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Elemental Assassin #16
Snared
If you Dz’t know Gin “the Spider� Blanco, you Dz’t know dangerous female heroines.
Irony 101—The Spider herself snared in someone else’s web�
Another week, another few clues trickling in about the Circle, the mysterious group that supposedly runs the city’s underworld. Gathering intel on my hidden enemies is a painstaking process, but a more immediate mystery has popped up on my radar: a missing girl.
My search for the girl begins on the mean streets of Ashland, but with all the killers and crooks in this city, I’m not holding out much hope that she’s still alive.
A series of clues leads me down an increasingly dark, dangerous path, and I realize that the missing girl is really just the first thread in this web of evil. As an assassin, I’m used to facing down the worst of the worst, but nothing prepares me for this new, terrifying enemy—one who strikes from the shadows and is determined to make me the next victim.
Irony 101—The Spider herself snared in someone else’s web�
Another week, another few clues trickling in about the Circle, the mysterious group that supposedly runs the city’s underworld. Gathering intel on my hidden enemies is a painstaking process, but a more immediate mystery has popped up on my radar: a missing girl.
My search for the girl begins on the mean streets of Ashland, but with all the killers and crooks in this city, I’m not holding out much hope that she’s still alive.
A series of clues leads me down an increasingly dark, dangerous path, and I realize that the missing girl is really just the first thread in this web of evil. As an assassin, I’m used to facing down the worst of the worst, but nothing prepares me for this new, terrifying enemy—one who strikes from the shadows and is determined to make me the next victim.
385 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2017
238 people are currently reading
2,724 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Estep
93books11.9kfollowersJennifer Estep is a New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author who prowls the streets of her imagination in search of her next fantasy idea.
Jennifer is the author of the Elemental Assassin, Section 47, Galactic Bonds, Crown of Shards, Gargoyle Queen, and other fantasy series. She has written more than 40 books, along with numerous novellas and stories.
In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys hanging out with friends and family, doing yoga, and reading fantasy and romance books. She also watches way too much TV and loves all things related to superheroes.
For more information on Jennifer and her books, visit her website at or sign up for her newsletter: .
FOLLOW JENNIFER ONLINE:
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Happy reading, everyone! 😎
Jennifer is the author of the Elemental Assassin, Section 47, Galactic Bonds, Crown of Shards, Gargoyle Queen, and other fantasy series. She has written more than 40 books, along with numerous novellas and stories.
In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys hanging out with friends and family, doing yoga, and reading fantasy and romance books. She also watches way too much TV and loves all things related to superheroes.
For more information on Jennifer and her books, visit her website at or sign up for her newsletter: .
FOLLOW JENNIFER ONLINE:
Facebook:
Instagram:
Twitter:
Amazon:
BookBub:
ŷ:
Jennifer's blog:
Jennifer's newsletter:
Happy reading, everyone! 😎
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews
May 18, 2017
2.5 *shrugs* stars
Read with some fantastic people at
Have you ever read a series and wondered how in the heck did we get to book 16 of the series?
That is me at this moment. It isn’t a bad series and the repetitions of the first books have died out a little. But either I’ve become a much better sleuth in my reading OR this series is becoming really predictable in a lot of ways.
What I liked. In every book there is at least something I like and for this one it was the swap up of the normal Gin against some insert criminal mastermind here to Gin and the search for a serial killer. It was a good swap up but I totally knew who the serial killer was before mid book and where he was keeping his next victim.
The coroner Ryan is a new favorite character and I like that he seems to be in a very strange Spider Fan Club of sorts. Gin’s entire team are all really good characters. I’d like a little more development on a few of them in particular but maybe that is coming.
Concerns and Little Nagging Things in the Back of my Head. Well I have a few for this series. One being that I guessed a lot of the plot. But more than that I wonder how many more books JE is planning on cranking out before wrapping it up. I mean am I committed to 20, 25 more than that. I’d really like some sort of end date in mind. How long is it going to take to find the leader of this elusive circle???
My biggest pet peeve with this series is that it seems Gin remembers or flashes back to some super important detail from her past that is the big clue in the present often. I’m usually okay with this a few times in a series but this happens in almost every Gin book. Either she flashes to the past and sees something important or Fletcher has remarkably left some clue she finds even though he died in book 1. I’m a little put out by this one specifically because it revolved again around the night that Gin’s family died. We’ve seen this particular one a few times and every time some new thing happens in that recollection to fit into the current book. It just feels so convenient.
I’d like some movement on the relationship front with Owen and Gin. I mean they are together but I think their relationship has stalled. Owen has turned into some flat paper cut out version of a prefect boyfriend. He shows up to help in everything she is doing, he never has his own thing going on, he supports and agrees with everything she does. They Dz’t argue or even banter. I mean just a discussion about living together or hey maybe we should both get tested so that we Dz’t have to use condoms and the pill with sex anymore. Something??? Anything??? Nope it is all perfect in Gin Owen land all of the time now.
Overall I liked the plot line change up but I could do with less flash backs to reveal new information and more assassinating and present day sleuthing to find the bad guys. It isn't a bad book but it also didn't really make me like the series more either.
Read with some fantastic people at
Have you ever read a series and wondered how in the heck did we get to book 16 of the series?
That is me at this moment. It isn’t a bad series and the repetitions of the first books have died out a little. But either I’ve become a much better sleuth in my reading OR this series is becoming really predictable in a lot of ways.
What I liked. In every book there is at least something I like and for this one it was the swap up of the normal Gin against some insert criminal mastermind here to Gin and the search for a serial killer. It was a good swap up but I totally knew who the serial killer was before mid book and where he was keeping his next victim.
The coroner Ryan is a new favorite character and I like that he seems to be in a very strange Spider Fan Club of sorts. Gin’s entire team are all really good characters. I’d like a little more development on a few of them in particular but maybe that is coming.
Concerns and Little Nagging Things in the Back of my Head. Well I have a few for this series. One being that I guessed a lot of the plot. But more than that I wonder how many more books JE is planning on cranking out before wrapping it up. I mean am I committed to 20, 25 more than that. I’d really like some sort of end date in mind. How long is it going to take to find the leader of this elusive circle???
My biggest pet peeve with this series is that it seems Gin remembers or flashes back to some super important detail from her past that is the big clue in the present often. I’m usually okay with this a few times in a series but this happens in almost every Gin book. Either she flashes to the past and sees something important or Fletcher has remarkably left some clue she finds even though he died in book 1. I’m a little put out by this one specifically because it revolved again around the night that Gin’s family died. We’ve seen this particular one a few times and every time some new thing happens in that recollection to fit into the current book. It just feels so convenient.
I’d like some movement on the relationship front with Owen and Gin. I mean they are together but I think their relationship has stalled. Owen has turned into some flat paper cut out version of a prefect boyfriend. He shows up to help in everything she is doing, he never has his own thing going on, he supports and agrees with everything she does. They Dz’t argue or even banter. I mean just a discussion about living together or hey maybe we should both get tested so that we Dz’t have to use condoms and the pill with sex anymore. Something??? Anything??? Nope it is all perfect in Gin Owen land all of the time now.
Overall I liked the plot line change up but I could do with less flash backs to reveal new information and more assassinating and present day sleuthing to find the bad guys. It isn't a bad book but it also didn't really make me like the series more either.
May 12, 2017
4.25 Stars - Buddy read with the wonderful weekly Wednesday UF group over at BB&B.
Snared continues with Gin trying to find intel on the secret Circle, the criminal group who unknown to others are the ones that runs Ashland’s underworld. But when a girl goes missing, Gin needs to give all her attention and skills to finding her before it’s too late and the killer strikes again.
“What are you going to do, Gin?� Ryan asked, even though he already knew the answer.
“What I do best.� I gave him a grim smile. “I’m going to find this bastard and put him in the ground.�
*Spoiler ahead for previous books*
These last few books has definitely been a lot less action-packed and violent compared to the first books and of course my bloodthirsty side misses this very much, but it’s also interesting to see the difference in Gin’s world now that she’s Ashland’s Underworld Queen. As a lover of suspense and detective stories, I really liked the plot in this book which was a bit different from the others with the missing girl and Gin and her friends stumbling on something we haven’t really seen in this series before, a serial killer who seems to want Gin’s attention.
As always I loved spending time again with Gin, this cold-hearted assassin who isn’t so cold when it comes to those she cares about. I adore her loyalty to her friends and family and her love of killing the bad guys. I was a bit disappointed that she couldn’t figure out who the bad guy was near the end because by then it was a bit obvious, but I still enjoyed her bloodthirsty ways of disposing of her enemies.
The more I learned about Hugh Tucker, the less sense I could make of him.
Gin also found out a lot more about her mother, Eira, and her history with the Circle. And about Hugh Tucker, the vampire that’s part of the Circle, and one who’s been a thorn in Gin’s side, always threatening to kill her. I Dz’t know what it is about the Hughs in the books I read, but they always seem to be the most interesting villains with a story that makes you so sad.
