Claire and Ven are just too damn cute. Which I’m finding with pretty much every Ilona Andrews couple. I mean, they are bad asses who can kill. But they’re also just too damn freaking cute. I particularly like that Ven falls in love with Claire on two fronts. Partially as the Silver Shark he sees on the bonnet, but also as his assistant and woman who stands beside him in the business world.
I always love the world building in Andrews’ work – the world is almost like a secondary character. In the case of this tale, it was the creation of the bionet that I fell in love with. Each version and visit was slightly different, and I loved that each person had a totally different perspective and view of that world. I wonder how I would view that bionet…
Alongside the fact that this is totally an office romance, there was also the fact that this was a refugee story. It’s all about Claire adapting to a whole new culture and world and trying to figure out how to live in it. She’s also having to deal with her ptsd and find a way to cope with the past. I loved the collision of cultures and that assimilation which is being experienced. Something that I felt was very true to a lived experience.
Ilona Andrews manages to do it yet again. She constructs an amazing world that you can’t turn away from in a matter of words. For such a short novella, a whole, irreplaceable world is formed. One I look forward to visiting again.
This world and story had echoes of the Hidden Legacy series. And I like that although this was set I space, it felt quite familiar. I also loved how the lead female managed to take control of her own life. After all, she got dealt an incredibly shit hand. And then decided to become an assassin.
Petty revenge makes me stupidly happy. I’ll admit, I’m not that bigger person that it isn’t something I’d want to do myself. That the lead I’m this enacts her revenge across two fronts… I’m a little bit in love.
Title: Wasted Author: Jennifer Estep Series: Elemental Assassin #2.5 Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:Assassins, Dark fantasy, Elements Dates read: 30th June 2020 Pace: Medium Format: Free online short story Publisher: Jennifer Estep Year: 2011 5th sentence, 74th page: And from some things that Roslyn has said, I thought that Gin might be able to help.
This short story takes place in between the events of Web of Lies and Venom. One day, a beautiful woman walks into the bank where Finn works, and trouble soon follows.
This was a nice little short story from Finn’s point of view. It takes place not long after Web of Lies and I get the feeling that it also nicely sets the storyline up for Venom. I was also not quite ready to leave the world of Gin and Finn, so this was just a nice little time filler until Venom arrives on my doorstep.
I also seriously enjoyed the action in this story – a bank robbery, setting up another novel and Finn’s irrepressible desire to seduce and romance women. All in all, a great way to fill a short story with not only Finn’s life and the action in it, but his personality. Partner that with the fact that is all written in the first person point of view. Filled with Finn’s wit and style.
Throughout this story, I was laughing and smiling. But, it really wasn’t until the very end that I actually laughed out loud. Or more like, guffawed. It was a nice, poetic ending. And has me seriously jonesing for the next book in the series…
Title: Web of Lies Author: Jennifer Estep Series: Elemental Assassin #2 Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:Assassins, Dark fantasy, Elements Dates read: 27th June 2020 Pace: Fast Format: Novel Publisher: Pocket Books Year: 2010 5th sentence, 74th page: I had no desire to pay the facility a return visit.
Curiosity is definitely going to get me dead one of these days. Probably real soon.
I’m Gin Blanco. You might know me as the Spider, the most feared assassin in the South. I’m retired now, but trouble still has a way of finding me. Like the other day when two punks tried to rob my popular barbecue joint, the Pork Pit. Then there was the barrage of gunfire on the restaurant. Only, for once, those kill shots weren’t aimed at me. They were meant for Violet Fox. Ever since I agreed to help Violet and her grandfather protect their property from an evil coal-mining tycoon, I’m beginning to wonder if I’m really retired. So is Detective Donovan Caine. The only honest cop in Ashland is having a real hard time reconciling his attration to me with his Boy Scout mentality. And I can barely keep my hands off his sexy body. What can I say? I’m a Stone elemental with a little Ice magic thrown in, but my heart isn’t made of solid rock. Luckily, Gin Blanco always gets her man… dead or alive.
There is something beautifully intense about the Elemental Assassin stories. Which isn’t really surprising when you consider that the stories are set in a world much like Gotham City. And the lead is an assassin. And there is a massive conspiracy that even in the second book is only just unfolding. It makes a great intensity and a kind of impossible to forget story unfolds before your eyes. I had wondered how that intensity would carry on from the first book after Gin retires… and wow. Did it work well.
