lindaunconventionalbookworms's review against another edition
2.0
MAJOR SPOILERS - DON'T READ IF YOU HAVEN'T FINISHED THE BOOK YET!!
2 and a half stars :( I am not a happy reader.
How could Chloe Neill do this to me? She actually let Celina kill Ethan, for real?? I just can't get over that at all. I loved a lot of things about this book, but killing Ethan really killed the book for me as well. I truly loved his character, and thought that he had finally seen the light about Merit, and how she deserved all of him, and that they could become a great couple, and SHE KILLED HIM :O
IMO the ending would have been so much better if Celina had killed Tate, then Ethan could have killed her. I am totaly destroyed and grief-stricken, like Merit.
However, the book was truly well written, and characters developed well in a way that was logical. There was a lot of groundwork layed for the next book as well, with Mallory, the magic and her tutor Simon.
I really liked the way Jonah came to respect Merit more, and I think that Ethan was right about her when he said that she's really grown into her role as Sentinel of the house.
Lindsay and Merit continued to be good friendds, and to have each others backs as well, and I really do like it when there are strong female friendships forming, it shows more of the heroine's character.
But I still really hate the ending, I don't see at all how this can come to a better story in the next installment, and I also don't even think I would appreciate it if Ethan somehow 'came back' to life. Catcher could have cast a spell, or there could have been something else going on, but I just can't buy that right now, and I think it might even make me more sad and angry at this point.
2 and a half stars :( I am not a happy reader.
How could Chloe Neill do this to me? She actually let Celina kill Ethan, for real?? I just can't get over that at all. I loved a lot of things about this book, but killing Ethan really killed the book for me as well. I truly loved his character, and thought that he had finally seen the light about Merit, and how she deserved all of him, and that they could become a great couple, and SHE KILLED HIM :O
IMO the ending would have been so much better if Celina had killed Tate, then Ethan could have killed her. I am totaly destroyed and grief-stricken, like Merit.
However, the book was truly well written, and characters developed well in a way that was logical. There was a lot of groundwork layed for the next book as well, with Mallory, the magic and her tutor Simon.
I really liked the way Jonah came to respect Merit more, and I think that Ethan was right about her when he said that she's really grown into her role as Sentinel of the house.
Lindsay and Merit continued to be good friendds, and to have each others backs as well, and I really do like it when there are strong female friendships forming, it shows more of the heroine's character.
But I still really hate the ending, I don't see at all how this can come to a better story in the next installment, and I also don't even think I would appreciate it if Ethan somehow 'came back' to life. Catcher could have cast a spell, or there could have been something else going on, but I just can't buy that right now, and I think it might even make me more sad and angry at this point.
laurenjodi's review against another edition
3.0
Hard Bitten
3.5 Stars
Has its ups and downs.
The first half drags due to the focus on recapping events from the previous books and explaining, once again, who the various players are. By this point, readers should be aware of these details and even newcomers might want to read and find out for themselves rather than having everything told to them.
Things starts to liven up once the focus shifts to the story revolving around the vampire raves/drugs and the political issues amongst the vampires. The mystery and subsequent investigation are intriguing and the romance between Merit and Ethan ratchets up. Ethan completely redeems himself by demonstrating his love, respect and appreciation for Merit who, in turn, is still wary of his motivation but is ultimately willing to meet him halfway.
Now on to the big surprise that made numerous fans want to destroy their copy of the book and lynch the author. Thankfully, I was aware of the ending beforehand (one time I actually appreciated a spoiler) and could, therefore, prepare myself and not be completely overwhelmed. It is an emotionally tense scene and definitely opens new directions for the series whether we appreciate it or not.
The next few books are already out so I don't have to wait "forever" to find out what happens next. If this were not the case and I didn't know that Neill sorts things out satisfactorily, this book would probably be a deal breaker for me. As things stand, there is much to be done in Drink Deep in order to live up to my expectations.
On a final note, the narration is still awful. Cynthia Holloway has ONE voice only and speaks with a single accent regardless of whether a character hails from Texas or England. She also lacks emotional inflection, which detracts from the intensity of some of the scenes.
3.5 Stars
Has its ups and downs.
The first half drags due to the focus on recapping events from the previous books and explaining, once again, who the various players are. By this point, readers should be aware of these details and even newcomers might want to read and find out for themselves rather than having everything told to them.
Things starts to liven up once the focus shifts to the story revolving around the vampire raves/drugs and the political issues amongst the vampires. The mystery and subsequent investigation are intriguing and the romance between Merit and Ethan ratchets up. Ethan completely redeems himself by demonstrating his love, respect and appreciation for Merit who, in turn, is still wary of his motivation but is ultimately willing to meet him halfway.
Now on to the big surprise that made numerous fans want to destroy their copy of the book and lynch the author. Thankfully, I was aware of the ending beforehand (one time I actually appreciated a spoiler) and could, therefore, prepare myself and not be completely overwhelmed. It is an emotionally tense scene and definitely opens new directions for the series whether we appreciate it or not.
