Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion

This topic is open for the discussion of Web of Lies by Jennifer Estep. Expect Spoilers

Second book of Elemental Assassin series. Still loving this series and will need to buy the third book that comes out this month, Venom. Gin is now attempting to retire from being an assassin. When a couple of teenagers attempt to hold up her restaurant she puts her skills to good use and stops the robbery. Problem is one of the teens is the son of a powerful attorney and staying under the radar just became a whole lot more difficult. To compound matters, she is approached by a customer hoping to hire an assassin through Fletcher. At first she just tells her Fletcher, Gin's former handler, is no longer around and attempts to end the conversation there. When someone attempts to kill the girl trying to hire her, however, she decides to help the girl.

Will post more later

*********THIS BUDDY READ IS BEING REVISITED!***********

Revisit starts June 15, 2018

Wow, old thread! I didn't even realise the book has been published soon ago haha.

I will likely do this one for Team Minerva. I recently read the first one.

Looks like the first Buddy Read for this one didn't see much action.

Right? I was very surprised that there had basically been no interaction at all. Shame really! I'm pretty sure there'd be something to talk about in this one, considering the ending of the first book!

Actually, now I can't wait to pick this one up! :-)

I'm looking forward to this one. Hi Mary *waves*!

Hi Deanna!

Heya ladies!

Would it by any chance be possible to push this back a week and start on the 22nd?

I forgot about the BOM starting on the 16th, and real life isn't giving me all too much reading time at the moment, so I'm struggling a little bit with deadlines, oops. (No, no, I did not at all sign up for too many BRs at the same time :-p)

That's fine with me. The 22nd it is. (From someone who also did not sign up for too many buddy reads and just might be slightly relieved to push this one back. ;-P)

Hahaha ;-)

No problem with me.

Great!

Thanks, I feel a little relieved now :-) Not that, you know, there's too many books to read or anything hehe.

Hello again!

I read the first three chapters today. It starts off interesting again and there is a fair amount of recap on how the first book ended, which was really helpful since I didn't remember everything anymore.

Foremost of course was (view spoiler)[the liaison with Donovan Caine and the fact that Bria is still alive. (hide spoiler)]

Eldarwen wrote: "Hello again!

I read the first three chapters today. It starts off interesting again and there is a fair amount of recap on how the first book ended, which was really helpful since I didn't remembe..."

It was a nice recap, and here I reread the first book last week because it had been so long since I read it.

I read the first six chapters today.

The robbery - (view spoiler)[My first response was: "The poor fools have no idea what they have just gotten themselves into." After they grabbed a hostage, I lost all sympathy and cheered Gin on. I hope this stays between her and the attorney. I really don't want her to have to take on Mab. (hide spoiler)]

Gin - (view spoiler)[She doesn't really seem settled into her new life. I guess with her past the longer she maintains her paranoia the safer she is. Still I would like her to get a shot at a bit of a normal life. (hide spoiler)]

The assassin - (view spoiler)[Interesting that the target wasn't Gin. I'm curious to see what she learns when she catches up with Violet. (hide spoiler)]

Hmm Gin (view spoiler)[does seem like she's still waiting for the penny to drop somehow. It almost feels like she is waiting herself to be able to settle properly into a new life, maybe even with a man at her side (and by that I mean the detective). And I agree, after all she's been through in her life already, it would be nice of her to get that shot. (hide spoiler)]

Robbery: (view spoiler)[hahaha, yes! Poor suckers :-p (hide spoiler)]

Deanna wrote: "It was a nice recap, and here I reread the first book last week because it had been so long since I read it."

Haha ok. Well at least now you really remember what went on in the first book :-)

I'm up to chapter 12 now.

Chapter 11 ends on what can only lead to trouble. There is no other option haha.

(view spoiler)[I like the fact that we're getting a bit of an insight into Fletcher's past in this one and there is probably more information to follow as the book progresses. (hide spoiler)]

Whenever Gin starts cooking/baking, I get the urge to do something that smells nice myself!

I'm jealous. I'm trying to finish my coffee, so I'm ready to read a book for quaffle. I'd much rather be reading more Gin this morning.

Aaah yes, hehe. Quidditch is starting in 20ish minutes.

Good luck! :-)

I'll switch over to Earthsea in the meantime so I can catch up on that BR while you're reading for Quaffle etc.

I'm about 1/3 into this one. I read the first one recently so I appreciated that the recap wasn't over long. Just enough to remind you of what happened. Some authors are bad about that with either way too long a recap or nothing at all.

