman walking on a college campus. That woman is Gin. I really admired Gin from the beginning to the end of this book. Sure she was still a bit cocky, but Gin showed admirable qualities from self-sacrifice, to her feelings toward the people she feels indebted to, etc. The interesting part of this book for me is Bria. The f...more

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Jan 28, 2012 Felicia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-read, audiobook, audible-purchase-2009-to-2011

Bought on Audible
Actual Rating 4.25
Audio Rating 4.00
Review Posted on

What I Loved: Owen! It is nice to see a strong male, confident not to cocky, accepting lead. Jennifer knows how to write men that you can love (I will forgive her for Donovan) because Finn is also a great male lead! Though to be honest it is Gin, Sophie, and Jo-Jo that really make me love this series! The females are strong, smart, and extremely talented. They do what needs to be done and don't make excuses why they do it. The s...more

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Jan 22, 2012 Sayjil rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal, urban-fantasy

Gin Blanco, aka Spider is sort of out of retirement. Jonah McAllister wants revenge for his son’s murder and Mab Monroe wants the blond hooker she met in the bathroom who she thinks didn’t die with Tobias Dawson in the coal mine. Gin lets Elliot Slater (Jonah’s bodyguard) beat her so that she could get of their radar. The police are called after and Gin finds out the detective that replaced Donovan Caine is Bria Coolidge, Gin’s long lost sister. Owen Grayson takes a bigger part in the picture as...more Gin Blanco, aka Spider is sort of out of retirement. Jonah McAllister wants revenge for his son’s murder and Mab Monroe wants the blond hooker she met in the bathroom who she thinks didn’t die with Tobias Dawson in the coal mine. Gin lets Elliot Slater (Jonah’s bodyguard) beat her so that she could get of their radar. The police are called after and Gin finds out the detective that replaced Donovan Caine is Bria Coolidge, Gin’s long lost sister. Owen Grayson takes a bigger part in the picture as he shows interest in Gin and after the hurt she got from falling for Donovan, Gin is reluctant to go out with Owen despite her growing attraction. As the story goes on we see that Gin Blaco’s real name is Genevieve Snow and what happened that night Mab killed her family. Gin plans to kill Elliot after she finds out that he’s stalking, intimidating and sexually harassing Roslyn Philips who is in love with Xavier. Mab sends her Elliot and the others to kill Bria and Gin of course save her. Gin takes her attraction to Owen to further levels and we find out that Owen has a past of his own, one that relates to Gin. Even though killing Elliot is not the best idea and she’s doing it for free, Gin goes ahead gives her promise and during this she finds out why Mab killed the Snow family.

I expected a bit more from the story especially after we found out that Mab was the fire elemental who killed Mab. The first part of the story was a bit of a bore because the plot only started towards the middle of the book where things got really interesting. I liked the fact that Gin took things further with Owen and she didn’t brood over Donovan too much like what usual female characters usually do. I also expected more of Bria when she made her appearance and for her to find out that Gin is her sister. I liked Gin’s reminiscing pieces in between and how much Gin matured from the first book but the action scenes are much less than I would have like. Hoping the next book would be way better...
(less)

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Oct 12, 2011 Fangs for the Fantasy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Gin's retirement doesn't seem to be sticking. This time Roslyn comes to her with nowhere else to turn, the vampire is being stalked by one of Mab's minions. The giant Elliot Slater. Her chief enforcer, he is a dangerous opponent with all the power of Mab behind him, the most powerful figure in the Ashland crime world. The authorities can't help her, justice and safety can only come from the Spider's knives.

And there's a new cop in town – honest, true, trying to do as much good as she can in a sy...more Gin's retirement doesn't seem to be sticking. This time Roslyn comes to her with nowhere else to turn, the vampire is being stalked by one of Mab's minions. The giant Elliot Slater. Her chief enforcer, he is a dangerous opponent with all the power of Mab behind him, the most powerful figure in the Ashland crime world. The authorities can't help her, justice and safety can only come from the Spider's knives.

And there's a new cop in town – honest, true, trying to do as much good as she can in a system that is corrupt and compromised to the hilt. Detective Bria Coolridge – Gin's long lost sister. Gin has to decide what to tell her sister, how to help her, how to protect her from Mab and her minions – while at the same time risking her profession as an assassin driving her away just as it drove away Caine.

