A Chicagoland Vampires Novel by Chloe Neill (2014-12-02)

I've gone through many series looking for another Mercy Thompson, and this is the first I've found that I really enjoy. Strong female heroine, interesting (if simplistic, but come on--these are serials) mysteries/conflicts, and manages to keep itself from being an out and out romance.

If you're looking for deep literature, this isn't for you--but if you enjoy fun reads, girls with moxie, and gender role switching, you'll love this.

Plot Summary: Merit is a graduate student who made the mistake of working late on campus one night. She was attacked by a vampire only to be saved by another one, and now she owes her allegiance to Ethan Sullivan, the Master of Cadogan House. Vampires have only recently revealed themselves to humans, and the vampire attacks on Merit and others have everyone on edge. In the meantime, Merit is having a hard time coming to terms with her new life, and adjusting to the idea that Ethan is her master. Her misfit status within Cadogan is cinched by her casual clothes, her resistance to authority, and her powers that are beyond the norm for newbies.

I did not finish my housework today because I could not put this one down. So I'm sitting here in my dusty house, with bits of paper on the carpet, and dearly wishing I could start reading book two immediately. This is one of those series that answers questions slowly, over the course of several books, so I'll have to reign in my impatience for now.

Merit is going to evolve into a fantastic kick-butt heroine, but for now we see her anger, denial, confusion, and insecurities at having her life flipped up-side-down. Merit is no wimp, but she's badly shaken to wake up a vampire, as any sane person would be. I don't trust conversion stories where the human accepts their new fate with equanimity. It's not right, because there should be a powerful amount of angst.

Neill builds up two sexy guys who attract Merit's interest, and they certainly return the favor. Ethan is her maker and master, and their chemistry starts with one of those `looks across a crowded room.' While Merit's emotions are ping-ponging all over the place, Ethan is nearly 400 years-old, and fully in control. Merit cannot afford to trust this master manipulator, and he proves her right. As if their relationship isn't complicated enough, another vampire vies for Merit's attention, and I'll shut my mouth now because spoilers suck. It'll be a good love triangle.

The thing that elevates this story from great to excellent, aside from the strong heroine and burning hunks of manly vampires, is the well-rounded supporting cast of characters. Merit gets a tight little support group, from best-gal-pal Mallory, to her ever loving grand-dad, and I have a feeling she's going to need it.

Looks like the sequel, "Friday Night Bites," will be released in October 09, and I'll be placing my order for book two without a doubt.

I am reading this series for the second time. Although this particular series is not as sultry as my normally read authors like Lora Leigh, Delilah Devlin, Sherrilyn Kenyon, this book still ranks very high in romance, suspense and snarkiness (is that even a word)? My most fav author remains Shelley Lauranston, due to her well developed characters and humor. Chloe Neill seems to have these same qualities in spades. Even though it's been a year since I read this the first time, I thoroughly enjoyed it this time. Great Series beginning. Onto Friday Night Bites!!

Preconceived notions were ablaze when I downloaded this much anticipated novel to my handy-dandy kindle. For one I had been already following Chloe Neill's blog and twitter posts, so I had an idea of her writing skills, I had read a few reviews and all had me excited to read this novel. I was pretty sure all that it would entail - I guess, how can I put this - I was pretty sure what the flavor of the book was going to be. Whoa, boy was I wrong. First off it wasn't a bad surprise, not at all, much like if I bought Winn-Dixie brand chocolate ice cream, cause I couldn't afford the good sheet, and instead got me some Half-Baked Ben & Jerry's happiness inside the box instead. (I'm on an ice cream analogy kick) Definitely a happy moment.

I had judged the cover. Typical vampy girl cover. I had judged the title. Witty, with a little sex for spice. I had judged the synopsis - and expected just your typical, girl becomes paranormal unexpectedly, girl is like the super-paranormal variety, girl has hots for maker...hijinks ensue. I'm glad I was proven wrong. This novel was so much more than the other typical vamp novels out there. There was a depth to this novel that explored aspects that other urban fantasy novels don't even come close to tackling. The relationships were deeper, emotions ran deeper and even the thought processes of the characters were more in-depth. Chloe Niell knows how to spin an in-depth tale, from her background, to her sub-plots everything was tight and entertaining. It had me thinking and guessing and never once coming to the right conclusions.