I would never give up my quest to find out more about my mother and what had led to her murder, and I wouldn’t back down from the powerful people who’d taken her away from me.
Gin’s investigation into finding out more about the Circle especially the head honcho who ordered her mother’s death is still going strong, although it seems with every clue she finds, more questions arises. I do wonder who the leader is and what connection he might have to Gin.
As always I loved spending time with Gin and her fantastic friends and I’m so glad that Ryan, the coroner, was in this book. He’s such an interesting guy. I’m also very happy that Finn seems to be his flirty self again.
On the relationship side Gin and Owen is still going strong, and I love seeing how supportive he is of her. Perhaps it’s time for them to take the next step and move in together�.?
This book turned out to be quite an emotional book in the end and I’m really liking where the author is taking things. I love this series, all the violence, ass kicking and humor and I wish the next book was already available. A must read for all UF fans.
March 31, 2017
Well Gin is back and this time she's not the only one with a game plan. This may be the sixteenth book in this series but the author sure does know how to keep her readers hooked. After so much mayhem and murder previously you would imagine that things would start to slow down but absolutely not! The Spider is closing in on the mysterious Circle, chasing leads and determined to take down those responsible for the deaths in her family. Yet when asked to find a missing girl Gin doesn't hesitate to help but some things just don't add up. Ashland has a secret serial killer with a taste for the unusual but is Gin being helped or hindered by those around her? Has the hunter become the prey?
I absolutely love this series and yes I know that an assassin shouldn't really be my idea of a heroine but Gin is impossible not to like. Fierce , protective and so very brave but it's her quick thinking that always seems to save the day. Gin may be following clues , tracing a trail but she's not the only cunning adversary in this story. The killer isn't exactly what she expects and those protecting the Circle are all too aware of Gins hunt. Our favourite assassin casts her net wide but there's a very tangled web to fight her way through.
As usual Gin gets beaten up but hey that's OK as it gives her the opportunity to show her many talents . Yes we get more of her extended family which always gives me warm fuzzy feelings and yep even some quality time with Owen! Best of all though is I'm enjoying this new direction , the secrets, the lies , even the surprises about characters I thought I knew. Yes misdirection is the name of the game and more revelations are most certainly on their way. I'm as hooked by this book as I was the first and this author has thoroughly entertained me once again so a huge recommendation from me!
This voluntary take is of a copy I asked for from Netgalley and my thoughts are truly my own honest opinion
I absolutely love this series and yes I know that an assassin shouldn't really be my idea of a heroine but Gin is impossible not to like. Fierce , protective and so very brave but it's her quick thinking that always seems to save the day. Gin may be following clues , tracing a trail but she's not the only cunning adversary in this story. The killer isn't exactly what she expects and those protecting the Circle are all too aware of Gins hunt. Our favourite assassin casts her net wide but there's a very tangled web to fight her way through.
As usual Gin gets beaten up but hey that's OK as it gives her the opportunity to show her many talents . Yes we get more of her extended family which always gives me warm fuzzy feelings and yep even some quality time with Owen! Best of all though is I'm enjoying this new direction , the secrets, the lies , even the surprises about characters I thought I knew. Yes misdirection is the name of the game and more revelations are most certainly on their way. I'm as hooked by this book as I was the first and this author has thoroughly entertained me once again so a huge recommendation from me!
This voluntary take is of a copy I asked for from Netgalley and my thoughts are truly my own honest opinion
May 13, 2017
*** 4 ***
A buddy read with my Wednesday Group @ BB&B! Because we need to get our assassin on from time to time:):):)
While Gin, our Spider assassin, has been working in her BBQ restaurant by day and obsessing with the research of the Circle members, a shadow crime syndicate controlling everything in the city, at nigh, a friend of hers' sister has gone missing. Gin owes her friend a favor and she is calling it in - find the young beautiful girl at any cost!!! Gin's cop sister Briana, once a body is found, admits that a serial killer has been operating in the area for at least 2 years and is targeting women with the same physical characteristics. Gin's ever present gang takes on the job of finding out who that person is and all hands are on board as time is of essence. As always, Gin gets in trouble, people get beaten-up, some get dead, and there is a lot of posturing, pushing buttons and cocky banter:) Not too original, but fun as always:)
"..."“Being an assassin means knowing when to kill - and when not to kill.�..."
In the middle of this whole current case, the more interesting part is the little new nuggets we discover about the overarching plot about Gin's mom and her relationship with the Circle and in particular, one of its more prominent and violent members, Hugh Tucker, and cast some doubts about Eira Snow.... Hugh Tucker is showing more debt to his character and is making him much more compelling. I am very intrigued and since more questions were left than answers, I am looking forward to finding out much more in the future:)
"..."He stared at me, a sad smile tugging at his lips. “You really do have your mother’s stubbornness. It’s going to be the death of you, little Genevieve. Just as it was the death of her.�
“Genevieve Snow died the night my mother and sister did,� I snarled.
He gave me another sad smile. “And so did I.�..."
Yep, much more to find out there, I am sure!
The rest of the gang were reliably adorable and quirky. I love that we are starting adding sexy nerd coroner Ryan in the mix more and we need more Silvio time, if you ask me!!!
"...“I’ve had to add five miles to my workout routine every week just to burn off all the extra calories.�
“I do try.� I grinned. “And all that grumbling would sound a whole lot more convincing if you didn’t have a whipped cream mustache right now.�..."
This series always makes me hungry - not good for my diet, y'all!!! However, it is still a fun, non-pretentious, somewhat violent but not to much so, OTT UF series and I enjoy diving into this world from time to time:) If you like such, this is a fun choice for sure! I personally am hoping we continue getting more Spider justice and eventually see how it ends. ...
"...“Blood and guts sprayed everywhere, spattering all over the papers and photos still on the floor. Henry screamed and screamed, clutching his stomach and trying to hold his insides, well, inside, where they were supposed to be�..."
Now I wish you Happy Reading and may you always find what you need in the pages of a good Book!!!
A buddy read with my Wednesday Group @ BB&B! Because we need to get our assassin on from time to time:):):)
While Gin, our Spider assassin, has been working in her BBQ restaurant by day and obsessing with the research of the Circle members, a shadow crime syndicate controlling everything in the city, at nigh, a friend of hers' sister has gone missing. Gin owes her friend a favor and she is calling it in - find the young beautiful girl at any cost!!! Gin's cop sister Briana, once a body is found, admits that a serial killer has been operating in the area for at least 2 years and is targeting women with the same physical characteristics. Gin's ever present gang takes on the job of finding out who that person is and all hands are on board as time is of essence. As always, Gin gets in trouble, people get beaten-up, some get dead, and there is a lot of posturing, pushing buttons and cocky banter:) Not too original, but fun as always:)
"..."“Being an assassin means knowing when to kill - and when not to kill.�..."
In the middle of this whole current case, the more interesting part is the little new nuggets we discover about the overarching plot about Gin's mom and her relationship with the Circle and in particular, one of its more prominent and violent members, Hugh Tucker, and cast some doubts about Eira Snow.... Hugh Tucker is showing more debt to his character and is making him much more compelling. I am very intrigued and since more questions were left than answers, I am looking forward to finding out much more in the future:)
"..."He stared at me, a sad smile tugging at his lips. “You really do have your mother’s stubbornness. It’s going to be the death of you, little Genevieve. Just as it was the death of her.�
“Genevieve Snow died the night my mother and sister did,� I snarled.
He gave me another sad smile. “And so did I.�..."
Yep, much more to find out there, I am sure!
The rest of the gang were reliably adorable and quirky. I love that we are starting adding sexy nerd coroner Ryan in the mix more and we need more Silvio time, if you ask me!!!
"...“I’ve had to add five miles to my workout routine every week just to burn off all the extra calories.�
“I do try.� I grinned. “And all that grumbling would sound a whole lot more convincing if you didn’t have a whipped cream mustache right now.�..."
This series always makes me hungry - not good for my diet, y'all!!! However, it is still a fun, non-pretentious, somewhat violent but not to much so, OTT UF series and I enjoy diving into this world from time to time:) If you like such, this is a fun choice for sure! I personally am hoping we continue getting more Spider justice and eventually see how it ends. ...
"...“Blood and guts sprayed everywhere, spattering all over the papers and photos still on the floor. Henry screamed and screamed, clutching his stomach and trying to hold his insides, well, inside, where they were supposed to be�..."
Now I wish you Happy Reading and may you always find what you need in the pages of a good Book!!!
April 19, 2017
Snared, Estep always picks the greatest reflections of her work for her titles. Gin definitely finds herself Snared by the very group she is hunting…the elusive Circle.
One of her friend/business acquaintance’s sister is missing and it is up to Gin to find her before her clock runs out. Gin's search has her knocking on doors that have Circle ties and she soon discovers she’s been pulled into circle business once again.
