Widow's Web (Elemental Assassin Series Book 7)

This new addition to the Elemental Assassin series takes place a short time after the last book, with plenty of the criminal element still out to get Gin to try to cement their place as the new top dog in Ashland's underworld. A new player appears on the scene, Salina Dubois, who is not only out to take over Mab Monroe's empire, but is also Owen Grayson's ex-fiancé. Salina is a powerful water elemental and she's gunning for Gin, as well as planning to pick up with Owen where she left off before leaving town. As more information comes to light over her relationship with Owen, his sister Eva, and casino owner Phillip Kincaid, Gin has to consider Owen's feelings as well as Eva's in her fight against this cunning, slippery elemental. She has help from her loyal friends, but in the end, it's going to be Gin that has to make the hard decisions and do what she has to against another powerful foe. This is my favorite series and I'm always eager to get my hands on the newest book. This one didn't disappoint, but of course, they never do!

I've noticed that some people have complained that this book was not as exciting as some of the previous installments in this series and I have to disagree. In the last few books, Gin has been doing some emotional growth and dealing with her feelings about being an assassin now that she has killed her nemesis. I think that in this book, Gin's emotional growth continues but so does her boyfriend, Owen's. The "bad guy" in this book is a former girlfriend of Owen's, and he just can't see the evil in her. Gin sees the similarities of their paths in life and wonders if she could have ended up like that. There's plenty of action and elemental fighting, but I think that the author is letting us feel the weight that this life is starting to leave on Gin's soul. I have enjoyed all of the books in this series and look forward to the next.
Heat factor moderate.

Jennifer Estep... how could you do this to me? Yes, you made it very clear where this story was heading, but it didn't make it hurt any less to see the hits coming.

The book begins with Gin happy. She and her sister are solid. Mab is dead. Things are good at the Pork Pit. And her relationship with Owen couldn't be better. Right there, you know it's all going to fall apart, because things are never easy for Gin Blanco.

Trouble comes in the form of the beautiful water elemental Salina, henceforth to be known as "the evil witch." She makes her first appearance while Gin and Owen are enjoying a romantic dinner. It becomes quickly apparent that she and Owen have a romantic history together and she wants him back. As much as Owen loves Gin, it's obvious his old feelings haven't gone completely away. Of course, this wreaks havoc on my Gin's heart. Her jealousy and fear is only exacerbated by her gut-instinct that there is something nefarious underfoot.

Owen's old-friend-turned-enemy Phillip Kincaid already knows what Gin suspects: the evil witch is, indeed, an evil witch. She is back from years of exile to get revenge on her enemies and to rekindle her relationship with Owen. Phillip tries to hire Gin to intercede before either can happen. Gin is conflicted by her assassin instincts and her love for Owen, but once the murders begin and secrets of the past start coming to light, it becomes more and more clear what needs to be done.

I have loved Owen since the moment I met him. He was everything Donovan Caine wasn't. He was honorable and loyal and he treated Gin the way she deserved to be treated. He killed me in this book. Don't get me wrong... he never stops being the good man we know him to be. But his loyalty and honor blind him to some hard truths. Blind Owen breaks my heart.

What I love most about this series are the characters. They grow and evolve, but stay true to their core. Which sometimes... hurts. We went through this with Donovan in the past and with Bria too. Sometimes, their journey takes them somewhere we want them to go and other times.. well, it's just another chance for life to knock Gin down. She always get up, though, which is one of the amazing things about her character. This book is where we see Owen have his moment of reckoning.

Is there still action? Yes. Sex? Yep. Flashbacks? Gore? Snark? Cooking? All of the above. It's not just about Owen, but when the book is over, his actions and decisions will be what stay with you.

My Rating: 4 stars: Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)

Widow's Web picks up only a few weeks after the conclusion of the last book, By a Thread. The opening is an amazing gut check that will leave you speechless for a couple of moments. It starts with Gin on the job - hunting her prey and preparing to take out her latest target. We learn the intricate details of how she prepared for this kill, and the scene is amazing. Ms. Estep is a masterful story teller, and she sucked me into Gin's world so quickly.

All-in-all things are going well for Gin. She and Owen are closer than ever, and even the attempts on her life aren't as frequent as they were after Mab's death. But all good things must come to an end for our heroine, and that happens the moment Salina Dubois strolls into Underwood restaurant. We discover that this gorgeous southern belle is Owen's ex, and she has her sites on reclaiming Owen as her own. Once again, Ms. Estep expertly weaves a scene that conveys an immense amount of intimate emotion and reaction. The fact that the story is told from first person puts the reader right in Gin's head, and my heart was breaking as she notices all of the signs of someone who may still be in love with another.

