Widow's Web: Elemental Assassin, Book 7

I enjoyed the growth of the author and the story line started out interesting. I only heard sloppy, sloppy, sloppy twice. The story seemed to flow much better then the previous books in the series. Then all the sudden it was a personality swap with the characters that we've come to know and I was at a total loss of enjoying the rest of the story. At this point I'm not even interested in a next book at all.I understand angst and drama needed to add to a story but come on... We've been through this stuff before with Donovan. Owen, what the heck happened! And Gin, how can I root for a character that is so spineless with her personal life.... And the constant calling Owen her lover, made me want to puke.

That she seemed to forget her characters personalities or she choose for them to be spineless and mindless shells of what they were or could be.

Am I being harsh? Maybe... but after 6 books, you come to know and expect more from a story then a tough as nails assassin, moping around and questioning herself for protecting those she loves by doing the job she believes is right then crying over a man that betrays her completely. Then we are left with her hoping that time heals this man and brings him back.. WTH?!?

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.

First of all, this is a great series! Gin is such a nuanced character, she can seem both conscientious and heartless at once. The supporting characters are also well developed. And the atmosphere is so well described.
Secondly I think Lauren Fortgang does a great job narrating! All the characters has different ways of speaking. And she brings the story to life.

I don't think anything really can compare to the Elemental assassin series. But if i had to pick, I'd say something like the Jane Yellowrock series or the Vampire for Hire series. Because they are paranormal books with a strong female main character.

I have listened to the previous books in this series. And she is as good as ever!

This is a great series, so if you haven't heard the previous books, you should start from the beginning with "Spiders Bite".

It was good once but I didn't like Owen in this book. Be interesting to see where she goes
with this twist. Hope the next book comes out soon!

First Donovan Caine has a crappy attitude, and now Owen goes from awesome to whiny and emo?? I understood his defense of Salina in the beginning of the book but by the end after hearing and witnessing all of her craziness I don't know what his problem is. Also, Gin's total acceptance and inability to stand up for herself drives me nuts. She's supposed to be this tough, strong woman but she turns into an absolute basket case with the men she sleeps with?? The storyline, excluding Owen is a good one. I hope to see more of Cooper and more of Phillip in the future. Fortgang does her usual great job on the women's voices.

If urban fantasy is one of your favorite genres you'll love the Elemental Assassin series. Book 7 is no exception - all of them are equally good. They have it all: fantasy, adventure, action, magic, romance, friendship, - storytelling at it's best!

Lauren Fortgang does a superb job at narrating - her voice is very clear and understandable (English is not my first language) - yet the characters are very distinct. I very much like her voice, as it is not so high pitched as some other female voices to make my ears hurt.Her voice has character and it is very pleasant to me.

The books of this series always take me with them completely - be it suspense, emotion, the tale itself.... very enjoyable but not too much (there are some other books I have to put aside because I can't stand the upheaval any more...)

Wonderful entertainment - highly recommended!

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.

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

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.

YES YES YES

Top of my list IF NOT my favorite series yet!

Anything that has to do with the badass Gin. Gin, like the liquor that is. She is a simple southern girl with some extraordinary gifts.

No I have not, but I love her voice. Espically with that deep southern draw.

This book is pretty awesome. I love the narrators deep southern draw and sassy attitude. I can not wait for the next in the series!

This is a well written book that's lots of fun. There are no great literary themes here, but that's not usually what I want from an audiobook. I want to be entertained and distracted from my commute and this was perfect. I highly recommend it.

this book is another good one in the series and leaves you wanting more. I would recommend this book and series to a friend because its fantasy, humorous, romantic and interesting

the characters are flawed and interesting. Gin Blanco is not a hero nor does she pretend to be. She admits to faults and is a good friend to those she cares about. Every relation she has has more than one level, especially her relationship with her sister. I like reading how it is constantly changing, hopefully for the better.

i have not listened to any other books narrated by Lauren Fortgang but she does a very good job. Each character has his/her own voice and distinct characteristics. You don't have to wonder which character is speaking

I did listen to in 2 to 3 days and that’s only because I wanted it to last. I like getting the books in this series as soon as they come out.