Title: Venom
Author: Jennifer Estep
First published September 17, 2010
389 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9781439148013 (ISBN10: 1439148015)
Rating: 4.16
Overview
Gin Blanco is a retired assassin known as the Spider, but her past keeps catching up with her. She’s on a personal mission to take down the Fire elemental, Mab Monroe, who killed her family.
To keep her identity hidden, she poses as the owner of a barbecue joint in Ashland. But when a giant starts beating her up, Gin has to use her powerful Stone and Ice magic to fight back, all while keeping her true abilities hidden.
Alongside her friends, including the irresistible Owen Grayson and Detective Bria Coolidge, Gin takes on dangerous missions and fights off deadly enemies. Even though she’s a cold-blooded killer, she’s willing to do whatever it takes to protect those she cares about.
In this thrilling adventure, Gin Blanco proves she’s still a badass assassin.
Editoral Review
Jennifer Estep’s “Venom” is an exhilarating urban fantasy novel that will have readers on the edge of their seats. Estep is a renowned author in the genre, and her skillful writing, gripping storytelling, and imaginative world-building are on full display in this thrilling book.
In “Venom”, Estep takes us to the city of Ashland, where the powerful and corrupt family known as the Mab Monroe is ruling with an iron fist. The protagonist, Gin Blanco, aka the “Spider”, is a retired assassin who now runs a barbecue restaurant.
The peace she’s found is shattered when the Mab Monroe’s enforcer tries to kill her, setting off a chain of events that leads Gin to confront her past and take on powerful enemies. Estep’s writing is superb, with vivid descriptions and dynamic scenes that truly bring the world of Ashland to life.
She also excels at character development, as Gin and the other major players in the story are well-rounded and fully realized. Gin, in particular, is a compelling character, with a tragic backstory and a determination that is both admirable and frightening.
The pacing of the book is spot-on, with tightly plotted action sequences and moments of quiet reflection that keep the story moving forward while still allowing for character development. There are also themes of power, loyalty, and family that add depth to the story and make it resonate with readers.
Overall, “Venom” is a fantastic addition to Estep’s oeuvre, and a must-read for fans of urban fantasy. It’s a thrilling ride from start to finish, with complex characters, stunning world-building, and heart-pounding action scenes.
Whether you’re new to the genre or a seasoned reader, this book is sure to satisfy. One critique of the book may be that it relies heavily on genre clichs, but Estep manages to make them feel fresh and exciting in her capable hands.
For those who are looking for a thrilling adventure in a unique and vivid world, “Venom” is the perfect choice. It has all the elements that make for a gripping story, and Estep’s writing and world-building are unparalleled.
We give “Venom” a score of 4 out of 5 stars.
