Blade Bound is the Thirteenth and final installment in Chloe Neill's Chicagoland Vampires series. It is a series that began in 2009, and got better and better as time flew by. Some Girls Bite was the book which kicked off my blogging career. It would take a few more years until Gizmos Reviews really came to life, but in the meantime, it was Chicagoland Vampires that had me looking forward to the next book in the series, and the next, and the next one after that. It was this series that brought my love of the library back to life after I suddenly lost my job and found myself on disability.

Yes, time really did fly by for Merit, Ethan, Mallory, Catcher, Jeff, Grandfather Merit, Malik, Lindsey, and Luc. There were plenty of laughs, tears, screams of rage when we though we were betrayed by the author, and many, many villains too numerous to mention that tested Merit and Cadogan House to their limits. We watched as Merit became an unwilling, bitter, and angry young vampire who lashed out at everyone, including one Ethan (Darth) Sullivan, to the woman she has become today who is fierce, stands Sentinel to her House, and is madly, deeply in love with Ethan. She has also accepted being a vampire who carries a deadly katana and kicks ass. She also has many true and worthy friends who she can honestly count on.

When it comes down to what drives this series, it is Merit's humor, her selflessness to help those she loves even at the expense of her own life. It is Merit who is a vampire, but really is just like many of us in her enjoyment of food. There have been a whole lot of mentions about food in this series Mallocakes. Chicago Hot Dogs. Pizza, and of course, Chocolate. Our girl Merit can't go a day without her helping of Chocolate. I am still waiting for someone to create Mallocakes for readers of this series. It is Merit, (& Mallory) who in the end, stands and delivers one of the best endings for a series that I've read in a very long time.

Chicagoland Vampires may be about a group of vampires, but, it is also about love, and friendship, and a prophecy that has been hanging over Merit's head ever since Gabriel Keene predicted something so profound, and so unbelievable for Merit and Ethan, that nobody, I think, really believed we would see that day come. So, in the end, this series doesn't go out in a whimper like so many before. It goes out with a Holy F*&^! The author wrote one of the best stories of this entire series if I dare say so. She brings all of Merit's allies together for one tremendous fight for their lives, and yet another test to prove to stupid humans that they are Chicago, and they desire the respect for dying while protecting them time and time again.

P.S. - You really need to read this book. Not only for what happens between the pages, which was amazing enough. But, for what happens after the final page is turned. I think you will all love it, that is if you haven't already read the book.

PPS - Did I fail to mention Merit & Ethan's wedding day? Do you really think that the author would let them actually have a nice and quite and peaceful day to celebrate forever together? Should I mention that I really loved Merit and Mallory's interaction in this book? Mallory has more than made up for her trip to the dark side. Welcome back, Mal!

PPPS - I really, really want to rate this book with 5 stars! If I get more than 10 comments, I will!

Series enders are necessarily bittersweet and I've been waiting for this one forever (pretty sure I've been reading this series for nearly ten years!). So, yes, I had high expectations but I also was waiting for so many things to be wrapped up in this last book. And, yes, ostensibly, all the threads were wrapped up but I can't help but feel disappointed by this end. If there is one thing I can point to it's that it tried too hard - it tried too hard to be funny, it tired too hard to be spectacular in the supernatural, it tried too hard to be romantic. And it failed a bit on all accounts. Without spoiling you for the series if you haven't yet read it (and you absolutely should!), there was a prophecy throughout the latter half of the series. I've been waiting anxiously for this prophecy - as to how it would occur - and it felt like a complete afterthought. Although I won't forget this last book, and yes everything wrapped up in it, my fondest memories from this series won't come from this book. That being said, this is still one of my overall favorite urban fantasy novels and I think everyone should read it!

Blade Bound comes out later this month on April 25, 2017, and you can purchase HERE. While I'm sad to see this series end, it definitely felt like it was time after thirteen books and I can't wait to read what Chloe does next! #MEthan forever !

