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3.99 AVERAGE
3.99 AVERAGE
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
"Is it just me, or is there always vampire drama to attend to?"
My favorite book of the series thus far. I found the tidbits on Merit's past interesting and she continues to fascinate me with her badassery and food obsession.
My favorite book of the series thus far. I found the tidbits on Merit's past interesting and she continues to fascinate me with her badassery and food obsession.
Spoiler
I've been so tough on Ethan but came to adore him completely in this installment. He handled the entire RG saga better than expected. I really enjoyed getting to finally see Merit and Ethan as a couple.
Live updates from the reread: take a drink every time a character is described as lithe.
4/5.
At this point in the series, Neill has a well established cast of characters, setting and storyline. After the wild events of the previous two books, and the closing of the Tate arc, this book explores a mystery closer to home whilst dealing with a recurring issue that is the GP (Greenwich Presidium).
I love the continuation of the tension between Cadogan and the GP. I also like that it took a forefront in this novel rather than being a subplot. There was a lot to unpack there and I wish more time had been spent to expand, particularly on why one of Cadogans allies turned on the for the GP. I understand, somewhat, the motivation, but seeing as the thing they wanted back was a gift to Cadogan in the first place, I wish that was explained more. If you read this, you'll understand. If not, I'm being vague to keep the spoilers at bay! It's a good twist!
Like the other books, the story is well told, the characters are brilliantly done and the conflicts that arise between Merit and Lacey, specifically, are entertaining and keep things interesting.
I love Ethan and Merits relationship. I love how it's tested in this book. One thing I don't like is how possessive Ethan is. Overall in most situations he is pretty calm with her, especially after he was resurrected, he has changed quite a bit and I've loved seeing that character growth. But when he and Merit are alone his possessive side comes out and it's supposed to come off as sexy but it falls flat. It comes across as too demanding, especially since Merit is supposed to be this independent, strong female. Maybe is she put up more of a fight or had more banter, or was possessive right back it could work, but she doesn't. She basically just melts right into it and it comes off as sloppy writing and insincere to Merits overall persona.
Even with my qualms of Ethans possessiveness, there were times it caused for funny moments and banter between other characters. I am also happy to see growth in Mallory's character and how she's fairing after the black magic events. Another plus is now that the supernaturals have been introduced they assimilate naturally into the book and unlike Gabriel and Jeff's appearance in the previous book, they don't feel like plot devices in this one.
However, there were some serious problems with the writing and I think most of the issues come from the editing side. First off, every single character was described as lithe. Do they not know about synonyms? The amount it was used could truly be turned into a drinking game. It was infuriating. Another thing I noticed here and there was certain events from prior books were confused. I get the editors/publishers want a small descriptor that gives a little backstory for a reader that is just picking up the series in book 7, but if the references aren't even going to be correct, then maybe it's best to leave it out entirely. I give examples of two instances in this book were the backstory was changed or confused, they do contain spoilers so if you haven't read the previous books, beware. These examples are at the end of my review, right below a second spoiler warning for book 3.
Overall, I think this was another strong installment. Other than the issues of incorrect recalls from the previous books and the possessiveness of Ethan that can be bothersome, the overall story and characters are enjoyable. I laughed a few times, felt a myriad of emotions and isn't that what a book is supposed to do? This series is a brilliant example of escapism and I love picking up one of these books and being drawn into the drama and politics of the Chicagoland Vampires.
Spoilers for book 3 below.
For example, there was a scene where Merit was introduced to another Keene brother, but in hopes to explain some backstory about the Keene family, the situation with Adam was referenced. However, this book stated Adam was turned over to the CPD. That is incorrect, as it was stated in numerous previous books that Adam was handed over to the Alaskan pack since he killed THEIR alpha.
You might say, Sam, that's clearly a small miscommunication in the editing, it's not a big deal. The problem is, this miscommunication with past events happen multiple times throughout the book. Including a confusion of the RG and GP. I get it, too many acronyms get confusing. At the same time, this not only pulls the reader out of the story because it doesn't make sense, its sloppy. And because of these errors, and multitudes of them throughout the book, I lowered my rating to a 4.
4/5.
