Maria (SassenachD) -
Helpful Score: 8
This was recommended to me by a fellow vampire fan.. For a new author to me, this book rocked! The entire story is believable! Merit is one tough cookie and accepts her new found life. I don't want to give the entire story away, but if you like Sparks, Sands or Cole you will enjoy this book. The interaction between characters is great...funny and ooooooo! You just sit back and enjoy...I do hope the next book in the series is as good or better...I couldn't put it down...Not heavy reading. I am definitely recommending this one.
Procrastinated reading this book for awhile...shouldn't have! Well written, I was immediately pulled into the story. Good world building, well rounded characters and plot;light and entertaining without being silly. The author even pulls off a spunky heroine without falling into bitchy territory. A fun read, easy to recommend to others...excuse me while I go stalk the sequil!
Brittany H. (poohbritt) -
Helpful Score: 5
Similar with Harris' vampire world, the book takes place not too long after vampires have officially announced their existence to us mere mortals. The big reveal was done by the elite Chicago vampire houses. Because much like the feudal lord system and a lot like pack/pride structures in shifter/were novels, all vampires are divided into houses and those that refuse or are kicked out of a house are called Rogues. Our heroine, Merit, is attacked by a rogue and her life is "saved" by McDreamy vampire Master of the Cadogan, Ethan Sullivan. By saved I mean she joined the ranks of the long-of-tooth, and not too willingly.
Now, just as Merit has been told that her life as a English grad-student (yet another main character who is a book nerd. Gotta say, loving the trend) is over, she has precious little time to come to terms that she has to swear allegiance to Ethan as her Lord and Master. Which I think puts any woman raised after...say...1900 go: "Yeah...right. When monkeys fly outta my butt!" To top it all off, the Rogue who nearly ripped her throat out seems to have a taste for the slim brunettes as other girls turn up dead via vamp. Then direct threats are made against her life. Oh...and by the way, all these vampire houses are on the verge of war.
The great thing is that I can tell this is yet another great set up for what could be a multi-directional series. Because Merit's room mate is discovered out to be a budding sorceress, her grandfather works in a special police branch that deals with all things that go bump in the night (and employs a sorcerer and shifter), and we are introduced to many different characters that could eventually end up having their own story. I can definitely see that Chloe Neill, intentionally or not, gave herself plenty of room to grow. From her website, it looks like there will be at least 4 books in this series. So when you devour this book, you have "Friday Night Bites," to look forward too.
Now, just as Merit has been told that her life as a English grad-student (yet another main character who is a book nerd. Gotta say, loving the trend) is over, she has precious little time to come to terms that she has to swear allegiance to Ethan as her Lord and Master. Which I think puts any woman raised after...say...1900 go: "Yeah...right. When monkeys fly outta my butt!" To top it all off, the Rogue who nearly ripped her throat out seems to have a taste for the slim brunettes as other girls turn up dead via vamp. Then direct threats are made against her life. Oh...and by the way, all these vampire houses are on the verge of war.
The great thing is that I can tell this is yet another great set up for what could be a multi-directional series. Because Merit's room mate is discovered out to be a budding sorceress, her grandfather works in a special police branch that deals with all things that go bump in the night (and employs a sorcerer and shifter), and we are introduced to many different characters that could eventually end up having their own story. I can definitely see that Chloe Neill, intentionally or not, gave herself plenty of room to grow. From her website, it looks like there will be at least 4 books in this series. So when you devour this book, you have "Friday Night Bites," to look forward too.
