laurenjodi's review
4.0
Web of Lies
3.5 Stars
Compelling world building, an entertaining storyline and well-developed characters but the pacing is off and the writing repetitive at times.
Gin is a truly engaging heroine whose snarky, tough-as-nails assassin persona conceals a warm heart, a profound sense of justice and an intense loyalty for those who have earned it. She does, however, have one significant flaw - her taste in men.
Donovan Caine's pathetic air of superiority and inability to love, respect or accept Gin without reservation or judgement make it impossible to consider him a worthy hero and also makes Gin appear weak. Thankfully, the issues surrounding his character are ultimately resolved so there is no need for me to throw my iPod against the wall when he starts sprouting about what he can and cannot tolerate…urgh!
Owen Grayson, on the other hand, is shaping up to be a far more viable love interest for Gin. There is something particularly intriguing about him and he is obviously more open and accepting than Donovan. One can only hope that Gin realizes, sooner rather than later, that Owen is far more deserving of her affections.
Other than Donovan, the biggest problem with the book is the repetitive writing. The descriptions of past events, character motivations as well as the runes and elemental powers are constantly rehashed throughout the narrative. How many times do we need to hear about the murder of Gin's family or the fact that her spider rune is the symbol for patience? Most readers probably got it after the first four times…
The plot is enjoyable with some exciting action scenes and some interesting developments in the overall story arc, particularly with regard to the evolution of Gin's magic, the search for her sister and the revelation of the fire elemental responsible for the attack on her family (although this is actually glaringly obvious).
Despite the issues noted above, the Elemental Assassin series has potential and it will be interesting to see what happens next.
3.5 Stars
Compelling world building, an entertaining storyline and well-developed characters but the pacing is off and the writing repetitive at times.
Gin is a truly engaging heroine whose snarky, tough-as-nails assassin persona conceals a warm heart, a profound sense of justice and an intense loyalty for those who have earned it. She does, however, have one significant flaw - her taste in men.
Donovan Caine's pathetic air of superiority and inability to love, respect or accept Gin without reservation or judgement make it impossible to consider him a worthy hero and also makes Gin appear weak. Thankfully, the issues surrounding his character are ultimately resolved so there is no need for me to throw my iPod against the wall when he starts sprouting about what he can and cannot tolerate…urgh!
Owen Grayson, on the other hand, is shaping up to be a far more viable love interest for Gin. There is something particularly intriguing about him and he is obviously more open and accepting than Donovan. One can only hope that Gin realizes, sooner rather than later, that Owen is far more deserving of her affections.
Other than Donovan, the biggest problem with the book is the repetitive writing. The descriptions of past events, character motivations as well as the runes and elemental powers are constantly rehashed throughout the narrative. How many times do we need to hear about the murder of Gin's family or the fact that her spider rune is the symbol for patience? Most readers probably got it after the first four times…
The plot is enjoyable with some exciting action scenes and some interesting developments in the overall story arc, particularly with regard to the evolution of Gin's magic, the search for her sister and the revelation of the fire elemental responsible for the attack on her family (although this is actually glaringly obvious).
Despite the issues noted above, the Elemental Assassin series has potential and it will be interesting to see what happens next.
lynseyisreading's review
4.0
This is the second book in the Elemental Assassin series. The first book got better even as I read it, after a slightly unsure start. Now it seems the series is only going to continue in the same vein, getting better and better with each novel.
Detective Donovan Caine is still on the scene, although perhaps trying to distance himself slightly, as he still clearly doesn't approve of Gin's job. It is, after all, against everything he stands for as a cop, to let someone go around killing people for money. Even if they are bad guys. I'm not sure this is something he will ever be able to get over. There are some things you just can't accept no matter how attracted to a person you may be. Everyone has their own moral code and they cannot, or will not, be tempted to deviate from it. Still, it makes for entertaining reading.
There is a new guy on the scene, however, who seems to be more than a little interested in Gin, too. I'm curious to know where this might lead to...
