Tangled Threads (Elemental Assassin, #4)

Jun 11, 2011 Katie(babs) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Tangle Threads is the fourth book in Jennifer Estep’s Elemental Assassin series. She has created a no holds barred heroine with Gin Blanco, a former assassin called the Spider who wants revenge against the woman who destroyed her entire world when she was barely a teenager. Gin is consumed by revenge to take down Mab Monroe, a powerful, psychotic woman who lives for terrorizing those who are weak. Mab is known as a fire elemental, while Gin has all the elements at her disposal, but prefers to ke...more Tangle Threads is the fourth book in Jennifer Estep’s Elemental Assassin series. She has created a no holds barred heroine with Gin Blanco, a former assassin called the Spider who wants revenge against the woman who destroyed her entire world when she was barely a teenager. Gin is consumed by revenge to take down Mab Monroe, a powerful, psychotic woman who lives for terrorizing those who are weak. Mab is known as a fire elemental, while Gin has all the elements at her disposal, but prefers to keep with the basics such as knives to get the job done. Only when Gin has killed Mab is when she can move on.

Gin is now stalking Mab with ruthless intent. Along with her dedicated step-bother Finn, (Finn’s father, a former assassin, took Gin in and ended up tortured and murdered years later. Gin also wants to avenge his death) a slick, rich ladies’ man who drinks enough coffee to float away, they have staked out Mab and will wait until the right moment to strike against her. But Mab has a vast amount of resources at her disposal. Mab can fight fire with fire and that’s where she hires another deadly assassin to find her mysterious enemy and eliminate her. Mab’s new assassin for hire is Elektra La Fleur, a worthy advisory for Gin. Mab lays out some traps to bring Gin out into the open, but Gin knows better and will continue to lie in wait for the right moment to take out both La Fleur and Mab.

As Gin keeps an eye on her prey, she’s trying to settle down and allow more people she can trust into her life. One such person is her lover, Owen Grayson, one of Ashland’s wealthiest businessmen. Gin ended up saving Owen’s younger sister from a robbery almost gone bad at her barbeque joint she runs. Since then Owen has sneaked into her heart. He’s not afraid of her, nor does he question her lifestyle. He knows what she’s capable of and accepts it. Owen is a wonderful balm for her battered soul. Then there’s detective Bria Collidge, Gin’s younger sister she thought was dead. Gin wants to tell Bria who she is, but is wary Bria may not only arrest her, but hate her when she figures out when Gin has done to in order to survive.

Gin has a whole slew of problems to deal with, as well as finding the time to celebrate Christmas without becoming too bloodied or bruised. It’s never a dull moment for Gin, and when a little girl is taken by Mab for payback against her father for not paying a debt, Gin must try and save her. The rescue will be dangerous, but it’s all part of the game, for Gin is ready to take down Mab by any means necessary in a battle Ashland will never forget.

Jennifer’s Elemental Assassin series is in one word- explosive. You’ll never be bored by any of these books from Jennifer, and Tangled Threads is the best one to date. There have been many characters who live close to the edge and walk that fine line, where there’s no hope in redeeming them. But with Gin, she’s jumped over that line, has done her fair amount of questionable actions but able to live with her conscience. Gin has her own set of morals while taking extreme caution by not welcoming in the darkness that could force her to become like Mab. What saves Gin is her network of friends and family. They keep her from falling into the abyss.

There’s so much rip-roaring action, great dialogue and some eye popping twists and turns in Tangled Threads. And for those romance enthusiasts, you’ll be very satisfied with the Gin and Owen’s current relationship. These two make a great team.

Jennifer is slowly tying up a few loose ends where she doesn’t keep them dangling. The ending is in a way bittersweet, but welcomed because it opens new paths for some characters (mainly with Bria and Finn’s budding “friendship”), including Gin who has become a force to be reckoned with.

If you’re not reading the Elemental Assassin books, you’re really missing out. Jennifer has really hit her stride with Tangled Threads, and is one book that exceeded all my expectations and then some. Do yourself a favor and introduce yourself to Gin and this amazing world Jennifer Estep has created.(less)

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Jan 07, 2012 VampireNovelFan rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy

Not quite as good as its predecessors

Coming off the high from Venom, I had a lot of high hopes for Tangled Threads, Book 4 of the Elemental Assassin series. Unfortunately, it comes up a little short for me.

Unlike the prior novels, where it kicks off with high action, this book definitely has a slower pace. After taking care of Elliott Slater, Gin has sent Mab Monroe a message (as the Spider of course), and Mab's listening. She recruits another assassin, a damn good assassin, to come in and deal...more Not quite as good as its predecessors

Coming off the high from Venom, I had a lot of high hopes for Tangled Threads, Book 4 of the Elemental Assassin series. Unfortunately, it comes up a little short for me.

Unlike the prior novels, where it kicks off with high action, this book definitely has a slower pace. After taking care of Elliott Slater, Gin has sent Mab Monroe a message (as the Spider of course), and Mab's listening. She recruits another assassin, a damn good assassin, to come in and deal with The Spider who continues to pick off Mab's men, making her empire seem vulnerable to the other underground players. Gin may have finally met her match as Elektra LeFleur is an elemental with the power of electricity, and it's every bit as strong as Gin's ice and stone abilities.

Mab's got other plans as well, attempting to start a new nightclub that would make the sex-infused Northern Aggression look like Barney and Friends. It would feature the 8-year-old daughter of one of Northern Aggression's employee's. Can Gin save the little girl in time to keep her from being a victim of pedophilia and other abuse?

Gin's long lost sister, detective Bria Coolidge, gets more screen time and interacts a lot more with Gin. All 3 (Bria, and Gin as Blanco and The Spider) are huge targets, obviously making things a bit complicated, but when isn't it for Gin? Will Bria figure out that Gin is her sister in this book? Where do they go from there?

This book honestly felt like filler to me for the first half. In prior books, I wasn't quite as annoyed with the repetition, but this time it was so rampant. Most readers will not start a series at Book 4, so there is no need to cater to an obvious minority and rehash ad nauseum pretty much everything that happened in the prior books...more than once. The character details are glaringly repetitive (it's been beaten over our heads that the spider is a symbol for patience) as are Gin's one liners like "sloppy sloppy sloppy" "enemy enemy enemy". We get it already! These books are not very long to begin with, so if they will be short, the plot needs to move along.

I really do not get her obsession with Donovan Caine. It was a matter of days that they interacted over a course of weeks and they hooked up twice. Does she even know his middle name? And yet she is soooo broken up about his rejection of her when she know very well that's the reaction most people are going to have when they learn of her "day job". Those two didn't have the kind of connection to me that would warrant her love-sickness lasting throughout the series, so what's the big deal?