Gin can come off as a little too perfect to me sometimes: she's an excellent cook and baker, she super fit, she can kill anyone or anything, she's sexy, she's a talented artist and super smart. A little too over the top. But not enough to make me dislike her.

Also, am I the only one who loved the "sloppy, sloppy, sloppy" from the first book? Haven't heard it yet. I've caught myself saying it a few times in my New Englander trying to sound Southern accent "sloppy, sloppy, sloppy"

Ooooh, I forgot about that but I liked that expression in the first book hehe.

Well, true, she is able to do everything and seems to have it all, but on the other hand, she does have a lot of free time to practice a lot of these things and practice apparently makes perfect, so maybe that's why she's good at a lot of different things?

(view spoiler)[Her aim was off though when she went up against the dwarf who attacked Violet, so there is a bit of a chink in the perfection when she doesn't practice daily. Not enough to really ruin the whole but at least there is something. (hide spoiler)]

But you're right, no matter how good she is at everything (except being overly delicate with people), it doesn't make me dislike her either. The fact that I hadn't even thought much about how good she is at everything before you mentioned it goes to show how much I dismissed that fact.

I finished chapter 16. (Yes, I know I said I'd switch books but... couldn't help myself haha.)

Gin and Caine: (view spoiler)[His accusatory behaviour bugs me at times, but I actually like that he isn't backing down from his principles simply because he wants to sleep with Gin. Neither of them give in to their urges no matter how much they might want to but stand by who they are, and that is something that is (for the time being anyway) not compatible.

I wonder sometimes what goes on inside his head because he knows that what Gin does is wrong but at the same time he knows (or I assume he does) that she does what he should be doing but can't because he's bound by law. (hide spoiler)]

Finished chapter 26 just now and ooooh my gosh.

(view spoiler)[Things are getting interesting now. I was wondering what kind of trouble Gin would get into once it became clear that she had to go to Mab Monroe's place where all the annoying people she had encountered so far in this book were going to be. And as a hooker to top it all off.

And now things are REALLY going to get interesting. (hide spoiler)]

Eldarwen wrote: "Ooooh, I forgot about that but I liked that expression in the first book hehe.

Well, true, she is able to do everything and seems to have it all, but on the other hand, she does have a lot of free..."

I hadn't really thought about it either. I guess to me she has had enough misery in her life from her childhood and from being trained as an assassin that I'm perfectly happy to let her be nearly perfect at everything she does.

Up through chapter 12.

Fletcher - (view spoiler)[I enjoyed getting the background story on Fletcher through Violet and Jo-Jo. I'm still trying to wrap my head around the juxtaposition of Gin's Fletcher the assassin and Violet's Tin Man to helpful do-gooder. (hide spoiler)]

Violet - (view spoiler)[She really needs Gin's help, but I feel a little sorry for Gin getting herself into trouble when she has been trying to have a more normal life. (hide spoiler)]

My brain's a little fried from quidditch, so that's all I can remember at the moment. I will probably read some more after dinner and come back and post again.

Eldarwen wrote: "I finished chapter 16. (Yes, I know I said I'd switch books but... couldn't help myself haha.)

Gin and Caine: His accusatory behaviour bugs me at times, but I actually like that he isn't backing d..."

I agree. (view spoiler)[I don't really want to change his principles. He tries to enforce the laws, help people, and do the right thing. He can't be bribed or blackmailed. It seems like he is beginning to recognize that sometimes the law doesn't work, leaving a choice between the lesser of two evils. (hide spoiler)]

Made it through chapter 21 where I'm going to stop for the night...

Mab's lawyer - (view spoiler)[I'm not sure whether to applaud Gin's courage in standing up to him or cringe in anticipations of how much trouble he is going to cause her. I have a feeling she's going to have to kill the son eventually because he seems really unstable. (hide spoiler)]

The mine - (view spoiler)[I thought the escalation of intimidation tactics seemed odd if the only interest was coal. A mountain of diamonds makes a lot more sense and a lot more trouble. I really hope they are able to keep the diamonds secret, so the area doesn't get overrun. (hide spoiler)]

Hmmm, the mine (view spoiler)[or rather the diamond find is definitely something I hope they can keep under wraps. But I think even if the information did leak one way or another, Mab would probably jump on it to keep the lid on. How else would she be able to make as much profit of it all as she possibly can? (hide spoiler)]

Eurgh, the lawyer (view spoiler)[is such a slimy one. I had to grin though at how often he changed tactics with Gin. I agree that it probably was not the smartest move to antagonise him, no matter whether he is proud of his son or not. It's still his son, so he'll do whatever he can to protect family honour. It'll cause endless problems in the short and the long run. Because unfortunately, he is well connected. (hide spoiler)]

Deanna wrote: "Eldarwen wrote: "I finished chapter 16. (Yes, I know I said I'd switch books but... couldn't help myself haha.)