At this point in the series, Neill has a well established cast of characters, setting and storyline. After the wild events of the previous two books, and the closing of the Tate arc, this book explores a mystery closer to home whilst dealing with a recurring issue that is the GP (Greenwich Presidium).
I love the continuation of the tension between Cadogan and the GP. I also like that it took a forefront in this novel rather than being a subplot. There was a lot to unpack there and I wish more time had been spent to expand, particularly on why one of Cadogans allies turned on the for the GP. I understand, somewhat, the motivation, but seeing as the thing they wanted back was a gift to Cadogan in the first place, I wish that was explained more. If you read this, you'll understand. If not, I'm being vague to keep the spoilers at bay! It's a good twist!
Like the other books, the story is well told, the characters are brilliantly done and the conflicts that arise between Merit and Lacey, specifically, are entertaining and keep things interesting.
I love Ethan and Merits relationship. I love how it's tested in this book. One thing I don't like is how possessive Ethan is. Overall in most situations he is pretty calm with her, especially after he was resurrected, he has changed quite a bit and I've loved seeing that character growth. But when he and Merit are alone his possessive side comes out and it's supposed to come off as sexy but it falls flat. It comes across as too demanding, especially since Merit is supposed to be this independent, strong female. Maybe is she put up more of a fight or had more banter, or was possessive right back it could work, but she doesn't. She basically just melts right into it and it comes off as sloppy writing and insincere to Merits overall persona.
Even with my qualms of Ethans possessiveness, there were times it caused for funny moments and banter between other characters. I am also happy to see growth in Mallory's character and how she's fairing after the black magic events. Another plus is now that the supernaturals have been introduced they assimilate naturally into the book and unlike Gabriel and Jeff's appearance in the previous book, they don't feel like plot devices in this one.
However, there were some serious problems with the writing and I think most of the issues come from the editing side. First off, every single character was described as lithe. Do they not know about synonyms? The amount it was used could truly be turned into a drinking game. It was infuriating. Another thing I noticed here and there was certain events from prior books were confused. I get the editors/publishers want a small descriptor that gives a little backstory for a reader that is just picking up the series in book 7, but if the references aren't even going to be correct, then maybe it's best to leave it out entirely. I give examples of two instances in this book were the backstory was changed or confused, they do contain spoilers so if you haven't read the previous books, beware. These examples are at the end of my review, right below a second spoiler warning for book 3.
Overall, I think this was another strong installment. Other than the issues of incorrect recalls from the previous books and the possessiveness of Ethan that can be bothersome, the overall story and characters are enjoyable. I laughed a few times, felt a myriad of emotions and isn't that what a book is supposed to do? This series is a brilliant example of escapism and I love picking up one of these books and being drawn into the drama and politics of the Chicagoland Vampires.
Spoilers for book 3 below.
For example, there was a scene where Merit was introduced to another Keene brother, but in hopes to explain some backstory about the Keene family, the situation with Adam was referenced. However, this book stated Adam was turned over to the CPD. That is incorrect, as it was stated in numerous previous books that Adam was handed over to the Alaskan pack since he killed THEIR alpha.
You might say, Sam, that's clearly a small miscommunication in the editing, it's not a big deal. The problem is, this miscommunication with past events happen multiple times throughout the book. Including a confusion of the RG and GP. I get it, too many acronyms get confusing. At the same time, this not only pulls the reader out of the story because it doesn't make sense, its sloppy. And because of these errors, and multitudes of them throughout the book, I lowered my rating to a 4.
I find it so unfair that Merit is always the one suffering in her relationship with Ethan. If she hadn't saved the House, I wonder how long it would've taken before Ethan forgave her. Although I did love some scenes with Ethan (like the library pickup/fantasy and the sparring with Jonah).
McKetrick and the mayor can really trigger a person to murdering rage. I bet there's more trouble from them in the next books.
Merit has proven herself again in this book. She basically saved the day, both with the House crisis and the murders.
Halfway through the series and it still has me in its clutches. Picking up the next book ASAP.
McKetrick and the mayor can really trigger a person to murdering rage. I bet there's more trouble from them in the next books.
Merit has proven herself again in this book. She basically saved the day, both with the House crisis and the murders.
