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    Deadly Sting
    Deadly Sting
    Deadly Sting
    Ebook384 pages5 hours

    Deadly Sting

    By Jennifer Estep

    4/5

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    About this ebook

    The eighth hotly anticipated book in the Elemental Assassin series by New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Estep: it’s Gin Blanco's party—and you’ll cry if she wants you to.

    Red is definitely my color. Good thing, because in my line of work, I end up wearing it a lot.

    Most people shy away from blood, but for an assassin like me— Gin Blanco, aka the Spider—it’s just part of the job. Still, it would be nice to get a night off, especially when I’m attending the biggest gala event of the summer at Briartop, Ashland’s fanciest art museum. But it’s just not meant to be. For this exhibition of my late nemesis’s priceless possessions is not only the place to be seen, but the place to be robbed and taken hostage at gunpoint as well. No sooner did I get my champagne than a bunch of the unluckiest thieves ever burst into the museum and started looting the place.

    Unlucky why? Because I brought along a couple of knives in addition to my killer dress. Add these to my Ice and Stone magic, and nothing makes me happier than showing the bad guys why red really is my color.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherPocket Books
    Release dateMar 26, 2013
    ISBN9781451689037
    Deadly Sting
    Author

    Jennifer Estep

    Jennifer Estep is a New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author who prowls the streets of her imagination in search of her next fantasy idea. Jennifer is the author of the Crown of Shards, Elemental Assassin, and other fantasy series. She has written more than 35 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.

    Read more from Jennifer Estep

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    Reviews for Deadly Sting

    4/5

    162 ratings15 reviews

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    • 4/5
      This certainly is not the first book in this collection but it didn't seem to matter as I figured out who was who pretty quickly. The heroine, Gin Blanco, is an assassin and a damn good one. Known as the Spider most fear her and those who don't should. Talked into attending a Museum event with her cousin, Gin is the subject of an assassination attempt but the wrong girl is killed. To top this off, the killers/thieves are determined to steal everything in the Museum and nearly get away with it. A gripping novel that I certainly enjoyed.
    • 5/5
      Check out my other listens at Eargasms Audiobook Reviews

      Yes!! The series is finally headed back to the one I fell in love with!!! All the wonderful adventure and snarky humor and no more mopey angst. Ok there might still be a little angst but it is nothing like the last book!! We are back on track and I can't wait to jump into the next book!!

      So, we are headed to a gala gotta go dress shopping right? That is the best way to start off the book cause Finn is hilarious!! And Gin is well, Gin!

      The events of the book move at a pretty swift pace and once the main action goes down you will be on the edge of your seat!! Really clever story telling and great plot twists! I will say there are many times when Gin is not as quick on the uptake as her readers. Or maybe it is Ms Estep has a heavy hand with the foreshadowing. It doesn't really take away from the story just makes you want to shake Gin and say "Put the pieces together already!"

      This book answers many questions and clears up several situations while at the same time creating more for the future! I have loads of questions for the next book and hope they get cleared up. I am especially thrown by the dress incident, you will see when you read, there has to be more to that. Gin always says she does not believe in coincidence.

      I adore the dynamic between all the characters. They are all so well formed, they should be after seven other books! But they never cease to draw me into the story! Ms Estep has created a truly rich and endearing world. I am always eager to go back and visit!

      I listen to the audiobooks and I adore Lauren Fortgang! She has such a way with the accents and bringing the characters to life. She is always a delight to my ears!
    • 4/5
      Reviewed by: Rabid ReadsAll good things must come to an end and unfortunately, Deadly Sting brings Estep’s five star reign to a halt. After seven installments it comes as no surprise that Jennifer opted to try something new with her Elemental Assassin series but sadly this book fell short of its mark. I’ll still take this novel any day of the week over most Urban Fantasy reads out there even though it didn’t meet this author’s usual standards. This is also my first non-audiobook experience with Estep which makes me wonder whether the narrator really does make that big of a difference.The scope of this novel’s plot was very narrow in my opinion; the story was severely limited because it unfolds over the course of one night in one location. The secondary characters’ roles were also quite small on account of them being locked-up for a good portion of this book which is a shame because I love them almost as much as Gin. As a result, readers get to spend some quality time with Blanco but even that couldn’t appease me because she wasn’t her usual introspective self. One of my favourite aspects of her character is her internal monologues which were all but absent in this story. Then add Owen channeling Donovan Cain’s douche-ry into the mix and I couldn’t help but wonder what the heck happened to my beloved Elemental Assassin series in this installment.Even though Grayson’s character was all but massacred in Widow’s Web I still held out hope that he’d come to his senses and realize the error of his ways. I thought that the life-or-death adrenaline high he and Gin both experience would have at least resulted in one intense shagging session but alas all readers get is one measly kiss. I was disappointed by the lack of progress on the relationship front; Estep didn’t even give us a sliver of hope in the form of a cliffhanger. Instead we got a repeat on the diner conversation from the last installment. I’m an eternal optimist so I’m not prepared to write Owen off yet but their rift is approaching the point of no return. I don’t really see how Jennifer can redeem Grayson’s character without him looking like a pansy.Once the audiobook version of Deadly Sting becomes available I will be giving this novel a second chance to see if Lauren Fortgang’s narration changes my opinion. In spite of my negative review I still enjoyed reconnecting with my favourite characters and the quality of the action in this installment is undeniable; I just wish that Jennifer Estep had stuck with her tried and true Elemental Assassin format. Maybe I’m just suffering from growing pains but sometimes change isn’t always good.
    • 4/5
      What can I say? I'm hooked. Gin Blanco kicks ass. This was my first Elemental Assassin book, but definitly not the last! I couldn't put it down.
    • 4/5
      Review closer to release date.
    • 3/5
      This book is definitely slower than previous books
      Gin reflects on an assignment she helped Fletcher with regarding a giant
      She spends too much time thinking about things with Owen while figuring out how to stop the heist
      I was pissed at Owen in the last book, and that doesn’t improve much in this one. He’s still acting like an asshat.
      There was too much catching up on what’s happened previously.
      Not my favorite in the series, but I’ll continue because I want to know what else happens in Gin’s world
    • 3/5
      Actual Rating: 2.5/5 stars

      Dilemma: Finn decided that it's time for Gin to go out and stop brooding about her recent break-up with Owen so he invited her to attend a fancy shindig. Boy, did Gin find that night so eventful.

