Bitter Bite by Jennifer Estep Series: Elemental Assassin #14
Published by Simon & Schuster on Feb 23rd 2016
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Format: eARC
Source: Netgalley
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Which is stronger: blood ties or a battle-tested friendship?
It’s not easy being queen bee of an underworld abuzz with crooks and killers. Wielding my potent Ice and Stone elemental magic will only get me so far—my real secret is my tight-knit makeshift family, a motley crew of cops and criminals, dwarves and playboys. My foster brother Finnegan Lane is my right-hand man, but when his suddenly not-dead relative comes back into the picture, I’m the one on the outside looking in.
It’s funny how life works: one minute your best friend is rock-steady, and the next he’s doe-eyed and buying into this whole loving-relative routine to the point of ignoring you. I’d like to be happy for Finn, I really would. But all of my instincts are telling me that beneath the syrupy sweet demeanor and old-fashioned charm, this sudden interloper is planning something. The whole shtick leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. This person might have avoided the grave once, but I’ll put anyone who hurts Finn in the ground—for good.
Liezel’s Thoughts:
Jennifer Estep does it again! She manages to deliver yet another action-filled, fast-paced, jaw-dropping installment in the Elemental Assassin Series!
Much to her enemies dismay, Gin is still the reigning queen of Ashland. That doesn’t mean that they haven’t stopped trying. She still is as busy thwarting all the assassination attempts and this isn’t the only thing that is keeping her occupied. Gin’s mentor Fletcher has been buried for over a year but yet even from the grave, his presence is felt. No matter where Gin turns he surprises her with hidden messages, unanswered questions and mysteries to solve.
We know that it is within Gin’s nature to be inquisitive and of course, she runs into all kinds of complications (which may be or may not always her fault) getting to the bottom of things.What made this book interesting is Finn’s heavy involvement.
We see multiple sides of Gin’s adoptive brother who normally hangs in the sidelines over the years and I’ve always thought he was a great supporting character but in most of “Bitter Bite” not so much. I despised him for continuously doubting Gin and Bria’s judgment.
In hindsight, the constant uncertainty sure did make for an intriguing story. Just like the previous books the twist and turns were boundless and I admire Jennifer Estep for being able to still surprise us fourteen books later. If you are a Gin Blanco fan, grab this one. I am certain you will not be able to put it down ’til “The End”.
The Verdict:
About Jennifer Estep
Jennifer Estep is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, prowling the streets of her imagination in search of her next fantasy idea.
Jennifer writes the Elemental Assassin adult urban fantasy series for Pocket. Books in the series are SPIDER’S BITE, WEB OF LIES, VENOM, TANGLED THREADS, SPIDER’S REVENGE, BY A THREAD, and WIDOW’S WEB. THREAD OF DEATH, an e-novella, is also available.