Gin and Caine: His accusatory behaviour bugs me at times, but I actually like that h..."

I'm having (view spoiler)[issues with seeing a possible happy outcome for the two of them at the moment. Maybe something will shift sooner or later? As it stands right now... it's sad really (and I do like a bit of drama like this haha). But I still like that they both stay true to who they are. I'll keep rooting for them. (hide spoiler)]

Finished!

The ending (view spoiler)[was expected in a way but it broke my heart a little. I was rooting for Donovan and Gin. And then he just decides to up and leave... Maybe there is something more in store for them. Warren may have been right that Donovan really isn't the man for Gin but I kind of still want to see it work, somehow. Maybe he'll come back? (hide spoiler)]

Owen Grayson: (view spoiler)[An interesting addition to the cast of characters in this book. A particular kind of magic and one that could make things troublesome for Gin, should he decide to play on opposite sides of the court.

I wonder what his plan is with the mine, now that he bought it after Dawson's untimely demise. Was it a move so Mab couldn't make things any worse for that piece of land? Or does he have an ulterior, egoistic motive? (hide spoiler)]

Gin: (view spoiler)[I was wondering when she was going to start actively searching for her sister. At the end of the book she seems to finally have reached that stage. It took her quite a while but I can understand her reluctance. Hoping and then having that hope crushed isn't the nicest feeling under normal circumstances. Considering what she has been through, it would probably be devastating. But it does sound like she's going to come out of retirement in the next book. (hide spoiler)]

Once you get to the ending: (view spoiler)[I'm asking myself the same question as Gin. Why didn't Mab kill her right there and then? Seeing the spider run burnt into her hands, Mab must have known who she was? Why did she once again not kill Gin? She already could have done so when she first went after the Snow family but she let Gin escape with her life. Now again... Only to later on set her bloodhounds on the trail of her as the blond hooker. (hide spoiler)]

Owen Grayson (view spoiler)[I'm about half-way though. I'm wondering if he'll be a possible romantic interest for Gin? I hope it doesn't turn into a never ending love triangle. I hate those. (hide spoiler)]

Mary: Harry Dresden's Love Slave wrote: "Owen Grayson [spoilers removed]"

Ooooh I'm right there with you! Hate those, too!!

Mary: Harry Dresden's Love Slave wrote: "Owen Grayson [spoilers removed]"

Absolutely! They drive me nuts! It has to be a really good series for me to stick with it when they drag it out over more than one book.

Eldarwen wrote: "Finished!

The ending [spoilers removed]..."

The ending - (view spoiler)[I feel sorry for Gin because he obviously hurt her emotionally; but honestly I don't think they could have been happy in the long run because I can't see him ever accepting her as she is. (hide spoiler)]

Owen - (view spoiler)[Such suspicion, Eldarwen. I'm glad he seems to be on Gin's side because she protected his sister. I think his gratitude for that will be enough to keep her secrets safe. I actually hadn't given much thought to him buying the mine. Maybe he's hoping for another vein of diamonds? (hide spoiler)]

Gin - (view spoiler)[I can definitely sympathize with her reluctance. Being rejected by her sister would be crushing, and getting close might put her in danger if Gin's secrets get out. I'm glad she finally figured out the pieces Fletcher left her and has at least figured out Mab was the fire elemental. Still that is bound to be the easiest part at this point. (hide spoiler)]

Eldarwen wrote: "Once you get to the ending: [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[Possibilities for why Mab left her alive:

She didn't see the runes because they are so faint.
She's killed so many people that she can't keep track of them all and doesn't remember.
She didn't see Gin as an important enough problem to get involved herself.
She actually did want to avoid any problems during her party.

That's all I can come up with. I have no idea if any of them are actually on track. It will be something to watch for in later books. (hide spoiler)]

Finished! A few other thoughts...

