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Red is definitely my color. Good thing, because in my line of work, I end up wearing it a lot.
Most people shy away from blood, but for an assassin like me— Gin Blanco, aka the Spider—it’s just part of the job. Still, it would be nice to get a night off, especially when I’m attending the biggest gala event of the summer at Briartop, Ashland’s fanciest art museum. But it’s just not meant to be. For this exhibition of my late nemesis’s priceless possessions is not only the place to be seen, but the place to be robbed and taken hostage at gunpoint as well. No sooner did I get my champagne than a bunch of the unluckiest thieves ever burst into the museum and started looting the place.
Unlucky why? Because I brought along a couple of knives in addition to my killer dress. Add these to my Ice and Stone magic, and nothing makes me happier than showing the bad guys why red really is my color.
"A raw, gritty, and compelling walk on the wild side…"
"[A] raw, broken, ruthless heroine who remains decent and honorable at her core..."
"A raw, gritty, and compelling walk on the wild side…"
ReadingOverTV
Posted March 27, 2013
Just because her nemesis is dead and the Spider is retired doesn’t mean that Gin doesn’t have any more interesting stories to tell.
The action begins early in Deadly Sting and the pace remains steady throughout.
There is more going on than just the obvious dangerous situation Gin faces.
There is an undercurrent that has Gin solving a puzzle until the pieces all fit together.
And all the while Gin is forced to confront the relationship with Owen that is failing and the painful emotions that surface when
they are brought together under tense conditions. While the flashback to an event with her mentor was distracting,
it did provide a bonus story for those of us hungry for every morsel of her development as the Spider and her relationship
with the Tin Man, and gave a depth of meaning to just how serious The Spider is about protecting those she loves.
It all adds up to a good read!
I received this book via a contest at Goodreads as an early release.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I really respect Jennifer Estep as an author. The Elemental Assassin series has been a solid series and continues to be.
This book picks up where the last one left off. It has everything; the overall plot of a heist, violence, action, but also self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and relationships. Gin is back with all of her friends and family and still battling for good but with a deadly purpose and outcome. She's as strong as ever, but with a heavy heart after the last book when she had to kill Owen's ex-girlfriend. You're left wondering what's going to happen between them because Owen is such a likeable character and I've felt he's the best for Gin since the beginning. It kind of bothered me at first that when this book started Owen and Gin weren't back together yet. However I admire Jennifer Estep's integrity to the story and character for that very fact. There are no simple solutions in life and Estep reflects that in this book. It's also a great book for setting up what is to come for Gin and her future. I think what makes Gin so strong is the fact that she's willing to accept her failures and faults but to strive on. She's a little hard on herself, but it's what keeps her a good person despite her assassin role. She may kill people but it's not for fun but she does what needs to be done. It's the reason I keep coming back for more.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Gin Blanco, Pork Pit owner and assassin, always seems to find trouble. This time it comes in the most unusual fashion. Gin is talked into attending a charity function with her foster brother and most of her friends...all of Ashland’s rich, famous and infamous have come out to see Mab’s art collection. The gallery opening isn’t really any trouble but the group of giants taking the attendees hostage and robbing them and the museum...now that’s definitely trouble. Accidently killing an innocent, that is down right abhorrent pushing Gin into action.
I love this series and have to say that I was a little hesitant after the Widow’s Web. Needless to say, I want Gin to find real happiness. I’m totally trusting Jennifer Estep to pull us through this love crises but I have to say I was a little disappointed with one specific hero.
Gin was fabulous as always, I really am loving her character growth and constant inner strength. Watching Gin do what she does best, out think the bad guys against insurmountable odds, always makes for a brilliant read.
Deadly Sting did not disappoint. Fast paced, action packed, thrilling adventure with fabulously witty characters and a totally original storyline, Deadly Sting kept me riveted to the pages!