Barbara S. (barbsis) -
Helpful Score: 3
Though I did obviously enjoy this book, it did have a few drawbacks. Ethan! Yeah I know everyone loves Ethan but I thought he was an asshat. And a medieval asshat at that! What was with all that "servicing the lord" crap? It's no wonder Merit rebelled. Heck I would have told him to shove it where the sun don't shine. And I just can't see why Merit is so interested in him, heck he has a girl whom he flaunts; and even though he obviously doesn't like her, he asks Merit to be his consort (read whore); his attitude is beyond annoying; and he really lacks the personality gene. I just don't get it...what exactly is the appeal? Oh I'm sure he'll come around and become human eventually, but until that point, why in the world would Merit waste her time and energy on him when there is another hot, sexy vamp waiting in the wings....Morgan! Now he is worth drooling over and he is obviously interested in Merit as a person and not an object for his personal gain and pleasure. Oh hell I guess Ethan really did piss me off so I'll get off my high-horse now.
With that said, I really did like this book. I loved Merit and her snark (heck all the characters had snark going on and it was fantastic). I love me some snark! It took Merit a while to come to terms with her new vampiric tendencies. After all she was turned without her consent but if the alternative was death, I would imagine being a vampire was preferable. Even though Merit is the heroine here, the secondary characters are also great. Her BFF would-be sorcerer Mallory Carmichael, her weapons/self-defense instructor sorcerer Catcher Bell, computer geek and shifter Jeff Christopher and Luc and Lindsey (Cadogan House guards).
This book concentrated on vampires but there are also shifters, fae and nymphs in Chicago and I'm thinking each species will get to be center stage at some point. The world building is interesting and these vampires actually eat (and a lot of food at that) in addition to drinking blood. I will definitely be reading Friday Night Bites.
With that said, I really did like this book. I loved Merit and her snark (heck all the characters had snark going on and it was fantastic). I love me some snark! It took Merit a while to come to terms with her new vampiric tendencies. After all she was turned without her consent but if the alternative was death, I would imagine being a vampire was preferable. Even though Merit is the heroine here, the secondary characters are also great. Her BFF would-be sorcerer Mallory Carmichael, her weapons/self-defense instructor sorcerer Catcher Bell, computer geek and shifter Jeff Christopher and Luc and Lindsey (Cadogan House guards).
This book concentrated on vampires but there are also shifters, fae and nymphs in Chicago and I'm thinking each species will get to be center stage at some point. The world building is interesting and these vampires actually eat (and a lot of food at that) in addition to drinking blood. I will definitely be reading Friday Night Bites.
Stacy W. (whatstacy) -
Helpful Score: 3
Don't let the cover and title fool you. This book was great! It's charming and funny, with great character development. Each character has their own history and part to play in the whole plot of the series. Merit is so funny, I laughed out loud a few times. And the sexual tension between Merit and Ethan.....HOT! Give this book a try, I don't think anyone would be disappointed. It kind of reminds me of the Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs. I think Mercy and Merit would get along wonderfully.
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Jamie S. (2lilmonkees) -
Helpful Score: 2
LOVE this series! Ive read all 3 up to date, and this is an amazing new series! AH!!!! Im obsessed, its one of those series that just keeps turning in my head even after im done reading it. Merit is just kick ass, love her. & Ethan is a dream boat, even if he has a stick up his @ss. Their relationship is hilarious and very tense. Their physical relationship is very intense, bc they Want each other, but dont want to want each other. READ THEM NOW. I recommend this series 2 everyone i know who reads paranormal. love love love!!!
Helpful Score: 2
Very good first book, with lots of room for growth. Merit, the main character, is quite interesting and her supporting cast enhance her character and the story. A lot of set up in this first novel so hopefully we can get into more action in book two. REally looking forward to reading the next one.
Wendy H. (donkeycheese) -
Helpful Score: 1
Vampire houses are allowed twelve initiates each year. Merit just became number twelve for Cadogen House, without her consent.
Merit is a graduate student at the University of Chicago. She goes by her last name, Merit, because she does not like her given name. Her family is wealthy and well-known in the area. Not one to put much value into material items, Merit pays her own way in the world and is pretty happy with her life. That is, until one night, she is attacked on campus grounds. She struggles with her attackers but doesn't remember much about that night. Just green eyes and agonizing pain at her neck.