This series is like one of those deep fried bloomin' onion, with each layer Estep unpeels, you find yourself indulging deeper into the simple joy of it. SNARED is packed full of revelations, with lots of new and exciting, undiscovered depths to characters we thought we knew.
What can I say, Estep is a go to author. Bringing amazing fictional characters that become as familiar as family members. With each installment, catching us up with what's going on in their lives...of course there is way more action, magic and mayhem then most of us will see in a lifetime but we can live vicariously through their tales.
My Full review will follow shortly.
I received this arc copy of Snared from Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books. This is my honest and voluntary review. Snared is set for publication April 25, 2017.
My Rating: 5 stars
Written by: Jennifer Estep
Series: Elemental Assassin (Book 16)
Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Pocket Books
Publication Date: April 25, 2017
ISBN-10: 1501142275
ISBN-13: 978-1501142277
Itunes:
Amazon:
Barnes & Noble:
For Reviews :
One of her friend/business acquaintance’s sister is missing and it is up to Gin to find her before her clock runs out. Gin's search has her knocking on doors that have Circle ties and she soon discovers she’s been pulled into circle business once again.
This series is like one of those deep fried bloomin' onion, with each layer Estep unpeels, you find yourself indulging deeper into the simple joy of it. SNARED is packed full of revelations, with lots of new and exciting, undiscovered depths to characters we thought we knew.
What can I say, Estep is a go to author. Bringing amazing fictional characters that become as familiar as family members. With each installment, catching us up with what's going on in their lives...of course there is way more action, magic and mayhem then most of us will see in a lifetime but we can live vicariously through their tales.
My Full review will follow shortly.
I received this arc copy of Snared from Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books. This is my honest and voluntary review. Snared is set for publication April 25, 2017.
My Rating: 5 stars
Written by: Jennifer Estep
Series: Elemental Assassin (Book 16)
Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Pocket Books
Publication Date: April 25, 2017
ISBN-10: 1501142275
ISBN-13: 978-1501142277
Itunes:
Amazon:
Barnes & Noble:
For Reviews :
November 27, 2017
Unfortunately, I am not a fan of this book... Usually Gin and the gang keep me on my toes but I found their vacation boring and repetitive. I seemed to be reading paragraphs that were extended with nothing (if that makes sense!). The entire book felt like a child's game of Hide and Seek but for a bunch of jewels! I think what disappointed me more was that ending... Knowing Gin is going to be hooked on a new set of enemies doesn't bode too well with me, I think I needed a finale, a final ending...
Maybe I'm just outgrowing The Spider...
Maybe I'm just outgrowing The Spider...
April 20, 2017
Reviewed by: .
Jennifer Estep continually amazes me with the directions that she takes the ELEMENTAL ASSASSIN series in. SNARED was a stroke of genius with how the plot connected with the main story arc. It also got my gears spinning over the questions raised about Hugh Tucker, and cast a shadow on Eira Snow’s memory. Not bad for the sixteenth installment—scratch that—it was goddamned Spider-ific!
One of Ashland’s mob bosses calls in the favour that Gin owes her, and things quickly spiral out of control as they go from sketchy to disastrous. The clues keep piling up, but even with Blanco’s entire crew on deck, it took some doing to get to the heart of it all, and the hunter winds up the hunted. I guessed the antagonist pretty easily however, there were so many other unknowns to keep me busy that it didn’t matter.
One of the things that I enjoy the most about these novels is how the author keeps making links to the past while still developing new tangents. Hugh’s been around for several volumes now, but we learn that he and Gin have met before. Estep also takes us back to that awful day when Blanco lost everything, and we discover an interesting morsel about her mom that has the potential to be a game changer.
All the characters get their turn under the guillotine, and this time around it was the Spider’s number that got called. Yes, she finds herself in more life-or-death situations that all the secondaries combined however, in this particular instance the outlook was worse than usual. After a bit of clever maneuvering with her ice & stone magic as well as her knives, we have the name of the Circle’s leader� or do we?
SNARED was as good as book #16’s get!
Jennifer Estep continually amazes me with the directions that she takes the ELEMENTAL ASSASSIN series in. SNARED was a stroke of genius with how the plot connected with the main story arc. It also got my gears spinning over the questions raised about Hugh Tucker, and cast a shadow on Eira Snow’s memory. Not bad for the sixteenth installment—scratch that—it was goddamned Spider-ific!
One of Ashland’s mob bosses calls in the favour that Gin owes her, and things quickly spiral out of control as they go from sketchy to disastrous. The clues keep piling up, but even with Blanco’s entire crew on deck, it took some doing to get to the heart of it all, and the hunter winds up the hunted. I guessed the antagonist pretty easily however, there were so many other unknowns to keep me busy that it didn’t matter.
One of the things that I enjoy the most about these novels is how the author keeps making links to the past while still developing new tangents. Hugh’s been around for several volumes now, but we learn that he and Gin have met before. Estep also takes us back to that awful day when Blanco lost everything, and we discover an interesting morsel about her mom that has the potential to be a game changer.
All the characters get their turn under the guillotine, and this time around it was the Spider’s number that got called. Yes, she finds herself in more life-or-death situations that all the secondaries combined however, in this particular instance the outlook was worse than usual. After a bit of clever maneuvering with her ice & stone magic as well as her knives, we have the name of the Circle’s leader� or do we?
SNARED was as good as book #16’s get!
December 26, 2017
4.45
Really liked it, but it still has those semi-annoying parts where Gin keeps complaining.
Don't get me wrong, she's a badass and I love her, it just wasn't exactly a 5-star book.
Really liked it, but it still has those semi-annoying parts where Gin keeps complaining.
Don't get me wrong, she's a badass and I love her, it just wasn't exactly a 5-star book.
February 22, 2017
Gin Blanco has a lot on her hands. She is not only the unpopular boss of Ashland's criminal underworld but she has discovered there is a rival and perhaps even more insidious organisation called The Circle that is pulling strings from the shadows.
She really doesn't have time to track down a missing person but when one of her lieutenants calls in a favor she finds herself doing just that. A serial killer is on the loose in Gin's patch and she's determined to hunt him down and save his latest victim.
In Snared Jennifer Estep runs with the same tried and true formula that has made her one of the biggest names in Urban Fantasy. This whole series is like buttered popcorn. There isn't much to it but it's so much fun that you won't be able to stop until all that's left are those few sad unpopped kernels sitting in the bottom of the bucket.
She really doesn't have time to track down a missing person but when one of her lieutenants calls in a favor she finds herself doing just that. A serial killer is on the loose in Gin's patch and she's determined to hunt him down and save his latest victim.
In Snared Jennifer Estep runs with the same tried and true formula that has made her one of the biggest names in Urban Fantasy. This whole series is like buttered popcorn. There isn't much to it but it's so much fun that you won't be able to stop until all that's left are those few sad unpopped kernels sitting in the bottom of the bucket.
April 28, 2017
4.5 stars.
This installment was one of my favorites in the series. It continues this new mystery of Gin's mother Eira Snow and her involvement with the Circle. I love this series and I love the characters. Each book holds my interest because they are action-packed and the mystery Gin Blanco has to solve always keeps me thoroughly entertained.
Book 16 started immediately as Gin was spying on Hugh Tucker in her attempts to unravel the clues left behind by Fletcher Lane. Even while eavesdropping, Gin and Finn can't figure out the identity of the leader of "The Circle". But they are getting close. First, the gang has to help Jade Jamison, a local mob boss, because the Lipstick killer kidnapped Jade's little sister Elissa, the little sister of Jade.
What I love about this author is the way she weaves a story using the past simultaneously with the present. I feel as though Fletcher is alive because he is so instrumental in all of Gin's escapades. Either that or Fletcher was one hell of a sage because he was light years ahead of his time when it came to predicting what his protege would need in the future. Finn seemed to be much better emotionally than the last couple of books after the betrayal by his mother Deidra Shaw. He was back to trading witty repartee with Gin. I found myself chuckling a lot in this book. The snarky delivery by the Spider makes her one of my favorite heroines. She's sassy and smart-alecky but she always gets the job done.
This book was definitely top 3 best installments in this series. If you love the past books, this one is the same but continuing this slow revelation about the Circle. I'm hoping the leader of the The Circle is as fierce as the legendary fire elemental, Mab Monroe, because no other villain has measures up. I'm looking for a crime lord who will make the Ashland quake in their boots.
This installment was one of my favorites in the series. It continues this new mystery of Gin's mother Eira Snow and her involvement with the Circle. I love this series and I love the characters. Each book holds my interest because they are action-packed and the mystery Gin Blanco has to solve always keeps me thoroughly entertained.
Book 16 started immediately as Gin was spying on Hugh Tucker in her attempts to unravel the clues left behind by Fletcher Lane. Even while eavesdropping, Gin and Finn can't figure out the identity of the leader of "The Circle". But they are getting close. First, the gang has to help Jade Jamison, a local mob boss, because the Lipstick killer kidnapped Jade's little sister Elissa, the little sister of Jade.
