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2013 reading goal:
15 new-to-me authors.
1) Stacy Gail
2) Heather Massey
3) Sidney Bristol
4) Ann Mayburn
5) Thea Harrison
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Showing posts with label Jennifer Estep. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jennifer Estep. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Review: Spartan Frost by Jennifer Estep
Spartan Frost
Author: Jennifer Estep
Release Date: June 25, 2013
Publisher: Kensington
Mythos Academy #4.5
ISBN: #978-0758294777
Genre: Young Adult (Urban Fantasy), novella
Format(s): E-book
Book Source: Purchased with own funds
About the book:
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I'm Logan Quinn, the deadliest Spartan warrior at Mythos Academy. At least I was--until the day I almost killed Gwen Frost.
Professor Metis and Nickamedes say that I'm fine, that Loki and the Reapers don't have a hold on me anymore, but I can't risk it. I can't risk hurting Gwen again. So I'm leaving Mythos and going somewhere far, far away.
I know Gwen wonders what's happening to me, whether I'm safe. I can't tell her, but this is my story. . .
What G & U are talking about:
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Gikany and Una have fallen in love with the Mythos Academy series. We love Gwen and the world she inhabits. We tend to get completely caught up in the stories and lose all sense of time. Ms. Estep gives us a treat in this series with Spartan Frost – a short novella that gives us a glimpse into Login-freaking-Quinn’s mind. If you are a fan of this series, this novella is a must read!
Through this very short novella, we see how torn and broken Logan is over his betrayal of Gwen. He is still reeling from being tricked by his stepmother and bound and controlled by Loki through a necklace, which causes him to almost kill Gwen – his beloved Gypsy Girl. Spartan Frost is a bit of an emotional jaunt as we see Logan home with his father – with whom he has a broken relationship. However, we are given a glimmer of hope at the end. That is until you read the short snippet from Midnight Frost and become agitated at the peril Gwen finds herself in. Our only complaint is that it was a novella… and we just wanted more!
If you haven’t started the Mythos Academy series, you are seriously missing out. This is a series parents can read with their kids (seventh grade and up) or as an adult to enjoy. They are really just great reads.
Their Rating:
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Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
Labels:
Urban Fantasy Summer Reading Celebration-Jennifer Estep
Welcome to the Urban Fantasy Summer Reading Celebration here at That’s What I’m Talking About!!
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| original images by marin & papaija2008 at FreeDigitalPhotos.com banner designed by Jennifer from Books Make Me Happy |
The celebration runs from July 1 through July 12, 2013, with guest posts, author and series spotlights and lots and lots of GIVEAWAYS!! In fact, each day there is a new post, there is new giveaway to enter! CLICK HERE for more information.
Today my special guest is blogger, Liza from Blogging by Liza. Liza is here to share her love for the Elemental Assassin series by Jennifer Estep. In addition Ms. Estep is donating a signed copy of Deadly Sting to give away, details below.
Jennifer Estep is the New York Times bestselling author of the Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series, the Mythos Academy young adult urban fantasy series, and the Bigtime paranormal romance series. I will admit I haven’t read either the Mythos Academy or the Bigtime series yet, but am a total fan-girl of Ms. Estep’s Elemental Assassin series.
The Elemental Assassin series
The Elemental Assassin books are set in the fictional Southern metropolis of Ashland, where Tennessee, Virginia, and North Carolina meet in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. The books focus on Gin Blanco, an assassin codenamed the Spider, who runs a barbecue restaurant called the Pork Pit in her spare time. Gin is also an elemental or person who can control one of the four elements – Air, Fire, Ice, and Stone. Gin has the rare gift of being able to control two elements, Ice and Stone in her case. Besides elementals like Gin, Ashland is also home to giants, dwarves, and vampires.
Books in the series are (in reading order): Spider’s Bite, Web of Lies, Venom, Tangled Threads, Spider’s Revenge, By a Thread, Widow’s Web, and Deadly Sting.
Thread of Death, an e-novella, is also available.
Kiss of Venom, an e-novella from Owen Grayson’s point of view, will be released on July 22, 2013. Heart of Venom, the ninth book, is due out on Aug. 27, 2013. The Spider, the tenth book, will be out on Dec. 24, 2013.
