Tangled Threads (Elemental Assassin series Book 4)

to have to skip page after page of fruitless repetition. Gin's inner dialog is really lame and inappropriate to the situation in this book. Not sure why Ms. Estep decided on the FOURTH book in the Elemental Assassin Series to all of a sudden cater to those who've not been eagerly gobbling up the series. But I gotta say, for those of us who are reading the books all at once (#8, Deadly Sting comes out in two months), this is one of the most annoying books ever! There's even repetition within the book, where Gin thinks EXACTLY the same thoughts in EXACTLY the same words a few chapters later. BOR-RING!

The good news is that you can skip at least 25% of the book, so it goes really fast. Hope you borrowed it or only spent three dollars on it ;p

Tangled Threads begins where Venom ends and continues Gin's shady war with Mab Munroe and her empire. However, after the events of Venom in which she is recuperating from her losses, Mab decides to bring in heavy artillery in the form of Elektra LaFleur, an assassin who is possibly more powerful than Gin. In the meantime, things are heating up between Gin and Owen, and unlike her previous interest, Owen seems to be reciprocating her attention. The problem lies with Gin revealing her identity to Bria Coolidge, who is thrust into a difficult situation because of her profession. Also thrown into the mix is a spy amongst Roselyn's workforce and shocking revelations about Gin's family and Fletcher Lane which have been bubbling since the first two books, all of which comes to an epic climax in Tangled Threads.

Tangled Threads is a entertaining book full of action, while seamlessly fitting in with the clues and subplots developed in the earlier books. Prose meanwhile is commendable, deftly describing both action scenes and romance, while the fast pacing of the books never lets the reader's attention slacken. Drawbacks include the predictability of the story. While there are a few surprises in store for the reader, overall the plot seems to be heading to a certain conclusion. Secondly, I've noticed Gin constantly focuses on the nature of her relationship with Owen and whether or not he will be able to accept the dichotomy within her, which can get a bit repetitive. Lastly, with the ever expanding character cast, not enough time is available for all of them to be developed as fully fledged characters. Fortunately, Jennifer Estep has written a number of short stories that helps reveal more about certain characters including Fin (Wasted & Poison), Bria (Tangled Schemes) and the Deveraux sisters (Tangled Dreams).

CONCLUSION: In Spider's Bite and Web of Lies, Jennifer Estep wrote two books that got the Elemental Assassin series off to a good start, but with Venom and Tangled Threads, the author has upped the stakes, and with the final book--Spider's Revenge--set to be released September 27, 2011, all the cards are in places for an explosive finale. So now's the time to jump in if you happen to like stories about an assassin bent on revenge, a quirky supporting cast, and generous helpings of action, humor & romance...

Review written by Zita.
Review copy provided by author

Synopsis: "I'd rather face a dozen lethal assassins any night than deal with something as tricky, convoluted, and fragile as my feelings.

But here I am. Gin Blanco, the semi-retired assassin known as the Spider. Hovering outside sexy businessman Owen Grayson's front door like a nervous teenage girl. One thing I like about Owen: he doesn't shy away from my past--or my present. And right now I have a bull's-eye on my forehead. Cold-blooded Fire elemental Mab Monroe has hired one of the smartest assassins in the business to trap me. Elektra LaFleur is skilled and efficient, with deadly electrical elemental magic as potent as my own Ice and Stone powers. Which means there's a fifty-fifty chance one of us won't survive this battle. I intend to kill LaFleur--or die trying--because Mab wants the assassin to take out my baby sister, Detective Bria Coolidge, too. The only problem is, Bria has no idea I'm her long-lost sibling . . . or that I'm the murderer she's been chasing through Ashland for weeks. And what Bria doesn't know just might get us both dead. . ."

Review: Fabulous! I have been loving this series, which has gotten progressively better with each new book. Gin has finally gotten over her feelings for Donovan and is focusing on her developing relationship with Owen. She keeps waiting for him to disapprove of her, and he doesn't, which she has a hard time believing. Meanwhile, her vendetta against Mab is heating up and Mab has called in a top level assassin called Elektra to squash the Spider for her. Elektra, as evidenced by her name, can kill using electricity. The creepy thing is, she really enjoys doing so, and takes great delight in frying her targets. It quickly becomes clear that the showdown between these two skilled assassins will be pretty spectacular. And you know there will have to be a showdown if Gin wants to protect her family and friends.

One issue Ms. Estep touches on in this book, and that I'm hoping will be a bigger part of future volumes is that, as word of mouth spreads about the Spider fighting back against Mab and her minions, the general populace of Ashland is taking note. You can almost hear the rumblings in the background. Is there a revolution on the horizon? Is Bria set to be in the right place and time to clean out the corrupt police department? We already know that other criminal factions are circling in on Mab as the Spider exposes her weaknesses. Maybe the law-abiding citizens will rally now that they have a rallying point. And, if that does happen, will Donovan return? I can't wait for the next installment and (maybe) find out! A mark of a good series, in my opinion, is that it makes me wonder and imagine what will happen next. That is something this series excels at. I highly recommend that you find out for yourself.

There are not many urban fantasy heroines that I call epic. In order to claim that status, one must be, well...epic. Gin Blanco is one the best all-around, most awesome urban fantasy heroines I've ever read, hands down. I want to be Gin, only I don't want to get all bloody and stuff. I like her because not only does have bad-ass super powers, she has the brains to put them to good use. Gin's world is dangerous and she faces foes that are far more powerful than her, yet she out wits, out lasts and out plays every single time. Any villain in their right mind should run the other way if they've pissed off The Spider. Just sayin'.

I'm going to start out with what I was disappointed with this time. After the way that Venom, the previous book in the series ended I was primed and ready for my Gin's big showdown with Evil Bitch Extraordinaire, Mab Monroe. I was convinced it was finally going to happen. It needs to happen. Much to my dismay it was not meant to be this time and EBEMM is still sending her flunkies to do her dirty work for her.

This time, Gin faces down Elektra, an elemental assassin that uses electricity to zap her targets. She is cold blooded and thoroughly enjoys her job. Mab has sent Elektra to take out the Spider once and for all but, not knowing the true identity of their target puts an interesting kink in the chain. Elektra and Gin interact many times and as usual Gin keeps a cool head and the upper hand. But when Gin's younger sister Bria is in danger the gloves come off.