      Finn! He's crazy but I liked him and his crazy antics. Ehh. He's also good in fashion. He's obsessed. I can't believe I'll like a character like him.

      Owen. The author really did ruin him for me. I thought Donovan Caine is the worst but... *sigh* Redeem yourself, Owen!

      Gin can pretty much survived anything because she can be healed by her Air Elemental friend anytime so I don't worry about her. She's practically invincible.

      Hurray. I'll finish this series soon!
    • 5/5
      Fast paced and jaw dropping excitement!

      This was a long and anticipated installment of the series for me. Wondering about the effects of the aftermath of Widow's Web had me on pins and needles for a very long time.

      While there are some unresolved issue still present at the end of the book, The overall story-line does not disappoint. In a nutshell, this is a classic Spider adventure.

      Mab Monroe's vast estate is about to be put on display and anyone who is anyone plans on attending the unveiling, including the Ashland's resident retired assassin, the Spider. Not to mention some other nasty uninvited guests.

      The book has all the classic elements of the series; vicious displays of elemental magic and supernatural abilities, numerous life and death situations and self-sacrifices. Nestled within the story-line are the undercurrents of relationship uncertainties, underhanded double-crossings and glimpses into Gin's the past.

      All the usual suspects make an appearance; Finn is still suave and engaging, Once confident Owen seems to have slipped into indecisiveness and Brea appears to have accepted Gin with all of her baggage. Each contributes a significant aspect to the story-line; comic-relief, personal angst and unwavering support.

      It never seem to amaze me the number of unsavory characters that the city of Ashland manages to attract. This latest installment really steps up to the plate in regards to its selection of villains. Clementine is a formidable adversary. Possibly even on an higher scale than Selena.

