Deadly Sting (Elemental Assassin Series Book 8)

I still love you, Jennifer Estep. And I still love the Elemental Assassin series. But Owen... I feel like my longstanding and overwhelming love for Owen Grayson has suffered irreparable damage with this book. Which makes me both a little bit angry --and sad.

The following will contain spoilers for anyone who has not already read Widow's Web.

As the story begins, Owen and Gin are still apart, as he deals with the fact that she killed his ex-fiance. Nevermind the fact that Selina tried to kill his sister. Nevermind the fact that she was going to kill Gin and was obsessed with the idea of getting him back. Oh yeah --and let's not forget her big evil plan to kill all those folks with her big revenge plot. But still, he's off "thinking about things." For three months now. Gin is hurting (which I hate) but she is trying to soldier on.

Finn gets the bright idea to drag Gin to a huge party to showcase all of Mab Monroe's treasures at an art museum. He even talks her into getting a fancy new dress. But nothing is ever simple for Gin. First of all, Owen is there. With a date. Then the party turns into a huge hold-up as a group of giants plot to steal Mab's fortune for themselves. And Gin must find a way to take them all down before any harm comes to her loved ones who have been taken hostage. Kind of like Die Hard. In a red dress.

As always, the action was great. I love that Jennifer Estep is always coming up with new ways for Gin to kill people. While many of the last books focused on her ice magic, this book was more focused on the stone. There were tons of cool fight sequences and big stuff with Jonah MacAllister. Plus --a great setup for where the series is likely headed next.

If you're anything like me, however, what you really care about is what's happening with Owen. Sadly, this was the only part of the story that I didn't enjoy. Owen was one of my favorite characters in a series filled with amazing characters. He came around on the heels of weenie-toad Donovan Caine, who made Gin feel damaged and unworthy --and he loved her for who she is. He accepted her. And now, HE is making Gin feel small. And alone. He is indecisive. He is a wuss. And a stupid-head. And honestly, no matter what happens in future books, I question whether I can ever see him the same way again. Scratch that. I know I can't.... which really stinks.

Where do they end up? You'll have to read the book, of course. I will tell you, though, that it is not a fun ride. At least, it wasn't for me.

This all leaves me with mixed feelings at the end of the book. The parts that weren't about Owen were everything I have come to love about the series. I liked the plot, the villain, and the growing overall arc. But the romance.... fail.

In this installment of Elemental Assassin, Gin goes to this gala to check out all of Mab Monroe’s stuff being put on display. Not willingly, mind you. Finn begs her to come with him, and Gin being the awesome sister that she is, agrees to go with him. What she doesn’t expect is to run into trouble at the museum. This poor assassin just can’t catch a break. But too bad for the thieves that decided to hold up the museum, because they just messed with the wrong assassin. The Spider.

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"Gin Blanco. The Spider. Notorious Assassin. Polite to a fault."
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The book starts off with Finn taking Gin shopping to get a dress for the gala. But also because he’s a good brother and wants to cheer her up after the Owen thing in the last book. But Gin is like me, she doesn’t like shopping. Lol.

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“Come on, Gin,” Finn wheedled, holding the pump out to me. “At least try it on.”
I rolled my eyes, took the shoe from him, and hefted it in my hand. “Lightweight, nice enough color. Not the worst thing you’ve shown me today. And that skinny stiletto would make a decent weapon, if you took the time to snap it off the rest of the shoe and sharpen the end of it.”
Finn sighed and took the pump away from me. “Have I ever told you how scary it is that you think of heels in terms of their possible shiv potential?”
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I love them and their relationship! Lol. Finn is the absolute best though!

As for the Owen thing, well things are still rough between him and Gin after she did what she did in the last book (which I still believe was the right thing and Owen is being and idiot! But I also understand...) It didn’t make things less heartbreaking when Gin ran into Owen though. In this book we see how much he still cares about her, but he is just having a hard time dealing with what happened to Salina, and it was just frustrating! But they’ll work things out... they have to! After all, they had a really sweet talk that nearly made me cry.

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"Even assassins could have their hearts broken."
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My poor Gin. She doesn’t deserve this. And obviously Gin is still feeling down, but what I love about her is that when trouble comes around and she has to take care of some bad guys, she genuinely enjoyed it and it made her happy. I love that this is what makes her happy. You do you Gin. Lol. Sassy Gin is the best Gin. Lol.

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"I shut the security-center door, stepped over the giant’s body, and went on my merry, murderous way."
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I think this might just be my favorite quote of book. Lol. I could almost imagine her skipping over the body, on her merry way, as she said. Lol. And of course, she is as badass as always. Her kills were amazingly gory and I loved it! It totally feeds the horror fan side of myself. Lol.

Another thing I loved about this book was that it mostly takes place in just one day! That was pretty cool and oh so action packed! Gin lurking around the museum trying to save the day was just the best! It was very suspenseful!

A couple other things I loved:

-The food, always the food. I just love the way that Jennifer Estep always describes the food in her books so deliciously. I NEED to try Gin’s triple chocolate milkshake! She even makes onion rings sound good! And I don’t even like onions! Lol.
-Gin uses her magic in a new and interesting way. It was these small things that required finesse, instead these huge blasts of magic. It was very cool seeing her use her magic in a different way.
-Gin messing with McAllister there at the end was amazing! I cannot believe the way she toyed with him and then did what she did! It was amazing! And so funny!
-At the museum, Gin spots a statue of a Nemean prowler. As in the mythological creatures that appear in Mythos Academy, my other favorite series!! I love these little Easter Eggs Jennifer always leaves around for us—they’re so fun!

So yeah, I really loved this book! It had so much action and suspense and I just absolutely loved all the sneaking around! It was awesome from start to finish!

I truly enjoy the elemental assassin series and absolutely love the action and the strong relationships with characters, especially with Gin and Finn, but I have to say, Ms. Estep has some ingredients in her stories that always prevent me from giving it that five star rating. The smack talk that always precludes Gin getting her butt kicked is a habitual annoyance to me. For this particular installment, I also felt that once was enough for us to see a mopy Gin pining over a man. For you Owen lovers out there, and yes I am/was one of them, I had dejavu since it felt like Donovan 2.0. If you haven't figured it out, this is not the place to jump in to the series and you would need to go back at least two books prior to fully catch up.

After the events of the last book, Gin and Owen are on a break and Gin is not handling it well. The ever adorable Finn manipulates Gin into attending an event as his date, that and he and Gin's friends have also manipulated Owen into attending. The hope is to get the two of them to see one another and talk things out, but what they get instead is a bloody and violent burglary by a group of giants. It's up to Gin to save the day, but the criminals' number one priority is to eliminate the Spider.

The book is filled with action and just a hint of mystery which was a nice touch as Gin tries to stop the giants and finds clues that just don't add up. I enjoy the flashbacks to Fletcher which demonstrates what an influence he's been on Gin's life. There's plenty of Gin and Owen time together, but I have to say, the turn Owen takes just seems manipulated and completely out of character. We fell for Owen because he's strong and decisive and that's simply not the case anymore. This was not well played by the author. On the positive side, there is a new mystery to be discovered which I predict will bring us plenty of new stories to come and I, for one, am still looking forward to reading future installments. My only hope is that it will be fresh and not a reboot from what we've already been through.

