A Book Obsession..: Early Review: Biting Cold by Chloe Neill

Early Review: Biting Cold by Chloe Neill

, by Kt Clapsadl

Biting Cold by Chloe Neill

Chicagoland Vampires #6

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.

(Note: If you did not read Drink Deep, DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT read this review or you will be horribly spoiled.)

The universe should have given Merit at least a small break for a happy reunion after certain someone's miraculous return. But that just isn't in the cards as her somewhat former best friend's turn to the dark side stands in the way. Mallory is determined to steal a something that would unleash all evil unto the world, and Merit has the best chance at stopping her. It becomes a wild goose chase across the country in a fight that she must win at all costs. But Mallory isn't the only problem as someone else wants the book too, and he makes Mallory's powers look like parlor tricks. Merit is in for the fight of her life.

I was utterly crushed by the events of Hard Bitten. Losing Ethan was simply horrible. I was every bit a shambled mess as Merit was, right up until the very end of Drink Deep when the awaited miracle happens. Now in Biting Cold, I had expected Ethan and Merit to be head over heels for each other and all the issues and insecurities between them to be a thing of the past. So, when they weren't I couldn't help being a little disappointed. Of course once I took a step back I realized that even death wouldn't have been some miracle cure for the issues between them. Granted, it definitely was a major wake up call for Merit, but that doesn't mean she would be able to be happy with the constant indecision Ethan finds himself in when it comes to her. There is a whole lot of healing that needs to happen first, along with a good deal of change, but it seems like they are finally taking a step in the right direction. Only time will tell, as there have been so many false starts, I am almost afraid to believe this one will stick, but I have more hope this time around than I ever did before.

It really is amazing how much Merit has grown from the start of the series. She has truly come into her own, both as a Woman and a powerful Vampire. As much as I do not want to admit it, I think the issues between her and Ethan as well as his death forced the most growth upon her. As much as he strengthened Merit and helped her become who she is, a part of her was still held back by her reliance on him. Once that tie was severed, she was able to become the Vampire she was meant to be, with the confidence to back it up. In fact it puts her on more of an equal footing with Ethan, now that he is her support rather than a crutch. Here's a swoon worthy quote:

Ethan leaned in, his lips at my ear. “Irresistible force,” he said. “Immovable object. Choose the one you want to be, and do it. You are a vampire of great power, Merit. Prove it to us, to the city of Chicago, to the Houses. Prove it now.”

And prove it she does. I personally don't think Cadogan House could possibly have a better Sentinel, and I'm just glad to see that Merit is finally realizing her true worth.

I'm really impressed with the way Chloe Neill handled everything that went on in Biting Cold. There were a whole lot of events happening that should have been overwhelming, but were all seamlessly blended together to form a incredibly exciting book. After the massive shakeup of Hard Bitten, I was worried that this series was on its way out, but after reading Drink Deep and especially Biting Cold, Chloe Neill has proven that the Chicagoland Vampires are here to stay. Biting Cold is one exhilarating ride from start to finish that you won't want to miss!

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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