Blade Bound by Chloe Neill Series: Chicagoland Vampires #13
Publisher: Berkley on April 25, 2017
Genres: Urban Fantasy, Adult
Pages: 369
Format: ARC
Source: Blog Tour
Purchase: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads
Rating:
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.
At A Glance
Don’t let it end!!!!
The Good
This is the end, my friends. The last book in the Chicagoland Vampires series. I’m sad to see it go but I also think it’s a good time for the series to end.
This series has always been about the characters. We are emotionally invested in them and want to see them grow in every possible way. Luckily, they do. Merit and Ethan are in such a good place now it warms my heart. Merit has opened up and become more responsible. Ethan has lost the ‘tude and trusts Merit implicitly. They work so well as a team. Mallory is in a better headspace with her magic while Catcher is more supportive than ever.
As for the plot, the crazy voice driving people insane and the insta-freeze weather kept things interesting. The big bad was dealt with in a very satisfying way. It sure put my jaw to the ground.
Chicago as a whole is also finding it’s own. It has always been a battle of supernaturals vs. humans. But I see the progress of unity finally coming to be. It’s not perfect but it’s something to build on. Ethan and Merit have taken out most of their enemies, so I feel like they can finally settle into somewhat of a normal life, as much as vampires can have.
I was happy with the final moments and epilogue. It was nice to get a glimpse of Merit and Ethan’s future. They have their hands full, that’s for sure, but in the best of ways.
The Bad
Blade Bound felt like the previous books in the series. A supernatural bad guy appears, Merit and the gang investigate and research, a big battle follows. I was expecting something more from the last book in the series. The storyline was simple and predictable (though not boring). I wanted a bigger bang for my buck this time.
The Snuggly
I do love some Ethan and Merit snuggle time. The sex is always so powerful because of the love behind it. It’s not super detailed but just enough.
Final Thoughts
I am so happy I stuck with this series for all 13 installments. I needed Merit and Ethan to have their happy ending and I was not disappointed. Though the book could have been more unique, it was still a satisfying ending to the series.
Author Interview
Q1: What are you going to miss most about writing the Chicagoland Vampires Series?
Chloe: The characters’ voices, which were so clear for me–especially Merit and Ethan. I cried a little when I turned in BLADE BOUND, because I know it was an end of an era for Merit and Ethan, whatever comes next.
Q2: Will we ever hear from Ethan or Merit again?
Chloe: No spoilers! But take a look at the spinoff announcement at the end of BLADE BOUND on April 25, and that will get you closer to an answer. 🙂
Q3:Were there alternate endings you considered?
Chloe: Nope. And actually, the last scene in BLADE BOUND is one I wrote right after I wrote SOME GIRLS BITE. It’s an old one that I’ve been saving for many, many years.
Q4: What are you working on now?
Chloe: I’m currently working on THE HUNT, the third in my Devil’s Isle series, which is set in New Orleans. And I’m about to write the first book in the spinoff! I’m also working on a proposal for a brand new paranormal romance series.
Thanks so much for having me today!
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
Giveaway
Enter for a chance to win the Blade Bound package of swag. Open for the US and Internationally. Ends May 3rd.
- Three signed, limited edition, 8.5 x11 Merit posters
- A Cadogan House lanyard
- A Cadogan House tote bag
- Cadogan House seal sticker
- Bookmarks
kindlemom1
You aren’t the only one I’ve seen that didn’t love the ending for this, that’s too bad too because I’ve only read the first few books but I loved them. I’m not sure if I want to continue the series now or not.
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
It’s a good series but not my favorite.
Braine
I feel you, I always expect and want something special and different in series finales. Then again I guess it ended well since
You want more
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
It ended okay, nothing spectacular but not really disappointing either.
JeanMP
Looking forward to this book, has been an enjoyable series for me to read.
Kristin
I’m curious as to what the scene was that was written back when forming the first book. This series started off so great. I loved the dynamics of everyone and Merit was pretty badass. Sucks that it didn’t go out in a blaze of glory but I still can’t wait to see how it all ends.
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
I feel like when you stick with a series, you have to read the last book no matter what.
Elaine G
I’m looking forward to reading how this series ends and to seeing who is part of the spin off series.
ANDRESSA RODRIGUES FERREIRA
I’m looking forward to the end of the series and I expect something incredible like all the other books
Dezi Vanderpool
I hope there are anseers about the prophecy.
Debbie M.
I’ve loved Methan from the beginning. Can’t wait to read how it all ends. Great interview and honest review.
Nathan
I love this series and will miss it. Chloe is the first vampire author I ever read.
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
She was one of the first for me too.
Melissa (Books and Things)
I’m glad you enjoyed this one so much. I think I’ve only listened to the first 3 and really need to continue the series. I’m so happy the ending was satisfying.
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
I would be interested to see what you think of the rest of the series.
Gail Siuba
Love this series and I am a couple of books behind. :-O I can’t wait to finish this series, although I’m going to miss Ethan and Merit and the gang. 🙁
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
I already miss them. 🙁
Mary Preston
An end of an era.
Nancy L
GAH! I am not ready for this series to be over! I am going to miss these characters so much, and even though there will be a spin-off (which I am excited about) it won’t be the same without the whole gang.
I completely understand your feelings about wanting more from the final book since the majority of the books have the same formula (never boring, obvs) , so I think I’ll reread the series before I start this one. 🙂
Thanks for the giveaway!
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
That is a really good idea. I wish I reread it beforehand.
bn100
interesting interview
neema
First and foremost. Aaaaaaahhhhh!! I’ve been waiting for a long time for this book. Sad it will be the last in the series but happy because I hope it solves the little mystery of whether the little eyes that are an exact copy of Ethan’s is finally reveiled. (Trust me it’s been bothering me since Gabriel first mentioned it and I have beeno diligently searching for clues ever since.) The interview just makes me go “Hmmmmm, curiouser and curiouser.
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
Let me know how you like the ending.
Melliane
I need to try this series!
Giulia A.
I love this author, and this series (AND Ethan! xD) I will miss all the characters sooo much :'( But I’m glad that Chloe Neill followed her first idea of how the plot should have ended ^_^
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
I thought that was pretty cool of her.
Anna
The spin off looks promising. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
Artemis Giote
I don’t have to say much about the series because I have only read the first book so far. Very beautiful post and thank you for the chance!
April Davis
So sad to see it end but looking forward to learning more about the spin off. Think you are right about the series winding down and time for its natural end. Dying to know about the prophecy too! Thanks for the honest review.
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
Oh that prophecy!
Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf
I really need to check out this author!!
Pam
This is one of my favorite series and I will be sad when it’s over.
Rob
So excited to get a chance to read this one. Here’s hoping everyone survives… especially Mallory!
herding cats & burning soup
That’s disappointing the final wasn’t more of a bang. At some point I’ll get back to these. I’m still kinda mad over one of the middle books. lol
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
Yeah, it happens with this series.
Melissa (My World...in words and pages)
Wow that’s a long series too. I didn’t realize there was a new book coming out. Cool. Glad you are enjoying them!
Naomi Hop
I can’t believe that she wrote the final chapter years ago! It’s good to see she was sure how things would end. I am so keen to get my hands on this final book!
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
I thought that was pretty cool that she knew exactly how it was going to end.
cindy
The cover is nice ! I have not read these books but I always love to hear about new books! Great review!