Magic - (view spoiler)[I'm intrigued to find out what Gin will be able to do now that her ice magic is free. I also think she needs to find someone to help her learn a little more about magic in general.I guessed that the dwarf had identified Gin by her magic because of his behaviour. If she had known the possibility existed, she would have been more on guard. (hide spoiler)]

Mab and her lawyer - (view spoiler)[It's clear Gin is going to need to be extra careful and patient to keep herself hidden from this pissed off pair. I'm glad at least her restaurant is back to normal since she loves that place so much. (hide spoiler)]

Donvan and Gin: (view spoiler)[I am glad that he knows why she killed his partner. I didn't really understand why she wouldn't just tell him that. Although it is kind of better that he found that out on his own. I was worried that would be an on going thing: him not knowing why and her just saying to herself "I'm not going to tell him". That would get old fast. (hide spoiler)]

I'm glad we finally get to actually meet Mab. It's obvious from the first book that Mab is going to end up the ongoing nemesis of Gin.

Mary: Harry Dresden's Love Slave wrote: "Donvan and Gin: [spoilers removed]"

There is also (view spoiler)[his surprise when he learns from a conversation with Warren that Fletcher took Gin in off the streets. He probably never considered that she might not have had the rosiest backgrounds and that she sort of slipped into assassin training as it was the only option she had at the time.

I so often wanted to shake Gin so that she would just tell him her reasoning behind certain things. Like every time she sees Violet's beat-up face in front of her mental eye but she just always shrugs it off as "I'm doing what needs to be done". (hide spoiler)]

Eldarwen wrote: "Mary: Harry Dresden's Love Slave wrote: "Donvan and Gin: [spoilers removed]"

There is also his surprise when he learns from a conversation with Warren that Fletcher took Gin in off the streets. He..."

I agree with Mary. (view spoiler)[I was glad he figured out the reason she killed his partner, but I was honestly disappointed that it doesn't really change his perception of Gin. I wasn't inclined to shake Gin for not talking because I agreed with her position that Donovan needed to step up and decide he was interested enough to ask questions and give her a chance. Even if Gin had taken the time to talk to him, I'm not sure he would have been able to accept her as she is. (hide spoiler)]

Mary: Harry Dresden's Love Slave wrote: "I'm glad we finally get to actually meet Mab. It's obvious from the first book that Mab is going to end up the ongoing nemesis of Gin."

That made me happy as well. Clearly she is going to be the long term villain in the series, so it was interesting to get a closer look at her in this book. I particularly thought the vibes Gin got off of Mab's house were interesting and enlightening.

It really is great to finally get a glimpse at Mab herself and not just the basic info we've gotten in the series so far, and by which I mean the fact that she has to be a badass because she's ruling Ashland.

Haha, Deanna, your suggestion as to why Mab (view spoiler)[didn't kill Gin right away are cool! Maybe she really doesn't remember killing the Snow family and thus also doesn't remember burning a rune into a girl's hands. Or maybe she did this on more than one occasion?! (hide spoiler)]

As for Gin and Donovan, (view spoiler)[you're right. I seem to not have properly acknowledged the fact that she decided not to give in anymore and that he needs to make the first move. Even though I actually had a "you go, girl!" moment at that scene in the book.

It's just something that often bugs me in stories. It could be SO easy if people actually talked to each other! Or well, it could be easier. Sometimes. Maybe. *sigh*

He is just so up in his own head that he doesn't even realise that there may be other issues with their "relationship" than merely his morals and principles or that there might be more to Gin than just her professional skills.

We'll see. I'm not convinced that he is truly gone. One way or another, he'll make an appearance again. Probably at the worst possible moment, too. (hide spoiler)]

Deanna wrote: "Finished! A few other thoughts...

Magic - [spoilers removed]"

I agree. (view spoiler)[Gin absolutely needs to find someone who can teach her about her magic skills. Both of her elements, even more so now that she realised just how crazy strong she is where stone is concerned, and all the more with her ice magic because that might just be an issue in a delicate situation, what with her glowing hands once she taps into it. And then there's the fact that her scars are much more visible now. (hide spoiler)]

I finished last night.

Yeah I think Donovan had his perspective changed a bit on Gin. That she wasn't just born a cold-blooded killer but life circumstances forced her to make decisions she might not have made otherwise. And that she's not cold-hearted at all, she's just had to develop a tough exterior. But it makes sense that he would not want to pursue a relationship with someone that makes him go against he's core beliefs and I have a feeling he'll be back.

Mary: Harry Dresden's Love Slave wrote: "I finished last night.

Yeah I think Donovan had his perspective changed a bit on Gin. That she wasn't just born a cold-blooded killer but life circumstances forced her to make decisions she might..."

You probably right about him being back, but I hope not. I'd like to see Gin have time to move on.