Review: Drink Deep by Chloe Neill

Drink Deep
~Chloe Neill

Paperback: 352 pages 
Publisher: New American Library 
Publish Date: November 1, 2011
ISBN-10: 0451234863 
ISBN-13: 978-0451234865 
ASIN: B0052RERL4 

From the author's website:
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.

*SPOILER FREE REVIEW*
As Drink Deep opens, Vampire Merit is trying to get over the events that took place in the previous book, Hard Bitten.  She's made the decision to soldier on and be the vampire she needs to be in order to do her job of protecting Cadogan House and its inhabitants.  To that effect, she's been working with Jonah, from Grey House, who's been teaching her a few new things and is still trying to recruit her for the Red Guard.

When Lake Michigan suddenly turns black and stops moving, Chicago immediately blames it on their favorite supernatural scapegoat - the vampires.  Merit's job is to find out what's happening and make it stop, but in the absence of any clues she doesn't know how to fix it.  Adding to Merit's problems is Frank, the receiver appointed by the Greenwich Presidium to review Cadogan House; he's instituted a new policy of blood-rationing and is trying to edge Merit out of her position at the House.

While trying to solve the city's problem and dealing with Frank's machinations at the house, Merit is also trying to salvage her fractured friendship with Mallory, and that's not going so well either.  Has Merit finally taken on too much to handle?  Are the vampires going to finally be ousted from Chicago, or will it only be Cadogan House that suffers....

My Thoughts:
Ms. Neill's world-building is so well crafted it's like going back home after vacation each time I pick up the newest installment - as soon as I open the book I fall right in and immerse myself in this fictional, vampire-infused Chicago.  Merit continues to be one of my favorite UF heroines - she's tough, smart, loyal, and persistent, but not obnoxiously so.  She's definitely the kind of chick I'd love to have as a friend, if she wasn't a vampire ;)  The cast and crew of secondary characters are well-rounded and consistent - they stress me out right along with Merit!

I've got a little confession to make:  I liked Jonah in Hard Bitten and like him even more in Drink Deep.  *points to self* I'm definitely a Jonah fan; he's a stand-up guy and I think he and Merit work well together.  Is there some attraction there?  Sure, but Merit handles it nicely and I like the underlying tension between them; I"m a sucker for a love-triangle and usually try to see one whether it's there or not.

After the last book, I didn't want to see Tate ever again.  He's back in Drink Deep and creeps me the *f* out.  He talked Merit out of something that I hope won't come back to haunt her.

As far as the mystery of the lake, I enjoyed it - I kept flip-flopping between two theories but was wrong on both counts.  I did figure out the problem before Merit did though...

There are some changes that take place in Drink Deep, including two shockers near the end of the book.  I think most people will be happy with the surprise and not so happy with the twist (I'm sorry I can't be any less cryptic without giving away spoilers).  I surprised myself by being not so happy about the surprise, but can't wait to find out what's going on with the twist - this one's going to be good, I can feel it!!

So, again, I've got to trust Ms. Neil that she knows what's best for Merit and that she'll get her HEA by the end of the series.  Biting Cold is going to kill me, I can tell already!!



My Rating: Book received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Character Chat with Chuck Merit from the Chicagoland Vampire Series

Please join me in welcoming a special guest to Caught in a FAB Romance:  Merit's grandfather and Chicago Ombudsman, Chuck Merit!!!

_____________________

Patti: Hi Mr. Merit; thanks so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer some questions. Can you tell us a little bit about Merit as a child? Was she always this headstrong and passionate about solving problems? 

Chuck: Thank you for having me. And please, call me Chuck. *Laughing* As for Merit, I think you've hit the nail on a the head. My granddaughter has always known who she was--even if her father didn't exactly approve. I think that's why her change to vampire was so hard at first.

Patti: I know her relationship with her father is strained, at best. Do you see any hope for a reconciliation there?

Chuck: They are so much alike, Joshua and Merit. Headstrong. Stubborn. Independent and incredibly self-reliant. But I think that stands between them, as they are both convinced they're right. I would love to see reconciliation and understanding between them, but only time will tell.

Patti: It’s obvious that Merit loves you very much. Did she spend a lot of time with you as a child? How were you able to hide the existence of supes from her? 

Chuck: My wife and I saw Merit more than anyone else, I suppose. She spent summers with us, and afternoons after school. I was still on duty in those days, of course, so she spent more time with my wife than me, but yes, she was a constant fixture in our house. She loved cheese sandwiches; I remember that well. Always wanted a cheese sandwich as a snack.

Patti: You’ve got your finger on the pulse of the supernatural community. Is there anything that ever surprises you? 