And there's Mab. Mab who is looking for the person who killed her associates, who lurks behind everything in Ashland and who Gin has more than a few reasons to kill herself.

In some ways I am torn with Gin playing the mass murdering Robin Hood. I don't dispute what she's doing or her motives, but this book and the last book, Webof Lies she has spent being a pro bono helper to various people. Not a bad thing in and of itself, but we risked losing the focus on her own agenda, her own life and her own wishes.

Which is why I am very happy to see the emergence of Bria, Gin's sister. And she looks like a much more interesting character than Detective Caine ever was. Like the old detective, she's honest and good and wants to make a difference. Unlike Caine, she doesn't live in happy dappy cloud cuckoo land and pretend that the system is shiny, that it can fix everything and anyone who works outside the system is of the bad. Or at very least she has a sense of triage - “I know there are worse things , worse people in the world. I'll stop them first. Then, when that's done, maybe I'll get round to you.” and that line, right there, manages to perfectly have a good honest cop who isn't a naive fool in the situation. She looks like she's going to be a strong, capable character who can handle herself with her magic and firepower, has her own agenda and isn't willing to be cowed or intimidated. I'm also glad that Bria will work with Gin and the two get along rather than us having a convoluted “I hate you hate you hate you – oh you're my sister? LOVE YOU MY KIN!” moment. Yes I've seen it before and yes I've side-eyed it :).

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Sep 19, 2011 Jessica rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: could-have-potential, great-supporting-cast, supernatural-other

Still enjoying the characters, still liking the development of the overall arc plot of Mab vs. Gin. However, still also having issues with the long bits of inner dialogue.

I also can't help but feel that the author is shortchanging the intelligence of the reader. This is the third book in the series and, by this point in time, the reader should definitely have the key points of the universe down that they don't need to be repeated in every book, let alone multiple times in each book. If the read...more

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Sep 16, 2011 Kiki rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: assassin, vampire, elemental-magic, urban, fantasy

Gin, the getting less retired all the time ex-assassin, starts this book by taking a severe beating to protect her identity. The theme of this book seems to revolve around Gin's need to protect, even if the people she strives to protect in this book get on my nerves a little by all the weeping and helplessness, especially considering what kind of creature the victim of this book is. I was surprised Gin was never once tempted to yell at the victim, who took forever to find any sort of backbone. B...more

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Aug 15, 2011 Cristina rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is actually more like 4 1/2 stars, because its just short of amazing. Now this review is for people who have read the previous books. If you haven’t read the others then stop now and read them. Its not that this book couldn’t be a stand alone because I feel it could. It’s just that you won’t get the full perspective of the characters.

Ok in the first book my biggest problem was in the lack of varied killing techniques. The second improved but I felt it still could use some work. That has gon...more This is actually more like 4 1/2 stars, because its just short of amazing. Now this review is for people who have read the previous books. If you haven’t read the others then stop now and read them. Its not that this book couldn’t be a stand alone because I feel it could. It’s just that you won’t get the full perspective of the characters.

Ok in the first book my biggest problem was in the lack of varied killing techniques. The second improved but I felt it still could use some work. That has gone out the window in this one because she’s pretty bad ass and I can see now how she is the best assassin. Another problem I had with the first and second was that I felt Jennifer Estep was dragging out the ending in the first book especially. This time I feel she finally got it right. It didn’t drag out forever and it ended how it should where it should, so that was a plus. Oh and her constant use of 'gold on gray' then later 'violet on gray' was really annoying and I’m glad she toned that down.

The reason I took off a star and if you read the series you will agree is WHY THE HELL IS SHE STILL HUNG UP ON DONOVAN?! Ok really I thought in the first book when she hooked up with him that it was cool because it was what it was and she understood that. Then in book two she turned all heartbroken girl who basically is a booty call, but doesn’t want to except it. I was willing to let that go since BAM in walks in hot new male interest Owen. I had misgivings thinking maybe this was going to spin into some sort of triangle, but no she gets the all clear when Donavan moves. Now Owen has to face the repercussions of Dons errors and I ask why? I thought she was a sexually secure woman and now she turned into venerable girl with insecurities and got to say don’t like the change. I’m glad that it did work out of Owen later but really what was the hang up?

