Midnight Marked (Chicagoland Vampires)
ByChloe Neill
| ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | |
| ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ | |
| ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ | |
| ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ | |
| ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ |
Looking forMidnight Marked (Chicagoland Vampires) in PDF?
Check out Scribid.com
Audiobook
Check out Audiobooks.com
Readers` Reviews
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
mark rubinkowski
The CHICAGOLAND VAMPIRES series is twelve installments deep, so it’s kinda crazy that Merit is only now celebrating her one-year vampire anniversary, but there you have it! It’s been a heck of a journey thus far, and Chloe Neill wrote the ideal story to honour such a momentous occasion. The latest antagonist is at it again, all of the beloved characters get their due, and I just loved the ending. The action and romance were in perfect harmony, and there were so many little things that made me smile that reading over my notes in preparation of drafting my review made me doubly appreciative.
I liked how the author brought a thread that I hadn’t even really thought about since book 1 to the fore; it was such a fitting choice given where we’re at in this universe’s timeline, and answered a whole whack of questions that I’d figured would remain mysteries. The House called in Paige’s help for this particular riddle which made me happy, and just when I thought that Neill had covered the spectrum of supernaturals she brings in a necromancer! I’m unsure if Annabelle will be added to the list of rotating secondaries, but I hope so because she was quite interesting (and useful).
The Chicago flavour that’s injected into every novel is something that I always look forward to, and in this addition instead of familiarizing fans with another hole-in-the-wall food joint, we got a little history lesson on Belle River. I’m not sure how much of it was fact/fiction, and my internet research didn’t pan out, nevertheless it was thought-provoking. The humour was as good as ever with Merit-isms like “alphapology” and despite the absence of a local dish to add to my wishlist, the heroine made sure to bring a battle snack. Merit & Ethan fulfilled a fantasy of mine too—they did it in the Cadogan library!
[SPOILER ALERT]
There was one important slip that spoiled the anonymity of the big bad way earlier I would have preferred, and that was his/her name. The villain basically had a flashing sign over their head with an arrow pointing to them that said “I did it”. It’s like naming a character Luna, and not expecting readers to guess that that character is a werewolf. So, that took some of the thrill out of it for me because half the fun is trying to guess who the wrongdoer is. And, of course this person somehow managed to thwart the legal system, and fly the coop which means we’ll definitely be seeing them again.
The training wheels came off in MIDNIGHT MARKED. Happy one-year vamp birthday, Merit!
I liked how the author brought a thread that I hadn’t even really thought about since book 1 to the fore; it was such a fitting choice given where we’re at in this universe’s timeline, and answered a whole whack of questions that I’d figured would remain mysteries. The House called in Paige’s help for this particular riddle which made me happy, and just when I thought that Neill had covered the spectrum of supernaturals she brings in a necromancer! I’m unsure if Annabelle will be added to the list of rotating secondaries, but I hope so because she was quite interesting (and useful).
The Chicago flavour that’s injected into every novel is something that I always look forward to, and in this addition instead of familiarizing fans with another hole-in-the-wall food joint, we got a little history lesson on Belle River. I’m not sure how much of it was fact/fiction, and my internet research didn’t pan out, nevertheless it was thought-provoking. The humour was as good as ever with Merit-isms like “alphapology” and despite the absence of a local dish to add to my wishlist, the heroine made sure to bring a battle snack. Merit & Ethan fulfilled a fantasy of mine too—they did it in the Cadogan library!
[SPOILER ALERT]
There was one important slip that spoiled the anonymity of the big bad way earlier I would have preferred, and that was his/her name. The villain basically had a flashing sign over their head with an arrow pointing to them that said “I did it”. It’s like naming a character Luna, and not expecting readers to guess that that character is a werewolf. So, that took some of the thrill out of it for me because half the fun is trying to guess who the wrongdoer is. And, of course this person somehow managed to thwart the legal system, and fly the coop which means we’ll definitely be seeing them again.
The training wheels came off in MIDNIGHT MARKED. Happy one-year vamp birthday, Merit!
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
jamie treatman clark
The Chicagoland Vampires needs to be read in order.
Midnight Marked is book twelve in the Chicagoland Vampires series by Chloe Neill. It’s full of action, adventure, and mystery.
I’ve had my highs and lows with this series and I think I’m ready for it to end.
In the past year Merit has gone from a reluctant vampire to doing whatever it takes to keep her vampire family safe. She's now celebrating her one-year vampire anniversary and her relationship with Ethan is strong. It’s been one interesting journey to this point.
A lot of questions that I thought would remain mysteries where answered. We also see the House call in Paige for help with this particular mystery. And, when I thought we wouldn’t be getting any new supernaturals in the mix, Neill brings in a necromancer. I enjoyed Annabelle an added secondary character to the world and story. She was quite interesting and useful. Their is also no shortage of humor added into the mix while these characters try to figure out who or what is causing problems in good old Chicago.
My only issue and this issue has run throughout the series is that I never feel that Ethan and Merit are equals. He calls her Sentinel and she calls him Master. With a group, that seams ok, but when they are together it just feels wrong, not right. Their relationship and how it's portrayed is the one thing I've had trouble with throughout the series.
Audio Note: I did try the audiobook first, but I stopped it after 2-5 min in. I hated the male voices for Ethan and Catcher. They sounded so wrong. I couldn't do the book in audio, so I read it like all the previous editions. (Narrator: Sophie Eastlake)
Rated: 3.5 Stars
Midnight Marked is book twelve in the Chicagoland Vampires series by Chloe Neill. It’s full of action, adventure, and mystery.