Parlor Tricks: An Elemental Assassin short story will also be published in the Carniepunk urban fantasy anthology, due out on July 23, 2013. To help promote the anthology, Parlor Tricks is also being offered as a free e-download.
Haints and Hobwebs: An Elemental Assassin short story can be found in The Mammoth Book of Ghost Romance.
I found the Elemental Assassin series thanks to many of many of my twitter friends talking about it… actually they were all talking about how much they love Finnegan Lane. While Gin Blanco is the main focus in this series, I have to say the other characters in the series add so much to Gin and her life. I seriously could gush about this series for hours on end, but thought I would talk about some of my favorite characters in the series.
- Gin Blanco (Genevieve Snow), aka The Spider – I love Gin! She knows who she is and makes no excuses for the life she now lives. She became an assassin after Mab Monroe killed her family and Fletcher Lane took her in. Gin loves to take care of everyone. When she isn’t killing to protect her friends and family, she spends much of her time feeding everyone. I would happily eat every meal at the Pork Pit to try all of Gin’s different recipes. Gin is one of the wittiest characters I’ve read in any series. She is a total smart-ass and only becomes more so when she gets in a tough situation.
- Finnegan Lane – Finn is Gin’s Foster brother and the one person she can depend on to always have her back. Finn is the son of Fletcher Lane, who trained Gin to be an assassin. Finn is the research man and seems to have a never-ending supply of cars for Gin to use and destroy. He can charm just about any woman in Ashland, but his one true love is none other than Bria Coolidge, Gin’s very own baby sister Bria Snow. My love for Finn knows no bounds. He is such a fun character who gets some of the best one-liners in the series.
- Bria Coolidge – I’ll admit it took a bit for me to warm up to Bria. I wanted her to accept Gin the moment they met, and it killed me that there was no instant family reunion. The fact that Bria is a cop might have something to do with it, but still wanted the sisters to have the perfect reunion. I will say I’ve enjoyed watching the sisters actually become sisters. I love how protective Bria is of those she loves, and that especially includes Gin and Finn.
- Jo-Jo and Sophia Deveraux – Dwarven sisters who help Gin out with each job. Jo-Jo is an air elemental who heals Gin and her friends after each job. Sophia is the muscle and responsible for body disposal for Gin. Gin counts them as part of her extended family. Jo-Jo and Sophia had worked with Fletcher Lane for years before he retired from being an assassin.
- Owen Grayson - Owen is one of the wealthiest businessmen in Ashland, with an empire that includes mining, timber, and other companies. He also happens to be the love of Gin’s life, although they are currently some issues. I’ll admit I’m angry at Owen right now and hope he gets himself together in Heart of Venom.
- Mab Monroe - Hands down one of the best villains ever! She is a Fire elemental and is the one who killed Gin’s mother (Eira) and older sister (Annabella) when Gin was a child. Mab has run the city of Ashland with fear since she has taken out anyone who even tries to go up against her. Mab is the best love to hate character I think I’ve ever read.
There are so many other awesome good guy and bad guy characters in this series. Ms. Estep has given her readers an amazing series with the Elemental Assassin series and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys Urban Fantasy books. In my opinion, you should read the series in order, as each one builds on the one before it.
I want to thank Jen for letting me gush about one of my favorite series ever during her UF Celebration.
GIVEAWAY:
I have one (1) signed copy of the most recent title in the Elemental Assassins series, Deadly Sting (Book 8), to give away here at That’s What I’m Talking About. Thank you to Jennifer Estep for sponsoring the giveaway. To enter, please complete the Rafflecopter form, below, and leave a comment at the end of today’s post telling us your favorite bad guy character (book, TV, movies, etc.). Winner will be selected randomly from eligible entries. CONTEST IS OPEN US Mailing ONLY, and prize will be mailed by the author. Contest open from July 2, 2013 until June 9, 2013 at 12:00 AM EDT-midnight. I am not responsible for items lost in the mail. If you have problems with the Rafflecopter form, please email me at twimom227 at gmail dot com.
Monday, July 1, 2013
Urban Fantasy Summer Reading Celebration
Welcome to the Urban Fantasy Summer Reading Celebration here at That’s What I’m Talking About!!