Well that’s my piece so my over all review is that I liked this one and I will keep the series after all and will continue with the series. However, if she brings Donavan back into the mix and some how she dumps the perfect for her guy, Owen, I’m going to be so pissed I will quit reading this series because I’m tired of it.
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Jul 29, 2011 Book Binge Blog rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, for-review, pocket

Venom is the third in Jennifer Estep's series about an assassin named Gin Blanco--at least, that is her public name as far as Ashland's social and business communities are concerned. In actuality, she is Genevive Snow, a Stone and Ice Elemental who has been sought by Mab Monroe for seventeen years in order to remove what she has been told is a person who will kill her. Under cover of this public identity since she was 13 years old, Gin has made her living as a paid assassin. Even though she "ret...more Venom is the third in Jennifer Estep's series about an assassin named Gin Blanco--at least, that is her public name as far as Ashland's social and business communities are concerned. In actuality, she is Genevive Snow, a Stone and Ice Elemental who has been sought by Mab Monroe for seventeen years in order to remove what she has been told is a person who will kill her. Under cover of this public identity since she was 13 years old, Gin has made her living as a paid assassin. Even though she "retired" several months before this novel begins, she is still caught up in the need to revenge the deaths of her mother and older sister at the hand of Mab and her henchmen, and in the process, gets caught up in the danger Mab's current activities pose for Gin's friends.

Gin Blanco is a complicated heroine, one that might be difficult to applaud under any other circumstances than in a novel. Yet underneath her cold and calculating exterior beats the heart of a caring and giving woman, one who really wants to be loved and accepted, who wants to be a part of a family, who wants the love of a good man--one who sees her and not what she does--and who wants to re-unite with her baby sister whose welfare and safety Gin was willing to preserve at the cost of her own life. Bria Coolidge is that sister, a detective who has come to Ashland to take the place of Detective Donovan Caine, the man who stole Gin's heart and then smashed it with his moralizing rejection when he left Ashland. Bria doesn't know that Gin is her older sister who protected her after their mom and sister were murdered. And even though they form an uneasy first acquaintanceship in this novel, it will be in the future before they come to know each other as they once did.

This is a marvelous and complex novel, filled with rare and wonderful characters, many larger than life and all of them with one foot in the real world and the other in the fantasy sphere. Individuals with magical abilities live and move among the mere mortals, while powerful dwarves and giants complicate life for ordinary people. Yet it is an emotional story that pulls at heart strings as Gin stands in the gap for a woman who is being stalked and whose life is in serious danger, a woman who wouldn't be in this position if she hadn't kept her word to protect Gin in another situation (see Web of Lies, Estep's earlier novel in this series). The love for her sister motivates Gin to insert herself in several dangerous situations that could result in her death. Her love for her foster brother Finn is always there, running throughout every eventuality in the story, and her loyalty to Jo-Jo, Sophie, and Finn never wavers.

This novel is also full of action and the reader knows that with each turn of the page there will be danger, possible injury to good people, the incursion of corruption and the death of important characters possibly because law enforcement is in Mab's pocket. The tension never lets up. Add to that the understanding that Gin has been nearly defeated in her own personal life by the rejection of Detective Caine, by his judgmental attitude toward her that eventually overcame his attraction for her. When Owen comes into her life and protects her during a very dangerous episode, she begins to wonder if perhaps here was a man who could wipe out the pain and insecurity left in Caine's wake.

This is one really terrific read!! Estep tells a darn good story and even though I didn't think I would like this series very well--why, don't ask me--I don't really know. But I have been enthralled by this series from the first, and unlike many series, each novel has successfully continued the strenght, tension, and action of the previous works. The story continues on after this book--another novel is in the offing, and I, for one, will be delighted to read the next "chapter" in Gin's story. Admittedly, she is taking on Mab's mob and that includes just about everyone in Ashland. She will also be furthering her relationship with Owen and I am curious to see where that goes. So stay tuned: I have a feeling that the best is yet to come. I give this book a 4.75 out of 5.

