Venom (Elemental Assassin, Book 3)

Gin Blanco is, among other things, a retired assassin. What she's quickly coming to realize, however, is while retiring is easy, staying that way is much less so. That realization is quite literally beaten into her by the giant Elliot Slater, right hand thug of family annihilator and Fire elemental Mab Monroe, after Slater and two of his enforcers accost her on her college campus at the behest of Jonah McAllister, Mab's lawyer and left hand sleazebag. McAllister is trying to find out who's responsible for the death of his son, but Gin takes the beating both to protect her identity and to protect those who lied for her a couple of weeks ago when she used a party at Mab's to get close to a target. She ended up killing Jake McAllister before he could rape and murder her, instead.Gin survives the vicious beating only to come face to face with her long lost sister Bria. Overcome by unexpected emotions and unwilling to introduce herself to her sister just yet, Gin retreats to get some perspective and information...and healing. Before she can make any moves in the sister direction, though, two friends turn to Gin and foster brother Finn for the sort of help only a spider can supply. It's the kind of help Gin is happy to offer, actually, as not only does she feel responsible for the situation in which the vampire Roslyn and, by extension, the giant Xavier find themselves, but some sadistic giants just deserve to get dead more than others so it's the mutually beneficial sort of pro bono work that the Spider just loves.Tricky part is making sure her friends and loved ones don't get dead first.In this third foray into the seedy underbelly of a corrupt Ashland, Jennifer Estep is starting to get her groove on with Gin and Company. Venom is a much more streamlined and well-plotted book than its predecessors, and the main and secondary characters are hitting their strides as they develop and expand their rolls in each book.Gin has been the drawing force for my interest in this series since the beginning, and she was in her sarcastic, self deprecating, delightfully deadly element here. In fact, I find she's growing more and more likable while maintaining that killer edge that keeps her firmly off the side of angels but doesn't quite propel her into villain territory, either. The fact that she's an assassin is no secret - though she's 'retired' now (works more than most of the actively employed I've met, but still) - and she has no regrets or tedious crises of conscience to make her a character of pathos and angst (which would really annoy me). She's a strong, capable, wily predator with a wide protective streak for those few people she considers her family, with just enough emotional vulnerability and past tragedy to make her sympathetic. I've become very fond of her through the series.I really enjoyed how the plot of this book developed and appreciated the fast-paced opening sequence. I thought first two books in the series dragged at the beginning, but from the first sentence, Venom drops readers into Gin's head just prior to her savage attack and it's pretty much a non-stop ride from there. The plot did have a couple of rough patches, left several questions unanswered, and offered up one or two unoriginal plot twists (she got the wrong sister...really?), but those few issues were easier to take when surrounded by solid story. There were also a few instances of characters doing stupid things that created unnecessary havoc, making questionable decisions and nonsensical choices that served little purpose but to set up the latter events in the story. That's normally a major peeve of mine but the resolution of the final conflict was satisfying enough to smooth out my feelings.A couple of my biggest issues with the prior books did carry over to this one, though to a slightly lesser degree. Estep's tendency towards repetition in the narrative is one of the biggies. Is it really necessary for Gin to qualify the gin as bitter eight times in a chapter or two? Or remind readers about Gin's relationship with Fletcher every time his name is mentioned? And is there anyone who has read any of the books in the series who doesn't know by now that Fletcher and Finn drank/drink chicory coffee and that when Finn does, it reminds Gin of Fletcher? I keep hoping to see Estep advance beyond that habit for repetition before pounding her readers over the head with it, but so far, no luck.My other significant issues with the first two books in the series, detective Donovan Caine's existence and the excessive exposition (if you read the second book, you didn't need to bother reading the first - it was practically rewritten in a condensed format in  Web of Lies ), were toned down in Venom. There's still room for improvement, as the combination of the excessive exposition and repetitive narrative compounds and amplifies both issues, but it's better than it was. As for Donovan Caine...he left in the last book and while his name comes up a lot, he - thankfully - doesn't. I didn't like him, haven't from the first book, and much prefer the more compatible alternative we spend time with is this book, Owen Grayson. Even though aspects of Owen's character are still a little rough and some a bit too convenient to be entirely plausible, when compared to the sanctimonious prig Caine, I have no complaints.I'm pleased to see the direction this series is taking and the strides Estep has made with it. She long since charmed me with Gin Blanco as a heroine, but she's now also winning me over with a strong and clean plot that supports and complements her characters, along with improving technical mechanics and writing style. Venom is my favorite of the first three books, but I'm looking forward to  Tangled Threads (Elemental Assassin, Book 4)  which is slated for release on April 26, 2011. Long wait, I know, but I'm really starting to think Gin's worth it.Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.