I’ve had my highs and lows with this series and I think I’m ready for it to end.
In the past year Merit has gone from a reluctant vampire to doing whatever it takes to keep her vampire family safe. She's now celebrating her one-year vampire anniversary and her relationship with Ethan is strong. It’s been one interesting journey to this point.
A lot of questions that I thought would remain mysteries where answered. We also see the House call in Paige for help with this particular mystery. And, when I thought we wouldn’t be getting any new supernaturals in the mix, Neill brings in a necromancer. I enjoyed Annabelle an added secondary character to the world and story. She was quite interesting and useful. Their is also no shortage of humor added into the mix while these characters try to figure out who or what is causing problems in good old Chicago.
My only issue and this issue has run throughout the series is that I never feel that Ethan and Merit are equals. He calls her Sentinel and she calls him Master. With a group, that seams ok, but when they are together it just feels wrong, not right. Their relationship and how it's portrayed is the one thing I've had trouble with throughout the series.
Audio Note: I did try the audiobook first, but I stopped it after 2-5 min in. I hated the male voices for Ethan and Catcher. They sounded so wrong. I couldn't do the book in audio, so I read it like all the previous editions. (Narrator: Sophie Eastlake)
Rated: 3.5 Stars
House Rules (Chicagoland Vampires) :: Blood Games: A Chicagoland Vampires Novel :: A Chicagoland Vampires Novel by Chloe Neill (2014-12-02) :: and the Big Hungry Bear (Child's Play Library) - the Red Ripe Strawberry :: Dark Debt (Chicagoland Vampires Book 11)
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
ashleigh
Weird alchemical signs are appearing all over the city and when Merit and Ethan find out their latest politically powerful enemy has plans for all of the supernaturals in Chicago they discover that big surprise, once again, they seem to be the only ones interested in fixing the situation.
I like this series on audio but I gotta admit that I found this latest installment kind of boring. It took me months to finish... Neill usually manages to keep things interesting but this whole story seemed pointless and written for the sole point of making this series 13 bks long. Reading some of the other reviews makes me feel like i read a completely different book cause I didn't find it nearly as entertaining and definitely didn't feel like it was jam-packed with new revelations and answers (more like it was jam-packed with sentimental filler).
The whole story here was WAY too similar to many of the previous books--like even more so than usual, right down to the obligatory scenes of Ethan and Merit attending a formal charity event to mingle with their politically powerful enemy. Then there's all those scenes of them arguing with the other supes to help them save Chicago, and what about the Final Smackdown with Bad Guy #12 that happens at the end? Talk about deja vu! I'm pretty sure all this stuff already happened in the previous books, but whatever (she really wanted to make it to 13, I guess). It's about 300 pgs of filler but If you're interested in what Merit's eating and every little detail of what everyone looks like and is wearing then you've really hit the jackpot with this one.
Funny thing is, I couldn't for the life of me remember who this latest bad guy was (even now, i can't remember his name). The author writes of this guy as if the reader is already supposed to know him from the other books and maybe we are, but I'm telling you, I've read them all and I don't remember him. He's just so similar to all of Merit and Ethan's other enemies that I guess they all blend together for me...it hasn't even been that long since i read the last book (in fact, i actually RE-READ it a month before this book came out) and I felt left out every time Merit made reference to this guy.
And can I just say that I love this series on audio but someone really needs to tell the narrater or the author that the word "sups" should be pronounced "supes" (we do not call them "suppernaturals" so why would you call them "sups"?!). I can't help feeling sad because i think this series used to have a lot more potential than this. I must be a masochist because I can't help hoping that Neill creates a spin off series in the same world with another vampire (maybe a rogue?) but she's probably sick of writing about vampires at this point.
I like this series on audio but I gotta admit that I found this latest installment kind of boring. It took me months to finish... Neill usually manages to keep things interesting but this whole story seemed pointless and written for the sole point of making this series 13 bks long. Reading some of the other reviews makes me feel like i read a completely different book cause I didn't find it nearly as entertaining and definitely didn't feel like it was jam-packed with new revelations and answers (more like it was jam-packed with sentimental filler).
The whole story here was WAY too similar to many of the previous books--like even more so than usual, right down to the obligatory scenes of Ethan and Merit attending a formal charity event to mingle with their politically powerful enemy. Then there's all those scenes of them arguing with the other supes to help them save Chicago, and what about the Final Smackdown with Bad Guy #12 that happens at the end? Talk about deja vu! I'm pretty sure all this stuff already happened in the previous books, but whatever (she really wanted to make it to 13, I guess). It's about 300 pgs of filler but If you're interested in what Merit's eating and every little detail of what everyone looks like and is wearing then you've really hit the jackpot with this one.
Funny thing is, I couldn't for the life of me remember who this latest bad guy was (even now, i can't remember his name). The author writes of this guy as if the reader is already supposed to know him from the other books and maybe we are, but I'm telling you, I've read them all and I don't remember him. He's just so similar to all of Merit and Ethan's other enemies that I guess they all blend together for me...it hasn't even been that long since i read the last book (in fact, i actually RE-READ it a month before this book came out) and I felt left out every time Merit made reference to this guy.