This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Judith.(less)

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Jul 14, 2011 Sara rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 5-stars

Plot: 5 Stars
Finally! Gin faces the bomb that was dropped at the end of Spider's Bite and begins to deal with the fact that her younger sister is alive. I still wanted more to come from this twist, but I understand given the circumstances that it'll take time. I love that Gin's retirement from the assassin game keeps getting interrupted by pro-bono work. Her target in this novel isn't just anyone, it's one of Mab Monroe's top dogs. It was great to watch her go after someone that played into her...more Plot: 5 Stars
Finally! Gin faces the bomb that was dropped at the end of Spider's Bite and begins to deal with the fact that her younger sister is alive. I still wanted more to come from this twist, but I understand given the circumstances that it'll take time. I love that Gin's retirement from the assassin game keeps getting interrupted by pro-bono work. Her target in this novel isn't just anyone, it's one of Mab Monroe's top dogs. It was great to watch her go after someone that played into her eventual endgame, and not just some random bad guy. It was also interesting to see how events from past novels shaped the plot for Venom. Without certain events from happening in past books, she wouldn't have had a specific reason to go after Mab's enforcer and get her plan in motion.

Pace: 5 Stars
I couldn't put this novel down. One of my favorite parts about getting into a series (especially when the books are released so close together) is that I get so immersed in a world and a group of characters that I already love. The author doesn't need to bog the novel down with introductions to the characters and setting, and can just jump right into the action. This novel had twists and turns around every corner, many of them catching me by complete surprise. The author is one of the best I've read at composing such intricate and well developed plots that keep me engaged from page one, until the end.

Characters: 5 Stars
Not only did we see even more development in Gin's character, but we're also introduced to her younger, long-lost sister. We get a good taste for Bria and how the death of their mother and oldest sister shaped her into the young women we're introduced to. Gin did a great job of keeping Bria at arms length without driving her away or causing too much suspicion. Owen Grayson was a very interesting character. After getting quick glimpses of him in Web of Lies it was great to get to know him better. Especially when he inadvertantly got himself tangled up in Gin's mess throughout the novel. And of course, I loved seeing more of Finn, JoJo, and Sophia.

Cover: 4.5 Star
I love the colors of this cover. It really matches the emotions and setting of the novel. The details in the background are fantastic. I love the details on the riverboat. This series has been gifted with great cover art. The attention to detail is some of the best I've seen in the genre. The covers always include an actual place and scene from the novel, instead of just a random cityscape. My only complaint, and it's quite minor, is the positioning of the cover model. The pose seems a bit forced and unnatural. I understand that the spider rune on the model's palm is a big part of Gin's character, but I feel like a different pose could've shown it off and felt more natural.

Overall: 5 Stars

Disclosure: I received an eARC of this book from the author and also bought a copy of this book for my own enjoyment. (less)

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Jul 14, 2011 Susie rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. 3.75 stars

Why I liked it: Gin kicks ass. Donovan Caine is gone for good (I hope), yay! New love interest, Owen Grayson, doesn't put me to sleep like previous one did. Bria is surprisingly likeable so far.

Why I didn't like it: Finn can be so creepy that no matter how often you tell me he's attractive, I just can't picture it. The spark of attraction from Bria to Finn grossed me the eff out. I hope the author does not go down this road. Lets not forget that Finn and Gin slept together, I don't ca...more

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Jun 15, 2011 Romancing the Book rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy

Review by Jen
eBook provided author for review

We've been blessed to have Jennifer Estep guest with us for the release of each of her Elemental Assassin books. And I've had the great pleasure to read each of the novels. The stories keep getting more interesting as well as the development of the world Jennifer has created.

The premise of the series is following Gin's vendetta against Mab, the very powerful fire elemental who killed her family. In Venom, she is one step closer to her revenge. But wit...more

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About Jennifer Estep

Jennifer Estep is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, prowling the streets of her imagination in search of her next fantasy idea.

Jennifer writes the Elemental Assassin adult urban fantasy series for Pocket. Books in the series are SPIDER'S BITE, WEB OF LIES, VENOM, TANGLED THREADS, SPIDER'S REVENGE, BY A THREAD, and WIDOW'S WEB. THREAD OF DEATH, an e-novella, is also available.

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Tangled Threads (Elemental Assassin, #4)

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Quotes from Venom

“I’m just wondering how exactly I went from being the Spider to the Robin fucking Hood of the greater Ashland area... Instead of stealing from the rich, I’m stabbing them to death for the poor.” — 50 people liked it

“Finn did what he always did when confronted by an angry woman—he checked out her boobs.” — 22 people liked it

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Venom (Elemental Assassin #3)

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