Halfway through the series and it still has me in its clutches. Picking up the next book ASAP.
As all Chicagoland Vampire books have been this one was wonderful! I had the perfect mix of intrigue anguish, hope, happiness, and victory! I am still team Jonah, just because he isn't so prone to annoying egotism as Ethan, but I am oh so very very happy to have more of them both in this book. Also knowing there will most likely be more Jonah in the future is awesome!!!
This book was awesome. Everyone is back and better. Lacey is bitch. If she really love Ethan, then why did she say something before she left the house? or better yet, let him be happy with the woman he loves. I hope we never see her again.
After the last few books being hit and miss some more than other I was nervous starting this book. But also a little annoyed.
I have to say this book was better than the last few and we finally getting some answers but not all of course.
Merit and Ethan are back together, more or less, but of course not everything is rainbows and sunshine for them. That was partly because of Ethan AGAIN. Ugh I’m getting really frustrated with his character. I like him and I don’t like him at the same time. I really want to love him but he makes that difficult with acting like a freaking pouting teenage girl at times.
Anyways, back to this book. We have a lot going on.
The house is spreading for the GP, but there are still so many things that can go wrong and of course go wrong, because the GP is a bag of dicks and wouldn’t just let them go. No they do everything they can to bring the house down once and for all. They go as far as trying to start a war between the house and other sups. Luckily and thanks to Merit they have other allies that are willing to help as much as they can without being caught in the middle.
Vampires are being killed and the hunt is on for the killer, but as usual and gas lots of twists.
You can find my full review here:
http://snoopydoosbookreviews.com/house-rules-chicagoland-vampires-7-by-chloe-neill/
I have to say this book was better than the last few and we finally getting some answers but not all of course.
Merit and Ethan are back together, more or less, but of course not everything is rainbows and sunshine for them. That was partly because of Ethan AGAIN. Ugh I’m getting really frustrated with his character. I like him and I don’t like him at the same time. I really want to love him but he makes that difficult with acting like a freaking pouting teenage girl at times.
Anyways, back to this book. We have a lot going on.
The house is spreading for the GP, but there are still so many things that can go wrong and of course go wrong, because the GP is a bag of dicks and wouldn’t just let them go. No they do everything they can to bring the house down once and for all. They go as far as trying to start a war between the house and other sups. Luckily and thanks to Merit they have other allies that are willing to help as much as they can without being caught in the middle.
Vampires are being killed and the hunt is on for the killer, but as usual and gas lots of twists.
You can find my full review here:
http://snoopydoosbookreviews.com/house-rules-chicagoland-vampires-7-by-chloe-neill/
Seventh in the Chicagoland Vampires urban fantasy series. In my opinion, this is written to an early teen audience.
My Take
This series started out so well. And book by book, it's falling into an abyss---no disrespect intended to teens. My first inclination was to agree with earlier reviewers that Neill is allowing her most vocal audience to dictate the writing. My next thought was to not allow others to dictate what I was thinking. I struggled. Neill simply kept providing the ammunition that made me want to put this into a Young Adult category. That isn't fair to young adults because they're so much more intelligent than this.
Neill is riding the positive waves of the much earlier stories in this series, and her readers are purchasing her books because of that earlier promise. I can understand wanting to know what happens with the GP. How Cadogan House survives. Or not. But don't bother buying this installment to find out. Get on a waiting list at the library. Your money is more valuable than wasting it on this.
The negatives? Oh, let me count the ways. Merit and Ethan's interactions before and after the betrayal, the way in which they act apart are at a maturity level somewhere between middle school and high school. Puh-lease, Ethan's reaction when he learns Merit's deep dark secret is so lame. He's so supposed to be so white-hot as a strategist, and he can't grasp the usefulness of what Merit chose? Neill has portrayed him---in the past---as more intelligent than this. Merit is terrified that Lacey is gonna spill the beans. What beans?? Hullo, she's investigating a murder and Jonah is a source. Spin it, ya idjit. What? Neill couldn't be bothered to work at this?? All her teeny-bopper advisers couldn't see past their middle school angst?
Oh, please, what is the big deal about a dance in front of Cadogan House vamps and Rogues? Merit's impatience with the doorman. I understand her frustration, but her approach is awkward and heavy-handed.
