| Title | : | Hard Bitten (Chicagoland Vampires, #4) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0451233328 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780451233325 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 350 |
| Publication | : | First published April 12, 2011 |
| Awards | : | Goodreads Choice Award Paranormal Fantasy (2011) |
Merit needs to get to the bottom of this crime, but it doesn't help that she can't tell who's on her side. So she secretly calls in a favor from someone who's tall, dark, and part of an underground vamp group that may have some deep intel on the attack. Merit soon finds herself in the heady, dark heart of Chicago's supernatural society—a world full of vampires who seem to be ready to fulfill the protesting human's worst fears, and a place where she'll learn that you can't be a vampire without getting a little blood on your hands.
Hard Bitten (Chicagoland Vampires, #4) Reviews
-
It's going to be really difficult for me to give this book a rating because equally divergent parts of me both enjoyed and disliked aspects of this book. Thus I figured a nicely rounded three star rating accurately reflects my ambivalence toward this novel.
On the positive side, Hard Bitten is an easy to read and mostly enjoyable book providing that you enjoy the narration of the main character and protagonist, Merit.
Luckily I do enjoy her narration and respect her as a character.
This story, more so than the others, is packed with action, mystery and intrigue. It occasionally suffers, as its predecessors do, of an annoyingly journal-like quality that may aggravate some readers. Something similar to:
So I dressed and showered. My day was free and I figured I'd drop around Mallory's home to see how she was doing. Of course, any Friday night trip to Mallory's required ice cream from Wrigley's, that was a given!
[image error] -
WTH. I cannot even describe how I feel right now. Wait, yes I can. Betrayed. That is how I feel. Betrayed. Depressed. Devastated. Pissed.
Out of simple respect for the author I will refrain from giving this book a 1 star rating until I read Drink Deep. However, I must say that I would have read Drink Deep anyway. I didn't need some big, horrible shocker to keep on with this series. I will not read the series past Drink Deep though, if it is not resolved in a way that I like.
Sorry, not really, but that is the way I feel. -
Spoiler Free, I think.
ADDED:
I am an admittedly emotional reviewer, and this book really pissed me off. I'm sorry if this sounds harsh, and I have no ill will towards the author, Ms. Neill. I mostly enjoy these novels, but I cannot get behind cliffhangers. I know that if you read this review Ms. Neill, that you will take this personally, because you are human, and you are the creator of this universe in Merit Land, but I ask you to put aside your personal feelings, and know that I don't know you personally. I'm sure you are the nicest human being ever, and maybe you help old people cross the street, pick up garbage on the side of the roads when your not writing, and donate all your money to charity. Still? This book pissed me off. I'm sorry. It's not you. It's me.
Really? You went there? Seriously? Have you been talking with Karen Moning, taking lessons? (No flames, I love KMM minus the mammoth cliffhangers) Didn't you read any reviews, blogs or pissy conversations about how fans truly HATE cliffhangers and this type of plot device? Or maybe you have been talking with Kim Harrison? She did a similar thing with You ask us to trust you, why should we? Because you have a grand plan? Trust must be earned, and the constant back and forth battles between Ethan and Merit--the constant lies, and half truths--make it difficult for a reader to trust the author.
I lose faith in authors who do this, and I hope that it is not just for Shock value that you went there.
Now then, I have some ideas on where I think you might be going, and what you did, and with whom. I'm interested to see if my brain is heading in the right direction, but really feel like I should tell you that I didn't need this type of ending to make me want to read your next novel. I was already invested in Merit, Ethan and the gang.
Oh, and Death to the GP!!! Bunch of wankers.
I debated ranting and raving like a book reading lunatic, but I just can’t summon the energy. I seem to be zapped and tapped. -
*** Take Shelter. This Review Contains Spoiler-Bombs.***
For the record:
I was loving this series.
Loving it.
I had my cupcakes in one hand and vodka in the other; and I was friggin’ ready to hop on the “Chloe Neill” train, okay?
(Ash Pre-Book #4)
And all the while I’m reading this series, I kept get warnings like, “Hey. Watch out for Book #4; it’s gonna kill you a little.”
And I would read and hear these warnings and then I’d do that thing where you kind of snort and you kind of laugh and your grandmother really wouldn’t approve of such sounds.
I just kept thinking, “What? Psh… there’s nothing this author could do that would make me stop reading this series! She’s brilliant; funny; amazing… everything that would constitute my naming my very much loved coffee-maker after her; etc. etc.”
***And then I read Book #4.***
(Ash Post-Book #4)
See the difference?
Okay, good.
So. ---> What happened? <---
Let me paint you a picture right quick. Okay, so this series has an angsty love story going on between two of the main characters: Merit and Ethan.
Book #1: Ethan wants Merit, and while she’s wildly attracted to him; Merit hates Ethan.
Book #2: Merit wants Ethan; Ethan’s scared of his feelings for Merit so he kind of gives her away to another guy.
Book #3: They finally want each other at the same time; something happens, and Merit’s back to hating Ethan again.
Book #4: Merit secretly wants Ethan again; and Ethan definitely wants Merit.
And then Ethan dies.
IN BOOK FUCKING NUMBER FOUR!!!
There are ten books to this series. And she kills the main guy in the fourth book?!
Which brings us to my second problem.
Being that good ol’ Chloe Neill you know, offed the main love interest in the middle of the series (major party foul, by the way)… we all know what she’s going to do now, right?
Later in the series, he comes back.
