Tangled Threads (Elemental Assassin, #4) by Jennifer Estep

Title: Tangled Threads
Classification: Adult Fiction
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Elemental Assassin
Format: Paperback, 384 pages
Publisher: Pocket (April 26, 2011)
ISBN-10: 1439192634
ISBN-13: 978-1439192634
Author's Website: http://www.jenniferestep.com/
Notes: Contains sex and language some might take offense to.



"Elementals were people who could create, control, and manipulate one of the four elements -Air, Fire, Ice, and Stone. Those were the areas that most folks were gifted in, the ones you had to be able to tap into to be considered a true elemental. But magic had many forms, many quirks, and some people could use other areas, offshoots of one of the four elements. Metal was an offshoot of Stone, and electricity was one of Air."

Gin Blanco is a retired assassin who can wield both Stone and Ice elemental magic. Her assassin code name is Spider. Years ago her family was murdered by Mab Monroe, a powerful Fire elemental who also happens to rule the city of Ashland. Before the murders, Mab had been told that her demise would be at the hands of one of the Snow children who could wield the elemental magic of both Ice and Stone. Gin, formerly Genevieve Snow, watched the murders of her older sister (Annabella) and mother (Eira). Gin was then tortured by Mab who wanted to know Bria's (Gin's baby sister) location. Ironically, she thought it was Bria who could wield both types of magic. Just recently, Gin found out Bria was still alive, and is now a detective with the Ashland Police Department. She hasn't revealed to Bria who she is because she's afraid she'd reject her if she knew of Gin's assassin background. Gin's goal has always been to one day take down Mab and assure no one else, especially her sister, is ever hurt by Mab again.

In the last book Gin, as the Spider, declared war on Mab, and threatened to take her down one man at a time. She has slowly been whittling down Mab's minions one by one. In this book Mab has hired an elemental assassin named LaFleur to kill the Spider. LaFleur wields electricity and is one of the highest paid assassin's in the business. She's strong, smart, and powerful. Taking her down will not be easy. While she is battling the bad guys, Gin will also start to feel emotions she hasn't dared felt for another individual in a long time. Tangled threads will slowly start weaving a web around her heart. The question is will they be strong enough to hold her?

I am a huge fan of Jennifer's books. I just love the character Gin. She's tough on the outside yet soft on the inside. She is a contradiction and I think that is what I love about this character. She's loyal to those she loves, and strong enough to not need anyone. She does what she needs to do and makes no excuses. You need to accept her as is or not at all.

In Tangled Threads, we get to learn more about Fletcher, her Foster Father and former handler. Fletcher Lane taught Gin all she knows about being an assassin. I was sad he got killed off so early in the series, but I do enjoy how Estep slowly reveals all the parts that made up the intricate individual that meant so much to Gin. We get to find out how he knew Bria was alive, and what his connection was to the Snow family. We also learn what exactly happened to Bria, and how she came to live with her adopted family. If you are already hooked to the series this is a can't miss read. Ms. Estep has outdone herself with the fight scenes and the story is addictive. Once I pick up a book in this series, I truly don't wish to set it down until I'm done. The world that Estep created with ice bars, giants, elementals, vampires, and more is unique and fun.

I gave this one 5 out of 5 roses.

Order of the series:















1. Spider's Bite
2. Web of Lies
3. Venom
4. Tangled Threads