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Elemental Assassin #1.5
Web of Death
This short story takes place after the events of Spider’s Bite but before the beginning of Web of Lies. In "Web of Death," Gin Blanco’s retirement is interrupted by some unwanted guests.
8 pages, Online Fiction
First published January 1, 2011
11 people are currently reading
1566 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Estep
95 books12k followersJennifer Estep is a New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author who prowls the streets of her imagination in search of her next fantasy idea.
Jennifer is the author of the Elemental Assassin, Section 47, Galactic Bonds, Crown of Shards, Gargoyle Queen, and other fantasy series. She has written more than 40 books, along with numerous novellas and stories.
In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys hanging out with friends and family, doing yoga, and reading fantasy and romance books. She also watches way too much TV and loves all things related to superheroes.
For more information on Jennifer and her books, visit her website at www.JenniferEstep.com or sign up for her newsletter: http://www.jenniferestep.com/contact-....
FOLLOW JENNIFER ONLINE:
Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/yyj59omw
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jennifer_Estep
Amazon: https://amzn.to/39lCyX6
BookBub: https://tinyurl.com/y4dm3zso
Goodreads: https://tinyurl.com/y638q98k
Jennifer's blog: https://tinyurl.com/2dj4afb
Jennifer's newsletter: http://www.jenniferestep.com/contact-...
Happy reading, everyone! 😎
Jennifer is the author of the Elemental Assassin, Section 47, Galactic Bonds, Crown of Shards, Gargoyle Queen, and other fantasy series. She has written more than 40 books, along with numerous novellas and stories.
In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys hanging out with friends and family, doing yoga, and reading fantasy and romance books. She also watches way too much TV and loves all things related to superheroes.
For more information on Jennifer and her books, visit her website at www.JenniferEstep.com or sign up for her newsletter: http://www.jenniferestep.com/contact-....
FOLLOW JENNIFER ONLINE:
Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/yyj59omw
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifer_es...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jennifer_Estep
Amazon: https://amzn.to/39lCyX6
BookBub: https://tinyurl.com/y4dm3zso
Goodreads: https://tinyurl.com/y638q98k
Jennifer's blog: https://tinyurl.com/2dj4afb
Jennifer's newsletter: http://www.jenniferestep.com/contact-...
Happy reading, everyone! 😎
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
May 12, 2016
3.5 stars
This short is from Gin's POV and takes place between books 1 and 2. YES. That's right. You can read this one in the chronological order.
It's been so long since I last read this series that I don't know what it has to do with setting up the next book, beyond letting us know that retirement does not suit Gin. Not even a little bit.
Also, I don't recall her being so pragmatic when it comes to saving the lives of hapless innocents she stumbles across, so maybe this was supposed to lay groundwork for future character development. *shrugs*
Either way it's short, and it's always fun to watch Gin kill people--they always have it coming.
You can read it for FREE on Estep's website: http://www.jenniferestep.com/excerpts...
This short is from Gin's POV and takes place between books 1 and 2. YES. That's right. You can read this one in the chronological order.
It's been so long since I last read this series that I don't know what it has to do with setting up the next book, beyond letting us know that retirement does not suit Gin. Not even a little bit.
Also, I don't recall her being so pragmatic when it comes to saving the lives of hapless innocents she stumbles across, so maybe this was supposed to lay groundwork for future character development. *shrugs*
Either way it's short, and it's always fun to watch Gin kill people--they always have it coming.
You can read it for FREE on Estep's website: http://www.jenniferestep.com/excerpts...
October 20, 2012
Another surprisingly good novella of Gin and, this time, where she is at with her retirement! These short bits tend to make me want the next book more than I already do!
August 14, 2018
See, you can be an assassin and still be the "good guy," the "hero"... Gin has rules! And those rules include helping people in the clutches of evil, disgusting villains. :)
October 17, 2014
I'm catching up with these short stories before diving into the second book. I'm so excited!
I don't really know how this novella fits into the storyline or why was it important but it's always good to see Gin. Btw, wow on the setting! A lot of nasty things happen in Ashland in this series!
I don't really know how this novella fits into the storyline or why was it important but it's always good to see Gin. Btw, wow on the setting! A lot of nasty things happen in Ashland in this series!
