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)

First rate first novel in a series

This book is a joy - the narrator is skillful and her characterisations believable, her voice and intonation suit the main character, and draw you quickly into the story. The story is fast moving and action packed - I almost found myself sitting in the car just to find out what was going to happen next! The paranormal aspects of the story were believable and almost normal - nothing was over the top. I cant wait to listen to the next books in the series!

Verdict is still out.

Although I enjoyed this book somewhat, it was a slow going because of the narrator. She did an okay job with the reading but I can’t help thinking the story would have been better with a different narrator. I have listened to other stuff that Lauren Fortgang has narrated and thought she did an okay job.

Not at all, what I thought this book would be like. The characters don’t seem to have much depth to them, although she eludes to tragic events happening in the past to Gin that has created the cold, brutal B**** that she is, I don’t feel connected with the any of the characters. I agree with another review how annoying it is when she talks about her grey eyes all the time. I will give the next book a shot and see where it goes.

What a bite

Very fast pace filled with action and its a nail biter. I couldn't stop listening . Can't wait to read #2 in series

Fun book!

What did you love best about Spider's Bite?

Strong woman, great friends, witty humor, and fast moving plot. She's the perfect assassin. Sit back and enjoy the fantasy! Narrator is perfect.

THIS SERIES ROCKS

THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST WRITTEN SERIES I HAVE EVER READ. ADDICTING! ACTION, HUMOR, ROMANCE ALL WRAPPED UP WITH INTERESTING CHARACTERS AND A GRIPPING STORY LINE. LOVED IT

Fun listen! Thanks Jennifer.

This kind of book is a bit like eating chocolate. It's probably not great for the brain, but it is just an indulgent goody of a book. A hot gal, tough as nails, but damaged in many ways, goes out and kicks butt on bad guys. What isn't to like about that!!?

Wow, loving spider(s)

I enjoyed this book from beginning to end, I was immediately hooked from the first hit. It was well read by the narrated by Lauren Fortgang. I don't usually like the voices of many women but her voice seemed to be the right fit. Excellent read.

Solid writing, good reader.

The genre was a bit different for me, I usually read traditional fantasy and don't do mystery/cop stories, but this book held my attention. I enjoyed the story and grew to like the tough, smart heroine/protagonist. The sex was more than I would prefer in this kind of story but it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story.

Good Book

Would you listen to Spider's Bite again? Why?

Yes. I bought the book because it was on sale. Once I got into it, I couldn't put it down. For this reason I usually use whisoersync and purchase the Kindle copy also, so I don't have to put it down.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Spider's Bite?

Assination in the Pork Pit.

Which scene was your favorite?

Quarry scene.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Very Much so.

LOVED THIS ENTIRE SERIES!!

Any additional comments?

When I saw the 'Review' chosen to sit beneath this title when checking out the '1st of a series' list, I had to offer, at least, an abreviated comment myself. Estep and Fortgang are a powerful and completely entertaining duo... By far, one of my favorite series (I read/listen to MANY series). The characters are well developed and interesting, as well as, complex and not so 'boringly perfect'. Estep keeps the story rolling, book after book, and I always look for her latest addition to this series when browsing for something new to read/listen. I can't get tired of Fortgang's voice. The accent she's addapted for this character is perfect. Like I said, one of my favs... 5 stars, ladies!! ;)PJ Acker