Ashland has seen a surge in break-ins lately. There have also been just as many security guards quitting the business and moving onward and upward. Curious as to the loss of guards protecting local businesses, Gin realizes exactly why when she attends an exhibition displaying all of the priceless items in the late Mab Monroe's collection. The sheer number of giants acting as security guards is surprising. But then again, it is also been rumored to be the event that the reading of her will takes place.

Everything is moving along smoothly until a woman is murdered who looks striking like Gin. Then, all hell breaks loose. The loss of giants in the security guard business is the gain of one company that plans to rob the collection of Mab Monroe right out from under the museum. There is one problem - The Spider may not be the body laid out in front of the museum full of hostages. What the bad guys don't know, will indeed hurt them as The Spider lurks among the shadows - and only her loved ones and the innocents are safe. Pulling together a plan that involves saving her family and everyone else inside the museum isn't straightforward but Gin always comes up with a plan. This plan involves the sneakiness of The Spider and the finesse of Ashland's finest along with any side help she can find.

Deadly Sting is a great installment of the Elemental Assassin series. The entire series so far has pulled me in and kept me engaged from the very beginning. These are the types of books that have me longing for the next one. They are written with vivid descriptions and genuine feelings, allowing the reader to become totally immersed in this world. The world building continues along and includes a somewhat awkward reunion between Gin and Owen. We get a bit more of Phillip in Deadly Sting, as he too is a patron of the museum's exhibit.

Now, this book in the series isn't as action packed or suspenseful as previous books. However, Deadly Sting deals with the Jonah McAllister storyline and reveals things about Mab Monroe. So, sit back, grab a drink and a snack, and read all about Ashland's newest baddie - Clementine.

SPOILER ALERT!!!

If you come into Deadly Sting expecting romance rekindling just...don't...go...there. Don't base your love or hate of this book on Gin and Owen. The author destroyed them for a reason in the previous book - take it as it is and continue to read the stories - in order! Yes, Owen is in this book. No, Owen hasn't forgiven Gin (a contradiction in terms, really, since Gin did exactly what should have been done in order to prevent Salina from destroying everyone Owen loved one at a time). Yes, Gin still has feelings for him but no, she isn't pathetic or clinging to scraps of hope or love that are tossed out. Deadly Sting does NOT focus on Gin and Owen, it focuses on a robbery/hostage situation involving half of those Gin holds dearly in her heart.

My review copy was courtesy of my local library, where I take full advantage of our interlibrary loan program. If my library doesn't have the books I want, they will have them sent from a library in Michigan at absolutely no cost to me.

All good things must come to an end and unfortunately, Deadly Sting brings Estep’s five star reign to a halt. After seven installments it comes as no surprise that Jennifer opted to try something new with her Elemental Assassin series but sadly this book fell short of its mark. I’ll still take this novel any day of the week over most Urban Fantasy reads out there even though it didn’t meet this author’s usual standards. This is also my first non-audiobook experience with Estep which makes me wonder whether the narrator really does make that big of a difference.

The scope of this novel’s plot was very narrow in my opinion; the story was severely limited because it unfolds over the course of one night in one location. The secondary characters’ roles were also quite small on account of them being locked-up for a good portion of this book which is a shame because I love them almost as much as Gin. As a result, readers get to spend some quality time with Blanco but even that couldn’t appease me because she wasn’t her usual introspective self. One of my favourite aspects of her character is her internal monologues which were all but absent in this story. Then add Owen channeling Donovan Cain’s douche-ry into the mix and I couldn’t help but wonder what the heck happened to my beloved Elemental Assassin series in this installment.

Even though Grayson’s character was all but massacred in Widow’s Web I still held out hope that he’d come to his senses and realize the error of his ways. I thought that the life-or-death adrenaline high he and Gin both experience would have at least resulted in one intense shagging session but alas all readers get is one measly kiss. I was disappointed by the lack of progress on the relationship front; Estep didn’t even give us a sliver of hope in the form of a cliffhanger. Instead we got a repeat of the diner conversation from the last installment. I’m an eternal optimist so I’m not prepared to write Owen off yet but their rift is approaching the point of no return. I don’t really see how Jennifer can redeem Grayson’s character without him looking like a pansy.

Once the audiobook version of Deadly Sting becomes available I will be giving this novel a second chance to see if Lauren Fortgang’s narration changes my opinion. In spite of my negative review I still enjoyed reconnecting with my favourite characters and the quality of the action in this installment is undeniable; I just wish that Jennifer Estep had stuck with her tried and true Elemental Assassin format. Maybe I’m just suffering from growing pains but sometimes change isn’t always good.

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 Mab's 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 Mab's. 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 wasn't.

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 doesn't 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 isn't anything new in this book that we haven't seen in previous Elemental Assassin books. While it is a decent read I was surprised that there wasn't a bit more to the story.

So while I enjoyed reading this book, there wasn't 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 isn't 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 don't expect too much from this book. This series as a whole is highly recommended to fans of action packed urban fantasy.

Reviewed by: Jen
Book provided by:Edelweiss
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book

've been reading this series since the beginning and while it has some flaws (mostly repetition that grates on my nerves), I feel that there as been some new life pumped into the series with recent installments. While this book wasn't perfect, I did enjoy it and once I got started, I couldn't put it down.

To start off, this is the eighth book in this series. It mostly stands alone... although I would strongly recommend reading at least book seven, Widow's Web, as much of what happens in that story is alluded to and directly effects events in this series. Also, if you're looking for a romance, it's not here. And if you're squeamish when it comes to blood and gore... well, you're forewarned as it's in abundance in this series.

Now that I'm done with the warnings on to my actual review. I really enjoy this series. It's a little out of my normal read as there isn't much romance, but I am almost always guaranteed a fun ride when reading about Gin Blanco. It's always interesting to follow Gin on her adventures as an ex-assassin who just can't seem to have a moments peace.

In past books in the series, Gin has gotten up close and personal with vampires, dwarves and other elementals. In Deadly Sting, it's time for the giants to take center stage. It's not that we haven't seen them before, but it was usually on a one-on-one basis. But this time around she's dealing with an army of them. And here's my one big problem with this story. Yes, as an elemental, Gin is going to be tougher than the normal human... especially with her stone magic that allows her to harden her skin. But how realistic (and yes, I know it's fantasy) is it for her to go up against an army of giants and survive (and yes, that might be giving away the ending, but do you really think the heroine is going to die knowing there is another book coming out soon)? Not to say Gin doesn't come out unscathed, but I just kept shaking my head as she kept getting out of jams.

