I had been hearing about The Chicagoland Vampires for far too long, and I'm happy to finally understand what all the fuss is about. I for one, loved the series opener. Some Girls Bite was an extremely fun, fast-paced book and it had a great blend of characters. I'm a fan!This discussion hosted by myself & Vampire Book Club is leisurely and stays active all day, so feel free to comment whenever suits you. I have a couple of topics/questions I wanted to raise, but please jump in with any thoughts or questions of your own. And the folks at VBC will be jumping in with their thoughts in the comment section below
Also, Chloe Neill was kind enough to give away some Chicagoland goodies to one lucky commenter. The winner will be drawn randomly from a comment made today before midnight and announced tomorrow here at The Spinecracker.
(If you've read through the series, and not just this first book, please try to answer according to the knowledge we received in this book alone.)
- I found it interesting, and maybe a little suspicious, that Merit's grandfather runs the "supernatural police" and I kept getting some strange vibes from her father as well. Am I alone in thinking that one of them is going to turn out to be "other"? ...might explain for Merit's quick uptake on her new vampire abilities.
- OK, any thoughts on the super-secret vampire liaison for Ombud? I can't explain why, but I have this weird feeling that it's Ethan. I'm not sure why he would do this for Merit's grandfather but like I said it's a feeling.
- Did I miss it, or did we find out Merit's first name?
- So, I have to know everyone's preference: Are you Team Ethan or Team Morgan? I'm Ethan all the way. Merit & Morgan?! No way. Sounds too much like Mork & Mindy.
- I loved the history teasers about Catcher & Ethan. I can't wait to find out how and why they know each other so well. Think Catcher has a sordid history much? :)
Can't wait to start this series! I've been eyeing this one up for a lonnnnng time!
ReplyDeleteKristin: It's so much fun! Pretty sure I read this in one sitting. :D
ReplyDeleteAnyone really like Catcher? (I like snarky boys.)
ReplyDeleteIt is possible that the vampire source for the Ombud is Ethan, considering his relationship with Catcher.
No you're not alone. When i started reading everyone was like "I heart Catcher" and I was so confused Bc he was with Malory. But I think that shows how great neill has cast her characters. Readers aren't ONLY interested/invested with the herroine.
ReplyDeleteI've been fortunate to meet Chloe three times and to have all three of Merit's books signed. I this series soooo much. You all have so much to look forward to. I loved to win anything Chloe is giving away...I'll keep my fingers crossed. Happy Reading Everyone!!
ReplyDeleteCindy
Cindy: So jealous of your autographed copies. :)
ReplyDeleteI already purchased the next 2 in the series. I know they're gonna be great. Can't wait!
Ok, so I can't asked you too many questions Bc you've read the whole series, but when you first read this were you rooting for Ethan or Morgan?
I love Morgan! I just did a re-read of all 3.
ReplyDeleteI've fallen in love with this series, I just love Merit and I can't wait for the next book to come out!
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the first book I couldn't wait to get my hands on the second book in the series and I loved it just as much as the first one. But after reading the second one I had to wait for the third one come out. And in December I got the book as a present for "Sinterklaas" )it's like Santa in the Netherlands only he doesn't come at christmas but at the 5th of december. ) So when I got the book I couldn't wait to read that one and now I'm waiting for the new book to come out!
CD: wow, it's awesome to hear that they're so good they can handle a re-read!
ReplyDeleteYou're my first "team Morgan" I can't wait to read the other 2 and then ask you to elaborate on why :)
Book girl: I feel the same way right now! I can't wait to catch on the series... I've of course already got both just waiting for me :)
ReplyDeleteI may have to start reckognizing Sinterklaas too... Since you get gifts earlier in December lol.
I really liked the Grandfather from the first time he was on the page. He's just so nice and real. I think he's perfect for the story and for the job he has.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first read this book, I was confused with the 'teams'. I kept hearing that there was a team Catcher and I was all 'Well, no, I don't see him with Merit. What's wrong with you people!" But then I learned that the teams are not typical in this series and that you go on the team of the dude you liked, period. After book one, I was all team Catcher. Funny, smart...just great. As for who I wanted for Merit, I wanted Morgan. I thought they were great for one another. Ethan, well, I thought he was an arse stuck in the stone age. Well, maybe not that bad, but still. Yes, he has to be a certain way because he is a leader, blah blah blah. But still, does he have to be so cold?
I found Merit was a little much with her whole 'against my will'. I get where she's coming from, but after a while, just deal with it already. lol But I like Merit a lot.
The heat between Ethan and Merit is WOW! Very well written.
What's between Catcher and Ethan?! I want to know! lol
Catcher and Mallory...love! And I really like Jeff. He's a hoot!
Julie: Oh I love the grandfather!!! So happy that our girl does have a family member that loves her so unconditionally. Does weird me out that he calls her baby girl. Lol, don't know why.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe you're team Morgan. Ok yes he genuinely seems to like HER for her but the chemistry with Ethan just blew me away. And before you ask, yes I was the girl who always went for the bad-boy growing up :P
And I'm with your initial feelings towards Merit. Yes, it's kinda messed up that you we made into a scary vampire. But you could be dead. Like really get over it a little.
What did you think of Mallory and Merit's dialogue and banter. I thought it was perfect!