"Not to mention the fact that she's narcissistic and unpredictable. She has changed the weather. Endangered the lives of millions. Brought the city to a standstill because she could." He glanced at Mallory. "Because you didn't let her have her way at Towerline."

"She's acting like a hormonal teenager," Lindsey said. "She is basically the worst Sweet Valley High novel ever written."

It was an overall enjoyable ride with Merit and Ethan. I always find it hard to review the final book of a series and this is no different in this case. I will try to make it short and sweet without giving anything away.

Chaos breaks out and Chicago is once, more in danger. The gang are right in the middle and willing to help, but not everything goes smooth and they once again end up being the target for humans. It gets so bad.

anyways, I think for an ending of an serious I was overwhelmed I'm still unsure If I like the way it was all tied up as an over all sense.

for all the fans of this series, you are either going to love it or be disappointed.

I will end it here lovers;
“I am your husband, and your friends, and you lover. And I am also a soldier. I am a vampire. I am monster, in no small part.” The Emerald shifted, transmuted to quicksilver- one element battling another. “And if I must show them in that order ti protect you, I will. Should it come to that, God have mercy on their souls. Because I will have none.”

4.5 Stars
This thirteenth book is the big finish for the Chicagoland Vampires series. Readers who have been along for this wild ride have been though many trials and tribulations with Merit, Ethan, and their friends in each book of the series. There are always high expectations for grand finales and for the most part, this book meets them. We have seen quite a build-up to Merit and Ethan’s engagement and wedding; happily, the actual event does not disappoint. The wedding was really very well done and left a tear or two in my eye. Vampires and Merit’s prominent parents know how to throw a wedding in high style. And because this is Merit, you know things will not stay calm or sane very long.

Everyone in Chicago, supernatural and humans alike, has been on edge since the evil sorceress Sorcha disappeared. When people start behaving strangely as an unknown power focuses a mental attack causing chaos and bizarre behavior, it seems to be a harbinger of her return. All of Chicago is now at risk and when the wicked witch roars back onto the scene, everything that held promise for Merit and Ethan, including Gabriel’s prophecy for a vampire child, is put in danger. Every one of Merit, Ethan, as well as Mallory and Catcher’s, skills will be tested in this epic battle. All of the supernatural community as well as the humans has a part to play in this as for once, they work together to save their city.

The action is intense and as usual, Merit takes things and her life to the brink much to Ethan’s dismay. The vampires and other supernaturals are still dealing with some prejudice and blame, but finally there seems to be some genuine cooperation happening with the politicos including the mayor who has mostly just given them grief and placed responsibility for the cities’ problems until recently on them. While there are some twists and turns, this book is mainly about bringing the storyline to fruition in a satisfying way. All in all, BLADE BOUND gives a good end to the series with an epilogue that shows a glimpse of their life to come with all of its interesting possibilities.

