Helpful Score: 6
This is one of those rare series that just gets better with each book.
In Venom, retired assassin Gin Blanco aka the Spider, is still trying to decide what to do with the information about her sister Bria, whom she thought dead, her half-broken heart from Detective Donovan leaving town, and the powerful Mab, who killed Gin's family.
But when she finds out that Mab's head man is stalking and terrorizing a local vampiress, Gin decides to do some pro bono work. Elliott Slater must die and Gin is just the person to do it. But then things get complicated when the new cop in town to take Donovan's place turns out to be one Bria Coolridge - Gin's long lost sister. Bria doesn't recognize Gin and Gin doesn't want to fill her in yet on who she is. After all, Bria is a stellar police officer and Gin is an assassin.
But then Gin and Finn are following Slater when they see them attack a small house, one inhabited by Bria. It seems Mab wants Bria dead at all costs, and it will take everything within Gin's power to stop it.
Venom is full of action, suspense, wonderful character development, and yummy food. Gin loves to cook and her concoctions make my mouth water. I'm really looking forward to the next installment in this series, Tangled Threads. I can't wait to see how Gin's romance with Owen blossoms or dies, and if Bria and Gin find out they are sisters, and if Gin can take down the most powerful elemental ever ... Mab. A must read for any fantasy or paranormal reader.
In Venom, retired assassin Gin Blanco aka the Spider, is still trying to decide what to do with the information about her sister Bria, whom she thought dead, her half-broken heart from Detective Donovan leaving town, and the powerful Mab, who killed Gin's family.
But when she finds out that Mab's head man is stalking and terrorizing a local vampiress, Gin decides to do some pro bono work. Elliott Slater must die and Gin is just the person to do it. But then things get complicated when the new cop in town to take Donovan's place turns out to be one Bria Coolridge - Gin's long lost sister. Bria doesn't recognize Gin and Gin doesn't want to fill her in yet on who she is. After all, Bria is a stellar police officer and Gin is an assassin.
But then Gin and Finn are following Slater when they see them attack a small house, one inhabited by Bria. It seems Mab wants Bria dead at all costs, and it will take everything within Gin's power to stop it.
Venom is full of action, suspense, wonderful character development, and yummy food. Gin loves to cook and her concoctions make my mouth water. I'm really looking forward to the next installment in this series, Tangled Threads. I can't wait to see how Gin's romance with Owen blossoms or dies, and if Bria and Gin find out they are sisters, and if Gin can take down the most powerful elemental ever ... Mab. A must read for any fantasy or paranormal reader.
Helpful Score: 6
This series just keeps getting better and better. I loved the first two Elemental Assassin books and was eager to read the third. I preordered it and am so glad that I did; it was the best book in the series so far. This is the third book in the Elemental Assassin series; there are five books on contract for this series. The 4th, titled Tangled Threads, will be out on April 26th of 2011.
Gin is getting more deeplu involved with Mab, the Fire Elemental who controls all of Ashland. It's not like she's trying to get involved but when Finn asks her to help protect Roslyn (the vamp who runs Northern Exposrure) from Mab's, literally giant, head of security Slater Gin is ready to help just because of how bad Roslyn is being abused. Now she's taken on a case pro bono, again... Then she finds out that her sister, Bria, (who she recently found out is still alive) is a tough as nails honest cop who just transferred in to Ashland. That's when things get more personal. When she finds out Mab has asked Slater to take out Bria ...well there is really only one acceptable solution to Slater the giant. With the delicious and dangerous Owen Grayson lending Gin a hand from the sidelines...well...let's just say Gin is finding life more exciting than it was before she retired from being an assassin.
This was a absolutely stellar book. The writing was spot-on, the dialogue witty, the plot complex and engaging. This book was sooo hard to put down. I was torn between wanted to devour the thing in one sitting and wanting make it last because I know the next book doesn't come out until April of next year! We see more of Gin's emotional side than ever before; she is still tough as nails and I love that she still prefers her weapons over her magic.
