Hard Bitten (Chicagoland Vampires, #4) in SOS: Serious Overload of Series

May 08, 2011 Chi rated it liked it

I don't know if i should give this a 3 or 4, but i went ahead and gave it a 3. Chicagoland vampires is one of the series that I'm really hooked up with. I really love the first 3 books in the series. But I have mixed emotions with this book. I think that it is beautifully written. As I'm reading along, I can sympathize with the characters. In book 3, when Ethan completely messed up his relationship with Merit, I was really hurting for her. And so, I was anticipating some events in book 4 where M ...more

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Oct 19, 2010 CharleeMoo rated it it was amazing

Shelves: vampire, romance, paranormal, favorites, series

Hard Bitten by Chloe Neill is the fourth in the Chicagoland Vampire Series. It picks up where the last book left off. The Cadogan family is putting their home (and Cadogan vampire home base) back together after an attack on it by Shifters -which took place near the end of Twice Bitten. It also picks up where Ethan, the Cadogan master, and our favorite Sentinel, Merit, left off as well.

I want to say Hard Bitten has more action this time around, but after thinking about it, Twice Bitten was just a Hard Bitten by Chloe Neill is the fourth in the Chicagoland Vampire Series. It picks up where the last book left off. The Cadogan family is putting their home (and Cadogan vampire home base) back together after an attack on it by Shifters -which took place near the end of Twice Bitten. It also picks up where Ethan, the Cadogan master, and our favorite Sentinel, Merit, left off as well.

I want to say Hard Bitten has more action this time around, but after thinking about it, Twice Bitten was just as packed. This time around the new threat to the vampires is a group of ‘vampire haters’ complete with a stereotype army buff leader. But while dealing with them, the gang also has to deal with Celina again, and a drug on the vampire streets that’s making vampires act like brainless fanged rage-machines.

The writing is top notch; Neill has a way of making this paranormal world seem real. It’s beautifully written and an excellent addition to the series. It goes deeper into the Red Guard, and we finally get some history on the group. There is also a Merit/Morgan scenes that I feel really round up what I felt was a premature ending to the relationship. Mallory has a bigger part in this book, and with her Catcher of course has some great lines.

I will say that before, during, and after reading this book I read some of the reviews and found that a lot of people are refusing to read anymore of this series because of the ‘gutsy’ ending. While I certainly have no say over what other people are doing, I think it is a great loss on their parts. When hasn’t a book, series or movie done something that we haven’t liked? Do you turn off the movie when the hero gets shot? Chances are you stay tuned to see where it takes the storyline.

Though I am saddened like many where Hard Bitten has taken us, I believe that helps reinforce what a great writer Chloe Neill has become to this community. The ending shook me, and I felt for the characters as if I were there with them. That’s something that’s hard to find. I, for one, can’t wait for the next installment Drink Deep, and with that, Ms. Neill, well played. Well played.
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Feb 03, 2011 Chelsea rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy, vampires, uf-pnr, weres

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 t 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. ...more

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Feb 18, 2011 Missyb rated it it was amazing

Good story, sad ending. With Ethan gone and Malik in charge and a Receiver on his/her way, what's going to happen next? Mallory was in this book and with Simon (her tutor) making an appearance, I'm thinking something is going to happen on the magic end. Will Ethan be back, I hope so, but who knows. He finally came around, but she wasn't ready to except it. This book showed Merit's continuing frustrating relationship with Ethan, and I really liked that he kissed her like he did when she headed of ...more

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Sep 30, 2010 Grace rated it did not like it

The ending ruined it for me. I thought that the plot was fine maybe a little too predictable but at least the truth of Merit's turning is revealed which is a plus;however, the death of a man character was too much. I read the reviews for this book and was reluctant to read till the next book was available. Hopefully Drink Deep will offer some solace to the series. If not, then I'll probably be done with this series. ...more

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Jan 06, 2011 Tiffany rated it it was amazing

I love this series. this book is awesome! I loved it and hated it! lol. the ending was a killer for me! this is going to change the rest of the series. I am eager to see how she will play the rest of the series out. I was TOTALLY shocked with how this one ended! COMPLETELY shocked! but I have Faith in Chloe Neill that she knows where she is going with this and we will love it! I can NOT wait for "DRINK DEEP!" ...more

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Mar 13, 2011 Nicole rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, favorites-2011, ya, vampire-fiction, urban-fiction

Hard Bitten was great. The ending was so sad and I did not see it coming. I cannot wait for the next book to come out. Overall the ChicagoLand Vampires series is great.

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