Reviews

Devouring Darkness by Chloe Neill

theeniemartinko's review against another edition

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4.0

This book rocked my socks off. The usual Chloe Neill formula of problem, mystery, problem solving but with little more spice from our favorite hot shifter hot vampire couple. I laughed out loud multiple times and got a bit emotional at some points too. Can’t wait til Nov 14 for the final book to wrap this series up.

exlibris42's review

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adventurous challenging emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

4.5

saradi's review

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adventurous funny hopeful tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

amym84's review against another edition

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4.0

The newest Chicago area Ombuds office member, Elisa Sullivan, is out on the job to aid an informant whose identity has been discovered when she inadvertently activates a spell designed to protect the city from an ancient foe. With the enemy now on the loose, and causing chaos in their wake, Elisa and Co will have to dig deep into Chicago's past to try to discover how to save its future.

I've really enjoyed this spinoff series, Chloe Neill has done a great job in keeping with the same feeling that started in the first series but still making this series and characters its own entity. Devouring Darkness definitely makes a big comment on how separate the OG characters are from the newer ones (you'll understand once you read it) and rightfully so as you cannot only rely on where you came from but have to forge your own path which is something Elisa has certainly done.

One huge thing is the Elisa and Connor relationship. I love how their story has its own path and we didn't get a rehash of Merit and Ethan. It's difficult to have a couple pair off in the first book in the series because a lot of times the slow-burn makes for such a great read, but I think it pays off in seeing a couple navigate a relationship - and all its ups and downs - from the beginning. It's not always easy for Elisa and Connor, but seeing them work through whatever is thrown their way is the best kind of romance read.

With a setting like Chicago, I love the history. I like excavating through the past and the time that came before, we get a bit of that within Devouring Darkness, but I could always use more.

Of all the books in the series thus far, this one feels the most like the bridge book. By that I mean a book that by itself doesn't outwardly move a lot, but leads you into the next book or the next arc of the series. Because of everything that happened, I still felt like there's so much more to come, so much that's been started/opened in this book that wasn't completely dealt with. This isn't a bad thing, I'm super excited to see what Chloe Neill has next for us and the book still had plenty of exciting moments, but I'm left thinking more about the possibilities of what's to come than what just transpired.

Overall, another good entry in the series, I love where the story has come from and can't wait to see where it goes next!

amym84's review against another edition

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4.0

The newest Chicago area Ombuds office member, Elisa Sullivan, is out on the job to aid an informant whose identity has been discovered when she inadvertently activates a spell designed to protect the city from an ancient foe. With the enemy now on the loose, and causing chaos in their wake, Elisa and Co will have to dig deep into Chicago's past to try to discover how to save its future.

I've really enjoyed this spinoff series, Chloe Neill has done a great job in keeping with the same feeling that started in the first series but still making this series and characters its own entity. Devouring Darkness definitely makes a big comment on how separate the OG characters are from the newer ones (you'll understand once you read it) and rightfully so as you cannot only rely on where you came from but have to forge your own path which is something Elisa has certainly done.

One huge thing is the Elisa and Connor relationship. I love how their story has its own path and we didn't get a rehash of Merit and Ethan. It's difficult to have a couple pair off in the first book in the series because a lot of times the slow-burn makes for such a great read, but I think it pays off in seeing a couple navigate a relationship - and all its ups and downs - from the beginning. It's not always easy for Elisa and Connor, but seeing them work through whatever is thrown their way is the best kind of romance read.

With a setting like Chicago, I love the history. I like excavating through the past and the time that came before, we get a bit of that within Devouring Darkness, but I could always use more.

Of all the books in the series thus far, this one feels the most like the bridge book. By that I mean a book that by itself doesn't outwardly move a lot, but leads you into the next book or the next arc of the series. Because of everything that happened, I still felt like there's so much more to come, so much that's been started/opened in this book that wasn't completely dealt with. This isn't a bad thing, I'm super excited to see what Chloe Neill has next for us and the book still had plenty of exciting moments, but I'm left thinking more about the possibilities of what's to come than what just transpired.