The next few books are already out so I don't have to wait "forever" to find out what happens next. If this were not the case and I didn't know that Neill sorts things out satisfactorily, this book would probably be a deal breaker for me. As things stand, there is much to be done in Drink Deep in order to live up to my expectations.
On a final note, the narration is still awful. Cynthia Holloway has ONE voice only and speaks with a single accent regardless of whether a character hails from Texas or England. She also lacks emotional inflection, which detracts from the intensity of some of the scenes.
lynseyisreading's review against another edition
5.0
I'm still recovering from this one. There is (get ready for the understatement of the century) a big surprise towards the end of the book. Not a cliffhanger - you know exactly what's happening - it's just a surprise turn of events. Actually, more like a cardiac arrest inducing turn of events. I kept waiting for the punchline...even tried rubbing my eyes, turning my eReader off and on again (that always works, right?). But no, apparently I did read it correctly the first time.
So, what can I say without giving anything away? Lets see... The storyline for the rest of the book was very good as always. Easily as good as the previous three. The characters you have grown to love are all moving along nicely after the shapeshifters came out of the closet and are trying to deal with the new human antagonism towards vamps. Merit continues to show a lot more maturity and I really feel like she's coming into her role as Sentinel. She may have been thrown in at the deep end with the on-the-job training, but she is now a competent member of the Cadogan House security force.
I did get really cross when some bigwigs from the Presidium got involved in things and started trying to blame everything that's ever happened since the dawn of time on Cadogan House. Don't you just hate those types? The pretentious, jumped-up suits from some governing body, that deign to come down from their ivory towers once in a blue moon to tell you how rubbish you are and to judge you on the black and white facts without knowing the first thing about you or the possible reasons behind your actions. Gah!
But, it's no good, all of that got overshadowed by the end of the book. I have no idea what's coming next for the characters of this brilliant series, but I really hope it goes the way I want it to or I will be seriously pi- um...seriously cross!
So, what can I say without giving anything away? Lets see... The storyline for the rest of the book was very good as always. Easily as good as the previous three. The characters you have grown to love are all moving along nicely after the shapeshifters came out of the closet and are trying to deal with the new human antagonism towards vamps. Merit continues to show a lot more maturity and I really feel like she's coming into her role as Sentinel. She may have been thrown in at the deep end with the on-the-job training, but she is now a competent member of the Cadogan House security force.
I did get really cross when some bigwigs from the Presidium got involved in things and started trying to blame everything that's ever happened since the dawn of time on Cadogan House. Don't you just hate those types? The pretentious, jumped-up suits from some governing body, that deign to come down from their ivory towers once in a blue moon to tell you how rubbish you are and to judge you on the black and white facts without knowing the first thing about you or the possible reasons behind your actions. Gah!
But, it's no good, all of that got overshadowed by the end of the book. I have no idea what's coming next for the characters of this brilliant series, but I really hope it goes the way I want it to or I will be seriously pi- um...seriously cross!
angie_stl's review against another edition
5.0
Definitely not my favorite. Nor is Drink Deep, which I'm reading now.
ssung's review against another edition
3.0
ok, i did not expect that. major props for pulling that off.
having read the first four books in fairly short order: jesus christ there is so much food in this thing. it is up there with the little princess on descriptions of foodstuffs that make one ridiculously hungry. i actually stopped at 2 in the morning contemplating if there was a possibility of a quick trip in brooklyn to find a 24/7 pizza joint before deciding against it.
having read the first four books in fairly short order: jesus christ there is so much food in this thing. it is up there with the little princess on descriptions of foodstuffs that make one ridiculously hungry. i actually stopped at 2 in the morning contemplating if there was a possibility of a quick trip in brooklyn to find a 24/7 pizza joint before deciding against it.
elizafiedler's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
chelseavbc's review against another edition
4.0
This review was originally posted at Vampire Book Club.
Note: While this review contains NO SPOILERS for Hard Bitten, it assumes you’ve read Twice Bitten and references events at the end of that novel. If you’re new to the series, see our review of Some Girls Bite.
Some of you may remember me lamenting the third book tradition in Richelle Mead novels, wherein she throws a massive plot curveball which will likely leave you in tears. Apparently Chloe Neill and Richelle Mead are kindred spirits. In this fourth novel in her Chicagoland Vampires series, Neill ups the emotional tension and packs a well-plotted twist that is sure to leave readers gasping.(No spoilers, folks, I won’t tell you what it is. You’re safe.)
After the very public attack on Cadogan House at the end of Twice Bitten, and the subsequent revealation of shifters, even Mayor Tate’s crush on Merit couldn’t stop the guy from freaking out a bit. Concerned about his poll numbers and the “supernatural problem” he — like the press — decided to blame Cadogan House with the mess. He claims there have been more raves, but these with violent deaths for humans. No matter what Merit and Ethan tell him, he’s decided they’re to blame. So, he tells them they have a week to fix the problem or he’s arresting Ethan.