As the story progresses, we learn that Salina may not be the polite charmer that Owen remembers. Owen's sister, Eva, and underworld gambling racketeer, Phillip Kincaid, both have much to say about Salina, none of it good. Unfortunately for Gin, she's now in the middle of an ugly situation -- fighting siblings, enemies reengaged, and meanwhile, she's watching her lover distance himself. This story is full of layers that Gin must peel away to determine where the truth lies. Ultimately, Gin must make some difficult decisions, which add much to her character and the tale. It was hard for me to read at times because I was so worried about what might happen, but in the end Ms. Estep takes the story in the direction it needs to go.

Gin is one of my favorite heroines. She's an assassin with a heart. She has had so much bad in her life, that she values the good so dearly. And I love that Gin is smart. She notices everything around her, and puts pieces of the puzzle together. There is no finding a clue and then filing it away for another day. Since we are privy to her POV, we figure things out as she does. For example: Gin notices how quickly Kincaid eats and compares it to how she ate when she lived on the streets. That gives us quite a bit of information, rather than letting us figure it on our own.

I also enjoy how Gin's relationship with her sister, Bria has progressed. In the last book, they began to open up and let go of the past. Ms. Estep has taken their connection another step forward, in fact, Bria even refers to Gin as the Spider without cringing. The pair are learning how to balance their opposing careers (assassin and police office) while continuing to support one another.

Finally, we witness a more emotional, vulnerable Gin. She has a lot on the line as she debates internally how to deal with Salina and what Salina means to Owen. Ms. Estep strikes my heartstrings as she takes Gin on an emotion-filled ride with highs and lows that left me wanting more. Gin is growing past her history with Mab and onto a life that is free of revenge, which opens up so many new avenues for our heroine.

In the end, this story moves and flows. As per usual, there is lots of action and adventure. Widow's Web has both highs and lows, and I, for one, am happy to take on both ends of the spectrum with Gin as my guide.

With everyone in the criminal underworld out to be the one to take down the assassin known as the Spider, Gin's relationship with Owen is one of the few bright spots in her life. Things are great between the couple but a threat has come to Ashland. The beautiful Salina, a strong water elemental, is back in town with an agenda and at the top of her list is taking Gin's place in Owen's life. She also has a deadly plan in the works that would make her one of Ashland's most dangerous and powerful. Stopping her is Gin's main concern but it may cost her the person she loves most.

Salina coming into the picture puts serious strain on Gin and Owen's relationship and opens the door into his past. It's been hinted at before that he and Phillip Kincaid, who runs Ashland's legal and illegal gambling, have a history and in this book we learn of their time together on the streets. What we learn isn't earth shattering news but you get a better understanding of Owen and I see Kincaid in a different light. I'm not saying the man is a saint but there's more to him than his flashy river boat and illegal ventures and I hope to see more of him in the future.

Gin kicks butt like she always does but this book is more of an emotional battle for her than anything else. I love this couple and watching Gin and Owen deal with the feelings and memories Salina's arrival brings up made this a difficult read. It didn't help that Owen made a few questionable judgment calls and people are in Gin's ear persuading her to do the opposite of what he's asking of her. This overshadows everything else that happens in this book and it took a toll on me.

Salina has carried a lot of hate for Ashland's criminals because of a horrific event she witnessed when she was young and now she's back for her revenge. It's more than wanting Owen for Salina and the different sides to her made her an interesting character and a foe worth facing Gin.

Widow's Web has Gin fighting for her life and her love and she's not alone. The usual cast of characters lend support and a few firearms. The action and suspense is there along with everything I love about the Elemental Assassin books but the spotlight is on Gin and Owen. Jennifer Estep said she has a plan and has done a fantastic job with this series and its characters so I'll keep the faith that in the end she'll do right by us fans. I just hope she doesn't keep us waiting for long.

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

The Elemental series is like a tall glass of iced cold water on a sweltering hot summer day! There is no stopping after one sip... it's chug, chug, chug all the way down. Jennifer Estep does it again. She has taken me by surprise with another explosive plot.