      All in all I really enjoyed this installment of the Assassin series and I can not wait to read the next installment.
    • 4/5
      Is Red the new black?Well! It doesn't show the blood and gore! This is my first foray into the Elemental Assassin series.Was I starting behind the eight ball? Should I have read some of the preceding titles? Happily, this was not necessary! I quickly fell into step with the various characters and their connections to each other.At the beginning Gin muses, 'as an assassin, I'd learned a long time ago not to invest too much money in clothes that were only going to end up with bloodstains on them'.Just as well because this night was no exception. Plenty of action, throats cut and blood flowing, amidst tantalizing plot twists and turns. A fabulous function, a gorgeous new gown and a heist of giant proportions, all the ingredients for an occasion extravonaire!An amusing read indeed! ...and I can go back and read more of the how's and who's to date without worrying too much about starting with the 8th book in the series.A NetGalley ARC
    • 4/5
      Loved the opening of DEADLY STING. Gin and Finn are way to funny together and them shopping for dresses of course could not go off without a hitch. There were a few things I didn't love about DEADLY STING. The book was missing the initial investigating that I have always enjoyed, the whole book took place at one location in one evening and wasn't as suspenseful as usual. The entire conflict seemed to drag on way to long with little movement. Having said that DEADLY STING still brought plenty of action to the table. Gin still kicks ass at every turn and I never get tired of watching her beat the bad guys. I continue to love the supporting characters of the series, it really wouldn't be the same without them. Owen is still ticking me off. I still don't understand why its him that is mad at her and not the other way around. Gin made the hard choice and protected his family. I still feel like Gin should feel betrayed by him and his behavior. I'm really disappointed in his lack of understanding.I love the Elemental Assassin series and would never think of not picking up the next book. Can't wait to see what comes next for Gin and her friends. Bring on HEART OF VENOM.
    • 4/5
      Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales.Quick & Dirty: If you’re planning a big heist at an art museum, make sure the most famous assassin in the city isn’t in attendance. It won’t end well for you.Opening Sentence: “That would look fabulous on you.”The Review:It’s been a few weeks since the end events of Widow’s Web. Gin Blanco hasn’t heard from Owen and is trying to keep herself busy at The Pork Pit so she doesn’t think about him too much. Enter Finn, who needs a plus one to join him at a gala where Mab Monroe’s possessions will be on display. Little do they know that a large group of thieves has planned a heist. Unluckily for the thieves, Ashland’s most notorious assassin is in attendance and ready to take her frustrations out on them.Jennifer Estep certainly knows how to pack a book full of action. From the moment Gin enters the party, there is something interesting going on, whether it be trading glares with Jonah MacAllister, finding artifacts Mab possessed that have special significance to Gin, or coming face to face with Owen and his date for the evening. As the bullets (and knives of course) start flying, the tension doesn’t let up until the very last page. This isn’t a book for people who are new to the series, but for those who are familiar with the events of previous books, this installment is definitely not a disappointment!What’s interesting to me in this installment is that it’s pretty much entirely focused on Gin. We get a little bit of Finn at the beginning, but the meat of the book is just Gin on her own. One might think that would be boring, but it’s certainly not the case here. Even though she was raised to be a loner, Gin has found herself surrounded by people who love her and who she loves, and it’s very interesting to see that play out in her thoughts as she finds herself on her own this time around.The times that Gin does have interactions with others in this book are great as well. There are some moments between her and Owen that just made my heart ache (and if I’m being honest, there were also some moments where I just wanted to reach into the book and shake Owen). Finn is amusing, as always, and we even get a little bit of Bria and Xavier as well.Something that tends to always be brought up in reviews of the Elemental Assassin series is Estep’s use of repetition. In past books, I have found myself occasionally annoyed at the repetition of facts. Luckily, I really didn’t notice much, if any, repetition in this installment.All in all, this was an action-packed, fast read that made me want to pick up the next book right away. I’m eagerly looking forward to my next visit to Ashland and the world of The Spider!Notable Scene:A sad smile curved Fletcher’s lips. “I don’t blame you, Gin, and you shouldn’t blame yourself either. It’s just the nature of what we do—of what you do now. But no matter what, remember this: all that really matters in the end is protecting the people you care about, even if they don’t like how you do it, even if they hate you for it. Because I’d rather have somebody alive and hating me than dead and buried, with me knowing that I failed them.”FTC Advisory: Pocket Books/Simon & Schuster provided me with a copy of Deadly Sting. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
    • 4/5
      Reviewed by: Jen Book provided by:EdelweissReview originally posted at Romancing the Book’ve been reading this series since the beginning and while it has some flaws (mostly repetition that grates on my nerves), I feel that there as been some new life pumped into the series with recent installments. While this book wasn’t perfect, I did enjoy it and once I got started, I couldn’t put it down.To start off, this is the eighth book in this series. It mostly stands alone… although I would strongly recommend reading at least book seven, Widow’s Web, as much of what happens in that story is alluded to and directly effects events in this series. Also, if you’re looking for a romance, it’s not here. And if you’re squeamish when it comes to blood and gore… well, you’re forewarned as it’s in abundance in this series.Now that I’m done with the warnings on to my actual review. I really enjoy this series. It’s a little out of my normal read as there isn’t much romance, but I am almost always guaranteed a fun ride when reading about Gin Blanco. It’s always interesting to follow Gin on her adventures as an ex-assassin who just can’t seem to have a moments peace.In past books in the series, Gin has gotten up close and personal with vampires, dwarves and other elementals. In Deadly Sting, it’s time for the giants to take center stage. It’s not that we haven’t seen them before, but it was usually on a one-on-one basis. But this time around she’s dealing with an army of them. And here’s my one big problem with this story. Yes, as an elemental, Gin is going to be tougher than the normal human… especially with her stone magic that allows her to harden her skin. But how realistic (and yes, I know it’s fantasy) is it for her to go up against an army of giants and survive (and yes, that might be giving away the ending, but do you really think the heroine is going to die knowing there is another book coming out soon)? Not to say Gin doesn’t come out unscathed, but I just kept shaking my head as she kept getting out of jams.My other irritation was Gin’s relationship with Owen. In the last book, Owen did a crazy 180 on Gin and now they’re on a break even though it’s obvious they still have feelings for one another. Gin is waiting Owen out while he works through some issues. But I’m not sure if it’s just me, but I can’t figure out why Owen is so conflicted. I’m just not a big fan of this storyline and hope it gets resolved sooner rather than later since those scenes were almost painful to read.But the rest of the story is just so well painted that I often felt like I was actually watching it unfold. The bad guys are deliciously evil and the good guys aren’t perfect or saints. With such a wide cast of characters, there is something for everyone. All-in-all, I enjoyed the story and do look forward to the next installment.
    • 5/5
      Read from March 28 to 31, 2013Read for Review/Listened for Fun (Edelweiss/Audible)Overall Rating: 4.25Story Rating: 4.00Character Rating: 4.50Audio Rating: 4.50 (Not part of the overall rating)First thought when finished: Gin manages to get herself into some of the stickiest situations and it is so darn fun to watch her get out! “Have I ever told you how scary it is that you think of heels in terms of their possible shiv potential?” ― Jennifer Estep, Deadly StingStory Thoughts: I really enjoyed this one night heist story! It was fun and so typically "The Spider". It was fun watching Gin be in her element and yet not. That dress just cracked me up. I thought this was a good book to follow up the emotional killer that was Widow's Web. It brought the fun, action, and suspense that we love in this series while not ignoring the last book.Yet it gave our emotions a little healing time which I think we all needed.Character Thoughts: I will admit that there is some redeeming that still needs to be done with Owen in my eyes. However, in this one he did good! Gin was terrific as always and Finn stole the show. Seriously, I have a major crush on Finn and could wax on for hours about him. He just freaking rocks! I was happy to see the whole team there and can't wait till the next installment!Audio Thoughts: Narrated by Lauren Fortgang/Running Time 11 hrs and 8 minsI am just going to say it: YOU SHOULD BE LISTENING TO THIS SERIES IN AUDIOBOOK! It is probably one of the consistent and well done audio series out there! That is my PSA for today!Final Thoughts: I wonder if Jennifer would write faster if we plied her with chocolate and coffee?
    • 5/5
      I’d just started reading the Elemental Assassin series, back to back, and was only about 4 books into it when I saw that I could try for an ARC of this book. After reading them in order and finishing this one, I feel like I’ve hit a brick wall. I hate waiting for the next release, especially when the last book I read still hasn’t hit store shelves yet. *lol*What a ride! And not just this book but the entire series.In a world filled with human, vampires, dwarves and giants, you’ve also some that have power with elementals, such as Stone, Ice, Air, Fire and offshoots of these major ones. And in the Southern town of Ashland you’ve got plenty of powerful folk and mob bosses.Gin is an assassin with the rare combination of Stone and Ice elementals, who retires from that profession very early in the series. The problem is that people need help and Gin has made a lot of enemies as The Spider. She’s not allowed to retire. At the beginning of the series, Gin’s only family/friends are dwarf sisters, her mentor and her foster brother Finn. As the series progresses her ‘family’ grows considerably, which isn’t always good as the bad guys know they can get to her through them. But to have people accept her even knowing she’s an assassin makes a huge difference in her life.In this latest installment, Finn forces Gin into attending a black tie event at the local museum, showcasing the art and jewelry of Mab Monroe, the woman who had pretty much run the town, and the woman Gin assassinated. Now think about the movie, Die Hard. Gin had left that area of the museum to get some air when a group of giants decide to rob everyone and take everything worthwhile out of the museum. Gin has to do something; people she cares about are among the hostages. And like Die Hard, things aren’t necessarily what they appear on the surface. Expect some twists and surprises.What’s really cool about Gin is that her elemental powers are very powerful, but she prefers to rely on her knives and physical abilities because what would happen if she starts depending on those powers and they are depleted? These are normally used as a last resort. What makes Gin special is not only her physical and metaphysical abilities, but her will and determination, especially to keep a promise or to protect her ‘family.’ Her morals are very strong considering what she does.The secondary characters are nothing to scoff at either, whether they are the good guys or the bad. All are interesting and many are well fleshed out; at least those closest to Gin.This story, like all of the others in the series, is packed full of action and daring, and it doesn’t end with the death of the bad guy du jour. Feelings, relationships and consequences are just as important as taking out the bad guy and you get much more than the requisite chapter following the downfall of the bad guy. It helps to make Gin and much more well-rounded character.I don’t suggest reading the books back to back without at least something else in between them. The author writes some back history for all important people and prior events mentioned. This makes it easy to pick up any of the books at any time and be able to delve right in without having to read a prior book much less reread the last one. But back-to-back, well that’s a lot a whole lot of duplication.Read as an ARC through Edelweiss.
    • 4/5
      This is the 8th book in the Elemental Assassin series. It was a decent book in this series, but again was a contained mystery of sorts rather than the start to a new story arc. It was a good enough read, but at times felt more like a novella than a book. The ninth book in the series is scheduled for a September 2013 release and will be titled Heart of Venom. Last I read Estep is contracted for 10 books in this series.Gin is still on the outs with Owen following the events of the last book. Gin and Finn go to attend an auction of Mab’s treasures, when they arrive Gin finds out that a giant by the name of Clementine is trying to steal the whole lot. Somehow all of this ties back to Mab. Gin has to stop Clementine if she is going to save her friends and the city.I was surprised that the whole plot revolved around the art/jewels being stolen at this auction of Mab’s. The story was so concise and straightforward it seemed almost more suitable to a novella. Initially I was thinking that this would be an introduction to a larger story and I was surprised when it wasn’t.Gin has grown a lot as a character. She is learning to accept having people in her life that she cares about and who care about her. She doesn’t really gain any new powers in this book, but it focused on learning to exercise her current powers with more intricacy and finesse.I enjoyed reading about all of the other characters as well. I continue to be annoyed at Owen for his childishness; he has really taken a step back as a character for me. Finn and Bria continue to be wonderful characters in this series. There really isn’t anything new in this book that we haven’t seen in previous Elemental Assassin books. While it is a decent read I was surprised that there wasn’t a bit more to the story.So while I enjoyed reading this book, there wasn’t a lot here that really excited me. It was very similar to previous books...except with less story. Additionally Estep continues to do a bit too much recapping in this book, this is something that she has done in previous Elemental Assassin books as well.Overall this was a decent read, but in my opinion the weakest book in this series so far. There isn’t much to this story and it is more of a contained mystery than the start of something new and wonderful. I was left feeling like maybe this series is running out of steam. Gin is a great character and I enjoyed reading about her, but Owen remains pretty obnoxious. I guess I would recommend to fans of the series, but just don’t expect too much from this book. This series as a whole is highly recommended to fans of action packed urban fantasy.

