Spider's Bite

Elemental Assassin, Book 1

By: Jennifer Estep

Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang

Length: 11 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

They call me the Spider. I'm the most feared assassin in the South -- when I'm not busy at the Pork Pit cooking up the best barbecue in Ashland. As a Stone elemental, I can hear everything from the whispers of the gravel beneath my feet to the vibrations of the soaring Appalachian Mountains above me. My Ice magic also comes in handy for making the occasional knife. But I don't use my powers on the job unless I absolutely have to. Call it professional pride.

Now that a ruthless Air elemental has double-crossed me and killed my handler, I'm out for revenge. And I'll exterminate anyone who gets in my way -- good or bad. I may look hot, but I'm still one of the bad guys. Which is why I'm in trouble, since irresistibly rugged Detective Donovan Caine has agreed to help me. The last thing this coldhearted killer needs when I'm battling a magic more powerful than my own is a sexy distraction... especially when Donovan wants me dead just as much as the enemy.

©2010 Jennifer Estep (P)2010 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Fortgang’s captivating drawl sketches Finn’s flirty, genteel arrogance and Caine’s horrified disapproval of her. Fortgang portrays Gin’s well-hidden emotions as well as her habitual analysis of combat probabilities. The capable narration ensures that Gin comes across as an intriguing mix of battle-weary assassin, sorceress, and affectionate homebody. Fortgang also delivers the book’s wry humor with subtle elegance." ( AudioFile)

Great Listen

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

At some points things get a little repitive. Also sometimes that is a little too much unnecessary background information, however the story line is great and Lauren Fortgang does an excellent job with the narration. I will definitely listen to this series.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Gin, I like her take charge and get it done nature.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Fletcher was killed, very sad to hear Gin recount what she believes happened.

Great Series!

Any additional comments?

This book was totally unexpected but addictive. I ended up starting and finishing it within a day. I prefer waiting to begin a series once it is already established so that I can "binge" it. I can say that this one was so awesome that I ended up purchasing all of the books and reading them all within a 2-3 week window. Both the author and the narrator did an awesome job.

All the round well done

This author knows her stuff! Well thought out and sexy. And the knifes and use of magic, really fun. Thank you audible.

hmmm, questionable .

I'm questioning that the spider has the skills to go toe 2 toe with another assassin and yet was bested by an unskilled opponent in hand 2 hand even if said opponent had extra strength aided by her air power. it's a disconnect that takes away from immersing urself in the story bcause u pause & say, WTF? Fletcher would have taught her how to take down a stronger foe.

A good series lead off.

I don't have many stories written from a lady's perspective so this story was all new teritory for me. The alternate reality is just close enough to ours that it lends a neat plausibility to it.

Finally a smart competent assassin

What did you love best about Spider's Bite?

Gin has confidence and is not in constant shame of herself.

What other book might you compare Spider's Bite to and why?

Most books like this have a self loathing star. this one is blissfully okay with the work so whining about herself is absent.

Have you listened to any of Lauren Fortgang???s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Both in short bursts that are well timed

Any additional comments?

the first of a series and sets it up well

LOVE THE NARRATOR

I have only listened to about a quarter of the book but had to write a review -- LOVE LOVE LOVE the narrator. The book pulls you in from the start - and I can not wait to finish it and get the next 2 books in the series!

Intense

Loved this series, got all four audio books at once and was done in 3 days, I just couldn't stop listening. Lauren Fortgang was a wonderful narrater, I loved her voice, make the book easy to listen too.
Good storyline, lots of visual words, which some don't like, but I do, it adds to the story for me..
Hoping for book 5 sooooooon...

I'm now officially hooked on Gin.

After listening to the first book in this series, I'm now hooked! Gin is an intriguing character- with so much to offer readers. I can't wait to listen to the other books in this series. The narrator is also fantastic with her southern accent!

First couple chapters held my attention

But then it fizzled from there. Could not keep my attention after that. I found my mind roaming and having to rewind to listen again. After a few times of doing this I found it wasn't worth my time. Narrator was good just not my type of book.