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| original images by marin & papaija2008 at FreeDigitalPhotos.com banner designed by Jennifer from Books Make Me Happy |
The celebration runs from July 1 through July 12, 2013, with guest posts, author and series spotlights and lots and lots of GIVEAWAYS!! In fact, each day there is a new post, there is new giveaway to enter! Here is what is in store:
July 2: Guest blogger, Liza from Blogging by Liza is going to share her love for the Elemental Assassin series by Jennifer Estep. In addition Ms. Estep is donating a signed copy of Deadly Sting for the giveaway. Details HERE.
July 3: Debut UF author ML Brennan is going to talk about her new Fortitude Scott series. She is donating her recent release, Generation V, for the giveaway. Details HERE.
July 5: I’m going to share my love for the Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones. Ms. Jones is donating a signed copy of First Grave on the Right for the giveaway. Details HERE.
July 8: Suzanne Johnson stops by to talk with us about her fabulous Sentinels of New Orleans series and her upcoming Elysian Fields. She’s also donating winner’s choice of signed copy of either Royal Street or River Road plus a swag bag for the giveaway. Details HERE.
July 9: The Magic Rises Blog Tour makes its stop at the blog today. It’s my turn to give praise to my favorite UF series, the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews. Today we will have FOUR chances to win great prizes... Authors Ilona and Gordon Andrews are donating a set of books to include: Magic Bites, Magic Burns, Magic Strikes, and Magic Bleeds plus Gunmetal Magic as a set. Plus, they are donating two (2) additional copies of Gunmetal Magic for the giveaway. IN ADDITION... Penguin Publishing is donating a copy of the upcoming book, Magic Rises and the first book in the series, Magic Bites, for the giveaway as part of the blog tour. That’s four chances to win!! Details HERE.
July 10: Jennifer from The Book Nympho is going to tell us all about Kristen Painter’s exciting House of Comarré series. In addition, Ms. Painter is donating a signed copy of Blood Rights for the giveaway. Details HERE.
July 11: Once again, I’m up and I’ll be talking about the action-packed Jessica McClain series by Amanda Carlson. Ms. Carlson is donating a signed copy of Hot Blooded for the giveaway. Details HERE.
July 12: Guest blogger Lori from Romancing the Dark Side will share her thoughts on the Edie Spence series by Cassie Alexander. In addition, I am donating one (1) ebook copy (either Amazon or Barnes & Noble) of either Nightshifted, Moonshifted, or Shapeshifted for the giveaway. Details HERE.
So... what do you think?? I’ve got eight great posts about eight fantastic urban fantasy series, with not one, not two... but EIGHT GIVEAWAYS! Come back tomorrow and enter to win!
NOTE: All winners will be announced on July 20, 2013!
Monday, March 25, 2013
Review: Deadly Sting by Jennifer Estep
Deadly Sting
Author: Jennifer Estep
Release Date: March 26, 2013
Publisher: Pocket Books
Elemental Assassin #8
ISBN: #978-1451688993
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): Paperback (400 pgs), e-book, audio
Book Source: Edelweiss
About the book:
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Red is definitely my color. Good thing, because in my line of work, I end up wearing it a lot.
Most people shy away from blood, but for an assassin like me — Gin Blanco, aka the Spider — it’s just part of the job. Still, it would be nice to get a night off, especially when I’m attending the biggest gala event of the summer at Briartop, Ashland’s fanciest art museum. But it’s just not meant to be. For this exhibition of my late nemesis’ priceless possessions is not only the place to be seen, but the place to be robbed and taken hostage at gunpoint as well. No sooner did I get my champagne than a bunch of the unluckiest thieves ever burst into the museum and started looting the place.
Unlucky why? Because I brought along a couple of knives in addition to my killer dress. Add these to my Ice and Stone magic, and nothing makes me happier than showing the bad guys why red really is my color.
What I’m talking about:
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Note: this review contains spoilers from earlier books in the Elemental Assassin series.
