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1. Some Girls Bite (2009)

Chicagoland Vampires series is written by Chloe Neill

Genre and Subgenres[]

Urban Fantasy for adults

Brief Series Description or Overview[]

Merit is a twenty-seven-year-old University of Chicago graduate student when a rogue vampire mortally wounds her and Ethan Sullivan, master vampire of the Cadogan House, rescues her from death (i.e., changes her over). In this world, vampires have just made themselves known to the public, and they live in “Houses,” each led by a master. A handful of rogue vampires live independently, with no allegiance to the Houses. The Houses submit to the rules of a governing council in England, the Greenwich Presidium (GP). When Merit’s powers develop to a much greater degree than is normal for an initiate, she is appointed to the position of Sentinel, which includes guarding Cadogan House and its master. ~ From: Fang-tastic Fiction: Chloe Neill: CHICAGOLAND VAMPIRES SERIES

Lead's Species[]

Vampire

Primary Supe[]

Vampires

What Sets it Apart[]

Narrative Type and Narrators[]

First person narrative told by "Merit", Caroline Evelyn Merit.

Books in Series[]

Chicagoland Vampires series

  1. Some Girls Bite (2009)
  2. Friday Night Bites (2009)
  3. Twice Bitten (2010)
  4. Hard Bitten (2011)
  5. Drink Deep (2011)
  6. Biting Cold (2012)
  7. House Rules (2013)
  8. Biting Bad (2013)
  9. Wild Things (2014) 
  10. Blood Games (2014)
  11. Dark Debt (2015)
  12. Midnight Marked (2016)
  13. Blade Bound (2017)

Shorts, Anthologies and Guides[]

  •  8.5. "High Stakes" in Kicking It (Dec 3, 2013) ~ Anthology (Luc & Lindsey short)
  •  8.5. "Howling for You" (Jan 7, 2014) ~ Novella eBook (Jeff & Fallon)
  • 10.5. "Lucky Break" (Feb, 2015) eBook

Other Series by Author onsite[]

Devil’s Isle series

Themes, Motifs, Symbolism[]

World Building[]

Fang-tastic Fiction: Chloe Neill: CHICAGOLAND VAMPIRES SERIES

Setting[]

Contemporary Chicago ... in a parallel universe in which vampires announced their existence about 8 months ago

Places:

  • Hyde Park: Neighborhood where Cadagon House is located
  • Wicker Park: Neighborhood where Merit and Mallory live — later just Mallory's
  • Ukrainian Village: Neighborhood where the Pack plans its convention
  • Temple Bar
  • Street Fest
  • Streeterville
  • Michigan
  • Creely Creek: Chicago mayor's mansion.
  • Iowa
  • Nebraska
  • Wrigleyville: Location of Grey House

Supernatural Elements[]

✥ Vampires, Shapeshifters, Sorcerers, Witches, Nymphs, Sirens, Fairies, ancient book of magic, Sup mob, Renfield, 

Glossary:[]

  • Sentinel: A formal position in a vampire house. The sentinel is responsible for defending the house itself, not the master.
  • Novitiate: New vampire initiate who has yet gone through the Commendation ceremony.
  • Commendation: Initiation ceremony for newly changed vampires (Novitiates)
  • Ombud: Short for Omnibudsman, the liaison between the city administration and the city's supernaturals. Position currently held by Merit's grandfather. Chuck Merit.
  • Rave: Vampire flash mobs at which vampires feast on a group of presumably consenting, ill-informed, humans. Not approved by the Vampire Masters. Humans co-opted the term.
  • Renfield: Human servant
  • Maleficium: An ancient book of magic

Groups & Organizations:[]