This ARC copy of Deadly Sting was given to me by Pocket Books in exchange for an honest review. Publish Date March 26, 2013.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.GrampaBob45
Posted May 8, 2013
Another sterling story by Jennifer Estep. This lady has a highly laudable story-telling knack. Her first five novels introduced a myriad of colorful characters and each successive novel enhances those characters and adds new ones to round out that particular story. Action-packed fantasy that I find highly entertaining, I highly recommend her entire series. They are great stories with plenty of outstanding character development and no lack of plot twists.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 3, 2013
Including so much summary about Gin's experiences, as well as her history with other characters, had turned me off the series. I know that practice is what allows each book in a series to stand alone, but when so much of the same information is given in every book, I feel shorted. I'm happy to say, that wasn't the case with Deadly Sting.
I was pleasantly surprised at the lack of recaps in this book. This read was full on Gin in action and sucked me back into the series.
TamiWS
Posted April 24, 2013
One night in the life of Gin; what a wonderfully written set of characters. Always interesting and exciting.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.This is the 8th book in the Elemental Assassins series by Jennifer Estep. This series started with Spider's Bite in 2010. Ms. Estep introduced us to Gin Blanco, cook at the best BBQ joint in town, perpetual student at Ashland College, Stone and Ice elemental and deadly assassin for hire. The first book introduced us to Gin, killed off her mentor, handler and father figure Fletcher Lane, and basically set us up for the eventual showdown between Gin and the woman who killer her entire family when she was a child, Mab Monroe. This series is set in fictional Ashland, in the heart of the Appalachian mountains. If you are a fan of really good Urban Fantasy, you will want to find these books and start reading. I would not recommend reading them out of order though. If you are interested, but on the fence, make sure to check out Ms. Estep's website. She has links to the first chapter in all the full length novels as well as several short stories to help fill in the gaps between novels or give historical insight. Plus, some of Gin's favorite recipes are available on the site as well.
This story about a month after the events in book 7, Widow's Web. Finnegan Lane, Gin's foster brother, has convinced Gin to go to the opening of the art exhibit of Mab Monroe's treasures. The gala had been planned since before Mab's death and now the reading of her Last Will and Testament will happen at the gala. Everybody is going to be there. Finnegan is busy harassing Gin into getting a new dress for the, as Gin puts it, "shindig". Things get off to a rocking good start when the store Gin and Finnegan are at is held up. Gin foils the robbery attempt and gives her sister, Detective Bria Coolidge a call. Gin finds out that robberies are happening all too frequently lately, especially as all the giants, who are the guards of choice, have all suddenly quit their jobs.
The night of the gala, Gin comes face to face with Owen for the first time in a month. Turning around, there he is, just as startled to see her as she is to see him. For Owen is at the gala with another woman. One who has the same color hair and similar style as Gin, is the same height as Gin and is wearing the Exact Same Dress as Gin. So much for Gin's original, one of a kind dress. Finn is furious... about the dress. (You have to know Finn to understand.)
Little does Gin know that the gala is going to be robbed. And the bad guys don't want The Spider to interfere, so they decide to do a little exterminating. Unfortunately for Owen's date, the woman wearing Gin's dress, Owen wasn't the only one who had a case of mistaken identity. And with a missing face and only a dress and overall appearance to go by, everyone assumes that The Spider has finally been killed. And this is the point when the action cranks up into overdrive.
I love this series. Just love it. This is one of the very special few authors that I allow a permanent residence on my bookshelf. Each new book has been better than the last. The supporting characters are all so vivid and original, there is no confusion on who is who, each voice is unique and distinct. Gin is a tough as nails, balls to the wall, unrepentant kick your ass female. One of the things that I like best about her is that when she makes a decision, she doesn't waffle or whine or second guess herself. She commits and follows through. She is confident in her abilities and the abilities of her friends and family. The action is fast paced, yet believable. This is a series where good guys get hurt, bad guys sometimes win and a happy ending is not guaranteed. It is gritty and raw and real. Well, real for the world that Gin lives in. I am just glad that Ms. Estep lets us visit. 5 stars on Goodreads.
housedavo
Posted April 20, 2013
loved this book, liked the bad guy can't wait for next one
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted April 14, 2013
I hadn't read any of the prior books & someday I might as this was an interesting read. I did enjoy it
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Well Estep really doesn’t waste much time. She instantly throws her heroine, Gin aka The Spider, back into the fray. I mean seriously, what could go wrong with Gin attending the opening night of the late Mab Monroe’s (who of course she killed) art collection and for the reading of her will. Or what could go wrong just in shopping for the perfect dress for the gala. In Gin’s world, nothing is ever easy. Every crime boss in Ashland is gunning for Gin and most of them know her true identity. When Finn and her walk into the museum (on an island), Gin notices right away that something is off. As always, her instincts are right. The giants have formed together and they plan to rob the entire museum but first they have to take out the Spider before she can spoil their plans.