Oh, no!! I just realized what Neill forgot!! Oh, tragedy...gag...she missed out on putting in a hair-pulling scene between Lacey and Merit. I mean, that is the level to which Neill has sunk. I don't understand why Merit falls for Lacey's words. How old is Merit again? Fifteen? Oh, wait, she's in her late twenties. I just keep forgetting…
People are murdered, an item of value is stolen and what's their reaction? They mope. Not until the last minute does anyone think hmmm, maybe we should check the video surveillance. Navarre House uses biometrics. Does anyone think to check the House database to see who is registered? Or how the biometrics register? No. They mope. Until the last minute. God knows ya gotta dredge up the drama from somewhere. I have to admit, I skimmed chunks of the text as I was too nauseated and in too much of a hurry to get it over with. Thank you god that I borrowed this claptrap from the library.
When investigating the first pair of murders and Merit finds the evidence that could point to McKetrick, whatcha gonna do? Yup, dive right into assuming it must be McKetrick and then beard the idiot in his den. What purpose does that serve? It was a lame, immature move. On the other hand, I gotta hand it to Neill for consistency.
Part of my irritation is the lack of action. All these events are happening and mostly everyone sits around moping and whining. Neill spends more time on silly nicknames and whiny arguments than actual detecting.
There is a nice bit of backstory about Peter Cadogan and the fairy princess he fell in love with. It explains the value of the egg.
What was with the scene at Navarre House when Ethan throws down the owe-me card? I keep reading that one over and over, and without going back and re-reading the previous six books, I'm clueless. I can see Ethan's point in the now, when the other two Houses aren't stepping up to help, but the reference to the past is beyond me.
Someone explain to me why one would send one's butler a birthday card? Merit's father is a major jerk. Ethan refused, so he paid Celina to turn his own daughter into a vampire. Because the first daughter named Caroline Evelyn Merit died. This Merit is the replacement and he didn't want her to die. Oh, yeah, that's what I'd do… Who is this guy? Does his wife, Merit's mother, have any idea what he did? And he has the nerve to tell Merit that she's selfish for having wanted to have a say in her new life??
Well that meeting with the GP mole went well. All that set-up to hear the same thing Merit's already heard.
The Story
This is it. The end. Unless Cadogan House buckles under to the Greenwich Presidium's authority. The GP is an underhanded bunch, supreme in their belief that they are in the right. But then the Cadogan vampires can, eventually, outthink those who are caught up in the old way of thinking.
The Characters
Merit is Sentinel for Cadogan House. She holds a master's degree and was going for her doctorate when she was forcibly turned into a vampire. So, she's obviously at least book smart, if nothing else. Since Ethan Sullivan came back from the dead, he is operating as a co-Master of the House until they do a formal handover.
Malik is the current Master and can't wait to hand it back to Ethan; Aaliyah is his wife. Delia is a doctor friend of Aaliyah's. Luc is the former captain of Cadogan's guards, the current Second, and Lindsey's lover. Kelley is filling in as captain while Luc is playing Second. Margot is still the House cook. Paige Martin is a sorceress Merit and Ethan met in Biting Cold who adores a good library...and it seems the Cadogan librarian. Michael Donovan is a vampire security analyst hired to vamp up the House's security. Helen is still the concierge for the House.
Lacey Sheridan was sired by Ethan and is still in love with him. She's coming to Chicago to suck up to Darius, hopefully, to deter him from being too nasty to the Cadogans. She is master of Sheridan House in San Diego.
Noah Beck, sort of, leads the Rogues in Chicago; he's also part of the Red Guard (RG). Rose is both Eve's and Noah's Rogue friend. Alan and Beth and Eve and Oliver are Rogue couples. Morgan Greer is the current Master of Navarre and Nadia is his Second; Scott Grey leads Grey House. Jonah is captain of the Grey House guards and is secretly Merit's partner in the RG. Horace is another member, a Civil War veteran who still dresses in the era in which he began.