I was also a bit annoyed about Owen Grayson. I do believe they are moving a bit too fast and he's fallen for her a bit too easily. It sort of takes the fight out of them finding their way to each other, which I honestly sort of like in my favorite series. I also wish we could see him in action more. His powers are put to use, but I feel like he could be a true badass; if not as good as Gin, then at LEAST as good as Finn.

With that said, once the action got going, it was up to Elemental Assassin standards. I was much more engaged in the latter half, but Elektra's introduction sort of distances the reader from the heart of the story. With Elliott Slater's death, you felt like Gin was getting closer to Mab. It doesn't quite feel the same when Estep keeps bringing in enemies that shield Mab. It slows progress on that front, but the developments in Gin's personal life keep this book from being considered completely as filler.

I would recommend starting this series from the top, but with how it's written, I am assuming that the author doesn't want this to be necessary. I would not recommend starting on this book simply because it's not the best installment in terms of quality. With overarching plot lines, these books really shouldn't be stand alones, and I definitely hope that the repetition is toned down significantly in the next book.

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Apr 20, 2011 All Things Urban Fantasy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed-by-julia

As I would have hoped at the close of VENOM, the Elemental Assassin series really hits it’s stride with TANGLED THREADS. Containing the best of the action sequences, bad-assery and romance from previous books, it also sets the stage for what promises to be the ultimate life-or-death confrontation of Gin’s career.

While readers new to the series may not initially understand how a former assassin is “the good guy”, they won’t have a hard time figuring things out. Gin is consistently surrounded by...more

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Dec 30, 2012 Carmel (Rabid Reads) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audio

Reviewed by: Rabid Reads

I’ve been barreling through this series like a woman on a mission. I know that I say this in every review that I write for Jennifer Estep’s books but it really is worth repeating: these books are the bomb! The writing is out-of-this-world outstanding, Lauren Fortgang’s narration is mesmerizing and the characters… Oh. My. God! I ♥ Gin, Owen, Finn, Sophia & Jo-Jo! In this installment we have the showdown to end all showdowns; I’m talking assassin vs. assassin. I mean no...more Reviewed by: Rabid Reads

I’ve been barreling through this series like a woman on a mission. I know that I say this in every review that I write for Jennifer Estep’s books but it really is worth repeating: these books are the bomb! The writing is out-of-this-world outstanding, Lauren Fortgang’s narration is mesmerizing and the characters… Oh. My. God! I ♥ Gin, Owen, Finn, Sophia & Jo-Jo! In this installment we have the showdown to end all showdowns; I’m talking assassin vs. assassin. I mean no disrespect to the athletes I’m about to reference but the fight sequence between Gin and LaFleur puts MMA fighters to shame! In Tangled Threads emotions run sky high, the trademark action is kicked-up an extra notch and the secret that comes out about Flether Lane is just… wow. This book is a masterpiece, plain and simple!

I’m going to try my hardest to avoid spoilers but when you’re reviewing the fourth book in a series it becomes incredibly challenging so please excuse me if I goof. The build-up to the inevitable fight-to-the-death between Gin and LaFleur is incredible. If you’re not a nail bitter, you will be by the end of this novel. McAllister enlists Elektra to kill Blanco without realizing that she’s the Spider. As a result, the hired gun repeatedly pops in to case her mark which left me in a perpetual state of “is this it? The. Fight?” Of course not! You still have 150 pages left to read you silly girl (Yes, I talk to myself when I read)! Although, you never know with Estep; she’s good at keeping her readers guessing. To say that the plot of this novel is suspenseful would be an understatement.

Owen Grayson is the perfect match for Gin, he really is. His elemental power complements her own, he pushes her to succeed even though doing so means upping her body count and he’s just so darned thoughtful. I was thrilled to see Blanco finally take the plunge and embrace her feelings for him. She deserves to be happy and shouldn’t let a douchebag like Donovan stand in her way. Also (not that I’m taking notes or anything *wink-wink*) the sex between Owen and Gin is WAY hotter because it’s not just about physical attraction. I’m just a little fearful that their match made in heaven is too good to be true and that something (a.k.a. Cain) is going to rear its ugly head and mess it all up. I think that there’s enough action in this series to make romantic drama unnecessary but I’m not discounting the possibility just yet.

Gin is the shining center of the Elemental Assassin series’ universe; I absolutely adore her as a character. Blanco's patience and ability to take advantage of her nemesis' mistakes are remarkable and skillfully integrated. I like the way that she keeps track of time and of LaFleur’s blunders in her head. A number of new developments occur with regards to Bria Coolidge and her relationship with Gin. I understand that she’s a cop and follows a strict moral code as a result but this is her sister we’re talking about! At least Christmas has a way of bringing families together. All is not forgiven but at least they now have a starting point. Lauren Fortgang impressed me once again with her skills as a narrator and I particularly enjoyed her Russian accent.

Tangled Threads is better than chocolate and that’s not a claim I make lightly!

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May 20, 2011 Paranormal Haven rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed-read-by-stephanie

4.5 Stars

Gin Blanco, a.k.a the Spider, isn't the only skillful assassin in town. Elektra LaFleur has been hired by Mab Monroe to use her lethal electrical elemental magic to kill the Spider. As if her motivation to save her own life wasn't enough to take her out, LaFleur has added Gin's younger sister Bria Coolidge to her hit list. Gin will do whatever it takes to keep her sister alive but what would happen if the good detective learns that her sister she thought dead is still alive and is the...more 4.5 Stars

Gin Blanco, a.k.a the Spider, isn't the only skillful assassin in town. Elektra LaFleur has been hired by Mab Monroe to use her lethal electrical elemental magic to kill the Spider. As if her motivation to save her own life wasn't enough to take her out, LaFleur has added Gin's younger sister Bria Coolidge to her hit list. Gin will do whatever it takes to keep her sister alive but what would happen if the good detective learns that her sister she thought dead is still alive and is the very murderer she has been hunting?

LaFleur sales her skills to the highest bidder. After Gin declares war on Mab Monroe in the previous book, Mab hires LaFleur to take out the Spider before Mab herself becomes a victim. LaFleur is powerful, ruthless, determined and holds nothing back. She is Gin's equal when it comes to skills and it will take everything Gin has to stay alive. The action between Gin and LaFleur is intense and there were times I wasn't sure how Gin was going to get out of the bloody situations she kept finding herself in. It was both nerve racking and exciting to read. The elemental aspect of this series has always interested me and I liked that a new elemental magic was introduced into the story as well as exploring what Gin is capable of with her ice magic.

In Gin's personal life, she isn't quite sure of how to handle her relationship with Owen Grayson. Having recently been rejected by Detective Donovan Caine because of his inability to look past her occupation, Gin fears a day will come when she will see nothing but disdain in Owen's eyes. But he surprises her by showing affection and understanding towards Gin and will not let her push him away. There is nothing about Owen I don't love. He isn't afraid to get his hands dirty and he'll do what it takes to show Gin the depth of his feelings for her. Gin is young but she's already had a hard life and I believe Owen and what he has to offer her is nothing less than what she deserves.