My other irritation was Gin's relationship with Owen. In the last book, Owen did a crazy 180 on Gin and now they're on a break even though it's obvious they still have feelings for one another. Gin is waiting Owen out while he works through some issues. But I'm not sure if it's just me, but I can't figure out why Owen is so conflicted. I'm just not a big fan of this storyline and hope it gets resolved sooner rather than later since those scenes were almost painful to read.

But the rest of the story is just so well painted that I often felt like I was actually watching it unfold. The bad guys are deliciously evil and the good guys aren't perfect or saints. With such a wide cast of characters, there is something for everyone. All-in-all, I enjoyed the story and do look forward to the next installment.

Gin Blanco returns in book eight of the Elemental Assassin series, Deadly Sting. The book starts off with Finn, Gin's foster brother taking her shopping for a fancy dress. He's asked her to go to a gala with him that is showing Mab Monroe's possessions. Everyone that is anyone will be there, and Finn can't resist rubbing elbows with the rich. Things quickly escalate when someone attempts to assassinate Gin, and hold everyone at the gala hostage.

With each second passing by, Gin has to figure out how to save her friends and all the other innocent people, and still manage to take down the bad guys. I enjoyed seeing Gin puzzling out everything on her own, since her friends were in the crowd being held hostage. It tossed a bit of difference from the other books in the series, since she generally figures everything out with her friend's aid. The villain in Deadly Sting didn't really impress me, and I'll be honest, this wasn't my favorite book in the series. But it wasn't a disappointment, it added a bit more to the overall series plot. The book leaves a big question in the air that I cannot wait to see what happens next. It's not really a cliffhanger, but it definitely left me intrigued and making grabby hands for the next book. I recommend this series if you're a fan of Urban Fantasy with a female lead that isn't afraid to get her hands dirty.

In the seventh entry in the An Elemental Assassin series, three months have passed since Gina Blanco (aka - The Spider) killed Selina, who had murdered her sister. Being an assassin with stone and ice elements comes with a price and many enemies. Own still isn't on speaking terms with her due to the fact that Selina was his fiancé.

Her foster brother, Finn, practically forces her to get an actual life by encouraging her to slip into a fancy dress and attending the local museum event featuring the jewelry and art by Mab Monroe, whom Gina had assassinated. During the event, a few giants thought it would be fun to rob the museum and take everyone hostage. It is all up to The Spider to save the day in a Die Hard style twist.

I've seen Jennifer Estep's books in the stores, but I have never read one until now, which I received free of charge from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. The small town of Ashland has a lot going on, with all the vampires, dwarves, giants and other supernatural creatures. The heroine, Gina, is an interested character, who is juggling many things in her life that occasionally puts her family and friends in harms way. She has supernatural powers, but she prefers to use other resources, like knives and other weapons. Even though this is the seventh book, I didn't have any trouble figuring out who was who and what was going on.

Yes, the whole Die Hard plot has been done to death, even the Die Hard movies are getting a bit stale, but the author's creative writing and great characters kept everything fresh. Overall, I liked reading this action packed installment. I hope to read the other books in the series before the next book, Heart of Venom, is released.

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales.

Quick & Dirty: If you’re planning a big heist at an art museum, make sure the most famous assassin in the city isn’t in attendance. It won’t end well for you.

Opening Sentence: “That would look fabulous on you.”

The Review:

It’s been a few weeks since the end events of Widow’s Web. Gin Blanco hasn’t heard from Owen and is trying to keep herself busy at The Pork Pit so she doesn’t think about him too much. Enter Finn, who needs a plus one to join him at a gala where Mab Monroe’s possessions will be on display. Little do they know that a large group of thieves has planned a heist. Unluckily for the thieves, Ashland’s most notorious assassin is in attendance and ready to take her frustrations out on them.

Jennifer Estep certainly knows how to pack a book full of action. From the moment Gin enters the party, there is something interesting going on, whether it be trading glares with Jonah MacAllister, finding artifacts Mab possessed that have special significance to Gin, or coming face to face with Owen and his date for the evening. As the bullets (and knives of course) start flying, the tension doesn’t let up until the very last page. This isn’t a book for people who are new to the series, but for those who are familiar with the events of previous books, this installment is definitely not a disappointment!

What’s interesting to me in this installment is that it’s pretty much entirely focused on Gin. We get a little bit of Finn at the beginning, but the meat of the book is just Gin on her own. One might think that would be boring, but it’s certainly not the case here. Even though she was raised to be a loner, Gin has found herself surrounded by people who love her and who she loves, and it’s very interesting to see that play out in her thoughts as she finds herself on her own this time around.

The times that Gin does have interactions with others in this book are great as well. There are some moments between her and Owen that just made my heart ache (and if I’m being honest, there were also some moments where I just wanted to reach into the book and shake Owen). Finn is amusing, as always, and we even get a little bit of Bria and Xavier as well.

Something that tends to always be brought up in reviews of the Elemental Assassin series is Estep’s use of repetition. In past books, I have found myself occasionally annoyed at the repetition of facts. Luckily, I really didn’t notice much, if any, repetition in this installment.

All in all, this was an action-packed, fast read that made me want to pick up the next book right away. I’m eagerly looking forward to my next visit to Ashland and the world of The Spider!

Notable Scene:

A sad smile curved Fletcher’s lips. “I don’t blame you, Gin, and you shouldn’t blame yourself either. It’s just the nature of what we do—of what you do now. But no matter what, remember this: all that really matters in the end is protecting the people you care about, even if they don’t like how you do it, even if they hate you for it. Because I’d rather have somebody alive and hating me than dead and buried, with me knowing that I failed them.”

FTC Advisory: Pocket Books/Simon & Schuster provided me with a copy of Deadly Sting. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.

I have had this one on my Kindle forever... actually since the Elemental Assassin Read-A-Long ended in August. *hangs head in shame* I'm so glad that I added it to my list of Bout-of-Books list for a lot of reasons. Not only was it a sure bet that it would get read, it was also a page turning read that helped me knock another book off my list. Yay!

It should come as no surprise to anyone who has seen any of my previous Elemental Assassin reviews, but I loved this book. Gin is one of my favorite kick a** heroines and she didn't disappoint me in Deadly Sting. One of my favorite things about Gin is that even though she is an assassin, her targets aren't random and she has a strict code that she lives and works by. She is also totally devoted and extremely protective of her `family.' Basically if you mess or threaten one of them, she's not responsible for what happens - you can pretty much guarantee that whoever poses the threat will be `good and dead' by the end. That may sound rash and extreme, but the world that Jennifer Estep created for Gin pretty much gives its occupants no other choice.

My other favorite thing about this series is the characters. The crew that comprise Gin's extended family are among some of my favorite in UF. I even appreciate the flashbacks because in my opinion readers got cheated out of an amazing character in the beginning of the series. Seeing how much influence Gin's mentor had on her is an added bonus that I really enjoy.

One of the things that I thought was unique about Deadly Sting was that most of the action took place at one place. Gin usually moves around a bit more, but that doesn't mean that the action was slow or lacking. A lot happened in this one. There were twists, turns a few mysteries solved and a few more opened. A few things were resolved, but not totally... I won't say anymore, but if you've been following the series you probably know what I'm talking about. If not, this would be the perfect time to jump right in. Start with Spider's Bite and just keep on going. The great part is that the next book in the series, Heart of Venom, releases August 27, 2013. Perfect timing! You can thank me later.

