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)

Engrossing

When i first listened to this book i immediately loved it. The narration was excellent and the writing left me wanting more. I could not get enough of the series.

generic story but good

the overall story was good the performance was bad you can hear the lady smacking her lips when she read

the right mix

this book is the right mix of sex mistory and death the reader dos a fabulous job to

Awesome - eager to get book 2

Quality story, insightful character development. plenty of suspense but not too much. an ending that was logical and satisfying.

love this story telling style - it brings all the colorful characters to life. one feels as if we got to meet and even know them.

the,reader's performance scores an 11 on the scale of 1 to 10. Enjoyed the way she did the voices of the other characters but the way she did the main character was perfect.

my only criticism is that it was hard to put it down and get to sleep!

a triumph by all concerned.

A fascinating, almost dystopic setting.

What did you love best about Spider's Bite?

The setting, elemental powers and characterisation of the protagonist is well thought out. There are enough aspects of the known world integrated with the world in which this story takes place. Descriptions are vivid and the protagonist is a complex one that draws the listener in.

What did you like best about this story?

The protagonist's kickass, amoral personality backed up with a personal honour code and very realistic inner conflict between emotions and intellect.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Lauren Fortgang?

As she narrates the whole series, yes. Unfortunately the narration becomes boring as the tone rarely fluctuates enough. The depth of the main character and conflict she experiences lacks nuance in the narration.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Poison in the veins are often realised too late...

Any additional comments?

I really love the series and I'm definitely going to complete it.

awesome!!

an exciting book. well written and terrifically performed. two thumbs up. I'm hooked into the series j

More than expected

Given some of the reviews, I didn't know if I would like the book. Glad I gave it a shot. On the the next in the series!!

Written at maybe a 7th grade level.

What did you like best about Spider's Bite? What did you like least?

The narrator did a good job with the female voices, not so great with the males. The absolute worse part is the heroine chasing a man who is disgusted by everything about her! Really, get a clue. The "SPIDER" , who considers herself the best assassin ever, should have a lot more self respect. The second worse part is how often she brings up her family and repeats the same details EVERY time. By the fifth time its mentioned, with the same details, you really don't have any more sympathy for her.

What could Jennifer Estep have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

To not write like all her readers need their hands held every step of the way.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

The narrator has a fair voice for the female characters. It is a soprano and so does not translate to the male voices so well.

Did Spider's Bite inspire you to do anything?

No

Book 1

Adventurous, daring, murderous, risky, and entertaining! Enjoyed the story. Good character development, storyline, and plot.

A book to die for!

Its hard to find a book where you cheer on the bad guy, especially if she is also the heroine. Gin Blanco and her thirst for revenge was beautifully written and directed by the story. It definitely met expectations and I recommend it to anyone. It's thrilling, sexy, action filled, and emotionally captivating. Gin and Spider's Bite, the elemental assasin series overall, is one to die for.