Bria isn't aware her sister survived the attack that killed their family 13 years ago. Gin is unsure of what her detective sister will think of her illegal affairs or her personal mission to take down Mab Monroe. The decision to reveal herself to Bria weighs heavily on Gin and the arrival of LaFleur puts events into motion that will not leave Gin with much of a choice. The build up and uncertainty of a relationship between Bria and Gin had me emotionally on edge.

My favorite supporting character, Finn, is back and is as charming as ever. It's not just that wonderful southern allure that draws me to him but also the way he'll do anything for Gin, who is like a sister to him. The constant support he gives her makes him just as attractive has accent I can hear whenever I read a scene with him. Fans of Finn should be happy with the amount of page time he receives.

The first pages of Tangled Threads are just as enthralling as the last. Whether she is fighting for her life or battling to keep her heart from being broken, Gin is a wonderfully written heroine that I can't get enough of. The latest book in Jennifer Estep's Urban Fantasy delivers and I think fans of the series will truly enjoy this installment.
-Stephanie(less)

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Jun 01, 2011 Andrea rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I would stop reading this series if it weren't for the fact that Gin Blanco is an awesome heroine. She is a cold blooded killer who can't help helping people who are in trouble. She has a house that sounds like the coolest patchwork of a building ever. She cooks to relax and she owns a restaurant that I want to eat at, like every weekend. She has strong magic but she relies on her physical skills and only uses it when she has to. Sometimes she gets beaten up and sometimes she has to run for cove...more I would stop reading this series if it weren't for the fact that Gin Blanco is an awesome heroine. She is a cold blooded killer who can't help helping people who are in trouble. She has a house that sounds like the coolest patchwork of a building ever. She cooks to relax and she owns a restaurant that I want to eat at, like every weekend. She has strong magic but she relies on her physical skills and only uses it when she has to. Sometimes she gets beaten up and sometimes she has to run for cover. Plus she is dating a very hot guy who actually gets her. If only she could get to star in a book that truly shows off her awesomeness...

I mean, seriously. What is up with the endless repetitions? Over and over and over we are told things that we ALREADY know! And not just the once as a gentle reminder, some things pop up in every other chapter. This is the fourth book for ... sake, we are invested readers, we want more depth, more development, not the same emotions, details and events rehashed.

Which brings me to another grievance: Finn. In the first book his grief over Fletcher and his close relationship with Gin made him one of the best parts of the story. And he seemed like he was almost equally as dangerous as her. So in what interesting ways has he been used or developed? None! He's turned into a fun sidekick who gets information, drinks his god damned chickory coffee and generally acts like a cheesy clothes snob. And of course he is going to have FEELINGS for Bria, how ridiculously predictable...

Another thing that starting to bug me is the healing at Jo-Jo's. It's just so convenient that is doesn't matter how badly someone is beaten or hurt, they can be healed by the dwarf. And a good night's sleep later they are good to go. Yes, I like that Gin does get into trouble, that she doesn't kill everyone without a scratch on her, but she gets back to her old self every single time and it starting to feel repetitive. Big shock there... And enough with the hints about Sophia's past, just tell us already!

But what about Owen? Isn't he just wonderful? Well... that's the problem. He is great. He is hot, rich, funny, protective but not overly so, and he GETS Gin, he understands, he is OK with her slashing throats every night. There is absolutely no conflict there what so ever. He is perfect. And yet, Gin had ten times more spark with asshole Donovan. Yes, he was an idiot, but they were hot together! And there was suspense! There was hot crazy sex in a closet and on a car. Not the WTF-moment of Gin crawling out of bed to perform a striptease for Owen. A striptease?! That killled the book a little bit for me...

So why the three stars? As I said, Gin is fantastic. She really is. Take away all the repetitions (and remake Finn, please) and you have a couple of great scenes. The first fight with Electra that ends with Gin falling in the water and turning on her Ice magic, Gin finding out that Fletcher had saved Bria after he refused to kill Gin's family and Gin telling Bria who she is in the train wagon. I also liked most of her interactions with Owen, the eavesdropping on him and Eva was kinda cute, I just have an issue with his perfectness. So I will read the next one, I haven't given up. I do however shudder when I think of all the rehasching that it will fill the pages...(less)

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Apr 28, 2011 Nath rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-2011, urban-fantasy

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. 4/5 (B)

Overall, as a fan of this series, I was satisfied after reading Tangled Threads. I think that Ms Estep did a good job and delivered a solid installment. However, as a reader, the more I thought about this book, the more I had issues with it ^_^; I'm not going to go too much into the details of the storylines or the characters because I've gone through it in the previous reviews :)

As a fan, I was satisfied because I enjoyed the story that was told; it was interesting, fast-paced, action-pa...more 4/5 (B)

Overall, as a fan of this series, I was satisfied after reading Tangled Threads. I think that Ms Estep did a good job and delivered a solid installment. However, as a reader, the more I thought about this book, the more I had issues with it ^_^; I'm not going to go too much into the details of the storylines or the characters because I've gone through it in the previous reviews :)

As a fan, I was satisfied because I enjoyed the story that was told; it was interesting, fast-paced, action-packed and a nice continuation from the previous events. I enjoyed the characters and their dilemmas, especially Gin. There's a lot going on in her life and she also has to worry about Bria and her new relationship with Owen. All in all, I liked how everything was handled and resolved. I liked seeing the familiar faces - Gin is having quite the entourage for an assassin :) I also liked that some light was shed on some issues - that's always nice. Also, I thought that Bria's reaction to Gin's identity was quite realistic and obviously, she'll need time to come to terms with it which I guess is what we'll see in the next book.

My favorite part of the book was without doubts the growing relationship between Gin and Owen. It bothers me a little that Gin is still so uncertain of Owen - especially since the man has been such a rock, but then it's only been a few weeks they've been together. I really like Owen and he's really what Gin needs. He doesn't condemn her and understand the path she's taken. I'm actually surprised though, I thought Owen was a bit darker and grimmer than he really is. In any case, it's a joy to see their relationship deepens.