The addition of Bria is wonderful; Bria is like the light to Gin's dark...Bria is the kick-ass righteousness of the law, where Gin the kick-ass righteousness of the underworld. The complexity of the relationship these two sisters have is amazing. Now let's talk about Owen Grayson. He is such a wonderful love interst for Gin. He is a darker character than you are originally led to think, and he matches Gin in so many ways. I was happy to see he plays a major part in this book and hope he features in future books; he is just such an awesome character.
As usual the banter between characters is witty, fun, and clever. I loved where Estep is taking the plot and can't wait to see Gin take on Mab head to head in the next book. I loved where Gin's character ended up at the end of the book and am just so excited to read this book.
Overall, this was hands down the best book in what has been a wonderful series. If you liked the previous books you will love this one! I recommend this series if you like urban fantasy series with tough women, with complex plots that are engaging, and just a tad of romance. For example is you like the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews, the Jane Yellowrock series by Faith Hunter, the Jaz Parks series by Jennifer Rardin, or Dorina Basarab series by Karen Chance you will love this series.
Gin is getting more deeplu involved with Mab, the Fire Elemental who controls all of Ashland. It's not like she's trying to get involved but when Finn asks her to help protect Roslyn (the vamp who runs Northern Exposrure) from Mab's, literally giant, head of security Slater Gin is ready to help just because of how bad Roslyn is being abused. Now she's taken on a case pro bono, again... Then she finds out that her sister, Bria, (who she recently found out is still alive) is a tough as nails honest cop who just transferred in to Ashland. That's when things get more personal. When she finds out Mab has asked Slater to take out Bria ...well there is really only one acceptable solution to Slater the giant. With the delicious and dangerous Owen Grayson lending Gin a hand from the sidelines...well...let's just say Gin is finding life more exciting than it was before she retired from being an assassin.
This was a absolutely stellar book. The writing was spot-on, the dialogue witty, the plot complex and engaging. This book was sooo hard to put down. I was torn between wanted to devour the thing in one sitting and wanting make it last because I know the next book doesn't come out until April of next year! We see more of Gin's emotional side than ever before; she is still tough as nails and I love that she still prefers her weapons over her magic.
The addition of Bria is wonderful; Bria is like the light to Gin's dark...Bria is the kick-ass righteousness of the law, where Gin the kick-ass righteousness of the underworld. The complexity of the relationship these two sisters have is amazing. Now let's talk about Owen Grayson. He is such a wonderful love interst for Gin. He is a darker character than you are originally led to think, and he matches Gin in so many ways. I was happy to see he plays a major part in this book and hope he features in future books; he is just such an awesome character.
As usual the banter between characters is witty, fun, and clever. I loved where Estep is taking the plot and can't wait to see Gin take on Mab head to head in the next book. I loved where Gin's character ended up at the end of the book and am just so excited to read this book.
Overall, this was hands down the best book in what has been a wonderful series. If you liked the previous books you will love this one! I recommend this series if you like urban fantasy series with tough women, with complex plots that are engaging, and just a tad of romance. For example is you like the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews, the Jane Yellowrock series by Faith Hunter, the Jaz Parks series by Jennifer Rardin, or Dorina Basarab series by Karen Chance you will love this series.
Helpful Score: 2
This is one action packed 3rd book in this series. I read this one quickly and can't wait for the next one. Oh what to say without spoiling it? Well, as the blurb states, she is helping Roslyn while getting her and her friends into it deeper with Mab Monroe, the baddest elemental out there (so far). She also finds her long lost sister, Bria and finds it hard to reconnect. Especially since she is the new detective taking Donovan Caine's place.
I also have to say a little bit about Owen Grayson. He is Gin's new love interest and I am squeeing! I admit I did not like Donovan Caine and the way he treated Gin. I am SO much happier with Owen. They compliment each other so much better. I could have used a bit more Owen in the story, but I suspect we will see more of him in the next installment of this series.
Okay, I've said as much as I dare. I enjoyed this book so much and I give it 5 stars. It is a great fast paced urban fantasy. You don't have to have read the others in the series to enjoy this one, but I suggest you do just because I have really enjoyed all the books so far!
I also have to say a little bit about Owen Grayson. He is Gin's new love interest and I am squeeing! I admit I did not like Donovan Caine and the way he treated Gin. I am SO much happier with Owen. They compliment each other so much better. I could have used a bit more Owen in the story, but I suspect we will see more of him in the next installment of this series.
