Series: Elemental Assassin #1
Narrator: Lauren Fortgang
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Published by: Audible Frontiers on September 28, 2010
Format: Audiobook
Source: Purchased

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My name is Gin Blanco. They call me the Spider—the most feared assassin in the South (and a part-time cook at the Pork Pit BBQ joint.) As a Stone elemental, I can hear the whispers of the gravel beneath my feet and feel the vibrations of the soaring mountains above me, though I don’t use my powers on the job unless I absolutely have to. Call it professional pride.
After a ruthless Air elemental double-crossed me and killed my handler, I’m out for revenge. And I’ll exterminate anyone who gets in my way. I may look hot in a miniskirt, but I’m still one of the bad guys. Which is why I’m in trouble when irresistibly rugged Detective Donovan Caine agrees to help. The last thing a coldhearted killer needs when she’s battling a magic more powerful than her own is a sexy distraction... especially when he wants her dead just as much as the enemy.
FIRST IMPRESSION…
THE NARRATOR…
THE STORY…
THE CHARACTERS…
Gin instantly became one of my top five urban fantasy heroines while reading Spider’s Bite. She’s smart, sassy and totally bad ass. I love her determination and non apologetic attitude, what you see is what you get with this feisty heroine and I wouldn’t want it any other way! Gin make come off as a heartless mercenary, but when it comes to family there’s nothing she wouldn’t do to protect her own. She’s far from your perfect heroine I’d definitely put her in the tortured heroine category but there are many facets to her character I can’t wait to see.
“Luck hadn’t smiled on me tonight. Capricious bitch.”
Spider’s Bite is filled with some fabulous supporting characters. Finnegan Lane, Gin’s “adoptive brother” is a smart mouth and super sexy ladies man with plenty of charm and connections, I love the familiar banter between them. Gin’s friends and clean up crew, dwarven sisters Jojo and Sophia Devereaux add a touch of humor to the story.
And last but not least we have Gin’s love interest, Dectective Donovan Caine. I loved the mystery surrounding Donovan when we first meet him. He’s a little dark, tortured and brooding but I knew if anyone could break him it would be Gin. There is some scorching sexual tension between Gin and the detective that gets stronger as the story develops. I applaud Ms. Estep for turning the tables when it comes to gender roles in this story…Gin is the “bad girl” and Donovan is the good cop which is unconventional and works perfectly. When these two finally get together sparks fly and you see a softer side to their personalities. I see a long and difficult road ahead for these two, but I do have high hopes.
“Maybe I find him…interesting. Attractive in an uptight sort of way. But that won’t keep me from killing him if he does something stupid—like try to double-cross us. That is something thats nonnegotiable, no matter how much fuck potential he might have.”
FINAL THOUGHTS…
I’ve stepped into Gin Blanco’s fascinating supernatural world and there’s no going back. With stellar characters and a fast paced, action packed plot Spider’s Bite is sure to be a fan favorite among UF readers. I can go on ranting and raving about how much I enjoyed this book but I’ll let you decide for yourself. I’ve found a new feisty heroine I can’t wait to read more about…thank you Ms. Estep!
Warning: Do not read/listen to this series on an empty stomach…you will regret it with all the mouth watering food references! Don’t say I didn’t warn you…
RtDS Recommends: Lovers of a strong and imperfect heroine and fellow action junkies will love this series!
Great review. I agree with all of it. LOL
I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Even the stuff about Donovan Caine?! LOL
Glad you enjoyed the first book!
I’m officially addicted to the series!
can’t wait to read this – I bought it from audible last month and have been working my way through other books, but it’s coming up really soon. Great review, I’m even more excited to read it!
You will not regret it! I’m really glad I chose this series as my introduction to audiobooks! Happy Listening 🙂
this was one of my favs! love Gin 🙂 Great review Lori!
Thanks! Gin is kick ass! This has easily become one of my top fave UF series. 🙂
Great review Lori 🙂 You reminded me that I need to continue with this series, I’m about to start book 2. I’m ready for a good UF novel.
Thanks! Oh, keep reading…it gets better! 😉