Estep opens up old wounds when she introduces Own back into the mix. He also attends the gala with and “old” female friend who just so happens is wearing the exact same dress as Gin. There are many unresolved issues between Own and Gin. Their friends want them to work it out but it is kind of hard when the person you love (Gin) kills your ex. Estep does not let her readers have a second to think that everything is going to turn out perfectly. This wouldn’t be Gin’s world if it did. There are many bumps in the road but hopefully one day Gin will have the peace and happiness she deserves…it just isn’t going to happen anytime soon.
A great part of this book is the flash backs to when Gin made her first kill with Fletcher, her adoptive father. It brought insight into the makings of the Spider and that from a very young age she was taught that sometimes you have to hurt and use the people you love to kill the bad people.
Gritty, bloody, heartbreaking and at times quite humorous makes this series one of the best I have read and will continue to read. Jennifer Estep has created a series that the outcome is never what you think it will be and each new book injects a new twist or turn to keep the plot moving. She isn’t scared of hurting her characters to the point that us as readers have no idea if they will survive or not. The ending is bittersweet but I liked how Gin handled her revenge on a certain someone. Estep also leaves it wide open on who the next big baddie will be.
(DRC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review)
toi41
Posted March 31, 2013
I absolutely loved this book!!!! Gin keeps major butt and does it with humor and finesse and all the while the action is non-stop!! And a scene in the book makes you want to say did your really think it would be that easy!! And watching her deal with Owen and the wonderful chemistry of that is rocking and How Finn is Dealing with is flirty nature and progressing romance with Bria. I love how Gin is strong but loves her family and friends and nothing and no one is going to hurt them and get away with it!!! This book is a excellent read get it and go!!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.4.5 Stars
~Reviewed by ANN & posted at Under the Covers Book Blog
This book is brimming is suspense and fast-paced action. The pacing and plotting is absolute perfection! There’s never a dull moment in DEADLY STING! ~ Under the Covers
DEADLY STING is book eight in the Elemental Assassin series and this time, Gin’s latest journey has a fresh, new take. All the events that happen in the book occur in one night, so that means this book is brimming is suspense and fast-paced action. The pacing and plotting is absolute perfection! There’s never a dull moment in DEADLY STING!
I was very impressed with the way Estep handled this book. After the events of the last book, she sets up a story arc that will have readers pining for the next one. As I was reading this, I discovered that I must have a sadistic side because I actually liked seeing this side of Gin. Assassins can have their heartbroken too and reading about Gin’s heartbreak made me relate to her on a more deeper level. Oftentimes, I see Gin as untouchable. Any threat can be and has been eliminated thus far, but this is the one time we really see something affect her and hurt her. I think Estep has created a way for readers to sympathize with Gin and she does it in a way that further progresses the plot as well.
As I mentioned, this book doesn’t ever stop with its action. Since everything occurs in one night, readers will feel as if they are submerged in the action. In some cases, Gin is looking from the outside in, and readers get her narrative from an outsider’s perspective. It was a nice change and it displays Gin’s abilities very well.
Of course, I have to mention Owen. Readers will be flipping the pages trying to get a glimpse of him. There’s a good chunk of him in this book but I’m not sure how readers will take it. I personally like where this series is going. It makes it interesting and I’m sure Estep has some more tricks up her sleeve for us. I cannot wait to see what she has planned for us next! DEADLY STING is definitely one of my favorites of the series so far.
*ARC provided by Edelweiss
CherylM-M
Posted March 26, 2013
I have to be honest I kind of miss big bad Mab. Things were so much more fun when Gin was always trying to find a way to slay that nasty piece of work. Gin needs another arch enemy asap.