  • Cadogan: The second oldest vampire house in Chicago—organized band of vampires sworn to follow a Master, many live in the same house together like a fraternity; Ethan is the Master and Merit is Sentinel
  • Navarre: The oldest of the three vampire houses in Chicago, led by Morgan Greer.
  • Grey: The youngest of the vampire houses in Chicago—one of the 3 vampire houses located in Chicago, led by Scott Grey
  • RDI: External security company hired by Cadogan house
  • The Order: Governing union for the sorcerers.
  • Greenwich Presidium: the council that rules West European and North American vampires.
  • Red Guard: secret vampire organization independent of the house structure dedicated to the protection of all vampires and guarding against too-powerful masters. In charge of overseeing the GP the twelve American vampire Masters. Members are sometime rouge vampires. RG members weare Midnight High School T-shirts to indicate their affiliation. Created to ensure the vampire Houses and Greenwich Presidium didn't overstep their bounds.
  • Union of Amalgamated Sorcerers and Spellcasters (aka "the Order"): A group consisting of and regulating sorcerers.
  • Wrigleyville Association of Concerned Neighbors: A neighborhood-watch that supports Grey House
  • Office of Supernatural Ombudsman: Group of Police that are the go-between guys for the supernaturals and humans. The head is referred to "Ombud."

World[]

Caroline Evelyn Merit (who calls herself Merit) is a twenty-seven-year-old University of Chicago graduate student when a rogue vampire mortally wounds her and Ethan Sullivan, master vampire of the Cadogan House, rescues her from death (i.e., changes her over). In this world, vampires have just made themselves known to the public, and they live in “Houses,” each led by a master. A handful of rogue vampires live independently, with no allegiance to the Houses. The Houses submit to the rules of a governing council in England, the Greenwich Presidium (GP).

Protagonist[]

Merit, the daughter of a wealthy Chicago family, is initially devastated by her changeover. When her powers develop to a much greater degree than is normal for an initiate, she is appointed to the position of Sentinel, which includes guarding Cadogan House and its master.

Merit has an ongoing love-hate relationship with Ethan, whose arrogant, alpha attitude drives her crazy. Other characters include Merit’s roommate, Mallory, a newbie sorcerer; Mallory’s boyfriend, Catcher Bell, a powerful sorcerer; and Merit’s grandfather, who heads up the city’s ombudsman program, which serves as a buffer in the investigation of crimes between humans and supernaturals. Villains include a variety of traitorous vampires and werewolves. Faeries are also involved in some the plots.

Ethan is a perfect tortured hero—the ancient vampire forced to adjust to a changing society and having trouble curbing his arrogance and pride. The supporting characters are just quirky enough to hold our interest. ~ Fang-tastic: CHICAGOLAND VAMPIRES SERIES

Sidekick[]

Name: Mallory Delancey Carmichael — What: sorcerer, witch — Sidekick-to: Merit — About: discovers that she is a witch — Book First Seen In: Some Girls Bite

Characters[]