Merit's grandfather, Chuck Merit, may be fired officially as the Ombudsman, but he's set up an unofficial office in his home. His staff simply followed him there: Jeff Christopher is a tiger shifter and does the computer magic. Catcher Bell is a disavowed sorcerer and Mallory's maybe boyfriend. Mallory has a lot of kissing up to do. Marjorie is his admin. Detective Jacobs is a friend of Chuck's.
Mallory Carmichael is a sorceress who went bad; she was Merit's best friend until she betrayed her and all of Chicago. She's currently under a sort of house arrest working for the Chicago shifters at Berna's bar, Little Red. Gabriel Keene is "the head of the Apex of the North American Central Pack of shifters" and only willing to go so far in backing up Ethan. Fallon is Gabriel's sister, and she's in a relationship, sometimes, with Jeff. Other siblings include Ben, Christopher, and Derek---Adam was ousted for his efforts.
Diane Kowalcyzk is Chicago's new clueless mayor, who hates vampires. Enough to appoint the murderous McKetrick to an official post as head liaison in the Office of Human Liaisons---to protect humans hurt by supernaturals. Because obviously, all supernaturals are evil. Joshua is Merit's father---we'll assume Merit's mom has a name, she just doesn't seem to merit being mentioned by it; Robert and Charlotte are her siblings. Carlos Anthony Martinez was a naughty vampire who stepped outside his bounds; one whom Celine, the bad Master of Navarre, sired. Stephen Caniglia is one of the vampires Carlos sired.
Darius West leads the Greenwich Presidium (GP), which is the central authority for all vampire Houses. GP members who arrive in Chicago with him include Harold Monmouth, Danica, Diego Castillo (represents Mexico), and Lakshmi Rao. Rogue vampires are those not affiliated with a House. The Red Guard is a secret organization of vampires who vow to protect against the GP and bad Masters. There are twelve Houses: Navarre*, McDonald, Cabot, Cadogan*, Taylor, Lincoln, Washington, Heart, Lassiter, Grey*, Murphy, and Sheridan.
* Houses located in Chicago.
The Cover
The cover is dark in shades of black and gray with Merit clad in black leather pants and a red tank top, standing with her back to us as she holds open the door to Cadogan House, glancing back over her shoulder in question, her katana held down by her side.
The title can be interpreted in several ways, and my first impression when I heard it was of the rules by which the GP and Cadogan House abided. After reading it, I'd say that it's a triumph and, dude! Cadogan House RULES.
My Take
This series started out so well. And book by book, it's falling into an abyss---no disrespect intended to teens. My first inclination was to agree with earlier reviewers that Neill is allowing her most vocal audience to dictate the writing. My next thought was to not allow others to dictate what I was thinking. I struggled. Neill simply kept providing the ammunition that made me want to put this into a Young Adult category. That isn't fair to young adults because they're so much more intelligent than this.
Neill is riding the positive waves of the much earlier stories in this series, and her readers are purchasing her books because of that earlier promise. I can understand wanting to know what happens with the GP. How Cadogan House survives. Or not. But don't bother buying this installment to find out. Get on a waiting list at the library. Your money is more valuable than wasting it on this.
The negatives? Oh, let me count the ways. Merit and Ethan's interactions before and after the betrayal, the way in which they act apart are at a maturity level somewhere between middle school and high school. Puh-lease, Ethan's reaction when he learns Merit's deep dark secret is so lame. He's so supposed to be so white-hot as a strategist, and he can't grasp the usefulness of what Merit chose? Neill has portrayed him---in the past---as more intelligent than this. Merit is terrified that Lacey is gonna spill the beans. What beans?? Hullo, she's investigating a murder and Jonah is a source. Spin it, ya idjit. What? Neill couldn't be bothered to work at this?? All her teeny-bopper advisers couldn't see past their middle school angst?
Oh, please, what is the big deal about a dance in front of Cadogan House vamps and Rogues? Merit's impatience with the doorman. I understand her frustration, but her approach is awkward and heavy-handed.
