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katyanaish's review
2.0
Well. This one was honestly disappointing to me. I'll admit that the ending was good, and did a lot to salvage the book, but I was pretty irritated for the first 200 pages.
The biggest flaw in this book is Bria.
I know that she was never thrilled with Gin being an assassin, but she did make her peace with it. So in this book, when Bria suddenly morphed into a female Donovan Caine, I was pretty shocked. I thought it was needless drama in the Gin/Bria relationship, and was way out of character for her. It made her seem like an idiot. The fact is, with their history, there is plenty of other drama that is in-character and way more interesting that the author could have tapped in this book. The two of them just becoming friends, now that the Mab situation is over, would have been fun to explore.
And there was a shitty additional side-effect to the Bria-as-moral-police development: it made me disbelieve her relationship with Finn. Which is too bad, because I thought their relationship developed beautifully over the last few books. But it occurred to me, during one of Bria's bitchy, self-righteous, condescending rants: how can she be in love with Finn? If Gin is the very devil herself, doesn't Finn at least qualify as a demon? So then either she's a hypocrite on top of being a judgmental asshole (as in, it is okay when Finn does it, but not when Gin does), or she has no consistency and is now a flat, 2-dimensional character (which I frankly think is the case).
Look, I get what Estep was trying to do. She was trying to set Bria and Donovan up for this parallel relationship. It was a re-tread, as far as I am concerned. Bria HAD this concern, and got over it when she showed up at Gin and Owen's Christmas party a few books back. She chose to get over her black-and-white view of the world. The events of the series since then should only have reinforced Bria's view of the world in shades of gray. There is just no reason at all for her to revert to her old self, and then twist into an even more extreme version. It was forced by the author to play against Donovan Caine, and it felt forced. It was a bad call.
And speaking of, if I never saw Donovan Caine again in this series, I would have been MORE than fine with that. Him popping up again was nauseating, to say the least. Him popping up with Bria's best friend/shoulda-been sister-who-is-just-like-an-angelic-version-of-Gin-so-of-course-Donovan-loves-her ... again, way too contrived. This whole book felt horribly, horribly contrived.
Really disappointing. I hope this doesn't define the new, post-Mab direction for what was one of the best UF series currently running.
The biggest flaw in this book is Bria.
I know that she was never thrilled with Gin being an assassin, but she did make her peace with it. So in this book, when Bria suddenly morphed into a female Donovan Caine, I was pretty shocked. I thought it was needless drama in the Gin/Bria relationship, and was way out of character for her. It made her seem like an idiot. The fact is, with their history, there is plenty of other drama that is in-character and way more interesting that the author could have tapped in this book. The two of them just becoming friends, now that the Mab situation is over, would have been fun to explore.
And there was a shitty additional side-effect to the Bria-as-moral-police development: it made me disbelieve her relationship with Finn. Which is too bad, because I thought their relationship developed beautifully over the last few books. But it occurred to me, during one of Bria's bitchy, self-righteous, condescending rants: how can she be in love with Finn? If Gin is the very devil herself, doesn't Finn at least qualify as a demon? So then either she's a hypocrite on top of being a judgmental asshole (as in, it is okay when Finn does it, but not when Gin does), or she has no consistency and is now a flat, 2-dimensional character (which I frankly think is the case).
Look, I get what Estep was trying to do. She was trying to set Bria and Donovan up for this parallel relationship. It was a re-tread, as far as I am concerned. Bria HAD this concern, and got over it when she showed up at Gin and Owen's Christmas party a few books back. She chose to get over her black-and-white view of the world. The events of the series since then should only have reinforced Bria's view of the world in shades of gray. There is just no reason at all for her to revert to her old self, and then twist into an even more extreme version. It was forced by the author to play against Donovan Caine, and it felt forced. It was a bad call.
And speaking of, if I never saw Donovan Caine again in this series, I would have been MORE than fine with that. Him popping up again was nauseating, to say the least. Him popping up with Bria's best friend/shoulda-been sister-who-is-just-like-an-angelic-version-of-Gin-so-of-course-Donovan-loves-her ... again, way too contrived. This whole book felt horribly, horribly contrived.