All in all, I think that if you've enjoyed the series so far, you'll like Tangled Threads :) Ms Estep takes what has worked in the first three books and continues with it in Tangled Threads which explains why this is a good installment... At the same time, it's essentially where my first issue lies. There's nothing new to Tangled Threads. In the beginning, I felt that the writing style and the character were refreshing and original; however, after three books, they've become familiar. This is not a bad thing, familiar is good, but it also means that you have to compensate somewhere else and this is usually done through details or storylines. Unfortunately, there hasn't been many twists and surprises in the Elemental Assassin series. It seems to me, when Ms Estep sat down and thought of this series, she wrote down an outline of the main events that would happen and she's been sticking to that outline a bit too closely and too much to the point. And because of this, the series has become a tad too predictable. I mean, at the end of Web of Lies, when the new detective is mentioned, I knew right away it would be Bria. From the events in Venom, I knew that Bria would learn of Gin's identities in Tangled Threads... In the next book, I know that there will be a big show-down with Gin whose magic has grown so much and Mab. What I'm saying is that there's not enough subtlety in Ms Esptep's writing. If it's in the story, then there's a reason to it and from there, you can extrapolate and there's not a thousand possibilities ^_^; While it doesn't stop me from enjoying this series and Tangled Threads, I think it is holding back the storyline from being an absolute wowzer.

The other issue I had with Tangled Threads and this one with a lesser impact was the amount of recaps the book had. Gosh. I understand the need to remind the readers and inform the newcomers what has happened, but in this case, it was too much and simply bogged down the storyline and probably made the book thicker by 1/3 ^_^; Usually, main lines are fine but in Tangled Threads' case? It was every single event of importance from Spider's Bite to Venom: Fletcher's death, Gin's past, all the secondary characters, Donovan Caine, the previous books storylines, Gin's magic and so on. Really too much! Obviously, Tangled Threads cannot be read as a stand-alone and I'm sorry but for those who have short memory, well too bad for you!

I enjoyed Tangled Threads, there's no question about it; it was definitively a solid installment. Unfortunately, there are issues that cannot be overlooked and need to be rectified if the 5th and final book is going to be a wowzer.
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Nov 15, 2012 Amber I. (AwesomeSauce Book Club) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-reads

How tables have turned, the assassin finds herself on a hit list. No other then Mab has hired someone to take out the Spider, and Jonah hires the same girl to take out Gin, not good odds. But Gin isn't called The Spider for nothing so this new assassin is in for some trouble.

How I love this series. This is a great addition. There is so much happening. Not only is Gin taking out Mab's men every chance she gets she is dealing with Bria. Then there is Fletcher's secret past, Owens sexy ways and pro...more

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Apr 25, 2011 Dharma Kurlind rated it 4 of 5 stars

Courtesy of Lost Art Audiobook Review, http://literaryurbanfantasyreview.blo...

Summary:
Ashland, a fictional southern city located in the Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee, is a place where trolls, giants, dwarves, and vampires live side-by-side with humans. Among them are elementals, people with control over air, fire, ice, or stone, or sub-powers in between. This city is filled with crooked politicians, crooked cops, desperate gamblers, drug pushers, self-entitled rich, prostitute vampires, a...more Courtesy of Lost Art Audiobook Review, http://literaryurbanfantasyreview.blo...

Summary:
Ashland, a fictional southern city located in the Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee, is a place where trolls, giants, dwarves, and vampires live side-by-side with humans. Among them are elementals, people with control over air, fire, ice, or stone, or sub-powers in between. This city is filled with crooked politicians, crooked cops, desperate gamblers, drug pushers, self-entitled rich, prostitute vampires, and assassins who’d take out anybody for the right price. And all this is owned by one Mab Monroe. By day, Mab is a generous socialite philanthropist. By night, she is a power-hungry tyrant, the head of a crime empire that holds Ashland in a vice-like grip.

Mab, a fire elemental, has reduced many a family to ash in her quest to remain on top. Genevieve Snow’s family was just another statistic. When Genevieve was 13, Mab received a prophecy that one of the Snow daughters, a dual stone and ice elemental, would be the end of her. Convinced that girl destined to kill her was Genevieve’s youngest sister, Bria, Mab killed Genevieve’s mother and her oldest sister. Genevieve tried to protect Bria from Mab. She hid her. She withstood torture. She had her silver-stone spider rune burned into her palms. But when she heard Bria scream, sure that Mab’s men found her sister, Genevieve used her stone power to collapse the house. Believing she had buried Bria in the rubble, torn by guilt and sorrow, Genevieve Snow died that night. Born out of Mab’s ashes was Gin Blanco, the anonymous and elusive Spider, an elemental assassin.

Ashland, the Sin City of the South:
Now retired from the assassination business, Gin is known in Ashland as the owner of the Pork Pit and nothing more. Her identity as the Spider is a secret, and the Spider’s services are no longer for sale. They are earned. In the last three books, after Gin discovered that Mab was the fire elemental who killed her family, the Spider officially declared war on Mab and her organization. It’s Christmas in Ashland, all the Spider wants for Christmas is Mab’s head on a pole. That feeling is mutual. Mab has hired a new assassin, Elektra LeFleur. Elektra’s to do list is somewhat simple: 1. Kill the Spider, Gin’s alterego; 2. Kill Detective Bria Coolidge, Gin’s youngest sister who doesn’t know Gin’s true identity; and 3. Kill Gin Blanco, the owner of the Pork Pit who stood up to Mab’s attorney. That bumps Elektra LeFleur to the top of the Spider’s to do list. Also on the list is saving a young girl from becoming a forced prostitute under Mab’s newest project by the train yards. Somewhere on that list is trying to connect with Bria, maybe even letting that detective know that Gin the restaurant owner is actually her older sister, a notorious assassin. Also on that list, between all the killing, Gin must figure out what to do with her 2-week relationship with the gorgeous Owen Grayson and how to get past the wreck that was her relationship with the conflicted Donovan Caine.

I know, I know. I need to stop harping on the plot, but I just can’t help myself. It’s such a fantastic story. I am blown away by the fantastical elements, such as the giant enforcers, Elektra’s power to electrocute people from afar, and Gin’s budding use of her ice element (I don’t want to give away how this comes into play in the story, but it’s pretty awesome). Tangled Threads has the same twists, turns and conflicts that the listener has come to expect from the previous three audiobooks. And of course there are so many excellent characters and developments. I feel like I’m not doing the book justice by not mentioning more about the incredible Deveraux sisters, the ever-smooth Finnegan Lane, the gorgeous vampire/madam Roslyn, or Owen’s feisty sister, Eva.

Some urban fantasy series are known for their mise-en-scène. Charlaine Harris’s Southern Vampire Mystery series is a good example. When you listen to the Sookie Stackhouse books, you can feel the Louisiana summer with that muddy Bayou humidity and you can practically smell the blood in the air. The Elemental Assassin series has its own mise-en-scène. And don’t be fooled by the southern accent. This is nothing like True Blood. Spider’s Bite, Web of Lies, Venom, and now Tangled Threads present a neo-noir hyper-reality that’s on par with the caliber of violence and villain in darker graphic novels, from Gotham to Sin City. When you listen through the parts of these audiobooks that describe how Gin lived on the street, the crack in the wall where she’d hide as a homeless 13-year-old behind the Pork Pit, the description of the opera house, of Mab’s opulent home, of Northern Aggression, Roslyn’s chic vampire brothel, you can smell the barbecue smoke in the air of the southern metropolis, you can hear the gunfire, taste the grime, you can see the black-and-white limos drive past the homeless and feel that deep-seated sense of urban decay down to the bone. Overall, this series is an incredible listen.