Characters What About
"Merit", Caroline Evelyn Merit Univ. of Chicago grad student Former grad student turned reluctant vampire; inducted into Cadogan House, a local vampire groups; roommate: Mallory; estranged from her family except for grandpa; 27-years old, 5'9", chestnut hair blue eyes;
Catcher Bell sorcerer, works for the Ombud He is an expert in the Second of the Four magical Keys and becomes involved with Mallory Carmichael; trains Mallory;
Mallory Delancey Carmichael long-time friend, sorcerer Merit's roommate; Fledgling Sorceress. Dating Catcher;
Ethan Sullivan 394 year-old master vampire of the Cadogan House rescues Merit from death, changes her over, takes her into his house.
Meredith Merit Merit’s mother woman of propriety, well-coiffed hair and is always dressed perfectly.
Morgan Greer position of Second in Navarre House Morgan asks Ethan for the official right to court Merit. His sustained affiliation with the evil previous head of his house causes concern for Merit, especially considering that Celina is determined to kill Merit.
Chuck Merit Merit’s Grandfather former cop and, much to Merits surprise, is currently Chicago's Ombudsman—-a liaison who links the human and supernatural worlds—for the city of Chicago
Charlotte Merit Merit’s sister married to Major Corkburger; daughters: Olivia & Mary Katherine; not terribly close to Merit. Both share a mutural annoyance with their brother, Robert.
Robert Merit Merit’s older brother being groomed to take over the family business. Merit's father reveals that he wants Merit to assist Robert in making connections to Chicago's supernatural communities
Lindsey Cadogan house vampire; resident psychic been in the House for 115 years. She becomes close friends with Merit, and they grow close working together in the guard. She maintains a rather confused relationship with Luc.
Luc Captain of the Cadogan Guards quite the cowboy. He is a rule-bound dutiful Guard who is respected and trusted by Ethan. Luc is secretly interested in Lindsey, a fellow guard.
Peter (Spencer) Cadogan Guard He has been in Cadogan for 38 years and is known for his "contacts."
Juliet Cadogan Guard Juliet is an 85 year-old, fey-like redhead who has been in Cadogan for 54 years
Kelley 214 year-old, Cadogan Guard known for her mechanical and software genius.
Malik Cadogan House Second He as been a member of the House since 1883—changed with his wife, with whom he lives in Cadogan House.
The Breckenridge Family family friends of the Merit family Michael Breckenridge Senior (Father), Julia (Mother), Nick (Son), Finley (Son), Michael Junior (Son) and Jamie (Son). The family owns a manufacturing company and belong to Chicago’s high society.
Mayor Seth Tate messenger of peace gone bad A.K.A angel While currently serving his second term, he founded the Ombudsman's office and has a particular interest in the political power of the vampire community.
Gabriel Keene Apex: Central N. American Pack of shapeshifters married to Tonya, who is pregnant
Lacey Sheridan former Cadogan House guard She is currently the Master of her own house in San Diego. During her time at Cadogan, she was believed to have been involved with Ethan.
Jonah Grey House and the Red Guard When Merit was offered a place with the Red Guard, Jonah was to be her partner
Chloe Neill

Chloe Neill

Author[]

Chloe Neill

Bio: Chloe Neill is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Devil’s Isle, Chicagoland Vampires, and Dark Elite series. She was born and raised in the South, but now makes her home in the Midwest. When not writing, she bakes, works, and scours the Internet for good recipes and great graphic design. Chloe also maintains her sanity by spending time with her boys–her favorite landscape photographer/husband and their dogs, Baxter and Scout. (Both she and the photographer understand the dogs are in charge.) ~ About Chloe — Chloe Neill

Cover Artist[]

Artist: Tony Mauro

Publishing Information[]

  • Publisher: NAL Trade
  • Author Page:
  1. Some Girls Bite: Paperback, 341 pages. Pub: April 7, 2009—ISBN 0451226259
  2. Friday Night Bites: 
  3. Twice Bitten: 
  4. Hard Bitten:
  5. Drink Deep:
  6. Biting Cold:
  7. House Rules:
  8. Biting Bad:
  9. Wild Things:
  10. Blood Games: 
  11. Dark Debt:
  12. Midnight Marked:
  13. Blade Bound:

Book Cover Blurbs[]

BOOK ONE—Some Girls Bite (2009): I was a grad student until Chicago vampires announced their existence to the world, and a rogue vampire attacked me, scared by the master of Cadogan House. To save me, Ethan Sullivan converted me. The Lord of the Hyde Park manor is tall, green-eyed, full of four centuries worth of charm. Suddenly I am handy with serious weaponry, and pursued by an unknown enemy. ~ Some Girls Bite – First Chapter

BOOK TWO—Friday Night Bites (2009): Ten months after vampires revealed their existence to the mortals of Chicago, they’re enjoying a celebrity status usually reserved for the Hollywood elite. But should people learn about the Raves–mass feeding parties where vampires round up humans like cattle–the citizens will start sharpening their stakes. So now it’s up to the new vampire Merit to reconnect with her upper class family and act as liaison between humans and bloodsuckers, and keep the more unsavory aspects of the vampire lifestyle out of the media. But someone doesn’t want peace between them–someone with an ancient grudge… ~ Friday Night Bites #2 – First Chapter