June 6, 2016
A short interlude between book 1 and 2, where we have Gin moving into Fletcher, her mentor’s home. Some evil doers has chosen the forest around her house as their hunting ground. Luckily the Spider is there to make them the prey. I always love seeing Gin be the good guy, and using her “evil” skills to save the day or in this case the vampire in distress :-D A fun and entertaining short story.
June 4, 2012
I always enjoy stories where the bad guys get killed. Especially bad guys who rape. It gives me a certain elation that the world is suddenly right. Gin may be a killer, but she has ethics. Ones that I agree with and can abide by.
July 22, 2016
Before I get into book 6 I want to catch up with the short stories. Jennifer Estep has a gift for writing the short stories! Each of them are like mini books, but from another character's perspective. Although the other books get on fine with out them, the stories 'flesh out' the world.
December 5, 2014
Liked this little look into Gin figuring out where she fits now that she has retired from being an assassin....or, at least, for now.
February 8, 2018
This short story takes place between “Spider’s Bite” and “Web of Lies” depicting Gin’s boredom with her retirement and the subsequent moment when she gets pulled back into using her “special talents”... Overall, this story is a rehash of information the reader already knows and does not propel the storyline of the series forward, but it is well written and was interesting enough to maintain my attention... 3 Stars:)
June 4, 2013
I have to admit that I like that Gin prefers murder and mayhem over unpacking boxes. WHO DOESN'T, RIGHT? Here, we get to see a look at the softer side of Gin as she helps someone (in a bloody, dead body kind of way) just because they need her to. Retirement's for people who aren't happiest carrying half a dozen knives on them at all times, methinks.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Web of Death is a free read on the author's website.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Web of Death is a free read on the author's website.
November 27, 2012
Well Gin doesn't seem to be enjoying retirement at all. A few weeks after Fletcher's funeral, Gin decides to move into Fletcher's house. This short story tells us of how Gin would like to spend the rest of her retirement. This is a good addition to the series
October 23, 2018
I can’t imagine Gin as being retired, even after only reading one of her novels. Everything in Spider’s Bite is incredibly high adrenalin and a fight to the death (literally), so although the idea of retirement is nice, it’s hard to imagine the actual decision / action.
Which, luckily, Estep also seemed to feel. Gin isn’t quite settling into her desired retirement, and still dealing with the aftermath of Fletcher’s death. All of which means that a vampire hooker in trouble is the perfect excuse to get a little exercise in.
Web of Death is a nice way to spend five minutes revisiting Gin without becoming completely intertwined in what I’m sure will be another intense battle to the death… or at least a battle for something in the next full length Element Assassin novel.
Which, luckily, Estep also seemed to feel. Gin isn’t quite settling into her desired retirement, and still dealing with the aftermath of Fletcher’s death. All of which means that a vampire hooker in trouble is the perfect excuse to get a little exercise in.
Web of Death is a nice way to spend five minutes revisiting Gin without becoming completely intertwined in what I’m sure will be another intense battle to the death… or at least a battle for something in the next full length Element Assassin novel.
January 25, 2018
Web of Death is a short story set in the world of Jennifer Estep's Elemental Assassin series. The book setting is the woods just outside of Fletcher Lane's home. Recently inherited by Gin Blanco after Fletcher's untimely death, Gin hears voices in the woods. Upon investigation she finds a woman being attacked. Does she stay and help the woman or pretend she doesn't hear or see anything?
Web of Death is interesting in typical assassin form. Is it a necessary story in the Elemental Assassin world? Nope. Is it enjoyable anyway? Of course!
Web of Death is interesting in typical assassin form. Is it a necessary story in the Elemental Assassin world? Nope. Is it enjoyable anyway? Of course!
September 18, 2018
It's kinda hard to give this an honest rating because I read it before starting Web of Lies. But because I'm bound to read the majority of this series (well the full length novels that is) I can't just glance over the in between short reads. Especially if they're free to read on the authors web page.
Do I think it's worth the hassle? Probably not. It just kinda reinforces what we basically learned in Spiders Bite
Do I think it's worth the hassle? Probably not. It just kinda reinforces what we basically learned in Spiders Bite
July 28, 2017
Cleaning house or what to do when unpacking seems boring...Gin Blanco takes on some abusive people pro bono (just as she did when she took on the abusive rapist and corrupt cop Cliff Ingles, partner of Donovan Caine). Sometimes you have to clean house.