On Narration:
Her Russian accents aren’t great but, boy, can Lauren Fortgang do a southern drawl. Her voices aren’t consistently distinct, but they are fun. When Lauren Fortgang reads as Jo-Jo Deveraux, her voice is as soft, sticky, and sweet as salt-water taffy. When she reads Finn, her smooth words will curl your toes. I usually don’t find women reading men hot, but well, don’t believe me? Listen to the 30-second sample on audible.com. Generally speaking, the reading’s a bit slow, but it’s the South, so there’s no rush. Overall, it definitely works. Nota bene: Lauren Fortgang has also narrated Jennifer Armintrout's Blood Ties series.(less)

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Sep 01, 2011 Lia rated it 3 of 5 stars

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

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May 14, 2011 Leole Nicole rated it 5 of 5 stars

i haven't read it yet but i know it'll be as fabulous as the previous ones.i am so excited!
love Gin!

OK,all I can say is that Tangled Threads is one of the best books I've read.I love it.Sooo good.The showdown between Electra(hate her) and Gin is like a catfight but more deadly,love it.

Can't wait for the fifth book.I know I'll love it as well.

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Mar 29, 2013 Lita Bouquard rated it 3 of 5 stars

Gin and Bria finally talk about the past. Someone on Goodreads didn't like this series because it rehashes so much. I have to say I agree with that point. By book 4 , I know where Gin's knives are, what JoJo's talent is, about Fletcher's chicory craving. If you skim past all of the repeated stuff, there is still a good story. But I do hope that Estep shortens the same old , same old, info in the next book. Gin continues to move forward in her plans to assassinate Mab, but a surprise hit is plann...more

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Jan 03, 2013 Heather62981 rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: own-ebook, pnr-uf, series, read-in-2013

There are some style issues that are really bugging me. Maybe I'm noticing it more because I'm reading straight through, but the repetition is ridiculous. I get refreshing the reader, but the same thing is repeated multiple times in each book, and by the time I'm on the 4th in a series, I don't need that much of a reminder. Also, the constant use of both first and last names for practically every character is annoying. But the biggest thing that's driving me crazy is the overuse of triple words....more

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Dec 01, 2012 Heather Ell rated it 3 of 5 stars

It's a good guilty pleasure read. It's fun, violent, romantic, etc. I love Gin I think she's a very believable character. I really enjoyed the fact that we got to see much more of who she is and how she feels. Donovan Cane really hurt her and we get to see this instead of the hard shell rock that Gin usually is. I love her relationship with Owen, he's so much better than Donovan.
The complaint that I have is that Esteap repeats herself way to much. We get the Spider ruin on her hand. Her parents...more

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Nov 08, 2012 Elana rated it 5 of 5 stars

sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo...more soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnngggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
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Aug 17, 2012 Dangerous Romance Book Reviews rated it 3 of 5 stars

Publisher Blurb:
I’d rather face a dozen lethal assassins any night than deal with something as tricky, convoluted, and fragile as my feelings.

But here I am. Gin Blanco, the semi-retired assassin known as the Spider. Hovering outside sexy businessman Owen Grayson’s front door like a nervous teenage girl. One thing I like about Owen: he doesn’t shy away from my past—or my present. And right now I have a bull’s-eye on my forehead. Cold-blooded Fire elemental Mab Monroe has hired one of the smartes...more

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Jun 26, 2012 Taylor rated it 5 of 5 stars

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

Back up, this is a set up! Vinnie set her up! LaFleur is in town! LaFleur is a bloody strong electric elemental! GAH!
Okay, so Gin's relationship with Owen is going so much better, and I think that they are cute together, especially when Gin finally accepts that he is not going to run away in abject terror like the pansie Donovan Caine. Bria is researching the Spider, and what she has done, but finally learns the identity, which causes Gin (and myself for her) a lot of heart break, but I think t...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 4.5
Story Rating 4.5
Characters Rating 4.75
Audio Rating 4.25

NOTE: I highly recommend this series! Each book adds a layer to the story that keeps you wanting the next one right now. There are times in books 3 and 4 that some repetitiveness leaks in but this does not distract from what a fun, wild ride that is the Elemental Assassin series. Tangled Threads was just fantastic!

What I Loved: OWEN! Alright, let me not start there (cause everyone I know loves Owen) but with...more Bought on Audible
Actual Rating 4.5
Story Rating 4.5
Characters Rating 4.75
Audio Rating 4.25

NOTE: I highly recommend this series! Each book adds a layer to the story that keeps you wanting the next one right now. There are times in books 3 and 4 that some repetitiveness leaks in but this does not distract from what a fun, wild ride that is the Elemental Assassin series. Tangled Threads was just fantastic!

What I Loved: OWEN! Alright, let me not start there (cause everyone I know loves Owen) but with the awesomeness that is Gin. In Tangled Threads, Gin is still on a path to avenge her family's deaths, protect those she loves, and figure out this crazy little thing called emotions. She is strong, very capable with knives, smart, great cook, and still all kinds of vulnerable in certain situations. Basically, she is everything you could want in a lead character because you care what happens to her. Owen, Finn, Jo-Jo, Sophia, Bria, and all of the other characters are so nicely done that you almost want them to have stories/books of their own. Owen, specifically, is such a good match for Gin. He just gets her where she is now and that just makes my heart swoon. Character wise, this is one of the strongest series I have read. Jennifer knows how to make you care for the characters: good or bad. I say that because I LOVED to HATE LaFluer. I thought she was a fantastic villain to add to the mix! I won't say anything more because I don't want to give anything away but you must read this series.

What I Liked: The world that Jennifer Estep has created is both mesmerizing and so very normal. She manages to create a place that is different and yet so translatable to now, that it never distracts from the story. The overall story arc is well paced, full of action, and has just the right amount of humor and emotion that pulls you in.

Complaints: A bit of repetitiveness that I am sure is in there for those starting the series in the middle (PS Don't do that, you need to read these books in order).

Audio Rating: Narrated by Lauren Fortgang. It might be that I am now used to how she does the voices for this series but I thought the audio was better in this book than the first 3. What problems I had with the male voices are gone. The pacing, delivery, and pronunciation are done very well.

Why I gave it a 4.5: Each of these books get better as the series progresses. The only thing that kept it from being a 5 was the repetitiveness in the story.

