Some Girls Bite (Chicagoland Vampires) Mass Market Paperback – March 4, 2014

I'm making my way through the Chicagoland series for my third time, and thought I owed it to Ms. Neill to finally take the time to review her amazing books. As you can surmise by this being my third re-read, I LOVE this series. But what makes it so great? My short answer is the characters, the romance, the action packed plot, and the snarktastic humor.But let's go into detail.When polled about my favorite urban fantasy heroines, Merit is always top on my list. What makes her so special? She's whip lash smart, loyal even through the direst of circumstances, even when doubted constantly. She's honorable, powerful, and witty. She also uses common sense. Whow - this one is a big one - so often urban fantasy heroines seem to have a slice first ask questions later mentality. They dive into fights that are WAY too big for them. Merit doesn't - she thinks before acting (did I mention she was smart?). She's a character I fell in love with during the first few chapters of Some Girls Bite, and never lost respect for. She's uncompromising in her honor - the kind of protagonist you can really root for.And then there's Ethan. I adore him. Definitely #1 on my list of sexiest vampires! He's reserved, loyal, power-focused, arrogant, awkwardly tender, and 100% dedicated to house. This dedication is both his greatest strength and his greatest weakness. It's the root of the flaws that drive some readers crazy, and these flaws also make him realistic and likeable. He's not the perfect powerful alpha-male romantic lead - his broken in his way, and still in need of character growth. This just makes him all the more likeable. He's a 400 years old, with that many years' worth of baggage, and his priorities are rigidly set at the start of this wonderful series. His house is his focus, and anything that happens between him and Merit is overshadowed by that focus. He's forgotten how to be human, how to be a man. Even how to love. In Some Girls Bite, he is little more than the reflection of his office, but Merit starts to change all of that.Ms. Neill definitely succeeded in creating two of the strongest, most realistic, likeable protagonists I've seen in the urban fantasy genre, but she didn't slouch on the supporting cast either. As side characters, we have Merit's BFF, Malory, who is hilarious, loyal and downright lovable. The dialog between Mallory and Merit are pure gold, full of snarky, geeky humor guaranteed to make you laugh. We have the jaded, sexy sorcerer Catcher. The loveable, adorable, geeky, computer hacker Jeff. The sexy club owner, and house second, Morgan. Are there any unlikeable characters in this series? I can't think of any.The humor in Some Girls Bite is just delightful. Merit is deliciously snarky, while avoiding the tendency of being belligerent or verbally aggressive. The book is full of witty banter that adds an element of genuine humor to the dark, twisty, action packed plot.The plot. Whow - Some Girls Bite starts off with Merits induction into the world of vampires, but the story quickly turns into a murder mystery full of tons of house intrigue. When dead girls start showing up, apparently victims of vampire attacks, Merit is pulled in for personal and professional reasons. The action in this first book as well as all that follows is completely engaging; definitely ensuring this series retains its urban fantasy classification, despite the swoon worthy romance that might make some reviewers want to label it a paranormal romance.Which brings us to the juiciest bit - the romance. Le Sigh. With two such fantastic characters, the romance could be nothing less than amazing, right? I know I always find myself far more engaged in a romance if I love the characters involved, and I truly loved both Ethan and Merit. I loved them together. Now their romance in Some Girls Bite is more of a set up for great things to come. They have insane attraction and a host of problems. One of those problems being Morgan, a second of a rival house, that's vying for Merit's attentions. He's bring a semi love triangle element to the story, but don't let that throw you off - Merit's heart is pretty thoroughly taken. Ethan doesn't exactly get off on the right foot with Merit in this book - he's arrogant, assured of his power, and a bit inhuman at the start of things. He burns Merit more than once in this story, but we as readers are allowed to see into his psyche, and if we look closely enough we can understand his motivations, and we'll forgive him, in part because he is just so darned sexy, and in part because we have the sense that he and Merit are meant for one another. Their chemistry practically sizzles off the pages.If you haven't bitten the bullet and taken time to read the Chicagoland series, I strongly encourage you to do so imediately. It's got the perfect blend of page turning action, witty humor, fantastic characters, and to die for romance. I will warn you - the series isn't done yet, but I wouldn't wait to pick it up. You'd be denying yourself the immediate pleasure of reading one of the best series in this genre.

