BLOOD GAMES
Chicagoland Vampires Series #10
by Chloe Neill
Publisher: NAL Trade (August 5, 2014)
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Adult
Format: ARC (352 pages)
Source: Free book from publisher for honest review
Find It: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-AMillion | iBooks | IndieBound | Tantor
Rating: ★★★½☆ (3.5 stars)
While Merit didn’t choose to become a vampire or Sentinel of Cadogan House, she vowed to fight for her House and its Master, and she’s managed to forge strong alliances with powerful supernaturals across Chicago. But even though Merit has had wild adventures, this may be her deadliest yet….
At A Glance
I love this series and the characters but why the hokey writing all of a sudden?
The Good
The Chicagoland Vampires Series was one of the first urban fantasy series I ever read. It had all the elements I loved in a UF and it still does. I love how Chloe has kept true to her style of heavy mystery and investigative storylines. I feel like I learn so much with each book as this supernatural world keeps getting bigger and broader. I never want it to end.
Merit kicked ass in this book. It’s so interesting how she takes the most random pieces of evidence and utilizes her connections to bring everything together and bring the bad guy down. She has the most amazing team on her side and she is stronger for it.
But it was Ethan who went through the most in Blood Games. The power is shifting and Ethan is caught in the middle. He may finally get the chance to guide his race and make a difference if only others would stop trying to hinder his progress. Ethan is really put through the ringer as he is hit from all sides. I respect him so much for going through hell just to ensure a better and fair life for his fellow vampires. Though he did go back to his old ways of being closed-off and secretive like before, which was frustrating, I did understand his motives.
The crew was all present. I feel like the old Mallory is finally back. Like the whole evil witch thing never happened. The plot was good, especially with the two main storylines being so engrossing, and the action was pretty exciting. The ending was definitely interesting too. I wonder where the next book will lead.
The Bad
Even though I love and will always love this series, I find myself getting annoying with the cliché and hokey dialogue and writing in the past few books. I often find myself rolling my eyes over silly puns and over the top gushing.
There is a huge power shift in Blood Games and I was super excited for the change up, but the final decision on who got the power made absolutely no sense at all. I understand the decision for the sake of keeping this series interesting and suspenseful, but realistically, it had no backing or logic.
The Snuggly
Ethan and Merit go through some tough times in this book, and even though they both irritated me at times, I loved how solid their relationship was no matter their current problems. I think they grew even closer by the end and I didn’t think that was possible.
There is a sex scene or two. For a adult/new adult audience.
Final Thoughts
A great plot and detailed storylines like always. Merit and Ethan are perfect, even when they aren’t. I am not feeling the silly dialogue and bad puns, but hey, it’s not like I am going to stop reading this series. I am way too invested. Recommended.

Chloe Neill was born and raised in the South, but now makes her 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, she bakes, works, and scours the Internet for good recipes and great graphic design. Chloe also maintains her sanity by spending time with her boys—her husband (also her favorite landscape photographer) and their dogs, Baxter and Scout. (Both she and the photographer understand the dogs are in charge.) Visit her on the Web at www.chloeneill.com.
Chloe: Mallory surprised me with her encyclopedic knowledge of the supernatural, and the Nymphs surprised me with their industriousness. Oh, and Ethan surprised me with his vulnerability in this novel.
Jennifer: What is your favorite part of the process of writing a book?
Chloe: Being done with it! (I say that now because I’m trying to finish DARK DEBT.) Actually, the initial research and idea-gathering is really fun. Just letting your mind float around different option is a lot of unregimented fun.
Jennifer: Why write in urban fantasy out of all genres?
Chloe: Because I am most interested in that fantasy/supernatural element, and how its situated into our real world. I love making up the rules and thinking about myth origins, and I’d much rather explore those issues than paying bills and going to work, and other nonmagical things. 🙂
Jennifer: What’s your funniest (or weirdest) moment as an author?
Chloe: At SDCC a couple of years ago, Patricia Briggs told me she loved my books. I had a moment. 🙂
- An engraved Cadogan House medal necklace
- A Kindle Paperwhite
- A complete set of Chicagoland Vampires Audiobook CDs (graciously provided by Tantor Audio)
- A limited edition Cadogan House keychain
- Chicagoland Vampires bookmarks, pens, and lanyard
Tuesday, July 29 – Nocturne Reads | Fangs, Wands & Fairy Dust | Krista’s Dust Jacket
Wednesday, July 30 – Reading on the Rocks | A Book Obsession
Thursday, July 31 – Professional Fangirls | Reading & Writing Urban Fantasy, Paranormal & Romance | Cere’s Book World
Friday, August 1 – Meredith’s Rambles & Babbles | Fallen for Books
Tuesday, August 5 (Release Day) – Saucy Wenches | Literary Escapism | Vampire Book Club
Wednesday, August 6 – Book Suburbia
Thursday, August 7 – Nomi’s Paranormal Palace | Between Fantasy & Reality
Friday, August 8 – Team Nerd Reviews
Aishwarya Upadhyaya
Awesome giveaway…thanks for the chance 🙂
Melliane
I’m so behind in this series, I’m a little ashamed to say that but I have the 3 first books in French but haven’t read them. I need to try and get into them one day. It’s nice to see it’s still good.