Now you may wonder why I think that, well that's because I think there were far too many giants in this story. In fact the author seems to have forgotten that there are actally other supernatural beings or elementals who could serve as villains. It made this all a bit one-dimensional. It was just all a bit easy for Gin.
True it might have been because the whole scenario takes place in the space of one night, which I must admit is quite an interesting concept. Gin does her version of Bruce Willis in Die Hard.
Owen deserves a slap round the face with a wet kipper as far as I am concerned. Talk about being a drama diva. He needs to wake up and smell the roses before Gin moves on to greener pastures. In fact I think the author should introduce a new hot-blooded male, preferably dark and dangerous, to get her pulse racing and to make Owen reconsider his actions. Gin needs someone who will accept her regardless of the fact she might have to kill the odd ex-girlfriend of her boyfriend's. I mean that could happen to anyone right?
This did feel like an interim book. Sort of an in between morsel till the next. After the book with the epic showdown with Mab and Owen acting like a complete plonker, any book after that was going to have trouble living up to the hype. Not as strong as the previous ones perhaps, but one that fans will lap up anyway. I think Estep is keeping all her eggs in a basket for the next one in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Edelweiss.
3.5 stars – Predictably, Gin kicks butt.
Nothing ever comes easy for Gin Blanco, aka the Spider. From purchasing a formal gown to attending a gala event, peril finds this restaurant owner and ‘retired’ assassin. As we’ve seen throughout the Elemental Assassin series Gin is very skilled with silverstone knives, and since she is the protagonist we, know she’ll rise to the occasion. So, what keeps us reading? Gin’s personal growth, emerging abilities, love life (Owen!), family dynamics, and special brand of justice bring us back for more. Deadly Sting gives us all of those elements, just without as much action and tension as we’re used to, but of course I shouldn’t speak for everyone.
What I Wanted to See
Easy answer: Owen
He’s definitely present.
What I Saw: A Checklist
¿ Personal Growth
+ Emerging Abilities
+ Owen
+ Family Dynamics
+ Justice
Mayhap I missed the personal growth. There were times I wanted to shake Gin and tell her to stop moping. Owen, Owen, OWEN! How high I placed you on a pedestal! I still don’t understand him. It’s frustrating.
Bria and Finn provide excellent back-up. They support Gin through the heartache and assist with the killing. I had downright disliked Bria in By a Thread. Gin’s sister has come a long way and I love her character. Finn and Bria make a terrific match! Jo-Jo and Sophia’s presence is minimal. Xavier and Rosalyn presence is stronger than the Deveraux sisters. There’s a certain point in the book where I wanted a peek into Jo-Jo head. What does this gifted air elemental foresee? Why let Gin struggle? Hmm.
Then there’s the killing! No one one’s how to slash throats, tendons, and stomachs open like Gin! The Spider is not a vicious killer. She’s cool, calculated, efficient. My favorite thing about this series is Jennifer Estep’s characterization of Gin. To me, Gin is what a heroine/assassin should be.
Deadly Sting has action, but not as much as I’ve come to expect. Most of the time Gin seemed stuck in her own head - dwelling on Owen and feeling guilty about envying happy couples – giving the story a sluggish quality. Knowing Gin’s gift for overcoming apparently insurmountable obstacles diminished the amount of tension to the story’s only major conflict. There is closure to one ongoing thread; it’s a fitting end.
*Final Thoughts*
I enjoyed Gin’s latest exploit. There’s someone new (I think) coming to Ashland. Whoever it is, he or she is sure to stir things up! I look forward to the next Elemental Assassin book, Heart of Venom.
Digital RC courtesy of Pocket Books via Edelweiss
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Posted April 16, 2013
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Overview
Red is definitely my color. Good thing, because in my line of work, I end up wearing it a lot.
Most people shy away from blood, but for an assassin like me— Gin Blanco, aka the Spider—it’s just part of the job. Still, it would be nice to get a night off, especially when I’m attending the biggest gala event of the summer at Briartop, Ashland’s fanciest art museum. But it’s just not meant to be. For this exhibition of my late nemesis’s priceless possessions is not only the place ...