Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Blade Bound by Chloe Neill Series: Chicagoland Vampires #13
Published by Berkley on April 25, 2017
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 384
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
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The thrilling final installment of Chloe Neill’s New York Times bestselling urban fantasy series sees a sinister sorcery advancing across Chicago, and it may usher in the fall of Cadogan House…
Since the night of her brutal attack and unwilling transformation to vampire, Merit’s stood as Sentinel and protector of Chicago’s Cadogan House. She’s saved the Windy City from the forces of darkness time and again with her liege and lover, Ethan Sullivan, by her side.
When the House in infiltrated and Merit is attacked by a vampire seemingly under the sway of dark magic, Merit and Ethan realize the danger is closer than they could have ever imagined. As a malign sorcery spreads throughout the city, Merit must go to war against supernatural powers beyond her comprehension. It’s her last chance to save everything—and everyone—she loves.
My friends told me to read this series and I finally came to the party a couple of years ago, listening to audio books while driving back and forth between Minnesota and North Carolina. I fell in love with Merit and Ethan. Strong women with hot guys trying to make the world a better place with their own sassy quirks are always welcome.
Reading Blade Bound, the final book in this series, I felt mostly sad. I couldn’t get past those feelings. The story felt nostalgic and almost too much like every other book in the Chicagoland Vampire series. Anything new happening, growth or learning by the characters, had been foreshadowed in other books and expected. So there weren’t really any surprises. The BIG things felt more summarized instead of being there for the whole happening. There’s a time jump and I have to wonder what it would be like to be in the world there without the big bads on the rampage, at least for a vignette.
Ethan. I wish we could have gotten to know more of Ethan and his point of view rather than just a supporting role to Merit. I thought being older and the Master of a House, he could have had a stronger role in the series and been the one to save the day more often. I appreciate his willingness to let Merit grow and learn and make her own decisions, even though it makes him seem a bit too much like a follower than a Master. I mean, there is a situation in this book where he lets her choose her path and emotionally, how could he trust she wouldn’t get hurt? He does have the maturity to be a good partner rather than just a alpahole dictator, but it seems like it is usually Merit’s way or idea. He has the experience to make the plan or idea sometimes, too.
Merit has come a long way in a little over a year, during this series. She has grown into her new life and found a partner with a whole circle of “family” and friends. Her openness, and perhaps naivete, allowed her to make changes and find solutions not obvious to others. Having been on the outside with most of her family, she has come into her own, with support which allows her to be less troubled by their judgments. Thank heavens for Chuck. Merit has worked hard to get to this place, having to make difficult and frightening choices, and I’m so proud of her.
I enjoy these characters and being with them again. This just seemed too fast. I have the whole series on audio and have pre-ordered this one on audio as well. I want more. There is a tease of a spin-off coming, so we may learn more of this world.
Our Giveaway (US Only):
The fun doesn’t stop here. Want more chances to win? You can also enter the Blade Bound Grand Prize Giveaway, which runs April 17 through April 28 on Chloe’s web site.
What is the Grand Prize Giveaway prize?
- Engraved Cadogan House medal pendant
- Signed 11×16 Merit poster
- $50 Amazon gift card
- $50 Garrett Popcorn Gift Card (Chicago’s hometown favorite!)
- Tote bag containing Chicagoland Vampires and Devil’s Isle Swag
About Chloe Neill
Chloe Neill is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Captain Kit Brightling, Heirs of Chicagoland, Chicagoland Vampires, Devil’s Isle, and Dark Elite novels.
She was born and raised in the South, but now makes her home in the Midwest, where she lives with her gamer husband and their bosses/dogs, Baxter and Scout. Chloe is a voracious reader and obsessive Maker of Things; the crafting rotation currently involves baking and quilting. She believes she is exceedingly witty; her husband has been known to disagree.
