The Veil by Chloe Neill [Review!]

4 out of 5 Robots!

The Veil By Chloe Neill 
Series: Devil's Isle #1 
Genre: Urban Fantasy 
Release: August 4, 2015
Paperback:  336 Pages
Publisher: NAL Trade
My Copy: Publisher
Reviewer: Julia

Book Summary:
Claire Connolly is a good girl with a dangerous secret: she’s a Sensitive, a human endowed with magic that seeped through the Veil. Claire knows that revealing her skills would mean being confined to Devil’s Isle. Unfortunately, hiding her power has left her untrained and unfocused.

Liam Quinn knows from experience that magic makes monsters of the weak, and he has no time for a Sensitive with no control of her own strength. But when he sees Claire using her powers to save a human under attack—in full view of the French Quarter—Liam decides to bring her to Devil’s Isle and the teacher she needs, even though getting her out of his way isn’t the same as keeping her out of his head.

But when the Veil threatens to shatter completely, Claire and Liam must work together to stop it, or else New Orleans will burn… (Courtesy of Goodreads)

My Quick Thoughts! 

The Veil by Chloe Neill is fresh, dark and full of fabulous characters that will make even the most seasoned Urban Fantasy readers want more. Neill's Chicagoland series is excellent and I was excited to read this new series for that reason. She didn't let me down. We've got New Orleans infested with paranormals after a war- a fascinating new world. The world building is perfectly done, no info dumping, the story just pumps along. 

There is enough action to keep me flipping the pages, and just enough sexual tension between the main characters. Claire's best friends are also witty and add flavor to the story. Awesome supporting characters! Her partner in crime and love interest, is mysterious and badass. Just my type. You're going to love these characters. Claire is likeable and doesn't make decisions that make you want to smack her... She's also compassionate but sticks to her guns. She's the kind of heroine that makes me happy.

The ending is satisfying, it definitely doesn't NEED a sequel- no real cliff hanger here. (Thank you!!) But you're going to want more of Claire Connolly's world. I certainly do and can't wait to read the sequel. More Devil's Isle in the next installment, please!! 

Interview & Giveaway with Faith Hunter!

Kicking It
Authors: Faith Hunter, Kalayna Price, Rachel Caine, Chloe Neill, Rob Thurman, Shannon K. Butcher, Lucienne Diver, Christina Henry , Chris Marie Green
Genre: Urban Fantasy Anthology  
Release Date: December 3, 2013
Paperback: 368
Publisher: Roc Trade
Book Summary: New York Times bestselling author Rachel Caine has modern-day potions witches Holly and Andrew facing off against a firebrand politician who wears literally killer boots in a Texas-sized rodeo of trouble.

Boot-loving Cadogan vampire Lindsey must team up with off-again, on-again vampire partner Luc when a woman from her past is targeted by supernaturals in New York Times bestselling author Chloe Neill’s all-new adventure.

And New York Times bestselling author Rob Thurman features Trixa Iktomi from her Trickster series dealing with magical vengeance and magical footwear.

Taking kick-ass urban fantasy literally, USA Today bestselling authors Kalayna Price and Faith Hunter bring together the best of the genre to once again prove when you’re fighting supernatural forces, it helps to keep your feet on the ground. 

Interview:

1. What footwear is your character wearing in Kicking It? 
Chris Marie Green: Very hip boots that seem to be made of vines…and that won’t come off. Oh, and she doesn’t remember where she got them. She also can’t remember her own identity! 
Lucienne Diver: My character is wearing silver stiletto boots with Plexiglas heels. They are her idea the way the Wicked Witch of the West would embrace dancing in the rain with her flying monkeys. 

2. How many pairs of boots do you currently own?  
Chris Marie Green: Four pairs: two very comfortable Uggs, one fairly fashionable knee-high brown pair with chunky heels, one well-adored cowboy pair.
Lucienne Diver: I own at least four pairs—black, black thigh-highs, red lace ups and brown suede. I’d know exactly, but since moving to Florida I don’t have as many chances to wear my boots as I’d like! 

3. What color is your favorite pair of boots? 
Chris Marie Green: Light brown suede (the cowboy boots). 
Lucienne Diver: Black. My favorite pair would have to be the thigh highs. I think my husband would agree. 

