In book eleven of her New York Times bestselling Elemental Assassin series, author Jennifer Estep continues “one of the best urban fantasy series going on the market” (Fresh Fiction). Gin Blanco is hard-nosed, sexy, and lethal. Nicknamed “The Spider,” she’s a stone elemental assassin who brings her unique mix of magic and tact to every assignment, no matter the target. There’s a new drug on the …
There’s a new drug on the streets of Ashland, and its name “Burn” sums up the potent effect it has on its users. When one of her restaurant employees is threatened by dealers of the drug, Gin steps in to set things straight…more
5 stars – I loved it!
It’s only been a year since this series began with Spider’s Bite and Gin is about to celebrate her 31st birthday. This book kicks off a new wave of enemies for Gin. She has to deal with another of Ashland’s crime lords, the drug dealer Beauregard Benson, who is bringing a new drug to the streets.
This was an action packed and dangerous mission for Gin. She has to deal with a mad scientist who is also a different kind of vampire. Beauregard ended up being a real challenge for Gin but I loved how she took him down because it really showed the world how dangerous she could be. Also I love that she uses an Aston Martin at one point as a battering ram because that is sad for such a beautiful car but also a hell of a way to take someone out.
We also have a step back with Gin and Bria’s relationship in this one. Bria is determined to deal with things through the law but refuses to listen to anyone else’s opinions about it. This causes some real tension with her relationship with Gin and with Xavier. She also almost gets herself and others killed in her fight for vengeance. There is some resolution at the end of this book between them but I really hope she gets over this because her self-righteousness is starting to get annoying.
This book was just nonstop action and I loved every minute of it. Eleven books in and I am still surprised by this wonderful world that Estep has created. Also I love that Gin seems to be expanding her circle of friends, especially now that she has gone public. I am really looking forward to seeing who they all work together to bring down their enemies.
I love this series. It’s on my auto-buy list and I’m always anxiously awaiting the next release. And this installment was no exception. I’m always curious as to what new situation Gin is going to land herself in, and how she’s going to get out of it.
This time around, the bad guy is a drug lord named Beau Benson. Gin first learns of a new drug in town through one of her waitresses. Then she finds out that Beau is at the top of her sister’s most wanted list. This dude is seriously nasty. His elemental abilities combined with his ruthlessness in business and scientific curiosity makes him quite a challenge for Gin.
As always, Gin is super focused and is determined to protect her friends and family. While I admire this, it always drives me a little insane that she seems to shut out their concerns for her. And in this book, she seems to not listen even more than usual. It’s probably the one thing that really wanted me to reach into the pages and shake Gin a little.
The book will stand alone. But with such a long running series, it is always better to read the series in order as events from the past are brought up and relationships make more sense.
This was a pretty fast read for me considering it was over 400 pages long. I just couldn’t put the book down once I got started. There were some interesting twists and turns and more of Gin’s past is revealed. And even better, there was some foreshadowing of what’s to come for Gin. I can’t wait to see what’s coming next!
My review originally posted at Romancing the Book.
Nice and pointy. I loved it!
One of the things I liked most about this book, is the change in how the protagonist is dealing with the “bad guys”. She finally used her stone magic in a major way. It’s been mentioned in every book in the series as, her strongest form of magic; yet every showdown she’s had she only used it for one purpose.
The author finally woke up and realized she wasn’t using her hero’s ability to their best effect! Awesome breakthrough!
Gin and crew are back in this action packed book 11. This time Bria has a bug up her rear and a real desire to place a specific criminal behind bars at any cost. Gin steps up to the plate to save the day but there are consequences to each action. The reader also finally gets to meet the mysterious MM Monroe. Overall good story.