And can I just say that I love this series on audio but someone really needs to tell the narrater or the author that the word "sups" should be pronounced "supes" (we do not call them "suppernaturals" so why would you call them "sups"?!). I can't help feeling sad because i think this series used to have a lot more potential than this. I must be a masochist because I can't help hoping that Neill creates a spin off series in the same world with another vampire (maybe a rogue?) but she's probably sick of writing about vampires at this point.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
cara chubbs
Midnight Marked, Book 12 of the Chicagoland Vampire Series, has begun bringing us one step closer to Ethan and Merit's prophecy told by pack leader Gabriel. Although this latest installment of the series, brings us to a full out war with an oldie but goodie of a villain, the story comes full circle right back to Merit's beginning. Holy crackers, who would have thought! Strap on your katana's and pack a battle snack cause your gunna need it!
Cadogan House is in the spotlight once again, and not in a good way. Their latest nemesis Adrian Reed stirs up some poo soup, and is forcing Ethan and Merit to eat it. With the murder of a shifter, Gabriel and his pack are on a hair pin trigger for war. While Ethan and Merit try to uncover the true murderer, some of Gabriel's pack members go rogue, and bring a nasty fight to Cadogan's front door! Meanwhile, the Red Guard has been aloof with Merit lately, and she finally meets with them and voices her concerns and opinions on what has been going on with them in regards to not helping vampires, like their oath decrees. This outburst with the Red Guard forces Jonah, Merit's RG partner to have a heart to heart with her.
This book was incredible! I mean, I was all over the place with emotions. Conflict, unrequited love, loss, longing, betrayal, but above all else loyalty. Finally the other houses show some darn back bone and stand to fight along side Cadogan House! I was so proud of Morgan, and happy that he wasn't the butt of their jokes in this book. Catcher showed some wicked moves, and Mallory kinda got on my nerves a bit when she confronted Merit about Gabriel's prophecy. The plot twist was pretty impressive with the way it tied things together that goes all the way back to book 1, my word! Midnight Marked delivered an excellent mix of excitement, action, and drama that kept me glued to my seat!
Copy provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
Cadogan House is in the spotlight once again, and not in a good way. Their latest nemesis Adrian Reed stirs up some poo soup, and is forcing Ethan and Merit to eat it. With the murder of a shifter, Gabriel and his pack are on a hair pin trigger for war. While Ethan and Merit try to uncover the true murderer, some of Gabriel's pack members go rogue, and bring a nasty fight to Cadogan's front door! Meanwhile, the Red Guard has been aloof with Merit lately, and she finally meets with them and voices her concerns and opinions on what has been going on with them in regards to not helping vampires, like their oath decrees. This outburst with the Red Guard forces Jonah, Merit's RG partner to have a heart to heart with her.
This book was incredible! I mean, I was all over the place with emotions. Conflict, unrequited love, loss, longing, betrayal, but above all else loyalty. Finally the other houses show some darn back bone and stand to fight along side Cadogan House! I was so proud of Morgan, and happy that he wasn't the butt of their jokes in this book. Catcher showed some wicked moves, and Mallory kinda got on my nerves a bit when she confronted Merit about Gabriel's prophecy. The plot twist was pretty impressive with the way it tied things together that goes all the way back to book 1, my word! Midnight Marked delivered an excellent mix of excitement, action, and drama that kept me glued to my seat!
Copy provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
dan kauppi
Each book in this series has continued at a frenetic pace, and MIDNIGHT MARKED was no exception. From page one, it takes off and doesn't stop once. The "Big Bad" this time around was a doozy, leaving the plot spiraling almost out of control. It definitely made for some intense scenes and stakes, so intense that the resolution almost didn't stand a chance at living up to the build up. Don't get me wrong, the resolution packed a punch and had some very high stakes. It's just that it almost felt just a tad easy. But then again if you really look hard, it was only a half fix, and the next book could become the final, final showdown. We'll have to see.
Merit and Ethan's relationship continues to be tumultuous, which adds both excitement and frustration to the series. It definitely keeps things interesting, but as I said it's rather frustrating as well. Granted Ethan does act in character with his ridiculous alpha male routine in this book, but it comes across as juvenile so very hypocritical. To be honest, it rang rather false to me how easily he got off the hook with Merit for his actions. He pulled a rather ridiculous stunt in this book, and while there was mentions of him being in the "dog house," there really wasn't any real consequences for him with Merit nor anyone else in the end. And yet, he claimed to have learned his lesson. Again. But in all honestly it just once and for all proved he'll never really change, which unfortunately soured my view of him a bit. Luckily he has one more book to potentially redeem himself and better control those actions, but only time will tell.
You can really feel this series starting to wind down, which is a shame, as it's one I've really enjoyed. Surprisingly, the span of this series despite so many books, has only been a year in total. In fact, Merit is celebrating her one year anniversary as a vampire in this book. So much has happened in only that short year, it's rather mind boggling. And yet it feels like there's so much more left unsaid/to be done, so if the next book is truly the finale, I can't imagine the frenetic pace that will entail to pack so much in. Should make for a bang of a book. So that being said, I highly recommend this book and this series to anyone who enjoys a fast paced and high stakes read in the urban fantasy genre.
Merit and Ethan's relationship continues to be tumultuous, which adds both excitement and frustration to the series. It definitely keeps things interesting, but as I said it's rather frustrating as well. Granted Ethan does act in character with his ridiculous alpha male routine in this book, but it comes across as juvenile so very hypocritical. To be honest, it rang rather false to me how easily he got off the hook with Merit for his actions. He pulled a rather ridiculous stunt in this book, and while there was mentions of him being in the "dog house," there really wasn't any real consequences for him with Merit nor anyone else in the end. And yet, he claimed to have learned his lesson. Again. But in all honestly it just once and for all proved he'll never really change, which unfortunately soured my view of him a bit. Luckily he has one more book to potentially redeem himself and better control those actions, but only time will tell.