In every book thus far there is always a nemesis, someone who needs to get dead. There is always conflict present and danger on the horizon but this book, Widow's Web, has taken the series to a new height. I have been built up only to have the risers kicked out from under me. Oddly, I enjoyed that in Widow's Web. Action at every turn, decisions to drive wedges the size of the Pacific ocean and emotion running rapid.... Widow's Web will leave you content and anxious for more.

With out giving anything away, yes, readers of the series will be in for one wicked ride. Readers will be wide-eyed, pursing lips, frowning eye brows, inhale in shock, cry like a baby and then feel like they've read a worth while book. No doubt, I received more than I expected to but what good book doesn't do that! With Gin and her rag tag group consisting of Bria, Finn, Jojo, Sophia, Eva, Owen and the newest edition, Kincaid, she takes on Salina. Salina is an old lover from Owen's past and Eva's worst nightmare wrapped into one. Salina leaves dead bodies in her wake but the scariest thing is that she knows all too well how to manipulate people. So now as Gin is stuck in a hard place she needs to do things that will forever change the course of her life and those around her. What those changes are you may be thinking... well, I will give no spoilers so you'll have to read Widow's Web.

Without a second thought, Gin was, is and forever will be counted among my all time favorite heroines. No one will ever accuse Gin of having an easy life but she would likely be the first to agree that she had been dealt a lucky break in life. Taken off the streets by an assassin with a conscience and a son around her age, she was given a second chance. That very man, Fletcher Lane, had taught Gin all she knows in both line of businesses. A cook at a whole-in-the-wall BBQ joint and a Assassin to top it off. Gin is not your cookie cutter heroine. She is all her own brand and Jennifer Estep's success. Now that's only the basics of why I love her character. If you are a fan, you know what I mean. If you are seeing this review for the first time, I hope you read something you like and read the series.

All in all, a fantastic installment in The Elemental series despite the huge shocker. In fact, I am looking forward to how things will smooth out. They better smooth out! lol! I don't think my heart could take anything less than that.

Reviewed by Ann & posted at Under the Covers Book Blog

WIDOW'S WEB is book seven in the Elemental Assassin series and this time, Estep makes it personal.

Gin Blanco has a new enemy in town. Her name is Selina Debouis and rumor has it, the water elemental is back in Ashland after her long disappearance to seek revenge. But it seems that that's not the only thing Selina has her eyes on...

Owen, Gin's lover and Selina have a complicated past. Struggling at a young age to survive, Owen, Selina, Owen's younger sister, Eva and Gin's other enemy Philip Kincaid banded together to do whatever was necessary to live onto the next day. One secret haunts them all and splits the group into two, severing any friendships that the group may have had. This secret is the most deceitful and it makes for a very interesting story.

Readers get a glimpse of a more vulnerable Gin in this book. The fact that Owen has ties to Selina makes simply killing her a complicated task, especially when Owen seems to be harboring feelings toward his oldest friend still. Emotions are rocked back and forth in this book and I have to say that this may be one of my favorites of Estep's because she was able to create an engaging villain in Selina while creating some drama as well to stir things up.

Some scenes are hard to read because of the emotional depth involved in them. This was exactly the type of scenes I wished for in this series. Seeing Gin kick ass is fantastic, but seeing her deal with something far more important than saving her own life is even more special in my eyes. You see the depth of her relationship with Owen and you see her vulnerability. It just makes Gin a more multi-faceted character. It makes her more real.

With tons of action, emotional depth and a worthy enemy, WIDOW'S WEB is my favorite of the Elemental Assassin series yet! With that ending, I'm hoping that the next book comes sooner rather than later.

*ARC provided by publisher

Widow's Wed by Jennifer Estep
Paranormal Romance- Aug. 21st, 2012
4 stars

Jennifer Estep has done it again! Just when I think Gin has seen it all the story gets more involved. As her current boyfriend's past comes back to haunt him and Gin.

Gin is a semi-retired assassin with the power to control ice and stone. Mostly she is happy with her restaurant, the Pork Pit. But when an ultra sexy and powerful water elemental named Salina from her boyfriend's (Owen) past comes back and commits a terrible murder. Gin feels impelled to investigate. But Owen refuses to see his Salina, who happens o be his ex-fiancee's duplicity even though all her rich husbands have died mysteriously. Gin is frustrated by Owen's stubbornness and his inability to see how dangerous and unstable Salina really is.

