Wednesday 1 February 2012

Drink Deep - Chloe Neill

Drink Deep (Chicagoland Vampires, #5)
Drink Deep (Chicagoland Vampires #5) - Chloe Neill
Grade: Adult - UF
Rating: 5/5 stars

Clouds are brewing over Cadogan House, and recently turned vampire Merit can't tell if this is the darkness before the dawn or the calm before the storm. With the city itself in turmoil over paranormals and the state threatening to pass a paranormal registration act, times haven't been this precarious for vampires since they came out of the closet. If only they could lay low for a bit, and let the mortals calm down.

That's when the waters of Lake Michigan suddenly turn pitch black-and things really start getting ugly.

Chicago's mayor insists it's nothing to worry about, but Merit knows only the darkest magic could have woven a spell powerful enough to change the very fabric of nature. She'll have to turn to friends old and new to find out who's behind this, and stop them before it's too late for vampires and humans alike. (Description from Goodreads)


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I was reluctant to start 'Drink Deep'. After the way 'Hard Bitten' ended, I wasn't sure if I would be able to handle the book. But, with a LOT of reassurance from Twitter and Goodreads friends, I managed to get through the first half slowly, dreaded any future twists, only to have yet another shocking and exciting ending thrown into the mix. My friends were right when they told me everything would be ok, and I'm sorry I didn't trust them completely. It's hard not to get emotionally attached to Merit and her journey.

Chicago is being attacked by unknown magical forces. Merit and Cadogan House take it upon themselves to solve the issue before vampires are blamed for every supernatural event in the world. Poor Merit, she can't seem to catch a break. I really enjoyed the plot for 'Drink Deep' (when I wasn't panicking about what might happen next). I loved exploring the the realms of other supernatural beings and discovering the hidden magic side of Chicago. There's so much Merit doesn't know, and I love when she stumbles upon something new that we get to understand through her. There's so much going on in this book, every word, every scene is important and where they lead...wow. You don't expect to find what we do at the other end and the questions you're left with are endless.

I cannot explain how much I hate the GP. If you're a long time Chicagoland Vampire reader, you'll know that the GP have certain rules they want the vampire Houses to follow and for the most part they're ridiculous. My dislike for them moved right into hate in 'Drink Deep' and I'm certain they're not going to earn my respect any time soon.

'Drink Deep' was still missing the fun dialogue from the first three books, but it wasn't that sort of book. I thought 'Hard Bitten' had a dark edge too it, but 'Drink Deep' was darker.I loved the dark aspects; the haunting mysteries and sense of danger. You can't help getting caught up in the moment and it makes everything more powerful. I'm hoping we'll get a bit more of the witty-banter back in the next book, I'd love to see it back again, although I fear that it won't return for a bit.

Waiting impatiently for the next in the series. Chloe Neill has created an addictive world and I can't wait to see what happens next.

5/5 stars

Kim
(Originally posted on Goodreads)

6 comments:

  1. Nooooo! I didn't trust a single living other person until I knew everything was going to be OK in the end and spoilered myself, then it myself.

    YES! I COMPLETELY agree with you on the GP! I despise them, and I loathed Frank, hiding behind rules while he makes a power play, the slimy, creeping, evil little worm >:(

    And yes, I agree--the fun dialogue and sense of humour from the other books was missing... without Ethan to talk back to, mainly? But Neill's taken the books to a darker place. It's... good and bad, maybe?

    Also, on a completely random note, may I comment on how much I dislike the covers for the series? I don't really love these ones (the ones you've shown)... they're all so similar? Though I *DID* like that the first on had Merit in her jeans and tee, and they've changed to reflect her leathers--clever. I Actually REALLY liked the first couple of the US ones, but I think the one for DD is awful :S

    PLEASE feel free to disagree with me. Just sayin' :)

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    1. I’m just really happy I didn’t look for (or ask for) spoilers. It was definitely a better feeling finding out on my own.

      There’s no way to ever love the GP, they need to be taken down...although, at the same time, I still don’t know how I feel about the RG.

      I think part of it was because of a lack of Ethan, but mostly a lack of Mallory. It’s the Merit-Mallory stuff that brought out the fun dialogue the most (followed close second by Merit-Ethan) and the Mallory stuff was just missing (for obvious reasons, but still not cool). I like the dark turn, but I don’t want it to replace the powerful dialogue, I want to have them both :P

      She’s wearing a skirt on the next UK cover; I’m not sure how I feel about that. I don’t mind the UK covers, I think they take a bit of getting used to. I really like the UK TB cover, but you’re right, DD’s cover is horrible. It wasn’t the covers that made me buy these ones, though...they were cheaper than the US ones :P

      Kim

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  2. I have yet to read this series. I MUST then . . . judging by the many great reviews.

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    1. It is a really good series, so you should definitely give it a go. I'll tell you what others told me though, make sure you have Drink Deep before you finish book 4 (Hard Bitten). It's just...necessary to stay sane.

      Thanks for dropping by :)

      Kim

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  3. I waited ages for this from the library as I live out up the coast, in a forest and well my little wee library..anyhoo, then the way this one ended, I'm like bring on Biting Cold, because ..well...ya know:D

    I am starting to crush on Jonah, like the dude is seriously man candy:D

    I'm wondering where all this is going? I was going insane waiting so heed the advice, make sure the books are racked up ready to go.

    Kim I STILL am waiting on Alpha...like groan!! I am going insane waiting on that!

    Michelle

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    1. I am SO glad I had the first 5 book on hand, all at once. I don't think I could have survived a wait for DD.

      Ugh, I have way mixed feelings about Jonah, but most of them aren't friendly feelings. I...may have said quite a few bad things about Jonah while reading this one. He's alright...not he's not Ethan!

      What? You must be DYING waiting for the end! I miss Marc, might have to do a Shifters re-read soon.

      Kim

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