What I love about this author is the way she weaves a story using the past simultaneously with the present. I feel as though Fletcher is alive because he is so instrumental in all of Gin's escapades. Either that or Fletcher was one hell of a sage because he was light years ahead of his time when it came to predicting what his protege would need in the future. Finn seemed to be much better emotionally than the last couple of books after the betrayal by his mother Deidra Shaw. He was back to trading witty repartee with Gin. I found myself chuckling a lot in this book. The snarky delivery by the Spider makes her one of my favorite heroines. She's sassy and smart-alecky but she always gets the job done.
This book was definitely top 3 best installments in this series. If you love the past books, this one is the same but continuing this slow revelation about the Circle. I'm hoping the leader of the The Circle is as fierce as the legendary fire elemental, Mab Monroe, because no other villain has measures up. I'm looking for a crime lord who will make the Ashland quake in their boots.
August 14, 2018
Jennifer Estep knows how to have FUN in her stories. This one covered some really dark material (I mean honestly, the series is about an assassin... let's not act shocked this one has dark stuff in it, guys), but I still loved it.
Gin finds out that some of her enemies aren't just violent evil thugs. She also finds out that some of them *ARE* just violent evil thugs. She makes some progress on her Circle hunting. And we get to see quite a few of our favorite cast members. (Also, can I get an AMEN to Owen being less cardboard-cutout-y in this one? :D )
My biggest complaint is that it was predictable. I pretty much guessed almost everything that was going to happen. But, in typical Estep fashion, I had fun anyways.
All in all, a very solid entry into the series. She says she's planned now through book 19 (really? You're killing me, Estep -- why 19 instead of 20? Stephen King fetish?), and I will definitely be along for the final few novels on this ride through the world of the Elemental Assassin.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Gin finds out that some of her enemies aren't just violent evil thugs. She also finds out that some of them *ARE* just violent evil thugs. She makes some progress on her Circle hunting. And we get to see quite a few of our favorite cast members. (Also, can I get an AMEN to Owen being less cardboard-cutout-y in this one? :D )
My biggest complaint is that it was predictable. I pretty much guessed almost everything that was going to happen. But, in typical Estep fashion, I had fun anyways.
All in all, a very solid entry into the series. She says she's planned now through book 19 (really? You're killing me, Estep -- why 19 instead of 20? Stephen King fetish?), and I will definitely be along for the final few novels on this ride through the world of the Elemental Assassin.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 24, 2017
SNARED is book sixteen in the Elemental Assassin series. I’ve said in the past that this series continues to get great and while I still stand by that claim, SNARED did feel a little bit different to me. It almost felt like the author tried to return to her roots because the beginning of this book is very basic in terms of the Urban Fantasy style. Gin is a badass heroine and she’s out to take out her next target. For some reason, I felt like we’ve been through this before and it didn’t really shine like I think the author expected it to. It was still very well-written but even the writing felt a little on the safe side in this one.
That being said, SNARED is a very easy read. I’m sure if you’re a fan of the series you’ll devour this book easily. But because this is one of my favorite series, I do have pretty high expectations. While things do improve as the book goes on, I Dz’t think it’s my favorite in the series. For me, it was really the safest one because I could predict a lot of what happened.
April 12, 2017
Well where do we start? First thing, if you can have a series that has gotten to book #16, you have to have done something right, publishers don't stick with books that don't sell. Gin is most likely the most consistently bloody and violent heroine you will ever read about while still having a heart of gold for the weak and loyal to her friends beyond all reason. So even though she wants to devote full time to The Circle, when a young girl is missing Gin has to make that a priority with some twists you don't expect (and a couple you can see coming)
This book was a bit harder to review because it got stuck a time or two and I felt she was cursed with temporary stupidity to get the plot moved along. Thing is though, the story was addicting and kept me glued to the pages, I would hit one of these "She ain't that stupid" moments and then just move on with the story but it was distracting.
We have started searching out The Circle in earnest and she has at least one of them in her sights but things get complicated and Tucker seems to be a real enigma and I hope he does not get so evil we can't like him just a bit.
Bottom line: Great story, good plot, some stumbles in keeping Gin consistent, really good ending and we get to know a bit more about the night her family died. Hang on folks, this ride is not over.
This book was a bit harder to review because it got stuck a time or two and I felt she was cursed with temporary stupidity to get the plot moved along. Thing is though, the story was addicting and kept me glued to the pages, I would hit one of these "She ain't that stupid" moments and then just move on with the story but it was distracting.
We have started searching out The Circle in earnest and she has at least one of them in her sights but things get complicated and Tucker seems to be a real enigma and I hope he does not get so evil we can't like him just a bit.
Bottom line: Great story, good plot, some stumbles in keeping Gin consistent, really good ending and we get to know a bit more about the night her family died. Hang on folks, this ride is not over.
April 18, 2017
With clues left by her late mentor, Fletcher, Gin and Silvio have started identifying the members of the devious Circle. They discover the “easiest� mark is Damian Rivera, a trust fund prince with a huge drinking problem, and Gin starts surveillance on the man, looking for any clues as to the identity of the mysterious head of the Circle. Meanwhile, Gin’s friend Jade comes to her asking for help locating her missing sister. As Gin digs deeper into both situations, she uncovers a serial killer is loose in Ashland.
Once again, Ms. Estep had me glued to my Kindle as I took a ride with my favorite assassin. The Elemental Assassin books are always full of high-octane action, and Snared is no exception with its race against time - serial killer plot. While parts were fairly predictable, I found the energy surrounding Gin and her situation strong, and it pulled me in right from the start. I enjoyed learning more about the Circle and Gin’s own past.
With that said, there are a few things that bugged me this time, more than usual. I genuinely enjoyed Snared, so I Dz’t want you to think otherwise as I list these issues, but I feel like it needs to be said. These are character flaws and/or plot devices that have started becoming repetitious, making the books predicable.
First: Gin is an extremely intelligent woman; one of the smartest heroines out there. She also relies heavily on her gut instincts. So when she “hears� something or feels an ominous presence and then just walks away, saying it’s nothing� it frustrates me. We ALL know it is something, so why doesn’t Gin go with her gut instincts?! And she always seems to have facial recognition amnesia. That whole "something is off but I can't figure out what" thing happens too often.
Second: The dreams. I know the dreams are Gin’s “thing,� guiding her as if Fletcher was still around. But at this point, I find them disappointing. Too often, after recalling nothing about a significant memory from her youth, things that Gin *should* have remembered or never forgotten, she suddenly remembers something HUGE from her childhood that is just too coincidental in solving her current case. It’s just frustrating to see it over and over again, uncovering these secrets that Gin didn’t know she knew all along.
Even with my frustrations over repetitious behaviors that seem to dumb down Gin and the issues with her memory recall, Snared still entangled me. I liked that I figured out the plot right from the get go, yet Ms. Estep made me second guess my hypothesis over and over as the clues surfaced. I loved watching Gin figure out who the bad guy is and how she brings them down. Snared had many layers, and Gin uncovered a few secrets that brought her a little closer to discovering how to end the mysterious leader of the Circle.
My Rating: B, Liked It
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by publisher
Once again, Ms. Estep had me glued to my Kindle as I took a ride with my favorite assassin. The Elemental Assassin books are always full of high-octane action, and Snared is no exception with its race against time - serial killer plot. While parts were fairly predictable, I found the energy surrounding Gin and her situation strong, and it pulled me in right from the start. I enjoyed learning more about the Circle and Gin’s own past.
With that said, there are a few things that bugged me this time, more than usual. I genuinely enjoyed Snared, so I Dz’t want you to think otherwise as I list these issues, but I feel like it needs to be said. These are character flaws and/or plot devices that have started becoming repetitious, making the books predicable.
First: Gin is an extremely intelligent woman; one of the smartest heroines out there. She also relies heavily on her gut instincts. So when she “hears� something or feels an ominous presence and then just walks away, saying it’s nothing� it frustrates me. We ALL know it is something, so why doesn’t Gin go with her gut instincts?! And she always seems to have facial recognition amnesia. That whole "something is off but I can't figure out what" thing happens too often.
Second: The dreams. I know the dreams are Gin’s “thing,� guiding her as if Fletcher was still around. But at this point, I find them disappointing. Too often, after recalling nothing about a significant memory from her youth, things that Gin *should* have remembered or never forgotten, she suddenly remembers something HUGE from her childhood that is just too coincidental in solving her current case. It’s just frustrating to see it over and over again, uncovering these secrets that Gin didn’t know she knew all along.