Gin is fun, likeable and engaging. Reading about her is always entertaining. However, this book is a bit of a switch, while many of the prior books center on a `big payoff' and a nefarious arch villain. This book concentrates on the history behind many of the primary characters and their emotional relationships. I definitely enjoyed returning to the quirky and loveable cast. But this book seemed slower paced and not as intense as the prior books. I liked reading more about the mysterious Owen and his past plus his old friend/enemy Kincaid. I also loved the addition of the new dwarf who was Owen's mentor. Plus, Owen's friend, Kincaid and his relationship with Owen's younger sister make for interesting reading.

As many of the characters pair off and find happiness I find this series become more emotionally satisfying.

Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club

Couldn't put it down. The characters are very well developed and the storylines get better and better. I'm biting my nails waiting for the next one in 3/13 and see where the author is going with this. Gin always chooses to do the right thing regardless of some of the consequences to her personally. She is lethal, loving and very strong.

****SPOILER ALERT*****

I really like Owen, he's been really good to Gin despite her assassin status adn being a strong independent woman.

Despite Owen being a true gentleman I never thought of him as Gin's equal. I'm keeping my fingers crossed Gin finally does meet her one and only. She so deserves it.

And I hope Ms. Estep has a conclusion to the series in the near future. Waiting for next books to come out kills me. LOL !!!

This review is spoiler-free but assumes familiarity with the series in general.

I love Gin Blanco. This is not a surprise to anyone who knows me, yet I still feel compelled to begin this review declaring my love for my favorite Urban Fantasy assassin. Widow's Web is the 7th book in Jennifer Estep's Elemental Assassin and quite easily the most difficult to make it through. Wait, it's not what you think. I was made aware that the author had given readers a heads up that there would be some strife in this one, but I apparently missed the memo. She wasn't kidding! I am here to tell you, this book is gonna be a challenge to make it through not because it's bad, but because of the emotional turmoil and loss Gin experiences. Hold on to your hearts, people!

This was basically my reaction while reading Widow's Web: <reads a few chapters> ugh. <reads a few chapters> uuuuugh. <reads few more chapters> UUUUGH!!!

It was very intense and frustrating to witness the new villain, Salina Dubois, come to town. She is not only causing the town violence and pain, but because of who she is and her past with Owen, well, let's just say: she sucks. By the 2nd chapter I knew she needed to die. I wasn't entirely sure where the story was going, and I wasn't entirely sure I was happy with it. I am just so tired of Gin getting screwed over by people she loves. I won't say anything more than that, but I had a very hard time experiencing this journey with her.

Needless to say, I hated the villain, Satira. Haaaated. Jennifer Estep did a fabulous job at giving her a backstory you could just allllmost want to empathize with, making me feel just on the verge of feeling story for her, then NOPE, not quite. Thank you, Jennifer Estep, for letting me off the hook on that one, because omg Salina was just that much of a you-know-what. How does this relate to Owen? Well, he has some major demons in his closet that he needs to exorcize, and this is his book to lay the foundation for that.

The full secondary cast could not be more awesome. I loved Eva, Owen's sister, getting a more front and center role. The same goes for Phillip Kincaid, the casino owner. Gin is going to need all of her entourage if she is going to come out of this alive, such as Sophia and Bria. As always, Finnegan offered very much needed comedic relief. Additionally, the new folklore that is introduced is phenomenal, and thoroughly engaging.

In the end, I thoroughly and completely enjoyed the story that was told in Widow's Web, and I clung to the pages with a bated breathe. I was very sad with how the book ended, and I might have even shed a tear or two. I'm sensitive, okay? Jennifer Estep asks us as the readers to trust her with where this series is going, and I do. But dang if this one didn't hurt! I am equal parts anxious and nervous for the next book in the series, Deadly Sting. Gin Blanco fans, this book is not to be missed. You can do it. I'm here for you.

From Reading and Writing Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance Blog.

At a Glance
How does one go through life and not read the Elemental Assassin Series? It boggles the mind. It's so full of yummy goodness in all aspects. And Estep is showing no signs of slowing down. Every book is as good as the last. Widow's Web is no exception.