Look, lady… if you’re going to kill a character: *KILL THEM.* Don’t just wake up one morning and be all, “Oh, I think I’ll kill my main character today.” And then later that night when you’re on your sixth glass of Merlot, be all, “Oooh, what the hell, I think I’ll bring him back now.”
Because now you’re just fucking with your readers.
The ones you have left anyway.
***Okay: rant over. ***
-
OMG.
Speechless.
Breathless.
OMG.
This changes everything. Holy cow.
Go. Preorder this now. Plan to stay up late.Have alcohol near by.scratch that. Alcohol will make you fall asleep.... CHOCOLATE! That's it. You MUST have LOADS of chocolate. The book should come with a bar strapped to it. (and an oxygen tank.. I could really use an oxygen tank right about now)
I can't post my official review until it hits the review site first.. so I'll add it in May. After y'all read it and it's too late. Suffice it to say... YOU. MUST. READ. THIS.
Everyone who has yet to find this amazing series... NOW IS THE TIME. Start reading, cause you want to be ready May 3rd.
OMG.. **walks off looking for chocolate** -
I declare Chloe Neill to be a ballsy bitch. I’m thinking loophole because of one detail in the final pages, but that’s all I’ll discuss about the ending.
I had some problems with the third installment. I’m pleased to say they didn't crop up again in Hard Bitten. Merit’s snark was back up to par, Ethan garnered the right amount of sympathy, and Mallory was a friend rather than an irritation. Recapping was kept to a minimum, with Neill dishing out just enough to jar my memory. The pacing was smooth and quick, with every chapter offering progress. Following Merit on her investigation was wholly enjoyable, and my mind was working double-time to figure out the criminals’ motivations. The big reveal was shocking in several ways; Neill showed excellent timing and skill in doling out details while still withholding one or two puzzle pieces until the very end.
We get a little more information on magic, which makes me hopeful that the sorcerer contingent will soon be coming to the fore. (Although, if every sorcerer’s personality is as abrasive as Mal's and Catcher’s, maybe that’s not a good thing.) We also catch glimpses of Gabriel and Tonya, as well as members of other supernatural communities; it’s nice to have the races rounded out, even if they mostly stick to the background. And Neill once again makes Chicago an important character unto itself. Though I’m not familiar with the city, I continue to feel the author’s fondness and knowledge of its many neighborhoods, its people, and its traditions. It’s nice to read a series where the setting is not just a cardboard backdrop, especially because Merit is so fiercely attached to her hometown.
I don’t know where the series is going at this stage, though I have some vague guesses. My experience with Chicago Vampires has included some frustration, but I am grateful for one thing: Ms. Neill does her best to let the story unfold naturally. She does not telegraph her next move. She keeps the plot fresh and us readers on our toes. There’s a lot of fodder for speculation after this one - the events are game-changing - but Chloe Neill has won my respect. I think I can trust her to make all the shock and drama worthwhile. -
Book 4 didn’t disappoint, it was just good as the first 3 books. I’m really enjoying getting to know these characters more and more. They’re an excellent group of friends, of different supernatural origins. Each having their perfect spot in the story, all are original, easy to relate to and I love them. The story has not lost me at all, I’m as committed to it as I have been in the first books and looking forward to reading the rest of the series. I can’t wait to start the next book, this one ends crazy. I can’t believe what happened and can only hope it’s not so, that it was some type of trick or magic. I still recommend this series and am heading to listen to book 5 now. I am waiting with baited breath to see what happens next??? There’s a lot going on and on the line right now.
-
If you haven’t read any of the previous books I strongly recommend that you do not jump into the series here. A large draw for the series is Ethan and Merit and their connection. Their attraction grows with each book and it’s best to read them in order and watch the tension build. Plus, you’ll probably be lost about the current situation with the humans if you haven’t at least read the last book.
Starting this book, I was pretty nervous. The last book,
Twice Bitten, took me high and then it drop kicked me low. It managed to end on a hopeful note—so I didn’t have a complete meltdown—but I had some definite reservations about this one.
Surprisingly, everything seemed great as I read further and further. Ethan has taken huge strides from the guy we met back in book one. He is honestly repentant about his decision in Twice Bitten and tries his best to get Merit to give him another chance. I really liked that although Merit could see his sincerity she didn’t just fall back into his arms. She has some much deserved reservations and it’ll take time and patience on Ethan’s part to show her that he won’t falter this time. Too often heroines forgive and forget before I’m ready for them to. It’s nice to see a heroine who can hold a grudge—especially because it’s not held maliciously.
I really enjoyed seeing Merit back together with Mallory. One of my favorite things about the first book was the fact that Merit and Mallory were such great friends. Often in books it seems like the main character lives in a vacuum, so it was very refreshing to have so many outside ties with Merit. Although Lindsey’s nice to read about I still miss Mallory when she’s gone. It was really nice to see Merit being there for Mallory just as much as Mallory is usually there for her. I still really wish we got more details about the magic and society that Mallory’s now a part of, but I understand that taking that tangent might take away too much from Merit’s story. In addition to getting more time with Mallory we also got to see more of Jeff and Merit’s grandfather. So it looks like the old gang is back together again. ;)
I really liked the subject Merit was investigating. Not only was it really interesting (and scary) to think of vampires acting like that, but it gave Merit an excuse to get out and about and take us deeper into the vampire world. I also loved that Merit took the lead and convinced Ethan to step back. It didn’t do her any favors, but it was nice to see him trust her and it was nice to see her really getting into her role as Sentinel.
