Review: Sharpest Sting (Elemental Assassin #18) by Jennifer Estep

Title: Sharpest Sting

Series: Elemental Assassin #18

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) | The Spider (#10) | Poison Promise (#11) | Black Widow (#12) | Spider's Trap (#13) | Bitter Bite (#14) | Unraveled (#15) | Snared (#16) | Venom in the Veins (#17)

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) | Unwanted (#14.5) | Nice Guys Bite (#15.5) | Winter's Web (#17.5)

Author: Jennifer Estep

Genre: Adult, urban fantasy

Publication date: October 8th 2019

Published by: Jennifer Estep

Source: eARC from author

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Synopsis:

The truth won’t set me free—but it will probably get me killed...

As Gin Blanco, aka the assassin the Spider, I’m used to having a target on my back. But ever since I started investigating the secret society known as the Circle, that target seems bigger than ever.

Still, I’m trying to relax and enjoy the events leading up to my friends’ wedding when I learn that an old enemy has returned to Ashland. And that’s the just beginning of my latest nightmare. Soon, I have Circle goons watching my every move, but I have no choice but to continue searching for a key piece of evidence against the evil group.

The deeper I dig, the more horrifying secrets I uncover, and the more dangerous things become for me and my friends. Just when I think I finally have a handle on things, a shocking revelation shatters my heart and leaves me with an ugly realization—that betrayal is the sharpest sting of all...

My rating: ★★★★★
It was about mid August when I was tweeting the author, Jennifer Estep, telling her how I had caught up on the Elemental Assassin series earlier in the year and I was now really starting to feel those withdrawals. Little did I know that two days later she was going to be sending out the ARCs for this book.


I was not expecting to get my Gin fix so fast, but hey, I am not complaining! Lol. This book was totally worth the wait! It was just amazing!

One of my favorite things about this book was Liam Carter and his incessant flirting with Silvio. I loved it! And I really liked Liam! Silvio’s still unsure about the guy, especially considering what happened in Nice Guys Bite. Yikes. It’s fair that he’s cautious around the guy, but I just loved how Liam kept flirting with him anyway and Silvio was almost indignant about it even though deep down he actually kinda liked it. Lol. I just loved every scene they were in together!

“All right. Have a seat. What do you want for lunch?”
Instead of heading to the back corner booth he’d sat in yesterday, Liam strolled over and plopped down on the stool next to Silvio. “Oh, I can think of a few things,” he drawled.

OMG STOP! I cannot take the cuteness!! I just love this so much! Excuse me while I try to not hyperventilate. Lol.

This is why it hurt so much when Liam “betrayed” Gin and started working for Mason instead... but plot twist! That was Gin’s plan all along! Girl is smart and that is one of the reasons why I love her. I just hope this plan doesn’t backfire and Mason finds out about Liam. I really like Liam!

Besides these two lovebirds, there was also some weird flirting going on between two other characters that Bria perfectly described as “passive-aggressive flirting.” And omg that is so right! It was the weirdest thing ever, yet kinda cute and fun and I kinda liked it? Lol. I’m really interested to see where this... relationship goes.

I also really loved Lorelei in this one! I mean, I already liked her, but she was awesome in this! Badass and feisty and... I just really enjoyed her presence.

One character that has really surprised me is Tucker. As the books go by, I find myself hating Tucker less and less, actually. I was very curious to find out more about him and what the heck his deal is anyway, and this book we finally find out some interesting stuff about him! We finally get a glimpse into things and what he’s playing at. We finally see his true colors. And then there’s Uncle Mason... he... I just can’t form the words to describe this guy. He is awful... just the worst! He is heartless and cold and I just hate him!

Gin actually finally meets her uncle. I didn’t think it would be so soon, but yeah! He is just awful! He actually killed his own brother, Gin’s dad, and in the worst way possible, too! It was so messed up! I could not believe the things he did to his own family. The only things he cares about are power, money, and himself. And speaking of power, he is stupid powerful when it comes to his stone magic. Like, it’s insane! Gin knows she won't be able to take him on with power alone. But she is very smart and I am confident she will find a way to defeat him. I hope 😓

But this book was just so good! This is my favorite series, so you shouldn’t be surprised. Lol. Not only was it action-packed and emotional (it made me cry! Look, we’re 18 books in and you bet I’m emotionally invested in these characters. My poor Gin! 😩), but we got a ton of revelations about Uncle Mason, Gin’s dad, some stuff with Fletcher, and finally Tucker! So many things have surfaced and they’re all starting to make sense now! It’s insane! Mason is a vicious bastard, and I am just wondering how things will move forward from here because damn! That ending? Things are not going well for Gin and her friends. But I have faith in her! She is smart and she will beat him! I just can't wait to see how!

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! 😊