Photo by Dana Damewood.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- Anne: 2017 New Release Challenge
Sad to see it end but think it is time. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.
april – I just felt very sad and nostalgic. Sometimes I have trouble even reading the last book in a series and sometimes wait, even a year or more. Anne
I’m excited for this one, yet scared to crack it. I don’t want it to end, but then it is time. I am curious about the time jump, because there wasn’t much time before the wedding in the last book. If they jump past the wedding, I’m going to be a little peeved!
tanya – the time jump was at the end before an epilogue of sorts so it shouldn’t be a problem for you. I’m sorry if that worried you. I relate to your feelings on not wanting it to end and it feels like if I don’t read the lat book yet it isn’t really over.
I’m so sad to see it end I’m so not ready.
monica – I completely understand.
I’ve read this series from the beginning. Will miss Methan and gang so much! Favorite book? Biting Bad!
debbie – Thanks for sharing. I think my favorite is House Rules. But several were 5 stars for me.
I’ve read this whole series and can’t wait for the final installment.
lindsay – Well, next Tuesday will be here before you know it. I pre-ordered the audio to follow up on reading the eARC.
I have been a fan since the beginning and can’t wait for the final book:)
stephanie – I would have died at one point having to wait between books. So I have to be relieved I didn’t start the series until there were 8 books or so available. I have to say some series fall apart in the later books but this one has been interesting throughout.
I love this series, I discovered it last year and devoured all the books. I recently started her Devil’s Isle series and have been enjoying that one as well.
jeanmp – yes! I love it when I don’t have to wait for the next book. But I am waiting for The Hunt, the next in the Devil’s Isle. I am really loving that series, very different. I have enjoyed both series on audio very much.
I started this series when there were only 6 books? I was a bit hesitant but then ended up binging the books. I loved it, it’s one of my fave series and I am so sad to see it end. I’m not ready but realize it’s time. I’m excited but nervous about this book, as well as the spin-off.
nancy – I am extremely curious about the spin-off. I wonder if the info will be at the end of the audio or only in the books? Well it will be on the Internet at some point I’m sure!
never read it
bn100- You are in for a treat and you don’t have to wait!!! All 13 books plus some great novellas (yes I’ve read all the novellas too – IN ORDER. I’m OCD like that. lol) Lucky you!! You are at the start of a great adventure. Happy reading.
I have read the series & it’s one of my absolute favorites!
emma – Mine too!
I haven’t read any of her other series.
maria – You should try the Devil’s Isle series. It is set in NOLA and is unique in its supernatural characters. It is more magic oriented. It seems more realistic as far as the characters; they have more depth. I like it a lot. There are 2 books with the 3rd one out this August.
Sad to see this series end but can’t wait to read it!
kim – I was just overwhelmingly sad. It made it hard to write the review. I am not ready to let go.
This is one of my favorite series. I will be sad when it’s over.
pam – I am sad too. I know it is time for the author to do new things but I love these characters. I will be so curious to see what the new series will be.
Love these books
amber – They are easy to love with strong, smart but relatable women. And hot men. The action and mystery and humor all draw me into the stories.
It feels weird that this series is ending after reading it for so long. Both excited and nervous for this one. I’ve got that sinking feeling that someone might be making a heroic sacrifice, and I don’t want to see that!
rob – it does, but it will be fine. Sad in a nostalgic way. And there’s some sort of spin-off series to look forward to reading!
The most loved series and really feels sad that it got over.
kin – yes but she has a new series and a spin-off from this one so hopefully we will get a peek at them again
Some Girls Bite will be a favorite in the series to me because it started everything off. I’m so sad this series is ending but I do look forward to seeing what new books Chloe Neill has coming up. Thanks for the chance to win.
I have not read but look forward to it.
I haven’t read her books
I love Chloe’s books! Thank you!!
I haven’t read her books yet…..
have not read any of her books
I have never read them
I have not read the series. But would like to.
I have read hexbound and firespell, amazing books, I just sucked right in and can not anything but turn rhe next page, so clear my schedual
I haven’t read them yet, but I’m looking forward to it.
While I have read others, I have not read this series but, this one seems more aligned with me and really looking forward to delving into it from book 1