You can really feel this series starting to wind down, which is a shame, as it's one I've really enjoyed. Surprisingly, the span of this series despite so many books, has only been a year in total. In fact, Merit is celebrating her one year anniversary as a vampire in this book. So much has happened in only that short year, it's rather mind boggling. And yet it feels like there's so much more left unsaid/to be done, so if the next book is truly the finale, I can't imagine the frenetic pace that will entail to pack so much in. Should make for a bang of a book. So that being said, I highly recommend this book and this series to anyone who enjoys a fast paced and high stakes read in the urban fantasy genre.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
mary alice
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.
Midnight Marked is the second to last book in Chloe Neill’s phenomenal Chicagoland Vampire series that has pretty much had my heart since the very beginning. This is a series that has really grown on me over the years, yes I was in love with book 1, but I pretty much grew to love the series even more with each and every book. Watching the characters grow from who they were back then has been exhilarating!
In Midnight Marked, Cadogan House is still dealing with public enemy number one, Adrien Reed. He’s been a thorn in their side for awhile and continues to wreak havoc on their lives, even when he’s no directly responsible. Such as the latest case; a shifter is found dead outside Wrigley field just when Merit and Ethan were about to enjoy a Cubs game, against the Cardinals no less! To make matters even more mysterious, there was a set of alchemical symbols found near the body, which suggests a sorcerer was involved.
And soon the hunt begins for this sorcerer and the murderer. Though Merit and Ethan suspect Reed, there’s no hard evidence to pin him to. The mystery element was pretty strong in this one. There were a lot of people to identify and naturally, the tension to stop Reed once and for all. But there was also a great deal of tension between our cast of heroes. Not only was there some fallout between Ethan and Gabriel with his shifters, but Ethan and Merit were running into personal problems again as well.
I truly love the pacing of these books! Chloe Neill is a master at her craft! The books have all been incredibly enjoyable! The dynamics between Ethan and Merit have been spot on since book 1! And even though they are officially a couple, it doesn’t stop the tension that grows between them, both romantic and not! And of course, there’s still plenty of snark and laughs to be had! This is Merit we’re talking about!
Quite a few exciting things happen in this one! Not only does Merit have to deal with Reed, but another enemy comes to fore. One we weren’t really expecting! I quite enjoyed how Merit handled it too! I won’t divulge in the other exciting things, just be prepared to enjoy yourselves! Of course, any Chicagoland Vampire novel is sure to delight its readers!
I am dreading the next and final book. Only because I am not ready to say goodbye to Ethan and Merit and all their friends just yet! I feel like we’re given a nudge onto their final course, but there’s bound to me more trouble ahead than what we’re given! As we all know, nothing ever comes easy for Ethan and Merit! And while I don’t want the series to end just yet, I do say that they deserve themselves a break and a little R&R to enjoy themselves! And of course, that involves a HEA ending as well!
If you haven’t yet read the Chicagoland Vampires series, I urge you to pick it up now! Not only can you pretty much breeze through the entire series to date, but there’s just one more book to wait for. And did I mention you’ll be able to read Drink Deep immediately after Hard Bitten? Trust me when I say, that’s a VERY, VERY good thing! So come and enjoy and the highlights Chicago and its vampires has to offer with this incredibly awesome series that is a perfection in the world of Urban Fantasy!
Overall Rating 5/5 stars
Midnight Marked is the second to last book in Chloe Neill’s phenomenal Chicagoland Vampire series that has pretty much had my heart since the very beginning. This is a series that has really grown on me over the years, yes I was in love with book 1, but I pretty much grew to love the series even more with each and every book. Watching the characters grow from who they were back then has been exhilarating!
In Midnight Marked, Cadogan House is still dealing with public enemy number one, Adrien Reed. He’s been a thorn in their side for awhile and continues to wreak havoc on their lives, even when he’s no directly responsible. Such as the latest case; a shifter is found dead outside Wrigley field just when Merit and Ethan were about to enjoy a Cubs game, against the Cardinals no less! To make matters even more mysterious, there was a set of alchemical symbols found near the body, which suggests a sorcerer was involved.
And soon the hunt begins for this sorcerer and the murderer. Though Merit and Ethan suspect Reed, there’s no hard evidence to pin him to. The mystery element was pretty strong in this one. There were a lot of people to identify and naturally, the tension to stop Reed once and for all. But there was also a great deal of tension between our cast of heroes. Not only was there some fallout between Ethan and Gabriel with his shifters, but Ethan and Merit were running into personal problems again as well.
I truly love the pacing of these books! Chloe Neill is a master at her craft! The books have all been incredibly enjoyable! The dynamics between Ethan and Merit have been spot on since book 1! And even though they are officially a couple, it doesn’t stop the tension that grows between them, both romantic and not! And of course, there’s still plenty of snark and laughs to be had! This is Merit we’re talking about!
Quite a few exciting things happen in this one! Not only does Merit have to deal with Reed, but another enemy comes to fore. One we weren’t really expecting! I quite enjoyed how Merit handled it too! I won’t divulge in the other exciting things, just be prepared to enjoy yourselves! Of course, any Chicagoland Vampire novel is sure to delight its readers!