It’s been one long month for Gin since she killed her lover Owen’s ex-fiancee at the conclusion of the last book, Widow’s Web. Giving Owen the space he requested, Gin puts on a good face and keeps her tough exterior, but inside she’s a wreck. Lucky for us, her brother Finn attempts to help lift Gin’s spirits by taking her shopping for some fancy digs to wear to an gala showcasing items from the late Mab Monroe’s estate. Of course, this is Ashland and we are talking about Gin Blanco, aka the Spider, so even a simple shopping trip has its hazards. And only Gin would get excited about the store being robbed while she’s in the dressing room! It’s a great opening sequence that sets the mood for the entire book.
The story moves forward to the opening gala where Gin reluctantly attends with Finn. As soon as Gin arrives, her magic alerts her to some bad vibes coming from the museum stones. Yet even after she witnesses some odd behavior from a few of the giants working there, Gin keeps quiet about her bad feelings. Then to top it all off, since this is an event for all the movers and shakers of Ashland, it’s no surprise to this reader when Owen shows up with a date... one that happens to be wearing the same dress as Gin! It is a classic moment!
Soon after everyone arrives, things go downhill and get real ugly. There is a massive heist underway and everyone is held captive. Once again, it’s up to Gin to save the day. It’s not an easy feat, and there are twists and complications every step of the way.
About three-quarters of the book occurs at the museum and only over the course of only a few hours. I felt that the single locale and short timeframe of the situation added an urgency and intensity to the story. It was hard for me to put the book down since there were no breaks in the action. Additionally, reading the events unfold through the POV of Gin kept me on my toes and continually guessing at what is going to come her way next.
Ms. Estep is an amazing storyteller. The carefully detailed descriptions--from food I want to devour to scenery I feel like I can step into--makes the story so enjoyable to read and easy to visualize. Ms. Estep knows how to reveal clues at the just the right time to keep me glued to the pages. And her characters pack an emotional intensity that doesn't drive me away or interfere with action.
As for that emotional intensity... let’s talk about Gin and Owen. I’ll admit, I wasn’t too torn up at the end of the last book when Owen said he needed some time. I get it - a lot had just happened. However, the opening of Deadly Sting paints a more detailed picture of Gin. Learning of Gin’s loneliness and heartbreak tore me up inside. The gala is the first time that Gin and Owen see one another in a month. The moment was funny because of the fact that his date was wearing the same dress as Gin, but my heart shattered, unlike at the end of the last book. Gin loves Owen, but pride and insecurity get in the way.
As the book progressed, the pair has opportunity to talk open and honestly. Generally, one of my pet-peeves in books occurs when characters engage in deep dialogue or sexually-driven thoughts when in the midst of intense and dangerous circumstances. That is why I loved the fact that Gin acknowledges that “right now” isn't an appropriate time for the pair to discuss their issues, but then goes on to note that they may die that night and she wants to get out all the things left unsaid for the past month. I genuinely delighted in the honest, raw intensity of Owen and Gin, and Ms. Estep's ability to convey the mixed-up and heart-wrenching emotions that go along with the pair. I also liked Owen’s own introspection on things that had happened because it gave me better insight to why he is acting the way he is. Since I don’t want to give any spoilers, I’m not going to say how things are left between the pair at the end of the book; however, once you read it, I’d love to chat!
After the heist is over, Gin is determined to find out who is ultimately behind the events that occurred at the museum. There is a great scene near the conclusion of the book that is very satisfactory, especially to long-time readers of the series. (no spoilers!). I was completely entertained with how Gin handles the situation.
Deadly Sting is another excellent piece of work from Ms. Estep. I enjoyed the fact that roughly seventy percent of the story takes place in the span of a few hours and in one location. Despite this, the story never went stagnant. The movement was constant - whether it was the action (which there is a lot of, many dead bad guys per usual) - or the constant thoughts running through Gin’s head. The continuing love story between Owen and Gin was emotionally powerful and rich. I adore Gin’s family and friends and how close sisters Bria and Gin have become. Gin may need to kill alone at times, but she embraces and relies on the fact that they are always there for her. All-in-all a great read.
My Rating:
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Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Reviews in the Series:
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Review: Crimson Frost by Jennifer Estep
Crimson Frost
Author: Jennifer Estep
Release Date: Dec. 24, 2012
Publisher: Kensington
Mythos Academy #4
ISBN: #978-0758281463
Genre: Young Adult (urban fantasy)
Format(s): Paperback (384 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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For a moment, a face flashed before my eyes—the most hideous face I’d ever seen. No matter how hard I tried to forget what had happened, I saw him everywhere I went. It was Loki—the evil god that I’d helped set free against my will.