The story moved along at a better pace than the first book, I think. We get plenty more of Gin being her awesome, kick-ass self against various bad guys. And also taking on a new role after her "retirement" (yeah, right) as a sort of vigilante, Robin Hood-type figure. Only instead of robbing the rich to feed the poor, she's killing the bad guys to protect the good guys. I know, how sweet!
I love how tough Gin is. I love the fact that she doesn't wait around for anyone to come and rescue her. If they did, it would be a bonus, but she doesn't rely on that, or sit around waiting to be rescued. That would no doubt be a really quick way to get dead in her job.
I'm already on to book three - Venom. Loving this series now.!
Detective Donovan Caine is still on the scene, although perhaps trying to distance himself slightly, as he still clearly doesn't approve of Gin's job. It is, after all, against everything he stands for as a cop, to let someone go around killing people for money. Even if they are bad guys. I'm not sure this is something he will ever be able to get over. There are some things you just can't accept no matter how attracted to a person you may be. Everyone has their own moral code and they cannot, or will not, be tempted to deviate from it. Still, it makes for entertaining reading.
There is a new guy on the scene, however, who seems to be more than a little interested in Gin, too. I'm curious to know where this might lead to...
The story moved along at a better pace than the first book, I think. We get plenty more of Gin being her awesome, kick-ass self against various bad guys. And also taking on a new role after her "retirement" (yeah, right) as a sort of vigilante, Robin Hood-type figure. Only instead of robbing the rich to feed the poor, she's killing the bad guys to protect the good guys. I know, how sweet!
I love how tough Gin is. I love the fact that she doesn't wait around for anyone to come and rescue her. If they did, it would be a bonus, but she doesn't rely on that, or sit around waiting to be rescued. That would no doubt be a really quick way to get dead in her job.
I'm already on to book three - Venom. Loving this series now.!
albishka_2's review
5.0
A page turnover really. Donovan Caine is a scambag with all his high morality shit. Happy that he desided to break up that weird so called rellationship.Gin deserves better.
tizi_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
thegeekyblogger's review
4.0
Bought on Audible
Audio Rating 4
Story Rating 4
What I Loved: Who doesn't love when a series gets stronger in the 2nd book? This is looking to be a series that consistently builds on the story, characters, and plots from the previous books and keeps you wanting more. Gin is a very impressive leading character. She is tough, smart, a chameleon (though I loved Owen's reaction to her hooker gear), and yet still vulnerable. She truly is a great mix of everything. The storyline was fantastic and I like how the new characters were introduced. You can tell the story still has some ebbing and weaving to do and it will be fun watching it all come to, what I am going to assume, will be one bloody head with Mab.
What I Liked: I love all the side characters. I believe that a good series has great characters that are not in necessarily even in a 1/4 of the book but still make a huge impression on you. Jennifer has managed to do that with several of her characters and I can't wait to see what they get up too in future books (Yes, Finn I am talking about you, JoJo, and Sophie)!
Complaints: Donovan Caine--just don't like him.
Audio Specific Review: The story was narrated by Lauren Fortgang and she does an excellent job. There were only a few voices that I thought were a little off but overall it was a fantastic job.
Why I gave it a 4: This was a fantastic continuation to the story of Gin Blanco.
Who I would recommend this too: Urban Fantasy Fans
Audio Rating 4
Story Rating 4
What I Loved: Who doesn't love when a series gets stronger in the 2nd book? This is looking to be a series that consistently builds on the story, characters, and plots from the previous books and keeps you wanting more. Gin is a very impressive leading character. She is tough, smart, a chameleon (though I loved Owen's reaction to her hooker gear), and yet still vulnerable. She truly is a great mix of everything. The storyline was fantastic and I like how the new characters were introduced. You can tell the story still has some ebbing and weaving to do and it will be fun watching it all come to, what I am going to assume, will be one bloody head with Mab.
What I Liked: I love all the side characters. I believe that a good series has great characters that are not in necessarily even in a 1/4 of the book but still make a huge impression on you. Jennifer has managed to do that with several of her characters and I can't wait to see what they get up too in future books (Yes, Finn I am talking about you, JoJo, and Sophie)!
Complaints: Donovan Caine--just don't like him.
Audio Specific Review: The story was narrated by Lauren Fortgang and she does an excellent job. There were only a few voices that I thought were a little off but overall it was a fantastic job.
Why I gave it a 4: This was a fantastic continuation to the story of Gin Blanco.
Who I would recommend this too: Urban Fantasy Fans
mrose21's review
4.0
I am really enjoying this story. Shes so fasinating. Bugger off detective you swine.
valoria's review
5.0
I am so happy that Owen is the new love interest. I never really liked Donovan anyways. What I REALLY loved about is that she told him point blank that he was too weak to accept her. Way to go girl. For a change, a badass heroine who doesn't make me roll my eyes every few minutes.
Spoiler
that breakupcornflower12's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
4.75
vikcs's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
pjonsson's review
4.0
This is the second book in the Elemental Assassin series and it follows fairly directly on from the first one. Having said that, both books are really finished episodes with “only” a background thread following on from book to book.
I liked this book as much as I liked the first one. Gin continues to be the same badass in this book as she was in the first one. She has retired from being an assassin for hire but this, of course, do not stop her from getting herself involved in some business requiring her unique skills. The story is not going to win any prices but it is not bad and is good enough tie together the events and the action. Gin and Caine’s relationship is also “developing”, for lack of better word, and I hope that the conclusion in the book stays that way. I was getting fairly tired of hearing Caine moan about “"how Gin could not just kill people” and how bad a conscience Caine has for letting her do it.
As part of Gin’s character development in this book Gin’s elemental powers are also developing. Unfortunately it appears that the author is still making Gin cling to her idea of not wanting to rely on her powers for various reasons that I do not really agree with. It is urban fantasy and she is the hero after all. I want to read about Gin kicking ass with her elemental powers. While we’re at it, some people have complained that the author is recapping explanations and events from the first book too much. I have to agree with them that there is a bit of space wasted on repeating things that have already been written at least once before. However, I also have to say that I was not to the extent that I really became greatly bothered by it. At least not in this book.
Bottom line is that I quite enjoyed reading about badass Gin Blanco. The writing is quite okay, the dialog matches her attitude, the action is fun, the characters interesting enough. I am indeed looking forward to read the next book although, since The Lost Stars: Perilous Shield came out on the 1st of October, I think I will make a detour into the universe of Black Jack Geary first.
I liked this book as much as I liked the first one. Gin continues to be the same badass in this book as she was in the first one. She has retired from being an assassin for hire but this, of course, do not stop her from getting herself involved in some business requiring her unique skills. The story is not going to win any prices but it is not bad and is good enough tie together the events and the action. Gin and Caine’s relationship is also “developing”, for lack of better word, and I hope that the conclusion in the book stays that way. I was getting fairly tired of hearing Caine moan about “"how Gin could not just kill people” and how bad a conscience Caine has for letting her do it.
As part of Gin’s character development in this book Gin’s elemental powers are also developing. Unfortunately it appears that the author is still making Gin cling to her idea of not wanting to rely on her powers for various reasons that I do not really agree with. It is urban fantasy and she is the hero after all. I want to read about Gin kicking ass with her elemental powers. While we’re at it, some people have complained that the author is recapping explanations and events from the first book too much. I have to agree with them that there is a bit of space wasted on repeating things that have already been written at least once before. However, I also have to say that I was not to the extent that I really became greatly bothered by it. At least not in this book.
Bottom line is that I quite enjoyed reading about badass Gin Blanco. The writing is quite okay, the dialog matches her attitude, the action is fun, the characters interesting enough. I am indeed looking forward to read the next book although, since The Lost Stars: Perilous Shield came out on the 1st of October, I think I will make a detour into the universe of Black Jack Geary first.