This is a short story in the greater Elemental Assassins’ Series and I think it’s one that does an excellent job of hitting the balance of what a short story should be: i.e. it’s not compulsory to understand or follow the greater series, yet at the same time it does a good job of enriching the greater series

There are some things I really like about this story

I like that it looks at the ongoing effects of a traumatic experience, it shows that someone cannot be betrayed and tortured without it having lasting damage on their feelings and emotional well being.

I really really really like that we look at collateral damage. This is a series that has piled up many many many many many many oh gods so many bodies. Now we do see a lot of grieving families who then turn to Gin and ask her to slaughter a whole lore more people in the name of justice

And along the way she, her friends, her allies, her enemies, have killed a small nation worth of Giant guards. Seriously, the gravediggers union is probably lobbying to ban giant guards just because 80% of all the bodies they have bury are these huge muscly giants. But since Ashland is the most criminal city in the entire world

So seeing one of them have a funeral? Having grieving families? Actually seeing a human cost to the endlessly disposable bodies hitting the ground? I like that – I like that a lot. I think it’s vitally important to truly depict this world and what is happening. Especially if we want to consider the ethical problems Gin faces or the danger that the city faces from the criminal gangs controlling the city.

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Finnegan Lane like you've never seen him... full of doubt and self-loathing. What's it going to take to get Finn's cocky confidence and charm back after being so horribly betrayed by his long-lost mother? Taking down an Ashland baddie and saving an innocent family might do for a start.

What drew me to this book: Oooh, twist my arm ! Frequent readers will know that I LOVE the Elemental Assassin series. Love, Love LOVE!

Why I kept reading: It's a little painful that, for the very first book from Finn's perspective, he's not his usual over-confident, cocky, charming self. Finn is still reeling from the events of Bitter Bite, where the mother he long-thought was dead used and tortured him to gain access to the vault at the massive bank where Finn works.

Guilt and self-loathing plague Finn's every waking moment. Even Gin and Bria's attempts to cheer him up don't work. Finn's boss seems to be doing everything in his power to make Finn suffer more—forcing him to go to the funeral services and memorials of the men who were killed during his mother's heist. Finn does it, too, and faces the scorn and hatred of his co-workers every day, feeling he deserves every bit of it.

When Finn discovers one of the widows of a slain security guard is in trouble with an Ashland bookie, he decided he has to help, even against the widow's wishes. Finn attacks the problem, Gin Blanco-style, and starts his journey back to himself.

Why I recommend it: There are a lot of feels in this book—for Finn, for the family of those who died, for Gin and Bria. If you are invested in these characters, you'll want to experience this part of their lives with them. I very much enjoy when the reader gets to see the consequences of actions that have taken place in a previous book, which is what this novella is all about. Bitter Bite was an amazing book, and this is the perfect follow-up. Also, the twist at the end is awesome and so perfectly fits the style of this series. I wasn't expecting it at all, and it was super! ( )

Unwanted (Elemental Assassin #14.5) by Jennifer Estep is a great fantasy, kick-butt story of a guy that is shunned and depressed after a bank robbery gone wrong. He feels it is his fault his coworkers have died and he is the only one that lived, although he was tortured almost to death and by his mother no less! He has to attend all the funerals and face the glares of the other coworkers daily. Then there is this bookie that is causing trouble to a coworker's widow. This is where the action happens. Lots of twists, turns, fighting, great plot, and great dialogue. Interesting and complex main characters that keep you intrigued. A fun and interesting book. Received this book for a honest review. ( )