Since we're talking about Bria, let's talk about Bria and Finn. Oh yes Bria and Finn. I am super excited about this blossoming romance between the cool ladies' man and the sharp, professional detective. Finn may have met his match in Bria and vice versa. Things are beginning to get interesting between these two and I'm looking forward to this secondary romance.

Alrighty then, now we're talking romance. Oh Owen where have you been all my Gin's life? Finally we see Gin's love life smoothing out a bit. She's still cautious and protective of her heart but Owen gets her and not only that, accepts who she is. I love that he has a bit of a cold hard edge and although he's totally into Gin I never get the feeling she can walk all over him. I'm totally taken by Owen I hope he gets a lot more page time in this series since I have a strong suspicion that he's a lot more dangerous than he lets on. (I hope) Say it with me people. OWEN, OWEN, OWEN!!

The Elemental Assassin series is one of my favorite urban fantasy series. Tangled Threads keeps up the pace set by Vemon, and this series show no signs of slowing anytime soon. The Elemental Assassin series is must read for all urban fantasy lovers.

Tangle Threads is the fourth book in Jennifer Estep's Elemental Assassin series. She has created a no holds barred heroine with Gin Blanco, a former assassin called the Spider who wants revenge against the woman who destroyed her entire world when she was barely a teenager. Gin is consumed by revenge to take down Mab Monroe, a powerful, psychotic woman who lives for terrorizing those who are weak. Mab is known as a fire elemental, while Gin has all the elements at her disposal, but prefers to keep with the basics such as knives to get the job done. Only when Gin has killed Mab is when she can move on.

Gin is now stalking Mab with ruthless intent. Along with her dedicated step-bother Finn, (Finn's father, a former assassin, took Gin in and ended up tortured and murdered years later. Gin also wants to avenge his death) a slick, rich ladies' man who drinks enough coffee to float away, they have staked out Mab and will wait until the right moment to strike against her. But Mab has a vast amount of resources at her disposal. Mab can fight fire with fire and that's where she hires another deadly assassin to find her mysterious enemy and eliminate her. Mab's new assassin for hire is Elektra La Fleur, a worthy advisory for Gin. Mab lays out some traps to bring Gin out into the open, but Gin knows better and will continue to lie in wait for the right moment to take out both La Fleur and Mab.

As Gin keeps an eye on her prey, she's trying to settle down and allow more people she can trust into her life. One such person is her lover, Owen Grayson, one of Ashland's wealthiest businessmen. Gin ended up saving Owen's younger sister from a robbery almost gone bad at her barbeque joint she runs. Since then Owen has sneaked into her heart. He's not afraid of her, nor does he question her lifestyle. He knows what she's capable of and accepts it. Owen is a wonderful balm for her battered soul. Then there's detective Bria Collidge, Gin's younger sister she thought was dead. Gin wants to tell Bria who she is, but is wary Bria may not only arrest her, but hate her when she figures out when Gin has done to in order to survive.

Gin has a whole slew of problems to deal with, as well as finding the time to celebrate Christmas without becoming too bloodied or bruised. It's never a dull moment for Gin, and when a little girl is taken by Mab for payback against her father for not paying a debt, Gin must try and save her. The rescue will be dangerous, but it's all part of the game, for Gin is ready to take down Mab by any means necessary in a battle Ashland will never forget.

Jennifer's Elemental Assassin series is in one word- explosive. You'll never be bored by any of these books from Jennifer, and Tangled Threads is the best one to date. There have been many characters who live close to the edge and walk that fine line, where there's no hope in redeeming them. But with Gin, she's jumped over that line, has done her fair amount of questionable actions but able to live with her conscience. Gin has her own set of morals while taking extreme caution by not welcoming in the darkness that could force her to become like Mab. What saves Gin is her network of friends and family. They keep her from falling into the abyss.

There's so much rip-roaring action, great dialogue and some eye popping twists and turns in Tangled Threads. And for those romance enthusiasts, you'll be very satisfied with the Gin and Owen's current relationship. These two make a great team.

Jennifer is slowly tying up a few loose ends where she doesn't keep them dangling. The ending is in a way bittersweet, but welcomed because it opens new paths for some characters (mainly with Bria and Finn's budding "friendship"), including Gin who has become a force to be reckoned with.

If you're not reading the Elemental Assassin books, you're really missing out. Jennifer has really hit her stride with Tangled Threads, and is one book that exceeded all my expectations and then some. Do yourself a favor and introduce yourself to Gin and this amazing world Jennifer Estep has created.

Katiebabs

As the 4th installment in the Elemental Assassin series, Tangled Threads was a good, solid read. Gin continues her mission to bring down Mab's henchmen, and is forced to target another deadly assassin known as LeFleur. LeFleur is also a strong electrical elemental, and Gin is afraid she has met her match. There is plenty of action, danger, and plot turns in Tangled Threads. The book kept my interest, and I continue to love the characters.

The time frame for Tangled Threads is holiday time, and Gin has to branch out a bit more on the emotional side in her relationships with her sister Bria, and her main squeeze Owen. I did get a little frustrated with Gin here, she had to deal with emotions, and she spend most of the book feeling guilt. She felt guilt that she was the cause of kidnappings, beatings and murders that Mab ordered. She felt guilt about her sister and her past, and she felt guilt in her relationship with Owen. It was a lot of guilt, and it got old. I really hope that Gin is able to overcome that guilt in the next book.

The Elemental Assassin series is excellent Urban Fantasy. It is interesting, action-packed, and lasting. The books continue to be great reads, and I am always left eagerly awaiting the next book. This is a series that I highly recommend to urban fantasy and paranormal fans.