In the first Elemental Assassin novel, I really, really liked Donovan. I was fully expecting him to be a fairly permanent fixture in this series. And then I read this novel. And honestly. The man is a dick. A close-minded, self-centred dick. I actually raged quite a bit at him towards the end. Although, there is the introduction of a potential new love interest. One who sees Gin for exactly who and what she is… and still wants to pursue her and have her in his life. Which means I just can’t wait to pick up the next book now… because I want to see how that relationship develops further.
The mostly brotherly-sisterly relationship between Finn and Gin is further developed in this story. Her relationship with Fletcher is also highlighted a little more. Although, since he’s dead, it’s more about secrets and feelings than the actual occurrences of the relationship. What I loved about this was that it creates a beautiful world in which Gin’s relationships and family ties are becoming more and more complex and built upon. There is also so much history that is revealed. Both of which helped me to become even more connected to the person Gin was, is, and is going to become. That, and I love how Finn is a complete lady’s man and irresistibly charming…
Throughout all of the running around and conspiracies and killing in this story. There is the under arching storyline that began in Spider’s Bite… that of who killed Gin’s family and why. Some hints were provided in Spider’s Bite, but many more hints were provided throughout this story. For starters, Gin finally realises the who of her family’s murder and discovers that not everything she thought was true about that night was… it’s just another incentive to read Venom.
Title: Poison Dance Author: Livia Blackburne Series: Midnight Thief #0.5 Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:Assassins, Medieval fantasy, Paranormal fantasy Dates read: 7th February 2020 Pace: Medium Format: Novella Publisher: Livia Blackburne Year: 2013 5th sentence, 74th page: I was curious about how this compares to YA heroines, so I grabbed a pile of books off my shelf.
James is skilled, efficient, and deadly, a hired blade navigating the shifting alliances of a deteriorating Assassin’s Guild.
Then he meets Thalia, an alluring but troubled dancing girl who offers him a way out – if he’ll help her kill a powerful nobleman.
With the Guild falling apart, it just might be worth the risk. but when you live, breathe, and love in a world that’s forever flirting with death, the slightest misstep can be poison.
This is a great, quick little read that gives you a little more insight into James and his relationship with Thalia. It’s mentioned a few times throughout Midnight Thief, so it’s great to understand it a little more. It also provided a little more insight into James’ character, and the rise of the assassins guild. Something that might come in handy when I get around to reading Daughter of Dusk.
James is actually kind of nice in this story. Which makes me question how he’s going to develop in the rest of the series. I had him pegged as a bad guy, but now I’m really not quite sure. He could actually be far more evil than I had anticipated if he did come from good, or, there’s some hidden layer I just haven’t quite figured out yet… either way, I’m intrigued.
In spite of it all, I still hope Kyra kicks his butt in the future. Even if James’ journey in this was a really interesting one. Even if I understand the character more than I really needed to. I love getting insight into a villain’s perspective, but I also still need to dislike this man…
Title: Midnight Thief Author: Livia Blackburne Series: Midnight Thief #1 Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:Assassins, Medieval fantasy, Paranormal fantasy Dates read: 5th April 2019 Pace: Fast Format: Novel Publisher: Hyperion Year: 2014 5th sentence, 74th page: Kyra grabbed the longer shreddings from the table as they fell.
Growing up on Forge’s streets has taught Kyra how to stretch a coin. And when that’s not enough, her uncanny ability to scale walls and bypass guards helps her take what she needs.
But when the leader of the Assassins Guild offers Kyra a lucrative job, she hesitates. She knows how to get by on her own, and she’s not sure she wants to play by his rules. But he is persistent – and darkly attractive – and Kyra can’t quite resist his pull.
Tristam of Brancel is a young Palace knight on a mission. After his best friend is brutally murdered by the Demon Riders, a clan of vicious warriors who ride bloodthirsty wildcats, Tristam vows to take them down. But as his investigation deepends, he finds his efforts thwarted by a talented thief, one who sneaks past Palace defenses with remarkable ease.
When a fateful raid throws Kyra and Tristam together, the two enemies realize that their best chance at survival – and vengeance – might be to join forces. And as their loyalties are tested to the breaking point, they learn a startling secret about Kyra’s past that threatens to reshape both their lives. 88 In her arresting debut novel, Livia Blackburne creates a captivating world where intrigue prowls around every corner – and danger is a way of life.
This was one of the books that I just happened to pick up in
the Black Friday sales. It was an impulse buy that I am so not regretting! This
was such an amazing story. I loved the mix of medieval setting, assassins
running riot and a slightly paranormal twist that wasn’t quite what I expected.
