Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Bitter Bite by Jennifer Estep

Series: Elemental Assassin #14
400 p.
Publisher: Pocket Books
Published: 2/23/16
Source: Author, Publisher and NetGalley for review
Which is stronger: blood ties or a battle-tested friendship? 
It’s not easy being queen bee of an underworld abuzz with crooks and killers. Wielding my potent Ice and Stone elemental magic will only get me so far—my real secret is my tight-knit makeshift family, a motley crew of cops and criminals, dwarves and playboys. My foster brother Finnegan Lane is my right-hand man, but when his suddenly not-dead relative comes back into the picture, I’m the one on the outside looking in.

It’s funny how life works: one minute your best friend is rock-steady, and the next he’s doe-eyed and buying into this whole loving-relative routine to the point of ignoring you. I’d like to be happy for Finn, I really would. But all of my instincts are telling me that beneath the syrupy sweet demeanor and old-fashioned charm, this sudden interloper is planning something. The whole shtick leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. This person might have avoided the grave once, but I’ll put anyone who hurts Finn in the ground—for good.
My thoughts:

I love this series and I couldn't wait for this addition to the series. One where Finn becomes center in Gin's world. His momma comes back into his life and he must deal with the consequences of that action no matter if it is good or bad. Okay, that is as spoilery as I'll get and it was said in the blurb. As for the rest I'll try not to spoil anything else.

For me this one is about family. Ones we are born to and ones we make for ourselves. It is those ties that define who we are (both good and bad) and who we want to become. Sometimes it is a role model we emulate and sometimes it is an example we make sure we do not become. Because of this dynamic we can easily become involved in this storyline.

This one really kept my interest from the get go, but then I'm a huge fan of Finn. He always has Gin's back and I love the sibling camaraderie they both share. There is another story arc brewing and this one already has my attention and speculation. The book does not end in a cliffie, but does leave the door wide open for what is to come. I think we will get more of Gin's backstory in the works ahead. At least I hope this is the case.

I give this book 4 1/2 stars. It is a great addition to this series. While you probably could read this one without reading the other books in the series I do not recommend it. You need that established feeling of who they are to each other to encompass the fullness of this story. Plus I think you'd miss out on too much and this series and there is too much progression that you would miss. I highly recommend this series to those that really love UF.

33 comments:

  1. I always enjoy reading series, especially if they are well written. Nice review, and greetings!

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  2. I haven't read this series yet but I've followed all the emotional highs and lows you all go through with it :-)

    Karen @For What It's Worth

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    1. Read eet! :) You know you want to have all those emotions. :D

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  3. There are so many adult series I haven't started yet and this is one. Number 14??? Ugh! I hope they are fast reads, lol!! or Maybe on audio!! You really make me want to see what's going on in this series!!!

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  4. How about that tidbit about Gin's mom, I wonder if she used to be a Regina George...

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    1. I had to look that up since I didn't watch Mean Girls. LOL I'm also wondering if it was that or if she just got caught up in it. They all might have been different people then. *curiosity abounds*

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  5. I am seeing great reviews for this one. Why haven't I started this series yet?

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    1. Yes, WHY? ;) You so need to Heidi! I think you'd have fun with it.

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    1. At least read a few books back before this one and then you will get the importance of Finn. It does flow better character wise if you start at least toward the beginning or at least when Owen appears. :D

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  7. I like when a series allows one to read out of order, but I'd hate to miss out on that established feel you're mentioning! I LOVE great sibling relationships and that's what's piqued my interest the most! Great review :)

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    1. Oh yea, you'd love Finn and Gin! I just think you'd miss out on too much if a lot was skipped, but yes, you probably could skip around. ;)

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  8. I'm so excited this series is still going strong, I just love it but am sadly way behind but you are definitely making me want to pick it back up again.

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  9. I've been seeing reviews of this one and it reminds me I need to get back to this series. I LOVE Finn!!!

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    1. Yes, you so need to get back into the series! Finn is one of my faves as well. :)

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  10. I still have yet to pick up this series but I'm so glad you're a continued fan. Some books can lose steam with multiple books so it's an incredible sign that this series keeps remaining fresh. Lovely review, Melissa!

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    1. I think that is why I love this series. It is still going strong IMO. :D

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  11. I've listened to the first three book but haven't been blown away by them. I have the 4th and 5th so I will continue. I'm glad to see Finn has such a central roll, because he's my favorite character.

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    1. This is such a great series. I would be curious to see what you think about Owen when you get there. :D

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  12. everyone is loving this series, I really need to read book 2!

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  13. I need to read this series by Jennifer Estep... I've heard good things. And everyone raves about Finn!

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    1. Her secondary characters are so good. Oh yea, Finn is a fave. :D

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  14. Finn sounds like a character I could enjoy and good to hear that it creates a fullness with the rest of series

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  15. I love this series and thought this one was such a great addition! I love how Gin has grown from a lone assassin to a "team" family. Yea!! Great review.

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  16. Family ones are always a hard one for Gin. I hate that they go against her when the bad guy is close to them, but love how Gin handles it.

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  17. 14 books?! Eeps. That's gonna take me a while. I have book one though :D Yay for a great read so far into a series!

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