I am dreading the next and final book. Only because I am not ready to say goodbye to Ethan and Merit and all their friends just yet! I feel like we’re given a nudge onto their final course, but there’s bound to me more trouble ahead than what we’re given! As we all know, nothing ever comes easy for Ethan and Merit! And while I don’t want the series to end just yet, I do say that they deserve themselves a break and a little R&R to enjoy themselves! And of course, that involves a HEA ending as well!
If you haven’t yet read the Chicagoland Vampires series, I urge you to pick it up now! Not only can you pretty much breeze through the entire series to date, but there’s just one more book to wait for. And did I mention you’ll be able to read Drink Deep immediately after Hard Bitten? Trust me when I say, that’s a VERY, VERY good thing! So come and enjoy and the highlights Chicago and its vampires has to offer with this incredibly awesome series that is a perfection in the world of Urban Fantasy!
Overall Rating 5/5 stars
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
shabnam morakabatchian
Midnight Marked by Chloe O'Neill
Urban Fantasy - March 1st, 2916
4 stars
Midnight Marked is the latest installment in Chloe O'Neill's Chicagoland Vampire series. This wildly popular series will not disappoint fans. It can be read as a stand alone but due to the developed characterization it would be best to have read prior books. In this book, the vampire House of Cadogan seems to be under siege from all sides -even their allies.
Sentinel and a newly made vampire, Merit is still finding her feet. But she has a good handle on their sexy vampire leader, Ethan. Things seem calm, even settled as they both are getting set to enjoy a idealistic baseball game in Wrigley Field. Unfortunately, a mysterious vampire tries to kill her and then later kills a werewolf. The werewolf leader asks for their help. But all their information points to the powerful and evil Adrian Reid. However, trusted alliances no longer seem friendly and soon Merit and Ethan are all on their own. Plus Merit has the unhappy task of trying to keep a rightfully angry Ethan from making some unfortunate decisions. When a huge fight disrupts their relationship and their house is set under attack the tension mounts. Can Merit and Ethan resolve their difference and find peace before it is too late?
This book really starts the action quickly as Merit and the House of Cadogan are under attack immediately. Unfortunately, Merit and Ethan seem to be two steps behind throughout most of the book. Backstabbing and nefarious villain(s) make them unsure who they can trust. And they cannot even stay united in their decisions which maybe one of the first big fights between them as a couple. But it is still obvious how much they care for each other. I liked that the author is still able maintain the love and respect they have for each other and make their relationship still very steamy. Their arch nemesis Adrian has a devious plan that Merit and Ethan will have to unite with unlikely partnerships to overthrow. This series is still evolving. I would like to read more about Merit's rocky family interactions and Ethan's long past. As Cadogan is in upheaval this is still more to come. And I can't wait!
A dastardly villain, a fighting couple and backstabbing left and right make this latest edition of the Chicagoland Vampires a winner!
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Urban Fantasy - March 1st, 2916
4 stars
Midnight Marked is the latest installment in Chloe O'Neill's Chicagoland Vampire series. This wildly popular series will not disappoint fans. It can be read as a stand alone but due to the developed characterization it would be best to have read prior books. In this book, the vampire House of Cadogan seems to be under siege from all sides -even their allies.
Sentinel and a newly made vampire, Merit is still finding her feet. But she has a good handle on their sexy vampire leader, Ethan. Things seem calm, even settled as they both are getting set to enjoy a idealistic baseball game in Wrigley Field. Unfortunately, a mysterious vampire tries to kill her and then later kills a werewolf. The werewolf leader asks for their help. But all their information points to the powerful and evil Adrian Reid. However, trusted alliances no longer seem friendly and soon Merit and Ethan are all on their own. Plus Merit has the unhappy task of trying to keep a rightfully angry Ethan from making some unfortunate decisions. When a huge fight disrupts their relationship and their house is set under attack the tension mounts. Can Merit and Ethan resolve their difference and find peace before it is too late?
This book really starts the action quickly as Merit and the House of Cadogan are under attack immediately. Unfortunately, Merit and Ethan seem to be two steps behind throughout most of the book. Backstabbing and nefarious villain(s) make them unsure who they can trust. And they cannot even stay united in their decisions which maybe one of the first big fights between them as a couple. But it is still obvious how much they care for each other. I liked that the author is still able maintain the love and respect they have for each other and make their relationship still very steamy. Their arch nemesis Adrian has a devious plan that Merit and Ethan will have to unite with unlikely partnerships to overthrow. This series is still evolving. I would like to read more about Merit's rocky family interactions and Ethan's long past. As Cadogan is in upheaval this is still more to come. And I can't wait!
A dastardly villain, a fighting couple and backstabbing left and right make this latest edition of the Chicagoland Vampires a winner!
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
abhiroop patel
Merit is one of Chicago's most skilled vampire warriors; these days, she doesn't scare easily. But she and Master vampire Ethan have made a new and powerful enemy, and he won't give up until he owns the Windy City.
With his last plan thwarted, he's more determined than ever to watch Cadogan burn. Ethan has put the House's vampires on high alert, but their enemy will stop at nothing, including pitting vampire against vampire...
In this deadly game of cat-and-mouse, the stakes are life or death—and winning might mean sacrificing everything.
***
My Review:
I am actually really happy with the progression of intimate and family dynamic relationships. I'm happy with the rate of development (if that's the right word?) as far as how Merit has handled coping with her new life and what she has become.
