Thursday, September 30, 2010

Venom by Jennifer Estep Review and GIVEAWAY!


From Publisher:  It’s hard to be a bada** assassin when a giant is beating the crap out of you. Luckily, I never let pride get in the way of my work. My current mission is personal: annihilate Mab Monroe, the Fire elemental who murdered my family. Which means protecting my identity, even if I have to conceal my powerful Stone and Ice magic when I need it most.

To the public, I’m Gin Blanco, owner of Ashland’s best barbecue joint. To my friends, I’m the Spider, retired assassin. I still do favors on the side. Like ridding a vampire friend of her oversized stalker—Mab’s right-hand goon who almost got me dead with his massive fists. At least irresistible Owen Grayson is on my side. The man knows too much about me, but I’ll take my chances.

Then there’s Detective Bria Coolidge, one of Ashland’s finest. Until recently, I thought my baby sister was dead. She probably thinks the same about me. Little does she know, I’m a cold-blooded killer . . . who is about to save her life.

My Take:  This is my first book by this author.  This is also the third book in a the series, "An Elemental Assassins."  This might have been a disadvantage except that the author writes a brand new story, gives a brief summary of each character from the previous books, and includes a only enough information about the previous stories that is relevant to this book.  Oh, how I hate when an author perseverates about previous books.  Estep has a gift for being concise.

Action packed and likeable characters, the book moves along quickly and keeps the reader turning the pages.  I had no problem jumping into this series without the first two.  I will have no problem continuing with this series.  Estep's gift for weaving a tale combining paranormal and regular life without it feeling awkward is refreshing.

Don't let your kids read this one.  Bad language, sensual scenes, blood and gore.  I'd rate it borderline PG-13 to R.

4 stars.

Win it!
*U.S. only
*Must fill out form and 
*Leave a comment at the end of post. If you can't think of anything to say, tell me I'm beautiful or clever or witty.  Or tell me about the last good book you read.  I'm not picky.  Just high maintenance.
*Ends October 15th

26 comments:

Miranda Hardy said...

My day wouldn't be complete without reading one of your awesome posts.

debbie said...

Thanks for the giveaway. I just read the book peeps with my son. I was pleasantly surprised, but it really appealed to my science geek side. Oh, and did I mention a wonderfully expressive way with words?

Judy said...

The book looks awesome!! Thanks for opportunity!! It is so nice here in the South this week, Fall might be on its way.

Judy Cox
magnolias_1@msn.com

Linda Henderson said...

I've been wanting to read this series, I've heard such good things about it.

Unknown said...

Thanks for the great giveaway. Tore923@aol.com

Benita said...

You are absolutely adorable. You make me laugh!

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Qandthebooks said...

Bwahaha, egomaniac (:

Awesome blog, awesome posts, you're awesome (:

Ivy said...

I have the first in the series and it's good to know you can jump in & not miss anything. I've found myself drawn to UF & mysteries more than paranormals & the more sensuous romances, still loving the historicals though!
I really enjoy your blog..

justpeachy36 said...

i'm looking forward to this one... Great series...

Ya egomaniac you...

Martha Lawson said...

I hope you have a great weekend! Love your blog

mlawson17 at hotmail dot com

Cathy W said...

Thanks, lovely blog.

Cathy

Becky B. @ Bibliognome said...

Hello, thanks for the giveaway.

Maureen said...

Thanks for the lovely giveaway.

Carole Spring said...

I enjoyed reading your review of Venom and now I would like to read the book. Thank you for the chance!
blondie_31971(at)yahoo(dot)com

maryjaco1 said...

I wish I had a blog like yours.

Dawn M. said...

Awesome contest! :0)

Thanks!

Anonymous said...

You have made me laugh. Today, that's been hard to come by :)

- Melissa - said...

You're beautiful, clever, AND witty.

And just because of that, I didn't become one of the people who justs comments without reading.

missy1549@gmail.com

CountessLaurie said...

you are beautiful, witty and clever. and you crack me up.

i am reading the one about the Atlantis map and Count of someone. I know I got it from you :-) thanks for that!!

P.s. i also got Recessionistas in the mail. i think i won that from you too?

Lisa Richards/alterlisa said...

I've read two YA trilogies in the last week and if I don't stop and write some reviews I'm gonna be so far behind. Oh yeah,and you're beautiful, witty and clever.

Shannon said...

I DO find you funny and sarcastic...the best for sure. But I really appreciate your reviews...concise and to the point.

Allison said...

Thanks for this giveaway!

allisonsbj3(at)gmail(dot)com

CherylS22 said...

I've never read anything by Jennifer Estep, but I've been seeing nothing but good things about her books around the blogs. I'll have to add her books to my TBR pile.

Thanks for the giveaway!

Cackleberry Homestead said...

Awesome giveaway - I've been wanting to read her books, but I'm disappointed I can't share it with my 5-year old ;)

Sheila Hickmon said...

I'd love to check this out!

Your totally witty - I'm loving your blog!

Thanks!
fineinsanity {at} live {dot} com

Unknown said...

Love the review
vabred1963@aol.com