Chuck: *Belly laughing* My dear, rarely a day goes by when something doesn't surprise me. That's the nature of the supernatural, I think.

Patti: I love when we read about the river nymphs and their reaction to quiet, sort of nerdy Jeff. What’s going on there?

Chuck: *Chuckling* It's fascinating, isn't it? The skill he has with those girls. I've never asked him outright, but I assume the magnetism is some kind of magical attraction. Not that the boy doesn't have fine qualities of his own.

Patti: How did you end up with Catcher and Jeff as employees? Was there some sort of job announcement? A supernatural interview process?

Chuck: Now, I can't exactly give away confidential information. Let's say I knew exactly what I was looking for, and when Catcher and Jeff were brought to my attention by certain interested parties, I knew how good they'd be and snatched them up at the first opportunity.

Patti: What are your hopes for Merit’s future?

Chuck: I wish her love. Happiness. A family of her own so that she can know she's loved and truly feel it. 

Patti: Thank you again for answering my questions! Best of luck to you and the guys!

Chuck: Thank you, doll. I appreciate having the chance to chat with you.

(Patti:  *blushes* He called me doll!!!!!)

Drink Deep
~Chloe Neill

Paperback: 352 pages 
Publisher: New American Library 
Publish Date: November 1, 2011
ISBN-10: 0451234863 
ISBN-13: 978-0451234865 
ASIN: B0052RERL4 

From the author's website:
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.

About the author: 
Chloe Neill was born and raised in the South, but now makes her home in the Midwest–just close enough to Cadogan House and St. Sophia’s to keep an eye on things. When not transcribing Merit’s and Lily’s adventures, 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.) Chloe is represented by Lucienne Diver of The Knight Agency. Chloe is a member of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America.

A hodgepodge of things to be excited about:

There's a couple of things I'm excited about this week that I thought I'd share:

First, I'm super excited about Chloe Neill's upcoming Chicagoland Vampires novel, Drink Deep.  I know a lot of people were upset about the last book, Hard Bitten, (my review here), but I loved it.  Was I upset?  Of course!  But Ms. Neill has promised an HEA for Merit and I'm going to trust her.  I don't know if I can wait until November; someone pass the Valium and keep me away from spoilers...

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 is on shelves November 1.  More info at the author's website.

On that note - Ms. Neill has released the cover of the NEXT book in the Chicagoland series, Biting Cold (out August 2012).  This will be book 6 in the series.  *drumroll please...*






Isn't it gorgeous?!?  I really love all the covers for this series; they did a fabulous job of catching Merit as I see her.___________________________________
Another favorite author of mine, Stacia Kane, revealed the new cover for the next book in her Downside Ghosts series, Sacrificial Magic:

When Chess Putnam is ordered by an infamous crime boss—who also happens to be her drug dealer—to use her powers as a witch to solve a grisly murder involving dark magic, she knows she must rise to the challenge. Adding to the intensity: Chess’s boyfriend, Terrible, doesn’t trust her, and Lex, the son of a rival crime lord, is trying to reignite the sparks between him and Chess.

Plus there’s the little matter of Chess’s real job as a ghost hunter for the Church of Real Truth, investigating reports of a haunting at a school in the heart of Downside. Someone seems to be taking a crash course in summoning the dead—and if Chess doesn’t watch her back, she may soon be joining their ranks.

As Chess is drawn into a shadowy world of twisted secrets and dark violence, it soon becomes clear that she’s not going to emerge from its depths without making the ultimate sacrifice.

Sacrificial Magic hits shelves March 27, 2012. Dark Faerie Tales has an exclusive look at Chapter 2!!!

___________________________________

Also, Ilona Andrews has posted a snippet from Andrea's book - Gunmetal Magic (due on shelves May 31, 2012).  Go here for the snippet.  You want to.  Trust me on this.

___________________________________

And, for you Becca Fitzpatrick fans, Sea Lion Books has this Hush, Hush wallpaper:

They've got several great books being adapted into graphic novel format - go check them out!!

What have I missed? 

What great book news are you excited about?

Waiting on Wednesday: Drink Deep by Chloe Neill

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, 

that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating:

After the total emotional punch of Hard Bitten, the most recent book in Chloe Neill's Chicagoland Vampire series, I have been waiting since before I turned the last page.  Total cliffhanger ending.  Made a lot of people mad.  Me?  Not mad, more...curious. (My review here) And after reading the first chapter (see below) - yes I did - I'm not as mad at Jonah as I thought I would be; I've been blaming him as the author's reason for the turn the series has taken.