I have a lot of respect for how Merit sort of deals or accepts the way certain family members are even though its not all hearts and flowers. I believe it makes it more realistic that family isn't always perfect because that's the way it is in real life.
I really liked Ethan. He's embraced changing some of his faultier personality traits but its not flip a switch and its build a boyfriend perfection over night. He still has work to do with his development and how he handles himself. He's still imperfect but I think that's what makes him so great.
In the end its all the imperfection in everyone that really made me love this installment.
My Rating:
5 Stars
Reviewed By:
Krissys Bookshelf Reviews
Booklikes: [...]
Goodreads: [...]
Twitter:[...]
Google Plus: [...]
Blogger: [...]
Pinterest: [...]
the store: https://www.the store.com/gp/profile/A4S8JJMA33F2B?ie=UTF8&ref_=sv_ys_3
Disclaimer:
Krissys Bookshelf Reviews received a print copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
Source:
A print copy was provided by Penguin Publishing
Note:
[...] Thank you!
With his last plan thwarted, he's more determined than ever to watch Cadogan burn. Ethan has put the House's vampires on high alert, but their enemy will stop at nothing, including pitting vampire against vampire...
In this deadly game of cat-and-mouse, the stakes are life or death—and winning might mean sacrificing everything.
***
My Review:
I am actually really happy with the progression of intimate and family dynamic relationships. I'm happy with the rate of development (if that's the right word?) as far as how Merit has handled coping with her new life and what she has become.
I have a lot of respect for how Merit sort of deals or accepts the way certain family members are even though its not all hearts and flowers. I believe it makes it more realistic that family isn't always perfect because that's the way it is in real life.
I really liked Ethan. He's embraced changing some of his faultier personality traits but its not flip a switch and its build a boyfriend perfection over night. He still has work to do with his development and how he handles himself. He's still imperfect but I think that's what makes him so great.
In the end its all the imperfection in everyone that really made me love this installment.
My Rating:
5 Stars
Reviewed By:
Krissys Bookshelf Reviews
Booklikes: [...]
Goodreads: [...]
Twitter:[...]
Google Plus: [...]
Blogger: [...]
Pinterest: [...]
the store: https://www.the store.com/gp/profile/A4S8JJMA33F2B?ie=UTF8&ref_=sv_ys_3
Disclaimer:
Krissys Bookshelf Reviews received a print copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
Source:
A print copy was provided by Penguin Publishing
Note:
[...] Thank you!
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
tracy owens
MIDNIGHT MARKED complimented the Chicagoland Vampires series well and I love how storylines are moving along.
Can you believe it's only been a year since Merit became a vampire? SO much has happened that it seems like so much longer, but alas it's only been a year. Merit has changed a lot since book one. She has grown into her new life as a vampire, she fell in love, she is starting to mend fences with her family and she seems excited about the future.
I don't know why—ok that's a lie, it makes me giddy when he gets put in his place after the fact—but I really love watching Ethan make stupid decisions. Especially when Merit makes it clear to him that it's a set-up and he still does it and she gets to tell him I told you so. Ethan of course gets himself into a little trouble in MIDNIGHT MARKED, but thankfully him and Merit make the bad guy regret the day he started messing with them and their city.
I'm from Chicago and I absolutely love all of the things Neill brings into the story—even if some of it is fiction. I completely get Merit's love of Chicago food. Whenever we go back for the holidays to visit family, there are at least a dozen things that I just have to get that I can only get in Chicago and the surrounding areas—I also gain a good 5 pounds. One of those things is pizza. If you have never had Chicago pizza, you are missing out big time and when you try it, pizza will never be the same.
For some reason the farther along in a series the book, the harder I find it to review. I continue to love the characters, the plot is always entertaining and the relationship between Merit and Ethan still has its 'moments', but they always seem to come out ahead and still in love. I truly never want this series to end, but I know the end is coming with the next book and I just don't see how things could possibly be over.
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Can you believe it's only been a year since Merit became a vampire? SO much has happened that it seems like so much longer, but alas it's only been a year. Merit has changed a lot since book one. She has grown into her new life as a vampire, she fell in love, she is starting to mend fences with her family and she seems excited about the future.
I don't know why—ok that's a lie, it makes me giddy when he gets put in his place after the fact—but I really love watching Ethan make stupid decisions. Especially when Merit makes it clear to him that it's a set-up and he still does it and she gets to tell him I told you so. Ethan of course gets himself into a little trouble in MIDNIGHT MARKED, but thankfully him and Merit make the bad guy regret the day he started messing with them and their city.
I'm from Chicago and I absolutely love all of the things Neill brings into the story—even if some of it is fiction. I completely get Merit's love of Chicago food. Whenever we go back for the holidays to visit family, there are at least a dozen things that I just have to get that I can only get in Chicago and the surrounding areas—I also gain a good 5 pounds. One of those things is pizza. If you have never had Chicago pizza, you are missing out big time and when you try it, pizza will never be the same.
For some reason the farther along in a series the book, the harder I find it to review. I continue to love the characters, the plot is always entertaining and the relationship between Merit and Ethan still has its 'moments', but they always seem to come out ahead and still in love. I truly never want this series to end, but I know the end is coming with the next book and I just don't see how things could possibly be over.
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
carriza
Trouble once again finds Ethan and Merit and this time they might have to sacrifice everything to win in a deadly game of cat and mouse in this spellbinding Chicagoland Vampires novel.
