Donovan Caine - UGH!!!

I was very happy when Donovan Caine left Ashland. The fact that Gin had 2 encounters with him (one in a closet and another in a car) and is still so hung up on him, makes me grind my teeth. Especially, when she has such a wonderful relationship with Owen Gracin. I am currently having a difficult time getting through this story as it appears to be gang up on Gin, from the idiot cop to her "beloved" sister cop. Gin is such a strong character, except for these issues with Donovan, who is a giant pain in the a**.

I'll keep going to hopefully put this character to bed once and for all and will write a follow-up review when I finish.

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I hope that there’s no end in sight to this series

After having voraciously devoured all of the previous Elemental Assassin books I was curious and a bit apprehensive to uncover Estep’s “post Mab Monroe” game plan. Gin’s quest for vengeance has all but consumed this series’ storyline up until now so I was anxious to see what the pacing of By a Thread would be like without this driving force. And I have to hand it to Jennifer; this installment was just as mesmerizing as its predecessors.

Up until this novel I was willing to give Bria the benefit of the doubt; like Gin, she had a tough start in life. But that’s where the similarities between the two sisters end. After the initial ugliness, Coolidge had a pretty typical upbringing with normal things like friends, a happy childhood and the chance to pick her own path in life. In the early chapters of this book she came across as a female version of Donovan Cain. I seriously wanted to reach into the pages and b*tch slap her. The way Bria handled the introductions between her best friend, Callie, and Gin was awful. I’m still reeling from the insult. She might as well have ripped Blanco’s heart right out of her chest and stomped on it. Her pretty little speech towards the end was a step in the right direction but Bria still has a long way to go in order to earn my forgiveness, let alone Gin’s.

The breakneck action that this series is renowned for was just as riveting as ever but for me, it was the emotional elements that really stood out. Estep demonstrated that not only can she entertain her readers but she can also provide an enriching experience as well. Between her sister’s catty behaviour, Donovan Cain rearing his ugly head and Owen’s jealousy, it’s a wonder that Gin even has the time to kill anyone in this book. I loved the one fingered salute Blanco gives her ex towards the end of the story. This novel is worth reading for this scene alone. Anyone and everyone who’s ever been scorned by a lover will appreciate the karma behind their encounter.

I was impressed with Estep’s ability to breathe new life into her Elemental Assassin mold by switching up the big bad, changing locals and adding new characters into the mix. The backbone that I have loved since day one is still there but change is good and Jennifer does a phenomenal job of revamping her series. As usual, Lauren Fortgang’s narration was flawless and remains a key ingredient in my overall enjoyment of these books.

I sincerely hope that there’s no end in sight to this series because I will keep on reading it for as long as Jennifer Estep keeps on writing it. By a Thread seamlessly blends the old with the new and steers the Elemental Assassin world in a promising new direction.

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This series just doesn't slow down.

After six books in the Elemental Assassins series, I’m still enjoying these books. Although I will say I was annoyed several times in this book and I’ll tell you why in a minute, good before the bad. Thank you Jesus or Jennifer Estep really that this book had hardly any repetition in it. Hallelujah! There was minimal recap of roles, relationships of people, etc which was a MAJOR plus in my mind.

By a Thread starts with Gin heading on vacation. She drives down with Bria so they can hopefully spend some time together and bond. Bria droves me nuts. Right from the beginning she was being judgmental of Gin. Gin is by far an innocent, but she tries to do right. Bria still has issues with the fact that Gin is an assassin and it shows in every conversation that they have.

During an interesting (insert sarcasm) introduction to Bria’s childhood best friend, Gin’s hackles start raising when she’s threatened in her own restaurant. Then, surprise surprise! There is a surprise guest that I wasn’t expecting AT ALL. Many more mixes feelings about seeing this person again. My most prominent feeling was definitely annoyance though.
Even though Gin had a hard time in her final showdown with Mab, Mab never really out smarted Gin. Gin was out smarted and repeatedly tested in this installment. It wasn’t an easy win for her and honestly it was good to read about her getting out of a really sticky situation. She was in new territory, there was no one shaky in their boots at the thought of “The Spider”. She had to work for this one.