My end of 2016 and debut of 2017 were with Chloe Neill’s books, Phantom Kiss and Blade Bound, and let me tell you that I love these books.
Blade Bound is the final book in the series and I appreciate that, I don’t like series that has too much books, mostly because authors sometimes lost themselves in the process. It was not the case for Chicagoland Vampires series, this series is awesome and this final book is the perfect conclusion to it, with action, love, happiness, friendship and hope.
Merit and Ethan are incredible, their love for each other is beautiful, and their trust in each other is marvelous. It’s because of this series that I read and blog in English and I’m pleased to tell that I grow up with these characters, I see them evolves to be better people and it’s amazing.
In this review I will just tell you my feelings because I don’t know where you are in this series or even if you read it yet. If that’s the case you are missing a great series with wonderful characters.
Merit is faithful to herself, her mission is to protect Ethan and her house, she still loves food and chocolate. She is ready to die to save her home and her city even if she will look for an alternative effectively.
Ethan is still as arrogant but I find that in this volume his fear is even more evident, that of losing Merit and not being able to give her the normal life she wishes but he manages very well all this and I admire him even more. I like its spread about Merit and the food.
Merit and Ethan really form an adorable couple, their happiness is visible and even if sometimes some doubts are in their thoughts, they are quickly discarded. They trust themselves and have a real relationship of love and friendship and see them ultimately happy, warm my heart.
Catcher and Mallory are also very present in Blade Bound, I love this couple from the beginning, and they have crossed the obstacles with panache and love. The friendship between Mallory and Merit is a highlight of this series, they have experienced ups and downs but in the end they will always be present for each other.
Lindsey and Luc are the 3rd couples that I appreciate, Luc is so geek and Lindsey so crazy, I find that they complement perfectly. Luc is someone who likes the job well done and who assumes the responsibilities in case of failure. He can be very angry with himself, even if he isn’t guilty, I appreciate this trait and it’s also for this reason that he’s at his post as Captain of the Guard. Lindsey has made me laugh a lot, her humor and joy are contagious and I really like this character.
It will be very hard not to see these fantastic characters again but the series has to end and it ends in beauty.
Chloe Neill is an artist, she gave life to charming characters and didn’t hesitate to make them live all sorts of harder events than the others and I am delighted to have spent 5 years in their company. I saw them evolve, love, tear, get lost and gain self-confidence. They made tough choices but they are still staying strong and united.
Thank you Chloe for this wonderful adventure and I will re-read this series with joy.

I LOVED IT!!!

This was not a disapointing ending to the series. Although I am sad to see them go. I am hoping that maybe she would consider doing a spin off from this series. I'm not ready to leave the Chicagoland Vampire world behind just yet. The first portion of this book was so sweet and touching. It is what this series has been leading up to for those who are Methan fans like myself. It was picture perfect and I loved it so much.

The meat and potatoes of this story though is your typical Chicoland vampire MO where Merit and Ethan go to save the day and the city of Chicago from distraction from Sorcha and a magical Dragon......yes I said it, a dragon that Sorcha has conjured up through magic she has been syphaning.
This book has a lot of action and lots of kick ass scenes and I loved all of it.

We FINALLY see the prophecy come into play and it was really cool how she wrote it to be. I was on the fence with the prophecy thing because on one hand it would be so cool for this to happen for Ethan and Merit but then on the other I couldn't see a plausible way of it to happen since it has never happened in the history of vampires. I should not have doubted Chloe Neill creative brain though.

This was a very satisfying end to the series. I will miss Merit and Ethan, Cather and Mallory. Really though whole crew. I am still coming to terms that there are no more new adventures to come but it's a bitter sweet ending. It's had a good run for a series and I am very glad I stumbled acrossed this series a few years ago.

I had put off reading this book because I didn't want Merit and Ethan's storyline to end. I was in denial. This can't be the final book! Unfortunately it is, but Chloe Neill didn't disappoint. A rollercoaster of emotions followed me throughout the entire book. Merit stands strong as Sentinel and Ethan as Master of the Cadogan House. By the end of the novel, all the loose ends throughout the series had been woven back into the storyline and the finale receives my stamp of approval. As I wait to read the spin off series, I can always go back and reread the Chicagoland Vampires series again.

DNF so will not be rating or reviewing. Thank you for the opportunity to review this title.

Blade Bound is the last book in the Chicagoland vampire series by Chloe Neill. Ethan and Merit are getting married. The wedding is wonderful it's what happens after that's the problem. Coming from there reception there are people fighting in the streets. There's magic going on and Ethan and Merit need to stop it before there beloved city is in jeopardy. There's a happy ending with a baby they never thought they'd have. This series is awesome and this last book does it justice, Sad to see it end but this book has everything and you can't put it down! Highly recommend and can't wait for more by this author!!!

Blade Bound by Chloe Neill is a fantastic read. Highly recommend this series to readers of Ilona Andrews..