The Good
Here's the Story
Things don't seem too bad for Gin lately. Sure, some people are still after her, wanting to take out the infamous Gin who killed the notorious Mab, but really that's all a day in the life of sort of thing. Gin has her lover Owen to play with at night and her restaurant, Pork Pit, to run during the day. A pretty good life all and all. Then one of Owen's exes show up and ruins everything. Salina is gorgeous and sweet as pie on the outside, but on the inside, something cold and ugly dwells. She's a powerful water element to boot. But that's not the worst of it. Salina has made it apparent that she wants Owen back. And it doesn't seem like Owen is 100% put off by the idea. Even when Salina reveals herself to be dangerous, Owen continues to be ensnared by his long lost love. Now Gin has to protect her dysfunctional little family, a maybe good, maybe bad casino owner, and her own boyfriend against an opponent who definitely has the upper hand.

A Life for Gin...
Gin is the same strong, smart-mouthed, deadly assassin we have all come to love. She has carved out a nice piece of life for herself. Her relationship with her sister Bria has developed very nicely. Bria has become Gin's number one supporter, even when Gin's actions go against Bria's law-abiding tendencies. Owen and her seem solid, playing their little assassin games and getting down and dirty when the mood strikes. Pork Pit is still standing and customers are still coming even though her assassin status is no longer on the down low. And then all that sun shiny goodness is shattered as Salina walks back in Owen's life.

Now Owen has become distant, no longer confiding in Gin nor wanting to be intimate with her. Gin finds out that Salina is a long lost love of Owens when he and his sister lived on the streets. He has never gotten over her and seeing her again has put distance between Owen and Gin. Gin is doing the only thing she can, letting him work out his problems for himself. And even though it was painful to watch, I respected Gin for putting aside her uneasiness and dread and giving Owen time to deal with this situation at his own pace and discretion. But the problem is, Salina doesn't play fair.

Salina...
Salina is that kind of person who will dazzle you with her smile and make pleasantries while signing a contract for your family's lives. In some ways, you feel bad for Salina because her past has messed her up. She has not had a fair shake in life and all she wants is revenge. I totally get it. But she takes it farther than even serial killers would go. And that crazy wench has her claws in Owen. It was heartbreaking to see Owen being so stupid and blindsided by someone so evil.

Kincaid...
We also get a somewhat new character in this book that will for sure be involved in the rest of the series. Kincaid is the bad/good casino boss who has his sights on filling the void of power in Ashland. We know very little about him, but page by page you begin to love him. He is like a laid back version of Owen. He also has extensive history with Owen...and Salina. That history is about to bite him in the ass as Salina sets her sights on him. Gin is reluctant to help out this "crime boss" but he really grows on her. Is he bad? Is he good? Why is he inserting himself into Owen and Eva's (Owen's sister) lives? Read to find out. You might be shocked by the truth.

A Better Spider...
The battles between Salina and Gin are really amazing in Widow's Web. Owen doesn't want Gin to kill Salina, but Salina does everything in her power to kill Gin, and almost succeeds. I also liked the dilemma Gin faces when it comes to saving the lives of the bad people of Ashland. I think Gin's decisions in this book really helped us to realize her growth and maturity as a character. I couldn't have respected Gin more after finishing Widow's Web. Even when things are crumbling around her, she takes everything with a grain of salt. She doesn't push for the things she can't change. I think this kind of attitude will help her with the heartache she is no doubt going to experience in the next book.

More Drama to Come...
The writing was well done. The plot and pacing kept my attention the whole way through. The action was fast and rough, just the way I like it. (I am talking about the fighting, people. Get your brain out of the gutter). And the drama in this book was extremely fun (and sad)to experience as it played out. I can't wait to see what Estep will do with the next book.

The Bad
There really isn't anything bad about this book. Estep use to have too much background info and recap in her books but she has cut that back to perfection. The only bad thing some fans won't like is the direction Gin and Owen are going. I won't go into detail because you need to experience that for yourself. I actually like this new development. Keeps things fresh, even if they are depressing.

The Snuggly
Of course we get our token sex scene, which was awesome. Personally, I think Estep writes perfect sex scenes for the urban fantasy genre. They are not overly long--which you would find more in paranormal romance--and they have a great amount of intimacy and steam without getting too risque.

Overall
Estep dishes out another action packed read that barely let's you take a breath. Though it does not end on the happiest of notes, I am excited to see where Estep is taking this plot line. Any Estep fan will be very satisfied by Widow's Web. And if you aren't an Estep fan, you need to be, so get reading. :) Highly Recommended.