Another thing that was appreciated (and long overdue) was Merit’s final conversation with Morgan. Thank God that the author took the time for that--he has had that coming for a while now. I’m also really glad that Ethan pointed out Merit’s hypocrisy regarding withholding information. The majority of the blame for their messed up relationship lies with Ethan, but Merit sure can be hypocritical when she’s on the other end of things.
Based on my enjoyment of the book you might be wondering why I only gave this one 3 stars. Honestly, before page 335 I was all set to give this one 4.5 stars. But then page 335 rolled around and it was all I could do to restrain myself from setting this book ON FIRE. I thought about giving it a 1 or 2 grade, but after waiting a few days to grade it (and letting myself calm down) I didn't feel quite right doing that. The beginning was too good for me to let the horrible, horrible ending drive the grade down that far. So I just split it down the middle and gave it a 3.
You know those crazy readers who get way too attached and feel personally betrayed when authors throw in huge twists or catastrophic events? That’s me! I am that crazy reader! I literally stared dumbfounded at the page before frantically rereading that section, hoping that I read that wrong. When the shock wore off…oh, the rage. You don’t even want me to describe what I was feeling right then. I had to walk away from my computer to keep myself from sending a vicious email to the author. Luckily, I calmed down enough to prevent that idiocy, but then the depression set in. It’s been a few days and I’m still not quite over it.
I am not quite ready to dramatically swear off this series. I have read/watched way too many Paranormal and Fantasy books/movies to assume that this can’t be fixed somehow. So I’ll read the next book—although I think I’ll approach it cautiously. But if it’s not fixed…I think I’ll be saying goodbye. I do not enjoy reading books when I can’t trust the author. And I’d never trust the author after this. Unless, of course, it’s some elaborate plot that’ll go “Ha ha! Got you! Did you see your face?” and I’ll be like, “Oh my God, you totally did! That really sucked, but it’s okay now because you didn’t really mean it.” So I guess we’ll see in November.
Favorite Quote:"Never fear," he said. "You may have gotten me down, but I've been above you before, and I'm sure I'll manage it again."
Review originally posted on
Fiction Vixen. -
Oh no, you didn't, Book!!
I have to start by saying that if an author decides to try to get me to break one of my life-rules: "Don't cry like a little bitch," I get angry. So, if the book makes me sad, I get sad and angry. We actually use the word "Sangry" in my house because I have boys. Boys get sangry too. We don't cry like little bitches, we get angry at the idea that someone is trying to make us sad. Then, as is my family's tradition, we then make fun of whatever it is unmercifully until we are laughing - thus restoring us to our usual sarcastic and happy states. Family traditions are a good thing to instill in your children - even if it is a tradition of repressing emotions.
just the way I like it...
We are English, after all...
So, obviously, something happens in this book that has upset me. Bad book! But, I will forge through and write about the rest of it. I'm brave that way.
Okay, so Merit and Ethan are not back together, but he is trying to win her back after being "that guy." You know, the guy that relentlessly pursues you only to dump you once he gets you. A dick. (There's a don't-be-the-cow-that-gives-the-milk-for-free lesson in here, big time.) But, they have a good working relationship going on in the meantime.
In this book, they have to address the "rave" problem in the city. Raves are vamp parties where the vamps gather a bunch of humans and party on their blood, but lately they have gone a little too far and not known when to stop drinking. (The dead human should indicate you've had enough, dude.) The mayor of the city found out about them and gave Ethan an ultimatum: break-up the drinking parties or go to jail. Now, why the mayor would be able to put Ethan in jail over this? It didn't make a lot of sense, but he made up some charges that he would use in order to get this whole black-maily thing going. Blackmailing Ethan and Merit seems to be a favorite past-time of a lot of people they know. It happens to them a lot.
At the same time, there is some serious anti-vamp mojo going on in the city. People don't like them, for some crazy reason. What? You don't like having predators of humans living among you? That's crazy talk. You're crazy! So, there are protesters outside their house day and night. And, there's some freaky vigilante dude who has made it his personal mission to get rid of them, and sets up a roadblock with a bunch of guys with guns to try and scare them away. Call me crazy, but I don't know if orange cones and guns that can't kill immortals are going to run them out of town. But, the guy is definitely going to be future trouble. He's an annoyance who is trying to be a super-hero. Like the Green Lantern. Seriously, was that movie bad or what?
Enter the jerkass leader of the vampire high council - the grand poopah of the vamps - Darius. He comes rolling into town to tell Ethan and Merit NOT to look into these raves, or else they are gonna get in trouble. It might even get marked down as a demerit in their permanent records. Oh shit, not that!
What to do? Well, what do you think they are going to do? Obey the jerk and do nothing, or secret mission time? Oh, I just love a good secret mission!
So, Merit ends up doing some undercover work with Jonah - the vampire from another house who wants her to join his secret group of vampires called the Red Guards. The Red Guards are basically the Internal Affairs unit of the vampires, except without the head honchos knowing it. Jonah and Merit go to a rave and stir up crap, and it comes out there is a drug involved that is making the vampires extra killy and stuff.
We get lots of "just say no to drugs" kind of messages going on, and Merit acts like a total narc. Killjoy!
And, it's all fun and games until someone dies. Then, Jilly get sangry!!
There'd better be some sort of miraculous resurrection in the next book, or Jilly might need to destroy a city or something!
damn right I will! -
Oh, Chloe Neill, you might as well have just staked me. Hard Bitten will leave you speechless, breathless and possibly leave you full of many many emotions. I loved it and hated it at the same time. And you will get my meaning when you flip to the last page of this book.
You guys have no idea how much I want to explode right now, explode all the secrets of this book, but I won't. I pray that the next week goes by fast so I can finally discuss with all my buddies, but this book was a roller coaster.