Where to begin...I've been with this series since the beginning and it's one of my favorites (I have a thing for blond vamps LOL). After book 5... and "the scene" as I'll call it, I was MAD. BUT, I trusted Chloe to make it right and she did. I could not ask for a better ending for Merit and Ethan. I'm sad to see them go, but they deserve that late honeymoon in Paris and time with their daughter. Besides, this is what re-reads are for, right?!
Many thanks to Chloe for such a wonderful series and a fabulous ending.

Oh wow! First of all, I've been reading the Chicagoland Vampires series for years now and the fact I got to read an ARC of the last book is just so amazing!! It's truly an honor and something I do not take for granted.

I've loved this series from the first book, when Chloe first introduced us to Merit and her friend Mallory and Ethan. I absolutely LOVED Ethan from the moment I first "met" him! And even though this is a paranormal/urban fantasy series, Chloe made her characters very relatable and there was a lot of feelings in every book. She made me love them. She made me cry. She made me smile and laugh out loud. She made me feel every emotion that just a good writer can make a reader few. I went from a "I love Chloe Neill" phase to a "I HATE Chloe Neill" one with these books. But it didn't last, because she's an amazing writer and she definitely redeemed herself. I can definitely say that I LOVE Chloe Neill! She created one of my all time favorite series for sure!

Whenever I'm in a "book funk" I choose a paranormal book, because it's guaranteed they'll get me out of my funk. Specially if it's a good story, packed with action and with a truly kick-ass heroine. The Chicagoland Vampires series is one of those. But you can (and will) enjoy these books even if you're not in a funk. They're THAT good!

Merit and her gang are the best kind of characters to read about! Not to mention Ethan. They are so entertaining together! I love her sense of humor and her appetite (seriously, this girl can EAT! LOL).

From the moment I saw the cover of this book, I knew I'd love it, because, not like the previous 12 books, it doesn't have only Merit in it. It has Ethan. So it had to be a special one. And when I got it (as you know I don't like to read blurbs, specially if it's a book whose author I already know and trust) I didn't know before reading it that Blade Bound would be the last installment in the series

But I was right, it is pretty special and there's a reason Ethan is on the cover. The bond he and Merit share is as stronger as ever and in this book we can see how they are truly partners and equals. From the way they joke with each other, to the way they now know each other and can complete each other sentences and thoughts, their love became as fierce as they did. It was a pleasure to read this book. They've came a long way and everything they went through was worth it, just so we could read this book.

I also love their relationships with their friends, specially Catcher and Mallory (I love those two). I love Merit's grandfather, as usual. We can definitely see where she gets her spunk (and her appetite) from. And the Cadogan House vamps are also pretty entertaining, as usual, specially Luc and Lindsay.

In this book, Merit and Ethan have to face a very surprising enemy (I loved how Chloe changed things up) and they don't have to face it alone. For me the story came full cicle, because we can see how each character grew in the story. They're stronger, and because their bonds are also stronger, they can face anything that comes their way!! It was awesome to see them standing together, to fight or to have fun.

I really really enjoyed this series and I loved this book. It was the perfect ending to a perfect series!!!!

The wedding of the century is coming and Merit is the bride-to-be.

Also coming is some sort of evil that people are struggling to identify and it's threatening everything that Merit and her groom, Ethan, have fought so hard to protect.

And when werewolf Gabriel stops by to remind them of the impending prophecy, Merit just knows that the honeymoon will have to be cancelled.

Time is running out to save Chicago from the supernatural powers that threaten it and the humans who think that they can handle it.

Final thoughts: After all of the many books that seemed to drag this story out, it now feels rushed. It's almost like Neill was so eager to start a new series (probably with a certain prophesied child) that she pushed this one to an awkward end. I still love Merit and Ethan, and I definitely love how Ethan has finally accepted Merit as his equal, deserving of the chance to make a difference, but the luster has gone. I'll miss some of Chicagoland, but I'm really not too sad to see it end.

