Deadly Sting (Elemental Assassin) Mass Market Paperback – March 26, 2013

Deadly Sting takes place about a month after the events in Widow's Web. Gin is still dealing with the after effects of killing Salina. Finn decides it would be a good idea for Gin to get out. Mab Monroe's jewelry is to be on display at Briartop, a museum in Ashland, and Finn believes it will be the perfect time for Gin to get out and dressed up. Of course nothing in Ashland can go smoothly. There are always people out to prove a point or make a buck and when the entire museum is on lockdown being held hostage by a giant, Gin knows what has to be done.I liked the different approach to this book than the others. Deadly Sting primarily takes place over a single evening. I found that this made me read the book extremely fast. It was also a way to showcase how Gin can think on her feet. Obviously she didn't plan for the museum to be taken over, but, I guess, in her way she is always prepared for any situation and it was cool to see how she thought on her feet. In previous books, she talks about her patience and her ability to wait and sit quiet until the perfect moment to take out her target. Here, it's a little different because obviously not knowing this was going to happen, there was no planning involved beforehand. It just shows how intelligent Gin really is and kind of gives credence to the people who find Gin a threat, because she is definitely a threat to anyone who puts her or those she cares about or the innocent in harms way.Of course the main thing a lot of people are going to read this book for is the ultimate Gin and Owen moment. You know it's going to be there. They haven't spoken or seen each other in over a month since Salina's death, but as fate would have it (or as Finn would have it) they are both at the gala. They finally talk, sort of. Upon reading this book, I think it becomes apparent that what they are going through is bigger than what they thought. It goes beyond Gin killing Salina and Owen clearly is going to need more time. But by the end they do make some leeway and I'm hopeful things will work out. But also upon reading the book, I understand that I don't want Gin to be with someone else who can't take her for all that she is and accept everything she does (cough Donovan cough). Ultimately I would like Gin to find romantic happiness. She has happiness with her friends and family and she deserves love too, even if she thinks she doesn't.I've read a couple reviews that spoke about Gin being too closed off when it comes to expressing her emotions. I can see that. I also see, however, her family and friends not falling for the tough routine. I don't think it's hard to believe that everyone knows Gin is heartbroken and not 100 %herself. It shows that they care when they ask how she's doing even though they know she may keep it all in. This is a time when I wish we got other people's POVs because I would like to see how everyone is interacting with Owen when Gin's not around.Jennifer Estep adds a couple little twists that I'm excited to see play out in the next book(s). I really enjoyed this book. I wasn't sure if I would because usually when characters I like go through great upheval in their lives they become maudlin in the next book. I should have known Gin doesn't do maudlin. I can't wait until Heart of Venom is out later this year.

-SPOILER ALERT!-I'm a huge fan of this series. I couldn't wait to get my hands on book 8. The plot was interesting, well thought-out and executed. This one's full of action and suspense. Gin is still tough as ever, if not more. I absolutely love her character. She's the perfect heroine as she's not only strong and amazing as an assassin, she's like every other girl out there - vulnerable; full of insecurities; the feeling of wanting to be like others; struggling with her past and present; accepting that she's not alone, that she's part of a large family full of support, love and care; and wondering if there's a HEA in her future.As much as I liked it, I was also a little disappointed. I guess I was expecting so much more instead of feeling a little empty (hope this makes sense). Although the author rectified an irritating aspect of her novel, it seems she has reverted back to it again. I'm talking about all the repetition.We know Finn is her "foster brother." STOP, I repeat, STOP referring to him as her "foster brother" every single time his name comes up. For the love of God! We know who he is. You've told us on so many occasions, and considering we're on book 8 you don't have to keep saying that. Just say "Finn" and get it over with. By the way, even though we all know he's her "foster brother" (cue eye-roll), what harm would it be to just say he's her "brother" considering how close they are? I personally want to scream every time I come across those words - "foster brother." Same goes for Bria. Stop calling her "baby sister."We get that Gin does what she does for her friends and family she loves, especially Bria. So stop telling us this over and over again. I thought there to be way too much narrative and not enough dialogue. Everything is always overly descriptive when telling what Gin is doing every step of the way. I wish that there was more of a presence of all the secondary (and important) characters as this one was mostly dedicated to Gin and no one else.Now we come to Owen. What can I say except he's an ass! You heard me. In the end, he turned out to be like Donovan Tate. To that I say - WTF?! Owen does not deserve Gin. If you ask me, he's acting like a pussy. Seriously Owen, s*** or get off the pot. If Salina was going to kill Eva, what then? Look at where you live; all the crime that goes on day-in and day-out - face reality. I once thought he was the best thing for Gin, but not anymore. To Jennifer Estep, Gin deserves a real man (a gorgeous, sexy Adonis of a man); someone new; someone who will truly love her for who she is and what she does no matter what. Owen had his chance and he blew it - several times. Gin shouldn't have to wait for him to make up his mind, no woman should.In the end, I still like the story despite what I've written above. As to book 9, "Heart of Venom," I hope it brings us a new and exciting plot with lots of action and suspense, and someone amazing for Gin to fall in love with who will be with her right to the end. Cross your fingers.