Merit doesn’t scare easily but this new enemy that her and Ethan have made is out to own the city and he will use whatever he can to ensure that happens which leads to lot of exhilarating and action packed conflicts that has Cadogan House and all it’ allies scrambling to discover just what the evil mastermind’s plan is. The intriguing events guarantee that readers stay glued to the pages and on the edge of their seat because there is lots of twists and clues to be discovered on every page especially since the bad guy is so determined to burn the House down. The well written scenes spark the imagination with vivid detailing that makes it easy to picture each and every scene.
The fast paced and smooth flowing plot is full of suspense, excitement and romance among the various couples in and friends of the House but Merit and Ethan are having a bit of a turmoil in their relationship which had me a tad bit worried. We get to visit with all the wonderful characters that we usually visit with and we are introduced to a few more colorful characters one of which sounds like she could fit right in with our favorites and then they are the ones that we have to add to our enemy list because they upset our lovable hero and heroine which of course makes for some interesting and emotionally turbulent times.
Some of the intense moments of this story actually had me holding my breath with anticipation and worry, which made this visit to the Cadogan house one exhilarating experience that you don’t’ want to miss.
Merit doesn’t scare easily but this new enemy that her and Ethan have made is out to own the city and he will use whatever he can to ensure that happens which leads to lot of exhilarating and action packed conflicts that has Cadogan House and all it’ allies scrambling to discover just what the evil mastermind’s plan is. The intriguing events guarantee that readers stay glued to the pages and on the edge of their seat because there is lots of twists and clues to be discovered on every page especially since the bad guy is so determined to burn the House down. The well written scenes spark the imagination with vivid detailing that makes it easy to picture each and every scene.
The fast paced and smooth flowing plot is full of suspense, excitement and romance among the various couples in and friends of the House but Merit and Ethan are having a bit of a turmoil in their relationship which had me a tad bit worried. We get to visit with all the wonderful characters that we usually visit with and we are introduced to a few more colorful characters one of which sounds like she could fit right in with our favorites and then they are the ones that we have to add to our enemy list because they upset our lovable hero and heroine which of course makes for some interesting and emotionally turbulent times.
Some of the intense moments of this story actually had me holding my breath with anticipation and worry, which made this visit to the Cadogan house one exhilarating experience that you don’t’ want to miss.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
melissa richner
Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy.
MIDNIGHT MARKED has all the loveable hallmarks of this series: food, camaraderie, and Chicago pride. Dolloped on top of this delicious mix are a few relationship milestones and some impending doom, making for an enjoyable read all around.
Fans of the Chicagoland Vampires series will recognize their favorite elements in this installment, but unfortunately familiar weaknesses are also present. Merit’s sleuthing style can read like a police blotter at times, all reported facts and no analysis. This means that the main storyline, anything not involving romance or food, can drag significantly. Luckily, both Ethan and Chicago cuisine are delicious enough to make up for this deficit, carrying a dry mystery and indifferent villain through to a pleasant end.
At this point in the series, I’ve lost all emotional stake in Cadogan’s enemies or even Chicago’s threats. Too compelling to quit, however, are Merit’s evolving relationships, be they platonic, romantic, and political. As the series draws to a close, it becomes ever more apparent that the crucible that shapes Merit is less important than her ultimate transformation... and where she’ll be eating dinner after kicking ass.
Sexual Content: Sex scenes.
MIDNIGHT MARKED has all the loveable hallmarks of this series: food, camaraderie, and Chicago pride. Dolloped on top of this delicious mix are a few relationship milestones and some impending doom, making for an enjoyable read all around.
Fans of the Chicagoland Vampires series will recognize their favorite elements in this installment, but unfortunately familiar weaknesses are also present. Merit’s sleuthing style can read like a police blotter at times, all reported facts and no analysis. This means that the main storyline, anything not involving romance or food, can drag significantly. Luckily, both Ethan and Chicago cuisine are delicious enough to make up for this deficit, carrying a dry mystery and indifferent villain through to a pleasant end.
At this point in the series, I’ve lost all emotional stake in Cadogan’s enemies or even Chicago’s threats. Too compelling to quit, however, are Merit’s evolving relationships, be they platonic, romantic, and political. As the series draws to a close, it becomes ever more apparent that the crucible that shapes Merit is less important than her ultimate transformation... and where she’ll be eating dinner after kicking ass.
Sexual Content: Sex scenes.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
kevin hanks
3.5 Stars
Reviewed by Annie and posted at Under The Covers Book Blog
Merit has been a vampire for a year now. She’s gained some incredible friends and learned a ton of skills that she never would’ve otherwise. Some incredible things have happened over the several books of the series but I feel like despite being in the midst of a supernatural war, Merit and Ethan have kind of settled down a little bit.
A murder has occurred and it looks like it’s been done by one of them. That’s not good news when the tension between Houses is already brimming. After a brief update on Catcher and Mallory in the beginning, Neill goes straight into the action. A lot of the story focuses on the murder mystery with some twists along the way.
Ethan remains to be an enigma, never revealing too much but enough to stay alluring. My only complaint is that since we’re twelve books into the series, I would love a little more insight into his character. I feel like we have hit a plateau with his character and I would love something that would once again engage readers.
In terms of the romance, I do feel that Merit and Ethan have reached that comfortable stage in a relationship. The last books have been a little more steady. I wouldn’t mind seeing Neill shake things up a bit here as well. I do sense that the end is near but a little extra drama wouldn’t hurt the series.