I should have known that my first official date with Logan Quinn was destined to end in disaster. If we’d gotten into a swordfight, or been ambushed by Reapers, I’d have been more prepared. But getting arrested mid-sip at the local coffee hangout? I didn’t see that one coming.
I’ve been accused of purposely helping the Reapers free Loki from his prison—and the person leading the charge against me is Linus Quinn, Logan’s dad. The worst part is that pretty much everyone at Mythos Academy thinks I’m guilty. If I’m going to get out of this mess alive, I’ll have to do it myself…
What G & U are talking about:
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Crimson Frost is the fourth release in the Mythos Academy series. Gwen is finally at the center of attention, but for all the wrong reasons. Gikany and Una recommend reading this series from the beginning as many references are made in this novel to previous events. Plus, this is a very well written series, and you should just start from the beginning.
We begin right where Dark Frost ended, with Logan and Gwen on their first date at the coffee shop. However, it is rudely interrupted when the Protectorate, the police of their society, arrive to take Gwen into custody for several charges. The most notable of these charges is the willful release of Loki from his prison. In Crimson Frost, we follow the trial of Gwen as she tries to clear her name and find out the Reapers’ plan for strengthening Loki.
Although the shocking arrival of the Protectorate is completely out of the blue, Crimson Frost starts a little slowly. This is partly because the charges against Gwen seem so ridiculous, but also because you don’t out who is responsible for these charges until you are almost halfway through the story. Despite these issues, it is still a fast and gripping read. Gikany and Una nearly inhaled it. The camaraderie between Gwen and her friends continues to provide Gwen with the steadfast foundation she needs. We enjoyed their interactions and especially the infiltration of Gwen's grandmother into their world.
Crimson Frost is a nail biting and suspenseful fourth edition on the Mythos Academy series. The mythology is fresh, the character engaging and the plot twists and turns nicely. All of this with Ms. Estep's enchanting writing style makes it a very enjoyable read overall. We eagerly look forward to the next novel, Midnight Frost, due out August 2013.
Their Rating:
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Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Review: Nightingale by Jennifer Estep
Nightingale
Author: Jennifer Estep
Release Date: July 12, 2012
Publisher: Self-published
Bigtime Superheroes #4
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): E-book
Book Source: Author
About the book:
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Anxious brides. Drunken businessmen. Panicked partygoers. As Bigtime, New York’s premiere event planner, Abby Appleby is capable of handling almost any crisis, but even she’s not prepared when she finds herself in the middle of a fight between superhero Talon and his ubervillain nemesis Bandit. Abby manages to save Talon, but the superhero is temporarily blinded, so she takes him back to her loft, where the two wait out a snowstorm. During a blizzard that shuts down the city, Abby and Talon grow close, and he starts calling her Nightingale because of her love of music and singing.
But Abby is afraid of what Talon will think when he can see the real her, so she conceals her identity from the sexy superhero, and they go their separate ways. However, Abby discovers that Talon is looking for Nightingale, looking for her—and so is Bandit. The mercenary ubervillain thinks that Abby has information that belongs to his boss, the mysterious Tycoon. Abby knows that she’s in serious trouble and that not even Talon—or the Fearless Five—may be able to save her …
What G & U are talking about:
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The Bigtime Superheroes series is, as described on Ms. Estep’s website, “book candy.” We really feel this is a great description of this e-book series. If you love comic books, superheroes and ubervillians, then you really should check out this series. Gikany and Una started, by chance, with A Karma Girl Christmas. We enjoyed the story so much; we were pleasantly surprised to be able to have a chance at reviewing the latest book in the series, Nightingale.
Abby is your dependable gal Friday. She always makes it happen, never lets anyone down and gets the job done. Despite all her hard work and determination, she is very good at being behind the scenes. She feels invisible, unlike the high society darlings, she feels like a wallflower that just blends into the background -- easily dismissed and overlooked. Poor Abby has given up on love – between her super senses and being so average – she has thrown herself into her business. However, everything changes when she has a chance encounter with Talon – one of Bigtime’s superheroes.