When Merit wakes up, she finds out she has become vampire. Being a vampire does not shock her. Vampires had made their existence known to the public months ago. What makes her angry is the fact that she wasn't given a choice in the matter. They turned her without her consent. Merit is assigned to the Cadogen House, one of the twelve vampire houses in America. The master of Cadogen House is Ethan. Merit rebels against his authority even if she is attracted to him and his mesmerizing green eyes.
Young women are being murdered on campus grounds. They are being drained of blood and left for dead. The police and other vampire houses believe the murderer is from Cadogen House, the only vampire house that still drinks from humans. But before Merit can help with the investigation and clear Cadogen House of the charges, she needs to accept her new identity as a vampire, and deal with their feelings about Ethan.
This may be Chloe Neill's debut novel, but it doesn't read like one. Her world building is flawless. Her characters are sassy, sexy and mesmerizing. Merit is a heroine who strolls onto the paranormal scene like she owns it. SOME GIRLS BITE is fang-tabulous! You won't want to miss this one.
Merit is a graduate student at the University of Chicago. She goes by her last name, Merit, because she does not like her given name. Her family is wealthy and well-known in the area. Not one to put much value into material items, Merit pays her own way in the world and is pretty happy with her life. That is, until one night, she is attacked on campus grounds. She struggles with her attackers but doesn't remember much about that night. Just green eyes and agonizing pain at her neck.
When Merit wakes up, she finds out she has become vampire. Being a vampire does not shock her. Vampires had made their existence known to the public months ago. What makes her angry is the fact that she wasn't given a choice in the matter. They turned her without her consent. Merit is assigned to the Cadogen House, one of the twelve vampire houses in America. The master of Cadogen House is Ethan. Merit rebels against his authority even if she is attracted to him and his mesmerizing green eyes.
Young women are being murdered on campus grounds. They are being drained of blood and left for dead. The police and other vampire houses believe the murderer is from Cadogen House, the only vampire house that still drinks from humans. But before Merit can help with the investigation and clear Cadogen House of the charges, she needs to accept her new identity as a vampire, and deal with their feelings about Ethan.
This may be Chloe Neill's debut novel, but it doesn't read like one. Her world building is flawless. Her characters are sassy, sexy and mesmerizing. Merit is a heroine who strolls onto the paranormal scene like she owns it. SOME GIRLS BITE is fang-tabulous! You won't want to miss this one.
Robin M. (robinmy) -
Helpful Score: 1
Merit is a grad student whose life as just changed drastically. While walking across campus, Merit's throat is ripped out by a rogue vampire. Fortunately, Master Vampire Ethan Sullivan is there to scare off her attacker and save her by turning her into a vampire. Now she is expected to pledge allegiance to Ethan and the vampires of Cadogan House, something she is hesitant to do since she didn't volunteer to become a vamp. Merit may hate Ethan for turning her without permission, but that doesn't stop her from lusting after him too. She also has to help him discover which vampire is attacking women on campus and leaving them for dead.
This is a wonderful beginning to a new series. The book takes place shortly after Vampires have come out to the public. Merit is a strong woman who has to learn a new way of life. The story is told in first-person, so the reader learns the new rules right along with her. I love Merit's snarky attitude, but it sometimes gets her in trouble.
Merit is lucky that she has friends to help her through this change in her life. Her roommate, Mallory, has an interest in the occult and gives Merit some tips. Mallory also discovers that she has some strong magic powers. Merit's grandfather is a cop who runs a special branch of the police force dealing with vampires, faeries, and other supernaturals. He employs a shape-shifter and a sorcerer who help Merit learn self-defense skills and keep her apprised of vampire politics. Ethan is still an enigma to me. He is a 400 year old vampire with some old world views. And, he is certainly attracted to Merit, even if he doesn't want to be. Overall, I loved the characters and the world building and can't wait to dive into the next one. My rating: 5 Stars.
This is a wonderful beginning to a new series. The book takes place shortly after Vampires have come out to the public. Merit is a strong woman who has to learn a new way of life. The story is told in first-person, so the reader learns the new rules right along with her. I love Merit's snarky attitude, but it sometimes gets her in trouble.