Oh, no!! I just realized what Neill forgot!! Oh, tragedy...gag...she missed out on putting in a hair-pulling scene between Lacey and Merit. I mean, that is the level to which Neill has sunk. I don't understand why Merit falls for Lacey's words. How old is Merit again? Fifteen? Oh, wait, she's in her late twenties. I just keep forgetting…
Spoiler
People are murdered, an item of value is stolen and what's their reaction? They mope. Not until the last minute does anyone think hmmm, maybe we should check the video surveillance. Navarre House uses biometrics. Does anyone think to check the House database to see who is registered? Or how the biometrics register? No. They mope. Until the last minute. God knows ya gotta dredge up the drama from somewhere. I have to admit, I skimmed chunks of the text as I was too nauseated and in too much of a hurry to get it over with. Thank you god that I borrowed this claptrap from the library.
When investigating the first pair of murders and Merit finds the evidence that could point to McKetrick, whatcha gonna do? Yup, dive right into assuming it must be McKetrick and then beard the idiot in his den. What purpose does that serve? It was a lame, immature move. On the other hand, I gotta hand it to Neill for consistency.
Part of my irritation is the lack of action. All these events are happening and mostly everyone sits around moping and whining. Neill spends more time on silly nicknames and whiny arguments than actual detecting.
There is a nice bit of backstory about Peter Cadogan and the fairy princess he fell in love with. It explains the value of the egg.
What was with the scene at Navarre House when Ethan throws down the owe-me card? I keep reading that one over and over, and without going back and re-reading the previous six books, I'm clueless. I can see Ethan's point in the now, when the other two Houses aren't stepping up to help, but the reference to the past is beyond me.
Someone explain to me why one would send one's butler a birthday card? Merit's father is a major jerk. Ethan refused, so he paid Celina to turn his own daughter into a vampire. Because the first daughter named Caroline Evelyn Merit died. This Merit is the replacement and he didn't want her to die. Oh, yeah, that's what I'd do… Who is this guy? Does his wife, Merit's mother, have any idea what he did? And he has the nerve to tell Merit that she's selfish for having wanted to have a say in her new life??
Well that meeting with the GP mole went well. All that set-up to hear the same thing Merit's already heard.
The Story
This is it. The end. Unless Cadogan House buckles under to the Greenwich Presidium's authority. The GP is an underhanded bunch, supreme in their belief that they are in the right. But then the Cadogan vampires can, eventually, outthink those who are caught up in the old way of thinking.
The Characters
Merit is Sentinel for Cadogan House. She holds a master's degree and was going for her doctorate when she was forcibly turned into a vampire. So, she's obviously at least book smart, if nothing else. Since Ethan Sullivan came back from the dead, he is operating as a co-Master of the House until they do a formal handover.
Malik is the current Master and can't wait to hand it back to Ethan; Aaliyah is his wife. Delia is a doctor friend of Aaliyah's. Luc is the former captain of Cadogan's guards, the current Second, and Lindsey's lover. Kelley is filling in as captain while Luc is playing Second. Margot is still the House cook. Paige Martin is a sorceress Merit and Ethan met in Biting Cold who adores a good library...and it seems the Cadogan librarian. Michael Donovan is a vampire security analyst hired to vamp up the House's security. Helen is still the concierge for the House.
Lacey Sheridan was sired by Ethan and is still in love with him. She's coming to Chicago to suck up to Darius, hopefully, to deter him from being too nasty to the Cadogans. She is master of Sheridan House in San Diego.
Noah Beck, sort of, leads the Rogues in Chicago; he's also part of the Red Guard (RG). Rose is both Eve's and Noah's Rogue friend. Alan and Beth and Eve and Oliver are Rogue couples. Morgan Greer is the current Master of Navarre and Nadia is his Second; Scott Grey leads Grey House. Jonah is captain of the Grey House guards and is secretly Merit's partner in the RG. Horace is another member, a Civil War veteran who still dresses in the era in which he began.
Merit's grandfather, Chuck Merit, may be fired officially as the Ombudsman, but he's set up an unofficial office in his home. His staff simply followed him there: Jeff Christopher is a tiger shifter and does the computer magic. Catcher Bell is a disavowed sorcerer and Mallory's maybe boyfriend. Mallory has a lot of kissing up to do. Marjorie is his admin. Detective Jacobs is a friend of Chuck's.