No plot summary or spoilers- and my rating is based on the book, but a brief side note before my review: it is barely short of theft what they are charging for the Kindle edition. I bought it anyway, but I feel like I shouldn't have given them the money even though it is a great book.With that comment out of the way: HIGH LEVEL- I was impressed with this book. I read a lot of Urban Fantasy and have read a number of just poor or average vampire centric books recently. This one rose above. Decent interpretation of standard supernatural mythos, strong and consistent female lead and though the plot was pretty basic, it was compelling. Reliably entertaining- tons of potential as a series. Heroine turned out to have a charmingly realistic and complicated character.Atmosphere is on the lighter side with a bit of humor and sexual tension thrown in. Premise is based on the iconic rebellious, intelligent woman from a privileged, but loveless background gets turned into a vampire against her will. Vampire mythology is pretty standard- immortal, enhanced strength, varied psychic powers. This also weaves in political schemes as there is a rich supernatural community though only the vamps have gone public.Characters were not terribly developed, aside from the heroine, Merit, but still likeable. I would say- think archetypal character writing. All the characters you think this kind of story should have, it had. Ms. Neill set up a lot of characters which didn't allow for much depth. Despite that, there was still a sense of companionship amongst new friends and compelling tensions between potential lovers.Writing reminded me more of Charlaine Harris' Sookie Stackhouse novels than anything else I've read. It was a clear and basic first person narrative that pulls you into their world solidly enough that you wish you could stand beside Merit to back her up.Bottom line- if you like this genre, you will probably love this book. Nothing too outlandish, but it works well as an Urban Fantasy staple. I can imagine that this series can only get better.FURTHER READING:Ilona Andrews'  Magic Bites (Kate Daniels, Book 1) Patricia Briggs'  Moon Called (Mercy Thompson) Jim Butcher's  Storm Front (The Dresden Files, Book 1) Charlaine Harris'  Dead Until Dark (Original MM Art) (Sookie Stackhouse/True Blood) Kim Harrison's  Dead Witch Walking (The Hollows, Book 1) Faith Hunter's  Skinwalker (Jane Yellowrock, Book 1) Jocelyn Drake's  Nightwalker (Dark Days, Book 1) C.E. Murphy's  Urban Shaman (The Walker Papers, Book 1) Lilith Saintcrow's  Working for the Devil (Dante Valentine, Book 1)

I know this is book 1 in the series, but OMG! This book starts as the normal human changed to vampire story. Merit hates being a vampire. Then she meets Ethan. He's her master. Oh oh. Let's just say fur flies. Murder is involved.Without spoilers, I can only say read this book. By the time I was about half way through the book, I had bought book 2. My mom ( my 79 year old mom ), has the rest of the series.I owe her an apology. I usually listen to her book recommendations, but I know she doesn't like Buffy. This book is not Buffy. Mom loved this book, so did I.

Merit (wir erfahren im ganzen Buch ihren Vorname nicht) ist Studentin der Universität von Chicago. Als sie eines Abends spät noch auf dem Universitätsgelände ist, wird sie von einem Vampir überfallen und infiziert. Der oberste Vampir des Cadogan Vampirhauses rettet sie vor dem Tod indem er sie wandelt.Eigentlich hat Merit niemals ein Vampir werden wollen. Sie wollte ihr Studium beenden, promovieren und selbst mal Professorin an einer Universität werden und englische Literatur lehren. Doch in einer Nacht wird dieser Traum zerstört, denn Vampire leben zwar öffentlich unter den Menschen - aber an Universitäten sind sie nicht geduldet. Merit stammt aus einer der angesehensten Familien in Chicago, doch sie hat zu ihrem snobistischen Vater und ihrer oberflächlichen Mutter ein schlechtes Verhältnis. Einzig ihr Großvater hat sie schon immer geliebt ohne diese Liebe an Bedingungen zu knüpfen.Daher hat Merit mit Autorität und Unterordnung schon immer auf Kriegsfuß gestanden. Und nun hat sie 10 Tage Zeit sich an den neuen Umstand zu gewöhnen, einem Master(vampir) und dessen Haus (das jetzt auch ihr Haus ist) die Treue und bedingungslose Unterwerfung zu schwören. Die Vampire sind in Häuser aufgeteilt und rangieren nach Gründungsdatum des jeweiligen Hauses. Merit's "Macher", Ethan Sullivan, gehört das an vierter Stelle rangierende Haus Cadogan, zu dem nun auch Merit angehört - wenn sie denn ihren Treueeid auf Ethan ablegt und ihm Gehorsam schwört. Und genau damit fangen die Probleme an, denn vom ersten Aufeinandertreffen an fliegen zwischen dem unglaublich attraktiven Ethan und der taffen Merit die Fetzen (und Funken). Dazu kommt, dass der Anschlag auf Merit nicht der einzige bleibt..Na aber Holla die Waldfee!! Das ist ja mal ein Auftakt gewesen.. Das Buch sprüht nur so vor Wortwitz und ich habe teilweise laut lachen müssen über die scharfzüngige und schlagfertige Merit, deren vorlautes Mundwerk sie ein ums andere Mal in Schwierigkeiten gebracht hat. Das ist definitiv mal wieder eine Reihe ganz nach meinem Geschmack!Die Figuren, allen voran Merit, sind liebevoll ausgearbeitet und Chloe Neill hat darauf geachtet, diese Sorgfalt allen wichtigen Charakteren dieses Buches zuteil werden zu lassen. Die Handlung ist spannend und flüssig; die Regeln dieser Vampire werden gut erklärt und sind im Buch durch eine Art Bibel der Vampire geregelt, die jeder Vampir kennen muss. Die Vampire stehen im Vordergrund aber auch andere Wesen wie Gestaltwandler, Zauberer, Nixen u.ä. kommen hier vor.Besonders gut haben mir die unglaublich spritzigen und extrem guten Dialoge gefallen. Das Buch lebt von seinem Wortwitz und ein ums andere Mal hab ich laut auflachen müssen, wenn Merits Mundwerk mal wieder mit ihr durchgegangen ist. Merit ist eine sehr sympathische Hauptfigur, da sie zwar oft die Taffe spielt, man aber auch andere Seiten von ihr sieht; die Verletzlichkeit wenn es ihre Familie geht und die fehlende Anerkennung durch ihren nach gesellschaftlichen und finanziellen Ruhm strebenden Vater. Liebenswerter Gegenpol hier ihr Großvater, der sie immer wieder überraschen kann. Außerdem hat sie noch ihre beste Freundin Mallory zur Seite, mit der sie in einer WG zusammenwohnt. Die beiden sind wie Schwestern und halten zusammen wie Pech und Schwefel.Es hat extrem viel Spaß gemacht dieses Buch zu lesen und alle die neugierig geworden sind kann ich nur ausdrücklich dazu ermuntern diese Reihe anzufangen, auch wenn in diesem Genre bereits so viele auf dem Markt sind.Erfreulich für die deutschen Leser: LYX hat diese Reihe ins Programm genommen und Band 1 "Chicagoland Vampires - Frisch gebissen" bereits im Februar herausgebracht; Band 2 "Verbotene Bisse" ist für Juli angekündigt. Im Original sind bereits die ersten drei Bände erschienen und Band 4 wird im Mai veröffentlicht.

