laurenjodi's review against another edition
4.0
By a Thread
4 Stars
***Warning***: This review contains spoilers for the first 5 books.
Following Mab’s demise and with Gin’s identity as the Spider exposed, the assassin has become a prime target for every thug with something to prove. Acting on Finn’s advice that she take a vacation from Ashland, Gin and Bria travel to the beach resort town of Blue Marsh for some much needed R&R. Unfortunately, trouble follows Gin even on holiday and she soon finds herself caught up in the machinations of a local mobster, who may just succeed where Mab failed.
Original world building, exciting action scenes and satisfying developments in Gin and Owen’s romance make By a Thread an entertaining continuation of the series.
With Mab dead and gone, the question arose as to whether Estep could create a villain as malicious and menacing, and the answer is a resounding yes! Randall Dekes is truly diabolical and there are several scary moments when it appears that Gin has met her match.
The writing has also improved with fewer repetitious passages. However, there is some rehashing of characterization instead, especially with regard to Gin’s sister, Bria, who has apparently regressed to her initial judgmental attitude. Needless to say that Bria annoyed me for much of the book, but she does come through for Gin when it counts, so I’m willing to forgive and forget.
Owen and Gin’s relationship goes from strength to strength, and it is fantastic to see just how much he loves and accepts her. Gin is her usual engaging, kick-ass and sarcastic self although her cockiness is brought down a notch or two, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing as she has become somewhat over-confident.
Donovan and his self-righteous asshole act also put in an appearance, and while it was my fervent hope that we had seem the back of him for good, his return does provide some much needed closure for Gin and it is good to see him get his just desserts.
Overall, By a Thread is an enjoyable installment in one of my favorite UF series and it looks ike things are only going to get better.
4 Stars
***Warning***: This review contains spoilers for the first 5 books.
Following Mab’s demise and with Gin’s identity as the Spider exposed, the assassin has become a prime target for every thug with something to prove. Acting on Finn’s advice that she take a vacation from Ashland, Gin and Bria travel to the beach resort town of Blue Marsh for some much needed R&R. Unfortunately, trouble follows Gin even on holiday and she soon finds herself caught up in the machinations of a local mobster, who may just succeed where Mab failed.
Original world building, exciting action scenes and satisfying developments in Gin and Owen’s romance make By a Thread an entertaining continuation of the series.
With Mab dead and gone, the question arose as to whether Estep could create a villain as malicious and menacing, and the answer is a resounding yes! Randall Dekes is truly diabolical and there are several scary moments when it appears that Gin has met her match.
The writing has also improved with fewer repetitious passages. However, there is some rehashing of characterization instead, especially with regard to Gin’s sister, Bria, who has apparently regressed to her initial judgmental attitude. Needless to say that Bria annoyed me for much of the book, but she does come through for Gin when it counts, so I’m willing to forgive and forget.
Owen and Gin’s relationship goes from strength to strength, and it is fantastic to see just how much he loves and accepts her. Gin is her usual engaging, kick-ass and sarcastic self although her cockiness is brought down a notch or two, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing as she has become somewhat over-confident.
Donovan and his self-righteous asshole act also put in an appearance, and while it was my fervent hope that we had seem the back of him for good, his return does provide some much needed closure for Gin and it is good to see him get his just desserts.
Overall, By a Thread is an enjoyable installment in one of my favorite UF series and it looks ike things are only going to get better.
lynseyisreading's review against another edition
3.0
I have a bit of a love/hate thing going on with this series right now. I used to absolutely adore Gin as a character, back when she was broken and vulnerable, a cold-blooded assassin that just wanted to be loved. She was such a dichotomy and her very existence as a "heroine" when she, you know, kills people for a living, I found very provocative and interesting to read. She was like a one woman moral dilemma. And I especially loved her ability to always triumph over every horrific trial thrown her way. When she pulled herself out of that collapsed underground cave system using just her own brute strength and determination, I was like, "you freaking well go, girlfriend! Hooyah!"
But for whatever reason, I seem to have fallen out of love with her in this book. What I once saw as a justified sense of achievement is starting to come across as arrogance and smugness. The return of the original source of her vulnerability, Donovan Douche-bag Caine, only served to highlight these changes in Gin. I admit my stomach did flip flops when he walked onto the page, and I did enjoy those scenes, but then he started annoying the crap out of me, too. Again. I also really didn't find his actions towards the end in keeping with his character at all. I found that whole thing totally unbelievable.
My favourite thing about this series at the moment, and for the last two or three books, is Owen Grayson. He is a fantastic character and I love the history of how he and Gin met. I wish more time was devoted to him and I think he was incredibly patient with Gin in this book.
Sadly, I didn't enjoy the storyline this time at all. I really couldn't have cared less about the bad guy or the damsels in distress, and I found the plot extremely slow and dull. And also very familiar. If it were me, I think I would have wrapped this baby up in the last book when that plot arc ran its course.
Another thing to note is that the repetitiveness is still there. Yes, the recapping has been lessened greatly due to the fact that the plot arc from the first 5 books is over so no need to go into all that again. But the actual writing is still repetitive. If I see the words "chicory coffee" or "sloppy, sloppy, sloppy" one more time, I may just throw a fit.
I don't think I will be buying any more of this series in the future. I'm going to go ahead and pretend it ended with Spider's Revenge, and I would still recommend those first five books to UF lovers, but for now, for me, it's bye bye Gin Blanco.
2.5 Stars ★★★
But for whatever reason, I seem to have fallen out of love with her in this book. What I once saw as a justified sense of achievement is starting to come across as arrogance and smugness. The return of the original source of her vulnerability, Donovan Douche-bag Caine, only served to highlight these changes in Gin. I admit my stomach did flip flops when he walked onto the page, and I did enjoy those scenes, but then he started annoying the crap out of me, too. Again. I also really didn't find his actions towards the end in keeping with his character at all. I found that whole thing totally unbelievable.
My favourite thing about this series at the moment, and for the last two or three books, is Owen Grayson. He is a fantastic character and I love the history of how he and Gin met. I wish more time was devoted to him and I think he was incredibly patient with Gin in this book.
Sadly, I didn't enjoy the storyline this time at all. I really couldn't have cared less about the bad guy or the damsels in distress, and I found the plot extremely slow and dull. And also very familiar. If it were me, I think I would have wrapped this baby up in the last book when that plot arc ran its course.
Another thing to note is that the repetitiveness is still there. Yes, the recapping has been lessened greatly due to the fact that the plot arc from the first 5 books is over so no need to go into all that again. But the actual writing is still repetitive. If I see the words "chicory coffee" or "sloppy, sloppy, sloppy" one more time, I may just throw a fit.
I don't think I will be buying any more of this series in the future. I'm going to go ahead and pretend it ended with Spider's Revenge, and I would still recommend those first five books to UF lovers, but for now, for me, it's bye bye Gin Blanco.
2.5 Stars ★★★
tizi_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
dukefn99's review against another edition
4.0
Read my review at https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/289610084
thegeekyblogger's review against another edition
4.0
Listened for Fun (Audible)
Overall Rating: 4.00
Story Rating: 3.50
Character Rating: 4.50
Audio Rating: 4.50
First Thought When Finished: Entirely to much repetition early in the story was distracting but the story itself (once past the repetition) was really strong!
Story Thoughts:
By a Thread was all about relationships and tying up loose ends. For long time fans of the series, I feel like this is our payoff book. We get to see Gin getting right with the people in her life. I LOVED this part of the story and really felt like Gin (and us readers) deserved this story. I marked down the story part because the first 3 chapters felt like a book review of the story up to this point. Each book seems to add more repetition and character introduction. I just feel that it was entirely to distracting. If you are a new to the series though, I am guessing you can pick it up with this book and not miss a thing because it is told to you.
Character Thoughts: I love the characters in this series. They are strong, dependable, fun, and won't let you down. I could wax on for hours about them but I have done that in the past. Another remarkable entry where characters are concerned and most of my favorites made an appearance.
Audio Thoughts:
Lauren did excellent again. I love this series in audio format. Her voice for Gin is perfect both in pacing and attitude. I highly suggest this series in audio. Her male voices are also pretty good, especially Finn. She is dead on with him.
Final Thought: I am about to start Widow's Web and I am hoping for a little less repetition in the beginning!
Overall Rating: 4.00
Story Rating: 3.50
Character Rating: 4.50
Audio Rating: 4.50
First Thought When Finished: Entirely to much repetition early in the story was distracting but the story itself (once past the repetition) was really strong!
Story Thoughts:
“You're mine," "Not his. Mine. Only mine. Always mine.”― Jennifer Estep Owen to Gin, By a Thread
By a Thread was all about relationships and tying up loose ends. For long time fans of the series, I feel like this is our payoff book. We get to see Gin getting right with the people in her life. I LOVED this part of the story and really felt like Gin (and us readers) deserved this story. I marked down the story part because the first 3 chapters felt like a book review of the story up to this point. Each book seems to add more repetition and character introduction. I just feel that it was entirely to distracting. If you are a new to the series though, I am guessing you can pick it up with this book and not miss a thing because it is told to you.
Character Thoughts: I love the characters in this series. They are strong, dependable, fun, and won't let you down. I could wax on for hours about them but I have done that in the past. Another remarkable entry where characters are concerned and most of my favorites made an appearance.
Audio Thoughts:
Narrated By Lauren Fortgang at a running time of 11 hrs and 1 min
Lauren did excellent again. I love this series in audio format. Her voice for Gin is perfect both in pacing and attitude. I highly suggest this series in audio. Her male voices are also pretty good, especially Finn. She is dead on with him.
Final Thought: I am about to start Widow's Web and I am hoping for a little less repetition in the beginning!
vikcs's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
aknas22's review against another edition
5.0
Great addition to the Elemental Assassin Series. Loved all the characters as usual, especially Gin.
lolasreviews's review against another edition
5.0
I always feel like coming home, when reading this series. I got so attached to all these characters and the story and when I pick up the next book in the series I know I am in for a very good read again. And this book is great again! Jennifer Estep is one of my favourite authors and this book again proves why!
I didn't really know what to expect from this book. The last book in this series felt like the last book and I was actualy a bit surprised to find out the series continued. I expected that maybe it wouldn't be as good as the first five books, because so much changed in the last book. So I was a bit afraid that the series would lose it touch after what happened in the last book, but this book was just as great as the first five books. I found myself really enjoying it. Jennifer Estep found a great way to continue this series!
In this book the scenery changes a bit. Gin and her friend decide to take a vacation on the beach and that's where this whole book takes place. I did like the change of scenery combined with the familiar characters. We also get introduced to some new characters and an old character comes back again. The characters are one of the things I just love about this series. All characters have their own characteristics that make them feel like they are a real person. I really feel like I know the characters and I love reading about what happens with them.
The story is also great as always, although I have to say that sometimes the story is a bit predictable it is just such an enjoyable read that I don't mind. There are also enough surprises in this book. And it also contains the usual action and a bit romance like in the previous books.
To conclude again a great book in a great series. i enjoyed every minute of this book. I liked the change of scenery. Further this book has again great characters and story like we're used to in this series. I can't wait for the next book!
I didn't really know what to expect from this book. The last book in this series felt like the last book and I was actualy a bit surprised to find out the series continued. I expected that maybe it wouldn't be as good as the first five books, because so much changed in the last book. So I was a bit afraid that the series would lose it touch after what happened in the last book, but this book was just as great as the first five books. I found myself really enjoying it. Jennifer Estep found a great way to continue this series!
In this book the scenery changes a bit. Gin and her friend decide to take a vacation on the beach and that's where this whole book takes place. I did like the change of scenery combined with the familiar characters. We also get introduced to some new characters and an old character comes back again. The characters are one of the things I just love about this series. All characters have their own characteristics that make them feel like they are a real person. I really feel like I know the characters and I love reading about what happens with them.
The story is also great as always, although I have to say that sometimes the story is a bit predictable it is just such an enjoyable read that I don't mind. There are also enough surprises in this book. And it also contains the usual action and a bit romance like in the previous books.
To conclude again a great book in a great series. i enjoyed every minute of this book. I liked the change of scenery. Further this book has again great characters and story like we're used to in this series. I can't wait for the next book!
pjonsson's review against another edition
3.0
I have to say that this book was a bit disappointing. It is not a bad book, I did enjoy reading it, but it is definitely the weakest of the books in the series that I have read so far.
Gin is still likable old, well not so old maybe, Gin the badass assassin. Her friends are still around and are equally likable. This time Gin and Bria get out of Ashland for a while and I had quite hoped that the change of scenery would bring a bit of freshness into the series.
Unfortunately it did not bring as much fresh material as I hoped. In some sense rather the inverse. Gin and Bria starts off with a rather strained relation with some nonsense Bria-the-cop cannot really deal with the fact that Gin is an assassin and are breaking the law. Then to make matters worse Donovan I brought back into the series. I was really happy when that self-righteous, must-not-break-the-law wuss leave. I though it was for good so I got really disappointed when he was brought back. Of course he was the same wuss this time and I quite disliked the pages where he was present and bitching about Gin and how she should just leave. Needless to say he was just as wrong this time as in the previous books.
The parts without him where much more pleasant to read even though the book as a whole still followed pretty much the same recipe as the previous ones. Gin just have to stupidly walk into a mess and get herself beaten up or otherwise half-killed half way through the book in order to later get back and deal out some pain and death the Gin style. For a seasoned assassin she is more than a little stupid and amateurish. This time she seemed to have forgotten all about staking out the victims and actually learning something about them before taking any dangerous actions.
Okay, enough of the complaining. The book is nevertheless enjoyable to read. I like Gin and her friends, I like the dialogue (bitching, bantering whatever…) between Gin, Bria, Finn and Owen. I like the action and the no BS throat-cutting and skull-bashing when Gin gets going.
I will definitely continue to read the series despite this little dip in the series.
Gin is still likable old, well not so old maybe, Gin the badass assassin. Her friends are still around and are equally likable. This time Gin and Bria get out of Ashland for a while and I had quite hoped that the change of scenery would bring a bit of freshness into the series.
Unfortunately it did not bring as much fresh material as I hoped. In some sense rather the inverse. Gin and Bria starts off with a rather strained relation with some nonsense Bria-the-cop cannot really deal with the fact that Gin is an assassin and are breaking the law. Then to make matters worse Donovan I brought back into the series. I was really happy when that self-righteous, must-not-break-the-law wuss leave. I though it was for good so I got really disappointed when he was brought back. Of course he was the same wuss this time and I quite disliked the pages where he was present and bitching about Gin and how she should just leave. Needless to say he was just as wrong this time as in the previous books.
The parts without him where much more pleasant to read even though the book as a whole still followed pretty much the same recipe as the previous ones. Gin just have to stupidly walk into a mess and get herself beaten up or otherwise half-killed half way through the book in order to later get back and deal out some pain and death the Gin style. For a seasoned assassin she is more than a little stupid and amateurish. This time she seemed to have forgotten all about staking out the victims and actually learning something about them before taking any dangerous actions.
Okay, enough of the complaining. The book is nevertheless enjoyable to read. I like Gin and her friends, I like the dialogue (bitching, bantering whatever…) between Gin, Bria, Finn and Owen. I like the action and the no BS throat-cutting and skull-bashing when Gin gets going.
I will definitely continue to read the series despite this little dip in the series.
bookladysreviews's review against another edition
5.0
So, let's begin with what I personally found really annoying or just unpleasant in this book, no offense cause it still was more than magnificent...
1.gin was always thinking something like this:i'll do anything to protect bria and bria was my sister and no one could threaten her and all this stuff...seriously people why do all this when her sister didn't appreciate it...
2.donovan caine is such an asshole...he sees gin after all this time and he just wants her back and he misses her and he can't resist her and blah blah blah...that punch she gave him in the end was everything
that's it, everything else was amazing as much as i thought it would be and much much more
And the amazing things and the best parts in this book
1.the way owen loves and cares about gin is fantastic...i mean the man is mad for her and he understands and accepts her for what she is
2.finn and bria are together...that kiss that finn gave bria when he arrived at callie's restaurant was so romantic
3.the moments between gin and owen in my opinion, were those who made this book more interesting because there were intense and romantic
4.the way they trust and have faith in each other is great and that's exatcly what people do when they love each other instead of what donovan treated her like when they were together
5.bria finally and i mean FINALLY accepted who and what her sister was...it took her long enough though to quit feeling like that for her own sister...to feel angry and ashamed for what her sister was and for what she suffered when she was tortured by mab...because gin had been through a lot and much worse things especially when she was bitten by dekes
so that's it...and i just can't wait until the next book is published because i'm so obsessed and crazy about the elemental assassin series...i have to admit that this is the best book ever and i really hope more books about gin's life and adventures were written but that's impossible...the previous books were also magnificent and what really fascinates me and makes me wanna read these book again and again, it's the way jennifer estep writes with so much emotion and her books include a bit of everything and by everything i mean EVERYTHING...humor, action, adventure, romace, sarcasm, death, blood and much more...one book is better than the other and gin's life gets better and better and the challenges she faces in every single book are becoming more and more dangerous and exciting...cause the spider doesn't have to find trouble, trouble always but always finds her...
1.gin was always thinking something like this:i'll do anything to protect bria and bria was my sister and no one could threaten her and all this stuff...seriously people why do all this when her sister didn't appreciate it...
2.donovan caine is such an asshole...he sees gin after all this time and he just wants her back and he misses her and he can't resist her and blah blah blah...that punch she gave him in the end was everything
that's it, everything else was amazing as much as i thought it would be and much much more
And the amazing things and the best parts in this book
1.the way owen loves and cares about gin is fantastic...i mean the man is mad for her and he understands and accepts her for what she is
2.finn and bria are together...that kiss that finn gave bria when he arrived at callie's restaurant was so romantic
3.the moments between gin and owen in my opinion, were those who made this book more interesting because there were intense and romantic
4.the way they trust and have faith in each other is great and that's exatcly what people do when they love each other instead of what donovan treated her like when they were together
5.bria finally and i mean FINALLY accepted who and what her sister was...it took her long enough though to quit feeling like that for her own sister...to feel angry and ashamed for what her sister was and for what she suffered when she was tortured by mab...because gin had been through a lot and much worse things especially when she was bitten by dekes
so that's it...and i just can't wait until the next book is published because i'm so obsessed and crazy about the elemental assassin series...i have to admit that this is the best book ever and i really hope more books about gin's life and adventures were written but that's impossible...the previous books were also magnificent and what really fascinates me and makes me wanna read these book again and again, it's the way jennifer estep writes with so much emotion and her books include a bit of everything and by everything i mean EVERYTHING...humor, action, adventure, romace, sarcasm, death, blood and much more...one book is better than the other and gin's life gets better and better and the challenges she faces in every single book are becoming more and more dangerous and exciting...cause the spider doesn't have to find trouble, trouble always but always finds her...