Even with my frustrations over repetitious behaviors that seem to dumb down Gin and the issues with her memory recall, Snared still entangled me. I liked that I figured out the plot right from the get go, yet Ms. Estep made me second guess my hypothesis over and over as the clues surfaced. I loved watching Gin figure out who the bad guy is and how she brings them down. Snared had many layers, and Gin uncovered a few secrets that brought her a little closer to discovering how to end the mysterious leader of the Circle.
My Rating: B, Liked It
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by publisher
December 2, 2017
Another great installment in Jennifer Estep’s Elemental Assassin series. I’ve got to say, I’m digging the new series arc.
Assassin Gin Blanco has come a long way over the past 16 books. She’s no longer just a killer for hire. She’s become the head of Ashland’s Underworld. Or at least the figurehead. We now know there’s a super-secret group known only as The Circle and they’re pulling all the strings, including the one that called for the deaths of Gin’s mother and sister many years ago. Let’s just say Gin is very motivated to bring them down.
Here, we see the strengthening of a friendship between Gin and small-time underworld player Jade. The thing is, Jade’s sister has gone missing and Jade turns to Gin to help track her down. The investigation uncovers a serial killer and Gin’s got to race against the clock to find the missing girl before the killer turns her into his latest victim.
You pretty much know from the beginning that there’s a tie between the Circle and the missing girl situation, but I did appreciate that it all wasn’t quite as obvious as it first seemed. Gin is her regular loyal, snarky, bad-ass self and I love her now as much as ever. I love her relationship with Owen. (And I have decided that his fall from grace several books back didn’t actually happen. At least in my mind.)
I’m very intrigued by Hugh. There’s more to this villain and I’m kind of rooting for him and Gin to get on the same team. And I’m more convinced than ever that Gin’s dad is the big bad. If it’s not him, I will fall down on the floor dead.
This is a fun, action packed series that stands-up from story to story. It’s got a couple of repetitive things (OK� specifically one) that can get under my skin, but otherwise, I really enjoy it. And I really think the circle arc is giving it a new cohesiveness that it’s lacked a little since Mab’s death. I’m already looking forward to book 17! Keep ‘em coming.
Rating: B/B+
*ARC provided by publisher
Assassin Gin Blanco has come a long way over the past 16 books. She’s no longer just a killer for hire. She’s become the head of Ashland’s Underworld. Or at least the figurehead. We now know there’s a super-secret group known only as The Circle and they’re pulling all the strings, including the one that called for the deaths of Gin’s mother and sister many years ago. Let’s just say Gin is very motivated to bring them down.
Here, we see the strengthening of a friendship between Gin and small-time underworld player Jade. The thing is, Jade’s sister has gone missing and Jade turns to Gin to help track her down. The investigation uncovers a serial killer and Gin’s got to race against the clock to find the missing girl before the killer turns her into his latest victim.
You pretty much know from the beginning that there’s a tie between the Circle and the missing girl situation, but I did appreciate that it all wasn’t quite as obvious as it first seemed. Gin is her regular loyal, snarky, bad-ass self and I love her now as much as ever. I love her relationship with Owen. (And I have decided that his fall from grace several books back didn’t actually happen. At least in my mind.)
I’m very intrigued by Hugh. There’s more to this villain and I’m kind of rooting for him and Gin to get on the same team. And I’m more convinced than ever that Gin’s dad is the big bad. If it’s not him, I will fall down on the floor dead.
This is a fun, action packed series that stands-up from story to story. It’s got a couple of repetitive things (OK� specifically one) that can get under my skin, but otherwise, I really enjoy it. And I really think the circle arc is giving it a new cohesiveness that it’s lacked a little since Mab’s death. I’m already looking forward to book 17! Keep ‘em coming.
Rating: B/B+
*ARC provided by publisher
July 16, 2017
Buddy read with the Wednesday UF Group of BB&B.
Book about a murder for the MacHalo Reading Challenge.
This book was PREDICTABLE! So predictable that it hurt! In fact if you look predictable in the dictionary you'll be redirected to it! I figured out who the killer was by chapter 6! And there were like 25 more chapters to go! And Gin wasn't able to figure it out when he was staring at her face ! Gin, dear, I knew you're not the brightest bulb but I never figured you for an idiot. Seriously, get yourself together!
Two things for Ms. Estep to think about. 1) Please, try not to use the same frigging sentences in all the books. I've come to dread the sex scenes here because of the condom and little white pills phrase. We get it! In fact we got it 15 books ago. And 2) stretching up a storyarc so much is not only unnecessary, it's damn annoying. I complained about how long it took Gin to finally face Mab but that was damn quick compared to how she's handling this Circle business. Oh and if the leader proves to be I will throw the book at a wall and/or burn it.
Book about a murder for the MacHalo Reading Challenge.
This book was PREDICTABLE! So predictable that it hurt! In fact if you look predictable in the dictionary you'll be redirected to it! I figured out who the killer was by chapter 6! And there were like 25 more chapters to go! And Gin wasn't able to figure it out when he was staring at her face ! Gin, dear, I knew you're not the brightest bulb but I never figured you for an idiot. Seriously, get yourself together!
Two things for Ms. Estep to think about. 1) Please, try not to use the same frigging sentences in all the books. I've come to dread the sex scenes here because of the condom and little white pills phrase. We get it! In fact we got it 15 books ago. And 2) stretching up a storyarc so much is not only unnecessary, it's damn annoying. I complained about how long it took Gin to finally face Mab but that was damn quick compared to how she's handling this Circle business. Oh and if the leader proves to be I will throw the book at a wall and/or burn it.
July 23, 2017
Initial Thoughts Pre-publication: Woo-hoo. Another book in the series!
My Review: Yet another amazing installment in the Jennifer Estep's Elemental Assassins series. This series just keeps getting better and better. In Snared, Gin's nemesis is a serial killer with a penchant for blondes.
Lots of action. Lots of magic. Lots of down home barbecue cooking. And a few little flashbacks revealing a little bit more of Gin's background.
Great series. Can't wait for more.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of this book .
My Review: Yet another amazing installment in the Jennifer Estep's Elemental Assassins series. This series just keeps getting better and better. In Snared, Gin's nemesis is a serial killer with a penchant for blondes.
Lots of action. Lots of magic. Lots of down home barbecue cooking. And a few little flashbacks revealing a little bit more of Gin's background.
Great series. Can't wait for more.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of this book .
April 20, 2017
For complete review check out my blog at
June 11, 2017
Sixteenth in the Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series set in Ashland, North Carolina, and revolving around a retired assassin and the new queen of crime. If you're interested, there is a of the Elemental Assassin books on my website.
My Take
Oh, mama! We’re getting more details into Gin’s past, specifically the night her entire life changed. The most interesting bit was Tucker’s role in that night. And the truth of his position in the Circle. Almost makes ya feel sorry for him.
I had one major issue with this story, and I do NOT understand how Gin never thought of checking out either of these two places. I mean, DUH, the CLUES were all there!!
The overall series arc is Gin wanting to know who put out the order to kill her mother. The emotion of Gin’s determination really hits home as Estep uses first-person protagonist point-of-view, and we get a few steps closer to finding this shadowy central figure…with Estep sneaking in that cliffhanger well before the end.And now I gotta wait to learn more!
Some of the plot beats include that bit of foreshadowing with Gin’s pendant, and there is definitely a ticking clock scenario in this, as they must find the latest victim before she breathes her last. And, naturally, there’s a villain speech.What is with people that they can think this way??
The Story
A cry for help sends Gin Blanco down an increasingly dark, dangerous path, as she hopes desperately to find Jade’s missing sister before it’s too late.
It’s a trail that spikes Gin’s nightmares, recalling that night of the fire that changed her life.
The Characters
Gin Blanco, the former Genevieve Snow, is a retired assassin � with elemental gifts of stone and ice � and unhappy underworld queen. Finnegan "Finn" Lane is her well-loved foster brother who has an interest in the finer things in life and an appreciation for the ladies, although he is in love with Bria, Gin’s sister. Dierdre Shaw ( Spider's Trap , 13, through Unraveled , 15) had been his mother. Owen Grayson has an affinity for metals, and he’s Gin’s lover.These two have had some interesting ups and downs. Eva Grayson is his little sister. Violet Fox is Eva’s best friend. Silvio Sanchez, a vampire and former second-in-command to a mob boss, is Gin’s efficient personal assistant. Tristan had been Gin’s father until his "accident". Annabelle was the sister who died with their mother.
The Pork Pit is�
…a barbecue restaurant Gin inherited from her foster father and assassin mentor, Fletcher Lane. The goth Sophia Deveraux is the head cook with some useful skills with her air elemental power…she does good "clean-up". Catalina Vasquez is Silvio’s niece and Gin’s best waitress.
Jolene "Jo-Jo" Deveraux is Sophia’s older sister and also a dwarf. She uses her air elemental power in the beauty salon she runs. Rosco is her basset hound. Lorelei Parker and Jade Jamison are two of the underworld bosses and friends of Gin's. Elissa Daniels is one of Jade’s "talkers" and has gone missing. She’s also Jade’s little half-sister. Kelsey was their mother; Stephen was Elissa’s dad. Anthony Fenton is Elissa’s jerk of a boyfriend. Rose Sears is Elissa’s bitch of aformer best friend.