Talon is not like most of the superheroes in Bigtime. He is not imbued with super senses or healing powers and can’t fly. He is a gadget superhero able to help fight off ubervillians with his intelligence and powerful gadgets. However, he is overwhelmed in an alley, shot and at the mercy of the ubervillan, Bandit, when Abby comes to his rescue.
The story then takes off between Abby and Talon. It is a delightful story completely told from Abby’s point of view. The twists and turns that Abby and Talon take could be frustrating but they are completely tempered by the enjoyable characters and colorful world that Ms. Estep has created. Although there are plenty of clues to figure things out, the actual course to get there is not straightforward. Nightingale kept us on our toes, and rooting for both Abby and Talon. It was a gripping read simply for its entertainment and joy.
Nightingale is a quick, fluffy and most enjoyable read. Gikany and Una delighted in the lightheartedness of it. The Bigtime Superheroes series is a wonderful blend of comic superheroes, regular people/characters you can certainly relate to, and a mystery plot to solve. As a side project of Ms. Estep’s, we truly appreciate the time it takes to self-publish something that is so very enjoyable as a treat for her readers. If you haven’t had the chance to pick it up, give it a try. We jumped in on the series and have not felt that we have missed out on anything, except maybe a fun story.
Their Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Contest Winner - Widow’s Web
I would like to thank everyone for stopping by That’s What I’m Talking About for my interview with the amazing Jennifer Estep and entering the giveaway. A special thanks goes out to my new and continuing Google Connect Followers.
The Winner as selected by Rafflecopter:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
CONGRATULATIONS!!
I am sending the winner an email to contact me with their full name and mailing address. Please email me at twimom227 (at) gmail (dot) com with your information so the author can send you the book. You have until Monday September 10, 2012 (end of day) to contact me. If I don’t hear from you by then, I will draw another winner.
Thank you and Happy Reading!
Monday, August 27, 2012
Author Interview: Jennifer Estep
Hello Readers! Today I bring you author Jennifer Estep. Jennifer writes the Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series for Pocket Books and the Mythos Academy young adult urban fantasy series for Kensington. She is also the author of the Bigtime paranormal romance series.
Jennifer is a Southern gal through and through: sassy, sarcastic, and just a tad crazy. She spent her formative years doing the usual kid things – playing, hanging out with friends, and making up wild stories in her head. She says that it’s the last one that’s gotten her into trouble. Now, after many, many years of toil and trouble, Jennifer has achieved her dream of being a bona fide, published, fiction author. She says that she plans to keep on keeping on – writing, dreaming, making up wild stories in her head. And getting herself into trouble.
Widow’s Web, the seventh Elemental Assassin story, released last week. Keep reading to learn more about this story and be sure to check out my review of Widow’s Web HERE. And for a chance to win a copy of Widow’s Web, keep reading!
Please help me welcome Jennifer to That’s What I’m Talking About.
Twimom: Jennifer, welcome and thank you for stopping by.
Jennifer: Thanks for hosting me on your blog. I appreciate it.
Twimom: Okay, as you know, I am a late-comer to Gin (heroine of the Elemental Assassin series), and I want to thank you for your patience and for being helpful finding me a great entry point with the novella, Thread of Death. Although I was able to easily jump into your wonderful series at that point, can you give me (and my readers) some background about Gin, the Elementals and your series?
Jennifer: Thanks for all the nice words about my books. I appreciate them.
The Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series focuses on Gin Blanco, an assassin codenamed the Spider who can control the elements of Ice and Stone. When she’s not busy killing people and righting wrongs, Gin runs a barbecue restaurant called the Pork Pit in the fictional Southern metropolis of Ashland. The city is also home to giants, dwarves, vampires, and elementals – Air, Fire, Ice, and Stone.
Twimom: What does the future hold for Gin and the Elemental Assassin series?
Jennifer: Widow’s Web, the seventh book in the series, was published on Aug. 21. I can’t say too much about that book, other than that I do have a plan for Gin and the other characters. As of right now, there will be at least ten books in the series, so Gin will definitely be facing down some more bad guys.
Twimom: Okay, I guess I will have to just wait. Eagerly wait.
