Spider’s Bite is the first literary fiction book in the Elemental Assassin series by author Jennifer Estep.
They call me Spider. I’m the most feared assassin in the South — when I’m not busy at the Pig Pit cooking the best barbecue in Ashland. As a Rock element, I could hear everything from the whisper of gravel beneath my feet to the tremors of the Appalachian Mountains soaring above me. My Ice Magic also comes in handy for making the occasional knife. I don’t use my powers at work unless I really have to. Call it professional pride.

Now that a ruthless Air element has overtaken me and killed my controller, I’m out for revenge. And I will destroy anyone who stands in my way – good or bad. I may look hot, but I’m still one of the bad guys. That’s why I got into trouble, because the irresistible Detective Donovan Caine agreed to help me. The last thing this cold-hearted killer needs when I’m fighting a spell stronger than my own is a tempting distraction… especially since Donovan wants me dead as much as the enemy.

Jennifer Estep’s Ashland, Tennessee, is like many corrupt cities/towns/countries. “Ashland may have a working police and government force, but the city is actually run by one woman. Mab Monroe.” Monroe is your typical bandit. She has a respectable front backed by philanthropy, fundraising, and activities that seem to benefit the community. Behind that facade, bribery and intimidation are her favorite tools, but she doesn’t hesitate to kidnap and kill people if necessary. If you happen to be a law-abiding police officer, district attorney, or judge, you’re doomed one way or another.

Wow is the first word that comes to mind in Jennifer Estep’s latest novel. Swallowing Spider’s Bite within hours is testament to how good it is, how skillful its protagonist Gin Blanco is, and how fascinating the elemental world of Estep is. Yes, it’s reminiscent of one of those “elemental” occult writers similar to Rachel Caine’s Warden series and Anya Bast’s Elemental Witches, but Estep’s setting in the village of Ashland is set by a politician. The government is almost corrupt and the crowd is really interesting and trustworthy. You will want to wallow in guilt.

Though short on romance, it’s engaging enough, and the tug-of-war between Gin and Donovan turns hot, but with a deeper resonance. They need to resolve their differences before they can get to that step. There’s plenty of storylines to make up for that shortfall, and with loads of never-ending fight scenes, readers will get in on the fast-paced. I’m especially curious about Mab Monroe, the leader of Ashland’s underworld and a Fire element that can’t be ignored. Estep has hinted that in Web of Lies, her sequel, there is a possibility of a confrontation between Gin and Mab. Now that would be pretty conflicting.

Gin Blanco is strict and extremely dangerous and it’s rare for readers to find her to have a soft bottom, but that doesn’t make her any less endearing. As an elemental assassin who can use both the elements Rock and Ice, Gin can’t invest in emotions, but she still has them. Gin’s profession of assassin isn’t accepted too much with regret, it’s just. In the same way that Larissa Ione’s character Sin in Ecstasy Unveiled is well-versed in her choice of profession. Estep has managed to infuse us with the knowledge of a Gin who has the ability to feel but is not bogged down by heavy emotions. It’s simply not in her character. Spiders rise above such petty emotions and calculate in the dark. This is what Estep wants us to see and is sure to tease us with more.

• Spider’s Bite

• Elemental Assassin, Book 1
• By: Jennifer Estep

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