Stuart Mosley, a dwarf, is president of First Trust bank and Finn’s boss. Joanna Mosley, Stuart’s great-granddaughter, had been a victim of the Dollmaker’s. Stuart’s wife, Jane, died a few months later. Lacey Lawrence went missing after her shift. Sandra Reeves was his first victim.
Ashland PD
Detective Bria Coolidge, Gin’s sister, is one of the very few cops who isn’t corrupt and works hard at her job. Xavier, a giant and Roslyn’s boyfriend, is her partner. Dr. Ryan Colson is the head coroner, grateful to Gin. Detective Sykes is one of those lazy slobs.
Northern Aggression is�
…Ashland’s premier nightclub owned and run by Roslyn Phillips, a vampire who is a good friend of Gin and Finn’s. Lisa and Catherine are Roslyn’s sisters. Gerald and Tim are a couple of the giant bouncers.
Five Oaks is�
…a very upscale country club managed by Marco.
The Circle is�
…a super-secret organization that runs Ashland and its criminals with Hugh Tucker as their number one vampire enforcer. Gin’s mother, Eira Snow, had been a part of it. Damian Rivera, a trust fund drunk and womanizer, is one of their members. Maria and Richard Rivera had been his parents. A dwarf, Bruce Porter, is in charge of Rivera’s security. Some of the thugs include dwarves Ken and Henry.
Harley Grimes had been a serial killer in Heart of Venom , 9. Mab Monroe had been a vicious part of the Circle. Barry, Chuck, and Carlos had been with her that night. Glo-Glo is a makeup company out of Bigtime, New York.
The Cover and Title
The cover is deep purples of a stone wall and house in the background, a bright orange light shining from an upper window. Gin, her hair moving in the breeze and wearing black jeans and tank top and a brown leather jacket, with one of her silverstone knives on her hip, is contemplating the blood flowing from the spider runes burned into her palms.
My best guess on the title is the trap, for theySnared the killer.
My Take
Oh, mama! We’re getting more details into Gin’s past, specifically the night her entire life changed. The most interesting bit was Tucker’s role in that night. And the truth of his position in the Circle. Almost makes ya feel sorry for him.
I had one major issue with this story, and I do NOT understand how Gin never thought of checking out either of these two places. I mean, DUH, the CLUES were all there!!
The overall series arc is Gin wanting to know who put out the order to kill her mother. The emotion of Gin’s determination really hits home as Estep uses first-person protagonist point-of-view, and we get a few steps closer to finding this shadowy central figure…with Estep sneaking in that cliffhanger well before the end.And now I gotta wait to learn more!
Some of the plot beats include that bit of foreshadowing with Gin’s pendant, and there is definitely a ticking clock scenario in this, as they must find the latest victim before she breathes her last. And, naturally, there’s a villain speech.What is with people that they can think this way??
The Story
A cry for help sends Gin Blanco down an increasingly dark, dangerous path, as she hopes desperately to find Jade’s missing sister before it’s too late.
It’s a trail that spikes Gin’s nightmares, recalling that night of the fire that changed her life.
The Characters
Gin Blanco, the former Genevieve Snow, is a retired assassin � with elemental gifts of stone and ice � and unhappy underworld queen. Finnegan "Finn" Lane is her well-loved foster brother who has an interest in the finer things in life and an appreciation for the ladies, although he is in love with Bria, Gin’s sister. Dierdre Shaw ( Spider's Trap , 13, through Unraveled , 15) had been his mother. Owen Grayson has an affinity for metals, and he’s Gin’s lover.These two have had some interesting ups and downs. Eva Grayson is his little sister. Violet Fox is Eva’s best friend. Silvio Sanchez, a vampire and former second-in-command to a mob boss, is Gin’s efficient personal assistant. Tristan had been Gin’s father until his "accident". Annabelle was the sister who died with their mother.
The Pork Pit is�
…a barbecue restaurant Gin inherited from her foster father and assassin mentor, Fletcher Lane. The goth Sophia Deveraux is the head cook with some useful skills with her air elemental power…she does good "clean-up". Catalina Vasquez is Silvio’s niece and Gin’s best waitress.
Jolene "Jo-Jo" Deveraux is Sophia’s older sister and also a dwarf. She uses her air elemental power in the beauty salon she runs. Rosco is her basset hound. Lorelei Parker and Jade Jamison are two of the underworld bosses and friends of Gin's. Elissa Daniels is one of Jade’s "talkers" and has gone missing. She’s also Jade’s little half-sister. Kelsey was their mother; Stephen was Elissa’s dad. Anthony Fenton is Elissa’s jerk of a boyfriend. Rose Sears is Elissa’s bitch of aformer best friend.
Stuart Mosley, a dwarf, is president of First Trust bank and Finn’s boss. Joanna Mosley, Stuart’s great-granddaughter, had been a victim of the Dollmaker’s. Stuart’s wife, Jane, died a few months later. Lacey Lawrence went missing after her shift. Sandra Reeves was his first victim.
Ashland PD
Detective Bria Coolidge, Gin’s sister, is one of the very few cops who isn’t corrupt and works hard at her job. Xavier, a giant and Roslyn’s boyfriend, is her partner. Dr. Ryan Colson is the head coroner, grateful to Gin. Detective Sykes is one of those lazy slobs.
Northern Aggression is�
…Ashland’s premier nightclub owned and run by Roslyn Phillips, a vampire who is a good friend of Gin and Finn’s. Lisa and Catherine are Roslyn’s sisters. Gerald and Tim are a couple of the giant bouncers.
Five Oaks is�
…a very upscale country club managed by Marco.
The Circle is�
…a super-secret organization that runs Ashland and its criminals with Hugh Tucker as their number one vampire enforcer. Gin’s mother, Eira Snow, had been a part of it. Damian Rivera, a trust fund drunk and womanizer, is one of their members. Maria and Richard Rivera had been his parents. A dwarf, Bruce Porter, is in charge of Rivera’s security. Some of the thugs include dwarves Ken and Henry.
Harley Grimes had been a serial killer in Heart of Venom , 9. Mab Monroe had been a vicious part of the Circle. Barry, Chuck, and Carlos had been with her that night. Glo-Glo is a makeup company out of Bigtime, New York.
The Cover and Title
The cover is deep purples of a stone wall and house in the background, a bright orange light shining from an upper window. Gin, her hair moving in the breeze and wearing black jeans and tank top and a brown leather jacket, with one of her silverstone knives on her hip, is contemplating the blood flowing from the spider runes burned into her palms.
My best guess on the title is the trap, for theySnared the killer.
February 7, 2023
Reviewed on
Ever since Gin found out about them, the Circle has been kind of elusive. But not anymore because Gin is finally finding some info on them and things are happening! But on top of that, someone has hired Gin for a job. Typically someone hires Gin to assassinate someone, obviously, but not this time. Oh no, a girl has gone missing and one of Gin’s acquaintances has hired her to find the girl. I really liked this because it was pretty different from other Elemental Assassin stories—it almost had this sort of mystery vibe to it.
But yeah, Gin is on the case because she is the BEST. You all know how much I love Gin—she is like my most favorite heroine ever! She's an assassin, but she is just such a good, kind person! I love her! I also love how sassy she is.
But badass Gin is also amazing! These books always have really great fights, and man do they get vicious... I love it! It’s not like those idiots Dz’t deserve it. Lol.
I’m always so excited when it’s the climax and we’re at last fight in the book and Gin finds herself in a real tough situation. She’s stuck, but she somehow always finds the will and the way to fight her way out. I love seeing her fight and use her magic in new, interesting ways to get herself out of these situations. She’s so smart and badass and I just love her!
And I also just adore all the characters and the way they interact. I love Gin and Finn and their sibling relationship and their funny banter. But I also just like how supportive and protective they are of each other. And then Owen and Gin... Best couple ever! They are just so cute together and I love them! Owen is just the sweetest� he prepared a super nice date with Gin since they've all been busy with all this Circle stuff. He is the best!
I also like how these characters are super cool around dead bodies. Lol.
Speaking of Circle stuff, this Tucker character, what’s his deal?! I’m really interested to find out more about him because we find out some stuff about him that just... wow. There’s more to this and I want to know what that is!
And even if they make no sense, because a lot of them don't. What is his deal?!
So yeah, I loved this book! I adore the characters, the action is always great, and the story is always intriguing. I really loved the ending with all the girls chatting and studying... it was so heartwarming! Every one of those girls was pretty much saved from some horror by Gin at one point or another. I loved it! Also, I swear this book had a Jason Voorhees reference, which I appreciate because I am a huge horror movie fan! Lol. Anyway, this book was awesome and everyone should read this series. Lol.