4. What type of boots do you prefer? Cowboy boots? Riding boots? Biker- boots? Over-the-knee dominatrix boots? Do share!  
Chris Marie Green: I love, love, love my cowboy boots. I wear them constantly. The poor things are worn out but I Can’t. Let. Go. I can’t! When they finally fall apart, I will cry. 
Lucienne Diver: Over the knee dominatrix boots. Come on, admit it, anyone shocked? 

5. What’s your most recent boot purchase? Why that pair? 
Chris Marie Green: One of the Uggs. They are the most comfortable things, even though they’re kind of considered passé, I guess. But I say comfort never goes out of style!
Lucienne Diver: I most recently bought ankle boots because I was going to an ice bar in Orlando with friends and all I’d brought with me were open toed shoes. Brrr!

6. Why did you choose those boots for the story? 
Chris Marie Green: I can’t give too much away because the boots are a part of the story’s mystery, but let’s just say I needed something with a living component to them… Also, I thought they would look super cool. 
Lucienne Diver: When you’re going Fembot meets alien queen, what else is a gal to wear? 

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

House Rules by Chloe Neill [Review]

4 out of 5 Robots!

 

House Rules
Series: Chicagoland Vampires, #7
Author: Chloe Neill
Release: February 5, 2013
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: NAL Trade 
Buy this Book: Amazon

About this Book:
In a city full of vampires, trouble never sleeps.
At the tender age of 27, Merit became a sword-wielding vampire. Since then, she’s become the protector of her House, watched Chicago nearly burn to the ground, and seen her Master fall and rise. Now she’ll see her mettle—and her metal —tested like never before.

It started with two . . . Two rogues vanishing without a trace. Someone is targeting Chicago’s vampires, and anyone could be next. With their house in peril, Merit and her Master, the centuries old Ethan Sullivan, must race to stop the disappearances. But as they untangle a web of secret alliances and ancient evils, they realize their foe is more familiar, and more powerful, than they could have ever imagined.

Quick Thoughts:
HOUSE RULES is the newest, fiercest addition to the Chicagoland Vampire series. If you're a veteran of the series, order this book, NOW. You won't be disappointed- If you haven't begun this series yet, you're missing out and you need to hop on the Merit & Ethan bandwagon. Nothing will stop you from flipping the pages once you've begun. HOUSE RULES is stacked with action, wit and plot twists - an urban fantasy reader's dream.

I'll be honest, the last couple books seemed a little trite and weren't as compelling as the first few. I didn't have high hopes for HOUSE RULES as I was slowly losing interest in the series. I am SO GLAD I stuck it out and picked up HOUSE RULES. I am back on the edge of my seat, waiting for more. Ethan and Merit are solid and kicking ass. Also, I know I've said this before, but Neill really is excellent at keeping you up to speed without seeming redundant. 

The best part of HOUSE RULES is the evolution of Merit and Ethan and the obstacles that their relationship endures. I love the drama. Serial killers. Stubborn (awesome) Merit. This is an absolutely gripping, fast paced novel and I simply loved it. Hoping that Merit and Ethan continue to get more and more serious and Neill has lots more mystery and adventure in the upcoming novels!!

Books in this series in the order that they should be read:

1. Some Girls Bite
2. Friday Night Bites
3. Twice Bitten
4. Hard Bitten
5. Drink Deep
6. Biting Cold 
7. House Rules 

Drink Deep by Chloe Neill [Review]

3.5 out of 5 Robots!

Drink Deep by Chloe Neill
Series: Chicagoland Vampires, #5
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release: November 1, 2011
Paperback: 352 Pages
Publisher: New American Library
My Copy: Publisher
Reviewer: Rex
Buy the Book: Amazon

Book Summary:

Clouds are brewing over Cadogan House, and recently turned vampire Merit can't tell if this is the darkness before the dawn or the calm before the storm. With the city itself in turmoil over paranormals and the state threatening to pass a paranormal registration act, times haven't been this precarious for vampires since they came out of the closet. If only they could lay low for a bit, and let the mortals calm down.

That's when the waters of Lake Michigan suddenly turn pitch black-and things really start getting ugly.