SummaryIt'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.The GoodI think someone needs to provide the definition of 'retired' to Gin because she doesn't seem to know how to quit. Though you can't really blame her. When her vampire friend, Roslyn, seeks Gin's help, she agrees without hesitation. Yup, an assassin with a heart, aww. Elliot Slater is terrorizing Roslyn and there is no doubt that eventually Roslyn will soon end up beaten, raped, and dead unless Gin slices and dices his butt before he gets the chance. But Gin knows that taking out Slater will be declaring war against Mab and all her lackeys. A very sticky situation.You have to read this book. Again, Estep lavishes us with a first chapter that you will never forget. I never knew a cold could be so deadly. Read the book and you'll find out why that's funny. I swear, it is funny, and not just in my head this time. I don't know how Estep does it but she continues to outdo herself with well thought out action and fighting scenes and amazing character development that makes us love every character.Gin Blanco has easily made it to my top five urban fantasy heroines of all time list. She can kick ass with her finely honed skills, she would do anything for the people who she sees as family, and she knows how to work a knife. Gotta love those qualities. The best part is the flashbacks we have seen in all the books as well as Venom. They really help us get to know the true Gin and let us witness the events that have lead to the person Gin presents herself as. This was simply brilliant on Estep's part. I usually find flashbacks to be boring or dragged out, but Estep knows how to flashback like no other. I actually look forward to them.Guess what? Gin gets some booty. Okay, I know that's not really a surprise--Gin always finds time for play during killing--but guess with who. If you answered Detective Caine, give me your address so I can drive to your house and slap you. That Debbie-Downer is gone and now we have someone who actually likes Gin, even with all her quirks and secrets. Ladies and Gents, let me present, Owen Grayson. He's smart, rich, sexy, protective, and tenacious. He finds Gin intriguing and every secret of hers that gets revealed only endears her to him more. Yup, the perfect man so far. I am so happy Grayson has come into Gin's life. She needed this, and after the last two books where we had to deal with Caine, us as readers needed this, too.Finn Lane is still Finn Lane. Likes his coffee chicory flavored, likes his money in large quantities, and likes his woman any way he can get them. Can't help but love him. And though I never mentioned these two characters before, Jo-Jo and Sophia Deveraux are the two dwarves a part of Gin's family that have really made an impact on me. They are lovable and mysterious. They care for Gin and Finn but they have a past that seems to haunt them. I can't wait for Estep to flush out their stories.The BadAs expected from Estep's books, we get a lot of recaps that can become very dull for us who have read this series from the beginning. I now skip these parts.The same repetitive writing that I have come to ignore for the most part. The book's too good to let such mundane things ruin it.The SnugglyOne good sex scene that I was relieved to finally happen. Yaay, Gin is moving on.OverallVenom was action packed, violent, funny, and overall mesmerizing. Each book has helped us learn more about every character and the world they live in. The series is moving along at a great pace. Venom finally reveals why Mab killed Gin's family. Also, Gin's baby sister Bria is being set up to be a big part of future books. The ending had my mouth dropping in surprise and left me craving more. No way am I missing the next Elemental Assassin book. Highly recommended.

Venom is the third book in the Elemental Assassin series and I just loved getting to reenter this amazing world. This book was just so easy to get lost in. I completely got lost in the story and I just loved getting to see these characters come together. I just absolutely love this story and I just didn’t want to put it down. I can’t wait to see what’s next from this author.