Merit, the main character has what she believes is a good solid life. Graduate student, working on her dissertation, living with her best friend in a great house. Her parents aren't that supportive but her gramps is there for her. Everything changes for her when she is attacked on campus and luckily, or unluckily she is found by one of Chicago's master vampires and he changes her into one of them.

Vamps are out of the closet in this novel, so her change is made public. Merit isn't too happy about this either, since vamps aren't exactly accepted and the college where she attends doesn't allow vampires to enroll, bye bye dissertation. On top of it, the master vamp, Mr. Hottie Ethan Sullivan, who is very attractive - and also attracted right back is trying to put the moves on her. His mistress is giving her the evil eye - the rival house is baiting her - and she is finding out some weird stuff about her family and friends. Merit's world is really going off kilter. Yet, Merit just might manage to make it, with the help of some old friends, family and few new friends she makes along the way.

A must read book for my fellow fang fans. Recommended for readers of LKH, Briggs and Mead. Also a great place to start an urban fantasy addiction. I can't wait to move on to the next installment, Friday Night Bites.

This could've been a short story taking one fourth the space. Unless you are interested in immature drama about who dates who, agnst toward parents, and long descriptions of birthday parties and dancing where nothing related to the pot actually happens, don't waste your time.

While these books present a good story idea, they aren't particularly well-written. It's not the grammer so much as somewhat deficient story-telling skills and the lack of good editing. The flaws won't prevent me from reading the series, but it won't become a favorite.

Love this book. Sexy, smart, fun, upbeat, great characters, wonderful humor. Merit has the makings of a strong heroine and smokin hot Ethan has some serious chemistry with Merit. Then there's cute vamp Morgan who has an also interest in Merit. Merit turned vamp gets awakened to a whole other world along with with her roommate Malory. Adored Malory and Cather Bell, the sexy sorcerer. This book has is all - vamps, sorcerers, shape shifters. I'm definitely now a Chloe Neill fan. Love that this is a series and we get to enjoy these character as the story continues.

Merit has been forced into the world of vampires and their houses. The stakes are high and everyone, including Ethan has an agenda. The story is amazing, building societies and complex relationships. Dying to see where this all goes.

Brought forcibly into the middle of a political vampiric uprising, Merit just wants her old life back. Unfortunately every part of that life seems to have changed.

I loved the twists and turns of this book. Loved the way each character felt real. By the end if the book, I felt as though I could have walked up to them in a group and chatted like friends. A fantastic take and start off to a series. Read and enjoy. Repeat as necessary.

Really loved this book, would have loved to read the series, but when i went to purchase the next book, i could not bring myself to pay 10 plus dollars for a book published in 2006, i seen alot of complaints about the price, seems they dont want to bring it down, so wont be finishing this series.

An unwilling new vampire, Merit must leave her former life - a grad student rebelling against her upper-crust family - for her new one as a suboirdinate chafing under a rigid vampire heirarchy. Merit's transition, fueled by sexual tension with her new vampire boss, a murder mystery, and the developing politics between vampire Houses in Chicago, makes for an intriguing read.

I loved Merit's character, strong enough to push back against the new authority of her vampire House, but without succumbing to endless whining. The master of Cadogan house, Ethan Sullivan, is one of two potential love interests and unquestionably alpha, broody and hot. Romantic candidate number two, a much more easygoing vampire from a rival House, has more in common with Merit and is well positioned to play a, well, Less Bad Boy to Ethan's Bad Boy in later books.

The clash of wills (and underlying passion) between Merit and Ethan, aided by witty dialogue and a well-drawn supporting cast, gives the book energy and kept me eagerly turning the pages. Merit's role as House Sentinel (hence the aforementioned sword and bustier) lends a particularly interesting dynamic to the balance of power between her and Ethan. The mystery surrounding a rash of attacks on humans that implicate Cadogan House, in a world where vampires are "out" to mortals, also provided a good incentive for the two antagonists to work together. Sort of.