Chicago's mayor insists it's nothing to worry about, but Merit knows only the darkest magic could have woven a spell powerful enough to change the very fabric of nature. She'll have to turn to friends old and new to find out who's behind this, and stop them before it's too late for vampires and humans alike.

My Thoughts:

Drink Deep by Chloe Neill is entertaining and full of little twists and surprises that will keep veterans of the series flipping the pages. Though I really enjoyed this novel, it felt a little bit like... filler? Transition? It isn't integral to the series- except for the last few chapters-which are completely enthralling. I don't recommend this be read as a standalone, but I think you could without being lost. Neill is excellent at keeping you up to speed without seeming redundant.

Even though this isn't my favorite in the series, the plot is thrilling and it is loads of fun watching Merit run around trying to uncover mysterious magical happenings with Jonah. Just so everyone knows, I absolutely love Jonah. He's so cute and endearing. Don't worry, Merit is still mourning Ethan and does not date Jonah. Which I'm a wee bit upset about, though I'm probably the only one. I will say though that I adore that Merit does not just move on to the next guy- she is still grieving throughout the entire book. Ethan is always in her thoughts and dreams. Sigh, true love. 

Drink Deep is really hard for me to review because there are major events, surprises, that everyone will love and will spoil the book. Trying to stay spoiler free over here! Especially because I know that after the last book and its killer ending, people are going to be dieing to find out what happens to the gang in this novel. All in all, I highly recommend this book to those that are already fans of the Chicagoland Vampires. It is a satisfying addition to the series. I think that Neill is setting us up for one amazing adventure in BITING COLD- out next year. Can't WAIT to read it!

Books in this series in the order that they should be read:

1. Some Girls Bite
2. Friday Night Bites
3. Twice Bitten
4. Hard Bitten
5. Drink Deep
6. Biting Cold (2012)

OH! BITING COLD by Chloe Neill COVER!

I love the color. I love the title. I love Chloe Neill and the Chicagoland Vampire series! 

What do you think of it?

BITING COLD is set to release in August 2012.

DRINK DEEP is releasing November 1, 2011. 

Check out my contest for DRINK DEEP here.

Giveaway! DRINK DEEP by Chloe Neill!

The Chicagoland Vampire series by Chloe Neill is phenomenal- and when I received an ARC of DRINK DEEP I was ELATED!! So, I read it, I LOVED IT and I want to share it with one of my GFC followers! Check out the giveaway below after the jump.

Mark your calendars for November 1st - DRINK DEEP's release date!! If you don't win, this series is a must buy. 

Check out my review of  HARD BITTEN- the 4th installment HERE.




 

About the Book: 

Clouds are brewing over Cadogan House, and recently turned vampire Merit can't tell if this is the darkness before the dawn or the calm before the storm. With the city itself in turmoil over paranormals and the state threatening to pass a paranormal registration act, times haven't been this precarious for vampires since they came out of the closet. If only they could lay low for a bit, and let the mortals calm down.

That's when the waters of Lake Michigan suddenly turn pitch black-and things really start getting ugly.

Chicago's mayor insists it's nothing to worry about, but Merit knows only the darkest magic could have woven a spell powerful enough to change the very fabric of nature. She'll have to turn to friends old and new to find out who's behind this, and stop them before it's too late for vampires and humans alike.

Review: HARD BITTEN by Chloe Neill!

4 out of 5 Robots!

 Title: Hard Bitten
Series: Chicagoland Vamps, #4
Author: Chloe Neill
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release: May 3, 2011
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: NAL
ISBN-10: 0451233328
ISBN-13: 978-0451233325
My Copy: Publisher
Reviewer: Rex

About the Book:

Times are hard for newly minted vampire Merit. Ever since shapeshifters announced their presence to the world, humans have been rallying against supernaturals--and they're camping outside of Cadogan House with protest signs that could turn to pitchforks at any moment. Inside its doors, things between Merit and her Master, green-eyed heartbreaker Ethan Sullivan are tense...

Merit needs to get to the bottom of a brutal 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 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 too 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...

