Widow's Web

Elemental Assassin, Book 7

By: Jennifer Estep

Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang

Length: 10 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

I used to murder people for money, but lately it’s become more of a survival technique. Once an assassin, always an assassin. So much for being plain old Gin Blanco. With every lowlife in Ashland gunning for me, I don’t need another problem, but a new one has come to town anyway. Salina might seem like a sweet Southern belle, but she’s really a dangerous enemy whose water elemental magic can go head-to-head with my own Ice and Stone power. Salina also has an intimate history with my lover, Owen Grayson, and now that she’s back, she thinks he’s hers for the taking. Salina’s playing a mysterious game that involves a shady local casino owner with a surprising connection to Owen. But they call me the Spider for a reason. I’m going to untangle her deadly scheme, even if it leaves my love affair hanging by a thread.

©2012 Jennifer Estep (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Lost in the story

Would you consider the audio edition of Widow's Web to be better than the print version?

I enjoy reading wiether it is in the written word or spoken, I find that with an audio book I can listen and workout, do house work, crafts, driving or just relax. Either way a book should capture your imagination and transport you into the fantasy world. As for the audiobook better than the printed.... An audiobook is more convienent.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Widow's Web?

There isn't any memorable moments... the whole book was on the edge of your seat good

What about Lauren Fortgang’s performance did you like?

her voices and accents were awsome, each individual charcter was distiguishable. I've listened to some audiobooks where the narator was not as good, and although the story was good, the performance made the book less memorable. Where as Lauren, her performance added that extra punch to the story.

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

YES YES YES

Anxiously awaiting Book 8

Would you consider the audio edition of Widow's Web to be better than the print version?

Cannot comment as I didn't read the print version.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Widow's Web?

When Gin showed up after escaping and almost dying.

Which scene was your favorite?

When the sisters bonded.

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

Yes

Any additional comments?

I'm hooked on this series!

Be prepared to be put through the emotional ringer

Jennifer Estep definitely has a knack for creating characters; from her phenomenal heroine, to her lovable sidekicks, to her downright devious villains, I can’t help but be impressed every time I step into her world. That and I simply can not put her books down! Widow’s Web was no different except for the fact that I was mildly scared to turn the pages; not because I was worried that I wouldn’t enjoy the story but because I feared for Gin and Owen’s relationship. That’s how involved I am in this series. Their struggles actually take an emotional toll on me. If that’s not the definition of a great author then I don’t know what is!

I find myself oddly fascinated by Estep’s antagonists; even if some of them are only present for one book, the amount of detail and thought that goes into them is simply remarkable. On the surface, Salina Dubois appears to be merely an ex-girlfriend trying to rekindle an old flame. However, as the story progresses it becomes obvious that there’s so much more to her than meets the eye. By the end I was in awe of her cruelty and cunningness; she definitely gives Gin a run for her money (in more ways than one)! I loved the way that Estep gradually widened this character’s scope until the big picture was revealed. Practically every chapter ends on a cliffhanger which had me constantly saying “I’ll just read one more…” and you all know how that goes. Now I’m stuck waiting until March for Deadly Sting. Ooh, the pain!

There’s trouble in paradise between Gin and Owen which honestly, was to be expected. Had their relationship bliss gone on for too many books I would have been disappointed. Yes I love them to death and yes I want them to get their happily ever after but they haven’t been tested nearly enough yet for them to have reached that point. This is Urban Fantasy people, there’s no such thing as easy! Grayson’s attitude was tiresome but understandable; love is blind and this book does a great job of illustrating that. I was impressed with Gin’s level of maturity and patience given the situation, in her shoes I would have turned into a jealous, sniveling mess. I think that Owen will eventually come to his senses and I’m more than willing to wait for that day; I just hope that he doesn’t take too long because he might end up being too little too late.

Finn really proved himself to me in this installment. For the past several books he’s been taking on a more active role in the assassin business and he really brought his A-game this time around. His character has morphed into so much more than just the ladies man that he started out as. Gin asked some very difficult things of him in Widow’s Web and he never hesitated. Not once. Like Blanco, he does what needs to be done regardless of who it pisses off and I love him for it. Especially now after everything that went down between Gin and Owen; it helps to lessen the blow knowing that Finn has her back.

I skipped over my usual go-to review criteria like the plot, pacing and writing because the awesomeness of these elements are a given seeing how this is an Elemental Assassin book but rest assured, they’re just as good this seventh time around. Be prepared to be put through the emotional ringer with Widow’s Web but take heart, Jennifer Estep will make it up to us. I have faith.

Fully addicted

I love the series, it's such a good story and series, I'm going to keep on reading it

outstanding as always

I have been hooked since book one. a must have series for any fiction collector. love it

Almost up with Stephen King

Would you listen to Widow's Web again? Why?

I have listened to ALL seven and can't wate for the next story!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Gin, of course

What does Lauren Fortgang bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Pay whatever you need to keep her!!

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

exciting, but no.

Any additional comments?

None

Best of the Series

Would you consider the audio edition of Widow's Web to be better than the print version?

Haven't read the print version..... Lauren Fortgang does a good job with both nuances of cadence of speech, expressing emotion, and differentiating characters with tones, accents, and inflection of voice, etc... So, listen to the sample. If her voice grates on your nerves, don't get it. I think she does a stellar job.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Widow's Web?

This may be an odd answer, but what stood out for me was the lack of the "info dump" that has seemed to plague Estep's other books. I realize you have to catch new readers up on some vital information to the series, but for avid readers of the series it becomes tedious and annoying the way in which she approaches this ---- ie- the aforementioned "info dump".

I never felt innundated with background information in this book. The information was still delivered but in a more amenable way this time. FINALLY!

What about Lauren Fortgang’s performance did you like?

Covered in the answer to the first question. smile.

Any additional comments?

If you are a fan of Owen & his sister... there is a lot of meaty backstory uncovered here.
I enjoyed learning more about the characters past ---- and the uncertainty of the future.

What Happened to Owen?

I have really enjoyed this series. But what happened to the character of Owen? I always loved that the character was strong and accepted Gin for what she was. However, in this book, he turns into a whiny idiot. I say idiot because even after everything he finds out about the villain (stuff that everyone else knew except him), he still keeps saying, "I understand her more than anyone." Oh, shut up, Owen!
Please, bring back the Owen who was a strong, smart person, not the emo Owen who can't see the obvious even after it's punched him in the face.

Southern Girls Kill Them With Kindness

Any additional comments?

I do so enjoy listening to southern girls exchanging barbs. To anyone else's ears, it would appear that they are paying a compliment... That being said, this book provides a lot of back story on Gin's honey, Owen and his sister. Very well written, pacing is appropriate, while there is some repetition, it is also appropriate since readers do need a back story. I love this series and have binge listened to all 14 books in less than 3 weeks. Totally engrossing.

Well told tale

What made the experience of listening to Widow's Web the most enjoyable?

Interesting storyline - for beyond the natural realm. The suspense is maintained and the emotions alluded to are well thought of and natural. Characters are strong and well developed. Narrator does a good job of conveying the tale's twists and turns.