Actual rating: 3.5 going on 4 And with this instalment this series is finally back on track! I almost gave up on Elemental Assassin because of the constant recaps and repetitions (it felt like reading the same chapter over and over again) but held on tight because I love Gin’s character. I’m so glad I did! Things had gotten a little better with Spider’s Revenge and Mab’s demise so I was curious to find out what would happen now that the original story arc was over and done with. By a Thread was highly entertaining, mainly because of the change of setting, different plotline and interesting character development. There is still a lot of action going on (it’s a bit more gory too, which is something I have been waiting for since book 1!) but this instalment focuses more on emotions and character growth. With Mab gone the dynamics have changed and the relationships between the various characters are shifting and evolving. Gin has to adapt to this new world without Mab, with her real identity out in the open, which makes for some interesting developments. The way Bria treats Gin in this instalment is really heartbreaking. I understand that they didn’t have the same up bringing and that they are on opposite sides of the track but still, why be such a bitch to her sister who has been saving her ass over and over again. Channelling your inner Donovan Caine much Bria? All that self-righteousness is making me sick. Anyway, it seems that things start looking up a bit at the end of the book so I guess we’ll just have to wait and see what happens with Bria. And now for the fun part: Donovan Caine finally getting what he’d been deserving since he walked out on Gin. Eat your heart out you conceited, smug ass! Oh I just love the conversation he has with Gin at Cassie’s place and the way she sets the record straight with him. (view spoiler)[And that punch in the stomach! He so had it coming! It was so cool! (hide spoiler)] And having Owen playing Mr Macho Man everytime Caine was around really was priceless. Fun fun fun! By a Thread is probably my favourite instalment in the series so far. Gin has come a long way and the influence of her new-found friends and family (and of Owen of course) is changing the way she sees the world. She’s still as ruthless a killer as she used to be but she definitely is softening up and allowing herself to have more feelings towards others. As much as I love her character, I still think its potential is not used to its full extent. She could be another Kate Daniels or Elise Kavanagh but in reality I don’t find that she is as ruthless and cold-blooded as Estep would have us think. Okay, she cuts throats and everything but it always feels to me like something is missing. Something that would turn her into a real badass. Oh well, I still like her character a lot, if only because she is a knife-handling assassin. One last minor quibble about this book: can we FINALLY drop the “little white pills” thing already?! WE KNOW Gin takes them. WE KNOW she always wants to use condoms for extra protection. WE GET IT. ENOUGH! Thank you. Off to read Widow’s Web.