I'm so sad to see this series, Chicagoland Vampires, come to an end but, if it has to end, I like how the story finished. From the very first book in the series, I was drawn into a rich world of supernatural beings; vampires, witches, shifters, and more. The world is fascinating, humorous, heroic, sad, scary, and sexy. At the heart of the story is Ethan, the Master of the Cadogan House of vampires and Merit, his Sentinel, a fierce sword-wielding warrior who protects Ethan and the House. "Blade Bound" is a fitting ending to the series. Excellent!

The book start in full prep of the wedding and what may or may not be in stall for our beloved characters. The wedding is actually happening even with some killer security all over the place since it it is kind of a big deal not only for Methan but for Chicago as well. I have to say that the wedding, which includes the bridal shower, dress, reception and the whole thing was just beautiful and fit for Merit. It had Merit and Ethan written all over it while still catering to Chicago and of course her parents.
Of course it doesn’t take long before Chaos breaks out and Chicago is once, more in danger. Methan and gang are of course right in the middle and willing to help, but not everything goes smooth and they once again end up being the target for humans. It gets so bad that the humans including the Mayor are ready to hand over not only Merit, but also Mallory to end the whole thing. Of course that doesn’t go over well with neither Ethan nor Catcher.
We see almost everyone and all supernatural races throughout the book once to help or at least they are mentioned to what happened to them. That includes the Fae , the council of vampires , the pack of shifters and of course the Order, plus some others.
I wish we would have seen more of Gabriel and his pack given he was a big part of the series and let’s not forget the prophecy her foresaw but overall it was okay.
In the end the of course defeat the “big bad” with the help of not only the order but also the RG.I liked how everyone came together in the end to figure it out and fight.
Merit in this book was a bit more, hmmmmm sad maybe…… she kind of grieved for things she couldn’t have or may or may not have in the future. But in the end she picker herself up and knew what to do. I liked how while kinda sad she was still super happy with Ethan and being married to him, it was odd seeing her married but it really fit her. Of course she kicks butt in this book, just like all the previous book and I don’t think there is much that can take her down. It is kind of hard believe that it has only been a little over a year for her since her journey as a vampire began. But she came very far and I was happy for her outcome.
Ethan, well it was no secret that most the books I was either not sure about him or didn’t like him. Only the last few books had I started to like him. Well Ethan managed to finally win me over with this book. I really like him in this book for what he did and the way he handled things. Not only with Merit but also people, vampires and humans alike. He became funnier with each book as well I guess more relaxed. It was nice to see him that way funny, relaxed, but still very alpha and protective. He came a long way from the stiff vampire who ate a hotdog with fork and knife and had very little humor that we met in book one. Oh and we finally learn the nickname he has for Merit and it actually is really fitting.
Mallory and Catcher were a big part of this book and a big part of solving the problem but I think what came over most was the friendship between the four of them and of course between Merit and Malory . At one point in the series I wasn’t sure if I ever could forgive Mallory but I really think I can and did. She did some truly bad things and it took time to heal for everyone but in the end it all worked out.
I always liked Catcher and what he stood for and I liked his relationship with Mallory I don’t think there could have been anyone else for them. They were perfect for each other and balanced each other out greatly even or more so after everything that went down throughout the series.
Okay, now to some thoughts of the overall ending of the series, it will be spoiler free.
Most things in the series will be tight up by the end of the book, what happened to some of the supernatural races or other little things, some things were either not mentioned or just left hanging. Some characters that were in previous books and are still very much alive are not even mentioned which was kind of disappointing but I can understand that not everything can be included sometimes. They were not major characters or storylines so it was not so bad.
Thing with the AAM and the RG are mentioned and some things are solved. The RG thing, well not sure about that it was almost too neat and easy, and if that case could have been solved like that a few books ago. It kinda made no sense.
Now to the prophecy that we been hearing about for forever………. I liked the outcome but again it was a bit too easy again……. I saw it coming that way at a certain point at the book it was predicable (in this book) and kinda a cop out I thought, At least for something so big we been waiting for almost the entire series. There were also some minor issues I had with but don’t want to mention or I would spoil some and really it was nothing big anyways.
I heard that there is supposed to be a spin off series but to be honest I have not checked of it has been announced about who and where. But I think I have some ideas after this books.
Overall I thought it was a great ending to a great series, while it had it lows it many more highs and I enjoyed this book and series. I really will miss Methan and the gang.
I rate the book 4★. The series I guess would be a 3 ½★ - 4 ★