Jennifer Bielman
I get behind on series all the time. It’s just so hard to keep up with all of them.
Amanda S.
Thank you for the chance of winning! I’d love to read your books! 😀
Stephanie Faris
I’m not a fan of vampire books and definitely not a fan of hokey writing!
Jennifer Bielman
The first few books had amazing writing, so I don’t know what is going on.
Rebecca Hipworth
Thank you for the giveaway, I adore this series. 5 stars all-round from me.
Jennifer Bielman
🙂 That’s awesome! Hope you love this one too.
Anonymous
I love this series! Waiting impatiently for Blood Games!
matt ely
Gonna have to look into this series. I do like a bad pun or two. I’m a sucker for them 😛
Matt @ JC’s Book Haven.
Jennifer Bielman
LOL, then you will love this series, 🙂
Glam009
Thanks for the giveaway!!!!, love vampire books.
Braine TS
I got book 1 coz it’s on sale. A lot of you love this series, I will have to try it since it’s been a long time since I read a vampire series.
Jennifer Bielman
This really is a great series even if the last few books were more good than great.
Andrea Heltsley
LOVE this series!!!! Hope to win!! Adore Merit <3
Abigail W.
awesome giveaway, thank you!!
Barbara
Great post and thank you for this giveaway!
compgeek
Thanks for the giveaway!!!! Love the series!! #meritandethanrock
elaing8
Can’t wait to read this. Love this series
Jill
I agree with your comment about the cliche lines the past several books…still LOVE the series!
Jennifer Bielman
Me too, It would take something huge for me to not love this series.
The Book Harbor-Chelsea
Love the blog post, Jennifer.
Jaclyn Canada
This is one of those series that I really need to read. I love the interview 😀 My favorite part was Patricia Briggs saying she enjoyed the books. Thanks so much for sharing! Jaclyn @ JC’s Book Haven.
Jennifer Bielman
I could totally imagine Chloe’s sequel moment when that happened.
Courtney
Thank you for hosting the blog tour and giveaway!! I love this series!! 🙂
bn100
Never read this series
Christy @ Love of Books
I NEED TO READ THE SECOND BOOK! Ugh, I’m such a freaking slacker. I love the cover for this one the most, I think. She just looks extra badass.
Jennifer Bielman
This is one of the best covers I think.
Lori Franklin Hopkins
I cannot wait to read this! I have been with the series from the beginning, and it is sooo hard waiting for the next book!
Jennifer Bielman
Me too, I started when it first came out and it’s hard to wait for the books.
Mary Preston
I am new to this series. I need to catch up.
Brandi
Hmm, not sure my comment went through cuz I dont see it.
So…
Merit sounds like a character that I could enjoy but a little wary of that hokey dialoge.
Jennifer Bielman
I think you would like this series overall.
Priscilla
I absolutely LOVE this series! I wish it would be made into a tv series!
Jennifer Bielman
An awesome idea!
miki
i’m 1 or two books behind in teh series i think but still i can’t resist i wonder at the change you speak about ( curious^^) but i’m glad ethan and merit are stronger in their feelings
thank you so, so much for the international giveaway
Jennifer Bielman
You might not even notice it. It could just be me.
Texas Book Lover
Can’t wait to read about Ethan being vulnerable. Love him!!!
lekeishathebooknerd
Am I the only loser who hasn’t started this series? Where the heck have I been?
Jennifer Bielman
LOL, You need to start now!!
sherry fundin
Great review and awesome giveaway. Thanks, Jennifer, and have a great weekend.
sherry @ fundinmental
BookLady
I love the Chicagoland Vampires series and look forward to reading Blood Games. In addition to the fascinating story, the covers are great. Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
Jennifer Bielman
I agree, the covers are pretty awesome.
Debdatta Dasgupta Sahay
Thank You for introducing me to a new series!
Francoise
I love this series, thanks for the giveaway!
Takumi Creaciones
Thanks so much!!!!!!
Good job xD
Shannon Q.
I cannot wait to read Blood Games!
Steph F.
This is a favorite series of mine and am really eager for this release. Love all the characters, especially the pack, hope to see more of them in future books.
Jennifer Bielman
The pack is my favorite.
Kristia
Haven’t started the series yet but my sister says it’s her favorite! Thank you for the chance to win this! 🙂
Jennifer Bielman
Good luck!
Red Iza
Love that series, I’m currently reading Blood games 🙂