If I had to pick a favorite urban fantasy badass heroine, Gin Blanco would definitely be on the top of the list. The Elemental Assassins series by Jennifer Estep is one of my favorites. While most series tend to slow down by book 8, this series just gets better and better. I think that what makes this series so much fun to read is the large cast of magically inclined, yet criminally corrupt characters. No saints here. This is a series set in a city so corrupt with comic-like bad guys. Most of this book takes place at an isolated museum where the crème de la crème of Ashland society and its criminal elements are attending a soiree revealing all of Mab’s gold. Gin is there – reluctantly, as are all of Gin’s friends. (Yes, even Owen).The writing has improved significantly. While earlier installments of this series were plagued with repetition, this book is tightly edited and a pleasure to read. This is less of a cookbook and more of an action-packed, edge of your seat, magic infused adventure.I love how Gin remains so calm and down to earth no matter what. She is a one woman wonder, a lethal weapon. There is a human side to her and she is an assassin with a code of morals. Throughout Deadly Sting, the reader sees the world through her eyes. Her inner dialogue is laid bare and the reader sees what makes Gin tick. In case you are wondering, Gin still has relationship issues. This series is a lot of fun. Where else can you find a mix of giants, dwarves, vampires, and elemental magic users in one place? The fact that the town of Ashland is so corrupt and that characters do not hesitate to double-cross each other keeps me reading. The sheer variety of eccentric characters makes this series a must read for me.The next book is Heart of Venom, coming out August 27, 2013. Can’t wait!Thank you to Edelweiss and Pocket Books for a review copy of this book. Review posted on Badass Book Reviews.