Eighth in the Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series revolving around a former, she wishes, assassin.

My Take
Good thing Gin has a healthy self-respect and can simply laugh at Finn when they go shopping for her party dress. Although, after events at the store---what is with those women?? You'd think they'd be grateful to be alive?!---really perk Gin up.

Oooh, interesting back story on Gin's first kill with Fletcher! Estep really had me worried with this bit; I was tempted to run off and read Spider's Bite (Elemental Assassin, #1), just to be sure of its ending! Another important bit of back history involves Annabella, Gin and Bria's older sister, and Eira, their mother. You'll just want to cry. At the start, with angry; at the end, with gratitude and love.

Damn, that dress Gin is wearing comes in handy for assassins and the author. I love how Estep uses our expectations and pride to set this scene.

What a jerk! A few tickets and Finn is forgiven? Must be that Finn charm, although the ladies at the boutique won't be seeing it. He's too angry over the dress incident.

"Gin Blanco getting respectful nods from the coroner and his people. Gin reckons she's Ashland's newest cottage industry...all that overtime for the po-po."

Estep keeps it well hidden as to what the giants' plans are. All the expected tip-offs are there, leading us to expect what Estep wants us to until she turns it back on us. Whew.

Omigod, the ending. Omigod. It's too, too perfect!! Well, most of it.

The Story
It's a sad start as Gin is still grieving Owen's distance. She understands it, but, her heart is broken, and her friends are worrying.

Worrying enough that Finn insists on dragging her off to the charity auction to which he's inveigled others...

The Characters
Gin Blanco, a.k.a., the Spider, is a retired assassin, thank you very much. Only it's a bit like the Old West with everyone wanting to try their own skills against Gin and collect the bounty. She hopes, one day, to simply enjoy running her restaurant, the Pork Pit, but yet again, she'll find that her elemental Gifts of Ice and Stone will come in handy. Finnegan Lane is her "brother", Fletcher's son. He and Gin grew up together when Fletcher took Gin in and trained her as an assassin. An investment banker, Finn trades information at night and knows everyone. He and Detective Bria Coolidge, Gin's baby sister, are still quite the item.

Sophia Deveraux is a Goth dwarf who is the head cook at the Pork Pit. She's also Gin's backup with an elemental Gift of Air and great at making bodies, blood, clues disappear. Jolene "Jo-Jo" Devereaux is Sophia's sister. Another Air elemental, she specializes in beauty and healing.

Owen Grayson has an elemental Gift for metal and was Gin's boyfriend until events with Salina Dubois in Widow's Web (Elemental Assassin, #7). Eva Grayson is Owen's baby sister. Jillian Delancey is a business associate who wants to be so much more. Cooper Stills is a renowned dwarven blacksmith with Air magic who is still friends with Owen and Phillip.

Bria's partner is Xavier, a giant who is with Roslyn, a vampire who runs an exclusive club called the Northern Aggression.

Jonah McAllister is the late Mab Monroe's slimy lawyer and Mab's executor. He'd still like to take out Gin for what she did in Web of Lies (Elemental Assassin, #2). Other mob heads include Lorelei Parker, Ron Donaldson, and Beauregard Benson.

The thirty-year-old Phillip Kincaid is strictly human and yet leads one of the crime factions in Ashland from his casino riverboat, the Delta Queen. Seems that he and Owen patched up their differences. How much they've patched it up and how much tolerance Owen will have remains to be seen...!

Clementine Barker heads up the new security firm with Dixon, her nephew, and Opal, her daughter, as her right- (and left?) hand men. They and all their employees are giants including Anton, Hannah, Cindy, and Dave.

The Cover
The cover is a party-going Gin in a shredded red dress festooned with knives and wearing knee-high black boots (??) against a bank vault backdrop. Yep, she's bringing the party right to us.

The title is all manner of Deadly Stings from Jonah to Owen to Jillian.

From Reading and Writing Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance

At A Glance
Though I had more annoyances with Deadly Sting than any other book in the series, I still loved reading it.

The Good
Deadly Sting is very different from the rest of the books in the series. It focuses on one aspect, and that's the robbery of Mab Monroe's valuables at a museum where all the rich and famous of Ashland are present and are taken hostage. Including Gin's friends. And if you don't know who Gin is by now, know this: she will stop at nothing to save her friends' lives, even at the risk of her own.

It's no secret that Gin is one of my favorite heroines ever. She is strong, capable and deadly. I love women who can kick ass and take names. And with each installment, Gin becomes more complex as a character. She's also become surprisingly vulnerable. The men she has been romantically involved with have done a number on her. But through each heartbreak and let down, she still remains the fearsome and loyal Gin we have all come to love. She deserves someone who will love all of her, the good and the bad, and I can only hope she finds that someone before this series ends.

But besides her love life, Gin really shines in Deadly Sting. She takes on a whole museum of giants hell bent on killing the notorious Spider and stealing some very valuable treasures. I loved watching her take stock of the situation and determine the best way to save her friends from the wrong end of a giant's gun. I'd like to be able to analyze and contain a situation like she does.

The action in Deadly Sting was amazing. It's known that fighting with a giant is like fighting with a tank. Giants are hard to kill. They have amazing strength and resiliency. No one can take them in hand-to-hand combat. Even guns and knives may only leave a scratch. But Gin knows her way around a giant, and she is the best with knives. I loved watching Gin take on the giants. They were a fearsome foe, I will give them that. They were well organized and out for Gin's blood from the get-go. But Gin never lets that scare her. She harnassed her anger which helped her take them down one by one.

Deadly Sting also addresses some open-ended storylines from past books. Some old enemies are taken care of, and a new enemy may have emerged. Gin may have ended Mab Manroe's life, but there are consequences to killing the most feared woman in Ashland, and those consequences might just be catching up to Gin.

Deadly Sting was a thrill-ride from beginning to end. It kept my attention the whole time. The character development was, as always, off the charts. Finn and Bria are still amazing secondary characters that could easily have their own series. I love the direction this series is going, especially since it's winding down to the end. I will be so sad to see this series go.

I want to also mention something about the whole Owen and Gin debacle before you read about it in The Bad section below. In Deadly Sting, there is this quote: "I'd rather have somebody alive and hating me than dead and buried." That sums up Gin. Gin will always do whatever is needed to keep her "family" safe, even if they will hate her later for it. For Gin, it's worth their hate to see them alive and well every day. That's what Gin did for Owen, her ex-boyfriend. She got rid of a person that was bad for him and his family. Even if Owen doesn't see it that way, Gin did the right thing in Widow's Web and it's a shame Owen is punishing her for it still.

