AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Chloe Neill's BLOOD GAMES

Title: BLOOD GAMES
Series: Chicagoland Vampires Bk 10
Author: Chloe Neill
Narrator: Sophie Eastlake
Release Date: August 5, 2014
Price: $29.99
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Length: 10 hours and 20 minutes 
Format: MP3-CD
Purchase at Audible or Tantor



My Ratings

Plot:  4.5/5
Setting:  4/5
Writing:   5/5
Originality of Plot:  5/5
Characters Development:  5/5
Ending:  5/5
Cover Art:  4/5
Narration: 4/5
Likelihood to Recommend:  5/5

Overall:  41.5/45 =  92% 

Synopsis

While Merit didn't choose to become a vampire or Sentinel of Cadogan House, she vowed to fight for her House and its Master, and she's managed to forge strong alliances with powerful supernaturals across Chicago. But even though Merit has had wild adventures, this may be her deadliest yet. 

A killer is stalking Chicago, preying on humans and leaving his victims with magical souvenirs. The CPD hasn't been able to track the assailant, and as the body count rises, the city is running out of options. Vampires and humans aren't on great terms, but murder makes for strange bedfellows. Can Merit find the killer before she becomes a target?

Review

And here, I'd finally started to think that Merit and Ethan were on solid ground.  They were the closet that they have ever been to a functional romantic couple.  Usually, it's Merit that has a tendency to stumble in their relationship.  This time it was Ethan that needed someone to catch him.  His secrets were what pushed them a part this time.  It was nice to see that Merit got to be the strong one in the relationship.  This brings a new balance to their relations ship, that I feel has been lacking.  I liked getting the chance to see a more human sure for Ethan.

And as much as I love Merit and Ethan, this story would be nothing without it's secondary characters. They add so many unique layers to this story.  It's rare that you find a series with such a strong supporting cast.  I was happy to see that Mallory's friendship with Merit and her relationship with Catcher back on track again.  It's been a hard fought road for her, after the mistakes that she has made.  And who doesn't love the Omsbudies, especially Jeff!  He's smart, funny, and geeky, which makes him dreamy to most bookish girls.  I think this sexy shifter needs his own series. I'm also a massive Johan fan.  He is absolutely leading man material.  I like how we got to see his more relaxed side, especially at the convention.

I just can't get enough of Chloe Neill's Chicagoland Vampires Series.  These books stand out in sea of common paranormal romance.  I love this books snark, adventure, and heart.  It's a book that holds deep emotion, while also not taking it's self to seriously.  I enjoy the humor in a story, that could be otherwise to heavy with drama and emotions.  I got so caught up in this story, I can't put it down.   

I have quickly grown to love Sophie Eastlake's narration of this series.  I'm such a stickler for changing narrator mid-series, that I'm not sure I gave her a fair shot in the beginning.  I am now a total convert.  She is the Chicagoland Vampire Series now.  She pulls off the perfect Merit, strong, snarky, and sexy.  She also has formed distinct voices for each character. Sophie is able to convey this series strong emotions from humor to it's strong heart. Her diction and pace are fantastic as well. She really pulls the listener into the story, and keeps them interested.

A high-fave to Chloe Neill for keeping this long running series so fresh and clever.  The Chicagoland Vampire Series is, hands down, one of the best Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance series out there!  I was so emotionally drawn into this story, that I couldn't put it down.  BLOOD GAMES is smart, snarky, and adventurous. It's both well written and well performed. If you are interested in fast-paced, edge of your seat paranormal experience, this is the book for you.  As always, I cannot wait for the next book in this series!