Ever since Gin found out about them, the Circle has been kind of elusive. But not anymore because Gin is finally finding some info on them and things are happening! But on top of that, someone has hired Gin for a job. Typically someone hires Gin to assassinate someone, obviously, but not this time. Oh no, a girl has gone missing and one of Gin’s acquaintances has hired her to find the girl. I really liked this because it was pretty different from other Elemental Assassin stories—it almost had this sort of mystery vibe to it.
But yeah, Gin is on the case because she is the BEST. You all know how much I love Gin—she is like my most favorite heroine ever! She's an assassin, but she is just such a good, kind person! I love her! I also love how sassy she is.
“Are you sure you're okay, Gin?� Owen asked, his gaze dropping to the bloodstains on my clothes.
“I’m fine.� I grinned. “Most of it’s not even my blood.�
But badass Gin is also amazing! These books always have really great fights, and man do they get vicious... I love it! It’s not like those idiots Dz’t deserve it. Lol.
I’m always so excited when it’s the climax and we’re at last fight in the book and Gin finds herself in a real tough situation. She’s stuck, but she somehow always finds the will and the way to fight her way out. I love seeing her fight and use her magic in new, interesting ways to get herself out of these situations. She’s so smart and badass and I just love her!
And I also just adore all the characters and the way they interact. I love Gin and Finn and their sibling relationship and their funny banter. But I also just like how supportive and protective they are of each other. And then Owen and Gin... Best couple ever! They are just so cute together and I love them! Owen is just the sweetest� he prepared a super nice date with Gin since they've all been busy with all this Circle stuff. He is the best!
I also like how these characters are super cool around dead bodies. Lol.
“Why did I get elected to move the dead guys?� Finn sniped, reluctantly stripping off his jacket and rolling up his shirtsleeves. “My suit is way more expensive than Silvio’s.�
“I heard that,� Silvio said, still sitting on the floor and going through loose papers.
“I meant you to,� Finn snarked back.
Speaking of Circle stuff, this Tucker character, what’s his deal?! I’m really interested to find out more about him because we find out some stuff about him that just... wow. There’s more to this and I want to know what that is!
If there was one thing that I knew about Tucker, it was that he always had a reason for his actions, no matter how twisted they were.
And even if they make no sense, because a lot of them don't. What is his deal?!
So yeah, I loved this book! I adore the characters, the action is always great, and the story is always intriguing. I really loved the ending with all the girls chatting and studying... it was so heartwarming! Every one of those girls was pretty much saved from some horror by Gin at one point or another. I loved it! Also, I swear this book had a Jason Voorhees reference, which I appreciate because I am a huge horror movie fan! Lol. Anyway, this book was awesome and everyone should read this series. Lol.
October 14, 2019
4.5 Stars... This one brought the creep factor... As Gin continues to uncover the twisted secrets of the Circle which also leads her into untangling her past memories, she is led into the dark desires of a serial killer... As the clock is ticking down to finding the latest victim, Gin and her friends must untangle the web of lies and deceit and uncover the truth before it is too late... A high octane, suspenseful thriller with non-stop action and twists at every turn... With each book we learn more of the past and the twisted way in which Gin's life has unfolded... All the players have yet to be revealed, but I think once they are it will be explosive:)
August 5, 2021
This book creeped me out a little bit, the Dollmaker really was out of his mind. Gin learns more about the circle and just how ruthless they can be. They Dz’t want who is in The Circle getting out and they will do what they have to, to make sure it doesn’t. Only they know just how savvy Gin is and how much she needs to take them down.
Another great addition to the series.
Still enjoying the narration.
Another great addition to the series.
Still enjoying the narration.
November 10, 2017
Snared was a great way to pull me back into the criminal world of Ashland in the Elemental Assassin series. Gin is the assassin the Spider but she has also recently become the boss of the underworld. Although, she now knows the Circle is a group of powerful men and women who are trying to hurt her and her friends. Gin is done waiting for them to attack her. She's ready to go on the offensive. Her first mark is Daniel but when a new friend's sister goes missing and the clues point to a serial killer, Gin can't look away. She's determined to find the killer and made him pay for all his prior transgressions.
After sixteen books, I'm pretty sure Jennifer Estep knows where things are heading. I'm positive Gin's going to be fighting several members of the Circle and in the end, I'm pretty sure she's going to be victorious. Hopefully, without losing any of the main characters. I also think I know who the big baddie is and that's going to be a shock to our poor Gin.
I liked that this book had the serial killer vibe. I was feeling the same desperation Gin was experiencing. I knew she was running out of time in finding the girl and the culprit before it was too late. There was a lot of action and even better, someone I had come to dislike is making the transition to someone I might consider liking in the future which is great because Gin needs all the friends she can make to be able to keep fighting.
Overall, I was engaged the whole way through. Gin keeps on maturing and accepting help when it's needed.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Pocket Books in exchange for an honest review.
| | |
May 31, 2017
At A Glance
I do love a good serial killer.
The Good
It's up to Gin to find a missing girl before Ashland's secret serial killer strikes again. All the whileGin can't forget tokeepan eye on The Circle, the meanie-bo-beanie group who killed her family and plot against Gin's every move.
I loved the serial killer aspect. I just find them fascinating. Those rascally psychopaths are straight up bananas, and who doesn't love bananas? ...Anyways
The action was awesome, like always. I love howmethodical Gintakes care of business. Hugh Tucker is becoming one interesting character. We hate him but we are oddly fascinated by him. I have my guesses on what's up with him. He's in deep with The Circle and killing Gin is his goal...or is it?
Gin's flashbacks were very informative. Oh those twists and turns. I love getting another piece of the puzzle.
The Bad
This series is getting pretty predictable, and each book has a similar format that can get tedious after 16 books. Doesn't mean I didn't love this book, I just wanted to warn anyone who plans to start this series. I still love readingEstep's storiesbut I am not blind to this series pitfalls.
The Snuggly
Somelow-key snuggly. Owen and Gin are so cute together but their fire is gone. They are getting a bit boring.
Final Thoughts
Even though this series is getting a little stale, I still love Snared. I had a good time with it.And that's that.
Quotes
"I felt like I was Snared in someone else's spiderweb, and everything I did only made the sticky threads twist and tangle tighter and tighter around me."
"He stared at me, a sad smile tugging at his lips. 'You really do have your mother’s stubbornness. It’s going to be the death of you, little Genevieve. Just as it was the death of her.'
'Genevieve Snow died the night my mother and sister did,' I snarled.
He gave me another sad smile. 'And so did I.'"
“Blood and guts sprayed everywhere, spattering all over the papers and photos still on the floor. Henry screamed and screamed, clutching his stomach and trying to hold his insides, well, inside, where they were supposed to be�
I do love a good serial killer.
The Good
It's up to Gin to find a missing girl before Ashland's secret serial killer strikes again. All the whileGin can't forget tokeepan eye on The Circle, the meanie-bo-beanie group who killed her family and plot against Gin's every move.
I loved the serial killer aspect. I just find them fascinating. Those rascally psychopaths are straight up bananas, and who doesn't love bananas? ...Anyways
The action was awesome, like always. I love howmethodical Gintakes care of business. Hugh Tucker is becoming one interesting character. We hate him but we are oddly fascinated by him. I have my guesses on what's up with him. He's in deep with The Circle and killing Gin is his goal...or is it?
Gin's flashbacks were very informative. Oh those twists and turns. I love getting another piece of the puzzle.
The Bad
This series is getting pretty predictable, and each book has a similar format that can get tedious after 16 books. Doesn't mean I didn't love this book, I just wanted to warn anyone who plans to start this series. I still love readingEstep's storiesbut I am not blind to this series pitfalls.
The Snuggly
Somelow-key snuggly. Owen and Gin are so cute together but their fire is gone. They are getting a bit boring.
Final Thoughts
Even though this series is getting a little stale, I still love Snared. I had a good time with it.And that's that.
Quotes
"I felt like I was Snared in someone else's spiderweb, and everything I did only made the sticky threads twist and tangle tighter and tighter around me."
"He stared at me, a sad smile tugging at his lips. 'You really do have your mother’s stubbornness. It’s going to be the death of you, little Genevieve. Just as it was the death of her.'
'Genevieve Snow died the night my mother and sister did,' I snarled.
He gave me another sad smile. 'And so did I.'"
“Blood and guts sprayed everywhere, spattering all over the papers and photos still on the floor. Henry screamed and screamed, clutching his stomach and trying to hold his insides, well, inside, where they were supposed to be�
April 24, 2017
I received an ARC of this novel with thanks to NetGalley and he publisher, in exchange for a honest and voluntary review.
Gin is Back with yet another mystery/adventure/thrillride. This time one of her friend/business acquaintance’s sister is missing and it is up to Gin to find her before her clock runs out.