well defined characters developing across a long time line plenty of action twisty plot line sometimes gruesome details strong fantasy element

I love this elemental series. But be warned once you start a book it is almost impossible to put down! The suspence and the emotions you feel as you read along Jennifer Estep is a wonderfully talented story teller. I can't wait to read the rest of the series!

Start at the beginning - read all the books. Love the series so much.

Great series.

Gin is having a night off, she's come to a fancy do at the local museum, showcasing her old nemesis mab's treasures all her closest friends and family are out with her, anybody who is anybody is there, it's the hottest ticket in town. She should be on top of the world, but due to the problems in her personal life she's feeling a bit down, added to which assasin's are still trying to collect the million dollar bounty on her head, so it's good to be able to relax among friends. But nothing is ever that simple for Gin, after paying a visit to the ladies room she comes out to find the power down all the doors and windows locked and all the guests (including her friends and family) being held hostage in the main showroom by a gang who state their intention to steal all the treasure from the museum they promise the hostages will be safe if they just co-operate, but as Gin knows they have already killed that promise does not give her much hope, good job she never goes anywhere without her knives. Time for the killing to start. As always with this series this book is well potted and written with great character development and suspense, i read it in one sitting.

Also erst muss ich was loswerden: ich bin ein großer Fan von Buchserien. Jedesmal, wenn ich über eine neue Reihe "stolpere", ärgere ich mich aber über eines: warum kann ich nirgendwo die Reihenfolge nachschauen?! Es gibt doch auf Amazon inzwischen zu vielen Autoren bereits eigene Seiten, in denen alle Bücher aufgeführt sind, eingeteilt nach Sprachen und Formaten. Aber leider nirgendwo ein Hinweis auf die Lesereihenfolge der Bücher, nicht mal ne Nummerierung im Titel. Das fehlt sowas von!!!Deshalb hier mal die Reihenfolge der Elemental-Assassin-Reihe über Gin Blanco, die Auftragsmöderin (im Ruhestand):1. Spider’s Bite2. Web of Lies3. Venom4. Tangled Threads5. Spider’s Revenge6. By a Thread7. Widow’s Web8. Deadly StingJetzt aber zum neuesten Buch "Deadly Sting":Gin Blanco, ihres Zeichens ehemalige Auftragsmörderin "The Spider" und leidenschaftliche Köchin mit eigenem Barbecue-Restaurant, kommt nicht zur Ruhe. Die Funkstille zwischen ihr und ihrem Lover Owen (warum, lest Ihr am besten in Teil 7 "Widow's Web") macht ihr schwer zu schaffen. Außerdem ist der Wildwuchs an Kriminalität in Ashland stetig gestiegen, seit Gin Ashlands Verbrecherkönigin Mab Monroe zur Strecke gebracht hat und ihre Identität als "The Spider" publik geworden ist, weshalb sie das Prestige-Ziel vieler Möchtegern-Mörder ist.Finn, ihr Pflegebruder, Sohn ihres verstorbenen Mentors, Ausbilders und Pflegevaters Fletcher, narzisstischer Modegeck und überaus erfolgreicher Finanzmakler, drängt sie zur Teilnahme am anstehenden großen Partyereignis im Briartop-Museum, um sie aus ihrem Stimmungstief zu holen. Zunächst muss aber ein Kleid her und Finn schleppt die widerwillige Gin zum Einkaufen in eine teure Boutique. Die natürlich prompt überfallen wird - und mal wieder muss Gin das Problem lösen, was