My Review:

Hard Bitten by Chloe Neill is an emotional masterpiece, packed to the brim with action and one major jaw dropper. This book is the fourth installment in the Chicagoland Vamps series and I think it could be read as a stand alone, though I wouldn't recommend it- each book was a blast. 

Though for me the first half of Hard Bitten was a bit slow, the second half picked up and ended intensely. I wouldn't call the ending a cliff hanger... but I can not even say how shocked all of you Neill fans are going to be. Brace yourself. You'll love it though, you have to! Who doesn't love when a book brings you to a point of speechlessness? Really. There are no words. That is why this review is going to be short- I can't give a single thing away- you're going to thank me for not leading you anywhere later.

Now, not only is the plot brilliant and easy to follow, but Neill has a cast of intoxicating characters. The dialogue between Merit and Mallory, Merit and Jonah, Merit and Ethan... I loved it all. It is witty, funny, sexy. Neill had me laughing and almost in tears. Go order this book!

I have to say this for Neill, she's got guts. She takes risks with her characters that many of my favorite authors won't do. I love when authors throw you a curve ball, I love when the worst thing imaginable happens in a novel because I wasn't expecting it. Neill totally pulled it off. I highly recommend this novel and the entire series to any Urban Fantasy or Paranormal fan. You're going to love it. 

Oh, and how about that pretty cover? Best cover in the series so far!

HARD BITTEN GIVEAWAY!

Rules: 

1 Winner!

-Ends May 2, 2011 at 6:00PM

-USA & Canadian Residents

Mandatory Entry: 

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Interview with Author Chloe Neill!

About the Author:

I was born and raised in the South, but now make my home in the Midwest, just close enough to Cadogan House and St. Sophia's to keep an eye on things.  When not transcribing Merit’s and Lily's adventures, I bake (a lot!), watch entirely too much television, root for my favorite college football team (Go Big Red!), spend time with friends, and play with my dogs, Baxter and Scout.

*Courtesy of ChloeNeill.com

About the Dark Elite Series:

New Girl. New School. Old Evil. 

A new series about a boarding school filled with something worse than homework.

Lily's parents have sent her to a fancy boarding school in Chicago filled with the ultra-rich. If that wasn't bad enough, she's hearing and seeing bizarre things on St. Sophie's creepy campus. Her roommate, Scout, keeps her sane, but keeps disappearing at night. When one day Lily finds Scout running from real-life monsters, she learns the hard way that Scout is involved in a splinter group of rebel teens.

They protect Chicago from demons, vamps, and dark magic users. It's too bad Lily doesn't have powers of her own to help. At least, none that she's discovered yet...

Hi, Chloe, thanks for stopping by! Can you tell us a little bit about what inspired you to write about the Dark Elite series?

Thanks for having me! Sure thing. I was really interested in the possibility of a world in which magic wasn't eternal, where there was a definite consequence to having it--namely, that you had to give it back or else you began to lose yourself. I thought it would be interesting to consider how people would react if faced with the choice.

I absolutely love the dynamic between Scout and Lily- do you have any "real life" best friends that inspired their fun relationship?

Thanks! No one in particular inspired Lily and Scout. I generally try to be honest to the two of them as characters (while throwing in as much sarcasm as possible).

The cover model and artwork for both Firespell & Hexbound are gorgeous. Did you have any influence on either covers and is that how you envision Lily?

Thanks! I think the artists did a fabulous job with the FIRESPELL and HEXBOUND covers, as well as the covers for my Chicagoland Vampires novels. I believe I suggested that Lily hold a spark for the HEXBOUND cover, but the model and the feel of the covers are choice the artist made. And in the novels, Lily actually had short hair. But the cover art was so great we made her hair a little longer in the books. :)

What songs would you choose for the soundtrack of Hexbound?

I actually put a song list together online that folks can review (http://www.chloeneill.com/music.htm). I think "Possibility" by Lykke Li was probably the most-played song during the writing of HEXBOUND. I love how moody it is!

I know this is a little premature, but I'm so excited about the third Dark Elite novel... is there *anything* you can tell us about it?

Thanks! As of right now, I can't tell you much. I'm currently focused on getting HARD BITTEN, my fourth Chicagoland Vampires novel, written and the fifth CV novel written.

Any other releases or works in progress that you're excited about?