Okay, I've said as much as I dare. I enjoyed this book so much and I give it 5 stars. It is a great fast paced urban fantasy. You don't have to have read the others in the series to enjoy this one, but I suggest you do just because I have really enjoyed all the books so far!
Helpful Score: 1
In this third installment of the Elemental Assassin series, Gin has started moving forth on her vow on vengeance against the Fire Elemental, Mab Monroe, who murdered her family. But first, Gin must help a friend who has a stalker issue. Fortunately for her, the stalker is none other than Mab Monroes goon, Elliot Slater. How is that for fate? I think Gin sums it up very well on page 102:
Im just wondering how exactly I went from being the Spider to the Robin f***ing Hood of the greater Ashland area. Three months ago, I was killing people for money. Lots of money. Buckets of it. Now, tell me a good sob story instead and Ill take care of all your problems for free. Instead of stealing from the rich, Im stabbing them to death for the poor.
As you can see, Gin is snarky as ever. Also developing is her relationship with the gorgeous Owen Grayson. Hopefully she can get over the hurt that Donovan Caine has brought down upon her. And speaking of the absent Donovan Caine, it looks like fate has another surprise for Gin. The police force has hired Bria Coolidge (Gins baby sister) to fill Caines vacant spot. Gin isnt the only one that knows Bria is alive, Mab has found out too. Now Gin must protect Bria and figure out how to kill Elliot Slater.
This was probably not my favorite of the series but it wasnt a letdown. By the end those feelings were erased and I became excited about what will come in the next book.
Im just wondering how exactly I went from being the Spider to the Robin f***ing Hood of the greater Ashland area. Three months ago, I was killing people for money. Lots of money. Buckets of it. Now, tell me a good sob story instead and Ill take care of all your problems for free. Instead of stealing from the rich, Im stabbing them to death for the poor.
As you can see, Gin is snarky as ever. Also developing is her relationship with the gorgeous Owen Grayson. Hopefully she can get over the hurt that Donovan Caine has brought down upon her. And speaking of the absent Donovan Caine, it looks like fate has another surprise for Gin. The police force has hired Bria Coolidge (Gins baby sister) to fill Caines vacant spot. Gin isnt the only one that knows Bria is alive, Mab has found out too. Now Gin must protect Bria and figure out how to kill Elliot Slater.
This was probably not my favorite of the series but it wasnt a letdown. By the end those feelings were erased and I became excited about what will come in the next book.
Helpful Score: 1
one word: WOW
this series gets better and better with each installment. With only 5 books planned for this series, this 3rd installment blew me away! And Im eagerly awaitng the next book.
Gin is a retired assain, but Elliot Slater, (Mab Monroe's giant/enforcer) has become obbessed with Roslyn Phillips, vampire owner of Norther Agression nightclub. Gin decides to take out the giant not only to help Roslyn, but to start her crusade against taking down Mab (the Fire Elemental who murdered her family 17 years ago)
However there are some new complications, Bria... Gins long lost baby sister (whom Gin thought was dead) has returned to Ashland in persuit of her own revenge. Then theres Owen Grayson, Gins new love intrest.
The clock is ticking, and everyone whom Gin cares about is in danger, and Gin becomes more determined than ever to take that b*tch down. I expect an all out war in the next book.
Great series, highly reccomend!
this series gets better and better with each installment. With only 5 books planned for this series, this 3rd installment blew me away! And Im eagerly awaitng the next book.
Gin is a retired assain, but Elliot Slater, (Mab Monroe's giant/enforcer) has become obbessed with Roslyn Phillips, vampire owner of Norther Agression nightclub. Gin decides to take out the giant not only to help Roslyn, but to start her crusade against taking down Mab (the Fire Elemental who murdered her family 17 years ago)
However there are some new complications, Bria... Gins long lost baby sister (whom Gin thought was dead) has returned to Ashland in persuit of her own revenge. Then theres Owen Grayson, Gins new love intrest.
The clock is ticking, and everyone whom Gin cares about is in danger, and Gin becomes more determined than ever to take that b*tch down. I expect an all out war in the next book.
Great series, highly reccomend!
