Book Review: Biting Cold by Chloe Neill

Biting Cold
Author: Chloe Neill
Publication: NAL Trade; 1 edition (August 7, 2012)

Description: 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.

My Thoughts: This is the sixth book in Neill's Chicagoland Vampires series and, as such, this review contains spoilers for earlier books in the series. 

The story begins with Ethan and Merit chasing Mallory across Iowa and into Nebraska to keep her from getting a magical book which she believes will balance good and evil in the world and will make her own magic less painful. Ethan and Merit don't want the evil released. They are not alone on their hunt for the magical book. Seth Tate is also hunting. Tate is a magical creature of an unknown type who was once mayor of Chicago and who has done evil things.

They get to the book before Mallory but after a battle with Tate. But Tate and Mallory team up to destroy the book which causes Tate to split in two and become even more evil. Merit must find a way to defeat him in order to protect her House and humans. Merit also has to deal with the betrayal by her best friend Mallory who has become addicted to black magic. She did bring Ethan back to Merit by her actions but has a connection with him that he fears will cause him to hurt Merit. Ethan pulls away from Merit because of this fear which puts additional pressure on Merit.

There is no lack of pressure in this story. The Greenwich Presidium is also putting pressure on Cadogan House. In their view, Cadogan House is endangering all vampires by getting involved in human politics. Ethan is busy playing politics for his House while Merit is concentrating on finding a way to defeat Tate.

What I especially like about this series is the way the characters are developed. Merit is a wonderful main character. She is strong, smart, and loyal. She has built relationships with some of the other vampire Houses and with other supernatural species too. I like her relationship with the shifters and with the magic users. She is hurt by the actions of her former best friend Mallory and honestly doesn't know if Mallory will ever be able to make amends and repair the friendship.

This is a great series with lots of fighting and politics and romance. Urban fantasy lovers will not want to miss this one. This story does not have a cliffhanger ending, but I am still eager to read House Rules which will be published in 2013 because I have become invested in Merit's life.

Favorite Quote:

"And the Maleficium?"

She walked to the railing and pointed down into the silo. "It's at the very bottom on a pedestal, ironically or otherwise. You can just see it."

I looked down. Sure enough, I could see its red leather cover. It didn't glow or vibrate or give off a weird vibe. It just sat there, minding its own business, holding within it the power to destroy a city and a friendship."

I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.