The Bad
Deadly Sting picks up where Widow's Web left off. Owen is still upset with Gin for killing Salina, his psychotic ex-fiance. Though it was hard to read, I didn't mind that Owen and Gin broke up in Widow's Web. I blamed Owen of course, because his past obsession with another woman was a ridiculous thing to hold on to when that woman tortured his sister when she was young. I thought Owen was going to realize that asking Gin not to harm someone who wanted to kill her and his family was ridiculous. I thought he would realize he was wrong, that this book would be Owen's chance to redeem himself. But that didn't really happen. He is still holding on to a crazy grudge and now I think less of him. It makes me think that he never really loved Gin for who she is. Owen has always been the loving and understanding man that Gin needed. Now he is scratching the surface of becoming Donovan #2. And I don't think any fan of Gin wants another Donovan around.

I was surprised to see this book completely focus on the museum event with Mab's art and jewelry collection. It felt more like a novella than a full length novel. I am use to a more complex storyline from Estep.

The Snuggly
As I mentioned above, I am so done with Owen. I don't even think he can redeem himself in my eyes anymore. I don't see him loving Gin for Gin. I don't want another version of Donovan messing up Gin again. For an assassin, she is very emotionally vulnerable. So, needless to say, not much romance in this book. Just Owen messing with Gin's emotions and giving her false hope.

Final Thoughts
Estep never disappoints. She writes exciting, character driven books that are addictive. Though I really am not liking the direction Owen is going right now, I still love this series. I can only hope Gin gets her HEA by the end. Highly recommended.

I'd just started reading the Elemental Assassin series, back to back, and was only about 4 books into it when I saw that I could try for an ARC of this book in January. After reading them in order and finishing this one, I felt like I hit a brick wall. I hate waiting for the next release, especially when the last book I read still hadn't hit store shelves yet. *lol*

What a ride! And not just this book but the entire series.

In a world filled with humans, vampires, dwarves and giants, you've also some that have power with elementals, such as Stone, Ice, Air, Fire and offshoots of these major ones. And in the Southern town of Ashland you've got plenty of powerful folk and mob bosses.

Gin is an assassin with the rare combination of Stone and Ice elementals, who retires from that profession very early in the series. The problem is that people need help and Gin has made a lot of enemies as The Spider. She's not allowed to retire. At the beginning of the series, Gin's only family/friends are dwarf sisters, her mentor and her foster brother Finn. As the series progresses her `family' grows considerably, which isn't always good as the bad guys know they can get to her through them. But to have people accept her even knowing she's an assassin makes a huge difference in her life.

In this latest installment, Finn forces Gin into attending a black tie event at the local museum, showcasing the art and jewelry of Mab Monroe, the woman who had pretty much run the town, and the woman Gin assassinated. Now think about the movie, Die Hard. Gin had left that area of the museum to get some air when a group of giants decide to rob everyone and take everything worthwhile out of the museum. Gin has to do something; people she cares about are among the hostages. And like Die Hard, things aren't necessarily what they appear on the surface. Expect some twists and surprises.

What's really cool about Gin is that her elemental powers are very powerful, but she prefers to rely on her knives and physical abilities because what would happen if she starts depending on those powers and they are depleted? These are normally used as a last resort. What makes Gin special is not only her physical and metaphysical abilities, but her will and determination, especially to keep a promise or to protect her `family.' Her morals are very strong considering what she does.

The secondary characters are nothing to scoff at either, whether they are the good guys or the bad. All are interesting and many are well fleshed out; at least those closest to Gin.

This story, like all of the others in the series, is packed full of action and daring, and it doesn't end with the death of the bad guy du jour. Feelings, relationships and consequences are just as important as taking out the bad guy and you get much more than the requisite chapter following the downfall of the bad guy. It helps to make Gin and much more well-rounded character.

I don't suggest reading the books back to back without at least something else in between them. The author writes some back history for all important people and prior events mentioned. This makes it easy to pick up any of the books at any time and be able to delve right in without having to read a prior book much less reread the last one. But back-to-back, well that's a lot a whole lot of duplication.

Read as an ARC through Edelweiss.

Trouble seems to follow Gin Blanco wherever she goes, whether a simple shopping trip or the latest social event of the season. But she can handle it because, let's face it, she's the Spider!

I'm sure I've mentioned it before, but I love, love, love this series! Gin is an incredibly talented assassin, but she's not a superhero. While I love kick-ass heroines, I get really tired of them turning into Superwoman, able to take on bad guys with one hand tied behind their backs. If you're in a fight with a dozen bad guys, you should at least have some bruises to show for it! Gin does get hurt during fights, and she knows she's not indestructible. I like that in a heroine!

Gin practically has a target on her back ever since her identity as the Spider was revealed and has to be prepared for anything, but she rarely goes looking for fights. I really like that she hasn't lost her humanity and doesn't take what she does for a living lightly. She still has nightmares about her previous victims and I admire her for that. Who would want a super-assassin without a conscience?

From the simple heist during Gin's shopping trip with foster brother Finn, to the daring robbery during the gala, the plot never lets up! It's well paced and, most importantly, believable. Wish that the other characters had more to do in this one, but due to circumstances beyond her control, Gin is basically on her own.

This is the eighth book in the series, and I highly recommend it for all urban fantasy fans! Or anyone who enjoys a good read, as Gin is awesome! I don't think you need to read them all in order to enjoy this one. While knowing their history adds to the story (especially when it comes to Owen), I think the author explains enough of the backstory to make sense.

Deadly Sting begins when Finn talks Gin into go to an event that will end up revealing Mab's will along with her many possessions she had. While there she never expected to see some of her friends including Owen with another woman as a date. Now they weren't exactly on a "date" they were there just as friends but still. It hurt Gin to see even if Owen didn't know it. Not only that but while there an innocent woman loses her life, and there is a huge heist to steal all of the stuff in the gallery. But the made a mistake when they thought the spider was dead, but she's very much a live and very much going to kick some butt!

I liked this book, but I felt like it was more of a "filler" type of book than anything else. I mean it opened up a few things that go with the story, and we got to see more of Owen and Gin even though their relationship isn't really any better. But other than that I just felt like this wasn't really a main thing in this series. Plus it was slightly boring with mainly just Gin doing all of the action and her team basically on the outside..So over all it was okay, but not the best in the series. And probably my least favorite so far.

Another Elemental Assassin book and it was a good read - enjoyed it!

I love Gin. I love her sense of good and justice, her honor code, and her spunk. She's a ruthless killer with a fierce heart for family and protecting those she loves. I'm shocked at how much I still love this series after the 8th book! The characters remain true to who they are, and the plot flows smoothly from one book to the next (in a way that keeps you entertained, and it makes sense, not like other series where the plot seems to be constructed for the shock value). Can't wait to read the 9th book!

As I'm writing this review, I'm thinking about what exactly it is that makes the Elemental Assassin series so dang good. So many things I love about it. Best things are reading Gin's point of view so we understand how her mind thinks and seeing her get beat up and surviving. These are all present in past books and all are consistently good. After the Mab Monroe plot was done, I was wondering if this series was eventually going to go downhill, and I'm so glad it's still keeping me entertained!