    Book preview

    Deadly Sting - Jennifer Estep

    Gin Blanco has critics snared in her web!

    Praise for Jennifer Estep’s thrilling Elemental Assassin series

    Gin Blanco is one of the most intriguing heroines on the scene. . . . If you have not gotten on the Gin bandwagon yet, do so today!

    —RT Book Reviews

    This series kicked off with a bang, and the action hasn’t let up since.

    —Fresh Fiction

    Watch out, world, here comes Gin Blanco. Funny, smart, and dead sexy.

    —Lilith Saintcrow, author of The Iron Wyrm Affair

    One of the best urban fantasy series going on the market. I cannot come up with a single thing about these books that I dislike.

    —Bibliopunkk

    Jennifer Estep is a dark, lyrical, and fresh voice in urban ­fantasy. . . . Gin is an assassin to die for.

    —Adrian Phoenix, author of On Midnight Wings

    Estep has a real gift for writing action. . . . Everyone should be reading this series!

    —Tynga’s Reviews

    A talented writer whose heroines are a wonderful mixture of strength, intelligence, and a deeply buried vulnerability that allows us to relate to them on every level.

    —Smexy Books

    Man, I love this series.

    —Yummy Men & Kick Ass Chicks

    WIDOW’S WEB

    Most of the characters in Estep’s riveting series suffer from serious emotional baggage. What makes this ensemble so compelling is their determined struggle to build new lives.

    —RT Book Reviews (Top Pick!)

    "Filled with such emotional and physical intensity that it leaves you happily exhausted by the end. . . . I can’t wait to see what happens to Gin in Deadly Sting."