BOOK THREE—Twice Bitten (2010): Vamps in Chicago! You’d think headlines like that would have provoked the fine citizens of the Windy City to take up arms against us bloodsucking fiends. Instead, ten months later, we’re enjoying a celebrity status reserved for the Hollywood elite—fending off paparazzi only slightly less dangerous than cross and stake-wielding slayers. Don’t get me wrong, Joe Public isn’t exactly thrilled to be living side-by-side with the undead, but at least they haven’t stormed the castle yet. But all that will change once they learn about the Raves—mass feeding parties where vampires round up humans like cattle and drink themselves silly. Most civilized vampires frown on this behavior, putting mere mortals at ease with their policy of asking a person’s consent before taking a big gulp of the red stuff. However, that doesn’t make good copy for a first time reporter looking to impress his high society family. So now my “master,” the centuries old, yet gorgeously well-preserved Ethan Sullivan, wants me to reconnect with my own upper class family and act as liaison between humans and vampires—and keep the more unsavory aspects of our existence out of the media. But someone doesn’t want people and vamps to play nicey-nice—someone with an ancient grudge. ~ Twice Bitten – First Chapter — Chloe Neill

BOOK FOUR—Hard Bitten (2011): Merit, Chicago’s newest vampire, is learning how to play well with others. Other supernaturals, that is. Shapeshifters from across the country are convening in the Windy City, and as a gesture of peace, Master Vampire Ethan Sullivan has offered their leader a very special bodyguard: Merit. Merit is supposed to protect the Alpha, Gabriel Keene—and to spy for the vamps while she’s at it. Oh, and luckily Ethan’s offering some steamy, one-on-one combat training sessions to help her prepare for the mission. Merit must accept the assignment, even though she knows that she’ll probably regret it. And she’s not wrong. Someone is gunning for Gabriel Keene, and Merit soon finds herself in the line of fire. She’ll need all the help she can get to track down the would-be assassin, but everywhere she turns, there are rising tensions between supernaturals—not least between her and a certain green-eyed, centuries old master vampire. ~ Hard Bitten – First Chapter - Chloe Neill

BOOK FIVE—Drink Deep (2011): 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 iself 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. ~ Drink Deep – First Chapter

BOOK SIX—Biting Cold (2012): 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. ~ Biting Cold – First Chapter

BOOK SEVEN—House Rules (2013): In a city full of vampires, trouble never sleeps. At the tender age of twenty-seven, Merit became a sword-wielding vampire. Since then, she’s become the protector of her House, watched Chicago nearly burn to the ground, and seen her Master fall and rise. Now she’ll see her mettle—and her metal—tested like never before. It started with two . . . Two rogues vanishing without a trace. Someone is targeting Chicago’s vampires, and anyone could be next. With their house in peril, Merit and her Master, the centuries-old Ethan Sullivan, must race to stop the disappearances. But as they untangle a web of secret alliances and ancient evils, they realize their foe is more familiar, and more powerful, than they could have ever imagined. ~  House Rules – First Chapter

BOOK EIGHT—Biting Bad (2013): Merit has been a vampire for only a short while, but she's already seen a lifetime's worth of trouble. She and her Master, centuries-old Ethan Sullivan, have risked their lives time and again to save the city they love. But not all of Chicago is loving them back. Anti-vampire riots are erupting all over town, striking vampires where it hurts the most. A splinter group armed with Molotov cocktails and deep-seated hate is intent on clearing the fanged from the Windy City come hell or high water. Merit and her allies rush to figure out who's behind the attacks, who will be targeted next, and whether there's any way to stop the wanton destruction. The battle for Chicago is just beginning, and Merit is running out of time. ~ Biting Bad – First Chapter

BOOK NINE—Wild Things (2014): Since Merit was turned into a vampire, and the protector of Chicago’s Cadogan House, it’s been a wild ride. She and Master vampire Ethan Sullivan have helped make Cadogan’s vampires the strongest in North America, and forged ties with paranormal folk of all breeds and creeds, living or dead…or both. But now those alliances are about to be tested. A strange and twisted magic has ripped through the North American Central Pack, and Merit’s closest friends are caught in the crosshairs. Gabriel Keene, the Pack Apex, looks to Merit and Ethan for help. But who—or what—could possibly be powerful enough to out-magic a shifter? Merit is about to go toe to toe, and cold steel to cold heart, to find out. ~ Wild Things – The First Chapter — Chloe Neill