Merit is lucky that she has friends to help her through this change in her life. Her roommate, Mallory, has an interest in the occult and gives Merit some tips. Mallory also discovers that she has some strong magic powers. Merit's grandfather is a cop who runs a special branch of the police force dealing with vampires, faeries, and other supernaturals. He employs a shape-shifter and a sorcerer who help Merit learn self-defense skills and keep her apprised of vampire politics. Ethan is still an enigma to me. He is a 400 year old vampire with some old world views. And, he is certainly attracted to Merit, even if he doesn't want to be. Overall, I loved the characters and the world building and can't wait to dive into the next one. My rating: 5 Stars.
Helpful Score: 1
I liked this one. Can't wait for the next. Good characters and an interesting plot.
Debbie W. (deb-loves-bostons) reviewed Some Girls Bite (Chicagoland Vampires, Bk 1) on + 10 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Great new author! First in a series that shows great promise to be fun yet not to immature. Merit is a strong female lead with the sass of "Queen Betsy" from MaryJanice Davidson to toughness like "Cat" the Night Huntress from Jeaneane Frost. Believable world building and characters. Can't wait to read the rest of the series.
Helpful Score: 1
This was a great book, I loved it. Both my husband and I have read it and he loved it to. So it is not just a girls book. There is so much going on in this book you will not be able to stop reading it. If you like books with fights, guy - girl action not heavy not the sex, and intrigue you will love this book. It is also great for teen readers too.
Helpful Score: 1
So glad I picked this up. Great start to a new series ~ Merit rocks!
Chloe Neill totally draws you in. All the characters are well written and there is so much potential in this series. Can't wait to see where the story goes.
Chloe Neill totally draws you in. All the characters are well written and there is so much potential in this series. Can't wait to see where the story goes.
Helpful Score: 1
What a fun new series! Vampires in Chicago - absolutely delightful! I really enjoyed this book - and it definitely had me hooked from page one! And I'm very excited to read the sequel! I just love a fun, new series! And unlike so many books set in Chicago, this one oozed of the city and there weren't any errors that stuck out and hung me up over! I think that a part of me likes these books even more than the Sookie books (though there are a lot of similarities between the two series), I think Neill has created a stronger and more interesting central character - and I suppose the setting has a lot to do with my enjoyment as well.
Cheryl C. (moondance120) reviewed Some Girls Bite (Chicagoland Vampires, Bk 1) on + 422 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Very good start to a new series. Merit is an unassuming grad student before she is attacked and left for dead. Ethan, the head of Cadogan house, turns her into a vampire. Excellent tension between Merit and Ethan. Merit's roommate, Mallory, adds comic relief. Witty conversation makes for a good quick read 4 stars.
Jennifer W. (GeniusJen) reviewed Some Girls Bite (Chicagoland Vampires, Bk 1) on + 5322 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Reviewed by Jennifer Rummel for TeensReadToo.com
In Chicago, the vampires outed themselves. Although they'd been living among humans for years, they decided it was time to let the truth be known.
Vampires belong to houses, similar to a sorority/fraternity. Each house has a master, deciding everything for his/her house. Life afterwards stays peaceful - until one night a graduate student was attacked on campus.
Merit became a vampire without giving consent after a rogue vampire ripped out her throat. She's not adjusting well to her new life. Now she has ten days to learn the rules of the vampire world and swear an oath to her new master.
Merit doesn't want to play by the rules, but she might have no choice in the matter.
When a body turns up, both worlds, human and vampire, begin to talk. A rogue vampire is killing girls - girls who look a lot like Merit. She has to watch her back, but how can she when she doesn't know whom to trust?
Chloe Neill sinks her teeth into a new series that will attract both teen and adult readers alike. The CHICAGOLAND VAMPIRES series starts with a bang and leaves you anxious for more.