Some of my favorite Quotes

Luc saluted. “Sire.” He glanced at me, grinned. “Mrs. Sire.”
“Nope,” I said, shaking my head. “I’m going to nope that one right there.”
***
“I hope to God that is Chris Pratt riding a velociraptor.”
***
“Happy Darth Sullivan Eve.”
***
“I am your husband, and your friends, and you lover. And I am also a soldier. I am a vampire. I am monster, in no small part.” The Emerald shifted, transmuted to quicksilver- one element battling another. “And if I must show them in that order ti protect you, I will. Should it come to that, God have mercy on their souls. Because I will have none.”
***

I'm going to miss these characters. But in every series there is a time when it need to end and this book was a good ending.

After the wit and excitement of the first few Chicagoland Vampire books, readers will be expecting a comforting goodbye from the final installment of the series. I found it a bit disappointing.

Aside from a few pages of excitement relating to an intruder in their home, the first 25% of the book is dedicated entirely to a wedding and its preparations, and the details are at times exhausting.

Skim ahead to the actual plot. The villain is a repeat from another book; they are very forgettable. A weakness of this book is Mallory's role as the deus ex machina, negating any mystery or any need for investigative prowess by Merit, whose intelligence used to be an asset.

The series, overall, was enjoyable. However, Blade Bound is the weakest; if it wasn't the last one in the series, it would probably the last one for me.

[Side note: why would all of the Cadogan vamps hang out in Wrigleyville? It's 15 miles away, on the opposite side of the city, a 30+ minute drive (more, if you account driving through downtown traffic to get there) or a 45+ commute via public transit. Are there no trendy bars in this version of Hyde Park?]

I gave this 5 stars -- no review on Goodreads. I loved this series and I look forward to the next series.

Full review to be published online in April.

BLADE BOUND is a great ending to an overall amazing series. Ethan and Merit are no longer dancing around one another, they feel more solid than ever. They are at their best when they are loving and supporting one another.

This latest novel has all of the action and snark that Chicagoland fans have come to love. This has been one of the best urban fiction series out there, one that has grown better by the book. Chloe Neill has a knack for writing interesting characters, action, and mystery driven plots. It has been a pleasure to read this series. There was also a great epilogue, one that tied up most of the loose ends from the series.

BLADE BOUND is the last book in the “ChicagoLand Vampires” series. It is recommended to read GR this series from the beginning; as these are not standalone reads.

Wow, I can't believe this is the last book in this series! Yes, there is a spin off (which I just learned because of this review!), more books in this world, but Merit and Ethan's journey is done-they might be in said spin offs, but they won't be the main characters. And that's a bit sad, but they had a hell of a ride, and they deserve a happy ending!

So this book kinda wraps everything up. Like, Ethan's nickname for her! Sure, I did find one thing that I still want to know about, which is Jonas and Margot-I want to know if they fit together! If it was mentioned, I didn't catch it! But yeah, this was a great wrap up to this series!

Of course, there was a lot of good food, and fights! But there was also their wedding, which was really sweet! And there was some unexpected happenings because of the ending of Midnight Marked and the return of Sorcha, so there wasn't a honeymoon right after the wedding. But they could've gone on one after the threat was taken care of!

One thing that I was really looking forward to being in this book, was how Gabriel's prophecy of a child of Merit and Ethan was going to play out. And yeah, it was dealt with throughout this book-Merit's worry about bringing a child into this world, and so much more! Such a great ending!

I absolutely loved this book, and I can't wait to read the spin off series!