Merit has always looked at Chicago's newly revealed vampires with distaste, that is until she is attacked and left for dead in the middle of her gradute school quad. Her life is saved when Ethan Sullivan, head of one of Chicago's vampire Houses, saves her life and turns her into a vampire. Now Merit has lost her chance at a normal life, and must come to terms with being one of the very creatures she hates. But Merit is no ordinary girl, and she isn't going to be an ordinary vampire.This is one of those series that has a ton of positive reviews, but you never really pick up. The cover doesn't really stand out, and the blurb on the back although interesting is longer than most. I picked up a copy of the second book in the series ( Friday Night Bites ) thinking it was the first, and then had to find this one so I could begin at the beginning. I must say I'm impressed. I'm a big fan of urban fantasy, but haven't read any in a while. This book epitomises what I love about the genre - it's got action, humour, mystery and a touch of romance.The plot is well thought out and developed. Vampires have recently 'come out' in Chicago, and Chloe Neill does an incredible job of setting up the vampires and the four Vampire houses, as well as rogue (independant) vampires. Then the author swiftly moves on to flesh out her world by introducing shifters, sorcerors, fairies, nymphs and a few other supernatural races, and then ties each species to it's own internal politics and to human-supernatural politics. I was amazed at how deftly this was done, and there was no info-dumping to be seen.Merit's journey is believable and I really liked her as a main character. She's snarky and sarcastic, and manages to keep hold of who she is as a person even when thrown neck deep in vampire politics. Merit also deals with her unwanted transformation realistically and without excessive whining, which is rare in this kind of book.The other characters are also incredible. I liked how Ethan was stuck up and set in his ways because it makes Merit the perfect foil for him. It does appear that a potential love triangle is being set up between Merit, Ethan and another vampire called Morgan, but the romance takes a back seat to the storyline in this book which I'm grateful for. As much as I like a good romance, I don't want it taking over the story in an urban fantasy book. I love Merit's roomate Mallory, who is actually an undiscovered sorceror, and the story between her and Catcher, another sorceror who is training both Merit and Mallory, has real sparks alongside a sweet romance.All in all this is an awesome read and I'll definitely be reading the next two ( Friday Night Bites  and  Twice Bitten ) and keeping my eyes peeled for  Hard Bitten  out in May 2011.Plot: 10/10Characters: 10/10Ending: 10/10Enjoyment: 9/10Cover: 7/10Overall: 46/50 Friday Night BitesFriday Night BitesTwice BittenHard Bitten

A great read. Good characters, new vampire concept, wonderful story line. I will be back for more and more.

Was searching for a vampire protagonist book and this is it. I've got a thing for femme fatales in leather and I wasn't disappointed when I read this book. Character development is on point but my only complaint is that the action is left wanting. Barely a single fight scene. Bought second book though, I'm interested in seeing how the character evolves.