******WARNING: If you have not read the previous 3 books in the series, read no further. SPOILERS AHEAD!*******

Gin Blanco, also known as the assasin Spider, has been through a lot in the three books prior to Tangled Threads. Her mentor and father figure, Fletcher Lane, was brutally murdered. Gin has inherited his business, a popular barbeque restaurant. She has semi-retired from the assasin business but that doesn't stop almost daily attempts on her life. She was rebuffed by handsome Detective Donovan Caine when he moved in an effort to get away from her. She has found something new and exciting with sexy businessman Owen Grayson, who knows her alter ego and is not turned off by her dark past. She has learned the identity of the powerful Fire elemental - Mab Monroe - who killed her family when she was a child and the race is on to see which of them will be standing after the final showdown. Gin has met her baby sister Bria, the one she thought had died. With the help of her sidekick and foster brother, Finnegan Lane, she has taken down a fellow assasin sent to kill her, countless giants in Mab Monroe's employ, a rich playboy bent on teaching her a painful lesson, a dwarf with a sadistic streak and countless others.

Now in Tangled Threads, Gin is facing something she hasn't ever faced before: a budding relationship that is based not just on animal attraction but also on trust, respect and... love?

As the war between the Spider and Mab Monroe heats up (literally!), Gin is surrounded by death and destruction. She is NOT someone you want to cross paths with, and she will do anything to protect those she cares about. This includes her foster brother Finn, her paramour Owen and his sister Eva, her baby sister Bria, the vampire madame Roslyn and her giant boyfriend Xavier, and the dwarf sisters Jo-Jo and Sophia. You can be sure that if you make it into Gin's limited sphere, she would lay down her life for you. And this is demonstrated many times over the course of the series with many close calls.

Mab Monroe sends an Electrical Elemental, Elektra LaFleur, after The Spider. While she is trying to root out the Spider's identity, she is also going after Gin Blanco, restaurant owner, for the murder of her new lover's son. The only solution? The Spider needs to put Elektra down for good. Gin's unique powers with both Stone and Ice magic make her a formidable opponent.

I loved the fast paced action in this book. By the time you are done reading the last word on the last page, you feel a bit like you've run a marathon! Gin is a bloody good assasin. She doesn't shy away from getting a little dirty (blood washes out, right?) and she doesn't hesitate to kill when it's necessary. She's not the touchy-feely type, but she does convey her love for others, in her own way. Gin is a complex character that continues to surprise and fascinate me. I look forward to seeing her relationship with Owen develop further and for a relationship with her sister Bria to be established.

Look for more of Gin's unique skills in the upcoming book, Spider's Revenge, coming in September 2011!

~Review by: Book Addict from When Pen Met Paper [...]

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: Our lovable Pork Pit owner gets to enjoy some festive assassination attempts, both as Gin and as the infamous Spider.

Opening Sentence: "Are you going to kill this guy?"

The Review:

Gin Blanco, semi-retired assassin and restaurant owner, has declared open season on Ashland's most infamous citizen, Fire Elemental Mab Monroe. So all Gin wants for Christmas this year is for revenge for her family's death. And, you know, maybe good will toward man would be nice as well. Mab has decided she wants something special too; she pays the assassin Elektra LaFleur to take down The Spider. `Tis the Season for our favorite bad girl to show us how good she can truly be.

Gin is in a good place; a place where there is not a whole lot demanding her immediate attention. Yeah, she is taking out Mab's infrastructure one piece at a time, but it isn't anything she can't handle. That being said, Gin does have something to really worry about; her emotions. She does a lot of soul searching in this book about her relationship with her sister and her lover. Is there room in her life and in her heart for these new people to belong in? Can she afford to care for them and still be able to protect them from harm? How much can these two people accept about Gin's past, especially after the Caine debacle?

Gin's sister, Detective Bria Coolidge, still doesn't know the truth of the connection between Gin and herself. She does know that Gin Blanco is more than what she seems. Bria is a good cop and a good person. Gin's fear is that she will have the same reaction to her being an ex-assassin as another good cop, Detective Donovan Caine. Gin has a perfect scenario in her mind of her reunion with her baby sister, and disgust and revolt don't play a part in it. Is it better for Gin to come clean and have a relationship based on truth? Or is it easier for all involved if Bria is never let in on the family secret? What kind of relationship would they be able to have then? Gin has never struck me as a coward but I understand her hesitation on this matter. Lovers come and go but she has so very little family; and no one can cut you deeper than family.

Gin's man, Owen Grayson, is another relationship that needs resolving. Owen is a man that knows what he wants and doesn't stop until he gets it. He knows he wants Gin, past and all, but how can he go about winning the heart of a woman trained to mistrust the motivations of others? He remains consistently supportive of Gin and her "hobbies" while trying his hardest not pressure her into anything. He wants her to make the first move; Gin would balk any other way. Owen's tenacity is commendable and his efforts prove fruitful. Gin finally gets what Owen has been offering this whole time; unconditional love. Now is she woman enough to grab and hold on?

Though the story is really about the "tangled threads" of Gin's heart, we still see lots of Gin-style action and fighting. LaFleur is a top notch assassin hired by Mab. She is strong in Electrical magic and is sadistic enough to kill consistently with it. She uses not only innocents to tempt the Spider from her lair; she graciously offers to take care of her lover's, Jonah McAllister's, restaurant owner problem, lovable and unassuming Gin Blanco. Wow, right? Can Gin keep her alter ego a secret while dodging a highly motivated assassin? How well can the Spider's Ice and Stone magic be when pitted against a strong Electrical magic user?

As much as I like to read about the Spider's escapades, I truly enjoyed seeing more of Gin Blanco's emotions and personal life. She occasionally comes off as sociopathic in past books but this one puts those thoughts to rest. Gin is looking past her next hit and her revenge and starting to make a life for herself now. Her "Robin Hood" persona is endearing, and her friends and family make for a much richer story all around.

FTC Advisory: Simon & Schuster/Pocket Books graciously provided me with a copy of Tangled Threads. No goody bags, sponsorships, "material connections," or bribes were exchanged for my review. The only payment received came in the form of hugs and kisses from my little boys.