Kyra was also one of my favourite young female heroines in a while… she had
spunk, independence and a lot of gumption.
Midnight Thiefcombined some of my favourite themes and subgenres in a way that I just wasn’t used to. From assassins to medieval fantasy with a mix of paranormal fantasy, it all worked seamlessly. And this is the first time that I’ve ever seen this unique combination. I also loved the cat aspect that was intertwined throughout the story. Not only Kyra’s unique talents and inclinations, but also the Demon Riders that are constantly showing up. I might not want a pet cat, but I do love any stories that feature them, especially the big cats which are such successful predators.
There was a hint of romance throughout this story that just made
you want Kyra to have a happily ever after… but, it wasn’t so overwhelming that
you felt a bit gaggy over it. And, of the three men who take centre stage at
one point or another, you’re not quite sure what her feelings towards them are.
Or what theirs are towards her. It was really nice to read a book aimed at a
young adult population that wasn’t gushy romance all the way through. But,
there’s enough that you can’t wait to see not only what happens to Kyra next as
people begin to unravel her past, but also how her personal relationships are
going to end up…
Title: Grave Mercy Author: Robin LaFevers Series: His Fair Assassin #1 Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect) My Bookshelves:Assassins, Historical fiction, Strong women Dates read: 21st – 27th January 2019 Pace: Slow Format: Novel Publisher: Andersen Press Year: 2012 5th sentence, 74th page: It could mean nothing; it could mean everything.
Young, beautiful and deadly.
Trained as an assassin by the god of death, Ismae is sent to the court of Brittany, where she finds herself underprepared – not only for the fames of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?
A dangerous romance full of intrigue, poison and ultimately finding one’s way.
I picked this book up ages ago. Because of a vague recommendation
on Goodreads. And then I kind of forgot about it. Until this week. And now I’m
kind of sad that I had forgotten about this amazing novel for so long. And
currently don’t have the spare funds in the budget to buy the other two books
in this trilogy.
I’ve only recently started getting into historical fictions.
It’s not a genre that I had ever considered before, but after meeting a few
authors who write in the genre and realising that I’m fascinated by history.
Especially British history, it’s a subgenre that I’m slowly going to expand on.
I also love when these historical fictions use figures and moments that are
really potent in our history (I say our, since my family hails from the UK and I
feel some weird kind of connection to it). In the case of Grave Mercy, Anne of Brittany and all of the political ruminations
and squabbles that surrounded her life are utilised. It gives the storyline an
extra level of reality and connection.
There is something about assassins that I always thoroughly
enjoy… especially when they are female assassins, slight young things that can whoop
anyone’s ass. Placing such a character in a period in history which is often
characterised by the lack of respect and autonomy guided to women made a much
better contrast. One of the best messages I have read in a long time was
wrapped up in this idea. As two very similar women face off, the protagonist
realises that they are very much the same. They have faced the same lack of
choices and indecisions. Yet, they became completely different people with what
they had before them because of the choices that they both chose to make.
Title: Judgment Road Author: Christine Feehan Series: Torpedo Ink #1, Sea Haven #14 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Assassins, Bikers, Paranormal romance Pace: Fast Format: Novel Publisher: Jove Year: 2018 5th sentence, 74th page: “I’m not the best interior designer,” she said, lying her ass off.
A brutal education in a Russian training facility for assassins has taught this group of men one thing: It’s a long road to redemption.
As the enforcer of the Torpedo Ink morotcycle club, Reaper lives for riding and fighting. He’s a stone-cold killer who turns his wrath on those who deserve it. Feelings are a weakness he can’t afford – until a gorgeous bartender gets under his skin…
Near Sea Haven, the small town of Caspar has given Anya Rafferty a new lease on life. And she’s desperate to hold on to her job at the biker bar, even if the scariest member of the club seems to have it out for her. But Reaper’s imposing presence and smoldering looks just ratchet up the heat.
Anya’s touch is everything Reaper doesn’t want – and it brands him to the bone. But when her secrets catch up to her, Reaper will have to choose between Anya and his club – his heart and his soul.
This is a completely new tone of voice within the Sea Haven series. It isn’t about sisterhood and it doesn’t have that underlying, feminine sweetness to the tale that I’ve come used to in the stories in this world. There is something far more rugged and intense about the tales and the total violence throughout make it kind of hard to put down.