See my profile's website link for more thoughts on this book & spoilers.

Fantastic as always! This latest book in the Elemental Assassin series has Gin and her foster brother Finn attending a gala at the Briartop Museum for an exhibition of Mab Monroe's treasures. When they arrive, something doesn't feel right to Gin, there seems to be an unusual number of giant guards and workers around the museum. Gin isn't too happy to see her former lover Owen Grayson there with another woman either, but tries to put up a good front so he doesn't see how much it hurts. Most of the action takes place at the museum, where the giants plan to pull off a very ambitious heist, looting the museum and taking the guests hostage - all except Gin that is. It will take all of her skill, along with her Ice and Stone magic to save her friends and foil the robbers, but as always, Gin is equal to the task. This was another one of those books that I read quickly because I couldn't wait to see what happened, but then was sad that the story was over so soon. Now I have to wait until I can get my hands on the next book, Heart of Venom, to find out what happens next.

Deadly Sting was well written and executed. Gin Blanco, the assassin everyone fears, actually managed not to bumble a kill (one of my biggest issues with the earlier work). A heist occurs with twists and subplots to keep the reader engaged. Likable characters with witty banter. Plenty of gun and fight scenes to keep action junkies interested. Book borrowed from the public library.

Gin Blanco, AKA the Spider, takes on some giants in the 8th book in the Elemental Assassin series.

All she planned on doing was attend the big gala, but if Gin is there, someone is going to get dead. With all these giants, it just may be that Gin's luck has run out.

Sassy, sexy, and humorous... just a fun read, if not a bit violent.

Please be warned that this review contains spoilers for the earlier books.

I used to love the Elemental Assassin series right up to book 6 By A Thread and then it all went downhill for me. Gin turned into what I call a charity assassin doing jobs for free, getting a conscience and events started to turn silly and irritate me like Owen splitting up with Gin. Really what was that all about? But I still think the biggest mistake in this series was killing Mab Monroe off. Ms Estep also started recapping the story over and over which was very annoying, something that still happens but occurs less in Deadly Sting.

Deadly Sting is a classic Elemental Assassin book with one storyline throughout however it also isn't very exciting either. There is a lot of killing but none of the inventive James Bond style murders that we once had. The plot was easy to figure out and to say that Gin is the best assassin around she can be so thick sometimes not seeing what is happening right in front of her eyes.

I don't know if I am going to carry on with this series. It is a shame after 8 books but my love affair with Gin is over. Ms Estep has to pull something incredible out of the bag for the next book to bring this back up to the standard it started out as. I am going to give Deadly Sting 2.5 stars.

My Rating: 4.5 stars: Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About

Note: this review contains spoilers from earlier books in the Elemental Assassin series.

It's been one long month for Gin since she killed her lover Owen's ex-fiancee at the conclusion of the last book, Widow's Web. Giving Owen the space he requested, Gin puts on a good face and keeps her tough exterior, but inside she's a wreck. Lucky for us, her brother Finn attempts to help lift Gin's spirits by taking her shopping for some fancy digs to wear to an gala showcasing items from the late Mab Monroe's estate. Of course, this is Ashland and we are talking about Gin Blanco, aka the Spider, so even a simple shopping trip has its hazards. And only Gin would get excited about the store being robbed while she's in the dressing room! It's a great opening sequence that sets the mood for the entire book.

The story moves forward to the opening gala where Gin reluctantly attends with Finn. As soon as Gin arrives, her magic alerts her to some bad vibes coming from the museum stones. Yet even after she witnesses some odd behavior from a few of the giants working there, Gin keeps quiet about her bad feelings. Then to top it all off, since this is an event for all the movers and shakers of Ashland, it's no surprise to this reader when Owen shows up with a date... one that happens to be wearing the same dress as Gin! It is a classic moment!

Soon after everyone arrives, things go downhill and get real ugly. There is a massive heist underway and everyone is held captive. Once again, it's up to Gin to save the day. It's not an easy feat, and there are twists and complications every step of the way.

About three-quarters of the book occurs at the museum and only over the course of only a few hours. I felt that the single locale and short timeframe of the situation added an urgency and intensity to the story. It was hard for me to put the book down since there were no breaks in the action. Additionally, reading the events unfold through the POV of Gin kept me on my toes and continually guessing at what is going to come her way next.

Ms. Estep is an amazing storyteller. The carefully detailed descriptions--from food I want to devour to scenery I feel like I can step into--makes the story so enjoyable to read and easy to visualize. Ms. Estep knows how to reveal clues at the just the right time to keep me glued to the pages. And her characters pack an emotional intensity that doesn't drive me away or interfere with action.

As for that emotional intensity... let's talk about Gin and Owen. I'll admit, I wasn't too torn up at the end of the last book when Owen said he needed some time. I get it - a lot had just happened. However, the opening of Deadly Sting paints a more detailed picture of Gin. Learning of Gin's loneliness and heartbreak tore me up inside. The gala is the first time that Gin and Owen see one another in a month. The moment was funny because of the fact that his date was wearing the same dress as Gin, but my heart shattered, unlike at the end of the last book. Gin loves Owen, but pride and insecurity get in the way.

As the book progressed, the pair has opportunity to talk open and honestly. Generally, one of my pet-peeves in books occurs when characters engage in deep dialogue or sexually-driven thoughts when in the midst of intense and dangerous circumstances. That is why I loved the fact that Gin acknowledges that "right now" isn't an appropriate time for the pair to discuss their issues, but then goes on to note that they may die that night and she wants to get out all the things left unsaid for the past month. I genuinely delighted in the honest, raw intensity of Owen and Gin, and Ms. Estep's ability to convey the mixed-up and heart-wrenching emotions that go along with the pair. I also liked Owen's own introspection on things that had happened because it gave me better insight to why he is acting the way he is. Since I don't want to give any spoilers, I'm not going to say how things are left between the pair at the end of the book; however, once you read it, I'd love to chat!

After the heist is over, Gin is determined to find out who is ultimately behind the events that occurred at the museum. There is a great scene near the conclusion of the book that is very satisfactory, especially to long-time readers of the series. (no spoilers!). I was completely entertained with how Gin handles the situation.

Deadly Sting is another excellent piece of work from Ms. Estep. I enjoyed the fact that roughly seventy percent of the story takes place in the span of a few hours and in one location. Despite this, the story never went stagnant. The movement was constant - whether it was the action (which there is a lot of, many dead bad guys per usual) - or the constant thoughts running through Gin's head. The continuing love story between Owen and Gin was emotionally powerful and rich. I adore Gin's family and friends and how close sisters Bria and Gin have become. Gin may need to kill alone at times, but she embraces and relies on the fact that they are always there for her. All-in-all a great read.

Eh. This series is so far barely keeping me interested, but I can just as easily leave it. The whole book was one extended episode of a robbery that our assassin heroine manages to foil, and does not have much substance to it. Could have been compressed and made part of a greater story arc but probably gets the author more money by releasing it in dribs and drabs. I think she's running out of ideas, and hints at bringing in another big baddie for Gin Blanco to fight in the next book. On the whole it's just more of the same, and rather anticlimactic at that.