I will say that Ethan steals my heart. I love that boy to death and even though I do I have a new love and his name is Jonah. If I can't have Ethan I'll take Jonah. I think that with each Chicagoland Vampires book that each relationship grows, be it Ethan and Merit, Mallory and Merit, etc. I have come to love these characters as if they were real. I think it is amazing when an author is able to create a book where you totally grow to love the characters as if you're apart of them.
This book was so heartbreaking for me to the extent where I was tearing up big time. Note to self: do not read this book in a public place. I teared up so bad that I had to run and hide in the bathroom. I guess that is how much I really love these characters. I am sure many reviewers have talked about the ending, but I must say WTF?! I have to say it because that was what kind of ending it was.
It wasn't completely a cliffhanger, but it might as well have been. I will also tell you that in a million years you would have never guessed that what happens at the end happens. Congratulations to Neill for catching me so off guard.
I must say that I am looking forward, scratch that I would just die to get my hands on that book, and find out where the evil Chloe Neill lives. hahaha. I am happy to say that DEEP DRINK comes out November 2011 and thank god for that, because I would never last if I had to wait a freckin' year.
More of my reviews at
Mystifying Paranormal Reviews -
This was another terrific instalment of the Chicagoland Vampires - apart from the dramatic ending which really caught me by surprise :D Even though the plots are really quite slow moving, I still enjoy Merit and her thoughts and the way she fumbles through her life. I will be very interested to see how the next book pans out especially after this ending. So, it's 5 stars from me for now and time shall tell :-)
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4.5 stars
Post Script, written October 2011 (don't read unless you've read #5):
Okay, so it was fantastic!!! So great. I loved Ethan in it (as always) and I finally loved (well ... liked a lot) Merit as well. The other characters were great as always and the subplot was really well-done.
The best of the series so far, IMO, though this is a series that you have to read in order and none of the books can be fully enjoyed as stand-alones, so while it will take you three other books to get here, I think it's definitely worth it.
Don't feel like writing a full review, but I have to address The Issue briefly. It's in spoiler tags below - do not click on the spoiler unless you have already read the book!!!!!!
And for your eye-candy, I'll re-post who my Ethan is (Alexander Skarsgård):
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Gosh, am I pissed at this book. Angry. Could I go back and choose I wouldn't even read it now. I would wait and pick it up together with
Drink Deep in November.
Neill, you cannot possibly bore me for almost 200 pages and then drop the bomb 10 pages from the back cover. I feel betrayed and irritated because this screams very much like a mean marketing strategy. This isn't even a cliffhanger. This is what cliffhangers hang on. Do I make sense? Probably not.
You know, of the people who read this one, who is NOT going to buy
Drink Deep? Nobody, that's who. Even me, who thought that 80 % of the book was boring. How can I leave it like that?
So, first part, as I said, was slow for me. Too much politics, too much investigation and detective story. I was not into the V intrigue and fairly pissed at the appearance of Claudius. CLAUDIUS? How original for a centuries-old, bad vampire coming from Europe.
Charlaine Harris and
Stephenie Meyer did not think of that before. I'm not saying that the plot wasn't interesting but it dragged on for tooo long. Where is my favorite character ever in this book? Where is Mallory??? We just see glimpses of her in this book and they're all pretty senseless, hinting at loose ends and future development.
Actually this is the book of loose ends, no closure whatsoever with anybody. "Unresolved" should be the title of this book. Except for one character, who I hope never to see again, the rest is all hanging in the air, waiting for next book to come out and give readers some peace of mind. This is maybe the reason Neill is coming out with two books this year. The risk of harassment and stalking would have been pretty high, had she left us with our mouths hanging open till next year.
Now about the final 10 pages.
Now, the question is: what's next? what will be the strategy, the loophole, that is going to solve the big mess the last pages left us in? Neill, you said everything is already planned, you better make it convincing for us, because fantasy has a limit as well and I don't want to waste my time waiting for a far-fetched lame excuse for a HEA.
So three stars and waiting for November. -
I thought long and hard about what I wanted to say in my review but I simply couldn't find the words necessary that wouldn't also give the book away. So in the end I decided that I was going to sum it up with this:
-
I have become quite invested in the Chicagoland Vampire series. From the early pages of book one, I fell in love with Merit’s snark, her strength and her on and off again relationship with the Master of Cadogan House, Ethan Sullivan. Combined with wonderful supporting characters (Mallory, Catcher and Jeff are three of my favorites!) I greatly anticipate these books.
Hard Bitten focuses on the fallout of the attack on Cadogan house in the previous book. Although vampires have been known to the public for some time, their novelty is wearing off and many have taken to protesting in front of the houses, no longer thrilled with the idea of vampires living side by side with them. The houses are on lock down, and the mayor is putting pressure on the Masters to keep their vampires under control. To make matters worse, violent vampire raves are breaking out. As Merit investigates further, she discovers these raves are not just a blood party –but something or someone is causing vampires to turn aggressive. With both the mayor and the head of the council breathing down Ethan’s neck, everything around Cadogan and Chicago become very tense.
This review is really, really hard for me to write. I have said that in the past but I really mean it this time! I say that because something happens at the end – the very, very end that is big. Huge. Enormous. I read it, and then I rubbed my eyes, and read it again. And then I called a friend and said, what in the world just happened. Until this point I would give this book a solid B. I like the conflict with the rave parties and the political pressure Ethan has to put up with brings nice tension to the story. Being a romance fan, I have been frustrated with Ethan and Merit’s relationship through all the books. They had a very “up” moment in book three, only to be down in love in this book. There is something fishy going on with Mallory. We get little hints throughout the book about her progress to becoming a sorceress and I think there is definitely more than meets the eye. I’m intrigued. But none the less, this is an enjoyable book.
