Review copy was received from Library. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Some Girls Bite by Chloe Neill
Narrator: Cynthia Holloway
Series: Chicagoland Vampires #1
Published by Tantor Audio on December 23, 2010
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Length: 11 hours, 11 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Library
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble, Apple
Sure, the life of a graduate student wasnât exactly glamorous, but it was Meritâs. She was doing fine until a rogue vampire attacked her. But he only got a sip before he was scared away by another bloodsuckerâand this one decided the best way to save her life was to make her the walking undead.
Turns out her savior was the master vampire of Cadogan House. Now sheâs traded sweating over her thesis for learning to fit in at a Hyde Park mansion full of vamps loyal to Ethan Sullivan. Of course, as a tall, green-eyed, four-hundred-year-old vampire, he has centuriesâ worth of charm, but unfortunately, he expects her gratitudeâand servitude.
But an inconvenient sunlight allergy and Ethanâs attitude are the least of her concerns. Someoneâs still out to get her. Her initiation into Chicagoâs nightlife may be the first skirmish in a warâand there will be blood.
I love reading series that are already finished, so I donât have to wait for new releases. I am sure many of you understand that rationale. When I accidently stumble upon a book that I later learn is the beginning of a new series, my solution is to buy subsequent releases and just save them until the series is finished or I have enough that it feels like I get to read a big chunk at once. This is kind of what happened with the the Chicagoland Vampire series by Chloe Neil. I started this series around 2010 with Some Girls Bite and was immediately hooked by the amazing heroine, witty dialogue, and interesting mythology. After reading the first five books, I subsequently started âcollectingâ additional installments. Iâve started this reread, so I can finally check this series off my list as complete.
When Merit is turned into a vampire against her will, her entire world is upended. Sheâs never been one to fall in line, and now sheâs expected to bow and scrape like a medieval vassal, dress in conservative black suits, and give up her post-grad studies to work full time for one of Chicagoâs vampire houses. At least she gets to learn to fight like a badass. Ethan Sullivan gives off major Darcy vibes which is my favorite kind of hero. As a four-hundred year old vampire and the Head of Cadogan House, heâs well-versed at playing Master. Heâs complex and dangerous with a passionate streak running beneath his buttoned-up exterior. It was obvious from the beginning that Merit was under his skin to stay, and the chemistry between the two of them was off the charts.
As a first installment, Some Girls Bite unfolds with just the right amount of information over the chapters as we learn about the world of the supernatural right along with Merit. I donât think this book is about character arcs so much as it is about setting the stage for future installments. There is a definite mystery plotline, but it flows so seamlessly with Merits âorigin storyâ that it doesnât feel forced or thrown in there for some action. There is also a very strong supporting cast of characters (Mallory, Catcher, Jeff, Lindsey, Luke) who become a huge part of the series moving forward. I think because the secondary characters feature so predominantly in the story, there is a lot of great banter. Some Girls Bite will forever live in my memory as the place I first heard the world âsnarky,’ and the dialogue is full of witty quips, and yes, snarky comments.
I really enjoyed the twist Chloe Neil puts on the vampire mythology. The separate houses, drinking of blood, and hierarchy of vampires is well thought out and interesting. I love the old-world feel of the Vampire Houses, and I get an American Hogwarts-type vibe, but for grown-ups.  Understanding how Meritâs transition takes place, her subsequent disassociation from her vampiric state, and her feeling of isolation amidst other Novitiates are all indicators that she is different and special. I am excited for how the author will pursue this in the future.
Almost 13 years after first reading Some Girls Bite (with a few re-reads in-between), it still holds its place as one of my favorite vampire books. I have fond memories Chloe Neilâs forum; the first place Iâd been a member where the author interacted frequently with fans and answered questions directly.  I love her detailed style of writing that lacks fussiness and is easy to follow. I am excited to see where she takes the series.
Narration:
Iâve always read Some Girls Bite rather than listened to the audio. Due to time-constraints, I decided to try the audio on this reread. Cynthia Hollowayâs performance is well-paced and easy to follow. She does a good job with the voices, although there are a few inconsistencies with pronunciation. I do feel like I enjoyed the humor in this book reading it on the page for myself. I think that the narratorâs voice puts a specific spin on Merit that I don’t find as enjoyable. In my head, she is dryer and more deadpan. For this reason I would recommend people reading the series rather than using the audio.
Listen to a clip: HERE
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- đ§ Anatomy by Dana Schwartz @DanaSchwartzzz @MhairiCMorrison @TimCampbellVO @MacmillanAudio #LoveAudiobooks @4saintjude - November 1, 2024
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I listened to the first few and abandoned the series in part for the narration and Merit. No you have me thinking I should read them instead.
I own all these in audio. but I did read the earlier ones. The narrator for the first 5 is Cynthia Holloway and all the later ones are Sophie Eastlake. Perhaps you would like the second narrator. It was when I was just starting to listen to audiobooks and I ended up getting CDs from the library to listen.
I’ve read the whole series and the spinoff Chicagoland Heirs.
I read this series in full. It was unique and got very emotional later on in the series. I’m looking forward to see what you think as you continue your reread and new read of the series.
i really really really need to start this series đ
I liked this series a lot. Definitely something I would consider reading again.
This one sounds good! Great review!
I’m the same. I love checking out a series when it is all done.