Mallory Carmichael is a sorceress who went bad; she was Merit's best friend until she betrayed her and all of Chicago. She's currently under a sort of house arrest working for the Chicago shifters at Berna's bar, Little Red. Gabriel Keene is "the head of the Apex of the North American Central Pack of shifters" and only willing to go so far in backing up Ethan. Fallon is Gabriel's sister, and she's in a relationship, sometimes, with Jeff. Other siblings include Ben, Christopher, and Derek---Adam was ousted for his efforts.
Diane Kowalcyzk is Chicago's new clueless mayor, who hates vampires. Enough to appoint the murderous McKetrick to an official post as head liaison in the Office of Human Liaisons---to protect humans hurt by supernaturals. Because obviously, all supernaturals are evil. Joshua is Merit's father---we'll assume Merit's mom has a name, she just doesn't seem to merit being mentioned by it; Robert and Charlotte are her siblings. Carlos Anthony Martinez was a naughty vampire who stepped outside his bounds; one whom Celine, the bad Master of Navarre, sired. Stephen Caniglia is one of the vampires Carlos sired.
Darius West leads the Greenwich Presidium (GP), which is the central authority for all vampire Houses. GP members who arrive in Chicago with him include Harold Monmouth, Danica, Diego Castillo (represents Mexico), and Lakshmi Rao. Rogue vampires are those not affiliated with a House. The Red Guard is a secret organization of vampires who vow to protect against the GP and bad Masters. There are twelve Houses: Navarre*, McDonald, Cabot, Cadogan*, Taylor, Lincoln, Washington, Heart, Lassiter, Grey*, Murphy, and Sheridan.
* Houses located in Chicago.
The Cover
The cover is dark in shades of black and gray with Merit clad in black leather pants and a red tank top, standing with her back to us as she holds open the door to Cadogan House, glancing back over her shoulder in question, her katana held down by her side.
The title can be interpreted in several ways, and my first impression when I heard it was of the rules by which the GP and Cadogan House abided. After reading it, I'd say that it's a triumph and, dude! Cadogan House RULES.
2.5 stars-** Spoiler** Oh I am so close to quitting this series. I get very little excitement or joy out of it anymore. It just falls flat for me. No, not just flat it pissed me off.
The first 40 % of the book was dull, political babble. Ethan and Merit had a few moments of love but it was just, meh. There was a weirdly placed murder that got me away from the house drama. Why was it weird ? Well, major developments are happening, the house is going under and another house comes to them for help before they really try to help themselves ? I didn't get that.
I was so grateful when I made it to 60 %, Merit was sneaking off, playing Sherlock, and being a green eyed girlfriend. At least things were happening. Then it all went to the toilet, with a major flush. Ethan,(aka) Mr. Wishy-Washy, turned on a dime and betrayed her/their "love" by being a complete jerk. He ignored, he talked down to her, he stayed out all night, he turned on her in public, he doubted her without a conversation. (This is not the kind of man I call sexy) What did she do about it, she took it. When he was over his hissy fit she opened her arms and said it was ok.?!?!?! No, this is not the first time he has turned on her. Really ? What is this ? She used to have one hell of a backbone, when did it wither.
Best part Jeff- he was awesome. ^-^
The first 40 % of the book was dull, political babble. Ethan and Merit had a few moments of love but it was just, meh. There was a weirdly placed murder that got me away from the house drama. Why was it weird ? Well, major developments are happening, the house is going under and another house comes to them for help before they really try to help themselves ? I didn't get that.
I was so grateful when I made it to 60 %, Merit was sneaking off, playing Sherlock, and being a green eyed girlfriend. At least things were happening. Then it all went to the toilet, with a major flush. Ethan,(aka) Mr. Wishy-Washy, turned on a dime and betrayed her/their "love" by being a complete jerk. He ignored, he talked down to her, he stayed out all night, he turned on her in public, he doubted her without a conversation. (This is not the kind of man I call sexy) What did she do about it, she took it. When he was over his hissy fit she opened her arms and said it was ok.?!?!?! No, this is not the first time he has turned on her. Really ? What is this ? She used to have one hell of a backbone, when did it wither.
Best part Jeff- he was awesome. ^-^
Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaat. I must say, I am very impressed. Normally after so many books in a series, things tend to get boring and repetitive but oh my lord. I am LOVING this series!!!