In Chicago, the vampires outed themselves. Although they'd been living among humans for years, they decided it was time to let the truth be known.
Vampires belong to houses, similar to a sorority/fraternity. Each house has a master, deciding everything for his/her house. Life afterwards stays peaceful - until one night a graduate student was attacked on campus.
Merit became a vampire without giving consent after a rogue vampire ripped out her throat. She's not adjusting well to her new life. Now she has ten days to learn the rules of the vampire world and swear an oath to her new master.
Merit doesn't want to play by the rules, but she might have no choice in the matter.
When a body turns up, both worlds, human and vampire, begin to talk. A rogue vampire is killing girls - girls who look a lot like Merit. She has to watch her back, but how can she when she doesn't know whom to trust?
Chloe Neill sinks her teeth into a new series that will attract both teen and adult readers alike. The CHICAGOLAND VAMPIRES series starts with a bang and leaves you anxious for more.
Christine H. (solarawynn) reviewed Some Girls Bite (Chicagoland Vampires, Bk 1) on + 724 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Overall was really good. The main character was a little whiny,at times. But, I am anxious to read more from this series.
Patricia M. (patmcc) reviewed Some Girls Bite (Chicagoland Vampires, Bk 1) on + 107 more book reviews
It was an interesting read. Not too much hot monkey sex. I mwas interested in how fast a normal college girl, studying for her Doctorate, became a master of the katana and an excellent sentinel aka bodyguard for the vampire house. As for her vampires, they can eat regular food, enjoy sex, apparently don't have to drink much blood and enjoy greater strength, much longer lifespan, fast healing. Why wouldn't everyone want to be a vampire? They can even feed each other if necessary.
Merit was a grad student when she was attacked by a vampire. She was turned into one by Ethan to save her life. Ethan also happens to be the Master of the Cadogan House, one of 3 vampire Houses in Chicago. Vampires are recently "out" to the general public and with 1 (soon to be 2) murders, the general public is worried.
I wish more attention had been paid to the murders (and solving them). The villain at the end I felt was anti-climatic. It was open ended- some vamps were okay with revealing themselves and others not. The other supernaturals are not out in public. There look to be future power plays to see who can gather the most power (and "rule").
I did like Merit, I liked her narrative voice. I liked her BFF Mallory and her Grandpa (who is the Ombud for the supernatural community). Merit's parents suck. Also Merit is her last name and she goes by this. I have no idea what the first name was- it was something she didn't like. Merit it is.
The vampire hierarchy is outdated ("My Liege"). I didn't like that the primary love interest Ethan was already attached to someone else. His relationship with Amber is on the page and Merit walked in on them. Yeah, I didn't like that. He offers to make her his Consort, Merit, thankfully declines. Even though Amber was a bitch (because of course she was), I felt some sympathy for her. She could have lost her position all because of Ethan decided he was tired of her. Grated, in the end it didn't matter because of something Amber did.
I did like this, but it didn't stand out to me. I'm not invested in learning more and think this will be it for this series.
I wish more attention had been paid to the murders (and solving them). The villain at the end I felt was anti-climatic. It was open ended- some vamps were okay with revealing themselves and others not. The other supernaturals are not out in public. There look to be future power plays to see who can gather the most power (and "rule").
I did like Merit, I liked her narrative voice. I liked her BFF Mallory and her Grandpa (who is the Ombud for the supernatural community). Merit's parents suck. Also Merit is her last name and she goes by this. I have no idea what the first name was- it was something she didn't like. Merit it is.
The vampire hierarchy is outdated ("My Liege"). I didn't like that the primary love interest Ethan was already attached to someone else. His relationship with Amber is on the page and Merit walked in on them. Yeah, I didn't like that. He offers to make her his Consort, Merit, thankfully declines. Even though Amber was a bitch (because of course she was), I felt some sympathy for her. She could have lost her position all because of Ethan decided he was tired of her. Grated, in the end it didn't matter because of something Amber did.