Honestly i had given up reading the series at book 12. But reading this book has ignited my curiosity in the series now i'm regretting leaving the series. But you all know what that means.... TO THE LIBRARY! (lets just hope they are availible for an entire series re read).
Yes thats right folks i am willing to do a re read because of this book.
it sucks you into her world. either that or i just missed being part of her world again. Either way this book just made me want more! I should have known really. I mean the series has made it to number 16 after all.
This book is to be experienced and i honestly feel like i could give out massive spoilers so i'm going the less is more option.... should you read it? I'd say yes. Should you buy it? if you have the rest of the series i'd say why not, i don't think you would regret it.
Gin is Back with yet another mystery/adventure/thrillride. This time one of her friend/business acquaintance’s sister is missing and it is up to Gin to find her before her clock runs out.
Honestly i had given up reading the series at book 12. But reading this book has ignited my curiosity in the series now i'm regretting leaving the series. But you all know what that means.... TO THE LIBRARY! (lets just hope they are availible for an entire series re read).
Yes thats right folks i am willing to do a re read because of this book.
it sucks you into her world. either that or i just missed being part of her world again. Either way this book just made me want more! I should have known really. I mean the series has made it to number 16 after all.
This book is to be experienced and i honestly feel like i could give out massive spoilers so i'm going the less is more option.... should you read it? I'd say yes. Should you buy it? if you have the rest of the series i'd say why not, i don't think you would regret it.
January 24, 2021
Being an assassin meant knowing when to kill--and when not to kill.
Gin continues her quest to discover who is involved with the Circle and how her mother was a part of it. Gin is still trying to figure out who the leader is and how she can take him out.
Gin becomes involved in looking for a missing teenager when Jade Jamison's sister is abducted. Jade is a minor mob boss that looks to Gin for help as her role as the underworld boss. The case is entwined with a series of murders known to the police as the Lipstick murders. Gin must unravel the mystery before Elissa's time runs out.
There are so many good things about this series. Gin is a kick ass heroine that can clear a room in a matter of minutes. Her foster brother Finn is a respectable banker with some serious gun skills. Add in the other secondary characters and you have a convoluted, twisted, wild ride that keeps you turning the pages until you finish the book.
This series quickly moved up to an all time favorite when I did a year long series with it. I only have a few more to go and I have slowed down a bit to savor the remaining books.
I feel like I gush every time I write a review. I can't help it. This is an amazing series that I highly recommend.
Gin continues her quest to discover who is involved with the Circle and how her mother was a part of it. Gin is still trying to figure out who the leader is and how she can take him out.
Gin becomes involved in looking for a missing teenager when Jade Jamison's sister is abducted. Jade is a minor mob boss that looks to Gin for help as her role as the underworld boss. The case is entwined with a series of murders known to the police as the Lipstick murders. Gin must unravel the mystery before Elissa's time runs out.
There are so many good things about this series. Gin is a kick ass heroine that can clear a room in a matter of minutes. Her foster brother Finn is a respectable banker with some serious gun skills. Add in the other secondary characters and you have a convoluted, twisted, wild ride that keeps you turning the pages until you finish the book.
This series quickly moved up to an all time favorite when I did a year long series with it. I only have a few more to go and I have slowed down a bit to savor the remaining books.
I feel like I gush every time I write a review. I can't help it. This is an amazing series that I highly recommend.
April 20, 2017
I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
I almost forgot how much I love this series! In book 16, Gin is back in all her badass glory. In this book, Gin and her friends track down a serial killer hunting young women. Gin’s hunt for the Circle members continues in the background but this is a well crafted murder mystery that could easily stand alone.
Gin is one of my all time favourite fictional heroines. I love that there is absolutely no romantic angst in this story. As always, she is fierce and loyal, brave and strong. She uses her powers and her brain and she enlists the help of her friends and family. There are moments where she is vulnerable - but she’s always a survivor.
This is also a wonderfully crafted murder mystery. One of the simplest stories in the series, the plot is perfectly paced and clues are dropped carefully to allow readers to participate in Gin’s hunt. I loved the tension and suspense and I loved the way that Gin’s powers and the Ashland community provide an unusual and interesting backdrop for a fairly conventional murder mystery.
This is a wonderful addition to the series. Fans will love this book but I have to encourage new readers to start at the very beginning with the wonderful Spider’s Bite.
I almost forgot how much I love this series! In book 16, Gin is back in all her badass glory. In this book, Gin and her friends track down a serial killer hunting young women. Gin’s hunt for the Circle members continues in the background but this is a well crafted murder mystery that could easily stand alone.
Gin is one of my all time favourite fictional heroines. I love that there is absolutely no romantic angst in this story. As always, she is fierce and loyal, brave and strong. She uses her powers and her brain and she enlists the help of her friends and family. There are moments where she is vulnerable - but she’s always a survivor.
This is also a wonderfully crafted murder mystery. One of the simplest stories in the series, the plot is perfectly paced and clues are dropped carefully to allow readers to participate in Gin’s hunt. I loved the tension and suspense and I loved the way that Gin’s powers and the Ashland community provide an unusual and interesting backdrop for a fairly conventional murder mystery.
This is a wonderful addition to the series. Fans will love this book but I have to encourage new readers to start at the very beginning with the wonderful Spider’s Bite.
November 18, 2017
As usual, another outstanding story filled with danger, mystery, and Gin's determination to right a wrong and rescue an innocent from an insane serial killer. She's still trying to figure out who the mastermind running the criminal group the Circle is, so she can end his reign once and for all. This is the group that is responsible for the death of her mother and sister and she has vowed to hunt them all down and put an end to their criminal activities while gaining vengeance for her loss. After a young woman is kidnapped and the girl's sister begs her to help find her, Gin and her friends agree to help, and they plan to put an end to the activities of the kidnapping serial killer while they're at it. Of course this will entail plenty of deadly action, the use of Gin's stone and ice magic, and her strong determination to let nothing stop her, no matter what it takes. I love Gin and her loyal group of family/friends, and look forward to more stories in the future.
July 17, 2017
I have to say, I wasn't that impressed with this installment. While I did like the idea of Gin going up against a bona fide serial killer, it wound up being rather anti-climactic at best. The clues were spelled out for the reader, so much so that I was yelling at Gin for being so thick headed with regard to figuring the mystery out. It was just so predictable! Even the overall story arc wasn't furthered that much, and the books are getting rather repetitive. At this point, I am very grateful that my library is carrying them, because I'm not so sure I'd want to spend money on them!
April 11, 2017
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
4.5 Stars
Snared is the 16th installment in the Elemental Assassins series. Jennifer Estep is a master at creating captivating urban fantasy worlds, while simultaneously keeping it fresh in a long-standing series.
Gin Blanco (The Spider) is a kickass-badass heroine. Ordinarily, authors shy away from creating such a fierce character, one who doesn't experience shame or guilt for doing what needs to be done. No woe-is-me, second-guessing inner monologue, where the character asks if she's a good or bad person for her actions. Gin owns who she is, recognizing someone has to do the dirty work, so it might as well be her.
(how best to summarize without spoiling the plot...) On the case to locate a missing girl, Gin is led to Ashland's underbelly, where she encounters the Circle. Gin follows the clues, ties the pieces together, and shows her many talents in the process. Estep also shows her talents as a writer, by weaving a storyline that isn't obvious and predicable.
In a formula that has stood the test of time, Snared fits perfectly with its 15 predecessors. Action-packed, comforting as the characters don't act out of character, and heartwarming to see Gin interact with her nearest and dearest, Snared was pure entertainment.
This is an Urban Fantasy series, where the world-building and mystery-solving are the main focus, not romance and between-the-sheets action. I don't recommend Snared be read as a standalone- it's best to start all the way back to the beginning.
4.5 Stars
Snared is the 16th installment in the Elemental Assassins series. Jennifer Estep is a master at creating captivating urban fantasy worlds, while simultaneously keeping it fresh in a long-standing series.
Gin Blanco (The Spider) is a kickass-badass heroine. Ordinarily, authors shy away from creating such a fierce character, one who doesn't experience shame or guilt for doing what needs to be done. No woe-is-me, second-guessing inner monologue, where the character asks if she's a good or bad person for her actions. Gin owns who she is, recognizing someone has to do the dirty work, so it might as well be her.
(how best to summarize without spoiling the plot...) On the case to locate a missing girl, Gin is led to Ashland's underbelly, where she encounters the Circle. Gin follows the clues, ties the pieces together, and shows her many talents in the process. Estep also shows her talents as a writer, by weaving a storyline that isn't obvious and predicable.
In a formula that has stood the test of time, Snared fits perfectly with its 15 predecessors. Action-packed, comforting as the characters don't act out of character, and heartwarming to see Gin interact with her nearest and dearest, Snared was pure entertainment.
This is an Urban Fantasy series, where the world-building and mystery-solving are the main focus, not romance and between-the-sheets action. I don't recommend Snared be read as a standalone- it's best to start all the way back to the beginning.
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