Gin Blanco is a retired assassin known as the Spider. In this fourth book of the Elemental Assassin series, Gin has been targeted by a new threat, Elektra LaFleur who is also an assassin hired by Mab Monroe to kill Gin. Mab runs the city and is responsible for the deaths of Gin's mother and older sister. Elektra LaFleur, as her name suggests, has the elemental power of electricity. In the opening scene, Gin gets a look at what this powerful ability can do to a person. Gin is not certain that her Stone and Ice elemental powers can defeat the assassin hell bent on her destruction. Gin must first defeat LaFleur, protect her baby sister, Bria, come to terms with her relationship with Owen Grayson, and ultimately defeat Mab Monroe.

I have enjoyed this series immensely and find very little fault with any of the books so far. My only complaint is Jennifer uses the phrase "sloppy, sloppy, sloppy" many times throughout all of the books and the term "po-po" for the police drives me mad. Other than those few idiosyncrasies, I love the books. I like Gins character. She is changing from a cold blooded killer to a woman with family and friends she genuinely cares about. In this installment she strives to build a relationship with her sister whom she thought was long ago dead, but who it turns out is very much alive. I think this series is one of the better urban fantasy series out there. You would be doing yourself a favor to check it out.

Dark, edgy, fast-paced, twisty. Those adjectives describe every book in Estep's Elemental Assassin series. Tangled Threads takes Gin Blanco's story to the next level - and leaves readers hungry for more.

I've been a fan of this series since Book One, Spider's Bite. After Estep's Bigtime series - which features superheroes - I truly felt like the author had found her groove with sexy, tough protagonist Gin Blanco.

Each book in the series just gets better - and moves readers forward to the ultimate showdown between Gin and Mab. What makes this series great is that is focuses on Gin's private life and the people she loves; not just her need for revenge. The other characters provide their own humor and quirks to the stories, which make them an incredible read.

While you don't have to read the previous books to pick up on Gin's story in Tangled Threads, I strongly urge readers new to the series to at least pick up Venom - which explains a lot about Gin's past.

Tangled Threads is a fast, strong next installment in the series. If you haven't tried Jennifer Estep's books yet, definitely start with the Gin Blanco series.

*Squee!* Oh yes! Another installment of this great series! And since I know not everyone is caught up to this point or are just starting the series... I will TRY to spoil nothing. Oh, that is going to be so hard, but despite the sage words of Yoda (do or do not, there is no try) I will still try. *checks for miniature green aliens* At least I won't spoil anything that isn't in the blurb above... so at least be warned that far. ;)

In this book like the others, there is a seemingly impossible task set upon Gin. There is also another villan who enters the picture in the form of a cold-sadistic assassin. There is plenty of action and heart stopping moments as we come to expect from this series but in this one there is also an extra layer of heart rendering moments as well. Oh and that is what made this book extra special. The relationship of Owen really helps us see how much Donovan Caine hurt Gin. Oh, that made me hate Donovan even more. That isn't the only relationship that Gin explores in this book. She also explores her relationship with Bria, her baby sis. Of course, I loved seeing Gin's family expand in very unusual ways especially for an assassin. You'll just have to read about it to find out what I mean by that.

My only complaint is minor. It has repetitive areas that drew me out of the book at times. However, I do understand. There are people who pick up books in the middle of the series and so I believe it was for a new-comer's benefit (I, of course have NO idea about those type of people *cough*). For the rest of us who have followed Gin from book 1, we just wanted to get to the good stuff as quickly as possible because we root for the heroine so much.

I give this book 4 1/2 Owens... uh I mean stars. You will enjoy this book especially if you have read the others. It is a perfect addition to the series.

Wow. What a story Jennifer Estep weaves with Gin. I believe this is one of the best in the series. So much has happened, leading up to this, and it looks like in the next, we may just see what happens with the Spider takes on Mab.

I love Gin. Absolutely love her. She's such a strong character, no damsel in distress, who occasionally feels vulnerable in her new founded relationship. I definitely love this relationship with Owen *swoon* much better than Donovan. Gin needs someone strong who will stand beside her. I think she's found him. Through the entire novel, he is there for her. Never putting her down, never making her feel guilty about who she is, never questioning her. He just accepts. To put it in the simplest of terms, I think he just may be the perfect man.

The story was great. I loved how this was assassin pitted against assassin. Although, only one knew who the other assassin was. Great story. Gin hasn't made any friends among Mab's company. Estep really seems to have things planned out well, things just unfold while I'm left sitting on the edge of my seat, trying desperately not to cheat and look at the end of the book, to see what happens. This is a well thought out, well written series. I love the romance that is involved, I mean, I can't help but swoon every time Owen appears, but the story is just as good, just as thrilling.

After spending the last 17 years in the shadows, Gin is now putting her work as an assassin in the spotlight. Her plan: to start unraveling the organization of crime-boss Mab Monroe... one death at a time. Gin is killing Mab's minions and leaving her own personal symbol behind. And Mab is getting mighty pissed off about it. So much so, she has hired another big name assassin, Elektra, to take her out, once and for all. Of course, Mab doesn't know that "the Spider" is really Gin Blanco.

Elektra wields the element of electricity. And she enjoys killing. The combination makes her a formidable opponent. Gin is a great assassin, but what we're coming to see, is that isn't the real reason she survives. She perseveres because she has this makeshift family that has her back. It's ironic that Gin sees herself as this unloveable, lone wolf, when in reality, she has these people in her life who are completely devoted to her. How would she make it without Finn at her back? Without Jo-Jo to fix her injuries? Her circle is expanding to include Rosalind, Xavier, and most notably Owen.

And let me say, I really like Owen. I love the way he loves Gin. It's such a sharp contrast to Donovan Caine, the weenie-toad who was the embodiment of all Gin's fears about being unlovable. I hate that we still are hearing about him, but it shows what a crater he really dug in her heart. On the plus side, we get a little bit of dirty-action between Gin and Owen. Nothing too over-the-top, but just enough to raise an eyebrow or two.

The last big piece of the puzzle here is Bria. She has no idea that Gin is really her long-lost sister Genevieve or that she is the infamous Spider. But it's only a matter of time before she finds out, because 1) she's a cop trying to find the assassin and 2) she's also on Mab's hit list. All of Gin's insecurities are in play with Bria --and as the book unfolds, we have to wait and see whether she will accept Gin's love or slam the door in her face.

