Book Review: Hexbound

Hexbound (Dark Elite #2)

By: Chloe Neill

Published By: Signet

Publication Date: January 2011

Page Count: 256

Buy it at Amazon or Barnes & Noble

Source: Purchased by Reviewer

Audience: Young Adult - Urban Fantasy

Review of Book #1: Firespell

Lily and Scout are back to tackle more sinister beings lurking beneath Chicago's streets. This time the girls find themselves battling immortal rat hybrids, dodging the Dark Elite, and landing in the middle of a vampire turf war. These girls certainly have their plates full with supernatural business and they still manage to get to their classes on time. 

This time around I enjoyed seeing Lily and Scout's friendship evolve. Scout isn't quite her happy-go-lucky self these days after her abduction in Firespell. She is a more cautious version of her former self. It's understandable and adds a layer of complexity to her character. Lily is also still struggling with her parents' secrets, her feelings for a werewolf, and typical teenage concerns. I feel that this time around, I connected with Lily more than I did in the previous novel. 

In addition, I enjoyed watching Lily learn more about her firespell. She finds ways to channel it to increase the power of others and doesn't just use it as a defensive strategy. I think there is even more to learn about her gift - perhaps the next book will delve even deeper into that topic.

I found the addition of the vampires and their connection to the rat creatures to be intriguing. I did have trouble visualizing the creatures in my head, but in spite of that, I was still freaked out by them. It is also apparent that this version of Chicago isn't necessarily the same as the version that we see in the Chicagoland Vampires series. The vampires in this series behave differently than what I have grown accustom to seeing from Cadogan House vamps.

All in all, this was a quick, fun paranormal read. I enjoy the lore surrounding the Adepts and the Dark Elite. I think the biggest thing lacking for me is the romance. There is some, but for some reason I don't like the pairing as much as I thought I would. I rooted for those characters to end up together, but it just doesn't seem to be a match made in heaven. There is an undercurrent of drama running underneath the surface of the relationship that makes me nervous to become too heavily invested. I suppose I'll see how things go in Charmfall. Hopefully, it won't be a year before I can work it in. I enjoy this series, but not as much as I enjoy the Chicagoland Vampires.

One Last Gripe: I don't like that we still don't know what's going on with Lily's parents. I want some answers.

My Favorite Thing About This Book: I loved watching Lily become more confident in her abilities.

First Sentence: I stayed absolutely still, my eyes closed, the sun warm on my face.

Favorite Character: Lily

Least Favorite Character: Veronica

Summary:

Lily Parker is new to St. Sophia’s School for Girls, but she’s already learned that magic can be your best friend... or your worst enemy.

They say absolute power corrupts absolutely. Turns out, even a little magic can turn you to the dark side. That’s why Lily has to learn how to control her newly discovered paranormal abilities, on top of avoiding the snobs who think they run her school, nursing a crush on a cute sophomore with a big, werewolf-y secret, and fighting the good fight with her best friend Scout as they take on Chicago’s nastiest nightlife—including the tainted magic users known as Reapers.

Then Lily’s invited to a private meeting with Sebastian. He’s hot, powerful, and offering to help her harness the magic flowing in her veins in a way no one else can. He’s also a Reaper. Lily can’t hide her suspicions. But she’ll soon find out that the line between good and evil isn’t always clear….