The bad news is, of course, the same as the good news: much is left to be resolved in later books (sometimes, I really hate that!). Some characters can certainly stand to grow in the future. Ethan, in particular, comes across as a cold, arrogant pri ... er, person who needs to be taken down a peg or ten. I cannot wait to see Merit work on that. Overall, I highly recommend the book, and eagerly await the sequel.

This book is similar to the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris in that the first book begins shortly after vampires have "outed" themselves to humans and are attempting to live in conjunction with them. But this book (the first in the Chicagoland Vampires series) is richer, more intellectually and politically grounded, and populated with more complex, interesting characters. Merit, the central character, kicks the supernatural crap out of Sookie Stackhouse every day of the week and twice on Sundays.

In this book, Merit is unwittingly changed from human to vampire when an allegedly rogue vampire attempts to kill her and a legitimate vampire (Ethan, the Master of Cadogan House) turns her to save her life. Merit is then introduced to a whole world of supernatural beings -- including vampires, shape-shifters, nymphs, sorcerers and witches -- and is forced to grapple with whether she will accept the somewhat rigid, almost feudal system under which the vampires live. Accepting the system means swearing an oath of loyalty and obedience to Ethan and to Cadogan House. Given the almost instant attraction -- and simultaneous repulsion -- Merit feels for Ethan, this is a difficult decision.

This book is like Harry Potter for adults. It is well researched and vividly imagined but also fun and sarcastic and action-packed. I look forward to reading further books in this series.

The writer had good pace and flow. I found myself laughing out loud. Great plot, a little NCIS, good dialogue. Love that the character wasn't whiney. One got to go along on the journey that Merit took discovering how to be a vamp. Great read, reading into the wee- hours of the night. Can't wait to read the next book!

Just finished this book for the second time in order the read the next 2 for the first. It had been about a year since I finished this book and wanted to refresh my memory on what went on before. I had forgotten about the fact that Ethan flip flops and Merit had me crying right along with her through out her frustration. Look forward to starting Hard Bitten. Love the humor and deep emotional connection I felt through out the first 3 books. Awesome writing Ms. Neill.

I found this series while looking for a new series. I did love the story line and the characters. It didn't take long to be totally vested. I love these quirky stories with the kick ass heroines that are real people too. After reading the reviews I decided to give it a try. I loved it and will be reading the series now...I am hooked!

Chloe Neill out did herself with this novel. Charmfall kept me reading until the early hours of the morning. I could not put the book down once I started it! Lily and the rest of the Adepts are experiencing a power outage. After she hears from Sebastian, super hot, though maybe evil (but maybe not?) Reaper, Lily learns that not only does the power outage affect the Adepts, but it also affects the Reapers. The only good part of this equation is that they're evenly matched, or are they? Someone has caused this power outage, and that means someone still has power. Lily and Scout work with Sebastian in order to determine who is behind the power outage plaguing Chicago and why.

The characters in this novel are much better developed than they were in Firespell, and they keep growing and changing with each addition to the series. Lily is growing into her powers and becoming comfortable in her own skin. She has started to trust her "gut instinct," and that pays off. However, she still can't decide whether or not Sebastian is completely good or evil. She also can't decide if she's friends with him or if they're just using each other for information. This sets the stage for an interesting 4th novel, but don't worry Jason fans, he's in the novel, too, and Lily doesn't betray him.

Speaking of Jason, his family keeps putting more pressure on him to fulfill his werewolf destiny. For those of you who read Hexbound, you know that means to marry another werewolf. He's on edge throughout the novel because of that, and so is Lily. It adds a tension to the plot that may not have been there with simply the disappearance of magic. Jason seems to really care for Lily and vice-versa. He has moments of immaturity in the book, but he always comes through for her when he's really needed, and that's what matters. However, his family "obligation" makes Lily (and me) uncomfortable. I am looking forward to seeing what Neill does with Jason's situation.

