by Chloe Neill
Series: Heirs of Chicagoland #1
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
As the only vampire child ever born, some believed Elisa Sullivan had all the luck. But the magic that helped bring her into the world left her with a dark secret. Shifter Connor Keene, the only son of North American Central Pack Apex Gabriel Keene, is the only one she trusts with it. But she's a vampire and the daughter of a Master and a Sentinel, and he's prince of the Pack and its future king.
When the assassination of a diplomat brings old feuds to the fore again, Elisa and Connor must choose between love and family, between honor and obligation, before Chicago disappears forever.
I am so thrilled that I loved Wild Hunger. I listened to the first two Chicagoland Vampires novels and confess they were just ok for me. I didn’t care for Merit. However, I love Chloe Neill’s Devil’s Isle series and decided to try her new spin-off series. I am now thinking it was the narrator not the stories because I adored Wild Hunger the first in the Heirs of Chicagoland.
The story begins when we meet Elisa Sullivan, in Paris. She has finished her schooling and is serving a year in service to the House that sponsored her. Elisa is the daughter of Merit and Ethan and the first-born vampire. While it helped that I had read the first two books of Chicagoland Vampires and knew about the Cadogan House, Neill did an excellent job of sharing history, particularly those of Conner, the heir-apparent to the Chicago Park and Lulu, Elisa’s best friend.
Chicago is the epicenter for peace between supernaturals and humans. The vampires are hosting peace talks for European vampires, who are experiencing political unrest. Elisa is working for the French House. It is the first time she has been home in four years. We learn about Elisa and her uniqueness. She is the first-born vampire, but she is also more. Something that scares her and that she keeps hidden. She has been working to control it, but upon returning to Chicago it reawakens. And I am all in!
The plot was a suspenseful one with a side thread of romantic energy and growth for Elisa. The peace talks are sidetracked when a vampire is murdered and one of the pack is arrested. Things don’t add up and Elisa begins to investigating. The Chicago peace treaty with the humans prevent the Cadogan House from investigating, but Elisa uses a technicality to investigate on her own.
This was such a well plotted and paced story. I quickly slipped into the world and found Elisa to be an engaging and complex character. I loved the snarky banter between her and Conner. Lulu was a pure joy and secondary characters added interest, strengthened the world and aided Elisa. For fans of the Chicagoland Vampires, we see plenty of key characters to satisfy while giving way to the young.
Fresh and exciting with all the elements I love in a good urban fantasy series. Wild Hunger has me excited for more Heirs of Chicagoland.
Wild Hunger by Chloe Neill delivered a fresh and exciting urban fantasy. It was the perfect kickoff to the Heirs of Chicagoland. #urban #UF #NewRelease Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Lover Of Romance
Sounds like you had a fun time with this one and yay for some sexy bantering. 🙂
Kimberly
I really did. Thank you.
Mary @StackingMyBookShelves!
Ooo I like smart and funny! This sounds like it will be really good. I have to check it out!
Mary
Kimberly
Me too Mary 🙂
Lorna
It sounds good to me! I admit I have never read this author however. Might have book one in my tbr but then I have so many book ones that I have never gotten around to. I’m going to be honest here and just say that I don’t want to pay $12.00 for a Kindle book. I’ll put it on my Amazon wish list and wait for the price to go down-it does happen occasionally! Thanks!
Kimberly
Completely understand. Thankfully her books are readily available through your local library.
Angela
Great review. Glad you enjoyed! I have been debating on whether to start the spin-off series. I think for now I’m going to wait, but maybe one day. I did enjoy Ethan and Merit.
Kimberly
Good to hear that. I hope you do eventually try these.
Stormi Johnson
I listened to the first one in the Chicago Vamp series and enjoyed it but just never got around to finishing the series. I am glad this one can be jumped into without having to know a lot about the other series. Might try it.
Kimberly
Yes, I will probably read these and then go back and try Chicagoland again.
Sharon Obsession with Books
I am so keen to read his book, I’m hoping to catch up on the Chicagoland Vampires series before it’s released. I’m pleased that you enjoyed this Kimba
Kimberly
*tackle hugs you* Hi Sharon. I hope you love it and that all is well with you.
Naomi Hop
I am so glad that you gave this spinoff a go, and loved it. You know that I love the original series, so I am excited to get this one!
Kimberly
I know you do, which is why I am going to try reading them and see if I like Merit better.
Greg
I’ve never read Chicagoland Vampires but I will admit those covers always get my attention- I just like the art style, there’s always an interesting background or skyline, and of course a hot protagonist lol, but I also like the Chicago setting- probably since I’m only a couple hours away from there. The idea of Chicago being the epicenter appeals to me. I might give this series a try.
Kimberly
Chicago is a fun city and omg the food (not the pizza) is incredible!
Nicci @ Sunny Buzzy Books
I can’t wait to read this! I’m on book six of the Chicagoland vampires and love this world so much!
Great review. ☺️
Kimberly
Glad to hear that. Nicci
Tanya @ Rantings of a Reading Addict
So glad to hear you enjoyed this! It’s in my stack here and I can’t wait to get to it. I was a Chicagoland lover and am excited to see how Merit & Ethan’s baby grew up!
Kimberly
Did you read or listen? I loved aspects but …
Tanya @ Rantings of a Reading Addict
I read it, maybe that is the reason there are so many mixed reviews on it…
Heidi
I am looking forward to listening to this one. I have it scheduled very soon. I love Chloe Neill! So happy that you loved it so much.
Kimberly
Me too Heidi. Enjoy!
Anne
Well I like all the Chloe Neill books. I went all the way through the Chicagoland and I really liked the first narrator and it threw me when it changed. That is saying whether I liked Merit or not. I do but I think she is always the special snowflake and Elisa will be too. So we will see how it plays out. Of course, I love Ethan. lol. But I do think both Merit and Elisa are strong and smart and they do care about other people; I like their individual personalities as well. Anne – Books of My Heart
Kimberly
A special snowflake..lol
Mary Kirkland
I really need to read more of her books.
Kimberly
*nods* I hope you do Mary.
sherry fundin
More good snarky banter…and some vampires. Sounds like something I would love to read.
Kimberly
I loved the supernatural creatures and the problems that arose,
Debbie Haupt
I have had the same experience Kim although I had actually read the story first so I knew my not enjoying the book was because of the narration. Does one need to read the series the spin off comes from to enjoy it? Thank you
Kimberly
I hope you try this series
Ailyn Koay
reminded me of a manga/ anime about a girl with the same backstory, though yours is probably more kickass
Kimberly
Ha…maybe.
Melanie Simmons
Hmm. I wonder if I should try this one. I listened to Chicagoland Vampires until there was a point that I couldn’t get past and quit. I haven’t tried her other series either. It is one that I keep meaning to get to. Maybe one day.
Kimberly
I hope you do. Did you read her Devil’s Isles series? I love that one.
Nadene
I never read any of the books from the original series. The spinoff sound exciting, I think I may give it a try.
Nick
Kim, I’m so glad I read your review. I wanted to see if anyone had picked up this spin-off without having read the original one. It looks like it’s not necessary to read that one. I think I read 2 books in that series too, but never finished it. I know enough about it from Nereyda though. This one sounds more like my jam – Elisa sounds like a great character! Great review!
Kimberly
I only listened to the first two and didn’t feel lost I think anyone can start with this. I am sure there were Easter Eggs for those who read the Chicagoland series, but I didn’t feel lost. Enjoy!