    —All Things Urban Fantasy

    BY A THREAD

    Goodreads nominee for Best Paranormal Fantasy Novel, and RT Book Reviews nominee for Best Urban Fantasy World Building

    Filled with butt-kicking action, insidious danger and a heroine with her own unique moral code, this thrilling story is top-notch. Brava!

    —RT Book Reviews (Top Pick!)

    "By a Thread is a ride and really fun to read."

    —Yummy Men & Kick Ass Chicks

    SPIDER’S REVENGE

    RITA nominee, and RT Book Reviews Editor’s Choice for Best Urban Fantasy Novel

    Explosive . . . outstanding. . . . Hang on, this is one smackdown you won’t want to miss!

    —RT Book Reviews (Top Pick!)

    A whirlwind of tension, intrigue, and mind-blowing action that leaves your heart pounding.

    —Smexy Books

    TANGLED THREADS

    Interesting storylines, alluring world, and fascinating characters. That is what I’ve come to expect from Estep’s series.

    —Yummy Men & Kick Ass Chicks

    The story had me whooping with joy and screaming in outrage, just as all really good books always do.

    —Literary Escapism

    VENOM

    Estep has really hit her stride with this gritty and compelling series. . . . Brisk pacing and knife-edged danger make this an exciting page-turner.

    —RT Book Reviews (Top Pick!)

    Gin is a compelling and complicated character whose story is only made better by the lovable band of merry misfits she calls her family.

    —Fresh Fiction

    "Since the first book in the series, I have been entranced by Gin. . . . Every book has been jam-packed with action and mystery, and once I think it can’t get any better, Venom comes along and proves me completely wrong."

    —Literary Escapism

    WEB OF LIES

    The second chapter of the series is just as hard-edged and compelling as the first. Gin Blanco is a fascinatingly pragmatic character, whose intricate layers are just beginning to unravel.

    —RT Book Reviews

    One of the best urban fantasy series I’ve ever read. The action is off the charts, the passion is hot, and her cast of secondary characters is stellar. . . . If you haven’t read this series, you are missing out on one heck of a good time!

    —The Romance Dish

    SPIDER’S BITE

    The fast pace, clever dialogue, and intriguing heroine help make this new series launch one to watch.

    —Library Journal

    Bodies litter the pages of this first entry in Estep’s engrossing urban fantasy series. . . . Fans will love it.

    —Publishers Weekly

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    Contents

    Dedication

    Acknowledgments

    Chapter 1

    Chapter 2

    Chapter 3

    Chapter 4

    Chapter 5

    Chapter 6

    Chapter 7

    Chapter 8

    Chapter 9

    Chapter 10

    Chapter 11

    Chapter 12

    Chapter 13

    Chapter 14

    Chapter 15

    Chapter 16

    Chapter 17

    Chapter 18

    Chapter 19

    Chapter 20

    Chapter 21

    Chapter 22

    Chapter 23

    Chapter 24

    Chapter 25

    Chapter 26

    Chapter 27

    Chapter 28

    Chapter 29

    Chapter 30

    Chapter 31

    Chapter 32

    Chapter 33

    Chapter 34

    Heart of Venom Excerpt

    About Jennifer Estep

    To my mom, my grandma, and Andre—

    for everything

    To my grandma again, for saying,

    Why ask for one million if you can ask for two?

    To my papaw—

    you will be missed

    ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

    Once again, my heartfelt thanks go out to all the folks who help turn my words into a book.

    Thanks go to my agent, Annelise Robey, and editors, Adam Wilson and Lauren McKenna, for all their helpful advice, support, and encouragement. Thanks also to Julia Fincher.

    Thanks to Tony Mauro for illustrating another terrific cover, and thanks to Louise Burke, Lisa Litwack, and ­everyone else at Pocket Books and Simon & Schuster for their work on the cover, the book, and the series.

    And finally, a big thanks to all the readers. Knowing that folks read and enjoy my books is truly humbling, and I’m glad that you are all enjoying Gin and her ­adventures.

    I appreciate you all more than you will ever know.

    Happy reading!

    ornament 1 ornament

    "That would look fabulous on you."

    Finnegan Lane, my foster brother, pointed to a tennis bracelet in the middle of a glass case full of jewelry. The shimmer of the gemstones matched the sparkle of greed in his eyes.

    I looked at the price tag beside the diamond-crusted monstrosity. You do realize that the cost of that bracelet is within spitting distance of my going rate as an assassin, right?

    You mean your going rate back when you were actually killing people for money, Finn said. Or as I like to call them—the good ole days.

    Finn gave the diamond bracelet one more greedy glance before moving over to a display of shoes. He grabbed a purple pump off a shelf and waggled the shoe at me before holding it up and inspecting it himself. He gazed at the shoe with a rapt expression, as though it were a work of art instead of merely overpriced pieces of leather sewn together.

    It’s the latest style, he said in a dreamy voice. Hand-stitched lavender suede with custom-made four-inch heels. Isn’t it marvelous?

    I arched an eyebrow. Have I ever told you how scary it is that you know more about shoes than I do?

    Finn grinned, his green eyes lighting up with amusement. Frequently. But my impeccable fashion sense is one of the many things you love about me.

    He straightened his gray silk tie and winked at me. I snorted and moved over to look at some dresses hanging on a rack near the wall.

    The two of us were out shopping, which was one of Finn’s favorite things to do. Not mine, though. I never paid too much attention to what I was wearing, beyond making sure that my jeans and boots were comfortable enough to fight in and that my T-shirt sleeves were long enough to hide the knives I had tucked up each one. As an assassin, I’d learned a long time ago not to invest too much money in clothes that were only going to end up with bloodstains on them.