Until the end. Honestly, I’m upset. I’m not happy. I am angry.
I feel like what happened does not fit this series at all. It feels out of place. I get that it will be resolved in a future book somehow, but even then I don’t know if I like it. Chloe Neill has stated to “trust her”.” I’m trying! But I am having a hard time coming up with a resolution that will make me happy. Hopefully something happens in Drink Deep that blows my mind and I will come back to this review and say – why was I so upset? I’ve read some reviews that love the ending – so I’m interested to read reviews as more read this book.
I actually don’t think I can rate this book. I gave it a three on Goodreads just to give it something. I almost can’t rate this book, until I read Drink Deep out this fall. Once I get my question answered, I can come back and rate this one. Because my rating depends on one very, very big thing. And I’m scared of what the answer will be. -
In writers workshops, they are often urged to kill their darlings. A writer should not be so in love with a character that they are unwilling to sacrifice them in the interest of a better book. Neill seems to have taken this directive very seriously. She knocked me galley-west in this installment.
The European vampires here reminded me a fair bit of Faith Hunter's Jane Yellowrock series, which boasts malevolent Euro vamps who look down on their North American kin and expect to rule the roost. In both series, they seriously underestimate the independent spirit of Americans. People who stage a Boston Teaparty, who fight a War of Independence, and who settle their own differences with a Civil War are unlikely to acquiesce to unreasonable demands from foreign rulers.
I was glad to see Merit and Mallory regain their friendship mojo in this book and resume their supportive yet snarky banter. As Ethan observes, Mallory keeps Merit in touch with her lost humanity, which makes her a better Sentinel. For an English Lit student, Merit has become both a warrior and an investigator in short order. I've read studies about people who read being more empathetic, having spent more time seeing the world from the viewpoints of other people. Perhaps Merit's reading habits help her too.
This series is addictive! I have zero ideas about where Neill expects to take things from here, but I assume there is a master plan or there would have been no reason for the sacrifices mentioned earlier. Quite an exciting prospect! -
An emotional masterpiece!
First of, if your new to this series, it isn't a stand alone series. so id recommend/suggest you start on book on. Next off, as series go, this is on my top 5 favorites list. Each book was an utter delight but this book just blew me away.
In past reviews, I raved on my love for Ethan Sullivan, the master of the Cadogan house, bu until this novel, we weren't giving him the respect he deserved. As a character, he grew personality and emotionally wise. As a male character, he's on my top 10, maybe even top 5 favorites.
As Merit goes, I love her. She's a real woman, vamp or other wise. Sure, she drinks blood & kicks major butt on a daily basis, but as personalities go, she's spot on. i love reading along with her & you will too.
"Hard Bitten" is my new favorite book. if you haven't read this series yet, then you have to even if it's just for this book. Although, once you start reading this series you'll be in it for the long run.
This book had me laughing, loving & heartbreakingly crying. So much emotion in 350 pages. Just when you think things are bad, the worst happens. This book deserves an award, and Chloe Neill, I tip my hat to you. This is a novel you won't soon forget!
I rate this 5 stars, A+, 100% and anything else that expresses excellence! -
Completely dumbfounded. I kept expecting there to be a hidden paragraph...or even a measly sentence tacked on to the end. What an ending...
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⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Fuck me. Not in a good way*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
Re-read: 31.01.2018
This was a better re-read than #2 and #3, it was still not as I remembered. My love for this series just isn't there anymore and it sucks big time. I remember LOVING this series. Loving Merit and loving Ethan to death. Now... I love Ethan, and like the rest. However, I'm missing the adoration I had for the character. For Ethan. I always thought of Ethan as powerful, but everyone keeps being strong and more powerful than him. Including Merit and Gabriel. Hell, I'm even imagining what things would be like if Gabriel was Merit's love interest. I'm nuts.
The characters:
— Caroline ‘Merit’ ‘Mer’ Merit (becomes vampire at 27, but is 28 in years), Sentinel of the Cadogan House.
— Ethan ‘Liege’ ‘Darth Sullivan’ Sullivan (394, though became a vampire at 30), master of the Cadogan House.
—Mallory ‘Mal’ Delancey Carmichael, Merit's bestfriend and a fourth-class sorcerer, a master of the First Key; power.
— Charles ‘Chuck’ Merit, Merit's grandfather is the Ombudsman; a ‘liaison’ between the regulars and the sups.
— Chuck's team: his secretary, Marjorie (50) (though we haven't met her), the computer prodigy and a shape-shifter, Jeffrey ‘Jeff’ Christopher (21), and a fourth-class sorcerer, Catcher Bell (29). There's also a Housed vampire who works for him that not even his colleagues knows about.
— Joshua Merit, Merit's dad sucky dad.
— guard of the Cadogan House, Lindsey (115) and who is also a psychic, and a good friend to Merit.
— Lucas ‘Luc’, the head of Cadogan House’s guard corps.
— Morgan Greer, now Master of Navarre House, (72, though looks 28) Merit's sorta ex.
— Gabriel ‘Gabe’ Keene, Apex of the Central North American, Jeff's pack leader (love him).
— Darius West, head of the Greenwich Presidium and a total dick.
— Seth Tate (36), the mayor of Chicago and a fucker.
— Scott Grey, Master of Grey House.