I did like this, but it didn't stand out to me. I'm not invested in learning more and think this will be it for this series.
Catherine M. (Catherine1) reviewed Some Girls Bite (Chicagoland Vampires, Bk 1) on + 60 more book reviews
I got a shipment of books in last night and this was one of them. I really didn't plan to read any of them right away, but I picked up this one to read a chapter or two to make sure I liked the style of writing. In theory that would have worked, but I ended getting way too into the book and had to read it all. Very catchy and attention grabbing.
I loved the snappy dialogue and humor in this book. A lot of the time I feel that the supporting characters are just there to show us that the protagonists don't live in a vacuum. That's not the case here. All of Merit's friends (both new and old) help make her who she is. She wouldn't be able to cope as well if she didn't have these people around to joke her out of her funks. They also had some of the funniest lines in the book too.
I really liked the fact that Merit was a strong character. She wasn't overjoyed to become a vampire, but she didn't descend into a pity party and become unbearable to be around. She struggled with what her new life means and the new obligations she has. I like that she didn't blindly submit, but she was smart and picked her battles and gave in when it was necessary.
I liked Ethan, but I wonder what is going on in his head. I felt bad for Merit when he made that decision toward the end. What I really liked about their interaction was that Merit never lessened herself to be with him. She thought his offer was insulting and she shut him down. She may still want him, but she's not acting like a jealous shrew or agonizing about her choice. I liked how she reacted to that situation at the end. She's definitely not the type be best friends with someone after they treat her like crap. I'm interested to see where this whole situation will lead. Hopefully we'll learn more about Ethan so we can understand why he's such a butthead sometimes.
Overall it was a strong start and I can't wait to get the next book and read more about these characters!
I loved the snappy dialogue and humor in this book. A lot of the time I feel that the supporting characters are just there to show us that the protagonists don't live in a vacuum. That's not the case here. All of Merit's friends (both new and old) help make her who she is. She wouldn't be able to cope as well if she didn't have these people around to joke her out of her funks. They also had some of the funniest lines in the book too.
I really liked the fact that Merit was a strong character. She wasn't overjoyed to become a vampire, but she didn't descend into a pity party and become unbearable to be around. She struggled with what her new life means and the new obligations she has. I like that she didn't blindly submit, but she was smart and picked her battles and gave in when it was necessary.
I liked Ethan, but I wonder what is going on in his head. I felt bad for Merit when he made that decision toward the end. What I really liked about their interaction was that Merit never lessened herself to be with him. She thought his offer was insulting and she shut him down. She may still want him, but she's not acting like a jealous shrew or agonizing about her choice. I liked how she reacted to that situation at the end. She's definitely not the type be best friends with someone after they treat her like crap. I'm interested to see where this whole situation will lead. Hopefully we'll learn more about Ethan so we can understand why he's such a butthead sometimes.
Overall it was a strong start and I can't wait to get the next book and read more about these characters!
After reading some of the reviews of this book on Amazon, I was a bit hesitant to get this book, but it was a really great read. A strong female lead, and a great support system for her. I really enjoyed it, and look forward to the next books.
Tess M. (duplica123) -
Over all, an okay attempt at a new vamp story. I will not be reading any more of the series, though. I really couldn't decide if I liked the main character, and her best friend was just annoying. I really disliked all the "real world" references - iPod, Law & Order, Star Trek, etc, because I feel like it will date the book way too quickly and in some parts just felt like product placement. On the flip side, I didn't feel the supernatural world was believable, either, despite all the time the author spends explaining it. The final reveal of the bad guy at the end felt too rushed and was overall unsatisfactory. The author has a lot of directions she can go in, and I'm sure she'll improve with time. This first one, however, was just not enough to get me hooked.
Spoiler Alert!!!
First of all, the author is way too fascinated with eyebrows. Honestly.