I’ve been reading a lot of Christine Feehan books lately and there is a certain sameness to the stories. They often feature a fairly damaged and useless man who falls in love with a woman and trouble ensues. I liked that Anya had quite a bit of spice to her though, and although there were moments when I thought I knew what was going to happen, there were a few tricks that I wasn’t quite expecting. I was actually screaming “No Reaper you fucking idiot” at one point at the book. I got that tied up in what was going on.
Where Drake Sisters and Sisters of the Heart heavily tie into one another in not only the storyline, themes and feeling, the first book in Torpedo Ink departs from that. Yes, there are still mentions of previous characters. And it is set in the town over, but the world in which Reaper and Anya find their feet and their love is completely different. And this is a fact that I kind of love… after thirteen beautiful, but similarly themed books, it’s nice to depart to something slightly different. That’s not to say any less engaging or intriguing though.
My biggest regret about this book is that it finishes off all of the Sea Haven books which have been published to date. I now have to wait until January for the next Sea Haven fix. And I’m quite frankly, not sure I can actually wait for that long…
Title: Web of Death Author: Jennifer Estep Series: Elemental Assassin #1.5 Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:Assassins, Dark fantasy, Elements Pace: Fast Format: Short story Publisher: Jennifer Estep Year: 2011 5th sentence, 74th page: A spider rune.
This short story takes place after the events of Spider’s Bite but before the beginning of Web of Lies. In “Web of Death,” Gin Blanco’s retirement is interrupted by some unwanted guests.
I can’t imagine Gin as being retired, even after only reading one of her novels. Everything in Spider’s Bite is incredibly high adrenalin and a fight to the death (literally), so although the idea of retirement is nice, it’s hard to imagine the actual decision / action.
Which, luckily, Estep also seemed to feel. Gin isn’t quite settling into her desired retirement, and still dealing with the aftermath of Fletcher’s death. All of which means that a vampire hooker in trouble is the perfect excuse to get a little exercise in.
Web of Death is a nice way to spend five minutes revisiting Gin without becoming completely intertwined in what I’m sure will be another intense battle to the death… or at least a battle for something in the next full length Element Assassin novel.
Title: Spider’s Bite Author: Jennifer Estep Series: Elemental Assassin #1 Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect) My Bookshelves:Assassins, Dark fantasy, Elements Pace: Fast Format: Novel Publisher: Pocket Books Year: 2010 5th sentence, 74th page: In slowly flaying him alive.
My name is Gin, and I kill people.
They call me the Spider. I’m the most feared assassin in the South – when I’m not busy at the Pork Pit cooking up the best barbecue in Ashland. As a Stone elemental, I can hear everything from the whispers of the gravel beneath my feet to the vibrations of the soaring Appalachian Mountains above me. My Ice magic also comes in handy for making the occasional knife. But I don’t use my powers on the job unless I absolutely have to. Call it professional pride.
Now that a ruthless Air elemental has double-crossed me and killed my handler, I’m out for revenge. And I’ll exterminate anyone who gets in my way – good or bad. I may look hot, but I’m still one of the bad guys. Which is why I’m in trouble, since irresistibly rugged Detective Donovan Caine has agreed to help me. The last thing this coldhearted killer needs when I’m battling magic more powerful than my own is a sexy distraction.. especially when Donovan wants me dead just as much as the enemy.
This story was so good! I always love stories with a kick ass lead. Especially in those cases where the female is completely independent and has a tragic past. It’s a trope, but it’s one that I absolutely adore. And can never quite seem to get enough of. And Gin is no different. She has a horrible, and slightly mysterious past. She has built herself up to take care of herself and runs around the entire time kicking ass and taking names.
Aside from the great characterisation of Gin, I also loved the world building in this. I actually found it almost completely unique. (Almost, because after you’ve read like a million books, there is always the sense of same same throughout what you read). Ashland combines the sense of Gotham with the magic and mayhem of mythology, folklore and paranormal elements. And with a mix like that, you really can’t go wrong. Although, considering the story starts in an insane asylum, it’s not really surprising that it has the Gotham vibe to it.
The sexual tension in this was amazing. And I really hope that the relationship develops over the next few books. It’s obvious that Gin and Donovan are probably meant for each other, but both have that many hang ups that I think it may be one of the most dysfunctional literary relationships I’ve read in a long while. Which, I, of course loved. And it had me smiling and laughing silently to myself throughout. Definitely the kind of book that I will be revisiting in the future and binge reading… time to order some more books!
Title: Judgment Road
Earth and Skye 