— Noah Beck, the leader of Chicago’s independent vampires and a Red Guard ‘RG’ (a vampire Secret Service, of sorts).
— Jonah, the Guard Captain, Grey House and a Red Guard.“You can run. You can keep running to the ends of the earth. But I won’t be far behind you.”
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Paranormal Romance.
Series: - Series, Book Four.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Ethan ‘Liege’ ‘Darth Sullivan’ Sullivan.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Yes.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Yes.
Will I read this again in the future? - Yes?
New Rating - 3.5 stars.
First read review:
Oh Ethan!
4.5 stars! -
This review was posted at
Under The Covers
Chicago is in a bit of an uproar against vampires, who are being accused of murdering humans at raves. Ethan has a warrant for his arrest out from the CPD. Cadogan House is still under repairs. Humans are protesting outside the House.
Merit is now forced to investigate these human murders to clear Ethan's name, using Jonah as an ally, they try to infiltrate the raves to gather information, and stumble upon a drug that is making vampires crazy and brings out all their violent trades.
As usual with Chicagoland Vampires, there's a lot of vampire politics and intrigue in this book. We still see the usual suspects, Jeff, Catcher, Mallory. Mallory is actually going through a bit of an identity and adaptation crisis, but it's nice to see Merit being there for her. Catcher, can I just say... Now with the glasses we could just use him as a role play fantasy of a naughty professor ;) Lindsey and Luc and their relationship or lack of. And I just really like Jonah, I want to read more about him!
One complaint I do have, "V". Why the name? I mean if we really had to go there with the storyline, which take a bit of an idea from
Kiss of Crimson, why call it V as it has been used before as well? True Blood anyone?
I really didn't see the bad guy at the end coming, the sneaky bastard! And, yes, let's face it, I have to talk about the end. How could one little part of a book now have become the only thing I can remember happening in the whole book?!?!? I don't want to spoil what happens, yes you should be scared of it. It will probably have you crying.
Oh.My.God! I really didn't see it coming. I feel like my heart has been ripped out of my chest. And yes, I'm crying! How could Ms. Neill do this to us? I really had hopes, and then... OK, I'll try to have faith, even though I don't see a way to fix this now. *pass me a tissue so I can finish typing this review*. I don't think I can take anymore heartache from this series, and I really hope next book has a resolution in sigh, a HAPPY one. November just feels so far away now, I wish I would've waited.
Favorite Quotes:"You wouldn't say that if he was making you levitate a 200 pound lead weight for the 67th time" - Mallory
"You can run. You can keep running to the ends of the earth. But I won’t be far behind you."
"Ethan—"
"No. I will never be far behind you.” He tipped up my chin so that I could do nothing else but look back into his eyes. “Do the things you need to do. Learn to be a vampire, to be a warrior, to be the soldier you are capable of being. But consider the possibility that I made a mistake I regret—and that I’ll continue to regret that mistake and try to convince you to give me another chance until the earth stops turning.""No one said love was easy, Sentinel." - Ethan
Again with the damn crying! -
I am not totally into this series yet....and book #4 has still not changed that.
I have this love/hate relationship with Merit and even Ethan.
She's like fighting all the Cadogan vampires battles and gets no credit for it!!!! When is she going to get the credit for what she does???
And then there's this whole hot/cold thing between Merit & Ethan...I love you, I love you not. I want you, I want you not!!!! It's so weird!!!
To be honest....I am not crazy about Merit's friend, Mallory - when the two get together, they become these immature and boring girls talking about boyfriends and magic..maybe that's what girls do in their world!!!!
Politics, more politics....good guys who turn out to be baddies!!!!
And then what happens to Ethan - what next?????
Okay, I guess I will continue with book #5....perhaps I will warm up to the Chicagoland Vampires!!!!! -
I really disliked the ending. Not the whole book, but the ending killed all my fascination with the series. I would've rated it higher but I just can't with an ending like this one. The book was great but when something as big as this happens right at the end it changes everything. These are the reasons for why I am completely against this book:
Now for those of you who want something from me which is not a spoiler know that I'm glad I waited to read this book because I probably would have abandonded the series if it wasn't because I now know next book is already out and things will eventually get back as they should. If I had to wait a whole year after this tragic ending I don't think I would be strong enough to keep reading. Don't get me wrong, I loved the rest of the books and I KNOW things will get better again, but the shock of what happened was too much for me.
How could you guys rate this book with 5 stars?? Know that all of those who did completely broke my heart. I love this author too guys, but this book crossed the line IMHO.How can you be ok with something like this happening? It may get better in the next books but the rating is about this one. How could you rate with 5 stars a book with an ending like this one? It's ok for an author to search ways to impact and shock their audience but I believe there are some limits that should never be crossed. -
When I started reading Hard Bitten I already knew what was coming at the end of the instalment. I’d read many reviews for both this book and the next and had guessed the outcome. Shock, disbelief, dismay: I went through it all before I even got my hands on Hard Bitten. Now, being aware of what would happen didn’t make it any less heartbreaking when it did. I just finished reading the book, my stomach is in knots and I feel like I’ve been sucker-punched.
Now this was one gutsy move on Chloe Neill’s part. As hard as it is to accept, I actually understand why she might have opted for such a drastic plot twist. I’ve read quite a few reviews complaining about the way Neill handled the scene in question but I thought it was just perfect: sudden, unexpected, over in a second. Like Merit, the reader doesn’t see it coming. Neill couldn’t have done it better. I also disagree with those who tax Neill with “emotionless writing.” It’s just the opposite for me: this whole series is such an emotional roller-coaster that each instalment pretty much leaves me exhausted!