Who I would recommend it too: Fans of the series and UF readers(less)

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Jan 25, 2012 Jennifer Rayment rated it 5 of 5 stars

Mini Book Review: Another fun, fast and furious Gin Blanco story from one of my favorite authors. I love Gin she is such a kick ass interesting character - an assassin with a developing heart of gold. As usual there is tons of adventure, great snappy dialogue, some naughty bits and in this installment lots more of my favorite book boyfriend, Finn (keep your hands off him Bria, he is mine). You know Jennifer really needs to write a story where Finn ends up with a plain but cheeky Canadian Librari...more

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Oct 28, 2011 Fangs for the Fantasy rated it 4 of 5 stars

The plot was simple yet epic. It wasn't complicated with nuances and twists and there's not a lot to summarise of it without going outright into spoilers. Gin has reached the final showdown. Her or Mab. Mab has been targetting her sister too often and while Gin can hide her identity and be the ghost biting at Mab's flanks, Bria cannot. And the longer this fight continues, the longer Gin keeps to the shadows and plays the long game against Mab, the more and more danger Bria is in.

Especially now....more The plot was simple yet epic. It wasn't complicated with nuances and twists and there's not a lot to summarise of it without going outright into spoilers. Gin has reached the final showdown. Her or Mab. Mab has been targetting her sister too often and while Gin can hide her identity and be the ghost biting at Mab's flanks, Bria cannot. And the longer this fight continues, the longer Gin keeps to the shadows and plays the long game against Mab, the more and more danger Bria is in.

Especially now. Mab has put her vast resources on the table and sent out a call to every bounty hunter in the country. The Spider – dead or alive. Or Bria, Gin's baby sister, alive only. Except, with some of these bounty hunters, “alive” covers a great deal – and Mab herself certainly never hesitates at torture.

And this book is the showdown. Gin avoiding the bounty hunters and aiming to kill Mab, by magic or blade, even though Mab I the most powerful elemental there's been for 500 years. One way or another, she has to die and the people Gin loves have to be kept safe.

It is a direct plot. There are no side-plots, there are no real twists, no shades. This is an epic confrontation, the end game – side plots would be a distraction at this point and twists wouldn't make sense when we consider the careful planning of the Spider. Neither would fit this story and I'm glad they're not there. This is about one thing – Mab vs Gin and it isn't distracted from that.

I find myself in a difficult position with this book review. I have so little to write. The problem with not having a lot to write is that people assume the book isn't very good. Generally I find it's quite the opposite. With a bad book with multiple fails, social justice headaches, bad writing and awful spelling, there's always something to write – and snark – about. A bad book is, in many ways, a gift to review, because it's so much easier.

But a good book, with a simple direct plot, with strong, believable characters and nail biting tension and blood fizzing excitement? Without spoiling it, what do you say except a page full of praise?

Read More (less)

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Oct 25, 2011 Dawn rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-books, urban-fantasy, audio-books

In this installment of Elemental Assains, Gin Blanco our favorite assassin has declared open season on Mab Monroe. As Gin has been steadily taking out Mab’s minions, Mab has fired back by sending the best assassin LaFleur after the Spider. Meanwhile Gin is also fighting an emotional battle with her feelings for Owen Grayson and her sister Bria.

This book is really predictable but I still think it was quite good. I like watching Gin start to work on her emotions and start to accept that she has p...more

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Sep 22, 2011 Kale rated it 4 of 5 stars

Your friendly neighborhood assassin is back. But unfortunately for the Spider, there's a new hired hand on Mab's payroll. Renowned assassin LaFleur has come to Ashland, and her number one priority is Gin.

Gin Blanco, humble restaurateur by day, semi retired killer by night, has declared war on Ashland's reining mobster, Mab Monroe. Gin aka the Spider has been systematically taking out low level minions in Mab's organization working her way up to the queen bee. Gin's constant challenge of Mab's a...more Your friendly neighborhood assassin is back. But unfortunately for the Spider, there's a new hired hand on Mab's payroll. Renowned assassin LaFleur has come to Ashland, and her number one priority is Gin.

Gin Blanco, humble restaurateur by day, semi retired killer by night, has declared war on Ashland's reining mobster, Mab Monroe. Gin aka the Spider has been systematically taking out low level minions in Mab's organization working her way up to the queen bee. Gin's constant challenge of Mab's authority has the finest sharks in Ashland smelling blood in the water. Frustrated and trying to maintain her hold on the city's underworld, Mab's next move is crucial. Enter Elektra LaFleur. An extremely efficient assassin, and electric elemental, dead set on eliminating the now notorious Spider.

Oh, what Tangled Threads are weaved, but not just on the war front. Estep is taking things a bit further in Gin's love life. Sexy Owen Grayson is making his presence known and quickly finding a place in not only Gin's heart but the readers with his understanding, and determination to stick. No matter how hard Gin tries to shake him. Gone are the days of Detective Caine, but the scars he imposed remain, making Gin all the more skittish. Add in Blanco's tentative relationship with her long lost baby sister Bria, and Gin might make that child size crack in the wall behind the Pork Pit big enough for her adult self to crawl into.

But the Spider's going to have to come out of hiding because LaFleur has added a couple of names to her death list: Spider, Detective Bria Coolidge, and Gin Blanco. With her duel identities in jeopardy Gin might not have the luxury of keeping her secret alter ego intact. She's going to have to come out to Bria sooner or later the question is will her feelings air on the side of her predecessor the loved and loathed Caine or the excepting Grayson. One thing is for sure, this is one fight Gin can't afford lose, because if the truth gets out more lives than her sister's will be at stake. LaFleur is more than Gin's equal in ability and the trade. The Spiders has met her match and it's going to take all her strength and cunning to survive.

Tangled Threads, Estep's fourth volume in the Elemental Assassins Series starts off with a bang and keeps the pace going. I like how she integrates the action, story lines, background information, and personal life of our heroine without creating a lull. Everything is balanced well to maintain the readers attention. Gin's progression in her elemental abilities with each book are starting to come together. What I didn't like about Tangled Threads was all of the recapping from the previous books Estep was including. I know it's necessary, but I felt like there was too much of it especially in the beginning of the book. Some of it also seemed redundant.

Overall I loved this book, and highly recommend this series. Tangled Threads will wrap you up so you won't want to put it down.
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Jul 14, 2011 Sara rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 5-stars

Plot: 4.5 Stars

Once again, the author did not disappoint with the amount of twists and turns within Gin’s adventure. Gin has to juggle a number of items on her agenda: stay alive while an assassin with electrical powers is after her, save a child who has been abducted, continue to run the Pork Pit, and finally talk to Bria without getting her dragged into the mayhem. The biggest disappointment (and it’s a very small one) was that Finn, Jo Jo, and Sophia played smaller roles than usual. Although...more Plot: 4.5 Stars

Once again, the author did not disappoint with the amount of twists and turns within Gin’s adventure. Gin has to juggle a number of items on her agenda: stay alive while an assassin with electrical powers is after her, save a child who has been abducted, continue to run the Pork Pit, and finally talk to Bria without getting her dragged into the mayhem. The biggest disappointment (and it’s a very small one) was that Finn, Jo Jo, and Sophia played smaller roles than usual. Although Bria and Owen’s larger roles balanced it out a bit. There was a bit of repetition in regards to details about Gin’s powers or past books, but it wouldn’t have been a problem if more time had elapsed between reading books three and four. All in all, this was another awesome addition to one of my favorite Urban Fantasy series.

