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3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
This book was better than the last one, but I thought that the ending was almost as bad as Ethan dying!! What about Jonah? And what about Merit's grief? The chase after Tate, the nymphs, and other supernaturals were a total goose-chase, and really, it made my reading experience less good!
I am not at all a happy camper! The first three books were amazing, but then, the next two really weren't.
I can still not understand WHY Ethan had to die at the end of the last book. And yes, it was good to see that Merit could do things on her own, but then again, she had Jonah as her new partner, and they were able to help each other out. Jonah is a stand-up, yummy vampire, and he deserves to be number one in someone's life! Merit obviously won't be able to give him that.
I can't say I'm not disappointed... There were a lot of different ways this same story could have unfolded - without some of the really bad drama that happened.
Spoiler
And it was truly predictable that Mallory was behind the black magic in Chicago... I don't see why Merit and Catcher didn't realize this a lot sooner. Merit had a better excuse than Catcher though, having to deal with Frank and his stupid rules for trying to dissolve Cadogan House.I am not at all a happy camper! The first three books were amazing, but then, the next two really weren't.
I can still not understand WHY Ethan had to die at the end of the last book.
Spoiler
And it was a stupid way to make him 'come back' it made a lot of things happening seem like plot devices - not really necessary for the story to move forward!Spoiler
Also, I totally abhorr love-triangles! And I don't see how there won't be one in the coming books! Jonah is in love with Merit, and Merit obviously has feelings for him! And they do have a connection. However, with Ethan back, of course Merit will be with him.I can't say I'm not disappointed... There were a lot of different ways this same story could have unfolded - without some of the really bad drama that happened.
Drink Deep
4 Stars
This installment is a mixed bag. On the one hand, the plot is predictable but it is nevertheless entertaining with some compelling symbolism and interesting character development. On the other hand, the juvenile dialogue and immature behavior still grates on the nerves and Merit really needs to be more kick-ass.
The story revolves around Merit's investigation into several supernatural disasters and the ultimate explanation, while obvious to anyone paying attention, is nonetheless a very brave choice by the author and one that appealed to me considering that.
In terms of the characters, Merit finally seems to come into her own as an individual now that Ethan is no longer in the picture. That isn't to say that Ethan wasn't missed and that his didn't have my heart going pitter-pat. Jonah makes a very swoon-worthy new partner to Merit but it is obvious that he is competing against Ethan's memory for most of the book and now that , as such, I tried really hard not to get too attached. Catcher and Mallory are their usual obnoxious selves and Merit seriously needs to put them both in their place. The most disappointing character, however, is Malik who demonstrates absolutely no leadership skills and allows the slimy GP representative to walk all over the vampires he is supposed to protect.
The best aspects of the book are the introduction of various new magical species such as the nymphs, the Siren and the fae, the historical background on the conflict between the vampires and the Order as well as the symbolism surrounding the elemental struggle between good and evil. These all work together to form a solid foundation for something new and exciting, and I look forward to seeing where Neill takes this story arc.
4 Stars
This installment is a mixed bag. On the one hand, the plot is predictable but it is nevertheless entertaining with some compelling symbolism and interesting character development. On the other hand, the juvenile dialogue and immature behavior still grates on the nerves and Merit really needs to be more kick-ass.
The story revolves around Merit's investigation into several supernatural disasters and the ultimate explanation, while obvious to anyone paying attention, is nonetheless a very brave choice by the author and one that appealed to me considering that
Spoiler
I have never particularly liked Mallory and at least this makes her character somewhat interestingIn terms of the characters, Merit finally seems to come into her own as an individual now that Ethan is no longer in the picture. That isn't to say that Ethan wasn't missed and that his
Spoiler
resurrection sceneSpoiler
Ethan is back, he doesn't stand a chanceThe best aspects of the book are the introduction of various new magical species such as the nymphs, the Siren and the fae, the historical background on the conflict between the vampires and the Order as well as the symbolism surrounding the elemental struggle between good and evil. These all work together to form a solid foundation for something new and exciting, and I look forward to seeing where Neill takes this story arc.
This review was originally posted at Vampire Book Club.
Chloe Neill said to trust her about the ending of Hard Bitten. Every fan was floored (and many justly pissed off) when Ethan died. And she promised it would be OK. Within the first couple chapters of Drink Deep, Merit is having dreams with Ethan in them. They feel real. They also happen to be nightmares where he’s torn away from her in some cataclysmic event. This happens a few times in the book. Not often enough to ever feel like Ethan is actually present.
Merit feels plenty of guilt about his death and ruminates on that, particularly as she grows closer to Jonah. In lieu of a partner inside Cadogan House to solve supernatural crises with she turns to the Grey House guard captain and Red Guard member. And he totally wants her to be over Ethan so they can get their smoochies on. The idea damn near gives her stress hives. He’s a hot guy and smart blah blah blah, but he’s not Ethan. No one is Ethan. And this, my friends, frustrates me. I expected to get some Ethan-related satisfaction at least by halfway through the novel, based on Neill’s word, and that wasn’t the case.
The GP has essentially taken over Cadogan House. Their representative goes so far as to ration blood (to vampires, yeah, I know), limit gatherings and put its guards in impossible situations. It’s painful to see the House beat down. They’ve lost Ethan and now they’re losing their identity one rule at a time. Mayor Tate is locked up, but his replacement is very anti-vampire. She’s calling for a registration act (which totally made me think of the first X-Men movie). And when supernatural badness descends on the Windy City yet again, she tells the public it’s all the vampires’ fault.