I really respect Jennifer Estep as an author. The Elemental Assassin series has been a solid series and continues to be.

This book picks up where the last one left off. It has everything; the overall plot of a heist, violence, action, but also self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and relationships. Gin is back with all of her friends and family and still battling for good but with a deadly purpose and outcome. She's as strong as ever, but with a heavy heart after the last book when she had to kill Owen's ex-girlfriend. You're left wondering what's going to happen between them because Owen is such a likeable character and I've felt he's the best for Gin since the beginning. It kind of bothered me at first that when this book started Owen and Gin weren't back together yet. However I admire Jennifer Estep's integrity to the story and character for that very fact. There are no simple solutions in life and Estep reflects that in this book. It's also a great book for setting up what is to come for Gin and her future. I think what makes Gin so strong is the fact that she's willing to accept her failures and faults but to strive on. She's a little hard on herself, but it's what keeps her a good person despite her assassin role. She may kill people but it's not for fun but she does what needs to be done. It's the reason I keep coming back for more.

This is the 8th book in the Elemental Assassins series by Jennifer Estep. This series started with Spider's Bite in 2010. Ms. Estep introduced us to Gin Blanco, cook at the best BBQ joint in town, perpetual student at Ashland College, Stone and Ice elemental and deadly assassin for hire. The first book introduced us to Gin, killed off her mentor, handler and father figure Fletcher Lane, and basically set us up for the eventual showdown between Gin and the woman who killer her entire family when she was a child, Mab Monroe. This series is set in fictional Ashland, in the heart of the Appalachian mountains. If you are a fan of really good Urban Fantasy, you will want to find these books and start reading. I would not recommend reading them out of order though. If you are interested, but on the fence, make sure to check out Ms. Estep's website. She has links to the first chapter in all the full length novels as well as several short stories to help fill in the gaps between novels or give historical insight. Plus, some of Gin's favorite recipes are available on the site as well.

This story about a month after the events in book 7, Widow's Web. Finnegan Lane, Gin's foster brother, has convinced Gin to go to the opening of the art exhibit of Mab Monroe's treasures. The gala had been planned since before Mab's death and now the reading of her Last Will and Testament will happen at the gala. Everybody is going to be there. Finnegan is busy harassing Gin into getting a new dress for the, as Gin puts it, "shindig". Things get off to a rocking good start when the store Gin and Finnegan are at is held up. Gin foils the robbery attempt and gives her sister, Detective Bria Coolidge a call. Gin finds out that robberies are happening all too frequently lately, especially as all the giants, who are the guards of choice, have all suddenly quit their jobs.

The night of the gala, Gin comes face to face with Owen for the first time in a month. Turning around, there he is, just as startled to see her as she is to see him. For Owen is at the gala with another woman. One who has the same color hair and similar style as Gin, is the same height as Gin and is wearing the Exact Same Dress as Gin. So much for Gin's original, one of a kind dress. Finn is furious... about the dress. (You have to know Finn to understand.)

Little does Gin know that the gala is going to be robbed. And the bad guys don't want The Spider to interfere, so they decide to do a little exterminating. Unfortunately for Owen's date, the woman wearing Gin's dress, Owen wasn't the only one who had a case of mistaken identity. And with a missing face and only a dress and overall appearance to go by, everyone assumes that The Spider has finally been killed. And this is the point when the action cranks up into overdrive.

I love this series. Just love it. This is one of the very special few authors that I allow a permanent residence on my bookshelf. Each new book has been better than the last. The supporting characters are all so vivid and original, there is no confusion on who is who, each voice is unique and distinct. Gin is a tough as nails, balls to the wall, unrepentant kick your ass female. One of the things that I like best about her is that when she makes a decision, she doesn't waffle or whine or second guess herself. She commits and follows through. She is confident in her abilities and the abilities of her friends and family. The action is fast paced, yet believable. This is a series where good guys get hurt, bad guys sometimes win and a happy ending is not guaranteed. It is gritty and raw and real. Well, real for the world that Gin lives in. I am just glad that Ms. Estep lets us visit. 5 stars on Goodreads.

Well Estep really doesn't 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 Monroe's (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 Gin's 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 wouldn't be Gin's world if it did. There are many bumps in the road but hopefully one day Gin will have the peace and happiness she deserves...it just isn't 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 isn't 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)

I have enjoyed the Elemental Assassin series since the beginning. In fact I've enjoyed every book that Jennifer Estep has written (save for a couple of new ones that I haven't read yet). There were moments in the early books of this series that made me almost stop reading the series, but I soldiered on because Gin, despite being an assassin, is really likeable. She is probably one of my favorite female urban fantasy characters even though we really didn't get to see her vulnerable until book 7, which so far was my favorite of the series.

In Deadly Sting, we pick up not long after Widow's Web ended. Gin's life is still chaotic and of course trouble follows her everywhere. While this book doesn't really advance much of the overall arc of the series, it does have moments that advance things that were left in shambles at the end of Widow's Web. I kind of felt like this was a standalone episode of one of my favorite series. It had bits and pieces of things that tied together with the books before it and the story as it would build behind it, but what happens at the museum is really a very tiny piece of the overall puzzle which did cut into my overall rating of the book

But still I loved this book. The humor and the violence were still very much the same. Gin, even though she is far more vulnerable now, which I personally think is an asset, is the same cool, calm butt kicking chick that she's been since book one. And of course we get to see all of our favorite characters like Finn and Bria and Owen. I can't wait to get my hands on Heart of Venom so I can see what happens to Gin and her friends next.

Arc Provided by Netgalley and Pocket Books

Just because her nemesis is dead and the Spider is retired doesn't mean that Gin doesn't have any more interesting stories to tell. The action begins early in Deadly Sting and the pace remains steady throughout. There is more going on than just the obvious dangerous situation Gin faces. There is an undercurrent that has Gin solving a puzzle until the pieces all fit together. And all the while Gin is forced to confront the relationship with Owen that is failing and the painful emotions that surface when they are brought together under tense conditions. While the flashback to an event with her mentor was distracting, it did provide a bonus story for those of us hungry for every morsel of her development as the Spider and her relationship with the Tin Man, and gave a depth of meaning to just how serious The Spider is about protecting those she loves.

It all adds up to a good read!

I received this book via a contest at Goodreads as an early release.

Review Courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy

While I enjoyed the chance to return to Gin and the assorted characters of Ashland in DEADLY STING, I was disappointed at the lack of real momentum in the over arching plot. Most of the story takes place at an exhibition of Mab's possessions which made DEADLY STING feel like it could have been a novella rather than a full length novel. I got the constant feeling of treading water while reading DEADLY STING as I kept looking in vain for any hint of more forward movement towards the next book.