I hated how the world just realized there's vampires and then suddenly we also have all sorts of supernaturals, and both Mallory and Merit are okay with this. Mallory as a best friend was a little overbearing and way more excited about Merit's life than her own recently discovered super abilities. And isn't it convenient that both Mallory and Merit are super strong in their abilities? Vamps fighting with katanas seemed silly to me. Merit's first training session with Catcher was really bothersome - I've played vampire role playing games before and it was almost like the author was just quoting from the rule guide about strength, charisma, and knowledge stats for a game. And, finally, I hated the bad guy's reasoning behind the murders. She's trying to unite all the houses by making them all suspicious of each other? And this calm and collected woman completely loses it at the end and tells her master plan like all good villains do right before they're thwarted? Not believable.
Anyway. I think that the author has a long way to go. Luckily this is the first in a series. Way better of a first book than I would be able to write, but just not enough to keep me interested.
Spoiler Alert!!!
First of all, the author is way too fascinated with eyebrows. Honestly.
I hated how the world just realized there's vampires and then suddenly we also have all sorts of supernaturals, and both Mallory and Merit are okay with this. Mallory as a best friend was a little overbearing and way more excited about Merit's life than her own recently discovered super abilities. And isn't it convenient that both Mallory and Merit are super strong in their abilities? Vamps fighting with katanas seemed silly to me. Merit's first training session with Catcher was really bothersome - I've played vampire role playing games before and it was almost like the author was just quoting from the rule guide about strength, charisma, and knowledge stats for a game. And, finally, I hated the bad guy's reasoning behind the murders. She's trying to unite all the houses by making them all suspicious of each other? And this calm and collected woman completely loses it at the end and tells her master plan like all good villains do right before they're thwarted? Not believable.
Anyway. I think that the author has a long way to go. Luckily this is the first in a series. Way better of a first book than I would be able to write, but just not enough to keep me interested.
Wow loved this book. A bit more heavy on the "urban paranormal" than "paranormal romance" still a fun and a little bit sexy book.
A world where vampires are "out" in society, this series explores the risks and dangers of introducing a new minority to the population. What are the rights of a non-human citizen? How would the government try to regulate you? Some new ideas added to the vampire genre which you would think would be wearing out by now.
Chloe Neill has developed a well-rounded, pretty flushed out new heroine, her friends, foils, and possible love interests.
Excellent.
A world where vampires are "out" in society, this series explores the risks and dangers of introducing a new minority to the population. What are the rights of a non-human citizen? How would the government try to regulate you? Some new ideas added to the vampire genre which you would think would be wearing out by now.
Chloe Neill has developed a well-rounded, pretty flushed out new heroine, her friends, foils, and possible love interests.
Excellent.
Karissa E. (ophelia99) reviewed Some Girls Bite (Chicagoland Vampires, Bk 1) on + 2527 more book reviews
This is the first book in the Chicagoland Vampire series by Neill. I've been meaning to read this series for quite some time as I've had it recommended to me a number of times. I ended up listening to this on audiobook and the audiobook is extremely well done.
Merit is a grad student working on a PhD in romantic literature. That is the right until a vampire rips her throat out and another vamp saves her life....kind of. Merit has been saved by Ethan Sullivan the head of Cadogan House. Now instead of working on her thesis she is a vampire trying to navigate the complex politics between vamp houses...which are especially touchy now that vamps have come out of hiding and humans are being mysteriously found dead. Around the same time Merit finds out she is a vamp; her roommate finds out she may be a powerful sorceress...and now things are getting even crazier.
This novel was just a lot of fun pure and simple. Merit is a blast to read about; she goes from your everyday girl to having all these crazy vamp powers she is trying to control. It was fun to watch her start to grow into her powers. She is super snarky and sarcastic and had me laughing out loud a number of times. Merit's status as an heiress only adds additional interest to her personality.
Ethan Sullivan is your basic power manipulative vamp, but at times he shows vulnerability that makes Merit stop and think. Merit and Ethan have sizzling heat between them, that is constantly pushed aside so that they can deal with more important things. As I said, it was just fun and engaging to read about.
