Tour Stop and Review: Blade Bound by Chloe Neill (@chloeneill, @BerkleyPub)

Blade Bound by Chloe Neill
Series: Chicagoland Vampires #13
Published by Berkley
Published 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.

For me to feel completely satisfied with the CHICAGOLAND VAMPIRES’ conclusion, Chloe Neill needed to do three things: 1. Give Merit & Ethan their HEA. 2. Wrap-up the final arc. 3. Go out in style. Did BLADE BOUND pull it off? Yes, yes, and YES!

I liked that the author wasted no time in getting with the weddingpocalypse, and that it wasn’t rushed for pacing reasons or ruined by sorcery. I’d expected the book to end on this note, so it was a nice surprise that readers didn’t have to wait one second longer than the opening pages for something that’s been thirteen volumes in the making. I was also thankful that the ceremony wasn’t a cog in the wheel of plot development, and that the protagonists actually got to enjoy their special day.

This novel followed the same pattern as all of the others that came before it which was another plus because it felt like a Merit & Ethan story. Neill stuck with the familiar instead of trying too hard in an attempt to make history with an unforgettable climax that winds up being somewhat disjointed from the rest of the volumes. There’s a Big Bad, the team does a bit of recon, and then the katanas come out. There were still a few bombshells that kept things interesting.

This series’ quirkiness was out in full force from the literature themed wedding, to Darth Sullivan’s pet name for Merit, and the jokes that ensue when Gabriel’s prophesy takes flight. We also got plenty of moments with the treasured secondary characters, and the epilogue jumps forward by twenty-one months to ensure that no stone is left unturned. I hate goodbyes however, it’s hard to argue with this one when the writing was just so darned good. Chloe Neill, you slay me!

BLADE BOUND closed the door on the CHICAGOLAND VAMPIRES, but another one will soon open on a spin-off!

Was this review helpful? If so, please like it on GoodReads or vote for it on Amazon!

A Cadogan House swag packet. This giveaway is open to US residents only (no PO boxes), and runs from April 27 to May 5 at 11:59 PM EST. Good Luck!

• Three signed, limited edition, 8.5 x11 Merit posters
• A Cadogan House lanyard
• A Cadogan House tote bag
• Cadogan House seal sticker
• Bookmarks

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

Week One
Monday, April 17: There’s This Book
Tuesday, April 18: Vicarious Bookworm
Wednesday, April 19: Bad Bird Reads | Francesca’s World
Thursday, April 20 Read What I Like
Friday, April 21: Snoopy Doo’s Book Reviews | The Book Nympho

Week Two
Monday, April 24: The Consummate Reader | Rantings of a Reading Addict
Tuesday, April 25: Vampire Book Club | Literary Escapism | Saucy Wenches
Wednesday, April 26: Cocktails & Books | Goldilocks & The Three Weres
Thursday, April 27: Rabid Reads
Friday, April 28: Tru Bookie’s Review

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