There’s magic at play, but with more bad press and protesters on the way, Merit has to try and solve someone else’s problem again. She works with Jonah, and gets alternately blamed and praised for the magical goings on that she has no control over. Mallory refuses to help her at all. Catcher is irritated but gives answers. Mostly, her sorcerer resources are damn limited.
I flew through this book, dying for answers. It kept me gripped to the pages, and engaged with the characters. I waited for this big reveal. Things had to be messy right? There was no way this could tie up neatly. And a few hundred pages in and we’d only had a handful of Ethan dreams. Where is Mr. Green Eyes?
I’m doing my best not to give this away for you guys, but Neill employed a deus ex machina. Suddenly it came together, and we get answers, but they just feel sudden and too easy. The resolution wasn’t worthy of the build up. Usually Neill tortures us and Merit. The resolution this time didn’t leave me sated.
Was it worth my Sunday afternoon to read Drink Deep? Totally, but the book left me conflicted. It’s heavy on politics, and was more a foray outside the tone and format of earlier Chicagoland Vampires novels. Additionally, the book just didn’t meet my expectations in terms of the Ethan part of the equation. Merit’s emotions were dead-on throughout the novel, but plot-wise we were still missing some key steps.
Sexual content: Kissing, references to sex
Chloe Neill said to trust her about the ending of Hard Bitten. Every fan was floored (and many justly pissed off) when Ethan died. And she promised it would be OK. Within the first couple chapters of Drink Deep, Merit is having dreams with Ethan in them. They feel real. They also happen to be nightmares where he’s torn away from her in some cataclysmic event. This happens a few times in the book. Not often enough to ever feel like Ethan is actually present.
Merit feels plenty of guilt about his death and ruminates on that, particularly as she grows closer to Jonah. In lieu of a partner inside Cadogan House to solve supernatural crises with she turns to the Grey House guard captain and Red Guard member. And he totally wants her to be over Ethan so they can get their smoochies on. The idea damn near gives her stress hives. He’s a hot guy and smart blah blah blah, but he’s not Ethan. No one is Ethan. And this, my friends, frustrates me. I expected to get some Ethan-related satisfaction at least by halfway through the novel, based on Neill’s word, and that wasn’t the case.
The GP has essentially taken over Cadogan House. Their representative goes so far as to ration blood (to vampires, yeah, I know), limit gatherings and put its guards in impossible situations. It’s painful to see the House beat down. They’ve lost Ethan and now they’re losing their identity one rule at a time. Mayor Tate is locked up, but his replacement is very anti-vampire. She’s calling for a registration act (which totally made me think of the first X-Men movie). And when supernatural badness descends on the Windy City yet again, she tells the public it’s all the vampires’ fault.
There’s magic at play, but with more bad press and protesters on the way, Merit has to try and solve someone else’s problem again. She works with Jonah, and gets alternately blamed and praised for the magical goings on that she has no control over. Mallory refuses to help her at all. Catcher is irritated but gives answers. Mostly, her sorcerer resources are damn limited.
I flew through this book, dying for answers. It kept me gripped to the pages, and engaged with the characters. I waited for this big reveal. Things had to be messy right? There was no way this could tie up neatly. And a few hundred pages in and we’d only had a handful of Ethan dreams. Where is Mr. Green Eyes?
I’m doing my best not to give this away for you guys, but Neill employed a deus ex machina. Suddenly it came together, and we get answers, but they just feel sudden and too easy. The resolution wasn’t worthy of the build up. Usually Neill tortures us and Merit. The resolution this time didn’t leave me sated.
Was it worth my Sunday afternoon to read Drink Deep? Totally, but the book left me conflicted. It’s heavy on politics, and was more a foray outside the tone and format of earlier Chicagoland Vampires novels. Additionally, the book just didn’t meet my expectations in terms of the Ethan part of the equation. Merit’s emotions were dead-on throughout the novel, but plot-wise we were still missing some key steps.
Sexual content: Kissing, references to sex
Je sais pas pourquoi j'ai très vite compris qui était à l'origine de cette apocalypse, du coup, j'avais plus de suspens.
En plus de ça Jonah... c'était juste pas possible quoi...
Tout le livre je me suis dit "elle va avoir l'occasion de remonté le temps pour arranger tout ça et faire revenir "Celui-qui-est-mort"
Alors ça c'est pas passé comme ça mais j'ai quand même pas été déçue!^^
Je ferme le livre avec un gros soupir de contentement. Ethan me manque déjà.
En plus de ça Jonah... c'était juste pas possible quoi...
Tout le livre je me suis dit "elle va avoir l'occasion de remonté le temps pour arranger tout ça et faire revenir "Celui-qui-est-mort"
Alors ça c'est pas passé comme ça mais j'ai quand même pas été déçue!^^
Je ferme le livre avec un gros soupir de contentement. Ethan me manque déjà.
This book made me want to throw my kindle against the wall...but in a good way. The emotions Merit faced after Ethan's demise hurt my own heart. But I admired her strength.
woman you better fix what you did, i still feel sad...
Towards the end the book got me in such a roller coaster ride! got me screaming YAAAAAAY! by the last 2 chapters and Noooooooo by the epilogue!
Onwards book 6!
Onwards book 6!
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No