ReplyDeleteAgreed! Their friendship was so effortless. They are great compliments to one another. It's often that a lead gets to have a confidant, I thinks that's why this book was so fun and easy. Easy to imagine anyone in merits place.
ReplyDeleteI'm a huge fan of the series. I'm trying to think of what to say without spoiling. It is possible to say I have been both Team Ethan and Team Morgan, lol.
ReplyDeleteI love her grandfather. I'm definitely curious to know more about him.
I love her friendship with Mallory. I always look forward to their scenes together. Those two would help each other in a heartbeat.
ReplyDelete>I found it interesting, and maybe a little suspicious, that Merit's grandfather runs the "supernatural police" and I kept getting some strange vibes from her father as well. Am I alone in thinking that one of them is going to turn out to be "other"? ...might explain for Merit's quick uptake on her new vampire abilities.
ReplyDelete-That's something new for me to think about. Would be kind of interesting if someone in her family is "other".
>OK, any thoughts on the super-secret vampire liaison for Ombud? I can't explain why, but I have this weird feeling that it's Ethan. I'm not sure why he would do this for Merit's grandfather but like I said it's a feeling.
Did I miss it, or did we find out Merit's first name?
-I have no idea who the super-secret vampire liason could be. I agree that maybe it could be Ethan, but for some reason I'm kind of thinking that it might be someone we wouldn't really think of it being. I kind of like not easily knowing something and being surprised about it when the facts are revealed.
>Did I miss it, or did we find out Merit's first name?
-Ok, I can't remember for sure, but I think we find out Merit's first name in the 3rd book, Twice Bitten. Don't hold me to it. As it is, I can't even remember what her name is, so I could be completely wrong.
I really love this series so far. It's got a little bit of everything in my opinion. There's some funny, some action, some hot romance, etc. It's just altogether super yummy. So can't wait for the fourth book. :-)
--I'm jealous of you too, Cindy. :-D
Robyn: Of course you can be both. :)
ReplyDeleteI love her and Malory too. They're so much fun together and I think without them the story wouldn't flow as well.. You know, be as easy.
Alyssa: "I kind of like not easily knowing something and being surprised about it when the facts are revealed." I completely agree, I think I'm trying to over think everything since re-reading the Fever series :)
ReplyDeleteAnd I couldnt agree more (at least for the first book) it has the perfect mix of everything great in fiction books :D
I just can't wait to read the other 2 so I can chat more openly with you guys.
Alyssa, if I remember correctly, we do find out Merit's first name in book 3. You're right...I think lol
ReplyDeleteI can't wait for Jess to get to book 2...then book 3. Eeeeek!
Alyssa: Oh yeah, and thanks for letting me know about her name, I thought I was going crazy there for a second. :)
ReplyDeleteJulie: I can't wait to be caught up too! Ive just started #2 and already have 3 on the shelf!! So excited
ReplyDeleteWe do find out her name in book three :)
ReplyDeleteWhen you finish book three, you'll be ready for the next one. I keep wishing it was here already.
Robyn: I can't wait to be where you are. Then we can really chat :)
ReplyDeleteOkay, here's a question. I mentioned that I was annoyed a little with how 'whoa is me' Merit was at first when she was first changed. How do you think YOU would react in her situation?
ReplyDeleteJulie - I would probably be freaking out, lol.
ReplyDeleterobsad79 - Yup. I think I would be freaking out too...but I would quickly see the plus sides. And seeing that I am mostly a positive person, I think I would focus more on the plus than the bad.
ReplyDeleteConsidering I secretly hope that by reading a ton of urban fantasy, I'll one day wind up magically in one my books.... Id have to say I'd be pretty excited. LOL
ReplyDeleteSeriously though, after testing out my new powers I'd probably freak a little. But I'd be alive :)
I think with time I could accept it. I would probably do the 5 steps of grief and before you knew it, I would be using my powers. :)
ReplyDeleteI'd probably be pretty freaked at first, but then I'd get used to it and be just fine. It would be exciting to have new powers. It would also open up a ton of new possibilities.
ReplyDeleterobsad79: I know what you mean about being ready for the next book. I read the third book like right when it came out, which was July, I think. I was sooo ready right then for the next one, but it's not out till May...... :-(
ReplyDeleteUntil I read this blog, I'd actually forgotten that I was impatiently waiting for the next one. Apparently, I had been sufficiently distracting myself with a bunch of other books that I've been reading. Not soo much today.
This series I saw recently and I was very interesting in picking one up to being the series. To my dismay it was not at either of my two local booksellers, and I was pretty surprised since there are a lot of great reviews out there on the series.
ReplyDeleteThank you for bringing it back to my attention.
The next time I got out to the chain bookstore in the city I will surely check it out.
I kind of love how many people are pro-Morgan. I get it. I like him -- I love picturing him all Brandon Flowers-y. But, like Jessica, I'm all about the a-holes. You can't deny the fire between Ethan and Merit. (Though, it's hard to back him with the whole Amber thing.)
ReplyDeletePS. Sorry for missing some of the great convo on Sunday. Things went a little haywire at VBC HQ.
Oh man...looks like another awesome series that I need to check into and place on my TBR list...so if I had a penny for every time I said that I would be a millionaire! :-D
ReplyDelete