Really disappointing. I hope this doesn't define the new, post-Mab direction for what was one of the best UF series currently running.
hectaizani's review
3.0
The constant repetition is annoying. I realize that when these books were originally published they arrived about a year apart and the author is making sure that the reader remembers important details. However, it's more than a simple recap, she repeats the same information over and over in each book.
In this episode Gin and her sister Bria go on vacation. But when one is an assassin, one can't simply take a vacation, so naturally, Gin gets involved in a situation. Donovan Caine makes a reappearance. I won't go into detail because I don't want to spoil anything. But I was pleased that there was a resolution to that situation.
In this episode Gin and her sister Bria go on vacation. But when one is an assassin, one can't simply take a vacation, so naturally, Gin gets involved in a situation. Donovan Caine makes a reappearance. I won't go into detail because I don't want to spoil anything. But I was pleased that there was a resolution to that situation.
samrushingbooks's review
5.0
I'm actually glad that I set this book aside and distanced myself from Gin's world for a little while. While I really love reading the Elemental Assassin series, it does bother me that Gin replaces the exact same phrases and such over and over and over again with each book. Based on everything I've read in the past six books, I think anyone could pick up any book in this series without having read the others, and follow along with ease, because Gin tells you at least what happened in the previous book or two, but sometimes fills you in on the events of the whole series. Still, I love her snarkiness, and how she steps up to take down these horrible people, vampires, elementals, etc that prey on the innocent and the weak. I admire how she has become so much more than just an assassin for hire. No, now that she's semi-retired most jobs seem to be pro-bono, and it's because she knows she has the ability to help people. But the standouts to me in the past couple books are Finn and Owen. Finn is just a charming and capable character, and it's fun to watch his brotherly relationship with Gin. And Owen...I am so incredibly glad that there is this supportive and understanding relationship between him and Gin. It is exactly what I was missing when she lusted over Donovan in the first couple books, and this one really highlights that since it features the return of Donovan. So...it will probably be a couple months before I pick up the next book, but the Elemental Assassin series is definitely a guilty pleasure read, and I enjoy the roller coaster ride of Gin's life.
amym84's review
5.0
This is a series that keeps up the quality. I really enjoy reading about Gin. I was curious as to where Jennifer Estep was going to take the series after the big "finale" in the last book [b:Spider’s Revenge|10290243|Spider’s Revenge (Elemental Assassin, #5)|Jennifer Estep|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1304429856s/10290243.jpg|15192067] with the death of Mab Monroe. Mab was basically the focused "bad-guy" throughout the series until this point, with her death there were a lot of questions left as to what would become of Gin. Well, By a Thread provides that answer and sort of sends on a road of what can be expected in the future.
Gin needs a vacation, clearly. So Gin, Owen, Finn, and Bria decide to head down to the beach for some much needed rest and relaxation. Obviously nothing every goes as planned in Gin's world and she finds herself entangled with a power-hungry vampire and is pulled right back into the assassin game.
By a Thread was a great book for tying up some loose ends as well as setting the reader on the path for future books. Bria and Gin's relationship hasn't been easy since they discovered the other was still alive. Bria basically took the place on Donovan Cain in that she's a good, honest detective and doesn't care for Gin's idea of justice. But where Cain looked at Gin with disgust most of the time, Bria seems to have a sense of understanding that in the world of Ashland sometimes the honest aren't able to get the job done. So steps in Gin to help the helpless. Even though Bria is more understanding she still struggles with it and therefore the relationship is strained. I liked that in this book we get to see Gin and Bria getting closer. They actually get time alone and are able to come to terms with each other. I'm excited to see where their almost newfound relationship will go.
Donovan Cain was always a loose thread in Gin's world. His abrupt departure at the end of [b:Web of Lies|6933152|Web of Lies (Elemental Assassin, #2)|Jennifer Estep|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1262902266s/6933152.jpg|7164540] really left Gin heartbroken. She found Owne though and I must admit I love them as a couple. But what happens if Donovan ever comes back? Well, By a Thread answers that question. I will say that I personally didn't see his reappearance as essential, I liked how everything was going with Gin, but while reading I realized that Gin (as a character in her fictitious world) needed to understand how she felt about the past events, how they would shape her future.