So this week's Waiting on Wednesday - Drink Deep by Chloe Neill:

Drink Deep
~Chloe Neill

Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: New American Library
Publish Date: November 1, 2011
ISBN-10: 0451234863
ISBN-13: 978-0451234865
ASIN: B0052RERL4 From the author's website:

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.

Read the first chapter here.

Winners!!!

The month of May is kicking my ass - I'm so sorry I'm a bit behind on the contest winners. Using Random.org (for the first time - I can't believe how simple it is!!), the winners are:

The winner of the Chloe Neill Cadogan House prize pack is:

Comment #34: A Buckeye Girl Reads

_________________________

The winner of the first three e-books in Moira Rogers' Southern Arcana series is:

Comment #28: Chris S

(An e-mail has been sent to the winners.)

If you didn't win, don't get discouraged:
I'm currently giving away two copies of Moonglass
by YA author Jessi Kirby - click here to enter!!!

Interview and Giveaway: Chloe Neill - Hard Bitten Blog Tour

Please join me in welcoming one of my favorite authors: Chloe Neill, author of the fabulous vampire series, The Chicagoland Vampires (my review of Hard Bitten is here), and also a YA series, The Dark Elite. Ms.Neill was kind enough to answer a few questions and offer a cool giveaway!

Book Addict: I know that you have a day job. Do your co-workers know you’re a published author?

Chloe Neill: There are a number of folks in my office, but many of them do, yes. They've been very supportive of my writing! I think it has improved my writing at work, as well, so that helps.

Book Addict: You have seven books under contract in the series - do you have a specific end to the series planned or will you try to continue to write the Chicagoland Vampires for as long as the ideas keep coming?

Chloe Neill: Definitely the latter. There are things I want to accomplish in the series, but I also really enjoy writing about Merit so I don't currently have an end date in mind.

Book Addict: Your characters are a joy to read. When I’m reading I feel like I know them :) Do you have a favorite character?

Chloe Neill: Thank you! I like all the characters for different reasons. I relate to Merit, and I respect Mallory's focus. Ethan tries (and often fails) to do the right thing by his vampires, and Jeff is such a good, cheerful soul. Mayor Tate is pretty intriguing, I think. We meet more of him in both HARD BITTEN and DRINK DEEP.

Book Addict: Can you tell us something silly that we don’t know about Merit?
Chloe Neill: She has a collection of the OLIVIA children's books that she absolutely adores. They're with her at Cadogan House (although she wouldn't admit that to many people.)

Book Addict: I love that Merit loves food – are you a foodie?

Chloe Neill: Definitely, although a different type of foodie than Merit. I'm a vegetarian, so I don't eat the same kinds of things that she does. But I share her love of chocolate and fine baked goods. :)

Book Addict: There were some big plot twists in Hard Bitten but the ending left me hopeful for Merit’s future. Is it as hard for you to write emotionally intense scenes as it is for us to read them?

Chloe Neill: There are scenes in all the books that make me laugh out loud and, on occasion, cry. The intense scenes are actually a bit easier to write because the emotion tends to push the momentum along, but they definitely move me, as well.

Book Addict: Do you read other books in the vampire genre or do you try to stay away from that?

Chloe Neill: I used to read LOTS, but writing has kind of ruined me for reading fiction, unfortunately. But I still keep up with JR Ward's BDB series, of course! :)

Book Addict: Thank you again for answering my questions! Congratulations on the release of Hard Bitten. I really enjoyed Hard Bitten and am looking forward to Drink Deep. Go Merit!!!

Chloe Neill: Thanks for having me!

____________________

Ms. Neill has graciously offered a Cadogan House prize pack to one lucky commenter! Leave a comment with your e-mail address to be entered.
Ends Friday, May 6.

Hard Bitten
~Chloe Neill

Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: New American Library
Publish Date: May 3, 2011
ISBN-10: 0451233328
ISBN-13: 978-0451233325
ASIN: B004IYIU1U

From the author's website:
Times are hard for newly minted vampire Merit. Ever since shapeshifters announced their presence to the world, humans have been rallying against supernaturals--and they're camping outside of Cadogan House with protest signs that could turn to pitchforks at any moment. Inside its doors, things between Merit and her Master, green-eyed heartbreaker Ethan Sullivan are ... tense. But then the mayor of Chicago calls Merit and Ethan to a clandestine meeting and tells them about a violent vamp attack that has left three women missing. His message is simple: get your House in order. Or else.

Merit needs to get to the bottom of this crime, but it doesn't help that she can't tell who's on her side. So she secretly calls in a favor from someone who's tall, dark, and part of underground vamp group that may have some deep intel on the attack. Merit soon finds herself in the heady, dark heart of Chicago's supernatural society--a world full of vampires who seem to ready to fulfill the protesting human's worst fears, and a place where she'll learn that you can't be a vampire without getting a little blood on your hands...

