Helpful Score: 3
This is the 8th book in the Elemental Assassin series. It was a decent book in this series, but again was a contained mystery of sorts rather than the start to a new story arc. It was a good enough read, but at times felt more like a novella than a book. The ninth book in the series is scheduled for a September 2013 release and will be titled Heart of Venom. Last I read Estep is contracted for 10 books in this series.
Gin is still on the outs with Owen following the events of the last book. Gin and Finn go to attend an auction of Mabs treasures, when they arrive Gin finds out that a giant by the name of Clementine is trying to steal the whole lot. Somehow all of this ties back to Mab. Gin has to stop Clementine if she is going to save her friends and the city.
I was surprised that the whole plot revolved around the art/jewels being stolen at this auction of Mabs. The story was so concise and straightforward it seemed almost more suitable to a novella. Initially I was thinking that this would be an introduction to a larger story and I was surprised when it wasnt.
Gin has grown a lot as a character. She is learning to accept having people in her life that she cares about and who care about her. She doesnt really gain any new powers in this book, but it focused on learning to exercise her current powers with more intricacy and finesse.
I enjoyed reading about all of the other characters as well. I continue to be annoyed at Owen for his childishness; he has really taken a step back as a character for me. Finn and Bria continue to be wonderful characters in this series.
There really isnt anything new in this book that we havent seen in previous Elemental Assassin books. While it is a decent read I was surprised that there wasnt a bit more to the story.
So while I enjoyed reading this book, there wasnt a lot here that really excited me. It was very similar to previous books...except with less story. Additionally Estep continues to do a bit too much recapping in this book, this is something that she has done in previous Elemental Assassin books as well.
Overall this was a decent read, but in my opinion the weakest book in this series so far. There isnt much to this story and it is more of a contained mystery than the start of something new and wonderful. I was left feeling like maybe this series is running out of steam. Gin is a great character and I enjoyed reading about her, but Owen remains pretty obnoxious. I guess I would recommend to fans of the series, but just dont expect too much from this book. This series as a whole is highly recommended to fans of action packed urban fantasy.
Gin is still on the outs with Owen following the events of the last book. Gin and Finn go to attend an auction of Mabs treasures, when they arrive Gin finds out that a giant by the name of Clementine is trying to steal the whole lot. Somehow all of this ties back to Mab. Gin has to stop Clementine if she is going to save her friends and the city.
I was surprised that the whole plot revolved around the art/jewels being stolen at this auction of Mabs. The story was so concise and straightforward it seemed almost more suitable to a novella. Initially I was thinking that this would be an introduction to a larger story and I was surprised when it wasnt.
Gin has grown a lot as a character. She is learning to accept having people in her life that she cares about and who care about her. She doesnt really gain any new powers in this book, but it focused on learning to exercise her current powers with more intricacy and finesse.
I enjoyed reading about all of the other characters as well. I continue to be annoyed at Owen for his childishness; he has really taken a step back as a character for me. Finn and Bria continue to be wonderful characters in this series.
There really isnt anything new in this book that we havent seen in previous Elemental Assassin books. While it is a decent read I was surprised that there wasnt a bit more to the story.
So while I enjoyed reading this book, there wasnt a lot here that really excited me. It was very similar to previous books...except with less story. Additionally Estep continues to do a bit too much recapping in this book, this is something that she has done in previous Elemental Assassin books as well.
Overall this was a decent read, but in my opinion the weakest book in this series so far. There isnt much to this story and it is more of a contained mystery than the start of something new and wonderful. I was left feeling like maybe this series is running out of steam. Gin is a great character and I enjoyed reading about her, but Owen remains pretty obnoxious. I guess I would recommend to fans of the series, but just dont expect too much from this book. This series as a whole is highly recommended to fans of action packed urban fantasy.
Helpful Score: 1
Well Estep really doesnt waste much time. She instantly throws her heroine, Gin aka The Spider, back into the fray. I mean seriously, what could go wrong with Gin attending the opening night of the late Mab Monroes (who of course she killed) art collection and for the reading of her will. Or what could go wrong just in shopping for the perfect dress for the gala. In Gins world, nothing is ever easy. Every crime boss in Ashland is gunning for Gin and most of them know her true identity. When Finn and her walk into the museum (on an island), Gin notices right away that something is off. As always, her instincts are right. The giants have formed together and they plan to rob the entire museum but first they have to take out the Spider before she can spoil their plans.
Estep opens up old wounds when she introduces Own back into the mix. He also attends the gala with and old female friend who just so happens is wearing the exact same dress as Gin. There are many unresolved issues between Own and Gin. Their friends want them to work it out but it is kind of hard when the person you love (Gin) kills your ex. Estep does not let her readers have a second to think that everything is going to turn out perfectly. This wouldnt be Gins world if it did. There are many bumps in the road but hopefully one day Gin will have the peace and happiness she deservesit just isnt going to happen anytime soon.
A great part of this book is the flash backs to when Gin made her first kill with Fletcher, her adoptive father. It brought insight into the makings of the Spider and that from a very young age she was taught that sometimes you have to hurt and use the people you love to kill the bad people.
Gritty, bloody, heartbreaking and at times quite humorous makes this series one of the best I have read and will continue to read. Jennifer Estep has created a series that the outcome is never what you think it will be and each new book injects a new twist or turn to keep the plot moving. She isnt scared of hurting her characters to the point that us as readers have no idea if they will survive or not. The ending is bittersweet but I liked how Gin handled her revenge on a certain someone. Estep also leaves it wide open on who the next big baddie will be.
(DRC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review)
Estep opens up old wounds when she introduces Own back into the mix. He also attends the gala with and old female friend who just so happens is wearing the exact same dress as Gin. There are many unresolved issues between Own and Gin. Their friends want them to work it out but it is kind of hard when the person you love (Gin) kills your ex. Estep does not let her readers have a second to think that everything is going to turn out perfectly. This wouldnt be Gins world if it did. There are many bumps in the road but hopefully one day Gin will have the peace and happiness she deservesit just isnt going to happen anytime soon.
A great part of this book is the flash backs to when Gin made her first kill with Fletcher, her adoptive father. It brought insight into the makings of the Spider and that from a very young age she was taught that sometimes you have to hurt and use the people you love to kill the bad people.
Gritty, bloody, heartbreaking and at times quite humorous makes this series one of the best I have read and will continue to read. Jennifer Estep has created a series that the outcome is never what you think it will be and each new book injects a new twist or turn to keep the plot moving. She isnt scared of hurting her characters to the point that us as readers have no idea if they will survive or not. The ending is bittersweet but I liked how Gin handled her revenge on a certain someone. Estep also leaves it wide open on who the next big baddie will be.
(DRC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review)