The book is really fast paced. All of the books in this series seem to fly by for me. While this book is definitely a bridge book, it's still written very well and there's enough excitement (and Owen and Gin time!) to make this a great addition to the series.
With Mab's death it seems as though Jonah Macalister has set up as the new threat to Gin. Only indirectly, however, it appears that his goal is to get someone to do the dirt work for him. I think we will see him becoming more of a thorn in Gin's side in upcoming books.
I've also read on Jennifer Estep's website that the next book will give us a glimpse into Owen's background. In the short story [b:Thread of Death|13261096|Thread of Death (Elemental Assassin #5.5)|Jennifer Estep|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1324860023s/13261096.jpg|18462615] released in late January there was plenty of hinting about things that Owen did or was caught up in, in his past. I look forward to finding out what. Well, we only have a few more months until [b:Widow’s Web|11459216|Widow’s Web (Elemental Assassin, #7)|Jennifer Estep|http://www.goodreads.com/images/nocover-60x80.jpg|16393322] is released! Until Then!
Gin needs a vacation, clearly. So Gin, Owen, Finn, and Bria decide to head down to the beach for some much needed rest and relaxation. Obviously nothing every goes as planned in Gin's world and she finds herself entangled with a power-hungry vampire and is pulled right back into the assassin game.
By a Thread was a great book for tying up some loose ends as well as setting the reader on the path for future books. Bria and Gin's relationship hasn't been easy since they discovered the other was still alive. Bria basically took the place on Donovan Cain in that she's a good, honest detective and doesn't care for Gin's idea of justice. But where Cain looked at Gin with disgust most of the time, Bria seems to have a sense of understanding that in the world of Ashland sometimes the honest aren't able to get the job done. So steps in Gin to help the helpless. Even though Bria is more understanding she still struggles with it and therefore the relationship is strained. I liked that in this book we get to see Gin and Bria getting closer. They actually get time alone and are able to come to terms with each other. I'm excited to see where their almost newfound relationship will go.
Donovan Cain was always a loose thread in Gin's world. His abrupt departure at the end of [b:Web of Lies|6933152|Web of Lies (Elemental Assassin, #2)|Jennifer Estep|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1262902266s/6933152.jpg|7164540] really left Gin heartbroken. She found Owne though and I must admit I love them as a couple. But what happens if Donovan ever comes back? Well, By a Thread answers that question. I will say that I personally didn't see his reappearance as essential, I liked how everything was going with Gin, but while reading I realized that Gin (as a character in her fictitious world) needed to understand how she felt about the past events, how they would shape her future.
The book is really fast paced. All of the books in this series seem to fly by for me. While this book is definitely a bridge book, it's still written very well and there's enough excitement (and Owen and Gin time!) to make this a great addition to the series.
With Mab's death it seems as though Jonah Macalister has set up as the new threat to Gin. Only indirectly, however, it appears that his goal is to get someone to do the dirt work for him. I think we will see him becoming more of a thorn in Gin's side in upcoming books.
I've also read on Jennifer Estep's website that the next book will give us a glimpse into Owen's background. In the short story [b:Thread of Death|13261096|Thread of Death (Elemental Assassin #5.5)|Jennifer Estep|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1324860023s/13261096.jpg|18462615] released in late January there was plenty of hinting about things that Owen did or was caught up in, in his past. I look forward to finding out what. Well, we only have a few more months until [b:Widow’s Web|11459216|Widow’s Web (Elemental Assassin, #7)|Jennifer Estep|http://www.goodreads.com/images/nocover-60x80.jpg|16393322] is released! Until Then!
koreydobbert's review
adventurous
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
laura_devouring_books_crumpets's review
5.0
Gin Has to be One of My favorite Grey characters..... She sometimes seems like two characters....so loving and Loyal up she can pull up the nothingness too.... Shes Multidimensional!
claire_loves_books's review
3.0
I enjoyed this but I did find it a bit frustrating in places Why has Gin not Already killed Jonah?- He's been a pain in the neck for her since the first book, but despite the fact he has caused difficulties for her repeatedly she's not done anything about it. This book felt a bit less repetitive than others- perhaps because we were in a new location, but it is still very repetitive (I think I've mentioned that in my last few reviews- who is being repetitive now then?)
