Thursday, September 30, 2010

Review: Venom (Elemental Assassin #3) by Jennifer Estep (Blog Tour)



Title: Venom
Series: Elemental Assassin #3
Author: Jennifer Estep
Available: Now
Reading Level: Adult


5 out of 5 Stars




**Spoilers for earlier books in this series below!**




Description from Goodreads:


What kind of assassin works pro bono? 

It's hard to be a badass assassin when a giant is beating the crap out of you. Luckily, I never let pride get in the way of my work. My current mission is personal: annihilate Mab Monroe, the Fire elemental who murdered my family. Which means protecting my identity, even if I have to conceal my powerful Stone and Ice magic when I need it most. To the public, I'm Gin Blanco, owner of Ashland's best barbecue joint. To my friends, I'm the Spider, retired assassin. I still do favors on the side. Like ridding a vampire friend of her oversized stalker—Mab's right-hand goon who almost got me dead with his massive fists. At least irresistible Owen Grayson is on my side. The man knows too much about me, but I'll take my chances. Then there's Detective Bria Coolidge, one of Ashland's finest. Until recently, I thought my baby sister was dead. She probably thinks the same about me. Little does she know, I'm a cold-blooded killer . . . who is about to save her life.


My thoughts:


Gin Blanco is still retired, and running the Pork Pit. Also dealing with the broken heart left behind by the fickle Donovan Caine. Foster brother, Finn, takes her out to the club owned by his on again off again vampire girlfriend, Roslyn. Gin is expecting a night on the town, but what she gets is a front row seat view of Roslyn’s stalker, Elliot, in action. Gin is wracked with guilt knowing she is the reason Roslyn ever crossed Elliot’s radar. Gin decides it is up to her to take him out, and save Roslyn from the crazy giant. This won’t be easy because Elliot is one of powerful Mab Monroe’s henchman. Lucky for Roslyn, Gin enjoys a challenge. Gin is also dealing with the arrival of her long lost baby sister. Retirement has turned out not to be as boring as the former assassin expected.


Verdict? Loved it! This is a series that just keeps getting better and better. I adore Gin even with all her faults. She is a chick you just can’t help but love. Plus what is better than an assassin who bakes to relieve stress. I was also so happy to see the frustrating Donovan Caine take a hike. I have good feelings about new love interest, Owen, but admit I still long for a Gin and Finn hookup. With that said,  I admit the chemistry between Owen and Gin is good stuff.


Gin’s close friends played an even bigger role in Venom, and we get a few interesting tidbits of information about their pasts. This series features a fantastic cast of well developed and interesting characters. I love how well they fit together to complete an intricate, and well paced plot. This is Urban Fantasy done right.


Venom was non-stop action. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading. The ending was superb, and I can’t wait for the next installment of this series. A must read for anyone looking for a kick ass Urban Fantasy series.


Jennifer Estep on the web:


Books in this series:

Spider's Bite (Elemental Assassin, Book 1)Web of Lies (Elemental Assassin, Book 2)Venom (Elemental Assassin, Book 3)






Source: Received from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

4 comments:

  1. This sounds like a great series! I've seen it around a lot!

    ReplyDelete
  2. This series looks really interesting, not something I would have picked up or come across without this post. Plus I really love the cover for this one!

    ReplyDelete
  3. This sounds awesome. And that cover is beautiful. Another series I want to read. :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Great review! I just finished reading this one and love Gin! This series just keeps getting better and better! :)

    ReplyDelete