You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.99 AVERAGE
3.99 AVERAGE
I'm having a hard time putting my thoughts into words on this seventh installment in the Chicagoland Vampires world. I can't quite explain my reading experience sufficiently. Suffice it to say, this is, once again, a wonderful addition to this series. Chloe Neill manages to develop these characters more and more each time, and I am still a diehard Ethan fanatic. I adore this character! When he goes into Alpha mode as head of his house ... well, nobody does it better. If I didn't know better, I'd say that my eyes just silver reading about it. And Merit is a perfect lead heroine for this tale, a perfect mix of smarts, skills, and vulnerability.
Without giving away anything, what I loved about this story:
The tone. Unlike many of the previous stories in this series, there isn't a lot of action in this story until the very end. Much of the book deals with Cadogan House and their preparations for those final scenes. In some books this might be a drag on the story, but I found it to be perfect. The story was written in such a way that I was always pushing forward as fast as I could, anxious to know what happens next. There was mystery in this book that kept the pace moving quickly, even as much of the story dealt with some serious relationship issues for Merit and Ethan.
Ethan and Merit's relationship goes to the next level. These two have had a rough time forming any sort of solid relationship. In this book they finally get the chance to be a solid couple. That is not to say that things go smoothly. After all, Merit has just agreed to join a top secret organization that is there to essentially spy on the head of the houses, among other things. That sort of thing can put a damper on any relationship. But seeing the way this is handled in this book was masterful. It showed the depth of this relationship, even as Ethan and Merit struggled to work through any problems they faced as a couple. I loved the way their relationship was written.
The secondary characters, as always, are a wonderful addition to the story. If anything, it might have been better to have even more of these characters in the story, but luckily I have gotten to know these characters well over several books, so any chance I have to see them in the story is well worth it.
I really appreciated the way that Chloe gently reminded me of what had happened in previous stories in this series. It has been awhile since I have read the sixth Chicagoland Vampires book, so these reminders were very helpful as I tried to remember what exactly was going on. Chloe was able to write these reminders in such a way that I was reminded of what was going on without being pulled out of the present story, and it added to my enjoyment overall.
And once again Chicago is well represented in this story. Every time I read a Chicagoland Vampires book I want to grab my family and head north for a visit. Seriously, the city's tourism board should totally include them in their payroll. I want to check out these sites and eat the food that Merit eats. The atmosphere set up by Chloe for this story is perfectly done.
I enjoyed this book a lot. I have already gone back to reread the scenes I love the most. My favorite (for those who have read the book)? Interestingly, it is the scene in the ops when Merit figures out the location of an important missing object. Ethan's reaction made my heart flutter, even though it was very simple. Loved that! Very few series are able to seem fresh after reaching the seventh book, but Chicagoland Vampires is one of them. It is a series that I will automatically buy, because I know I can expect a great romance, great action, great dialogue, and a great location. Four stars!
Without giving away anything, what I loved about this story:
The tone. Unlike many of the previous stories in this series, there isn't a lot of action in this story until the very end. Much of the book deals with Cadogan House and their preparations for those final scenes. In some books this might be a drag on the story, but I found it to be perfect. The story was written in such a way that I was always pushing forward as fast as I could, anxious to know what happens next. There was mystery in this book that kept the pace moving quickly, even as much of the story dealt with some serious relationship issues for Merit and Ethan.
Ethan and Merit's relationship goes to the next level. These two have had a rough time forming any sort of solid relationship. In this book they finally get the chance to be a solid couple. That is not to say that things go smoothly. After all, Merit has just agreed to join a top secret organization that is there to essentially spy on the head of the houses, among other things. That sort of thing can put a damper on any relationship. But seeing the way this is handled in this book was masterful. It showed the depth of this relationship, even as Ethan and Merit struggled to work through any problems they faced as a couple. I loved the way their relationship was written.
The secondary characters, as always, are a wonderful addition to the story. If anything, it might have been better to have even more of these characters in the story, but luckily I have gotten to know these characters well over several books, so any chance I have to see them in the story is well worth it.
