Source: Audiobook Review, Edelweiss EBook Review, Sponsored by Brilliance, Sponsored by Simon & Schuster
Heart of Venom by Jennifer Estep
Publisher:Brilliance Audio, Pocket Books
Format: Audiobook
Genre: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy
Number of Pages: 354
Narrator: Lauren Fortgang
Length: 10 hrs and 25 mins
Series: Elemental Assassin #9
Read: September 2013
Links to: Goodreads, Library Thing , and Author Website
The hotly anticipated ninth novel in the hugely popular Elemental Assassin series finds Gin Blanco on a dangerous mission to rescue a friend.
When a terror from the past threatens Gin’s friend and body-disposer, Sophia, Gin will stop at nothing to protect her, even if it means walking straight into a killer’s trap. Meanwhile, the rocky romance between Gin and Owen reaches a turning point—can they reunite and rekindle their love? Or will the things Gin has been forced to do in her line of work as the deadly assassin the Spider keep them apart forever? Assuming, that is, she survives long enough to find out…
Listened/Read for Review (Brilliance Audio/Edelweiss)
Overall Rating: 4.50
Story Rating: 4.50
Character Rating: 4.50
Audio Rating: 5.00 (not part of the overall rating)
First Thought when Finished: Heart of Venom ended with me going “Now that is what I am talking about!”
Story Thoughts: Heart of Venom was really the story of Sophia which made me happy. As much as I love Gin, Owen, Bria and Finn- I have to admit I get super excited about learning the back stories of the rest of the characters that I LOVE! Sophia and Jo-Jo are staples in Gin’s life and she wouldn’t be the assassin she is without them. Sophia’s story was heartbreaking, nerve-wracking, and brutal. The fact that she literally has to relive parts of it made me want to reach out and hug her. The action in Heart of Venom was well-paced and brilliant. Each outing has Gin testing her skills and her heart more. All around this stands out as one of my favorites in the series.
Character Thoughts: I feel like a broken record but the characters in the Elemental Assassin series are some of the best in Urban Fantasy. I am still in love with Finn. Jealous of Bria and her Finn loving time. Absolutely adore Gin! Even the bad guys are engaging albeit nasty and mean. I love that we got to learn more about Sophia and Jo-Jo. I was already in love with their characters but it was nice to get to know them better. Especially Sophia who is so quiet and often over-looked. I wanted to sock the bad guy (sorry his name is escaping me) but more than that I wanted to club his sister. Though I think they were both well done bad guys and to me that is as important as the good guys. Alright, an Owen update–he can shed his Owen the Ass title once again. Though I am still working up to loving him again.
Audio Thoughts:
Narrated By Lauren Fortgang / Length: 10 hrs and 25 mins
Hands down, I can not imagine anyone but Lauren narrating Gin and the gang. At this point, she is Gin to me. She nails the nuances, emotions, and pacing of this series perfectly. I highly recommend this series on audio if you haven’t given it a whirl. I just don’t think you would be disappointed. Of course, always listen to a sample as everyone’s narration preferences are not the same.
Final Thoughts: The next story is sort of a prequel and I am uber excited!
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About Felicia S
Felicia is just your average gal from Texas that loves Audiobooks with a passion! She can wine them, dine them, and love them forever. Her favorite genres: Cozy Mysteries, Thrillers, Romance of all kinds, Zombies, Urban Fantasy, and the occasional Historical Fiction. You may also find her reading on her kindle when a book hasn't been released in audio form yet!
In her non-reading time you can find her hanging with her rescue furr children both named after book characters: Tonks a beautiful Lab/Pyr mix and Cinder a beautiful Shep/Pitt mix. She also spends times with friends, family, attending conventions, watching movies/tv shows, rooting for the 49rs, and crocheting.
Twitter: AVoraciousReadr
says:
I can’t recall reading anything by Jennifer Estep yet. I’ll get to her eventually. lol
A Voracious Reader recently posted…Time Turner Tuesday ~ Freedom’s Ransom
I like both her YA and Adult series. She has a wonderfully fun sense of humor that works well with the action!
Felicia S recently posted…Readers & Ritas Countdown Week 3: Heather Long
Twitter: wearedevilcow
says:
I am so behind in this series, which is ridiculous because it is so good.
Liviania recently posted…Review: Never Fade
I have a few series like that–I figure I am waiting till I am in a funk and need something I KNOW I will enjoy :)
Felicia S recently posted…Readers & Ritas Countdown Week 3: Heather Long
Twitter: chanzies
says:
Yikes this is a long series! I am yet to read a Jennifer Estep novel. Great review. I like the sound of this series and its characters :)
Chene Sterckx recently posted…Breaking the Rules Tour ~ Guest Post
She writes wonderful characters that are a mixture of humor and “grey” areas. You love them, want to hug them, and sometimes want to slap them LOL
Felicia S recently posted…Readers & Ritas Countdown Week 3: Heather Long
Twitter: ReadingAddicted
says:
I loved the narration of this book. Lauren just fit for Gin and the gang. Sophia’s backstory was horrifying. I felt Gin steadfastly put herself out there to protect her family, without worrying about the consequences to herself. Nothing like jumping off a cliff!
TRUE THAT! :) I wouldn’t have survived what Sophia did!
Felicia S recently posted…Readers & Ritas Countdown Week 3: Heather Long
Twitter: teamsheltie
says:
I haven’t started this series yet but there is some series Owen hate out there lol Glad to hear it’s still going strong still!
Karen recently posted…Giveaway! 2 copies of Perdition by Ann Aguirre
He was an ass about 3 books back LOL I hold a grudge :)
Felicia S recently posted…Book Blog Walkers Week 2 Shout Outs/Week 3 Tracking
Twitter: lupdilup
says:
Man! I need get on with this series, I’ve only listened to book 1. TOTALLY agree, Lauren Fortgang is awesome :)
Lupdilup recently posted…4th Annual Spooktacular Giveaway Hop
She is freaking amazing! I think it was listening to Carniepunk and some other people doing Gin & Crew that really sealed how good Lauren is :)
Felicia S recently posted…Book Blog Walkers Week 2 Shout Outs/Week 3 Tracking
Only 10 hours? Now why is the book I am listening 14…too long
blodeuedd recently posted…Review: Secret Unleashed – Sierra Dean
Only 10 :) Don’t pick up The Stand ever that sucker was 32! :)
Felicia S recently posted…Book Blog Walkers Week 2 Shout Outs/Week 3 Tracking
Twitter: TheBookNympho
says:
I loved this one. I read it and still need to get the audio to listen to.
I was so bloody. Love that we got Sophia’s back story.
Jennifer TheBookNympho recently posted…What the Feck is Steampunk Romance? by Bec McMasters
You do! It was fantastic :)
Felicia S recently posted…Book Blog Walkers Week 2 Shout Outs/Week 3 Tracking