Review: The Spider (Elemental Assassin #10) by Jennifer Estep

Title: The Spider

Series: Elemental Assassin #10

Previous books in this series: Spider's Bite (#1) | Web of Lies (#2) | Venom (#3) | Tangled Threads (#4) | Spider's Revenge (#5) | By A Thread (#6) | Widow's Web (#7) | Deadly Sting (#8) | Heart of Venom (#9)

Short stories in this series: Poison (#0.1) | Web of Deceit (#0.2) | Spider's Bargain (#0.5) | Web of Death (#1.5) | Wasted (#2.7) | Tangled Dreams (#3.5) | Tangled Schemes (#3.7) | Spider’s Nemesis (#4.5) | Thread of Death (#5.5) | Carniepunk: Parlor Tricks (#8.1) | Kiss of Venom (#8.5)

Author: Jennifer Estep

Genre: Adult, urban fantasy

Publication date: December 2013

Published by: Pocket Books

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis:

How did I end up in a career where I always have blood on my hands? Well, let me tell you a story about an assassin who thought she could do no wrong...

Ten years ago. A blistering hot August night. I remember like it was yesterday. The night I, Gin Blanco, truly became the Spider. Killing people is what I do best, especially now that I’ve honed my Ice and Stone magic. But back then, I had yet to learn one very important rule: arrogance will get you, every single time.

This particular job seemed simple: murder a crooked building contractor with ties to ruthless Fire elemental Mab Monroe. My mentor, Fletcher Lane, had some misgivings, but I was certain that I had the situation under control... right up until I exposed my weaknesses to a merciless opponent who exploited every single one of them. There’s a reason assassins aren’t supposed to feel anything. Luckily, a knife to the heart can fix that problem, especially when I’m the one wielding it...

My rating: ★★★★☆
Even though The Spider is book 10 in the series, it’s actually sort of prequel, mostly taking place 10 years in the past. It does start off in the present as Gin tells Owen her story—the story of what really made Gin Blanco the Spider.

Killing someone was easy—getting away with it was what was truly challenging.

Past Gin was SO different from present Gin, it was crazy! I adore present Gin—she’s always so calm and collected, always knows what she’s doing. But of course, she had to get to this point in her assassin life somehow. Past Gin was still sassy, which I loved! But we also get a giggling Gin, which was weird as fuck! You would never catch present day Gin giggling... unless she’s trying to lure away a target, of course. And Gin always introduces herself as Gin like the liquor, and we finally get to see were that all started! I liked that.

Gin has bad luck in the love department in this book, and it was awful. The guy was awful—just the fucking worst! I kept telling her, “Just you wait until Owen.” (Yeah, I talk to my books. Lol.)

Sebastian... ugh! I had so many red alerts going off in my head when it came to this guy, but Gin didn’t even see it. It was frustrating to see how blind she was when it came to this guy. He was absolutely disgusting! But this situation was also sad because she was happy with this guy. She hadn’t been this happy in a long time. I understand why she had these blinders on though: she liked the way he showered her with attention and she just wanted to feel loved. And I get it because she does deserve to be loved.

I just really love Gin and it was very hard seeing her in this situation. But how did we get to this situation? Well, it all started with a sketchy case. The case that made Gin Blanco the assassin we know today. And what’s that, you may be asking. Well, to put it bluntly...

She killed the wrong fucking guy! The Gin we know now, present Gin, would never do that! She jumped headfirst into this mission without thinking twice, even after Fletcher warned her something didn’t feel right about this case. And this is what messed her up. This is how she became to cold ruthless, calculating killer she is now. It was insane and I felt so awful for her! Sebastian was just playing her the whole time, and the moment she realized this was very heartbreaking. But it was also very interesting seeing this character development. You could clearly see the turning point of this giggling, almost-impulsive Spider, to the stoic, level headed, extra-cautious Spider we know and love today. You can literally pinpoint it. It was amazing, but in the most awful way.

I sent my magic deeper and deeper into the stone, looking for any cracks that I could pour my power into. Then, when I found the stone’s weak spots, I exploited them, just as Sebastian had exploited my weaknesses—weaknesses I hadn’t even realized that I had.
Arrogance. Impatience. Pride.

But amid all the mistakes and heartache, Gin pulled herself together and got shit done. So proud of her!

My poor Gin. I am so glad she eventually found Owen because he is the sweetest, most loving man and he is perfect for her. They are literally one of my most favorite couples ever! And another relationship I loved was Fletcher and Gin’s relationship. Their talk there at the end... I think I may have cried a little. It was actually really nice seeing a live Fletcher... you know, before he was murdered back in book one.

And as with all Jennifer Estep books, this one had a ton of fun Easter Eggs! For example, we get a mention of Bigtime, NY (from the Bigtime series) and Cypress Mountain (from my favorite series, Mythos Academy)!

And we also get a bunch of cameos from characters in this series. This part... it was weird for me. You see, we suddenly get all these characters making a cameo that we know Gin meets way later on. Remember, this book takes place 10 years in the past. But suddenly we get Bria and Owen showing up and Gin doesn’t remember briefly meeting them? It was a bit much, if I’m being honest.

But overall, I really liked this story and seeing how Gin became the Spider. Gin went through some pretty awful things, but in the end she came out stronger. It was very interesting seeing this different, younger Gin, even though it was a little frustrating at times. But I get it! She needed to go through some serious shit before we got to the Spider we know and love now. And of course, it was action-packed as always! It was great!

Have you read this book? If so, what did you think about it? If not, what do you think? Does it sound like something you might want to read? Leave me a link to your review or comment below! :)