Title: Blade Bound
Author: Chloe Neill
First published April 25, 2017
380 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.29
Overview
Siobhan Davis presents the captivating finale of The Sainthood series in Reign. After surviving an assassination attempt, the main character’s hunger for vengeance intensifies.
Sinner, her foe, believes he has cornered her, but he has underestimated her determination. She is not alone in her crusade, as Saint, Galen, Caz, and Theo have joined her team.
Their goal is to find evidence that links The Sainthood to Daphne Leydon’s kidnapping and murder before it’s too late. This requires partnering with the unlikeliest of allies, as they work tirelessly to stay ahead of the game.
The stakes are high, and their lives are on the line. In the end, they will succeed in defeating Sinner and taking his crown.
In Reign, the final battle is a must-read.
About the Author
Meet Chloe Neill, a talented author whose works have made it to the New York Times bestseller list. She has written several novels, including the Heirs of Chicagoland, Chicagoland Vampires Novels, Devil’s Isle Novels, and Dark Elite novels.
Although she was born and raised in the South, Chloe now calls the Midwest her home. When she’s not busy writing, she enjoys baking, working, and searching the internet for exciting new recipes and stunning graphic designs.
Chloe also finds solace in spending quality time with her loved ones, including her husband and their adorable dogs, Baxter and Scout. If you’re a fan of Chloe’s writing or simply want to connect with her, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Editoral Review
Blade Bound by Chloe Neill is the final book in The Chicagoland Vampire series, which started in 2009. Neill is an American author who has written over twenty novels, including the Dark Elite series and the Devil’s Isle series.
With Blade Bound, she brings back her beloved vampire characters for one last epic adventure. The Chicagoland Vampire series falls under the urban fantasy genre, which combines elements of supernatural fiction and crime fiction.
The series is set in a Chicago where vampires have publicly revealed their existence and are trying to integrate into society. The main character, Merit, is turned into a vampire against her will in the first book, and she becomes embroiled in the politics and power struggles of the vampire world.
Blade Bound picks up where the previous book, Midnight Marked, left off. Merit is now a sentinel for the vampire community, responsible for protecting them from threats both internal and external.
Her husband, Ethan Sullivan, is the Master of Cadogan House, one of the most powerful vampire Houses in Chicago. The plot of Blade Bound centers around a magical artifact that can grant immense power to whoever possesses it.
As various factions compete to obtain it, Merit and Ethan find themselves in the middle of a dangerous race against time. Along the way, they are aided by their friends and allies, including other vampires, a witch, and a shape-shifter.
Neill’s character development is superb in Blade Bound. She has spent multiple books slowly but surely building a rich and layered cast of characters.
Merit has grown considerably since the first book, and her journey from mortal to vampire to sentinel is a compelling one. Ethan, too, has gone through a significant transformation, maturing from a controlling alpha male to a more reflective and empathetic leader.
The supporting characters, old and new, are equally well-drawn and add richness and depth to the story. One of the strengths of Blade Bound is the pacing.
Neill knows how to keep the story moving, with plenty of action, suspense, and surprises along the way. The plot is intricate but not convoluted, and every thread is tied up neatly by the end.
Another strength is the attention to detail. Neill has created a complex and believable world, with its own rules and lore.
She also weaves in contemporary issues, such as racism, discrimination, and political corruption, into the story seamlessly. The result is a book that is not only entertaining but also thought-provoking.
However, Blade Bound is not without flaws. Some readers may find the love story between Merit and Ethan a bit overwrought, and the resolution somewhat predictable.
Also, while the series has always been about the vampires, Neill introduces a new type of supernatural creature in Blade Bound, which may be jarring for some readers. Overall, Blade Bound is a satisfying finale to The Chicagoland Vampire series.
Neill has crafted a rich and engaging universe, filled with unforgettable characters and high stakes. Fans of urban fantasy, paranormal romance, and vampire fiction should definitely read this book.
It’s a must-read for anyone who has followed Merit and Ethan’s journey from the beginning. Score: 8.5/10