Reviewed by Annie and posted at Under The Covers Book Blog
Merit has been a vampire for a year now. She’s gained some incredible friends and learned a ton of skills that she never would’ve otherwise. Some incredible things have happened over the several books of the series but I feel like despite being in the midst of a supernatural war, Merit and Ethan have kind of settled down a little bit.
A murder has occurred and it looks like it’s been done by one of them. That’s not good news when the tension between Houses is already brimming. After a brief update on Catcher and Mallory in the beginning, Neill goes straight into the action. A lot of the story focuses on the murder mystery with some twists along the way.
Ethan remains to be an enigma, never revealing too much but enough to stay alluring. My only complaint is that since we’re twelve books into the series, I would love a little more insight into his character. I feel like we have hit a plateau with his character and I would love something that would once again engage readers.
In terms of the romance, I do feel that Merit and Ethan have reached that comfortable stage in a relationship. The last books have been a little more steady. I wouldn’t mind seeing Neill shake things up a bit here as well. I do sense that the end is near but a little extra drama wouldn’t hurt the series.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
lientje
Midnight Marked was my introduction to the Chicagoland Vampire series. Being that it is book twelve in the series I’m sure I’ve missed a lot in the history of Merit and Ethan. On the other hand, I didn’t have any trouble falling into this storyline without having read the previous books.
An old enemy is continuing to maneuver against the vampires and shifters. In league with a sorcerer and a shifter new alchemic magic is at play. Allies are dying and the House of Cadogan is under fire. As Ethan’s sentinel, Merit is determined to keep Ethan hale and hearty and their house in one piece. At the same time, Ethan is just as determined to protect Merit no matter that her prowess as a warrior has been proven time and time again. Alliances with the pack will be questioned and tested. Every resource will be utilized to unravel the scope of the alchemy at play.
I quite enjoyed Midnight Marked and hope to pick up the others in the series. What’s not to like with a series that includes vampires, witches, shifters, sorcerers and any other number of paranormals, especially when there is plenty of action, suspense and hot steamy romance involved?
*****Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions*****
An old enemy is continuing to maneuver against the vampires and shifters. In league with a sorcerer and a shifter new alchemic magic is at play. Allies are dying and the House of Cadogan is under fire. As Ethan’s sentinel, Merit is determined to keep Ethan hale and hearty and their house in one piece. At the same time, Ethan is just as determined to protect Merit no matter that her prowess as a warrior has been proven time and time again. Alliances with the pack will be questioned and tested. Every resource will be utilized to unravel the scope of the alchemy at play.
I quite enjoyed Midnight Marked and hope to pick up the others in the series. What’s not to like with a series that includes vampires, witches, shifters, sorcerers and any other number of paranormals, especially when there is plenty of action, suspense and hot steamy romance involved?
*****Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions*****
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
atithan sinlapapriwan
5 Stars:
I absolutely love the Chicagoland Vampire series. The way this book reads it seems as if would be the last book in the series. However, I'm hoping that is not the case. After all we have the wedding to witness and the prophecy of the baby. Just can't wait!!
My absolute favorite and will read again and again. I strongly recommend! It has outstanding qualities. The characters are wonderful and surprising and multi-dimensional. The writing is luring, engaging, and well-crafted enough to keep me interested from cover to cover and beyond. The plot is astonishing with twists and turns weaved into a well thought and planned story. There’s no pretense and romance was well balanced and done entirely correctly with properly distributed amounts of hints, behaviors and incredible, undeniable chemistry. Predictability is at an all-time low. With the exception of series based books that follow the same path but are just as good. Overall, Favorite, must read again, recommend!!!
I absolutely love the Chicagoland Vampire series. The way this book reads it seems as if would be the last book in the series. However, I'm hoping that is not the case. After all we have the wedding to witness and the prophecy of the baby. Just can't wait!!
My absolute favorite and will read again and again. I strongly recommend! It has outstanding qualities. The characters are wonderful and surprising and multi-dimensional. The writing is luring, engaging, and well-crafted enough to keep me interested from cover to cover and beyond. The plot is astonishing with twists and turns weaved into a well thought and planned story. There’s no pretense and romance was well balanced and done entirely correctly with properly distributed amounts of hints, behaviors and incredible, undeniable chemistry. Predictability is at an all-time low. With the exception of series based books that follow the same path but are just as good. Overall, Favorite, must read again, recommend!!!
Please RateMidnight Marked (Chicagoland Vampires)
Again the big baddy in this book is The Circle, an anti-vampire group in Chicago headed by Adrien Reed. This enemy has felt contrived and forced from the start.
At first I was excited that it looked like this was going to have some interesting discussion of Alchemy in it. However, it wasn’t all that interesting. Ethan and Merit remain a sturdy couple; there are a couple good scenes between them. However, Ethan has gone all uber alpha male on Merit and has somehow forgotten that her job is to protect him. It was frustrating.
I am just trying to find something awesome to say about this book and struggling. I enjoyed that Mallory was in the story more; her crass sexual comments and in your face attitude were the best part of the story. We do get to learn about the vampire who originally attacked Merit was...which was again disappointingly...well disappointing.
Overall not impressed. Everything about this book was just..okay. Mostly it’s boring and predictable; I honestly struggled to keep from falling asleep multiple times while reading this book. I am struggling with this review just because the whole book was so non-commental. This was an interesting urban fantasy series that should have stopped with either book 9 or 10. Things have been going steadily downhill since then. My overwhelming feeling at the end of this book was…”eh...I just don’t care anymore…”