Scout is angrier than usual in this novel. I'm noticing as the series progresses, Scout's bitterness keeps growing. I am not sure if that's just because of the situations she's faced with in the books or if it's setting up something for later in the series. I'll be interested to find out. Either way, Scout is still a good friend to Lily, and they fight this battle of having lost powers together. Scout surprises me when she stands by Lily no matter what and trusts her to make the right decision. It's obvious that their friendship has evolved and become more stable. They are very loyal to each other, and it's growing into a sisterly bond instead of just a friendship. There wasn't a lot of Michael in this novel, and I would have liked to have seen more of him. I don't know where he would have fit in more, though, so I understand why he wasn't present as much as usual.

A character that I don't know what to think about is Sebastian. Part of me really wants to like and trust him (like Lily), but the other part can't help but think there's more going on with him than Neill is letting on right now. One thing is clear, though. He really seems to care about Lily's well-being, and super hot soul-sucker or not, that has to say something, right? I can't wait to see where Neill takes his character.

What Dark Elite novel would be complete without the Brat Pack? Veronica and Co are back in action in this book, but Veronica is different. She has a love interest that's shocking to everyone. I'm not sure I'm buying what's going on with that, but again, Neill may have something up her sleeve that we readers don't know about yet. So instead of just writing it off all together, I'm going to wait and see what she has in mind. One thing I've learned from reading the Chicagoland Vampire Series and the Dark Elite Series, when Chloe Neill does something that doesn't exactly set well with me, she tends to fix it with a stroke of brilliance in the next book. So I'm just going to have faith in her ability as an author and see how this plays out.

Charmfall moves more quickly than the previous two Dark Elite novels. There is more action and more suspense. Neill has created a world that you can easily lose yourself (and your sleep) in. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

I like so many other people now days, am obsessed with vampires, movies, & books. Maybe for the element of fantasy they hold, that allows me to escape my realities, even if for just a fleeting moment, and entrance myself into the story. This book & the books in the series to come, was wonderfully written to capture me until I couldn't put it down. Sadly the end of the book comes too soon, & i can't wait to get the next one. Wonderful book.

I loved this book. Strong, believable characters are a must and this book has it. Also great banter between the characters. As this is the first in the series, there are hints as to how the story might develop but I'm sure there will be twists along the way.

I found this series while looking for a new series. I did love the story line and the characters. It didn't take long to be totally vested. I love these quirky stories with the kick ass heroines that are real people too. After reading the reviews I decided to give it a try. I loved it and will be reading the series now...I am hooked!

Chloe Neill out did herself with this novel. Charmfall kept me reading until the early hours of the morning. I could not put the book down once I started it! Lily and the rest of the Adepts are experiencing a power outage. After she hears from Sebastian, super hot, though maybe evil (but maybe not?) Reaper, Lily learns that not only does the power outage affect the Adepts, but it also affects the Reapers. The only good part of this equation is that they're evenly matched, or are they? Someone has caused this power outage, and that means someone still has power. Lily and Scout work with Sebastian in order to determine who is behind the power outage plaguing Chicago and why.

The characters in this novel are much better developed than they were in Firespell, and they keep growing and changing with each addition to the series. Lily is growing into her powers and becoming comfortable in her own skin. She has started to trust her "gut instinct," and that pays off. However, she still can't decide whether or not Sebastian is completely good or evil. She also can't decide if she's friends with him or if they're just using each other for information. This sets the stage for an interesting 4th novel, but don't worry Jason fans, he's in the novel, too, and Lily doesn't betray him.

Speaking of Jason, his family keeps putting more pressure on him to fulfill his werewolf destiny. For those of you who read Hexbound, you know that means to marry another werewolf. He's on edge throughout the novel because of that, and so is Lily. It adds a tension to the plot that may not have been there with simply the disappearance of magic. Jason seems to really care for Lily and vice-versa. He has moments of immaturity in the book, but he always comes through for her when he's really needed, and that's what matters. However, his family "obligation" makes Lily (and me) uncomfortable. I am looking forward to seeing what Neill does with Jason's situation.