I really appreciated the way that Chloe gently reminded me of what had happened in previous stories in this series. It has been awhile since I have read the sixth Chicagoland Vampires book, so these reminders were very helpful as I tried to remember what exactly was going on. Chloe was able to write these reminders in such a way that I was reminded of what was going on without being pulled out of the present story, and it added to my enjoyment overall.
And once again Chicago is well represented in this story. Every time I read a Chicagoland Vampires book I want to grab my family and head north for a visit. Seriously, the city's tourism board should totally include them in their payroll. I want to check out these sites and eat the food that Merit eats. The atmosphere set up by Chloe for this story is perfectly done.
I enjoyed this book a lot. I have already gone back to reread the scenes I love the most. My favorite (for those who have read the book)? Interestingly, it is the scene in the ops when Merit figures out the location of an important missing object. Ethan's reaction made my heart flutter, even though it was very simple. Loved that! Very few series are able to seem fresh after reaching the seventh book, but Chicagoland Vampires is one of them. It is a series that I will automatically buy, because I know I can expect a great romance, great action, great dialogue, and a great location. Four stars!
Of course I enjoyed it. The beginning was a bit slow. There is a ton of set up and sleuthing and angst. Lacey is so annoying I had to put this down for a while. Somewhere around 50% i kinda just wanted to scream at Merit for being an idiot and also kill Lacey. I guess i should have soldiered on a few pages because then it got very good. I am looking forward to more Merit and Ethan. They have made some real growth in their relationship.
Still loving this series! I love the action and adventure of course but I also love (despite my general disdain for romance) the constantly evolving relationship between Merit and Ethan. And I absolutely adore the shapeshifters! Now I just have to wait (impatiently) for the next book.
This one is 2.5 for me. It was a frustrating read, but I read it immediately following the latest Anita Blake book so of course this one looked great in comparison. :) Merit is much less annoying.
Having said that, I had trouble with this one since I just can't stand Ethan. I've tried to like him, but I can't get on board with "Methan" and this ridiculous relationship. Team Jonah, Team Jeff, Team Morgan, Team ANYONE but Ethan.
Minor spoilers here: I couldn't believe that less than 24 hours after joining the RG, Merit went and betrayed her partner's cover. Not cool, Merit. I was proud of her for standing her ground and refusing to resign, though. Kind of hoped that this revelation would end Merit and Ethan's relationship and she could move on to someone who isn't such a cold jerk. Alas, when he quit being a child and throwing Lacey in Merit's face, he forgave her. I am aware I'm in the minority with my opinion here, but I think the only reason I keep reading is because I keep hoping that Ethan will die again or leave Merit for good. I just don't buy their grand romance.
I also keep reading because I adore Jeff and totally want to see where his storyline is heading. Loved the reveal of his animal at the end!
Having said that, I had trouble with this one since I just can't stand Ethan. I've tried to like him, but I can't get on board with "Methan" and this ridiculous relationship. Team Jonah, Team Jeff, Team Morgan, Team ANYONE but Ethan.
Minor spoilers here: I couldn't believe that less than 24 hours after joining the RG, Merit went and betrayed her partner's cover. Not cool, Merit. I was proud of her for standing her ground and refusing to resign, though. Kind of hoped that this revelation would end Merit and Ethan's relationship and she could move on to someone who isn't such a cold jerk. Alas, when he quit being a child and throwing Lacey in Merit's face, he forgave her. I am aware I'm in the minority with my opinion here, but I think the only reason I keep reading is because I keep hoping that Ethan will die again or leave Merit for good. I just don't buy their grand romance.
I also keep reading because I adore Jeff and totally want to see where his storyline is heading. Loved the reveal of his animal at the end!
Another great story in the series. Merit and Ethan are faced with the separation of their house from the GP, a series of vampire murders, Merit's initiation into the Red Guard,and their own continuing relationship. Some series start to get stale after so many books, but I am happy to say this one hasn't. I almost gave up on this series a few books back when the ending, well, for those of you who have read them all, you know what I mean, but I didn't and I am glad.
Good addition to the series - transition book for Cadogan House.
I love how independent Merit is. She doesn't anyone control her. I love these books Merit is someone I would love to be. I can't stop reading them.