Book Review: Biting Cold

Biting Cold (Chicagoland Vampires #6)

By: Chloe Neill

Published By: NAL

Publication Date: August 7, 2012

Page Count: 352

Buy it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or IndieBound

Audience: Adult - Urban Fantasy

Source: Purchased by Reviewer
Review of Book #1: Some Girls Bite
Review of Book #2: Friday Night Bites
Review of Book #3: Twice Bitten
Review of Book #4: Hard Bitten
Review of Book #5: Drink Deep

This series is one of my favorites. Getting to read a new book in the series is like my birthday, Christmas, and Halloween all rolled into one. Typically, I drop everything else when one of these babies hits the shelves, but sadly, my TBR list did not allow that to happen this time. Every day since August 7th, Biting Cold has taunted me. I was so excited when I finally was able to start this one. The anticipation to see what would happen next for Merit and Co. was painful. As always, Chloe Neill brought her A Game. If you have not read this series, stop reading this review for two reasons. One - You need to be getting book one instead of reading this review. Two - I don't want to spoil anything for you. Read at your own risk after the page break.

I was quite freaked out about the turn of events concerning Mallory in Drink Deep. She has been one of my favorite characters in the series and I hated seeing her sink into such darkness. Her betrayal of Merit and Catcher left quite the sting. I was happy that (as always) Chloe Neill doesn't leave us hanging in the next installment. She instantly picks up where things left off in the previous book. Readers know immediately what the deal is with Mallory as Merit and Ethan speed towards Nebraska to stop her from unleashing an ancient evil that could end the world. Just a typical day for Merit, right? Things get even more complicated when Seth Tate shows up.

There is no down time in the action of this one. I believe that's one of the main reasons I love this series so much. Furthermore, I appreciated finally finding out Tate's paranormal secret and having the Mallory situation resolved. She's not the same blue haired girl I knew and loved, but I felt a lot better about where I left her this time.

All of my favorites made appearances in this installment. I love Merit, Catcher, Luc, Jonah, Gabriel, and of course, Ethan. I was a bit bummed that Jonah didn't play a dominant role in this one, but he does pop up from time to time. In addition to the characters and sups I know and love, there was a new group on the scene that I found to be quite entertaining - the gnomes. The battle scene which included these underground warriors was a lot of fun.

The delicious tension between Ethan and Merit was still around in this one, but I truly felt like things were getting resolved on that front. It's high time that Ethan got over being such a butthead and just allowed himself to feel something for Merit. The man is 400 years old - for goodness sake - you'd think he'd be better at being in a relationship by this point. I was happy with how this thread was tied up in this installment, but I'm just hoping that knot holds. Merit deserves a little happiness and stability after all she's been through.

I love this series so much I keep pushing it onto other people and I haven't gotten a negative comment yet. Michelle L., another Lark, devoured this book along with me. We have started trying to read them at the same time so we can text back and forth; the humor, action, romance, and amazing characters keep us craving more. I also recommended these to another Lark, Meagen, who tore her way through all six books in the span of a few weeks. Believe me when I say that Urban Fantasy doesn't get any better than this. Chloe Neill is AMAZING! Is it February yet? I need House Rules. 

Chicagoland fangirl out.....

One Last Gripe: The GP really irks me! Oh, and did I mention that I missed Jonah?

My Favorite Thing About This Book: I love this world and everything about it

First Sentence: It shone like a beacon.

Favorite Character: Merit

Least Favorite Character: Darius

Summary:

Turned into a vampire against her will, twenty-eight-year-old Merit found her way into the dark circle of Chicago’s vampire underground, where she learned there was more to supernaturals than met the eye—and more supernaturals than the public ever imagined. And not all the secrets she learned were for sharing—among humans or inhumans. Now Merit is on the hunt, charging across the stark American Midwest, tailing a rogue supernatural intent on stealing an ancient artifact that could unleash catastrophic evil on the world. But Merit is also the prey. An enemy of Chicagoland is hunting her, and he’ll stop at nothing to get the book for himself. No mercy allowed.

No rules apply. No lives spared. The race is on.