I really like this series. And I think the biggest reason is because I love Gin. She is strong, powerful, humble, loyal and good... without ever being annoying. She kicks ass and so does this book. 5 stars.

*ARC Provided by Simon & Schuster

The Elemental Assassin series hooked me with the first sentence in the first book, Spider's Bite: My name is Gin, and I kill people.

And I am happy to say, now that we are on to book four, this series is only getting better in my opinion. Much of its appeal is the heroine Gin. I've gone on about her in previous reviews but I just can't help myself. The combination of Gin being a calm, patient, cold-blooded killer paired with her other personality who puts her family first and cooks baked beans at the Pork Pit provides such a contrast. Jennifer Estep never holds back either and I think this is key. Gin kills people. Lots of people. She is an extremely feared assassin. But at the same time, she has a big heart and we watch as Gin struggles to live a life that is not totally devoted to killing. But Mab Monroe, who destroyed her birth family long ago, is still out there trying to destroy Gin and killing her is still on top of Gin's agenda. But Gin is not alone. Now she has her lover Owen Grayson and her biological sister Bria in her life, She is not necessarily a warm, fuzzy person, but that doesn't mean she doesn't value her family or those that she loves above all else. And she struggles to show them how much they mean to her.

In Tangled Threads Gin is matched against another assassin, Elektra. Who as you can guess is very skilled at using electricity to off her opponents. Elektra is hired by Mab Monroe to take out the notorious Spider. However, Mab has no idea Gin is the Spider, which I think is a nice twist in this series. Elektra is a really evil bitch and I love her character. She kills with glee and has a nasty attitude. She really makes a worthy opponent for Gin and their conflict throughout the book is well done. I do think it is about time Gin and Mab have the big showdown, but I really have enjoyed the build up in this series to the looming battle.

I think I've finally forgiven Jennifer Estep for having Gin's previous lover, Donovan Caine, sail into the sunset because I am in love with Owen!! Owen accepts Gin for all that she is. He knows all her secrets. He knows she kills, she is on a mission to destroy Mab and he is okay with that. Now the question is, is Gin okay with that? Can Gin accept someone in her life who only wants the best for her?

The tangled threads around my heart tightened a little more.
Their relationship is really building up nicely. If I had any complaint in the book it is that I would like to get to know Owen just a bit more. I feel like I really don't know all that much about him.

Finn, Gin's foster brother and one of my favorite supporting characters has lots of page time in this book. We see more of Bria, Gin's sister and of course the dwarf sisters Jo-Jo and Sophia.

I love how this series is building up to the big show-down with Mab Monroe and I can't wait to see where Gin and company go from here.

Rating: B+

Like the preceding books in this thrilling series, Tangled Threads packs a great deal of punch. Gin is back, guns (or shall we say, knives) blazing and is reeking havoc on Mab Monroe and her followers. Once again, Estep delivers Gin's story in the same dark, gritty tone that we as readers have grown accustomed to.

However, what makes the fourth installment standout is that Gin's emotional ride takes the front seat, when in the past the books have been more focused on her career and skills as an assassin. We are finally able to see her develop stable relationships with those around her, namely Owen. Can I just take this moment to say, Donovan Caine, who? The storyline with Gin's long lost baby sister also finally see's some development. I don't want to say what exactly happens, but just know that there is a great deal of progression in the sisters' storyline.

Finn, Gin's foster brother is also back as her trusty partner-in-crime. I have to be honest, the relationship between these two is my favorite of the series. They bicker and banter, but at the end of the day they really do love each other. Plus, I won't lie, I kind of love Finnegan Lane.

By shaping these relationships for Gin, Estep continues to do the seemingly impossible task of creating an assassin with a heart. Honestly, that is one of the highlights of this series; Gin is such a contradiction - she is overwhelmingly tough, yet she is a pushover at the same time. Once again, in Tangled Threads, Gin's heart gets her into some sticky situations. But that's what is so appealing about her - it makes her a character you want to champion, even though she making a living killing people.

The villain in the story, Elektra, is easily my favorite of the series. She is the assassin that Mab hires to take Gin (well, the Spider) out. Elektra is the kind of villain we all love to hate - she is extremely confident and completely evil. She, like Gin, is an elemental - she has power over electricity. This nice lady loves to fry people. Obviously, she is easy to hate, but she is also a fun character to read about. I much prefer her to the Tobias Dawson and Elliot Slater.

The only complaint I have about Tangled Threads is the same complaint I had for Web of Lies and Venom. There is just simply too text that deals with repeating prior storylines. I get what Estep is trying to do, she wants to make sure readers remember all of the key points so that there isn't any confusion moving forward. However, I literally skipped pages worth of writing, because the recaps are insanely in depth.

Tangled Threads by Jennifer Estep
Paranormal Romance - April 26th, 2011
4 1/2 stars

Tangled Threads reads a bit like a comic or graphic novel. With captivating super heroes and heroines to root for.

As the forth book the series, Tangled Web is a bit of a transition book. The heroine's name is Gin and she is an orphan with powers to control stone and ice. Gin inherited, the restaurant the Pork Pit from her mentor. But he also secretly mentored her as an assassin for hire. Gin was known as the Spider before she retired. Recently, she has come out of retirement to combat the town mob boss, Mab Monroe. As the Spider she is giving Mab a lot of trouble. As a result, Mab has hired an exclusive and highly priced assassin named Elektra LaFleur to get `take care' of her.

This was an exciting book because it was interesting to read the interplay between the 2 assassins and the difference between their personalities and how they `work.' It was like two cool opposing forces playing cat and mouse. This series is supposed to be seven books long so since this is the forth book, the author continues to give the reader tantalizing clues to Gin's tragic past. Mab was responsible for the murder of most of Gin's family and this book reveals the anguish Gin still feels about this terrible time in her life. This story also is very emotional as Gin tries to make a connection with a sister who does not know who she is. Although this book was full length, it was so fast paced I felt it was over before I began. As usual, the best part about this series are the wonderful characters and Gin herself. I can't wait for more.

Tangled Threads was a fun action packed read. This series has grown and so has the endearing cast. A guaranteed winner.

Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club

Gin Blanco is no longer the retired assassin, as she continues to hunt down Mab Monroe's enforcers - with hopes to one day soon confront Mab herself. But Mab isn't lying in wait for Gin. She has hired her own assassin to take out Gin, whom Mab only knows as the assassin known as the Spider. Elektra LaFleur has been hired to do the job. She's just as cold and calculating as Gin, with her own set of impressive powers.

Gin is going through some emotional hurdles as she deals with the appearance of her sister, a budding relationship with Owen Grayson, and her vendetta with Mab. And despite her recent assassinations of Mab's crew, Gin still feels for the underdog. And while Gin is a skilled fighter and good with knives, I'm really looking forward to her using her talents as an elemental more, especially after witnessing LaFleur's lightning control.

This is the fourth installment in the highly entertaining Elemental Assassin series. Estep's characters are colorful and unique. As always, the story is action-packed, suspenseful, and has quite a bit of romance this time around. There is never a dull moment. And despite violent and dark scenes, there is enough wit and surprising twists to balance out. Gin faces seemingly insurmountable odds and dire situations, yet she faces them head on as a fantastic heroine. It is easy to become hooked on this exciting, urban fantasy series.

I like the storyline and the main character, Gin, in the books. I have found all the books to have good developments. My one complaint is the great buildup to kill Mab and I wonder how the storyline will continue after the main "enemy" has been eliminated. Overall, quite a good read. Again, as I have read many books and I do recall this one, indicates that it was above average for me.

Gin Blanco is no longer the retired assassin, as she continues to hunt down Mab Monroe's enforcers - with hopes to one day soon confront Mab herself. But Mab isn't lying in wait for Gin. She has hired her own assassin to take out Gin, whom Mab only knows as the assassin known as the Spider. Elektra LaFleur has been hired to do the job. She's just as cold and calculating as Gin, with her own set of impressive powers.

Gin is going through some emotional hurdles as she deals with the appearance of her sister, a budding relationship with Owen Grayson, and her vendetta with Mab. And despite her recent assassinations of Mab's crew, Gin still feels for the underdog. And while Gin is a skilled fighter and good with knives, I'm really looking forward to her using her talents as an elemental more, especially after witnessing LaFleur's lightning control.

This is the fourth installment in the highly entertaining Elemental Assassin series. Estep's characters are colorful and unique. As always, the story is action-packed, suspenseful, and has quite a bit of romance this time around. There is never a dull moment. And despite violent and dark scenes, there is enough wit and surprising twists to balance out. Gin faces seemingly insurmountable odds and dire situations, yet she faces them head on as a fantastic heroine. It is easy to become hooked on this exciting, urban fantasy series.

I like the storyline and the main character, Gin, in the books. I have found all the books to have good developments. My one complaint is the great buildup to kill Mab and I wonder how the storyline will continue after the main "enemy" has been eliminated. Overall, quite a good read. Again, as I have read many books and I do recall this one, indicates that it was above average for me.

Your friendly neighborhood assassin is back. But unfortunately for the Spider, there's a new hired hand on Mab's payroll. Renowned assassin LaFleur has come to Ashland, and her number one priority is Gin.

Gin Blanco, humble restaurateur by day, semi retired killer by night, has declared war on Ashland's reining mobster, Mab Monroe. Gin aka the Spider has been systematically taking out low level minions in Mab's organization working her way up to the queen bee. Gin's constant challenge of Mab's authority has the finest sharks in Ashland smelling blood in the water. Frustrated and trying to maintain her hold on the city's underworld, Mab's next move is crucial. Enter Elektra LaFleur. An extremely efficient assassin, and electric elemental, dead set on eliminating the now notorious Spider.

Oh, what Tangled Threads are weaved, but not just on the war front. Estep is taking things a bit further in Gin's love life. Sexy Owen Grayson is making his presence known and quickly finding a place in not only Gin's heart but the readers with his understanding, and determination to stick. No matter how hard Gin tries to shake him. Gone are the days of Detective Caine, but the scars he imposed remain, making Gin all the more skittish. Add in Blanco's tentative relationship with her long lost baby sister Bria, and Gin might make that child size crack in the wall behind the Pork Pit big enough for her adult self to crawl into.

But the Spider's going to have to come out of hiding because LaFleur has added a couple of names to her death list: Spider, Detective Bria Coolidge, and Gin Blanco. With her duel identities in jeopardy Gin might not have the luxury of keeping her secret alter ego intact. She's going to have to come out to Bria sooner or later the question is will her feelings air on the side of her predecessor the loved and loathed Caine or the excepting Grayson. One thing is for sure, this is one fight Gin can't afford lose, because if the truth gets out more lives than her sister's will be at stake. LaFleur is more than Gin's equal in ability and the trade. The Spiders has met her match and it's going to take all her strength and cunning to survive.

Tangled Threads, Estep's fourth volume in the Elemental Assassins Series starts off with a bang and keeps the pace going. I like how she integrates the action, story lines, background information, and personal life of our heroine without creating a lull. Everything is balanced well to maintain the readers attention. Gin's progression in her elemental abilities with each book are starting to come together. What I didn't like about Tangled Threads was all of the recapping from the previous books Estep was including. I know it's necessary, but I felt like there was too much of it especially in the beginning of the book. Some of it also seemed redundant.

Overall I loved this book, and highly recommend this series. Tangled Threads will wrap you up so you won't want to put it down.

I enjoyed this book very much. Gin's relationship with Owen continues to flourish as his presence becomes one of strength, acceptance and love. The feelings of self worth that Donovan Caine crushed are dealt with in this book...Gin's vulnerability is palpable and Owen's character rises to the occasion. I enjoy that aspect of the books tremendously. Gin's relationship with Bria continues to evolve as well. And I love the dwarf sisters! Great characters and a suspenseful story that always delivers, I recommend this urban fantasy to all.

This author has gotten better since the first three books of this series. Not so much repetition and clipboard~like sections inserted to give the reader info on past books and their plotlines (that's why we read serieses in order...right?). Not the best writer but entertaining.