While Merit is dealing with her vampness; her roommate finds out she is a sorceress and that adds some hilarity to the story too.
Don't get me wrong this isn't a light hearted urban fantasy full of fluff. There are some gruesome scenes in here. Merit is basically left with the task of trying to figure out who is brutally murdering women and trying to lay the blame on the newly outed vampire Houses. It's a well done mystery/investigation with some startling surprises towards the end of the book.
The story wraps up nicely with no huge cliffhanger, but I still wanted to read more when I finished! Is there anything new here? Not really; Merit is similar to a lot of urban fantasy heroines out there...although she has a bit of the everyday girl thing going for her.
Overall this is a very well done and enjoyable urban fantasy. Fans of vampire urban fantasy will find a lot here to love. The story is well written, has an engaging plot, and is lots of fun. The characters have a lot of depth...a lot of snark...and a lot of heat between them. Pretty much this was just an all out fun book to read. Is there anything really creative here? Not really, this story echoes many other vampire based urban fantasies out there. Should you read it? Definitely, this may not cover a lot of new ground in the urban fantasy world, but the story and characters are very well done and I highly recommend to fans of urban fantasy!
Merit is a grad student working on a PhD in romantic literature. That is the right until a vampire rips her throat out and another vamp saves her life....kind of. Merit has been saved by Ethan Sullivan the head of Cadogan House. Now instead of working on her thesis she is a vampire trying to navigate the complex politics between vamp houses...which are especially touchy now that vamps have come out of hiding and humans are being mysteriously found dead. Around the same time Merit finds out she is a vamp; her roommate finds out she may be a powerful sorceress...and now things are getting even crazier.
This novel was just a lot of fun pure and simple. Merit is a blast to read about; she goes from your everyday girl to having all these crazy vamp powers she is trying to control. It was fun to watch her start to grow into her powers. She is super snarky and sarcastic and had me laughing out loud a number of times. Merit's status as an heiress only adds additional interest to her personality.
Ethan Sullivan is your basic power manipulative vamp, but at times he shows vulnerability that makes Merit stop and think. Merit and Ethan have sizzling heat between them, that is constantly pushed aside so that they can deal with more important things. As I said, it was just fun and engaging to read about.
While Merit is dealing with her vampness; her roommate finds out she is a sorceress and that adds some hilarity to the story too.
Don't get me wrong this isn't a light hearted urban fantasy full of fluff. There are some gruesome scenes in here. Merit is basically left with the task of trying to figure out who is brutally murdering women and trying to lay the blame on the newly outed vampire Houses. It's a well done mystery/investigation with some startling surprises towards the end of the book.
The story wraps up nicely with no huge cliffhanger, but I still wanted to read more when I finished! Is there anything new here? Not really; Merit is similar to a lot of urban fantasy heroines out there...although she has a bit of the everyday girl thing going for her.
Overall this is a very well done and enjoyable urban fantasy. Fans of vampire urban fantasy will find a lot here to love. The story is well written, has an engaging plot, and is lots of fun. The characters have a lot of depth...a lot of snark...and a lot of heat between them. Pretty much this was just an all out fun book to read. Is there anything really creative here? Not really, this story echoes many other vampire based urban fantasies out there. Should you read it? Definitely, this may not cover a lot of new ground in the urban fantasy world, but the story and characters are very well done and I highly recommend to fans of urban fantasy!
Bree G. (paisleywings) reviewed Some Girls Bite (Chicagoland Vampires, Bk 1) on + 232 more book reviews
OK book. I read the series out-of-order so I feel I didn't really gain any knowledge from the first in the series. But, that is fine. It's still a good read.
I seriously had a love/hate relationship with this book. The first 70 pages kept me totally into it...It lagged in the middle where it was just too much background info. Seemed to me the author had to give SO much background info on certain things and other things it just left you wondering what happened. When i look back on reading the book i'd say its a good book, hopefully the 2nd one will prove to show some more action and less filler.
