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)

Very enjoyable

This book could have been easily been just as good without the vampires and other silly stuff such as super natural powers of the heroin and others, but it did not detract anything from the story line. I would gladly listen to a part two of this book if the author ever considered writing a sequel.

Unexpectedly Sexy

This was a solid urban fantasy, and a good start to a series. Some of the sexiness was a little surprising, but not unwelcome. I love how flawed Gin is, and how messed up her relationship with Caine is. The characters a weird a quirky without being too cliched.

I only had a couple of small complaints. The author constantly refers to Donovan Caine as Donovan Caine. Never Caine or Donovan. Always Donovan Caine. Also, the constant reminder of Gin's eye color. The number of times the phrase "my gray eyes" appears is more than a little ridiculous. I understand that eye color was a theme in this book, but a character in a fantasy book having oddly colored eyes is cliche enough without being constantly reminded of it.

The narrator was an interesting choice. The story is told in first person and the main character is supposed to be 30, but Fortgang's voice is incredibly immature sounding. She was affecting a southern accent (pretty well, in fact) but her pronunciations on a few words, especially words that ended on a hard 'G' were a little off putting. That said, once you get used to her voice, the book is a pleasant ride and I enjoyed the hell out of it. Definitely a series I will be continuing.

I loved this book so much

It took me 5 tries to get into it, but once I did, I was hooked, now I am inhailing the second book!! The narrator is wonderful!! It was so good, I wish I could eat it!! If you devour books like I do, you understand that feeling!!! Happy listening!

Totally Addictive

This story is fantastic, completely addictive. I loved every minute. I can't wait to get the rest of the series.

Totally Captivating

This story started out a little slow for me at first and I didn't think I'd enjoy it but boy was I wrong. Soon I was totally captivated by the story and couldn't stop listening. Lauren Fortgang did a most excellent narrative. I am eagerly looking forward to the next installment in this series. Gin is now my new kick-ass girl. Great job Ms Estep. I totally enjoyed this first book in the series..

Glad I gave this one a try

Great story. Gin's character is ruthless when it comes to getting the job done, but she is still a likable character. Has a nice combination of story, romance and comedy. Definitely recommending this novel.

Basic

This is a time worn story premise with characters of the sort of Elementals, Vampires, etc. This is not my Genre, but even so this was common and weak. I enjoy this narrator, completed the book mainly because of her. I bought this on sale 2 for 1 but I can't imagine I will listen to the next one.

Southern Stereotypes

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

The elemental magic described in the books was unique and developed well throughout the story - although it was difficult to believe anyone would go to the trouble of producing ice cubes out of thin air when she works at a restaurant that probably has an ice machine!! All of the characters played to rather atrocious Southern stereotypes and only barely moved beyond that by the end of the book. The main character, Gin, has an endearing quirk of counting time in her head.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Lauren Fortgang?

The story line was good enough that I would listen to another book in this series. I hope the characters move beyond their stereotypical roles and get fleshed out as real people.

Any additional comments?

Be aware that the sex if fairly explicit. Also, I found it odd that the author creates this world that is rife with decadence and yet all her characters are essentially militantly heterosexual.

Can take it or leave it.

The first book is actually ok. I have a hard time telling people this awful. For one thing it wasn't and everyone has different tastes. I have a problem with the way Gin ( the main character) whines through half of the books about a guy. A guy that she wasn't in a real relationship with just sex. The story line is interesting and the characters help carry the story along.

5 "Tough as Stone Assassin" Stars!

Any additional comments?

5 "Tough as Stone Assassin" Stars for the story and narration!

I'm in trouble. As predicted the Elemental Assassins Series is sure to drag me down another rabbit hole of unquenchable desire to listen to a series from beginning to end. Given there are 15 books in this series (not counting a score of novellas) that is one big UF hole I'm about to fall into!

Still I'm up for the challenge to get to know Gin Blanco. I love strong heroines and the assassin that goes by the moniker, the "Spider," and controls the elements of stone and ice, appears to be one of the strongest I've ever encountered. I love her tough as nails, call it like it is, approach. She doesn't suffer any fools and feels no trepidation to take what she wants. Moreover, Ms. Estep is weaving together one intricate cast of secondary characters that are sure to lead to loads of entertainment and suspense to come.

As if the story is not enough, the narration by Lauren Fortgang is also top-notch making this a no brainer series to enjoy in audiobook format. Ms. Fortgang has a real authentic Southern sound which is perfect for this Ashland, Tennessee based UF series. I also love how she is able to infuse Gin's character with an extra brand of spunk that makes her one of kind, top notch assassin career credible. Moreover, she manages to create authentic sounding male character voices too allowing the listener to sit back and enjoy this magical, fast-paced, urban fantasy series.

The one area I'm not sure where it's going is the love angle. The good versus evil theme has been done before, but the good detective seems to have one big hang-up on accepting Gin's "evil" ways. Perhaps Gin's love match will end up being someone else? I can't wait to find out!

Source: Audible purchased copy.