I'm excited about both the January 4 release of HEXBOUND and the May 3 release of HARD BITTEN. I think there's a lot of really interesting emotional developments in both!

Thank you so much for taking the time for us today!

Thanks for having me!

Hexbound by Chloe Neill [Review]

4 out of 5 Robots!

  

Title: Hexbound
Series: Dark Elite, 2

Genre: YA Paranormal

Release: January 4, 2011
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Signet
ISBN-10: 0451230795
ISBN-13: 978-0451230799

My Copy: Publisher

Reviewer: Rex

My Review:

Once again, Chloe Neill writes an exquisite storyline for her vibrant characters in the second installment of the Dark Elite series. Hexbound is a unique, quick read. Those that read and loved Firespell, Dark Elite #1 will fall in love with Hexbound. 

Scout and Lily are still best friends. They've got this wonderful, silly dynamic that I love. This is what holds the Dark Elite series together for me. This book, much like the first, had a hard time holding onto my attention and making me believe I was there with the characters. The characters and the story have evolved though and I found myself caring much more for them here in the second installment than I did in the first.

Lily is finally getting used to the idea that she has magical powers as an Adept. She is even learning to control them when foul creatures happen upon them on their way to a Dark Elite meeting. Though they've conquered the creatures, they still have no idea what they are or where they came from. She's burdened with figuring out these icky creatures AND her parents true occupations that have been so carefully hidden from her.

Again, I have to say that any fans of the Morganville Vampire series should give this one a try. I think you'll love it. And though I'm giving this book a relatively mediocre review, I will continue to read the Dark Elite series because there is SO much Neill can do with this series. It has great potential and I can't wait to see where she takes Lily next.

Other books in this series in the order in which they should be read:

1. Firespell

2. Hexbound

Get your copy at
  Amazon!

Firespell by Chloe Neill [Review]

4 out of 5 Robots!

  

Title: Firespell
Series: The Dark Elite, 1
Genre: YA Paranormal
Release Date: Jan. 5, 2010
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Signet
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0451228863
ISBN-13: 978-0451228864

My Copy: Trade with Blogger

Reviewer: Rex

Summary Courtesy of Amazon.com:
New Girl. New School. Old Evil. A new series about a boarding school filled with something worse than homework.

Lily's parents have sent her to a fancy boarding school in Chicago filled with the ultra-rich. If that wasn't bad enough, she's hearing and seeing bizarre things on St. Sophie's creepy campus. Her roommate, Scout, keeps her sane, but keeps disappearing at night. When one day Lily finds Scout running from real-life monsters, she learns the hard way that Scout is involved in a splinter group of rebel teens.

They protect Chicago from demons, vamps, and dark magic users. It's too bad Lily doesn't have powers of her own to help. At least, none that she's discovered yet...

My Review:
I have to admit that Firespell is one hell of a story- the plot was brilliant. Neill knows how to tell a story to her readers. It was fast paced and had action trickled throughout book. However, this book had a hard time keeping my attention. Its main audience is young adult and it could probably be extremely well received by any paranormal fanatic in their teens- but something about it kept me from gripping on to the characters and really connecting.

We've got a love interest for Lily- his name is Jason and he is a werewolf. Their lips never touch and there isn't much sexual tension- their romance is very cute and very PG. The PG nature of the romance leaves something to be desired. I don't necessarily need an overabundance of affection in my Young Adult, but I felt like there wasn't much emotion put forth either.

Now, the major kicker is that a nasty encounter with a Reaper throws Lily's magical powers out of hibernation and into full swing. She's got rare powers of her own and she's ready to use them. Luckily for her she's got the Dark Elite to tell her all about them. And not only was she left in the dark about her magical powers prior to joining St. Sophie's School for Girls, but she's just figured out that her parents aren't exactly what they seem either...

At 256 pages, this book was a quick, fun and easy read. I read it in one sitting- though it may be a bit boring for the more mature audience, it is great for teenagers. Those of us that prefer a little more tension in their paranormal novels would love Neill's other series, The Chicagoland Vampires. Highly recommend this series to those that love Rachel Caine's Morganville Vampire series!

Purchase your copy at 
Amazon!