This is book three in the in the Elemental Assassin Series, I suggest you read 'Spiders Bite' & 'Web of Lies' first.I read alot of urban fantasies & this fantastic series is easily in my top three.The premise is clever & stimulating, set in a supernatural world, Gins powers are not at the forefront but her character, friends, assassins skill - damn good story telling, with complex multi-faceted characters with an intriguing storyline.The book starts off with her being beaten to a pulp to get any suspicion away from her, she finds that her sister is alive and well & strong protective instincts come to the fore, but her sister looks as if she can look after herself, Gin's sister has got Mab (Gins nemesis) in her sights, it is going to take all her skills to protect her long lost sister whilst keeping her own identity secret from those who would have her dead.Gin ends up feeling guilty about a vamps predicament & decides help, but it means going up against the insidious power grabby Mab, giant body guards and a sicko lawyer with a vendetta.There's a cancerous corruptive streak in Ashland, Mab owns everything & everyone worth owning, if she can't own them she gets them disposed of.With promises to keep the vamp out of danger Gin really has to up the anti.Gin finds the metal worker Owen Grayson at her side & he's not judgemental & appears to really care about her, why? There is also unmistakable attraction, but Gin is understandably suspicious, when she knows that this rich and powerful Adonis can have anybody.Interestingly too the riddle of Sophia the Dwarf and how exactly does she get rid of those bodies is exposed. Jo Jo is always there to step into the breach & heal any injuries. Love, loyalty & humour are constants thoughout the story.Venom & the two prior in the series have kept me glued all the way through, though violent it's not over gratuitous, though sexy not seedy, though an urban fantasy it's doesn't rely on leather, fur & fang, but strong characters & a well crafted story.I've blabbed enough, the series it's very good - get it if you like this genre, there's a fourth book in the pipeline called 'Tangled Threads' I'' be putting my order in soon....

Books 3 of the Elemental Assassin series and another solid addition to Gin's world. Estep is a consistent writer so no surprises, just more of the same for fans of books 1 and 2.Given that, it is irksome that Estep keeps reworking back-history into the whole novel not just in the opening pages. I'm sure there were lines repeated on a couple of occasions relating to disrobing men, but on the plus side, we did get Owen, Coolidge and Gin's back stories as Gin continues her personal vendetta against crime.Some aspects of the narrative don't hold together, the lack of planning, the absence of CCTV on the arch villain's property, the main victim's reactions (given her background), Gin's growing tendency to disclose her identify to acquaintances, however, I suspect if that kind of detail bothered you, you wouldn't have got past book 1.

love these books, Gin is the perfect assasin, has absoloutly no conscience, with every book i keep waiting for her to start gettign all girly falling in love, starting to feel guilty for the way she lives her life, but no, Gin is superlative, one of the best urban fantasy characters around. In this, the third in the series, Gin finally starts getting close to finding out the circumstances surrounding the murders of her family which occured when she was a child, and also who was responsible. in this book Elliot Slater, Mab Monroes main enforcer is stalking one of Gin's friends no-one else will help, the police are all in Mab's pocket so she can't turn to them so its up to Gin to deliver her owm brand of justice.

This series was one of my highlights from 2010 and I am looking forward to the next instalment in 2011. The world of Gin Blanco and her colleagues at the Pork Pit is very well created, and Ms Estep has crafted a world that is sufficiently different from the usual round of vamps and shapeshifters to be totally enthralling. Best of all in this thrid instalment is Gin creating a relationship of equals with a new man, whilst other characters such as JoJo, Sophia and Finn are being filled out. Second best thing is the potential that underlies the new relationship with long-lost baby sister Bria - I can't wait to see how that develops particularly once Bria learns the truth.This series is a real keeper.

The story is about gin an assassin know as the spider for hire or was until she retired a few months but Roslyn a vampire is in trouble so gin is back as pro bono . I found that the book was an ok read although it was taxing also as it repeated it about ex and being retired and baby sis I have to say as for being an assassin I am not sure gin talked a lot about the beating she would give them but didn't get to do it so not much action going on a little at the end but each to there own reading not everyone like the same books :-)