Scout is angrier than usual in this novel. I'm noticing as the series progresses, Scout's bitterness keeps growing. I am not sure if that's just because of the situations she's faced with in the books or if it's setting up something for later in the series. I'll be interested to find out. Either way, Scout is still a good friend to Lily, and they fight this battle of having lost powers together. Scout surprises me when she stands by Lily no matter what and trusts her to make the right decision. It's obvious that their friendship has evolved and become more stable. They are very loyal to each other, and it's growing into a sisterly bond instead of just a friendship. There wasn't a lot of Michael in this novel, and I would have liked to have seen more of him. I don't know where he would have fit in more, though, so I understand why he wasn't present as much as usual.

A character that I don't know what to think about is Sebastian. Part of me really wants to like and trust him (like Lily), but the other part can't help but think there's more going on with him than Neill is letting on right now. One thing is clear, though. He really seems to care about Lily's well-being, and super hot soul-sucker or not, that has to say something, right? I can't wait to see where Neill takes his character.

What Dark Elite novel would be complete without the Brat Pack? Veronica and Co are back in action in this book, but Veronica is different. She has a love interest that's shocking to everyone. I'm not sure I'm buying what's going on with that, but again, Neill may have something up her sleeve that we readers don't know about yet. So instead of just writing it off all together, I'm going to wait and see what she has in mind. One thing I've learned from reading the Chicagoland Vampire Series and the Dark Elite Series, when Chloe Neill does something that doesn't exactly set well with me, she tends to fix it with a stroke of brilliance in the next book. So I'm just going to have faith in her ability as an author and see how this plays out.

Charmfall moves more quickly than the previous two Dark Elite novels. There is more action and more suspense. Neill has created a world that you can easily lose yourself (and your sleep) in. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

I like so many other people now days, am obsessed with vampires, movies, & books. Maybe for the element of fantasy they hold, that allows me to escape my realities, even if for just a fleeting moment, and entrance myself into the story. This book & the books in the series to come, was wonderfully written to capture me until I couldn't put it down. Sadly the end of the book comes too soon, & i can't wait to get the next one. Wonderful book.

I loved this book. Strong, believable characters are a must and this book has it. Also great banter between the characters. As this is the first in the series, there are hints as to how the story might develop but I'm sure there will be twists along the way.

These books are actually really good. I didn't expect to like them but after purchasing the first for under a dollar last week, I am now on the fifth book. I will continue to read these. They keep getting better and better.

I read about 200 paranormal romances a year - everything from JR Ward to .99 titles at BookBub. I literally cannot wait to read the next book in this series.... Great humor, good premise, a strong main squeeze, Ethan, great supporting characters and Merit - the main character. Enjoy!

A very good book overall, but to much melodrama for my taste and not enough information on the pluses and minuses of being a vampire. Some pretty good character development makes this a must read. The plot is not predictable, and the conclusion is quite a surprise. I am looking forward to the next book

I really loved this book! It took a couple chapters for me to get into it, but once I did I flew through the rest of the series. I liked the writing style and overall story. The main character can grate on your nerves, but you do grow to like her. I think this is definately one of the stand out series in the Urban Fantasy genre.

Lily is just what the team needs. she is learning and not scared to ask for help. The lines are being crossed and who knows were this will lead. with pressure from Jason's parents how will his relationship with Lily go. I wish them the best

I eagerly awaited this installment of the Chicagoland vampires, and wasn't disappointed. The ongoing drama between the Houses and between the lead characters keeps the reader riveted. I recommend this book to urban fantasy readers, and vampire afficiandos. The secondary characters are well developed and you want to get to know them better. Good job Ms. Neill! Can't wait for book 4!

Wow. This was even better than the first book! YAY for Merit and Ethan! Better yet was how Merit handled the emotional/mental aftermath of this development. Lots of little unanswered questions and ticklers sprinkled throughout the series. Chloe left many doors open to take this series into different areas that are sure to delight and surprise her readers!