gewohnt blutig endet. Diese Begebenheit bildet den Prolog zur Geschichte, deren Hauptereignisse sich an dem Party-Abend im Museum abspielen.Gin begegnet dort Owen in Begleitung einer Frau, die ihr erstaunlich ähnlich sieht. Vor allem, weil sie genau dasselbe Kleid trägt! Was ein peinlicher Zufall ist, rettet Gin das Leben und kostet Owens Begleiterin das ihre. Denn das Museum wird von einer ganzen Horde Riesen überfallen und ausgeraubt. Doch warum haben sie so gezielt (die falsche) Gin erschossen und sonst niemanden? Und was sollen die Bomben unter den LKWs, in die die Kunstschätze verladen werden? Und welches Interesse hat die Anführerin der Räuberbande ausgerechnet an Mab Monroes Testament, das im Tresorraum des Museums aufbewahrt wird? Hier steckt wesentlich mehr dahinter und Gin ist entschlossen herauszufinden, was wirklich vorgeht und wer die Fäden im Hintergrund zieht...natürlich wie immer unter vollem Einsatz von Leib, Leben und ihren speziellen Kräften als Bändigerin von Stein- und Eismagie, wobei Owen ihr tatkräftig zur Seite steht.Aber: werden die beiden wieder als Liebende zueinander finden?Jennifer Estep schafft es auch ohne viel Erotik, die Liebesgeschichte zwischen Gin und Owen mit emotionaler Tiefe zu versehen, den Zweifel, die Anziehung, die Hoffnung, das Trennende, das Verbindende. Was zwischen ihnen steht, ist Gins Überzeugung, dass sie alles Nötige getan hat und wieder tun würde, um Schaden von ihren Lieben abzuhalten. Selbst wenn das bedeutet, töten zu müssen. Selbst wenn das bedeutet, dass sich ihr Liebster von ihr abwendet. Für sie gilt: lieber leben sie und hassen mich, als dass ich ihren Tod zulasse. Und danach handelt sie. Erst, wenn Owen das verdaut und akzeptiert hat, kann es eine gemeinsame Zukunft geben. Und er tut sich wahrhaftig ziemlich schwer, damit und mit sich ins Reine zu kommen. Worunter beide leiden.Eine spannende und stimmige Fortführung der Geschichte um Gin Blanco. Obwohl sie eine knallharte Kämpferin ist, die kompromisslos und eiskalt bis zum äußersten geht, kommt sie einem nicht wie eine seelenlose Mörderin vor. Eher sieht man in Gin die Familienbeschützerin, die alle Mittel nutzt, die ihr zu Gebote stehen und dabei nicht zimperlich ist. Dass sie dabei ihre Menschlichkeit und ein gutes Herz bewahrt, macht sie uns erst recht sympathisch.Man sollte unbedingt der Reihenfolge nach lesen, weil die Geschichten ineinander übergehen und die Ereignisse sich aus den vorhergehenden weiterentwickeln. Auch die Nebenfiguren, die Gins Familie und Freundeskreis bilden, haben alle ihre Geschichte, die einen interessanten Rahmen für Gins Erlebnisse schaffen. Auf jeden Fall ein Lesevergnügen für alle, die toughe, unabhängige Frauenfiguren mögen, vor blutigen Kämpfen nicht zurückschrecken und trotzdem eine romantische Ader und einen Hang zu Fantasy haben.Ich freue mich schon auf den nächsten Teil!

I liked this book a lot better then the last one. Not so much of "my lover" this and "my lover" that. Dear god the man has a name. So yea....I don't mind a bit of romance. And I always liked this series because that's what it has...a bit. Or maybe I just breeze through the romancey bits without really paying attention. Either way I like the character of Gin. She's tough. She's smart. And she's surrounded by an awesome cast of characters. Keep the "my lover" parts away like in this book and the next book I might rate a five. (Not that my rating a book really has any merit) lol