Last Strand
Author: Jennifer Estep
Reviewer: Jen
Rating: B
What I’m Talking About:
Note: this is the 19th book in an urban fantasy series; my review will contain spoilers from previous titles.
Last Strand opens shortly after the conclusion of the previous book. Gin is searching for the money Fletcher stole from the Circle so she can take down her malevolent uncle, Mason Michell, head of the Circle. Word gets out that she’s found the loot, and that’s when things start to go sideways for Gin and the gang.
Fans know going into Last Strand, the nineteenth full-length Elemental Assassin book, that this would be the last Gin-centric adventure, for now; therefore, expectations were high for an end-all-be-all, explosive conclusion. Ms. Estep does not disappoint. The title is filled with all the quintessential Gin-isms. For example, she mentions her little white pills and recalls forgotten memories in her dreams. It’s her thing… I know. And while Gin has some very predictable traits, she’s really grown over the course of the series.
Mason and Emery are two strong enemies, and there is uncertainty that Gin will defeat her toughest foe. When one of Gin’s gang ends up badly beaten, Gin is racked with guilt – this has not changed over the years, which is why Gin makes for such a likable assassin-hero. I appreciate that Gin knows she needs her friends and doesn’t try to pretend she’s protecting them by leaving them out. She is up front about dangers and potential outcomes, tells them she needs them, but ultimately, lets them decide. She’s become a true leader and protector.
Last Strand is a fitting “ending for now” for the series. This story is exciting, filled with action, and something fans will enjoy. We’ve watched Gin fall in love, find a lost sister, and gain a new family of close-knit friends. Gin’s meandering storyline that began with Mab is wrapped up, but what happens next is unknown, and I like that. Now I am very excited about seeing some of the side characters get more stories.
My Rating: B Liked It — Recommend
Jen
About the Book:
Every bloody thread has been leading to this . . .
I’ve battled a lot of bad guys in my time, both as Gin Blanco and as the notorious assassin the Spider. But I’ve never faced off against anyone quite as powerful and deadly as the dastardly leader of the Circle secret society.
Just when I finally have a lead on how I can defeat the evil group once and for all, new information comes to light that throws me for a loop. Suddenly, everyone and everything I love is in imminent peril of being destroyed, and I’m racing against the clock to figure out a way to save my friends.
The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the danger has never been greater. Somehow, I need to weave one last strand in my web of death—and kill my enemies before they kill me . . .
Release Date: March 16, 2021
Publisher: Self-Published
Series: Elemental Assassin #19
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): paperback (380 pages), e-book, audiobook
Book Source: Author
Purchase Info:
Amazon
Reviews in the Series:
Spider’s Bite by Jennifer Estep (Elemental Assassin #1) – Audiobook Review
Web of Lies by Jennifer Estep (Elemental Assassin #2) – Audiobook Review
Venom by Jennifer Estep (Elemental Assassin #3) – Audiobook Review
Tangled Threads by Jennifer Estep (Elemental Assassin #4) – Audiobook Review
Spider’s Revenge by Jennifer Estep (Elemental Assassin #5)
Thread of Death by Jennifer Estep (Elemental Assassin #5.5)
By a Thread by Jennifer Estep (Elemental Assassin #6)
Widow’s Web by Jennifer Estep (Elemental Assassin #7)
Deadly Sting by Jennifer Estep (Elemental Assassin #8)
Kiss of Venom by Jennifer Estep (Elemental Assassin #8.5)
Heart of Venom by Jennifer Estep (Elemental Assassin #9)
The Spider by Jennifer Estep (Elemental Assassin #10)
Poison Promise by Jennifer Estep (Elemental Assassin #11)
Black Widow by Jennifer Estep (Elemental Assassin #12)
Spider’s Trap by Jennifer Estep (Elemental Assassin #13)
Bitter Bite by Jennifer Estep (Elemental Assassin #14)
Unwanted by Jennifer Estep (Elemental Assassin #14.5)
Unraveled by Jennifer Estep (Elemental Assassin #15)
Nice Guys Bite by Jennifer Estep (Elemental Assassin #15.5)
Snared by Jennifer Estep (Elemental Assassin #16)
Venom in the Veins by Jennifer Estep (Elemental Assassin #17)
“Winter’s Web” by Jennifer Estep (The Season of Sorcery Anthology) (Elemental Assassin #17.5)
Sharpest Sting by Jennifer Estep (Elemental Assassin #18)