    But here I was, along for the consumer ride. Finn had shown up at the Pork Pit, my barbecue joint, just after the lunch rush ended and had dragged me all the way up to Northtown, the part of Ashland that housed and catered to the wealthy, social, and magical elite. We’d spent the last hour traipsing from store to store in an upscale shopping development that had just opened up.

    Now we were browsing through Posh, the biggest, fanciest, and most expensive boutique on this particular block. Racks of ball gowns and evening dresses filled the store, starting with all-white frocks on the left and darkening to midnight-black ones on the right, like a rainbow of color arcing from one side of the store to the other. There wasn’t a dress in here that was less than five grand, and the shoes arranged along the back wall went for just as much. Not to mention the minuscule handbags that cost ten times as much as a good steak dinner.

    Come on, Gin, Finn wheedled, holding the pump out to me. At least try it on.

    I rolled my eyes, took the shoe from him, and hefted it in my hand. Lightweight, nice enough color. Not the worst thing you’ve shown me today. And that skinny stiletto would make a decent weapon, if you took the time to snap it off the rest of the shoe and sharpen the end of it.

    Finn sighed and took the pump away from me. Have I ever told you how scary it is that you think of heels in terms of their possible shiv potential?

    I grinned at him. Frequently. But my impeccable sense of improvised weaponry is one of the many things you love about me.

    This time, Finn rolled his eyes and then started muttering under his breath about how he couldn’t take me anywhere. My grin widened. I loved needling Finn as much as he enjoyed teasing me.

    Tell me again why I have to go to this shindig with you, I said when he finally wound down.

    "It’s not a mere shindig, he huffed. It’s the opening gala for an exhibit of art, jewelry, and other valuable objects from the estate of the late, not-so-great, and certainly unlamented Mab Monroe. Everyone who’s anyone will be there, underworld and otherwise, and it’s going to be the social event of the summer. Besides, aren’t you the least bit curious to see what the old girl stashed away over the years? The things she collected? What she thought was beautiful or valuable or at least worth hoarding? She was your nemesis, after all."

    Mab Monroe had been a little more than my nemesis—the Fire elemental had murdered my mother and my older sister when I was thirteen. She’d also tortured me. But I’d finally gotten my revenge when I shoved my knife through the bitch’s black heart back in the winter. Killing Mab had been one of the most satisfying moments of my life. The fact that she was dead and I wasn’t was the only thing that really mattered to me.

    Sorry, I said. I have no desire to go gawk at all of Mab’s shinies. They’re not doing her any good now, are they? I’m quite happy simply knowing that she’s rotting in her grave. And I still don’t understand why you insisted on dragging me out to buy a dress. I have plenty of little black numbers in my closet at home, any one of which would be just fine for this event.

    Finn snorted. Sure, if you don’t mind wearing something that’s ripped, torn, and caked with dried blood.

    I couldn’t argue with that. Funny how killing people inevitably led to ruined clothes.

    Finn sighed and shook his head at my lack of interest in Mab’s many treasures. "I can’t believe you won’t go out of simple curiosity and unabashed greed. Those are certainly the reasons I’m going. And probably half the folks on the guest list. We’ve just covered why you need a new dress. As to why you have to go with me, well, naturally, I asked Bria first, but she has to work. I need someone to drink champagne with and make snide comments to about everyone else in attendance. You wouldn’t deny me that pleasure, would you?"

    Perish the thought, I murmured. But what about Roslyn? Or Jo-Jo? Why don’t you take one of them instead?

    Roslyn is already going with someone else, and Jo-Jo has a date with Cooper. Finn used his fingers to tick off our friends and family. I even asked Sophia, but there’s some classic Western film festival that she’s planning to catch that night. Besides, she’d probably insist on wearing black lipstick, a silverstone collar, and the rest of her usual Goth clothes instead of an evening dress. Since I don’t want to be responsible for any of the old guard having conniptions or coronary episodes, you’re it.

    Lucky me.

    Besides, it’s not like you have plans, he continued as though I hadn’t said a word. Other than sitting at home and brooding over lost love.

    My eyes narrowed, and I gave Finn a look that would have made most men tremble in their wing tips. He just picked up a strappy canary-yellow sandal and admired it a moment before showing it to me.

    What do you think? Is yellow your color? Yeah, you’re right. Not with your skin tone. He put the shoe back on the shelf and turned to face me.

    Look, Finn said, his expression serious. I just thought it would be good for you to get out of the house for a night. You know, dress up, go out on the town, have a little fun. I know how hard this last month has been, with you and Owen on the outs.

    On the outs was putting it mildly. I hadn’t spoken to Owen Grayson, my lover, since the night he’d come to the Pork Pit a few weeks ago to tell me he needed some time to himself, some time away from me, from us.

    But that’s what happens when you kill your lover’s ex-fiancée right in front of him. That sort of thing tended to make a person reassess his relationships—especially with the one who’d done the killing.

    No matter how much I missed him, I couldn’t blame Owen for wanting to take a break. A lot of bad stuff had gone down in the days leading up to me battling Salina Dubois, a lot of terrible secrets had been revealed, and he wasn’t the only one who’d needed time to process and come to terms with everything. I might understand, but that didn’t make it hurt any less.

    Even assassins could have their hearts broken.

    Gin? Finn asked in a soft voice, cutting into my thoughts.

    I sighed. I know you’re just trying to help, but I’m fine, Finn. Really, I am. The important thing is that Salina is dead, and she can’t hurt anyone else ever again. Owen and I . . . we’ll eventually work things out.

    And if you don’t?

    I sighed again. Then we’ll both move on with our lives.

    I kept my face calm and smooth, although my heart squeezed at the thought. Finn had started to say something else when one of the saleswomen sidled up to him.

    Good afternoon, sir, the woman, a gorgeous redhead, practically purred. What can I do for you today?

