Tuesday, June 12, 2018

Venom in the Veins by Jennifer Estep

Series: Elemental Assassin #17
267 p.
Publisher: Author/Indie
Published: 6/12/18
Source: from author for review

Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/2t0A6Rk
Blood might be thicker than water, but venom is stronger than just about anything… 
It was supposed to be a nice, quiet, simple dinner with friends—but nothing is ever nice, quiet, or simple when you’re Gin Blanco, the Spider, notorious assassin and current queen of the Ashland underworld. 
This time around, someone seems to be targeting Stuart Mosley, the president of First Trust bank. Lots of people have grudges against Mosley, but the more I investigate, the more Mosley’s problems seem to be connected to some of my own, especially when it comes to the Circle, the evil, shadowy group that is secretly responsible for much of the crime and corruption in Ashland. 
But when another blast from my dark and deadly past as the Spider comes to light, I wonder if I’ll be able to survive this dangerous new enemy, who has a burning thirst for revenge that will only be satisfied with one thing: my death. 
Note: The title of this book has been changed from Cold Sting to Venom in the Veins.
My thoughts:

Another episode in Gin's life and I still enjoy these books. There is a familiar ring to most of these stories and for me, it is like coming back to old friends and going on a new adventure where Gin kicks some arse. While we don't quite move too much on the latest overall arc in this novel we do get a bit further glimpse into what is going on and it also made me even more curious about Hugh Tucker and how he fits into Gin's past, present and possible future (although how far into that future is yet to be seen). It seems like we keep getting hints on if he is a bad guy or a good guy and the jury is still out. It is frustrating in a good way as he rides the line between good and evil perfectly. I don't think I'd like it if all my answers came at once.

As with the other books the secondary characters are as interesting as Gin and we get to have more interaction with Mosley, Finn's boss, and we get to see how he has become more part of Gin's growing family. Without giving too much away, we see how Gin ends up not just protecting Mosley but how his past has been intertwined with her own.

I give this book 4 stars. It is another good addition to the series which I adore and I anxiously await the next book. I know I'm a bit light on details, but this is a series I think you need to experience yourself and I don't want to spoil any of it. Also, don't let 17 books scare you. A good book goes fast and you won't have to wait for the next one to come out. In some ways that makes me envious as I am now wanting the next book and I have to wait.

62 comments:

  1. I love this series! I love all her books though. I really need to get caught up on it, I think I'm on book 9 I want to say. It really is fun.

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    1. Yay! I am glad you are enjoying it! You have some good books yet to enjoy!

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  2. Gah! #17?!? This is a series I've always wanted to read but I keep getting further behind and the number of books is daunting. :/ I'm happy you're still enjoying Gin and her stories, Melissa. Someday I'll meet her. ;)

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  3. Whoa, that’s a long series! It’s always impressive to me when an author can keep a story and characters fresh after so many books. Glad this series is still so enjoyable!

    Tanya @ Girl Plus Books
    Http://girlplusbooks.blogspot.com

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    1. I think the secondary characters help and they are so interesting.

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  4. I only read book 1 years ago and I don't remember it but I need to read more!

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  5. This is another series I want to try. I am working my way through Jim Butcher's Dresden Files at the moment!

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    1. I think you will enjoy it! I still haven’t read the Dresden Files yet.

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  6. I have the first book in this series unread for years. With some of my favorites urban fantasy series ending, I think I will pick this one up. I can't believe the series is already on book 18 and still going strong.

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  7. At some point I want to read these. I love that they are still exciting this far into the series.

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  8. Book 17!!!? Jeesh I am seriously falling behind with this series. I think I've read up to book 3 so far. LoL Glad to hear that it's still a great read.

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    1. At least you won't have to wait for the next book! Sometimes it is good to be behind. ;)

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  9. I haven't read anything by Jennifer Estep in a while and I'm way behind on this series. I'm glad to see that you enjoyed this one. Great review!

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  10. 17 books? Wow, now THAT'S a series lol. Still I like the idea of an elemental assassin! And nice when you feel that familiarity with existing characters. :)

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    1. The secondary characters in this one are also worth the read. You get to really know them which is a good thing.

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  11. Oh wow, you're already on book 17 and you still love it! That definitely speaks a lot for this series. Gotta check it out. Awesome review Melissa :)

    xx
    Vanessa
    Blushing Geek

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  12. I'm really gonna have to read her books at some point.

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  13. Grabbing this one on audio as soon as I finish my current read!!!!!!!

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    1. I have heard the audio is really good in this series. I am planing on doing that sometime in the future.

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  14. Man, so many books! That's great you still love the series though and that waiting for all your answers is still enjoyable. :)

    I do love books that have great secondary characters.

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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  15. Hmm! A series that is popular with my friends who are into this genre ... as well as some of those who aren't. Can't say they particularly appeal to me but never say never.

    Glad you enjoyed them, that the story is still as strong some books in.

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    1. If you liked the Kitty Norville series I think you'll like these.

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  16. I cannot believe this is so far into a series and I have never heard of it before, it is good when you have a series you like and it remains fresh! Will check it out xxx

    Lainy http://www.alwaysreading.net

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  17. Lovely review, thank you! I too love this series for its characters. This one felt a little too much like those that came before, but it was still good and I'll be here for the next one!

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    1. I know what you mean, but sometimes when you just want to have fun with a book that is fine with me.

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  18. I've been meaning to start this series for awhile now! It's good to know the books are still good this far in! Seventeen is a lot of books... lol. <3

    L @ Do You Dog-ear?

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  19. Holy cow I cannot believe so many books in this series. I've meant to start these for years now especially after your reviews.

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    1. Oh you so need to start. I think you'll have fun with these characters.

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  20. Wow...#17 in the series. Glad they are still enjoyable.

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  21. 17 books does sound a little intimidating, but the cover and blurb look and sound awesome!

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    1. Not intimidating when they are good though. Just think you won't have to wait for the next to be out! :D

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  22. This is one of the series I'm planning to catch up on.

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    1. Oh I think you'll love what is coming... no matter where you are in the series. :D

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  23. Wow, what a long series! I haven't read anything that long. Maybe I'm missing out by the sounds of it. Glad you enjoyed this one!

    ~Brittany @ Brittany's Book Rambles

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  24. oh my gosh 17 books :D I love long serious tho.. Like Dresden files, I need to try and start this it looks like a fun read o.o the Hugh thing sounds a bit frustrating tho

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    1. I still need to start the Dresden Files. I will one day!

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  25. This is an author I have not yet read, but I really want to. I like that even so many books in, you feel like this series is still going strong.

    Great review!

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  26. Glad you enjoy this series, like you mention is is like visiting old friends. Wow 17 books!

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  27. Wow! The Elemental Assassin series is up to book 17 now? Wow, time flies! Argh! Another author on my bucket list!

    Naomi @ Naomi’s Reading Palace

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  28. I need to read this author at some point. Her books sound right up my street and I have several series bookmarked on goodreads to check out. :)

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  29. I've had Jennifer Estep on my want to read author's list forever it seems. I'm glad the series continues to entertain you. I hear the world is fabulous. I'm hoping to jump aboard her new series, Kill the Queen this fall. Great review, Melissa!

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    1. Oh change that want to have! LOL This is just fun. I can't wait to review the new one!

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