October 8, 2021
Series: Elemental Assassin #1.5
Rating: 3 stars - I liked it
A short scene with Gin taking out some trash that found its way onto her property. I like that she is considering retirement but also working pro bono on case potential, like this one.
Rating: 3 stars - I liked it
A short scene with Gin taking out some trash that found its way onto her property. I like that she is considering retirement but also working pro bono on case potential, like this one.
May 14, 2017
Nice little short story to fill in a small gap between books 1 & 2
May 28, 2017
Vaya que es una depredadora territorial esta Gin. Y cuando hace las cosas por amor al arte es verdaderamente espeluznante. Pero me agrada su estilo.
July 22, 2017
The hero assassin...
February 27, 2019
Gin in "retirement mode" *snort*. You'd have to be a real idiot to torture and kill someone on land belonging to Gin Blanco. They had it coming.
February 20, 2020
Short little story set outside of the main Elemental Assassin series. Fun read if you are a fan of the series.
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January 25, 2021free on authors website. https://www.jenniferestep.com/short-s...
urban-fantasy
November 13, 20216
September 5, 2025
It's nothing much. Wouldn't say you need it. This really just for those who want to read as much of Gin as possible.
July 11, 2017
This was a rather fun story. It shared with us a moment of Gin's retirement, in between books one and two. Her now-famous curiosity led her to save a woman. :-)
My only problem is. . . Wasn't it in book two that she learned about Fletcher's altruistic leanings? So her mention that she learned about them recently is a bit of a continuity error. :-/
My only problem is. . . Wasn't it in book two that she learned about Fletcher's altruistic leanings? So her mention that she learned about them recently is a bit of a continuity error. :-/
September 18, 2017
Reviewed on Lili Lost in a Book
Web of Death takes place between book 1 ( Spider’s Bite ) and book 2 ( Web of Lies ) and is told in Gin’s POV.
Gin is now officially retired as an assassin and is moving into her new place when all of a sudden she is interrupted by a scream coming from the surrounding forest. To check it out, or not to check it out...
If you know Gin, you know she is going to kick some serious ass. I mean, we are dealing with some real bad blokes here. They just make me sick! What they’re doing in the forest... Ugh! But I am so glad for Gin!
This was a great short story! I absolutely adored Gin! She was super sassy in this one, and snarky...
And for a short story there was quite a bit of action. If you're a fan of the series, I highly recommend these short Elemental Assassin stories!
Web of Death takes place between book 1 ( Spider’s Bite ) and book 2 ( Web of Lies ) and is told in Gin’s POV.
Gin is now officially retired as an assassin and is moving into her new place when all of a sudden she is interrupted by a scream coming from the surrounding forest. To check it out, or not to check it out...
Hmm. I had two choices now. Go investigate what the fuss was all about and amuse myself for maybe an hour, or stay here and haul boxes of books into Fletcher Lane’s ramshackle house.
If you know Gin, you know she is going to kick some serious ass. I mean, we are dealing with some real bad blokes here. They just make me sick! What they’re doing in the forest... Ugh! But I am so glad for Gin!
Of course, some folks would have thought that I was sick, for killing so many people for money over the years. But I had a code that I followed, rules that I lived by. No killing kids or pets. No framing someone for my murders. And most especially, no torture. I might have killed people as the Spider, but I did it quickly, efficiently, with my silverstone knives.
This was a great short story! I absolutely adored Gin! She was super sassy in this one, and snarky...
“You really should have found somewhere else to play your little game,” I murmured. “Because this land belongs to Fletcher Lane. And now me, I suppose. And believe me when I tell you that I’m the only fucking predator allowed around here.”
And for a short story there was quite a bit of action. If you're a fan of the series, I highly recommend these short Elemental Assassin stories!
July 16, 2014
This short story is 1.5 in the Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series revolving around Gin Blanco, an assassin.
You can read this short story for free on Estep's website.
My Take
This is from Gin's perspective a few weeks after Fletcher was brutally murdered. A pivotal short story as it starts the burr of thought in Gin, about what she's learned about Fletcher's more altruistic side, about her own boredom.
It's also a quick reminder of why and how Fletcher met his end.
The Story
Gin is not enjoying her retirement. After seventeen years as the assassin, she's missing Fletcher. So much so that she's moving into the old house he left her in his will.
Lucky for Jasmine that this is the night Gin chose to move.