Ethan continues to try and convince Merit to give him another shot. Expect lines that will make you melt. And for Merit to continue to make him work for it. He’s not giving up, and it’s really wonderful to get to see another side of our green-eyed Master.
All the supernatural political drama in Chicago has brought the GP into town to suggest taking over Ethan’s house. Not good. They don’t like Merit involved, and they really don’t want to hear about how Celina is surely involved. Merit’s told she’s not supposed to investigate these new, violent raves and that if Ethan gets arrested, to suck it up.
So, with a wink and a nod from Ethan, she does it on her own. This means more interaction with the Red Guard members, who would still really love her to join. And with that comes keeping secrets from Ethan, which is something Merit really struggles with.
I won’t tell you how it all pans out, but Neill always has a way of increasing the tension. You long to see her characters happy. And we get those moments, but then the real chaos of the situation sets in and we — like Merit — are torn. Expect frustration, excitement, agony and exhilaration in around 350 pages with Hard Bitten. Clever plot twists keep the surprises coming every few chapters, and once again you’ll be wrapped up in Chicago vampire drama, the desire to trust Ethan and a sincere hatred of Celina.
Be brave and start Hard Bitten. Yes, the end will shock you. But it’s worth it.
You’re going to laugh, but I fully gave this review an extra half star because of the torturous twist. I like when things surprise me and that Neill had me so invested as to be so affected by the plot twist says an incredible thing about her storytelling. I’m just going to trust her on this one. She will fix it. I will hold out that hope until Drink Deep hits shelves in November.
Note: While this review contains NO SPOILERS for Hard Bitten, it assumes you’ve read Twice Bitten and references events at the end of that novel. If you’re new to the series, see our review of Some Girls Bite.
Some of you may remember me lamenting the third book tradition in Richelle Mead novels, wherein she throws a massive plot curveball which will likely leave you in tears. Apparently Chloe Neill and Richelle Mead are kindred spirits. In this fourth novel in her Chicagoland Vampires series, Neill ups the emotional tension and packs a well-plotted twist that is sure to leave readers gasping.(No spoilers, folks, I won’t tell you what it is. You’re safe.)
After the very public attack on Cadogan House at the end of Twice Bitten, and the subsequent revealation of shifters, even Mayor Tate’s crush on Merit couldn’t stop the guy from freaking out a bit. Concerned about his poll numbers and the “supernatural problem” he — like the press — decided to blame Cadogan House with the mess. He claims there have been more raves, but these with violent deaths for humans. No matter what Merit and Ethan tell him, he’s decided they’re to blame. So, he tells them they have a week to fix the problem or he’s arresting Ethan.
Ethan continues to try and convince Merit to give him another shot. Expect lines that will make you melt. And for Merit to continue to make him work for it. He’s not giving up, and it’s really wonderful to get to see another side of our green-eyed Master.
All the supernatural political drama in Chicago has brought the GP into town to suggest taking over Ethan’s house. Not good. They don’t like Merit involved, and they really don’t want to hear about how Celina is surely involved. Merit’s told she’s not supposed to investigate these new, violent raves and that if Ethan gets arrested, to suck it up.
So, with a wink and a nod from Ethan, she does it on her own. This means more interaction with the Red Guard members, who would still really love her to join. And with that comes keeping secrets from Ethan, which is something Merit really struggles with.
I won’t tell you how it all pans out, but Neill always has a way of increasing the tension. You long to see her characters happy. And we get those moments, but then the real chaos of the situation sets in and we — like Merit — are torn. Expect frustration, excitement, agony and exhilaration in around 350 pages with Hard Bitten. Clever plot twists keep the surprises coming every few chapters, and once again you’ll be wrapped up in Chicago vampire drama, the desire to trust Ethan and a sincere hatred of Celina.
Be brave and start Hard Bitten. Yes, the end will shock you. But it’s worth it.
You’re going to laugh, but I fully gave this review an extra half star because of the torturous twist. I like when things surprise me and that Neill had me so invested as to be so affected by the plot twist says an incredible thing about her storytelling. I’m just going to trust her on this one. She will fix it. I will hold out that hope until Drink Deep hits shelves in November.
arae9352's review against another edition
5.0
5/22/2017: I have probably read this for the fourth time now and it still manages to kill me.
rasha_reads's review against another edition
5.0
The further into this urban fantasy that you go, the more unputdownable they become...
kayla_llbr's review against another edition
5.0
The ending of this book killed me. Literally, figuratively, whatever. I know I am a tad overdramatic but I wanted to cry and punch things when I finished this book. It felt like I was betrayed. Ugh please don't do this to us again Ms. Neill!