I have to admit that the first part of the book wasn’t as fast-paced as previous instalments but it was still highly enjoyable, with lots of twists and turns. I just love Merit and she keeps growing on me with each new instalment. Ethan makes me melt (that scene when he is alone with Merit in his office had me drooling all along). I love Lindsey (much) more than I do Mallory. I love Luc. Darius is an asshole. Tate is an asshole. Morgan is an asshole. We get to see a bit more of Scott Grey and I think I’m beginning to like him quite a bit. We get to see A LOT more of Jonah. All in all, great characterization as always.
And… I finally got answers to two questions that had been bugging me since the first instalment in the series: why Ethan happened to be on the campus grounds the night Merit was attacked and why Merit goes by Merit instead of Caroline.
Hard Bitten is a fantastic, emotionally draining read. Getting my hands on Drink Deep right NOW!
ETA: Just finished reading Drink Deep. Pretty much speechless. Definitely giddy. Chloe Neill, you evil, evil woman. You really got me there!! -
"Drei Bisse Frei" ist der 4. Band der "Chicagoland Vampires" Reihe von Autorin Chloe Neill. Für mich war das ein Reread in Hörbuchform.
Wie immer zog mich die Geschichte sofort in ihren Bann. Vermutlich gibt es kein Buch von Chloe Neill, das ich nicht lesen würde. Ihr Schreibstil ist einfach genau mein Fall. Schön detailliert, dabei aber flüssig, fesselnd und immer mit genau der richtigen Dosis Sarkasmus. Wenn man "Drei Bisse Frei" unterwegs liest oder hört, kann das schon für verwunderte Blicke sorgen. Ich musste auf jeden Fall wieder öfter schmunzeln und einmal sogar laut lachen. Am Schluss will man dann allerdings am liebsten heulen. Dieses Buch ist wirklich die reinste Gefühlsachterbahn.
Das Ende hat mich erneut zerstört. Egal, wie oft ich dieses Buch lese, es lässt mich immer fassungslos zurück. Beim ersten Mal habe ich mein Buch vor Wut an die Wand gepfeffert und deswegen sogar einen ganzen Stern abgezogen. So wütend war ich. Im Nachhinein muss ich aber sagen, dass ich es mittlerweile für einen genialen Schachzug der Autorin halte. Generell mag ich es auch irgendwie, wenn man als Leser so geschockt und gefordert wird.
Ein bisschen störend finde ich, dass am Ende so viel auf einmal passiert. Irgendwie alles Schlag auf Schlag. Der Rest des Buches ist natürlich keinesfalls langweilig, vom Gefühl her ist das am Schluss aber irgendwie zu viel des Guten.
Ich habe einige Bände der Reihe auch schon im Original gelesen. Die Übersetzung finde ich bis auf einige Kleinigkeiten gut. Es stört mich aber sehr, dass die Gestaltwandler hier als Formwandler bezeichnet werden. Meiner Meinung nach übersetzt man Shapeshifter mit Gestaltwandler und Skinwalker mit Formwandler. Das mag Auslegungssache sein, die Wandler in der Reihe wechseln aber die Gestalt und nicht die Form. Ich finde schon, dass das einen Unterschied macht. Formwandler können sich auch in Menschen oder Pflanzen verwandeln. Das ist hier nicht der Fall. ...
Von mir gibt es 4,5 Sterne, die ich auf Portalen ohne Zwischennoten gerne wohlwollend auf 5 aufrunde. Ich kann euch die Reihe wirklich ans Herz legen. Die Protagonistin Merit hat einen unglaublich starken Charakter und einen Sturkopf, den ich mir auch in anderen Fantasybüchern wünschen würde. Ihr Charakter entwickelt sich laufend. Die Bücher sind actionreich, sarkastisch und herzerwärmend. Sie sind genau so, wie ich mir gute Urban Fantasy mit einer weiblichen Heldin vorstelle.
Hier folgen noch ein paar Infos zum Hörbuch:
12 Stunden und 54 Minuten / Ungekürzte Ausgabe
Sprecherin: Elena Wilms
Ich würde der Sprecherin 5 Sterne geben. Sie hat sich allerdings auch einmal versprochen und Jonah mit Noah verwechselt.
Verlag: Audible Studios -
Ok, seriously, DO NOT READ THE SPOILER BELOW IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THIS BOOK. It will seriously ruin it for you. Don't be tempted, thinking that it won't matter and you'll still read the book. Because, it is a huge spoiler.
-
*4.5 stars*
…he stroked my jawline with his thumb. “You can run. You can keep running to the ends of the earth. But I won’t be far behind you.”
Oh. My. God. Really?? Reeeeaallyyy?? Ugh, that was a low blow. It’s not that I didn’t think this would inevitably happen in one of these books, it’s more that I didn’t expect it to happen so early. It was epic, amazing….unexpected. It was everything I’ve wanted from my latest obsession (cough, Ethan, cough), but everything that could bring my world crashing to the ground in a burning heap of perished dreams.
It’s been a few days since I finished this book, so the emotions I felt upon finishing in my sleep-deprived state have long since vanished, leaving only a hollow, dull ache where my heart should be. I asked for the peril, I asked for something wicked and jaw-dropping to happen, and it did. Go figure-an author actually did what I asked, but made it better. Not often do my evil wishes get granted, but it seems that when they do, they are granted full-force, causing me to lose my breath in what can only be an indignant, albeit shocked, gasp.
