Title: Heart of Venom
Author: Jennifer Estep
Series: Elemental Assassin #9
Pages: 385
Sophia’s past has been hinted about in previous books but we finally get the whole story in this one. Her kidnapping and abuse at the hands of Harley Grimes should have ended years ago but now that Fletcher is dead he decides to return. Sophia’s history was heartbreaking and I just wanted to hug this quiet dwarf. I wanted to cry at the beginning when Harley kidnapped her because it was just so emotionally heartbreaking watching her being taken away from Jo-Jo.
In this book we see a different side of Gin. She is no longer the patient and deadly killer. She is angry and emotional and it almost causes her to make mistakes. Her determination to save those she loves is a wonderful trait but, as this book shows, it can lead her to be reckless sometimes. I do love her dedication to her family though.
Grimes and his sister are twisted gangsters who finally get what they deserve after meeting Gin. I was surprised at how ruthless and twisted these two were, especially his sister. His whole enterprise in the mountains was interesting and just a breeding ground for crazies. This mission was action packed and nonstop for Gin. We see her in the wilderness using guerilla tactics and magic to fight this group. I love how smart Gin is during missions like this, even when she is getting beat to hell.
This book also sees some resolution between Gin and Owen. They finally talk it out and Owen pulls his head out of his ass finally. I am so glad they have finally started to work out their issues because they are wonderful together. Overall, this was another amazing adventure for Gin and the gang. I am excited to see what happens next, especially since we seem to be getting closer to finding out who M.M. Monroe is.
Content Warnings: Sophia was kidnapped, raped, and tortured in the past and is kidnapped by the same individual again. References to torture and rape occur throughout the book.
Previous books and reviews for the series:
#1. Spider’s Bite
#2. Web of Lies
#3 Venom
#4 Tangled Threads
#4.7 Haints and Hobwebs
#5 Spider’s Revenge
#5.5 Thread of Death
#6 By a Thread
#7 Widow’s Web
#8 Deadly Sting
#8.1 Parlor Tricks
#8.5 Kiss of Venom
Red-Haired Ash Reads 