Courtesy of Lost Art Audio

On Narration:
Her Russian accents aren't great but, boy, can Lauren Fortgang do a southern drawl. Her voices aren't consistently distinct, but they are fun. When Lauren Fortgang reads as Jo-Jo Deveraux, her voice is as soft, sticky, and sweet as salt-water taffy. When she reads Finn, her smooth words will curl your toes. I usually don't find women reading men hot, but well, don't believe me? Listen to the 30-second sample on audible.com here. Generally speaking, the reading's a bit slow, but it's the South, so there's no rush. Overall, it definitely works. Nota bene: Lauren Fortgang has also narrated Jennifer Armintrout's Blood Ties series.

On Plot:
Ashland, a fictional southern city located in the Appalachian Moun­tains of Tennessee, is a place where trolls, giants, dwarves, and vampires live side-by-side with humans. Among them are elementals, people with control over air, fire, ice, or stone, or sub-powers in between. This city is filled with crooked politicians, crooked cops, desperate gamblers, drug pushers, self-entitled rich, prostitute vampires, and assassins who'd take out anybody for the right price. And all this is owned by one Mab Monroe. By day, Mab is a generous socialite philanthropist. By night, she is a power-hungry tyrant, the head of a crime empire that holds Ashland in a vice-like grip. Mab, a fire elemental, has reduced many a family to ash in her quest to remain on top. Genevieve Snow's family was just another statistic. When Genevieve was 13, Mab received a prophecy that one of the Snow daughters, a dual stone and ice elemental, would be the end of her. Convinced that girl destined to kill her was Genevieve's youngest sister, Bria, Mab killed Genevieve's mother and her oldest sister. Genevieve tried to protect Bria from Mab. She hid her. She withstood torture. She had her silver-stone spider rune burned into her palms. But when she heard Bria scream, sure that Mab's men found her sister, Genevieve used her stone power to collapse the house. Believing she had buried Bria in the rubble, torn by guilt and sorrow, Genevieve Snow died that night. Born out of Mab's ashes was Gin Blanco, the anonymous and elusive Spider, an elemental assassin. Now retired from the assassination business, Gin is known in Ashland as the owner of the Pork Pit and nothing more. Her identity as the Spider is a secret, and the Spider's services are no longer for sale. They are earned. In the last three books, after Gin discovered that Mab was the fire elemental who killed her family, the Spider officially declared war on Mab and her organization. It's Christmas in Ashland, all the Spider wants for Christmas is Mab's head on a pole. That feeling is mutual. Mab has hired a new assassin, Elektra LeFleur. Elektra's to do list is somewhat simple: 1. Kill the Spider, Gin's alterego; 2. Kill Detective Bria Coolidge, Gin's youngest sister who doesn't know Gin's true identity; and 3. Kill Gin Blanco, the owner of the Pork Pit who stood up to Mab's attorney. That bumps Elektra LeFleur to the top of the Spider's to do list. Also on the list is saving a young girl from becoming a forced prostitute under Mab's newest project by the train yards. Somewhere on that list is trying to connect with Bria, maybe even letting that detective know that Gin the restaurant owner is actually her older sister, a notorious assassin. Also on that list, between all the killing, Gin must figure out what to do with her 2-week relationship with the gorgeous Owen Grayson and how to get past the wreck that was her relationship with the conflicted Donovan Caine.

The Review:
t's such a fantastic story. I am blown away by the fantastical elements, such as the giant enforcers, Elektra's power to electrocute people from afar, and Gin's budding use of her ice element (I don't want to give away how this comes into play in the story, but it's pretty awesome). Tangled Threads has the same twists, turns and conflicts that the listener has come to expect from the previous three audiobooks. And of course there are so many excellent characters and developments. I feel like I'm not doing the book justice by not mentioning more about the incredible Deveraux sisters, the ever-smooth Finnegan Lane, the gorgeous vampire/madam Roslyn, or Owen's feisty sister, Eva.

Some urban fantasy series are known for their mise-en-scène. Charlaine Harris's Southern Vampire Mystery series is a good example. When you listen to the Sookie Stackhouse books, you can feel the Louisiana summer with that muddy Bayou humidity and you can practically smell the blood in the air. The Elemental Assassin series has its own mise-en-scène. And don't be fooled by the southern accent. This is nothing like True Blood. Spider's Bite, Web of Lies, Venom, and now Tangled Threads present a neo-noir hyper-reality that's on par with the caliber of violence and villain in darker graphic novels, from Gotham to Sin City. When you listen through the parts of these audiobooks that describe how Gin lived on the street, the crack in the wall where she'd hide as a homeless 13-year-old behind the Pork Pit, the description of the opera house, of Mab's opulent home, of Northern Aggression, Roslyn's chic vampire brothel, you can smell the barbecue smoke in the air of the southern metropolis, you can hear the gunfire, taste the grime, you can see the black-and-white limos drive past the homeless and feel that deep-seated sense of urban decay down to the bone. Overall, this series is an incredible listen.

FTC Disclosure:
Audible Frontiers has graciously provided me with an audio version of this book for reviewing purposes. Aside from this courtesy copy, I have received no payment or services in exchange for this review.

You can never go wrong with the Elemental Assassin series and Tangled Threads is no exception to that rule. I have been totally enamored of this series since Spider's Bite. Despite the heartache, hardships, and even, stolen good moments that occur in Gin's life she finds a way to persevere.

One thing that never changes, and is very prevalent in Tangled Threads is the descriptions of the environment. Despite Ashland, NC being a real city, Gin's Ashland is a world unto its own with its dividing line where stepping across one street means you are at serious risk from not only mere thugs, but, vampires, evil dwarves or some other badness you might run into that might not be fully human. Something that always strikes me about this series, and Jennifer Estep's writing in general, are the vivid descriptions. For example, "green, glossy Kudzu vines curled around a trellis that partially obscured the porch. So did a thick cluster of rose bushes, although their branches were bare for the winter, except for the long, curved, black thorns that glittered like polished jet". This depiction immediately made me think of my great-grandmother's back porch that ran the length of the back of the house.