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Associate Reviewer - Mich M:

In Spiders Bite we met Gin Blanco, cook by day and assassin by night. Over the past six books I have got to know Gin, I've cried with her, laughed with her, cheered as she defeated the bad guys, comiserated with her as she got her heart broke and finally fell in love as she did with Owen Grayson. In By a Thread Gin confronted her past in the form of Donovan Caine her ex-boyfriend, now in Widow's Web it's Owen's turn to confront his past.

Since Owen entered Gin's life it's been apparent that there is more to him than we are yet aware of, with the sudden arrival of Salina we start to unravel his secrets. Unfortunately there seems to be more to Salina and the reasons behind her sudden arrival in Ashland than just her history with Owen. Everyone close to Owen is suspicious but Owen can't see any fault with Salina and is always giving her the benefit of the doubt even when people close to him start getting hurt. Will Gin & Owen's relationship survive or will Salina succeed in driving a wedge between them.

I believe that Jennifer may upset people with this book but I throughly enjoyed it, it was an emotional journey as always and Gin continues to grow and develop as a character, her story has been filled with everything from violence and pain, to love and acceptance from day one and this part of her journey is no different. My heart trully went out to her in this book. Salina's appearance turns Owen back into a scared confused kid, he's a shell of the man I have came to love. I can't wait for the next installment to discover what is next for Gin.

The Elemental Assasin series is one of my all time favourite series and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys stories with a strong kick-ass female. I award Widow's Web 5 Skulls and Jennifer Estep remains on my auto-buy author list!

Always being the one to make the hard choices leaves it's toll. Normally getting between a rock and a hard place is a pretty comfortable position for Gin, unfortunately getting caught up in a widow's web not only threatens lives but her love as well. And the toll between the lesser of two evils could cost Gin couples counseling or her relationship Owen.

Even after a vacation Gin is finding herself running a little ragged. It seems like every two bit lowlife trying to make a name for themselves are constantly bombarding her oinking oasis of The Pork Pit. Yet even as the criminal underbelly of Ashland is vying to establish a hierarchy through the destruction of the Spider, Gin can't begin to imagine that her toughest opponent would be one aiming at her heart.

I am really glad to see this series has been extended and at just the perfect time. Jennifer Estep has really come into her own. Gone are the long clunky recaps that hindered the flow of installments past. Any background was new and important, filler free. Estep expertly weaves the past and present to create a streamlined plot.

Estep has done a pretty thorough job building Gin's character and powers. In Widow's Web she pushing her heroine's weakness by going straight for Gin's heart, because it's all about Owen. I love that we get to know more about the mysterious Grayson and the dreamy love interest is showing a few cracks in his perfection. While he's still Blanco's ideal man, it adds a new depth and realness to his character. Plus it shows Estep isn't afraid to step outside of Gin and put just as much focus on another character. While Gin has made leaps and strides in the relationship box, it's still her most difficult character aspect. I like that the author is working on all the heroine's flaws for a more balanced Gin. Of course being well fleshed out has downside, readers aren't going to get any fun insight to some great new facet of Gin's powers, but we do get to meet and get to know some new characters as Gin continues to collecting a few new friends along the way.

This is the first time I've opted for an audiobook in this series. Lauren Fortgang's country accent didn't really appeal to me and was a little distracting at first but grew on me as the story went on. Fortgang had a wide range of accents, voices, and good acting abilities. She made it easy to follow the story and get invested into it. Estep is lucky to have landed such a wonderful narrator for her series.

Widow's Web is another amazing installment from Jennifer Estep. Filled with heartbreaking choices, action, interesting characters, and a great plot that will leave you needing the next installment.

This series continues to be one of my favorites and this installment doesn't disappoint. I'll admit, I didn't know where the story could go after book five Spider's Revengewhere Jennifer Estep ended a major story arc. Now the books (at least the two released since Spider's Revenge) seem to be focusing on what happens next since Mab. Where does Gin's life go now that the thing she's been working toward for so long is done? How will she finally get to the point where she can leave her assassin life behind?

In By a Thread we got Gin trying to take a vaction and work through things with Bria and unfinshed business with Donovan Caine.

In Widow's Web, Owen and Gin's relationship is at the foreground. Former Ashland resident Salina Dubois has come back to town. Her motivations are unknown but one thing she make perfectly clear is she is more than ready to pick back up with her ex-love Owen. We get a big helping of Owen's past in this book and that is fine by me. I've always liked Owen. Usually I dislike it when authors will change the love interest a few books into a series, but with Owen I welcomed it. While I didn't particularly find anything too shocking or out-of-nowhere, I liked seeing the characters reactions to the past.