Aside from feeling like this was a one off story, I love seeing Gin use her assassin skills and ingenuity. Plus I enjoyed seeing all of Gin's friends/family who seem to conveniently to end up at the same exhibition. Finn is an absolute delight and was hilarious when dress shopping with Gin. I would love to see a short story involving him and Bria because they make an absolutely adorable couple. I continue to be perplexed at Owen's behavior towards Gin and her actions in the previous books.They had a whole conversation early in the series based on how Owen completely understands the nature of her job yet he does a complete 180 in WIDOW'S WEB and continues in DEADLY STING to have problems with what Gin does.

Owen aside, it was a little underwhelming on the villain side to have Gin face off against a threat that was so far beneath her abilities. I knew from the start that we would not be seeing these bad guys again in the Elemental Assassin series. The big bads for Gin to defeat were simply some tough giant thugs and we've seen Gin easily defeat giants before which significantly lessened the story tension for me. There really isn't much new in DEADLY STING that we haven't seen previously in the Elemental Assassin. While I enjoyed this all too short visit to Ashland, I wished there was more to get me excited for the next book, HEART OF VENOM, coming out August 27, 2013.

Sexual Content: N/A

Nothing ever comes easy for Gin Blanco, aka the Spider. From purchasing a formal gown to attending a gala event, peril finds this restaurant owner and 'retired' assassin. As we've seen throughout the Elemental Assassin series Gin is very skilled with silverstone knives, and since she is the protagonist we, know she'll rise to the occasion. So, what keeps us reading? Gin¡¦s personal growth, emerging abilities, love life (Owen!), family dynamics, and special brand of justice bring us back for more. Deadly Sting gives us all of those elements, just without as much action and tension as we're used to, but of course I shouldn't speak for everyone.

-What I Wanted to See-

Easy answer: Owen

He's definitely present.

-What I Saw: A Checklist-

- Character Growth
+ Emerging Abilities
+ Owen
+ Family Dynamics
+ Justice

Mayhap I missed the personal growth. There were times I wanted to shake Gin and tell her to stop moping. Owen, Owen, OWEN! How high I placed you on a pedestal! I still don't understand him. It's frustrating.

Bria and Finn provide excellent back-up. They support Gin through the heartache and assist with the killing. I had downright disliked Bria in By a Thread. Gin's sister has come a long way and I love her character. Finn and Bria make a terrific match! Jo-Jo and Sophia's presence is minimal. Xavier and Rosalyn presence is stronger than the Deveraux sisters. There's a certain point in the book where I wanted a peek into Jo-Jo head. What does this gifted air elemental foresee? Why let Gin struggle? Hmm.

Then there's the killing! No one one's how to slash throats, tendons, and stomachs open like Gin! The Spider is not a vicious killer. She's cool, calculated, efficient. My favorite thing about this series is Jennifer Estep's characterization of Gin. To me, Gin is what a heroine/assassin should be.

Deadly Sting has action, but not as much as I've come to expect. Most of the time Gin seemed stuck in her own head - dwelling on Owen and feeling guilty about envying happy couples - giving the story a sluggish quality. Knowing Gin's gift for overcoming apparently insurmountable obstacles diminished the amount of tension to the story's only major conflict. There is closure to one ongoing thread; it's a fitting end.

-Final Thoughts-

I enjoyed Gin's latest exploit. There's someone new (I think) coming to Ashland. Whoever it is, he or she is sure to stir things up! I look forward to the next Elemental Assassin book, Heart of Venom.

*Digital RC courtesy of Pocket Books via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

Gin Blanco, the assassin famously known as the Spider, is glad her long time enemy Mab Monroe is dead, especially since she struck the fatal blow. When Mab's collection of priceless items are put on display, Gin isn't thrilled she's being dragged to the city's poshest museum but when a robbery unfolds, she'll be the hostages' best hope of surviving the night.

Since the battle royal against Mab went down, each book since has been its own adventure with the story being mostly wrapped up by the end. In this latest installment, Gin needs to find a way to thwart a small army of giants that have taken over a museum and are looking to steal Mab's massive priceless collection...or is there something entirely different going on? Gin is on top of her game and puts her impressive skills on display as she cuts down giant after giant on her way to free the hostages and find out what they're really after. I'm always impressed with Gin and her awesome assassin skills and this time there's the extra bonus of seeing her solve a mystery that even has her charming brother Finn stumped. Gin's always fabulous and here is no exception

After the way the last book ended, I was dreading/anticipating what would happen between Gin and Owen. He's still upset with himself and Gin and his now dead ex-girlfriend Selena and isn't sure how he feels about it all. I wish that Owen would see the light and get back with Gin but that wasn't the case and my heart broke for her. I love getting to uncover another side of Gin; I just wish seeing her vulnerable didn't make me want to smack Owen because I do like his character. There are some crumbs of hope in the end and I'll just need to remind myself to be patient and that Jennifer Estep said she has a plan. Hopefully it will start to unfold for the better soon.

Something is revealed about Mab that points to big changes coming for Gin. Eight books in and this series still ranks high on my favorite UF list and it's all thanks to Gin. She's fantastic on every level and should be the poster child of what an amazing heroine is. Now, bring on Heart of Venom!

Ms. Estep delivers another fabulous tale of murder and intrigue starring the baddest assassin of them all. It is highly recommended that readers pick up the other books in the Elemental Assassin series, and not just because they are a good read. For the initiated, the complex mythos of the world in which Gin travels is a treat for any lover of good paranormal fiction.

Kaitlin
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More

Not a lot here. Gin attends a museum exhibit opening and kills a bunch of people.

There's Owen drama. Unsatisfying Owen drama. I'm very disappointed in this thread and expect more from my hero characters.

We only get to glimpses of the rest of the characters we love. And since they add so much to the world in this series their absence was strongly felt.

Then there's the plot. Is Ms. Estep under the impression we love Gin because she kills so much? We love her despite that. This book was the equivalent of a B movie action flick with lots of explosions and a shoestring plot.

Honestly the series has just lost focus and been a collection of random tales since Mab was killed.

And now there is the threat of Mab heir. REALLY? That was the best you could come up with?

Sad.

Honestly the cover is the best thing about this book.

As usual Jennifer Estep has tossed out another page-turner. Her action scenes are amazing. You get so wrapped into the characters it's hard to stop reading. I have to make myself put down the book so I will not finish it too fast.

I love this series! I usually ration reading books I enjoy but I had to get to the end of this fast. Ms. Estep has out done herself and succeeded in setting up the next book without my feeling cheated.

love this series of books. good plot, great characters never same old same old. But Gin's family and friends need to kick Owen's butt. Gin needs some happy, not more angst. That said, great pleasure reading well crafted book. Bring on the next episode asap!

Loved this story. The book starts with Gin and Finn together, which I allways think is nice. And allways directly followed by action. This book was full of action and still some romance involved. I really like it that things with Owen are going better in the end. I never like it when a book ends without a happy ending.

Loved this story. The book starts with Gin and Finn together, which I allways think is nice. And allways directly followed by action. This book was full of action and still some romance involved. I really like it that things with Owen are going better in the end. I never like it when a book ends without a happy ending.