Overall, another good entry in the series, I love where the story has come from and can't wait to see where it goes next!

*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

ebright1121's review against another edition

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4.0

#netgalleyarc SO GOOD! I almost gave this book 5 stars but there were a few slow moments that kept me to a 4, really a 4.5. Dare I say I’m loving this series more than the original one? I think I might be. I love the variety of characters in this series and loved the teamwork in this book. Not something I see my students enjoying but I loved it.

leabookjoy's review against another edition

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4.0

French & English reviews

Un tome que j'ai lu avec plaisir =)

Pour ce livre, nos héros se retrouvent face à un démon mais surtout tout s'accélère à Chicago !! Et j'avoue que j'ai bien aimé l'ambiance "stressante" de ce tome avec les enjeux énormes mais aussi les révélations (notamment sur Lulu mais aussi sur le lien entre le "monstre" et l'épée !) et bien sûr l'évolution du couple Elisa / Connor (je les aime tellement ensemble !! Et j'ai hâte de voir comment ça va se passer pour eux pour la suite !)

Le seul défaut (mais c'est personnel) c'est que je n'aime pas Lulu ... J'avais le même souci avec Mallory que je trouvais inutile et j'avoue j'ai un peu la même impression avec Lulu ><

Bref, un tome qui se dévore trop vite et qui ravira les fans de la série

PS : CET EPILOGUE !!!! Jonathaaaaan >< Déçue mais j'ai TROP hâte du coup d'avoir le prochain tome x)

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*


A book that I read with pleasure =)

For this book, our heroes find themselves facing a demon but above all everything is accelerating in Chicago !! And I have to admit that I really liked the "stressful" atmosphere of this book with the enormous stakes but also the revelations (especially on Lulu but also on the link between the "monster" and the sword !) and of course the evolution of the Elisa / Connor couple (I love them so much together !! And I can't wait to see how it will go for them in the future !)

The only flaw (but it's personal) is that I don't like Lulu ... I had the same problem with Mallory whom I found useless and I have a bit the same impression with Lulu ><

In short, a book I read too quickly and which will delight fans of the series

PS: THIS EPILOGUE !!!! Jonathaaaaan >< Disappointed but I can't wait for the next book x)

hookedbythatbook's review against another edition

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4.0



I just love Elisa and Connor, and Devouring Darkness does an excellent job bringing them together to fight evil, but also showcasing their unique differences.

Elisa Sullivan and her ombudsman partner, Theo, is sent to rescue a woman from a nearby town. Everything runs fairly smoothly until they enter Chicago, triggering a defense mechanism designed to keep a specific chaos demon out. Elisa and her team are now in a desperate race to identify and contain the demon.

I really like Elisa’s ombuds team so much. They are interesting, diverse characters that fill out the story, in addition to providing valuable backup and support. Elisa’s friendship with Lulu has plenty of parallels to their mothers’ friendship. Lulu gets a chance to shine and make some important decisions for herself.

Elisa and Connor’s steadfastness and trust in each other carry the plot and solidifies my belief, as the reader, that they will prevail, no matter what. Connor’s story takes an interesting turn and I really look forward to seeing how Elisa and Connor will deal with all the obstacles in their way.

The demon is a proper scary and powerful adversary. Unpredictable too, you never know what chaos is going to happen next.

The action and suspense pick up pace a bit later in the book, and then it’s nail-biting time until the end. Cliffhanger endings are so frustrating and this one is a doozy. I am now impatiently waiting for the next book.

This is book four in the Heirs of Chicagoland series. I think it’s best to start with book one, as there are relationships and other situations that change and develop over time. It will be worth it to start with the Chicagoland Vampires series that chronicles the story of Elisa’s and Connor’s parents.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

ceng1018's review

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adventurous challenging informative mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Next story builds up to the final story of Connor and Elise. I was surprised at the Epilogue and intrigued to get started on next book.

vikcs's review

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adventurous mysterious relaxing fast-paced

4.25