The Characters
Gin Blanco is a retired assassin with Ice and Stone elemental powers and now concentrates only on the Pork Pit, the barbecue restaurant she just inherited from her murdered mentor, Fletcher Lane, also an assassin.
Tommy is a vampire and Billy is a giant; both have evil on their mind. Jasmine is another vampire and part of Tommy's stable. Roslyn Phillips is the madam for Northern Aggression.
The Title
The title reflects Gin's alter ego and the "Web of Death" she spins to save the day.
You can read this short story for free on Estep's website.
My Take
This is from Gin's perspective a few weeks after Fletcher was brutally murdered. A pivotal short story as it starts the burr of thought in Gin, about what she's learned about Fletcher's more altruistic side, about her own boredom.
It's also a quick reminder of why and how Fletcher met his end.
The Story
Gin is not enjoying her retirement. After seventeen years as the assassin, she's missing Fletcher. So much so that she's moving into the old house he left her in his will.
Lucky for Jasmine that this is the night Gin chose to move.
The Characters
Gin Blanco is a retired assassin with Ice and Stone elemental powers and now concentrates only on the Pork Pit, the barbecue restaurant she just inherited from her murdered mentor, Fletcher Lane, also an assassin.
Tommy is a vampire and Billy is a giant; both have evil on their mind. Jasmine is another vampire and part of Tommy's stable. Roslyn Phillips is the madam for Northern Aggression.
The Title
The title reflects Gin's alter ego and the "Web of Death" she spins to save the day.
October 4, 2013
Ah, yet another successful night for Gin Blanco.
Web of Death takes place after Spider's Bite and Web of Lies. Web of Death finds ourhero, er, anti-hero, Gin Blanco in the process of unpacking boxes at her new home. Gin now lives in Fletcher's home, which he left to her in his will.
As she unpacks, Gin hears a noise in the woods and goes to investigate. There she comes across two goons who are about to kill a young woman. Being semi-retired from the life of an assassin, Gin is bored and this is just the kind of action she needs to get back into the game, despite her wanting to go "straight." But who are we kidding? Did any of us see Gin actually putting up knives for retirement?...No, me neither.
Our Gin then proceeds to let the two fools have it. She calls Roslyn Phillips to pick up her "girl."
This short story was one of my favorites in the series because, it had a lot of description of the area. It is as though you are alongside Gin while she works. And I think that's what makes the Elemental Assassin series works so well. It is personal and in your face, which is where a lot of novels lose readers. So, I would definitely recommend reading this.
Web of Death takes place after Spider's Bite and Web of Lies. Web of Death finds our
As she unpacks, Gin hears a noise in the woods and goes to investigate. There she comes across two goons who are about to kill a young woman. Being semi-retired from the life of an assassin, Gin is bored and this is just the kind of action she needs to get back into the game, despite her wanting to go "straight." But who are we kidding? Did any of us see Gin actually putting up knives for retirement?...No, me neither.
Our Gin then proceeds to let the two fools have it. She calls Roslyn Phillips to pick up her "girl."
This short story was one of my favorites in the series because, it had a lot of description of the area. It is as though you are alongside Gin while she works. And I think that's what makes the Elemental Assassin series works so well. It is personal and in your face, which is where a lot of novels lose readers. So, I would definitely recommend reading this.
July 17, 2011
This short story fits between the first and second books of the Elemental Assassin series.
Several weeks after the events of Spider's Bite, Gin has retired from the assassin business and is now the owner of the Pork Pit. She also happens to be moving into Fletcher's house, when she hears a woman's scream coming from the woods near the house. Unable to ignore her instincts, she ends up finding a woman being beaten by a giant and a vampire. And knowing she can't just walk away, she falls back into doing what she does best.
I once again really enjoyed this story. And now that I've read the three prequel short stories, as well as this one, I can't wait for my copy of the second book to arrive!
This is fast becoming one of my favourite series. :)
Several weeks after the events of Spider's Bite, Gin has retired from the assassin business and is now the owner of the Pork Pit. She also happens to be moving into Fletcher's house, when she hears a woman's scream coming from the woods near the house. Unable to ignore her instincts, she ends up finding a woman being beaten by a giant and a vampire. And knowing she can't just walk away, she falls back into doing what she does best.
I once again really enjoyed this story. And now that I've read the three prequel short stories, as well as this one, I can't wait for my copy of the second book to arrive!
This is fast becoming one of my favourite series. :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews