Tag Archives: Jennifer Estep

Spartan Promise by Jennifer Estep – a Review

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Spartan Promise by Jennifer Estep – a Review

 

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Description:
Hunting for the bad guys has never been so dangerous . . .

My name is Rory Forseti, and I attend the Colorado branch of Mythos Academy, a school of warrior kids, powerful artifacts, and mythological monsters.

I’m a student, a fierce Spartan warrior, and a member of Team Midgard, a group of kids and adults tasked with stopping the evil Reapers of Chaos. There is one Reaper I’m determined to hunt down above all others: Covington, the man who murdered my parents.

So when the Midgard gets a tip that Covington is going to try to steal a dangerous artifact, I’m ready to fight. But the situation is far more complicated than it seems, and the Reapers aren’t my only enemies.

I’ll have to use all my Spartan strength and skills to survive this. And even then, it might be my blood that gets spilled . . .

 

 

Review:

Spartan Promise by Jennifer Estep is the second book in her Mythos Academy: Colorado series. I am a fan of the original Mythos Academy series, and was happy that the first book in this series was just as much fun to read.  Having just completed Spartan Promise, I can say this was equally as good, and can’t wait for more books to come. 

Rory Forseti is our heroine in this series, who is also a cousin of Gwen Frost, our Mythos Academy heroine. She is a Spartan warrior, who has many strengths and powers,  which she is still learning how to use.   In the first book, we learned that Rory’s parents were members of the evil Reapers, and when they tried to leave, they were murdered.  In the beginning, Rory had a hard time at school, as everyone looked down at her, assuming she was a Reaper like her parents.   But Rory redeemed herself, when she joined the Midgard (part of the Protectorate, who fight the Reapers), and together the team managed to defeat an attack by the Reapers, and save some of the stolen artifacts. 

In Spartan Promise, Rory and her wonderful team (Ian, Zoe, Mateo, Takeda, etc), find themselves in death defying situations quite often, as the Reapers, led by Covington and Drake, try to steal some powerful and destructive artifacts.  The action throughout the book was amazing, and it was non-stop excitement; with Rory trying to stop the creatures created by the artifacts.  It was very tense during those scary moments.

What follows is an exciting, intense, non-stop action adventure that had us on the edge of our seats.  The slow built romance between Rory and Ian continues to grow, as we look forward to them becoming even closer in future books.  Besides the great secondary characters that are part of her team, and her aunt, I loved the Gryphons that come to help her, as well as the fun with the baby gryphon, Brono, who continues to tease poor Babs, Rory’s talking sword.  Cute fun.

If you enjoy Urban Fantasy, with exciting non-stop action, wonderful heroine and secondary characters, as well as two nasty villains, you should be reading this series.  Spartan Promise was another fun enjoyable read, and Jennifer Estep once again gives us a great story that had us unable to put the book down.   If you have not started Mythos Academy:Colorado, then I suggest you do so by reading the first book, Spartan Heart.  I look forward to the next book in this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

 

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Haints and Hobwebs (Elemental Assassin 4.7) by Jennifer Estep-dual review

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HAINTS AND HOBWEBS (Elemental Assassin 4.5) by Jennifer Estep-dual review

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Re-release Date: November 27, 2018.

Even the Spider can’t escape a ghost’s web . . .

I’m being haunted.

As Gin Blanco, aka the assassin the Spider, I’m used to being haunted by all the bad things I’ve done over the years. I suppose it was only a matter of time before an actual ghost came back to haunt me. But for once, I’m not the bad guy, and I wasn’t the person who sent this ghost—this haint—into the afterlife.

But this haint definitely wants something from me, and I can’t help but think that it’s revenge on the person responsible for her untimely demise.

Good thing revenge is my specialty, whether it’s among the living or the dead . . .

Note: Haints and Hobwebs is an 11,000-word story that takes place after the events of Tangled Threads, book 4 in the Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series. Haints and Hobwebs first appeared in The Mammoth Book of Ghost Romance in 2012.

•••••••

Sandy’s REVIEW: HAINTS AND HOBWEBS is a short story in Jennifer Estep’s Elemental Assassin paranormal/ urban fantasy series focusing on Gin Blanco aka The Spider aka The Assassin –the reigning Queen of the paranormal Underworld of Ashland. HAINTS AND HOBWEBS takes place after the events of Tangled Threads (Elemental Assassin #4).

NOTE: HAINTS AND HOBWEBS first appears in The Mammoth Book of Ghost Romance in 2012

DEFINITION: A Haint is a restless spirit who is unable to move on due to unfinished business.

Told from first person point of view (Gin Blanco) HAINTS AND HOBWEBS follows Gin as she is haunted by the spirit of a young woman who needs our heroine’s help. Unable to move on, the ‘haint’ needs Gin’s help to reunite with the man that she loves but his soul lays trapped behind magic and glass. When Gin’s foster-brother Finn discovers the truth behind the spirit’s death, Gin goes in search of the young lover’s soul.

HAINTS AND HOBWEBS is a very quick read; an intriguing, engaging and colourful stand alone in the author’s Elemental Assassin series that reveals at little about Gin and Owen’s growing love; Gin and Jo Jo’s ability to see spirits; the early stages of Finn and Bria’s relationship; and the ultimate evil who steals the souls of the people he kills.

 

BARB’s Review:   Haints and Hobwebs by Jennifer Estep is a short story that is part of her wonderful Elemental Assassin series.  Haints and Hobwebs is a re-release that was published as part of an anthology from a few years ago. Since I had never read this book, I looked forward to reading this, as I love Gin Blanco and Elemental Assassin series.

The story begins with Gin visiting Fletcher’s grave and she sees a female ghost standing over someone else’s grave.  Gin is shocked as this is the first time she can see a ghost; as she watches the girl, Gin notices the desperation on her face.  What is a Haint? It is a spirit (ghost) that cannot move on due to something left unsettled.  Even though communications is difficult, in a short time, Gin and her team will become involved in helping the haint solve the problem, which has been in existence for many years.

What follows is a quick story that is exciting and also fun.  It was exciting as Gin will discover an evil vampire who is killing people and stealing their souls; one of those souls is from the girl’s (haint) boyfriend, whom she is desperate to help.  It was tense when both Gin and Owen find themselves in a deathly situation.  The fun part, since this goes back to earlier in the series,  was remembering the early days of Gin & Owen; Gin’s sister Bria, and just spending time with them all.

Haints and Hobwebs was a nice fast paced enjoyable read. If you are a fan of the Elemental Assassin series, I suggest you read this short story, as it was fun.

 

Copy supplied for review

 

 

Jennifer Estep is a New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author, prowling the streets of her imagination in search of her next fantasy idea.

Jennifer writes the Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series. The books focus on Gin Blanco, an assassin codenamed the Spider who can control the elements of Ice and Stone. When she’s not busy killing people and righting wrongs, Gin runs a barbecue restaurant called the Pork Pit in the fictional Southern metropolis of Ashland. The city is also home to giants, dwarves, vampires, and elementals – Air, Fire, Ice, and Stone.

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Seasons of Sorcery Fantasy Anthology with Jennifer Estep, Grace Draven, Jeffe Kennedy and Amanda Bouchet-dual reviews

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SEASONS OF SORCERY: A Fantasy Anthology by Jennifer Estep, Grace Draven, Jeffe Kennedy and Amanda Bouchet- Dual Reviews

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About the book: Release Date November 13, 2018

Description:
WINTER’S WEB BY JENNIFER ESTEP
An assassin at a renaissance faire. What could possibly go wrong? Everything, if you’re Gin Blanco. This Spider is trapped in someone else’s icy web—and it seems like they don’t want her to leave the faire alive . . .

A CURSE FOR SPRING BY AMANDA BOUCHET
A malevolent spell strangles the kingdom of Leathen in catastrophic drought. Prince Daric must break the curse before his people starve. A once-mighty goddess trapped in a human body might be the key—but saving his kingdom could mean losing all that he loves.

THE DRAGONS OF SUMMER BY JEFFE KENNEDY
As unofficial consort to the High Queen, former mercenary Harlan Konyngrr faces a challenge worse than looming war and fearsome dragons. His long-held secrets threaten what he loves most—and he must make a choice between vows to two women.

A WILDERNESS OF GLASS BY GRACE DRAVEN
The stretch of sea known as The Gray rules the lives of those in the village of Ancilar, including widow Brida Gazi. In the aftermath of an autumn storm, Brida discovers one of the sea’s secrets cast onto the shore—a discovery that will change her world, mend her soul, and put her in the greatest danger she’s ever faced.

 

SANDY’s Review:

SEASONS OF SORCERY is a multi-authored fantasy anthology by Jennifer Estep, Grace Draven, Jeffe Kennedy and Amanda Bouchet. A great mix of writing styles, the anthology is a fantastic and entertaining peek at the other.

_______

WINTER’S WEB by Jennifer Estep
 WINTER’S WEB by Jennifer Estep is instalment 17.5 in the author’s contemporary, adult ELEMENTAL ASSASSIN paranormal/ urban fantasy series focusing on Gin Blanco aka The Spider aka The Assassin –the reigning Queen of the paranormal Underworld of Ashland. WINTER’S WEB can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Winter’s Web takes place after Venom in the Vein.

Told from first person point of view (Gin Blanco) WINTER’S WEB follows Gin and the gang as they are ‘coerced’ into participating at Ashland’s annual Winter’s Web Renaissance Faire. Surprising himself and everyone he loved, Gin’s lover Owen Grayson won tickets to the local fair but things don’t go according to plans when Gin finds herself stalked by a group of giants, and the man that she loves, goes missing. As Gin battles to save her life, Owen faces a familiar face in a battle between money, his life, and power.

WINTER’S WEB is a quick read; a fast paced, action packed story of power and greed, elemental magic, and love. A heart pounding tale with familiar faces, energetic fight scenes, and a captivating couple WINTER’S WEB is the perfect addition to Estep’s Elemental Assassin series.

___________

A CURSE FOR SPRING by Amanda Bouchet
 A CURSE FOR SPRING by Amanda Bouchet is an adult, stand alone, fantasy story line focusing on Prince Daric and the woman he loves as they journey in the hopes of ending decades of drought for the kingdom of Leathen.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Daric and Rain) A CURSE FOR SPRING focuses on the kingdom of Leathen, and the decades old drought. Daric has loved Rain for most of his life since the day he pulled her from the magical mist, but the ongoing drought is threatening the people of Leathen. Promised to another woman in exchange for water, Daris refuses to accept his father’s demands, hoping he and Rain will be able to find what is necessary to restore the land, and continue together towards a happily ever after. But Rain knows that her time with Daric has an expiry date, an expiry date that is tied to the Leathen drought, and the curse that surrounds the man that she loves.

Amanda Bouchet draws the reader into a love story; a cross-country adventure wherein our couple will profess their love as they search for a way to break the curse. A CURSE FOR SPRING is an intriguing and passionate tale of ill-fated lovers.

_____________

THE DRAGONS OF SUMMER by Jeffe Kennedy
 THE DRAGONS OF SUMMER is a novella set in the author’s Uncharted Realms fantasy series, and takes place after The Arrows of the Heart.

NOTE: THE DRAGONS OF SUMMER is an adult fantasy story line with recalled spousal violence that may not be suitable for all readers.

Told from first person perspective (Harlan) THE DRAGONS OF SUMMER is a story of magic, dragons, war, secrets and struggle. Harlan is head of security for Castle Ordnung, and the people are preparing for a two-pronged attack. Tensions have been high between Harlan and the woman he loves, High Queen Ursula of the Thirteen Kingdoms, but betrayal from within, Harlan’s sacred vows to his family back home, and loyalties to the Queen, threaten the peace between our leading couple. Secrets from the past, dividing family and friends, once again threatens the relationship between Harlan and Ursula.

THE DRAGONS OF SUMMER is a revealing story line of family, betrayal, loss and love. A mesmorizing and intriguing story, THE DRAGONS OF SUMMER is a magical, sexy and spirited tale.

_____________

A WILDERNESS OF GLASS BY Grace Draven
A WILDERNESS OF GLASS is a novella set in Grace Draven’s fantasy World of the Wraith Kings.

Told from third person point of view A WILDERNESS OF GLASS follows Ancilar’s magical flute player and widow Brida Gazi and friends as they have accepted an invitation to perform for Lord Andras Frantisek at Castle Banat. Intrigued by her music, a stranger would embark on a journey in an effort to regain what was once lost. A sudden storm brought a bountiful harvest to the small village but a bounty rich with fantastical beasts and promises of more.

A WILDERNESS OF GLASS is an engaging and entertaining, forbidden love story; of family, friendship, betrayal and loss; a journey into the fantastic between a woman and the creature she has grown to love.

 


BARB’s Reviews:
Seasons of Sorcery Anthology are novellas written by Jennifer Estep, Amanda Bouchet, Jeffe Kennedy and Grace Draven.   I looked forward to reading this anthology, as some of my favorite authors have stories that I must always read.   I will write a short review of each arc to give you my thoughts on each book.

Winter’s Web by Jennifer Estep
This is a novella that takes place in Estep’s wonderful world of her Elemental Assassin series. Anything even short, is a must read for me, because we get more time to spend with Gin Blanco, our spider assassin heroine. 

In Winter’s Web, Gin and the gang (Owen, Bria, Finn, Sophie) all attend in costume the renaissance faire.  Gin isn’t thrilled to be in costume, but she is determined to have fun. Of course, anywhere Gin goes there is bound to be problems.  At the faire, she watches a woman that marvels the crowd with her sword expertise, and before the day is out, Gin is face to face with a dangerous enemy, who is out to kill someone she loves.  We have come to know that Gin will go through hell and back to save those she loves.  This was an exciting, action- packed short story that I savored from start to finish.  I will not tell too much more, as it would be spoilers.  If you are an Elemental Assassin fan, you need to read this and enjoy the fun.

A Curse for Spring by Amanda Bouchet
I looked forward to reading this short story, since I had read and loved Bouchet’s last series. Prince Daric is desperate to save his land, the Kingdom of Leathen.  They have been in a catastrophic drought for many years, and now they face losing their land to another kingdom.  Rain, our heroine, has lived with Daric and his family for many years, since they pulled her out of a magic weather mist; she was a goddess of Spring, and is now human. With the threat of having to merge Leathen with the enemy kingdom, as well as marry the enemy’s Queen’s daughter, Daric desperately needs to find a way to break the water curse, and save his family.  He and Rain, who have come to fall in love with each other over the years, go on a journey that will change their lives and destiny.  I loved Rain and Daric together, and this was a heartwarming quick fun story, that had moments of sadness. 

The Dragons of Summer by Jeffe Kennedy
This story revolves around our hero, Harlan, who is the consort of the High Queen, Ursula. With war on the horizon, Harlan, who is also head of security, is extra cautious protecting his Queen.  We learn quickly that Harlan and Ursula are lovers, but she also knows he is keeping secrets of his past, that threaten their relationship.  When members of the Queen’s team arrive to help plan on stopping the attack, Harlan loses his cool with some of the members of his family and must decide to reveal to Ursula his secrets of his past or lose her for good. What follows is a wonderful story where Harlan’s family betrayed him and his sister years before, and when he explains the terrible truth about his sister, Ursula is fully by his side.   As the group put differences aside, Harlan will come to terms with his brother and together they will all prepare to fight for survival in this war.  It is a wonderful story of family, love, loyalty, betrayal, with excellent characters, sexy romance and dragons.

A Wilderness of Glass by Grace Draven
Brida Gazi, our heroine, is a flute player with elements of magic.  When Brida plays her flute with others from her town at a Lord’s party, a stranger accosts her.  The stranger wants to know where she got the flute, which was created by her brother, using a bone found by the ocean.   When she walks during the evening by the ocean she comes across two strange species badly injured.  Brida will try to save them, and use her flute to communicate with sea creatures. What follows is a sweet and impelling story of Brida learning the secrets of the sea and her flute, and changing her life along the way with an unlikely romance, and the danger when evil rears its ugly head.  This was a different and well written story.

Copy supplied for review

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Kill the Queen by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review & Giveaway

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Kill the Queen by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review & Giveaway

Kill The Queen
Crown of Shards series – Book #1
by Jennifer Estep
Release Date: October 2, 2018

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Description:
Gladiator meets Game of Thrones: a royal woman becomes a skilled warrior to destroy her murderous cousin, avenge her family, and save her kingdom in this first entry in a dazzling fantasy epic from the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Elemental Assassin series—an enthralling tale that combines magic, murder, intrigue, adventure, and a hint of romance.

In a realm where one’s magical power determines one’s worth, Lady Everleigh’s lack of obvious ability relegates her to the shadows of the royal court of Bellona, a kingdom steeped in gladiator tradition. Seventeenth in line for the throne, Evie is nothing more than a ceremonial fixture, overlooked and mostly forgotten.

But dark forces are at work inside the palace. When her cousin Vasilia, the crown princess, assassinates her mother the queen and takes the throne by force, Evie is also attacked, along with the rest of the royal family. Luckily for Evie, her secret immunity to magic helps her escape the massacre.

Forced into hiding to survive, she falls in with a gladiator troupe. Though they use their talents to entertain and amuse the masses, the gladiators are actually highly trained warriors skilled in the art of war, especially Lucas Sullivan, a powerful magier with secrets of his own. Uncertain of her future—or if she even has one—Evie begins training with the troupe until she can decide her next move.

But as the bloodthirsty Vasilia exerts her power, pushing Bellona to the brink of war, Evie’s fate becomes clear: she must become a fearsome gladiator herself . . . and kill the queen.

Barb’s Review:
Kill the Queen by Jennifer Estep is the 1st book in her new Crown of Shards fantasy series. I am a big fan of Jennifer Estep, and love all her series.   I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Kill the Queen, and I am happy to say I loved it; it is epic fantasy at its best. 

We meet our heroine, Lady Everleigh (Evie), at the start, as she is helping making pies in the kitchen in preparation for a big gala at the Royal Court of Bellona.  Evie, though a distant overlooked royal, with very little magical powers, stays in the shadows as much as she can; only joining in when necessary.  As she leaves to see a friend, before she has to dress, Evie begins to notice many new guards and friends of her cousin, Vasillia; when she returns and attends the gala, she senses things that seem odd.  In a short time, Vasillia, who is the crown princess, leads a revolution that becomes a massacre of major proportions. When she comes across Evie, she uses her magic lightning power to attack her, throwing her over the cliff.  This was massacre that murdered the entire Blair royal line.  Vasillia, with her people is now the Queen of Bellona, and she plans to start a war by taking over other kingdoms.  This is just the beginning.

Evie was the lone survivor, running for her life to escape during the hunt for more survivors.  She goes into hiding, and joins a gladiator troupe, who are highly trained warriors that perform shows to entertain the local people.  Evie’s job is to make her famous pies, but the leader of the Black Swan troupe insists that all team members must train to be able to fight, no matter what their job is.  She meets Lucas Sullivan, who trains all the gladiators, and he is hard on Evie.  But over time, both will begin to have feelings for each other, which will stay in the background for most of the story.  This is not a romance, not yet.  However, I suspect we will see the two of them eventually find their way to each other, sometime in the next book.  The leader of the Black Swan, Serilda, was a great warrior, and sensed something about Evie, pushing her to practice more.

Like in any new fantasy, there is a world building that tends to go more into detail early on, which can make things a little slow at the early parts.  But make no mistake, in a couple of chapters in,  this becomes an exciting, ultra-action packed adventure that was impossible to put down. I loved how Evie became close to many members of the troupe, and when she is forced to fight for her life, she will learn how to use her magic that she has hidden all her life.  Great exciting action.

Estep does a fantastic job keeping our attention, as well as creating such a fantastic heroine in Evie. I also loved most of the members of the Black Swan that were awesome.  What follows is an amazing adventure that will allow us to watch as Evie, slowly gains more confidence in her powers and well as learning to become a good warrior.  Together with her new friends, they plan save the kingdoms facing a terrible war, and find a way avenge her family, save Bellona, and Kill the Queen.  Will Evie survive?  Can she even face the evil powerful Vasillia?

This was an exciting and enthralling fantasy, with fantastic characters (even the villians); surrounded by magic, violence, death, war, and intrigue that has us holding our breaths throughout.

Bravo to Jennifer Estep for creating another fantastic series, especially in the Epic fantasy world.  I strongly suggest you read Kill The Queen.  I for one cannot wait for the next book.

 

 

Sandy’s Review

KILL THE QUEEN is the first instalment in Jennifer Estep’s CROWN OF SHARDS epic fantasy series focusing on the Lady Everleigh Saffira Winter Blair aka Evie, a young woman of royal blood whose entire family was murdered in a coup for the throne.

Told in three distinctive parts, using first person point of view (Evie) KILL THE QUEEN follows Lady Everleigh Saffira Winter Blair aka Evie as she struggles to survive in the aftermath of a murderous rage that destroyed everyone and everything that she loved. Years earlier, orphaned at the age of twelve as a result of her parents’ murder, Evie entered the magical kingdom of Bellona, a kingdom ruled by her cousin Queen Cordelia, and her daughter Crown- Princess Vasilia. Believing Evie to hold no magical powers of her own, other than the simplified and basic ‘mutt magic’, our heroine, the now twenty seven year old, seventeenth in line to the throne of Bellona, has been virtually ignored for the past fifteen years. A royal celebration in honor of the Andvarian ambassador proved otherwise as Evie would be one of only two survivors of the Blair family massacre meant to destroy all those with any bloodrights to the throne. What ensues is Evie’s journey to the status of The Black Swan, as she and her fellow warriors and gladiators set into motion a plan to avenge the death of them all.

KILL THE QUEEN is awash in Jennifer Estep’s affinity for ‘elemental magic’. Like Gin Blanco in the author’s Elemental Assassin, our heroine Evie must become an assassin in order to avenge the death of the people she loves. From weather mages, elementals, gem and metal workers, ogres, shifters and gladiators, KILL THE QUEEN follows the magical journey wherein Evie must prepare to battle to the death in an effort to prove she is worthy of the throne.

Many of Jennifer Estep’s signature go-to story line components are present including Evie’s band of misfit elementals and warriors; a potential love interest; and the mention of the Delta Queen, as well as several characters from both her Elemental Assassin, and Bigtime Series-hint, hint Easter Eggs. Not withstanding the numerous and obvious parallel similarities between the Elemental Assassin and Crown of Shards series, KILL THE QUEEN is an intriguing, magical and infinitely detailed story of magic, honor, power and greed.

Copies provided for review

 

 

Jennifer is graciously offering an $10 Amazon Gift Card to ONE  (1) lucky commenter and a paper copy of Kill the Queen to TWO (2) lucky commenters at The Reading Cafe:

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE:  If you are having difficulty commenting after logging into the site, please refresh the page at the top of your computer

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE and Follow Jennifer Estep on Facebook

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Giveaway open to  USA only for paper copy of Kill the Queen; Internationally for Amazon GC.

8. Giveaway runs from October 1 to 8, 2018

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Venom in the Veins by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review & Giveaway

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Venom in the Veins by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
Blood might be thicker than water, but venom is stronger than just about anything …

It was supposed to be a nice, quiet, simple dinner with friends—but nothing is ever nice, quiet, or simple when you’re Gin Blanco, the Spider, notorious assassin and current queen of the Ashland underworld.

This time around, someone seems to be targeting Stuart Mosley, the president of First Trust bank. Lots of people have grudges against Mosley, but the more I investigate, the more Mosley’s problems seem to be connected to some of my own, especially when it comes to the Circle, the evil, shadowy group that is secretly responsible for much of the crime and corruption in Ashland.

But when another blast from my dark and deadly past as the Spider comes to light, I wonder if I’ll be able to survive this dangerous new enemy, who has a burning thirst for revenge that will only be satisfied with one thing: my death.

•••••••••

Barb’s Review:

Venom in the Veins by Jennifer Estep is the 17 book in her fantastic Elemental Assassin series.  Jennifer is one of my favorite authors, as I always look forward to reading her books, and spending more time with our kick-ass heroine, Gin Blanco.

Gin is enjoying dinner with Finn and Stuart Mosely (Finn’s boss at the bank, and friend to Gin); they learn about the upcoming auction that Mosely has been buried helping set up.  When they leave, Gin senses something wrong, and rushes to save Mosely, who is under attack and being kidnapped.  As we always come to expect with Gin, she saves him, but now the question is why someone is targeting Mosely.

Gin suspects that the attack is related to the Circle and  her arch enemy Tucker.  Upon further investigation, Gin will come across a blast from her “spider”past.  Years before, when she was still being trained by Fletcher, she ended up killing a dangerous vampire, and regretted that the daughter came upon the scene.  In present time, Alanna, this story’s main villain, is the daughter of the woman she killed years before, who is also working with Mosely on the auction, which proves to Gin who is behind the attack and why.

What follows is an exciting, action filled, pulse pounding mystery that will bring Gin into death defying situations, where ‘déjà vu’  memories of the past as the daughter comes back to enact revenge on both Moseley and Gin.    As always with Gin Blanco, she is right in the middle of this wild violent adventure.  Gin suffers a lot, and I held my breath so many times when she was in precarious situations.  We have come to expect that Gin, who is always in the middle of danger so many times as they all try to kill her, and somehow our heroine always manages to suffer horrific injuries, and yet escape death.  But it still is nerve wracking to watch, as the violence escalates.

I love spending time with Gin, but I also love all the recurring secondary characters that are Gin’s friends and family that she is loyal to, and always there for each other.  Finn, Owen, Bria, Silvio, Sophie, Jo Jo, Lorelei are all great members of Gin’s group.  Tucker, who Gin is determined to destroy, as well learn more about the Circle leader, Mason are two main villains in this arc of the series.   Though I feel there is more about Tucker than we know, especially with his penchant for being around to help save her a few times.  There are some findings as we race to the thrilling climax that will lead into the next book.

Jennifer Estep is a master at creating exciting, mind-boggling adventures in each story, and making Gin into such a great heroine. Venom in the Veins was a wonderful action filled addition to this series, which also gives us answers to some questions, as well as surprises that will have us waiting impatiently for the next book;  I cannot wait for more adventures of Gin Blanco. If you have not read the Elemental Assassin series, it is time for you to start now.

 

Sandy’s Review

VENOM IN THE VEINS is the seventeenth full-length instalment in Jennifer Estep’s contemporary, adult ELEMENTAL ASSASSIN paranormal/ urban fantasy series focusing on Gin Blanco aka The Spider aka The Assassin –the reigning Queen of the paranormal Underworld of Ashland. VENOM IN THE VEINS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty although I recommend reading the series in order for cohesion and backstory.

SOME BACKGROUND: Years earlier, Gin lost her mother and her older sister to a deliberate fire started by a fire elemental, a fire ordered by the notorious group known only as The Circle. Fostered and mentored by Fletcher Lane, Gin would become the fiercest elemental assassin the Underworld would ever know.

Told from first person point of view (Gin Blanco) using present day and memories from the past, VENOM IN THE VEINS brings together all of the familiar, and not so familiar characters in a show down between the present and the past. The Circle, a secret society of supernaturals responsible for much of the crime and corruption in Ashland, continues to haunt our story line heroine as sins from the past come full circle in the search for something Gin knows nothing about. When Ashland’s First Trust Bank owner Stuart Mosley is targeted in what appears to be a random abduction and robbery, Gin’s mind goes into overdrive as she sets out to discover the reason behind the attack against a man she has called a friend, a discovery that is laced with revenge, guilt and a familiar party. Sins from the past are revealed in the present such that Gin must face down a powerful enemy with vengeance on her mind as a high-stakes auction is only the beginning of a battle for control.

Gin’s intrepid friends and family (step-brother Finn, sister Bria, officer Xavier, boyfriend and lover Owen, Gin’s assistant/ vampire Silvio, dwarves JoJo and Sophia) return to assist our heroine as she must battle not only her guilt but with a vampire avenging the death of the mother she loved. We are introduced to Alanna Eaton, a vampire whose mother Amelia was killed, years before, by our heroine in a fight to the death. A cannibal vampire like her mother, Alanna is not above using The Circle, in her need to seek vengeance against our story line heroine. Vampire Hugh Tucker and the mysterious Mason make a cameo appearance to set up the next arc in the Elemental Assassin series

VENOM IN THE VEINS is a familiar story line in that Gin’s past has come back in more ways than one. Look a-likes, including mothers and daughters, are a persistent theme throughout the series, a theme that will continue with the reveal of what’s next for our story line heroine. The over-use of familiar phrases, specific to the author, are easily recognizable throughout the series. The series arcs, premises and situations in which the heroine struggles are similar in context and plot. VENOM IN THE VEINS is a dramatic and intense instalment in Jennifer Estep’s ELEMENTAL ASSASSIN urban fantasy series.


Jennifer Estep is a New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author, prowling the streets of her imagination in search of her next fantasy idea.

 

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

 

 

Jennifer is graciously offering an $10 Gift Card to ONE  (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe:

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE:  If you are having difficulty commenting after logging into the site, please refresh the page at the top of your computer

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE and Follow Jennifer Estep on Facebook

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Giveaway open to USA only.

8. Giveaway runs from June 11 to 14, 2018

 

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The Reading Cafe 6th Anniversary Celebration with Jennifer Estep

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The Reading Cafe 6th Anniversary Giveaway Celebration with Jennifer Estep

NOTE: All giveaways require a comment to qualify

Jennifer Estep is graciously offering a signed, paper copy of SNARED to TWO (2) commenters.

There will be TWO (2) winners with each winner receiving a signed, paper copy of SNARED by Jennifer Estep

Giveaway open USA only

Click HERE to find Jennifer Estep and more about the fabulous Elemental Assassin series.

Please follow Jennifer Estep on Facebook.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please tell us to enter you into the giveaway.

4. Please follow Jennifer Estep on Facebook.

5. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

6. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

7. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

8. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

9. Giveaway open to USA ONLY

10. Giveaway runs until February 21-28, 2018

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Spartan Heart by Jennifer Estep – Review & Giveaway

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Spartan Heart by Jennifer Estep – Review & Giveaway

 

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Spartan HeartAmazon / B&N / Kobo

Description:
New school year, same old problems . . .

At Mythos Academy, everyone knows exactly who I am: Rory Forseti, Spartan girl and the daughter of Reapers.

Even though I fought alongside my cousin Gwen Frost to save the mythological world from Loki and his evil Reapers of Chaos, I’m still the most hated girl at the academy because of all the horrible things my parents did. I had hoped that this school year would be different, but the other kids just won’t let me forget about my parents.

But something strange is going on at the Colorado academy. First, I run into a Viking guy who dislikes me more than most. Then I notice some odd artifacts in the Library of Antiquities. And worst of all, I start hearing rumors about a new group of Reapers who can summon mythological monsters.

I might be the most hated girl at Mythos Academy, but I’m also the only one who can save it . .

 

Review:

Spartan Heart by Jennifer Estep is the 1st book in her new Mythos Academy: Colorado series, which is a spinoff of her original Mythos Academy series.   I really did enjoy the Mythos Academy series and Gwen Frost.   I looked forward to reading Spartan Heart, and I am happy to say I enjoyed the start of this series.

Rory Forseti, whom we met in the original Mythos Academy series, is Gwen’s cousin and our heroine in this series.   Rory, who helped Gwen and her gang defeat Loki, and now is attending school at Mythos Academy, Colorado.  Rory dreads going back to school, especially since her deceased mother and father were discovered to be Reapers.  As we know, Reapers are bad and evil, bent on destroying humans, and the Protectorate (who protect humans and dangerous artifacts).  Rory is uncomfortable at school, as everyone looks down on her because of the sins of her parents.

Rory is a Spartan (warrior extraordinaire), and in a short time, she is using her skills to kill over creatures that the Reapers created using a stolen scepter artifact.  Rory is than asked to join the Midgard team (part of the Protectorate) and help find whoever is in charge of the Reapers now, and get back the artifact.  Some of her new teammates do not trust her, but once she helps save them, Rory will earn their respect and trust.  I really like her teammates, Ian, Zoe, Mateo, Takeda & Rachel. Most of all I absolutely loved the Gryphons (especially Brono the baby gryphon), whom Rory bonded with when she helped Gwen; and Babs, the talking sword.

What follows is an exciting, action filled adventure that also has some surprises for Rory.  There is also a slow built romance between Rory and Ian that I expect we will see more of in future books.  Besides some of the great characters in this book, there are also some good villains; such as Lance, Drake and the Reaper leader.  I loved being able to see Gwen Frost again, nearer to the end.  Nice touch by Estep.

If you like Urban Fantasy, with mythology, action, excitement, a number of twists and surprises, and a wonderful young heroine; look no further then Mythos Academy, Colorado.  Spartan Heart was a wonderful enjoyable read, and Jennifer Estep continues to write these books so well, keeping us thoroughly entertained. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

 

Giveaway

Jennifer is graciously offering an e-copy of SPARTAN HEART to TWO  (2) lucky commenters at The Reading Cafe:

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE:  If you are having difficulty commenting after logging into the site, please refresh the page at the top of your computer

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE and Follow Jennifer Estep on Facebook

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Giveaway open to USA only.

8. Giveaway runs from December 3 to 7, 2017

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Snared by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review & Giveaway

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Snared by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review & Giveaway

 

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Snared
Elemental Assassin series – Book #16
by Jennifer Estep
Release Date: April 25, 2017

SnaredAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

Description:
If you don’t know Gin “the Spider” Blanco, you don’t know dangerous female heroines.

Irony 101—The Spider herself snared in someone else’s web…

Another week, another few clues trickling in about the Circle, the mysterious group that supposedly runs the city’s underworld. Gathering intel on my hidden enemies is a painstaking process, but a more immediate mystery has popped up on my radar: a missing girl.

My search for the girl begins on the mean streets of Ashland, but with all the killers and crooks in this city, I’m not holding out much hope that she’s still alive.

A series of clues leads me down an increasingly dark, dangerous path, and I realize that the missing girl is really just the first thread in this web of evil. As an assassin, I’m used to facing down the worst of the worst, but nothing prepares me for this new, terrifying enemy—one who strikes from the shadows and is determined to make me the next victim.

Barb’s Review

Snared by Jennifer Estep is the 16th book in her fantastic Urban Fantasy Elemental Assassin series.  I always look forward to reading the next book in this series, as Jennifer Estep never fails to give us another fantastic exciting action packed story, which has one of the best kick-ass heroines in Gin Blanco (Spider). 

In Snared, Gin continues to research about the secret powerful group called the Circle, who was part of killing her mother years before.  When on a mission to find more information on one of the Circle leaders, she overhears something about her mother and her evil enemy Tucker, which upsets Gin, and pushes her to find out more.  But when Jade, one of Ashland’s gangland leaders, asks for help, Gin will step forward.  It seems that Jade’s younger sister is missing, and when Gin pulls her team (what an awesome group; Bria, Finn, Owen, Silvio, Sophia, Jo Jo, Xavier, etc), together they discover that a serial killer has been killing young blond haired girls. 

What follows is an exciting, mind blowing, pulse pounding mystery that will bring Gin right into the lion’s den, where clues will point to the serial killer somewhere within the circle.  As always with Gin Blanco, she is right in the middle of this wild adventure.  No one messes with Gin, and yet so many times they all try to kill her, and somehow our heroine always manages to suffer horrific injuries, and yet escape death.  Will she find Jade’s sister in time?  Will she learn the truth about her mother and her enemy, Tucker?

Reading this series, and spending time with Gin is always fun and enjoyable.  I love how tough and loyal Gin is, and no matter how much she suffers in each book, she still rises up for more.  We are always on the edge of our seats through each and every book.  Jennifer Estep is a master at creating a seamless flow into each story, and watching Gin evolve into such a great heroine.  As I noted earlier, the secondary characters that make up Gin’s team are great, and always fun to be with.  Her romance with Owen is just perfect and sweet, which always manages to release the tension in the story at the moment.

Snared was a wonderful  action filled addition to this series, which also gives us answers to some questions, as well as surprises that will have us waiting impatiently for the next book;  I cannot wait for more adventures of Gin Blanco. If you have not read the Elemental Assassin series, it is time for you to start now.

 

Sandy’s Review

SNARED is the sixteenth full-length installment in Jennifer Estep’s contemporary, adult ELEMENTAL ASSASSIN paranormal, urban fantasy series focusing on Gin Blanco aka The Spider –the reigning Queen of the paranormal Underworld of Ashland. SNARED can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty although I recommend reading the series in order for cohesion and backstory.

Told from first person point of view (Gin Blanco) using present day and memories (flashbacks) from the past SNARED follows Gin as she searches for the mysterious, underground group known as the Circle-a secret organization connected to the death of her parents and her beloved sister. A serial killer is on the loose in Ashland, and Gin and her family of supernatural investigators find themselves on the hunt for the person responsible leading Gin back to the Circle and their connections to the past. New details continue to emerge about Gin’s younger years, and her mother’s possible association with the Circle assassins.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of characters including Gin’s lover Owen, her sister Bria, and foster brother Finn, as well as Gin’s assistant /vampire Silvio Sanchez, Jo Jo and her sister Sophia, and an assortment of giants, dwarves, more elementals and vampires. Vampire Hugh Tucker returns and sets into motion a series events that are both deadly and revealing.

SNARED has moments of intrigue, mystery, action and suspense as Gin and her family of elementals search for answers from the present and the past. The action is limited; the violence not as graphic as in previous story line but that is not to say that the violence is non-existent. Gin Blanco, is after all an assassin, and as Queen of the Underworld there is always someone waiting to take down the woman in charge. The premise is engaging, revealing and spirited; the characters are colorful and energetic. Jennifer Estep’s ELEMENTAL ASSASSIN series is a magical and impassioned look at the world of the supernatural, and all of the evil brought together in a battle for power and control.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Giveaway

Jennifer is graciously offering a paper copy of SNARED (Elemental Assassin #16) to TWO  (2) lucky commenters at The Reading Cafe:

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE:  If you are having difficulty commenting after logging into the site, please refresh the page at the top of your computer

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE and Follow Jennifer Estep on Facebook

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Giveaway open to USA only.

8. Giveaway runs from April 25 to 29, 2017

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