Pace: 5 Stars

This novel picked up just a couple weeks after the third installment, Venom, left off and jumps immediately back into the action. Since declaring war against Mab Monroe, Gin has started picking off flunkies one by one. It doesn’t take Gin much time to get mixed up in Mab’s affairs after figuring out who tried to sell her out. Between trying to save Natasha and trying to stay alive, no thanks to LaFleur, Gin had a lot on her plate. Time elapsed in a believable manner: there weren’t too many scenes crammed into one day, and there wasn’t too much downtime and planning between scenes. I think the truest testament to the pace of this novel is that I had to read it on my laptop (since I do not have an e- reader), and although I couldn’t bring it to work with me to read on my breaks, I only stopped reading while I was at home to charge my laptop so that I could read even more.

Characters: 5 Stars

Although there weren’t any new revelations about Gin or Finn, they were still just as interesting to read about. There were a number of smaller characters we learned more about in this installment. Vinnie, the ice elemental that runs the bar at Northern Aggression. Before this novel, he was just a random character mentioned once or twice. In this novel, a bit of his history and family are shared which helps explain the decisions he made. Bria becomes a much more important character as she gets wrapped up in Gin’s quest to vanquish Mab Monroe. Plus, Gin finally opens up to Bria at the end. Owen Grayson’s role also became larger in this novel as he continued to stick around and support Gin’s lifestyle. Elecktra LaFleur, the assassin that comes to town to kill the Spider, is a great example of a psychopath that enjoys getting drunk on her own elemental magic. Her powers are scary in their intensity, and she has a slight tie to an earlier book that is a bit surprising.

Cover: 5 Stars

This is another fantastic cover to go with the other three great ones Jennifer has been blessed with. There is always so much detail to these covers. Gin’s spider run is always included in both the title and the cover model, and this time the spider rune on her hand is shown in a way that leaves her body in a pretty realistic pose. The best part of these covers is that the setting is always an actual destination within the novel. The railroad tracks and abandoned buildings are an important part of the plot that is visited on multiple occasions. The color choices are also fantastic for this novel. The yellow title really pops off of the red background. And the red! It’s such a strong, eye-catching color and it’s resemblance to blood is both eerie and fitting.

Overall: 5 Stars

Disclosure: I received an eARC from the author and also purchased a copy for my own reading pleasure.(less)

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Jul 03, 2011 Kathy Davie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Fourth in the Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series that takes place in a contemporary, and extremely corrupt, Ashland somewhere in the South.

The Story
It seems Mab's a bit ticked off that Gin has been picking off Mab's men for a few weeks now always leaving her calling card, a spider rune. Mab has hired an equally talented assassin, Elektra LaFleur—the name says it all as to what LaFleur's elemental power is as well as giving a hint as to her particular calling card.

Mab has her suspicions and...more

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Jun 24, 2011 Debbie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Tangled Threads is the fourth in the Elemental Assassin series
It seems that ever since Gin Blanco the infamous assassin known as the Spider finally decided to hang up her Silverstone knives and retire, she’s been busier than ever. She’s trying to rid the world of Mab Monroe the Fire Elemental that’s responsible for the annihilation of her family and assorted other atrocities. She’s trying to reconnect with the sister she thought dead for so long who recently came back to Ashland wearing a gold d...more Tangled Threads is the fourth in the Elemental Assassin series
It seems that ever since Gin Blanco the infamous assassin known as the Spider finally decided to hang up her Silverstone knives and retire, she’s been busier than ever. She’s trying to rid the world of Mab Monroe the Fire Elemental that’s responsible for the annihilation of her family and assorted other atrocities. She’s trying to reconnect with the sister she thought dead for so long who recently came back to Ashland wearing a gold detective’s badge, something an assassin really wants in her family. And she’s still getting comfortable getting cozy with Millionaire Businessman Owen Grayson and of course she’s still running her murdered adoptive father’s barbeque joint The Pork Pit. Suddenly Ashland’s become a lot more crowded, could it be because there’s one too many assassins in town, oh the "Tangled Threads" we weave.

Jennifer Estep launched her new series right in the middle of the paranormal/urban fantasy craze that seems to be going around right now. And with so many out there Ms. Estep’s is very original as she brings the elements into her weaponry where the subjects use the forces of nature and earth to power their personal artillery and where the heroine isn’t some fair flower feminine Miss, no she’s a rock-em socke-em, bad to the bone paid to kill people assassin and yet she’s got a heart of gold would never consider killing with the possibility of collateral damage and would do anything to protect those she loves and cares for. The narrative is exactly what you’d expect in an avant-garde read with the in your face dialogue used by the undesirables of society, so don’t read it in church. The heroine is as unique as the tale, she’s hard nosed meets heart of gold, she’s not afraid to slice open your throat if that’s what needs doing, but it’s her emotional heart that she has trouble with and Ms. Estep has picked the perfect man for the hero job in Owen Grayson, he’s an semi-honest business man who’s not afraid to look the other way when Gin does her thing and that’s not something that Gin’s used to and is having trouble accepting Owen at face value. The romance is as in your face as the characters and the love scenes are excellently camouflaged and veiled behind doors so if the blood shed doesn’t scare you off the sex scenes definitely won’t.
Come meet the world according to Gin, see the world through her eyes and you will be an instant fan. 
Thank you Jennifer Estep for a Butt-Kicking series I can really get into, I can’t wait
for the next installment. 
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May 22, 2011 Betsy rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy

