Spider's Revenge : Elemental Assassin

*** MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS ***

The showdown between Mab Monroe and Gin Blanco has been a long time coming; five books worth in fact but Spider’s Revenge makes the wait worthwhile. Jennifer Estep doesn’t waste any time and jumps right into the thick of things, she then proceeds to keep readers on edge, biting their nails up until the final pages with several close calls but not to worry, the Spider always gets her man woman.

I’ve been dishing out nothing but the highest of praise for the Elemental Assassin series ever since I read the first book back in September and this fifth installment will be no different. Aside from a few minor annoyances, namely Estep’s need to constantly recap characters’ and previous books’ happenings, Spider’s Revenge met all of my expectations and then some. Readers get to see a more fallible side to the fearless assassin which is to be expected when everything she holds dear is on the line. Emotions equal mistakes and in this installment we see Blanco’s infamous patience slip on several occasions. Granted, it must be hard to not get twitchy when you have your arch nemesis in your crossbow scope but it was interesting to see Gin’s calm demeanor crack.

For me, the gravy of these books have been Estep’s riveting first person POV writing style and the non-stop action; never in a million years did I ever expect to find myself balling my eyes out but I did. Twice. The first instance was when all of Gin’s friends rallied around her and adamantly refused to let her take on Mab alone. Blanco selfishly helped all of these people and when the going gets tough, they have her back. I loved watching the realization dawn on her that she’s no longer alone in her corner; it brought tears to my eyes. It really did. The second instance was her near death encounter with her mentor, Fletcher Lane. Even though this character has been deceased since Spider’s Bite, he’s been a constant presence in Gin’s life and I was overjoyed that she got the chance to ask him all of her burning questions. What I wouldn’t give for the same chance.

This novel really felt like a conclusion but thankfully it’s not; I don’t think that I’ll be ready to say goodbye to Gin Blanco anytime soon. The main and secondary plot lines come full circle is a neat symmetrical way including ending the book the same way that it all began. Many truths are unveiled including the facts about Sophia and her mangled voice. This tidbit alone makes this novel a worthwhile read in my opinion. Well that and the fact that Gin finally owns up to her feelings for Owen Grayson. Spider’s Revenge is a picture perfect ending that I won’t soon forget. I’m beyond anxious to begin the next chapter in Gin’s life, By a Thread.