Another great thing about the books is the main character, Gin. Despite Gin's myriad of edges there are parts of her that you can't help but like and those parts even make you want to be like her, even if for just a few minutes. Maybe you would not go right out the door and whip out a silverstone knife and make someone pay for what they've done to make your day harder, or you might not bring a building down on someone's head, but, you sure can imagine it on a really bad day and I bet it will help take the edge off.

One thing that never changes, and is very prevalent in Tangled Threads is the descriptions of the environment. Despite Ashland, NC being a real city, Gin's Ashland is a world unto its own with its dividing line where stepping across one street means you are at serious risk from not only mere thugs, but, vampires, evil dwarves or some other badness you might run into that might not be fully human. Something that always strikes me about this series, and Jennifer Estep's writing in general, are the vivid descriptions. For example, "green, glossy Kudzu vines curled around a trellis that partially obscured the porch. So did a thick cluster of rose bushes, although their branches were bare for the winter, except for the long, curved, black thorns that glittered like polished jet". This depiction immediately made me think of my great-grandmother's back porch that ran the length of the back of the house.

Another great thing about the books is the main character, Gin. Despite Gin's myriad edges there are parts of her that you can't help but like and those parts even make you want to be like her, even if for just a few minutes. Maybe you would not go right out the door and whip out a silverstone knife and make someone pay for what they've done to make your day harder, or you might not bring a building down on someone's head, but, you sure can imagine it on a really bad day and it might bring a sly smile to your face.

The supernaturals in the Elemental Assassin books have been given an original perspective in the urban fantasy genre and the description of their powers and how they interact with other powers gives the books more depth. Jennifer Estep has taken the four elements and breathed a different life into them with her stories. Tangled Threads takes up the mantle and gives Urban Fantasy fans something in which to immerse themselves. The characters we have grown to love like Gin, Finnegan, Jo-Jo, Sophia, Xavier and Roslyn are there. But, now we have more of the new additions like Bria and Owen. We get to learn more about Gin's past and the build-up towards the inevitable crescendo between Gin and Mab is hanging in the air and making it hard to wait for the showdown.

Mab may not know who she is dealing with yet, but, she has brought in the big guns to take out The Spider. Elektra LaFleur's background is as dangerous and scary as Gin's. But, does she have what it takes to bring down Gin Blanco, retired assassin, The Spider? It is well worth the time to find out. This is an amazing addition to the Elemental Assassin series and I sure hope that Pocket and Jennifer Estep are interested in seeing where they can take Gin and the gang after the big showdown. I know that even with the impending showdown forthcoming Jennifer Estep has the skills to keep Gin's story moving forward.

Gin, Ashland's deadliest sexy assassin, is back and she is ready to get her revenge. There is no rest for the weary for this semi-retired assassin. Not when the super-bad elemental, Mab Monroe, is still gunning for her and her baby sister Bria. But when a new assassin is called into town to take care of this assassin, all bets are off. It's kill or be killed.

And if surviving her mortal enemy wasn't enough, now she must do battle with her hardened heart. The ever confident and deadly Gin will also have to come to terms with her past guilt of not being able to save her family 17yrs ago.

Estep not only has a keen talent for description and an unrestrained style of writing, but also an ability to foster likability in a seemingly unrelatable character. I applaud her for her unapologetic & unrestricted writing style in bringing this assassin's story to full relief. A censored story about an assassin just wouldn't be the same.

Just like the two previous books, I enjoyed this book a great deal, but it still had a few nagging points that kept me from liking it as much as the previous ones. This book felt more like a filler book, even though there was definite movement in the series plot. I could have also done without the super cheesy and over the top villain name, Elektra LaFleur, and her matching elemental power.

And although I was happy to see her ex-lover, Det. Donovan, exit stage left, I did miss the sexual heat those two produced. Gin's internal conflict over Owen, just wasn't enough to create the necessary amount of tension to match. Call me crazy, but I think a romance between Gin & Finn would make for an interesting read. Or just the possibility of it, for a plot device in eliciting conflict for the couple to overcome.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and eagerly await the next chapter in Gin's story.

Elemental Assassin
Spider's Bite (Elemental Assassin, Book 1)
Web of Lies (Elemental Assassin, Book 2)
Venom (Elemental Assassin, Book 3)
Tangled Threads (Elemental Assassin, Book 4)
Spider's Revenge (Sep 27, 2011)

While I enjoyed the first 3 books, they became increasingly predictable, redundant reviews of past with increasingly idiotic moves by the characters. For example, it's ridiculous how such a supposedly genius intelligence gatherer as Finn makes such incredibly stupid mistakes like trusting information dropped by a bartender he knows is suddenly giving everyone the same tip who walks into his bar. This is not the first or second time Finn has done something like this. There are only 2 things more stupid, the obvious plans Gin makes and the villains for falling into them...No, my mistake, there are also the plans the villains make which Gin nearly falls into except by the skin of her incomparable (actually obvious, basic, seen in many movies) skills learnt from her deceased mentor...and the idiot mistakes she makes by not looking at the information she already has. You can see the so-called twists coming a mile away.

This is my number one problem with these books. Instead of getting better and better, the author goes through the motions with the plot by repeating the same plot devices again and again. It's extremely disappointing when they showed such promise. My number two problem is how the first 100 pages of this book is largely review of previous events through dreams, daydreams, and flashbacks. I feel it's a waste of my time and money. I feel cheated. The dialogue with and between villains is cliched and the assassin is right out of central casting, call her Maggie Q.

After reading the first book or two, I thought the author and this series had real potential through the characters' development and their relationships. Those quickly stagnated. They have not grown at all. Gin and Finn, the Deveraux sisters, her bio sister.... Nothing. She's focused on the possibility of growing romantically and that's all. What a waste! This is the last of the books I'm attempting. I could've sat down and read the new info offered in this book in half an hour.

I apologize for sounding so harsh but I feel cheated by this author. It seems like she didn't even try to go anywhere new with this, it's like she just phoned it in to make money and focused her energy on something else. That did fans like me and her creations--Gin, Finn, Bria, Mab and the Deverauxs' a huge disservice.

My advice: Pass on this one and stop with book 3. Try Faith Hunter's Jane Yellowrock series instead. Although they are not full of awesome feats of mystery plotting and character development, compared to this series it will seem like they are.