But saying that By a Thread definitely had good points to. For a follow on from the end of a series Arc it worked surprisingly well, at the end of the last book it felt like the end of the series but it followed on beautifully. Randall may even be scarier than Mab. The characters are all back and as fun as ever, Gin was as kickass as ever (she does get a bit cocky though).
Spoiler
why doesn't Gin use her stone power when she's tranquillised?But saying that By a Thread definitely had good points to. For a follow on from the end of a series Arc it worked surprisingly well, at the end of the last book it felt like the end of the series but it followed on beautifully. Randall may even be scarier than Mab. The characters are all back and as fun as ever, Gin was as kickass as ever (she does get a bit cocky though).
Spoiler
I liked that we finally got closure with Donovan- I've been worried for the last few books that he might appear and Gin would run after him. Now I just hope never to see him again.sylwniw's review
5.0
Always enjoy reading this series. Just wish it was a bit longer cos I finished it in practically 1 day. :)
angels_gp17's review
5.0
**Spoiler from previous book's in this review.
**Note: This series needs to be read in order.
Another stellar installment in the Elemental Assassin series.
Now that Gin’s reputation as the Spider is common knowledge and Mab Monroe is out of the picture, Gin decides to get out of town and takes a much needed vacation with her sister, Bria.
Bria is excited to go home and visit with her best friend Callie. Gin sees how close they are and she’s jealous of their relationship. She’s tried to develop the same kind with her sister, but it hasn’t come to be. Will they every learn to trust and care for each other?
Donovan Cain pops back up and for, Gin, feelings and emotions come to a head in relation to Cain and her sister. Besides the personal issues we have another heavy hitter who is trying to take down Gin aka the Spider.
Their’s a lot of action, adventure, and on the edge of your set moments. I was in awe with how tough Gin is and that she lived through some of the things that happened. Man does she get bet up bad in this one. The pace is smooth and Estep’s knows how to hit home with each chapter. She kept me reading. The world building and characters for this series are so interesting, intriguing, and all in composing. I really enjoy the direction the author is going now that Mab is out of the picture. I wasn’t sure what would happen once Gin took care of an old enemy.
By a Thread blends the old with the new and takes the Elemental Assassin world in a new direction. I’m hooked and I can’t stop reading. Each book grabs me! The series has everything I love in an Urban Fantasy; kickass heroine, packed full of action, surprises, and suspense, plus many fabulous characters to enjoy. I highly recommend the Elemental Assassin series.
Rated: 5 Stars
**Note: This series needs to be read in order.
Another stellar installment in the Elemental Assassin series.
Now that Gin’s reputation as the Spider is common knowledge and Mab Monroe is out of the picture, Gin decides to get out of town and takes a much needed vacation with her sister, Bria.
Bria is excited to go home and visit with her best friend Callie. Gin sees how close they are and she’s jealous of their relationship. She’s tried to develop the same kind with her sister, but it hasn’t come to be. Will they every learn to trust and care for each other?
Donovan Cain pops back up and for, Gin, feelings and emotions come to a head in relation to Cain and her sister. Besides the personal issues we have another heavy hitter who is trying to take down Gin aka the Spider.
Their’s a lot of action, adventure, and on the edge of your set moments. I was in awe with how tough Gin is and that she lived through some of the things that happened. Man does she get bet up bad in this one. The pace is smooth and Estep’s knows how to hit home with each chapter. She kept me reading. The world building and characters for this series are so interesting, intriguing, and all in composing. I really enjoy the direction the author is going now that Mab is out of the picture. I wasn’t sure what would happen once Gin took care of an old enemy.
By a Thread blends the old with the new and takes the Elemental Assassin world in a new direction. I’m hooked and I can’t stop reading. Each book grabs me! The series has everything I love in an Urban Fantasy; kickass heroine, packed full of action, surprises, and suspense, plus many fabulous characters to enjoy. I highly recommend the Elemental Assassin series.
Rated: 5 Stars