This world has captured me-stolen my heart and made it impossible to breathe without one of the installments firmly within my grasp. Even as I read an absolute favorite of mine, I felt my thoughts swirling together and convoluting what was happening within each novel-that’s a feat I don’t take lightly.
I’m sorry, guys, but Ethan has shown his true colors. He is just….perfection. I adore this hulking man-vamp. He made a fatal error in the last book (Okay, actually, he made a devastating mistake, let’s change that last phrase in light of recent events) and he is truly trying his hardest to make up for it. It was precious, sweet…..not words that I suppose generally apply to vampires, much less God damn Ethan Sullivan, but he’s trying. Maybe he is still that up-tight, pretentious boss that all of Cadogan House love to make fun of, but he’s becoming more human each and every day-he’s saying things that make my heart melt into a puddle of goo and he’s making proclamations that can only be described as someone who has fallen madly in love….and it’s all because of Merit.
”Ethan-“
“No. I will never be far behind you.” He tipped up my chin so that I could do nothing else but look back into his eyes. “Do the things you need to do. Learn to be a vampire, to be a warrior, to be the soldier you are capable of being. But consider the possibility that I made a mistake I regret-and that I’ll continue to regret that mistake and try to convince you to give me another chance until the earth stops turning.”
Merit, still nursing her wounds from the saddening events from the previous novel, is stubborn and fierce as ever. She’s a force to be reckoned with and is strengthening herself so she can protect the house and it’s master under any and all circumstances. I understand her heart is broken, oh my god, do I get it…..but poor, poor Ethan. He really did screw up, that’s for sure. A job before a girl you think you love?? Not fair-but, again, he did what he thought was best for the house, and, even though he still loves Cadogan House, he realizes there’s something about companionship , and let’s face it, Merit, he can’t live without. He’s lived centuries without love or someone to laugh and/or relax with, and in comes Merit breaking his carefully sculpted mold. It’s understandable, to me, that he was nervous of what he might do to protect the girl he loves so he made what he thought was a smart decision, a decision that he regrets every day.
My stomach growled at the smells; there was only so much blocking that a vampire could do. I silently promised myself a deep-fried candy bar and a paper tray of bacon-wrapped Tator Tots if I made it through the night unscathed. Not a good nutritional combo, but I figured the odds were low anyway.
The thing is, I love Merit. She really never does wrong in my eyes-selfless, fierce, loyal, loves with all her heart even as she has her guard up-what’s not to like?? So I didn’t roll my eyes when she ignored his advances and I didn’t get mad when she didn’t just take him back-she’s a great character. But, there’s so much more to it than that. In this book, because they aren’t physically involved (technicality), they have connected on a much deeper, more visceral level. It’s hard to say that she doesn’t see or feel that. I just hope…well, what the fuck? What does it matter what I hope-if wishes were fishes, we’d all throw nets, right?
I can’t say what I hope or wish or feel, because it would spoil what is. But, I refuse to believe it, so I guess you all need to read to see if you believe or not, that this is real. No way. I guess that’s why I’m just sitting back, tapping my fingers on my desk, pondering, waiting for the inevitable prestige…if you get what I’m sayin’.
For more of my reviews, please visit:
****************4.5 stars
Oh. My. GOD. That. ending.....it destroyed me.
I'll write a review when I can but....ooooooh the feels.
♥Ethan-I LOVE YOU. -
Ok... quick catch up:
I'm glad I washed my hands of Morgan, he is a complete ass!! However, I wash my hands of one and I want to rip another's throat out - WTF is going on with Darius? Master my ass (or even Morgan's ass because he is worthless), he is a bloody slave driver!!!
Anyway - or should I say as Merit says, anywho, I fell more and more in love with Ethan, he almost threw me with the incident involving Morgan's father... but....
Jonah... I'm quickly liking him, my suspicions are dying out but.... ugh (no spoilers)
and the book flows nicely on, once again drumming my emotions, characters getting me angry, some making up for their mistakes and making me smile... and then I turn the page...
...Well Chloe Neill, you may as well have sent a tornado in to rip my heart to pieces then spew me all over the floor - I am inconsolable!!!! WHAT ARE YOU PLAYING AT???? -
I finally read it.
But I don't think I can review it. I love Merit & Ethan. It's still too painful.
This is me:
[image error] -
Hal-le-freakin-lujah. I finally finished this book after how many months?
First attempt : March 2012
Second attempt : August 2012
Can you really blame me when I had this book's ending spoiled for me way back when it was first released? I ended up reading Hard Bitten in 3 separate parts because my motivation was stolen, given the fact that I knew what was up ahead.
Since then I've had books 5 and 6 spoiled for me, so I really should either quit reading this series, or get caught up so I can read the next book the second it comes out in order to avoid being spoiled again.
*shakes fist at the sky* FOILED AGAIN BY THE UPDATE FEED!
Eh, what do I do? I suppose I'll continue. I loved this series when I first started reading it. Maybe the mojo will come back if I actually sit down and read a book cover to cover in one sitting. -
I'm in shock...
Ms. Neill, that was truly diabolical of you. You know what I’m talking about. There I was innocently reading one of my favorite series thinking about how happy I’d be if only – then – BAM! You pull the rug right from under me!
I screamed. I was upset. My status update said simply “NOOOOOO!!!!” I almost threw the book across the room. I didn’t because I am anal about keeping my books in pristine condition.
Wow. That was awfully brave of you.
I must say that you are a very smart writer. Guess what I did this morning? I added Drink Deep to my book buying wish list. Yes, I will be reading the next book. I’m hooked. I can’t wait.
Please don’t disappoint me. I don’t think I could handle another one of these moments again.
