Spider's Bite

Elemental Assassin, Book 1

By: Jennifer Estep

Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang

They call me the Spider. I'm the most feared assassin in the South -- when I'm not busy at the Pork Pit cooking up the best barbecue in Ashland. As a Stone elemental, I can hear everything from the whispers of the gravel beneath my feet to the vibrations of the soaring Appalachian Mountains above me. My Ice magic also comes in handy for making the occasional knife. But I don't use my powers on the job unless I absolutely have to. Call it professional pride.

Now that a ruthless Air elemental has double-crossed me and killed my handler, I'm out for revenge. And I'll exterminate anyone who gets in my way -- good or bad. I may look hot, but I'm still one of the bad guys. Which is why I'm in trouble, since irresistibly rugged Detective Donovan Caine has agreed to help me. The last thing this coldhearted killer needs when I'm battling a magic more powerful than my own is a sexy distraction... especially when Donovan wants me dead just as much as the enemy.

©2010 Jennifer Estep (P)2010 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Fortgang’s captivating drawl sketches Finn’s flirty, genteel arrogance and Caine’s horrified disapproval of her. Fortgang portrays Gin’s well-hidden emotions as well as her habitual analysis of combat probabilities. The capable narration ensures that Gin comes across as an intriguing mix of battle-weary assassin, sorceress, and affectionate homebody. Fortgang also delivers the book’s wry humor with subtle elegance." ( AudioFile)

So excited to find another great series!

Any additional comments?

I have over 400 audio books (mostly series) and it's getting increasingly difficult to find a new series that I enjoy. I have quite a few "first" books marked in my list as "ok, could read if really need something new". It's not very often I find an established series that I truly enjoy! I love this one! I can't really explain why, but I'm on book 5 of the series now and have enjoyed every moment of the first four. Thank you!!

Science Fiction Cajun Style

If you could sum up Spider's Bite in three words, what would they be?

Mouth and Eye Opening

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

The most interesting part of this story was the way Estep mixes fantasy genre characters to a romance or sort of romance setting. The action begins quickly and really doesn't stop with these introduce into this series.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Lauren Fortgang?

Yes, I really enjoyed the character of Fortgang's voice along with the clarity it brought to the storyline.

Any additional comments?

This was a surprising good listen for a randomly picked book. I will be listening to the rest of the series and hope it measures up to the introductory book

Spider's Bite Review

I couldn't stop listening to the book. Excellent story. Well developed characters. Good flow. Thought the narrator did an excellent job. Couldn't wait to download the next book.

Still struggling

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I'm still struggling with this book. I knew it might be hit or miss when I bought it but it had enough good reviews to take a chance. Basically, the struggle for me right now is that the characters have not drawn me into the book. I haven't given up completely, but it is close.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

I think it would be better in third person. I read a lot of first person narrative but this one reads as a little too self boasting. I am only about 5 chapters into the book and Gin (the Spider) has become just a little bit annoying.

What aspect of Lauren Fortgang’s performance would you have changed?

Other's have complained about her accent but I thought it was fine.

Was Spider's Bite worth the listening time?

I keep hoping that it will be.

Any additional comments?

The reason that I have given the book 3 stars is that I think the premise of the book has promise (this is the reason I bought it to begin with). Since I am not sure that I will stick with the book to see if I am proved right or wrong, I thought it was only fair that I give it three stars based on the reason for purchase.

Enjoyable

It had me intrigued from the beginning! it flowed well. Very good read and good performance.

A woman, writing for women?

I'm a teacher, and it's my policy to NOT give any 100%s for work done by anyone especially me. ( I figure there's always room for improvement.) I bought this book in order to try out a woman writer for a change. I sometimes find a man who seems able to think/write from what I think of as a woman's point of view. I'm old fashioned, I'd rather hear/read about "making love" rather than "having sex". Anyway, the "Spider" seems to rely on "magic healers" quite a bit. I think this "Spider" needs more technique for her specialty than she has. The story is entertaining, just think about the scene as an alternate reality. I'm a series fan, and I have five books of this series and I don't know if I'll buy any more for a while. I'm not DIS-satisfied with what I've bought so far, but they just don't seem to be my style. Thank you.

Awesome First in a Series!

Wow this book just set the bar high it gives “first in a series” a whole new level to live up to. I loved it! The world building was flawless. The characters were memorable and either likable or very unlikable. Jennifer Estep hit the nail on the head. I don’t usually fall in love with a series before I even finish the first book but this was in opinion a great read. I can’t wait to start the second book. I just hope it continues to get better and better.

Easy listen

What did you love best about Spider's Bite?

Decent story, easy listen. Just a fun book.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Liked Cain, a little cliche but everyone likes the straight arrow who falls for the bad girl.

What about Lauren Fortgang’s performance did you like?

Good performance, male voices could have been better.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Probably, can't find the time to listen to anything that long.

Hooked

Would you consider the audio edition of Spider's Bite to be better than the print version?

I have only had the audio version and can't imagine the print would be better.

What did you like best about this story?

Gin's strength and determination. Who would have thought you could love and assassign

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

Lauren is my new favorite narrator!! She brings out the emotion in the story and love the voices of the other charators!!

Quick diversion with different take on magic

The Narrator has a very sexy southern accent (IMO). The elemental magic is cool and looked at in a new way. The characters are larger then life and its a fast exciting read. This is the exact book I like to take me out of my history or other 40+ hour audible books. There isn't a deep dive into how the magic works or complex relationships. Its direct, action packed, and diverting as I do house work. I recommend it as long as this is your genera because you get exactly what you'd expect in a 10 hour magic assassin book. Plus there are 7 books so you can intersperse them between your other reads to mix things up.