Black Widow by Jennifer Estep Series: Elemental Assassin #12
Publisher: Pocket Books on November 25, 2014
Genres: Adult, Urban Fantasy
Pages: 400
Format: ARC
Source: Publisher
Purchase: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads
Rating:
There’s nothing worse than a cruel, cunning enemy with time to kill—and my murder to plan.
With wicked Fire elemental Mab Monroe long gone, you’d think I could finally catch a break. But someone’s always trying to take me down, either as Gin Blanco or my assassin alter-ago. Now along comes the Spider’s new arch-nemesis, the mysteriously named M. M. Monroe, who is gleefully working overtime to trap me in a sticky web of deceit.
The thing is, I’m not the only target. I can see through the tangled threads enough to know that every bit of bad luck my friends have been having lately is no accident—and that each unfortunate “coincidence” is just one more arrow drawing ever closer to hitting the real bulls-eye. Though new to Ashland, this M. M. Monroe is no stranger to irony, trying to get me, an assassin, framed for murder. Yet, as my enemy’s master plan is slowly revealed, I have a sinking feeling that it will take more than my powerful Ice and Stone magic to stop my whole life from going up in flames.
At A Glance
I was getting a little tired of this series, then Black Widow rocked my bookish socks off!
The Good
I am still shocked by how much I loved Black Widow. I felt like the series had been going down hill for the past few books, but Black Widow has revived the series and my love for it. It’s everything I expect in a Jennifer Estep book, and then some. How Estep knocked it out of the park so thoroughly, I have no idea. She must have magic typing fingers!
Gin is kickass as always. But this time around, I really had my doubts on whether she was going to make it out alive. Madeline Monroe is such a C U Next Tuesday! But she is one smart cookie. She knew where to hit Gin where it hurt, her family. But I have to give her props, M.M. twisted quite a web to trap Gin in. And it worked. But not as well as she hoped.
There was never a dull moment. Literally. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Estep delivered punch after punch so it was impossible to put the book down. Each action scene seemed more outrageous than the next. And no one makes it out unscathed in this installment. Not even the Pork Pit. *sobs a little* And can I just say, the Bull Pen? Fucking awesome! OMG, and those damn frozen peas. I just…I…where the hell does Estep come up with this reader gold?
I am so proud of how Gin handled what M.M. threw at her. At first, it was almost too much to handle, but Gin got her shit together and made plans, scary strategic plans. And that ending. Epic! A lot is going to change in Ashland. Squeeee! So excited!
The Bad
Nothing!
The Snuggly
Gin and Owen are doing great. Nothing new in their relationship, but there doesn’t need to be. I love them together and nothing can break them. Some sex but nothing over the top. Simple but spicy.
Final Thoughts
Seriously, read this book. You would need to read the whole series to understand Black Widow, but it’s worth it. Even with a few meh books, this series has been and still is one of my favorites of all time. Highly recommended.
Quotes
No quotes from ARCs. Sorry.
kimbacaffeinate
OMG…this is the fifth five star review this morning and gads I want in on this action. I own book one, and have slated this series for my next UF so as soon as I finish Kate Daniels, Gin is all mine!
Jennifer Bielman
Kate Daniels will not be beat, but Gin is a close second. You will love her.
Carmel @ Rabid Reads
We’re review twinsies today! That’s a good thing because Jennifer Estep and Black Widow deserves all of the love they can possibly get. I was worried that this installment might turn out to be M.M Monroe 2.0, but the author managed to go above & beyond with book 12. It was a masterpiece!
Jennifer Bielman
It was a masterpiece! I was so worried about a Monroe 2.0 too. But Estep knew what the hell she was doing with this one.
Brandi Breathes Books
Nothing bad to say? That’s awesome, and glad that it brought you back into the series with excitement
Jennifer Bielman
I love when a series can rope me back in.
kindlemom1
I have only read the first book in this series but with all the reviews for this (and having it be the 12th books no less) I can’t wait to continue this series!
Wonderful review!
Jennifer Bielman
oh wow, you are in for a treat then!
Braine
I’m two books away from this, I need to hunt down my reading partner & get our ass moving! I saw Carmels review too and I’m so excited!
Jennifer Bielman
LOL, yes you do. I saw Carmels and a couple others too. I love when so many bloggers can agree on a book.
Melliane
Everyone seems to love this one and I still need to read book 2… so behind. great review!
Jennifer Bielman
LOL, You totally need to get on it!!
Anna Simpson
Nothing Bad! Yes, I will read this book 🙂
Anna from Shout with Emaginette
Jennifer Bielman
Yay! My plan is working. lol
Jaclyn Canada
I remember reading your last few reviews that were basically saying you will always love the series but you didn’t feel the umph. So glad this one was what you were waiting for! I have never heard C U Next Tuesday before, but that’s fantastic and I will absolutely be stealing it LOL. Great review!
Jennifer Bielman
Yeah, I am so trhilled that I can really enjoy this series again. I think the next books will be great based on how this one ended.
C U Next Tuesday. Just look at the first letters and see what they spell. 😉 It’s so bad, but the word does fit her.
Olivia
I haven’t heard of this series before, and I am glad there was something fun in there for you after you’d started to not like it. This has an interesting cover and I like the idea of a main character who really gets her act together as well as ends up in a pretty sticky situation. Great review!
Jennifer Bielman
You would love this series.