    We’d already been in the store for five minutes, and I was mildly surprised that it had taken someone this long to come over to us. In my boots, worn jeans, and grease-spattered black T-shirt, I didn’t look like I had two nickels to rub together, but Finn was as impeccably dressed as ever in one of his Fiona Fine designer suits. The perfect fit showed off his strong, muscled body, while his walnut-colored hair was artfully styled. Add all that to his handsome features, and Finn looked just as polished as the jewelry he’d been admiring earlier.

    The saleswoman’s eyes trailed down his body and back up. After a moment, she smiled at him and then subconsciously licked her lips as though Finn were a hot fudge sundae that she wanted to gobble up. At the back of the store, a second saleswoman eyed her associate with anger. While Finn had been waxing poetic about bracelets and shoes, the two of them had been having a whispered argument about who got the privilege of waiting on him. Looked like Red here had won.

    Finn, being Finn, noticed the woman’s obvious interest and immediately turned up the wattage on his dazzling, slightly devious smile. Why, hello there, he drawled. "Don’t you look lovely today? That sky-blue color is amazing with your hair."

    Red blushed and smoothed down her short skirt. Her gaze flicked to me for half a second before she focused on Finn again. Do you and your . . . wife need some help?

    Oh, he said. She’s not my wife. She’s my sister.

    The woman’s dark eyes lit up at that bit of information, and Finn’s smile widened. Despite the fact that he was involved with Detective Bria Coolidge, my sister, Finn still flirted with every woman who crossed his path, no matter how old or young or hot or not she was. Dwarf, vampire, giant, elemental, human. As long as you were breathing and female, you could count on being the recipient of all the considerable charm that Finnegan Lane had to offer.

    But my sister could definitely use your help, and so could I. What do you think about this color? he asked, picking up the purple pump once again. Don’t you think it would look fabulous on her?

    Fabulous, Red agreed, her eyes wide and dreamy.

    I might be standing right next to Finn, but I was as invisible as the moon on a sunny day. I sighed again. It was going to be a long afternoon.

    *   *   *

    Twenty minutes later, after being dragged from one side of the store to the other, Red showed me to a fitting room in the back. Rightfully insisting that he knew more about fashion than I did, Finn had picked out several dresses for me to try on. Red placed the gowns on a hanger on the wall before brushing past me.

    I’m going to check on Mr. Lane and see if he needs anything, she said.

    Of course you are.

    Red hightailed it over to the jewelry case, where the other saleswoman, a well-endowed blonde, was leaning over and showing Finn the diamond bracelet he’d been admiring earlier—along with all of her ample assets. Red stepped up next to Blondie and not so subtly elbowed her out of the way. Blondie retaliated by shoving her breasts forward even more. The two of them might as well have filled up a pit with mud and settled their differences that way. That would have been far more entertaining than the petty one-upmanship they were currently engaged in.

    I rolled my eyes. Finn was the only man I knew who could inspire a catfight just by grinning. But it was a show that I’d seen many times before, so I stepped into the fitting room, closed the door behind me, and started trying on the dresses. The sooner I picked something, the sooner I could get back to the Pork Pit.

    Too tight, too short, too slutty. None of the garments was quite right, not to mention the fact that Finn had chosen more than one strapless evening gown. My cleavage had never been all that impressive—certainly not on par with Blondie’s—but of more importance was the fact that strapless gowns were not good for knife concealment. Then again, Finn didn’t particularly care about such things. He didn’t have to. He could always tuck a gun or two inside or under his jacket, which suited him just fine, as long as the weapons didn’t mess up the smooth lines of the fabric.

    I was just about to take off the latest fashion disaster—this one in that awful canary yellow that definitely wasn’t my color—when I heard a soft electronic chime, signaling that someone else had come into the store. I wondered how long it would take Red and Blondie to tear themselves away from Finn to see to the new customer—

    A surprised scream ripped through the air, along with a sharp smacking sound. The pain-filled moan that followed told me that someone had just gotten hit.

    Don’t move, and don’t even think of going for any of the alarm buttons, a low voice growled. Or I’ll put a couple of holes in you—all of you. Maybe I’ll do that anyway, just for fun.

    Well, now, that sort of threat implied that the person making it had a gun—maybe even more than one. I perked up at the thought, and a genuine smile creased my face for the first time today. For the first time in several days, actually.

    I cracked open the fitting-room door so I could see what was going on. Sure enough, a man stood right in front of the jewelry case. He was a dwarf, a couple of inches shy of five feet tall, with a body that was thick with muscle. He wore jeans with holes at the knees and a faded blue T-shirt. A barbed-wire tattoo curled around his left bicep, which looked like it was made of concrete rather than flesh and bone. He held a revolver in his right hand, the kind of gun that could definitely put a large hole in someone, especially if you used it at close range.

    Since it didn’t look like the dwarf was immediately going to pull the trigger, my gaze went to the other people in the boutique. Blondie was the closest to the gunman. She had one hand pressed to her cheek, probably from where the dwarf had reached across the counter and slapped her, while her other hand was clamped over her mouth to hold back her screams. She wasn’t entirely successful at that, though, and a series of high-pitched squeaks filled the air, almost like a dog whimpering.

    Finn stood about ten feet away from the dwarf. He must have been talking to Red when the gunman entered the store, because he’d put himself in between her and the dwarf. Red had the same stunned, horrified expression on her face that Blondie did.

    Finn had his hands up, although his eyes were narrowed, assessing the dwarf and the danger he presented, just like I was.

    The first thing I did was look past the gunman and through the boutique windows, just in case he had a partner waiting outside, but I didn’t see anyone loitering on the sidewalk or sitting in a getaway car by the curb. A solo job, then.