BOOK TEN—Blood Games (2014): 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? ~ Blood Games – The First Chapter — Chloe Neill

BOOK ELEVEN—Dark Debt (2015): A vampire never gets old. But neither do his enemies. When a figure from Ethan's dark past makes a splashy debut in Chicago, Merit and her Master don't know whether he's friend or foe. But they'll have to figure out soon, because trouble is brewing in the Windy City. At an exclusive society soiree attended by the upper echelons of the human and supernatural worlds, Merit and Ethan barely stop the assassination of a guest. When the target turns out to be a shady businessman with a criminal edge, Merit suspects a human vendetta. But the assassins have fangs.... The connections to Chicago's Houses go deeper than Merit knows, and even one wrong move could be her last. ~ Dark Debt – The First Chapter — Chloe Neill

BOOK TWELVE—Midnight Marked (2016): Merit is one of Chicago’s most skilled vampire warriors; these days, she doesn’t scare easily. But she and Master vampire Ethan have made a new and powerful enemy, and he won’t give up until he owns the Windy City. With his last plan thwarted, he’s more determined than ever to watch Cadogan burn. Ethan has put the House’s vampires on high alert, but their enemy will stop at nothing, including pitting vampire against vampire… In this deadly game of cat-and-mouse, the stakes are life or death—and winning might mean sacrificing everything… ~ Midnight Marked – The First Chapter — Chloe Neill

BOOK THIRTEEN—Blade Bound (2017): Since the night of her brutal attack and unwilling transformation to vampire, Merit’s stood as Sentinel and protector of Chicago’s Cadogan House. She’s saved the Windy City from the forces of darkness time and again with her liege and lover, Ethan Sullivan, by her side. When the House in infiltrated and Merit is attacked by a vampire seemingly under the sway of dark magic, Merit and Ethan realize the danger is closer than they could have ever imagined. As a malign sorcery spreads throughout the city, Merit must go to war against supernatural powers beyond her comprehension. It’s her last chance to save everything—and everyone—she loves. ~ Blade Bound – The First Chapter — Chloe Neill

First Sentences[]

  1. Some Girls Bite (2009) — At first, I wondered if it was karmic punishment.
  2. Friday Night Bites (2009) — "Higher, Merit"
  3. Twice Bitten (2010) — It was the beginning of Route 66, the spot where "America's Main Street" began to traverse the United States.
  4. Hard Bitten (2011) — We worked beneath the shine of floodlights that punched holes in the darkness of Hyde Park—nearly one hundred vampires airing rugs, painting cabinet doors, and sanding trim.
  5. Drink Deep (2011) — "The wind was cool, the fall night crisp."
  6. Biting Cold (2012) — "It shone like a beacon."
  7. House Rules (2013) — "It was like a scene from a divorce: belongings divided into piles; books labeled with one owner's name or the other; and everyone emotionally exhausted."
  8. Biting Bad (2013) — I stared at the sleek steel blade, its honed edge only inches from my cheek, and tried not to flinch.
  9. Wild Things (2014) — Within the last ten months, I'd become a vampire, joined Chicago's Cadogen House and become it's Sentinel.
  10. Blood Games (2014) — He stood beside me as cameras flashed, a man with a long and lean body, deeply green eyes, and golden hair.
  11. Dark Debt (2015) — There were two seasons in Chicago: winter and construction.
  12. Midnight Marked (2016) — But I was a vampire, and I’d caught the devil’s FOOL.
  13. Blade Bound (2017) — Margot had dark hair and plenty of curves, and she’d opted for a fit and flare dress.

Table of Contents lists[]

Quotes[]

Trivia[]

Awards[]

Read Alikes (similar elements)[]

Notes[]

See Also[]

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