Owen was phenomenal in this book. So sweet and understanding of Gin and what she needed to do. When I think about him wielding his hammer, I always think of Thor! Yum! I’m nervous about reading the next book though. I’ve been hearing that Owen problems are on the horizon and I it figures that he was so perfect in this one. Have to enjoy this Gin and Owen bliss while it lasts.

At the end of this one Gin receives an interesting proposition and even though I completely agree with her final decision, it was real nice that she received the opportunity. When you get to the end, you’ll know what I mean.

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Gin Blanco ROCKS!

Even on vacation Gin can't relax! Jennifer Estep never fails to deliver an excellent, interesting tale with this series, and this is no exception. The story pulls you in from the start. Lauren Fortgang is an EXCELLENT narrator for this series! Can't wait for the next one!

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WAY Too Much Repetition

Words/phrases I would be happy to NEVER hear again...silverstone knives (by book SIX we know her knives are silverstone AND what silverstone is!), goth dwarf (yes, Sophia is "goth"...I don't need that beaten into my head repeatedly), little white pills (for the love of god this one is RIDUCULOUS...enough said), my lover (yep, we get it, you and Owen are lovers...thanks for the repeated reminder. Ugh.) ...I could go on and on...

Note to the author: Its safe to assume your readers have a memory! I found myself fast forwarding through much of the repetitive nonsense in this book and am really questioning whether or not I want to continue. If you plan to continue this series, there must be less filler and more substance. If I continue this series, its safe to say I've been turned off of trying another by the same author which is unfortunate because the plot is new and fresh and I would expect the same from another series, just can't handle the repetition.

And to give the author a little leeway...editing anyone?!?

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I thought it couldn't be better than the last one!

I really enjoyed the last one and read that this book brought the return of Donovan Caine so I wasn't sure I'd like this book. So wrong! Good story. The return of Donovan wasn't as bad as I thought it would be- it was nice that he got punched in the end. Liked this one a lot and looking forward to the next (which I just bought!). I've said it before, Lauren Fortgang is not my favorite but she really does grow on you.

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I may not finish this one...Grow up all ready!

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

Kill Donovan Kane

Would you be willing to try another book from Jennifer Estep? Why or why not?

Maybe not. the main character was showing some signs of growth however this mind not defend yourself crap is getting old for a "tough as nails" assassin

Have you listened to any of Lauren Fortgang’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Lauren Fortgang is great.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

ANGER and DISAPPOINTMENT

Any additional comments?

How do you save your sister, kill your nemesis and still come out acting like a pansy who can't speak up in the next book (this one). I am only halfway though this book and i don't think I can take it anymore. At some point characters should show growth. This is worst than watching TV, what makes books good is that characters can change. This book is about a supposedly tough assassin and yet she doesn't defend herself against those that a mock her for saving their lives or her own. I get that other characters can be stupid and not want to face the reality of the situations in the book, however the main character should not be sitting back and taking abuse for the other characters.

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Great Series!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Often, I get bored with a series by the 5th or 6th book but I can't get enough of Jennifer Estep's characters in the Elemental Assassin Series! Jennifer captures your attention again in By A Thread.

Which character – as performed by Lauren Fortgang – was your favorite?

Gin of course!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Gin's wit makes me smile.

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Gin is IN....

Where does By a Thread rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I love the story of Gin aka the spider, the naration of this series is masterful. This is a series I can listen to over and over..

What does Lauren Fortgang bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

her voice..

Any additional comments?

I hope to be hearing more from the spider

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This if quickly becoming one of my favorite series

This was a great book. I could not wait for it to come out. I was afraid it would be a let down after the first 5 book dealt with one main character that dies. But, Jennifer, nicely transition from one crisis to another. I love the characters Gin. This series is so worth the credits. Start at book one and you will be hooked. Hurry with book 7...

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