Estep's Bitter Bite leaves the reader hungry for more
Bitter Bite
by Jennifer Estep
Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books
Sci Fi & Fantasy
Pub Date: February 23, 2016
Review
It isn't easy to keep a long running series both fresh and interesting. Jennifer Estep successfully keeps readers fascinated with both her characters and the developing story arc. While all of her novels have the requisite action, devious plans, elemental magic, hot sex and dangerous and deadly opponents, each has a unique plot that adds yet another piece to the puzzle that is Ashland.
It is hard to decide which aspect I enjoy most – the thrilling action loaded plots or the varied and interesting characters, particularly Gin who is as at home eliminating enemies as she is preparing the best BBQ in Ashland. She cares a great deal about her friends and adopted family, and that love and loyalty will be tested.
In Gin's 14th adventure, Bitter Bite, the Spider faces a cunning opponent who is not only an immensely powerful ice elemental, she is also Finnegan's mother – the woman who betrayed Fletcher. The discovery of his mother entrances Finnegan, but Gin is more than a little suspicious with good reason.
With its original approach to magic, thrilling fights, and edge of your seat action, the elemental assassin novels are a must-read for anyone who enjoys urban fantasy. Bitter Bite is a terrific addition to the series and will leave the reader eager for more.
5/5
Bitter Bite is available for preorder and will be released February 23, 2016.
I received a copy of Bitter Bite from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
--Crittermom
Description
Which is stronger: blood ties or a battle-tested friendship? That’s the question Gin Blanco asks when a friend’s long-lost relative strolls into town. The suspicious reunion is a surprise for everyone—and a big problem for Gin. Book fourteen in the New York Times bestselling urban fantasy series RT Book Reviews calls “unbeatable entertainment!” It’s not easy being queen bee of an underworld abuzz with crooks and killers. Wielding my potent Ice and Stone elemental magic will only get me so far—my real secret is my tight-knit makeshift family, a motley crew of cops and criminals, dwarves and playboys. My foster brother Finnegan Lane is my right-hand man, but when his suddenly not-dead relative comes back into the picture, I’m the one on the outside looking in. It’s funny how life works: one minute your best friend is rock-steady, and the next he’s doe-eyed and buying into this whole loving-relative routine to the point of ignoring you. I’d like to be happy for Finn, I really would. But all of my instincts are telling me that beneath the syrupy sweet demeanor and old-fashioned charm, this sudden interloper is planning something. The whole shtick leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. This person might have avoided the grave once, but I’ll put anyone who hurts Finn in the ground—for good.