*SPOILERS* This book was very fragmented compared to the others in the series. The last quarter of the book finally comes to life, but for me, the repetition was so overdone that the book never really took off. I saw it through to the end, but that had more to do with the merit of the previous books than this one. I admit to liking where she went with some of the relationships in the book but unfortunately, that was it. The main strength of this series has been the cool elemental powers JE endow...more *SPOILERS* This book was very fragmented compared to the others in the series. The last quarter of the book finally comes to life, but for me, the repetition was so overdone that the book never really took off. I saw it through to the end, but that had more to do with the merit of the previous books than this one. I admit to liking where she went with some of the relationships in the book but unfortunately, that was it. The main strength of this series has been the cool elemental powers JE endows her heroes and villains with and the interesting world building JE reveals through her supporting characters (dwarves, giants, vampire hookers etc.) In the other books the plot allowed more of these elements to be revealed. In this book, there were was nothing new to be revealed in the urban fantasy world, zero new in the elemental department except for one new villain whose powers are revealed to their full extent in the first chapter. Repetition of even the most basic observations and statements were impossible not to notice. I.e, Explaining she is "Me. Gin Blanco"...assassin, spider - with that exact phrasing 7 times alone. Then, repeats without exact phraising many, many other times. She refers to her sister Bria as "My baby sister, Bria" 26 times. Around the 10th time she said it, I thought, who thinks of their sibling with the same adjective attached in all circumstances? Especially when their sister is a tough, hard working cop? *SPOILERS FROM HERE ON* Finally, there was one repetition that was to me was unforgivable. It was bad enough that we learned of the possible fate of Natasha (8 or 10 year old girl, we never learn which) and the heinous plans Mab has in store for her. But Gin explains it over and over again. Either restating Mab's plans or saying the girl is probably already dead. Then, when we find the girl we are to believe that more mercenary sexual deviants must have been lurking about (but not identified)? or at least all giant guards? Wait, I thought Mab was catering to sexual deviants for $$? Then, not to worry, that's not what's in store for her after all. Mab says she has the "wrong coloring". To me, if your going to include the topic of pedaphilia in your story, it better be written very well. It's not something to beat your reader carelessly over the head with, then tamper with (as in oh wait bad things have already happened now even tho club isn't even built yet) and oh wait, we don't need kid for that after all - in order to add some immediate urgency to the plot.

There are obvious plot-holes that with the help of an editor could have been avoided. At one point, new villain Elektra sees Gin fall into the river. Finn is able to guess over the phone where she may have come ashore enough to tell Owen where to begin looking for her, but we are supposed to believe that Mab Monroe and her goons are so involved with the fire that she doesn't even think to send anyone to check to see where she may have washed ashore? Elektra herself doesn't think to search? Very odd that she would be so distracted that her super-arch enemy is not pursued by anyone from the villain camp. My main question for JE is, where was your editor? All of these things should have been caught by her editor. Poor editing really, really let Jennifer Estep down on this one.(less)

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May 17, 2011 Paradoxical rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-reading-list, books-otherwise

Dear author, I already know that Gin is an assassin, the Spider, has scars on her hands, etc. I do not need constant reiterations of these facts, nor that she has stone and ice magic. Really. It's annoying, and the reader is not stupid enough to forget such a basic premise, especially this being the fourth book of the series.

That said, the book wasn't bad. At times I paused during my reading and went, "That's... a bit melodramatic, yeah?" and "...Just a little cheesy, that." But overall, it was...more

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May 12, 2011 Netha rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy-supernatural, suspense-romance

seri yg ku tunggu2 akhirnya dapat juga akhirnya kelar baca juga
jadi tambah seneng sama elemental assassin series
ga sabar pengen tau endingnya.....

diakhir buku ke 3 gin secara terbuka menantang mab monroe, pembunuh keluarganya.
setiap kegiatan ilegal mab dihancurkan oleh gin dibantu oleh finn.
membuat mab marah & menyewa assassin lain - elektra LaFeur, pemilik kekuatan electric magic - untuk membunuh spider alias gin.

Elektra adalah adik dr brutus, another assassin, yg tewas ditangan spider.
nah...more

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May 09, 2011 Aimee (Coffee Table Reviews) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, favorites

Wow. What a story Jennifer Estep weaves with Gin. I believe this is one of the best in the series. So much has happened, leading up to this, and it looks like in the next, we may just see what happens with the Spider takes on Mab.

I love Gin. Absolutely love her. She's such a strong character, no damsel in distress, who occasionally feels vulnerable in her new founded relationship. I definitely love this relationship with Owen *swoon* much better than Donovan. Gin needs someone strong who will st...more

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May 06, 2011 Romancing the Book rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy

Review written by Zita.
Review copy provided by author

Synopsis: "I’d rather face a dozen lethal assassins any night than deal with something as tricky, convoluted, and fragile as my feelings.

But here I am. Gin Blanco, the semi-retired assassin known as the Spider. Hovering outside sexy businessman Owen Grayson’s front door like a nervous teenage girl. One thing I like about Owen: he doesn’t shy away from my past—or my present. And right now I have a bull’s-eye on my forehead. Cold-blooded Fire el...more Review written by Zita.
Review copy provided by author

Synopsis: "I’d rather face a dozen lethal assassins any night than deal with something as tricky, convoluted, and fragile as my feelings.

But here I am. Gin Blanco, the semi-retired assassin known as the Spider. Hovering outside sexy businessman Owen Grayson’s front door like a nervous teenage girl. One thing I like about Owen: he doesn’t shy away from my past—or my present. And right now I have a bull’s-eye on my forehead. Cold-blooded Fire elemental Mab Monroe has hired one of the smartest assassins in the business to trap me. Elektra LaFleur is skilled and efficient, with deadly electrical elemental magic as potent as my own Ice and Stone powers. Which means there’s a fifty-fifty chance one of us won’t survive this battle. I intend to kill LaFleur—or die trying—because Mab wants the assassin to take out my baby sister, Detective Bria Coolidge, too. The only problem is, Bria has no idea I’m her long-lost sibling . . . or that I’m the murderer she’s been chasing through Ashland for weeks. And what Bria doesn’t know just might get us both dead. . ."

Review: Fabulous! I have been loving this series, which has gotten progressively better with each new book. Gin has finally gotten over her feelings for Donovan and is focusing on her developing relationship with Owen. She keeps waiting for him to disapprove of her, and he doesn't, which she has a hard time believing. Meanwhile, her vendetta against Mab is heating up and Mab has called in a top level assassin called Elektra to squash the Spider for her. Elektra, as evidenced by her name, can kill using electricity. The creepy thing is, she really enjoys doing so, and takes great delight in frying her targets. It quickly becomes clear that the showdown between these two skilled assassins will be pretty spectacular. And you know there will have to be a showdown if Gin wants to protect her family and friends.

One issue Ms. Estep touches on in this book, and that I'm hoping will be a bigger part of future volumes is that, as word of mouth spreads about the Spider fighting back against Mab and her minions, the general populace of Ashland is taking note. You can almost hear the rumblings in the background. Is there a revolution on the horizon? Is Bria set to be in the right place and time to clean out the corrupt police department? We already know that other criminal factions are circling in on Mab as the Spider exposes her weaknesses. Maybe the law-abiding citizens will rally now that they have a rallying point. And, if that does happen, will Donovan return? I can't wait for the next installment and (maybe) find out! A mark of a good series, in my opinion, is that it makes me wonder and imagine what will happen next. That is something this series excels at. I highly recommend that you find out for yourself.(less)

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Tangled Threads (Elemental Assassin #4)

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