    The second thing I did was study the dwarf to see if it looked like he was searching the store for someone else—me, Gin Blanco, the assassin known as the Spider.

    By killing Mab, I’d inadvertently made myself a popular target in the underworld, and more than one of the crime bosses had put a bounty on my head, hoping to establish themselves as Ashland’s new head honcho by taking me out. It wasn’t out of the realm of possibility to think that the dwarf had followed Finn and me to the boutique on someone’s orders.

    But the only thing the dwarf was interested in was the jewelry. His eyes glinted, and his mouth curved up into a satisfied smile as he glanced down at all the expensive baubles. So this was nothing more than a simple robbery, then. Plenty of those in Ashland, even up here in the rarefied air of Northtown. Really, if the Posh owners were going to keep all those diamonds around, then they should have at least hired a giant or two to guard them.

    Move! the dwarf barked, pointing his gun at Blondie. Over there with the others. Now!

    Blondie, who’d been behind the counter, hurried around it and stopped next to Red, putting the other woman and Finn between her and the robber. Well, at least she had a good sense of self-preservation. Red knew it too; she gave her coworker a hostile glance over her shoulder.

    I turned my attention back to the robber, wondering if he might have any magic to go along with his inherent dwarven strength and the hand cannon he was sporting. But the dwarf’s eyes didn’t glow, and I didn’t sense anything emanating from him. No hot, invisible waves of Fire power, no cold, frosty blasts of Ice magic, and nothing else to indicate that he was an elemental. Good. That would make this easier.

    Give me the key! the dwarf snapped at Blondie as he moved behind the counter. Now!

    Blondie stepped around the others and over to the robber, pulling a set of keys out of her pants pocket and holding them out to him at arm’s length, her hands shaking. The dwarf grabbed the keys and used one of them to open the lock on the jewelry case, instead of just smashing the glass and setting off the alarms. He threw the keys down on the floor and started shoving bracelets, rings, and ­necklaces into his jeans pockets.

    I looked at the knives I’d piled on the bench inside the fitting room alongside my clothes. Normally, I carried five silverstone knives on me—one up either sleeve, one against the small of my back, and two in the sides of my boots—but I’d removed them when I’d started trying on the dresses. I couldn’t exactly go outside with a knife in my hand, since that would ruin whatever element of surprise I had, and there was no time to change back into my regular clothes. Cursing Finn under my breath, I hiked up the long skirt of the dress I was wearing and opened the fitting-room door.

    Darling! I squealed, rushing into the front of the store. Isn’t this dress just the most divine thing you’ve ever seen?

    I twirled around and managed to put myself in between Finn and the robber. With the yellow dress, I might as well have been a mother duck, watching over her little ones.

    ‘Darling’? I thought you said she was your sister! Red hissed.

    A dwarf had threatened to shoot her and was now robbing the store, and Red was still more worried about Finn’s marital status than all that. Someone’s priorities were a little skewed.

    Finn winced and gave her an apologetic shrug, but he never took his eyes off the dwarf.

    The robber’s head snapped up at the sound of my voice, and the gun followed a second later. He stepped to the end of the counter and grabbed hold of my bare arm, his fingers digging into my skin as he pulled me next to him. His hot breath wafted up my nose, reeking of onions and garlic. I hoped he’d enjoyed whatever he’d had for lunch today, because he was going to be eating through a straw soon enough.

    Who the hell are you? he growled, shoving the gun in my face. Where did you come from?

    I was . . . I was . . . I was in the back, trying on some evening gowns, I said in the breathiest, most terrified and helpless voice I could muster. I don’t want any trouble. Please, please, please, don’t shoot me!

    The dwarf stared at me for several seconds before he lowered his gun and let go of my arm.

    Just so you know, that’s the ugliest damn dress I’ve ever seen, he said. You look like a daffodil.

    He shook his head and reached inside the case to grab another handful of jewelry. The second his eyes dropped to the diamonds, I stepped forward, yanked the gun out of his hand, and drove my fist into the side of his face.

    With his dense, dwarven musculature, it was like smashing my knuckles into a cement block. My punch didn’t have much effect, except to make him stop looting the jewelry case and focus all his attention on me, but that was exactly what I wanted.

    Stupid bitch! he growled, stretching his hands out to grab me. I’ll kill you for that—

    I pistol-whipped him across the face with the gun. My fist might not have had much of an impact, but the sharp edges and heavy, solid weight of the weapon did. His nose cracked from the force, and blood arced through the air, the warm, sticky drops spattering onto my skin.

    The robber howled with pain, but he reached for me again. I tightened my grip on the gun and slammed it into his face once more. And I didn’t stop there. Again and again, I hit him, smashing the weapon into his features as hard as I could. The dwarf fought back, wildly swinging his fists at me. Despite the blood running into his eyes, he was a decent fighter, so I grabbed hold of my Stone magic and pushed the cool power outward, hardening my skin into an impenetrable shell.

    Good thing, since the dwarf’s fist finally connected with my face.

    Given his strength, the blow rocked me back, and I felt the force of it reverberate through my entire body, but it didn’t break my jaw like it would have if I hadn’t been using my magic to protect myself. Still, the dwarf took it as a sign of encouragement that he’d finally been able to hit me.

    Not so tough now, are you? he snarled, advancing on me again.

    Tough enough to do this, I said.

    I waited until he was back in range, blocked his next blow, and then used the gun to coldcock him in the temple. His eyes widened, taking on a glassy sheen, and then rolled up in the back of his head as he slumped to the floor.

    You know, Gin, you really should warm up before you tee off on somebody like that, Finn murmured, leaning across the counter and staring down at the dwarf. "Wouldn’t want you to pull a muscle or

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