A surprising character was Phillip Kincaid. If you read the short e-story Thread of Death we get a hint at the past that is fully revealed here in Widow's Web. Phillip Kincaid is part of Ashland underworld. So how / why is he connected to Owen? We find out all in this book. Even though he's supposed to be a "bad guy", one of those who may be gunning for Gin now that she's known as the Spider, we get to see that there are things that he cares about. Just another way that Jennifer Estep is showing us that nothing is ever just black and white in this world. There are definitely shades of gray. I look forward to seeing how Kincaid will be incorporated into the series.

Gin and Owen's relationship is really put to the test. Jennifer Estep really writes this book with a lot of care. Many may not like the direction the book was taken and I can see that side, but overall I do feel like, given the circumstances of the book, what happened had to happen. If Jennifer Estep would have glossed over it I think the book / series would have lost that emotional connection that I really love about it. I think the end result of the series will be better.

I wish I could have read the book slower, but in true Elemental Assassin form I just couldn't put it down. The next book in the series Deadly Sting will not be out until next spring.

The great story lines and characters of the Elemental Assassin series keeps me entertained and on the edge of my seat for more. I practically stalk Jennifer's websites checking in on her progress of not only the Elemental Assassin series but also her YA series Mythos Academy. Im hoping they both go on for a long time to come.

Even though Gin has retired from the assassin business her and her friends enemies still keep her busy, Just when she gets rid of one another jumps up in their place. WIDOW'S WEB revolves heavily on Owen's past. There have been many hints about his past on how he became the rich man he is now but Owen's past involves a lot more then I would have ever expected and it definitely comes back to bite him in the rear. Gin's relationship with her sister is doing great and gets better with each situation that comes up. Gin is slowly letting others help her in dangerous situations but she still needs to work on that as she unfortunately learns by the end of book 7. Kincaid is a big part of Owen's past and I really enjoyed getting to know him. I have a feeling we will see a lot of him in the future.

** SPOILER ALERT**Read at your own risk or after you have finished reading the book*
Some heavy emotions happen between Gin and Owen in WIDOW'S WEB. I feel that the situation plays out in a way that makes complete sense so even though my heart hurts I have no doubt it wont last long. I am kinda shocked that Gin isn't more upset with Owen though, the way he acted really ticked me off and I wanted to smack him upside the head a few times. She was very understanding of his feelings and I hope he gets his head out of his butt quickly. **SPOILER OVER**

Jennifer has a fantastic way of bringing each and every emotion to the front of your mind and you cant help but fall into them right along with the characters. Jennifer does not hold back in WIDOW'S WEB and you will be emotionally drained by the end. Bring on DEADLY STING I'm dying for more.

Review Courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy

The seventh book in Jennifer Estep's Elemental Assassin series, WIDOWS WEB is filled with such emotional and physical intensity that it leaves you happily exhausted by the end. There are so many complex emotions and difficult choices for Gin since the plot focuses heavily on Owen's past relationships. Throughout the series we've gotten hints about Owen's interesting "rags to riches" history as he became a more integral part of Gin's life. I was amazed at just how much was revealed about Owen and his motivations.

One thing Estep excels at is creating unique and sadistic villains and Salina Dubois is no exception. I would describe Salina as a black widow spider innocently luring her victims (especially Owen and Gin) into her web and springing on them at the last minute. Salina's not just Owen's jealous ex who wants to steal him back, she's evil, vengeful, and crazy manipulative in her dangerous scheme to wreak havoc in Ashland.

WIDOWS WEB offered held a bittersweet end to a story fraught with emotional punches to both Gin and Owen. I loved seeing how Gin has gone from being a (mostly) lone assassin to semi retired surrounded by friends and family willing to stand up for and protect her. I can't wait to see what happens to Gin in DEADLY STING coming out March 26, 2013.

As a regular series reader in this genre, paranormal action romance, I guess, its difficult to maintain a solid series. Typically the author seems to get swept up in a publishers frenzy and the quality of storytelling slides right down the drain. I am happy to say this series and particularly this episode is as rock solid and icy good as the main characters magical powers. Additionally the conclusion gave me confidence in a quality future as well. SO newbies--jump right in and those of us familiar with the story and characters--fear not. More good times ahead for all of us in Ashland.