You also author young adult urban fantasy series, the Mythos Academy series. Will you share with us a bit about this series as well?
Jennifer: The Mythos Academy young adult urban fantasy series focuses on Gwen Frost, a 17-year-old Gypsy girl who has the gift of psychometry, or the ability to know an object’s history just by touching it. After a serious freak-out with her magic, Gwen is shipped off to Mythos Academy, a school for the descendants of ancient warriors like Spartans, Valkyries, Amazons, and more.
Twimom: What was the drive to create a YA series after having two adult series? Do you prefer writing one over the other? Do you have a preferred genre to write?
Jennifer: I just thought that my Mythos Academy series would work better as a young adult series. Plus, you always want to grow and stretch as a writer. I had been wanting to branch out a little and write in another genre, and writing a young adult series let me do that.
I don’t really prefer writing in one genre over the other. They all have their challenges, and it’s been fun for me to tackle the different genres.
Most of my books have some of the same elements in common – a strong, sassy heroine, magic, romance, and lots of action/fight scenes. I would just say that I’m telling a little more of a coming-of-age story with my Mythos Academy books.
Twimom: Do you have any other projects in the works that you would like to share with us?
Jennifer: Deadly Sting, the eighth book in my Elemental Assassin series, is set to be published in April 2013. Crimson Frost, the fourth Mythos Academy book, will be released on Dec. 24, 2012. So right now, I’m pretty busy working on both of those series.
Twimom: And your readers are thankful that you are working on those books! I always like to ask authors about their reading habits... What types of books do you enjoy reading? What is your favorite read so far in 2012?
Jennifer: I like to read just about everything – all kinds of romance, young adult, westerns, mysteries, thrillers, spy books. Lately, I’ve been reading a lot of contemporary romance and young adult books, which are two genres that I really enjoy.
One of my favorite reads so far this year is The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen. It’s an epic fantasy young adult book that’s about an orphan and some other boys who are recruited to try to impersonate a long-lost prince.
Twimom: What upcoming 2012 releases are you most excited to read?
Jennifer: I’m looking forward to Dream Lake by Lisa Kleypas, which was published in August. I really like her contemporary romances. I’ve also heard a lot of good things about Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo, a young adult book, so I’m looking forward to getting that one as well (it’s already out). I’m also looking forward to Shadow’s Claim by Kresley Cole, which is a spin-off from her Immortals After Dark paranormal romance series.
Twimom: Jennifer, once again thank you so much for taking the time to tell my readers a little bit about yourself and your writing. It was wonderful chatting with you. I really enjoyed meeting you at 2011 Authors After Dark in Philly, and hope we can meet up again!
Jennifer: Thanks! I appreciate that, and I enjoyed meeting you too. Happy reading, everyone!
You can find Jennifer on line at
More on Widow’s Web (Pocket Books; August 21, 2012)
I used to murder people for money, but these days it’s more of a survival technique.
Once an assassin, always an assassin. So much for being plain old Gin Blanco. With every lowlife in Ashland gunning for me, I don’t need another problem, but a new one has come to town. Salina might seem like a sweet Southern belle, but she’s really a dangerous enemy whose water elemental magic can go head-to-head with my own Ice and Stone power. Salina also has an intimate history with my lover, Owen Grayson, and now that she’s back in town, she thinks he’s hers for the taking. Salina’s playing a mysterious game that involves a shady local casino owner with a surprising connection to Owen. But they call me the Spider for a reason. I’m going to untangle her deadly scheme, even if it leaves my love affair hanging by a thread.
GIVEAWAY:
Thank you to Jennifer Estep for stopping by today and also for generously donating one (1) copy of Widow’s Web to giveaway. To be entered, please use the RAFFLECOPTER form below. As part of your entry, please leave a comment answering the question: Have you ever read a YA and adult series from the same author (if so, who)? You do not need to be a google friends connect follower of my blog, but it is always appreciated. Contest is open from August 27, 2012 until September 1, 2012 at 12:01 AM EDT. Contest is restricted to US mailing addresses only. One (1) winner will be selected from eligible entries. I am not responsible for items lost in the mail. If you have problems with the RAFFLECOPTER form, please email me at twimom227 (at) gmail (dot) com.
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