You can read the first chapter here!

Review: Hard Bitten by Chloe Neill

Hard Bitten
~Chloe Neill

Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: New American Library
Publish Date: May 3, 2011
ISBN-10: 0451233328
ISBN-13: 978-0451233325
ASIN: B004IYIU1U

From the author's website:
Times are hard for newly minted vampire Merit. Ever since shapeshifters announced their presence to the world, humans have been rallying against supernaturals--and they're camping outside of Cadogan House with protest signs that could turn to pitchforks at any moment. Inside its doors, things between Merit and her Master, green-eyed heartbreaker Ethan Sullivan are ... tense. But then the mayor of Chicago calls Merit and Ethan to a clandestine meeting and tells them about a violent vamp attack that has left three women missing. His message is simple: get your House in order. Or else.

Merit needs to get to the bottom of this crime, but it doesn't help that she can't tell who's on her side. So she secretly calls in a favor from someone who's tall, dark, and part of underground vamp group that may have some deep intel on the attack. Merit soon finds herself in theheady, dark heart of Chicago's supernatural society--a world full of vampires who seem to ready to fulfill the protesting human's worst fears, and a place where she'll learn that you can't be a vampire without getting a little blood on your hands...

Hard Bitten picks up a few months after Twice Bitten leaves off - Cadogan House has been attacked and the vamps are slowly rebuilding. Of course, things can't just stay quiet, and Merit and Ethan are called into the Mayor's office to discuss a possible vampire attack: Apparently vampires are having "raves" and the violence is escalating. The Mayor wants it handled or he's going to arrest Ethan. Merit starts investigating, and calls in a favor from a friend - Jonah, a vamp from Grey House, and a member of the Red Guard (sort of a secret vampire police). With a little luck, they manage to get into a rave, and witness the evening transform from a quiet interlude into a testosterone-filled frenzy - and they can't figure out why.

After a night at the local vampire bar, and another vampire free-for-all, things start adding up: someone's making and selling vampire drugs. Add to that the fact that one of the elite vampire leaders from Europe is visiting Cadogan House to check on things and potentially appoint a replacement for Ethan, and Merit is under a lot of pressure to put an end to the problem.

My thoughts: O.O *blinks* O.O

Hard Bitten blew me away! Although it's a 350 page book, it felt like a short story: I couldn't put it down - I had to keep reading to find out what happened next. Let's just get right to it:

Merit and Ethan were hot, hot, hot. I adore Ethan and he really worked at getting Merit back:

"No. I will never be far behind you." He tipped up my chin so that I could do nothing else but look back into his eyes. "Do the things you need to do. Learn to be a vampire, to be a warrior, to be the soldier you are capable of being. But consider the possibility that I made a mistake I regret-and that I'll continue to regret that mistake and try to convince you to give me another chance until the earth stops moving."

He leaned forward and pressed his lips to my forehead, my heart melting even as my more rational side harbored suspicions.

"No one said love was easy, Sentinel."
~Hard Bitten, page 88

*sighs* How can you not love him?

We also get plenty of Catcher/Mallory, Jeff, Grampa Chuck, and Lindsey. I was trying to figure out who was my favorite character, but really, I can't choose. Ms. Neill writes fabulous characters that are so well defined that I feel like they're my own friends. There may be a little wrinkle in Catcher and Mallory's world in the form of her magic tutor, Simon; I definitely sensed some tension there. Merit's conversation with her Morgan had me throwing my fist in the air :) I liked getting to know Jonah a little bit better. As the story progressed I liked Jonah more and more, although it seems like his feelings towards Merit may be getting... complicated.

We also meet a new adversary, McKettrick. With his "special-ops" team and his desire to get rid of the vampires, I don't think his work is done and I think we'll be seeing him again. He has the potential to be a bad, bad man...

I thought the drug storyline was a fresh twist to the vampire genre. I don't think I've seen that used in a vampire story before, and now that I've seen it, I don't know why it hasn't been done before - it's brilliant and potentially terrifying for the humans in Merit's world. I couldn't figure out why they were doing it, so the culprit surprised me. I liked the way the mystery wrapped up in that the bad guy has been outed and justice will be served (I assume). "The reveal" was *a bit* overshadowed by "the event", but I never liked this person and am hoping it's the last we see of the character...

And now, for the elephant in the room: The events on page 335/336 left me with my mouth hanging open and gasping for air. I will say this about Ms. Neill - she doesn't shy away from taking risks with her characters! The reason I decided that for me this was a 5-star read? The fact that the author was able to bring such a gut-wrenching reaction from me over the actions of her characters says a lot to me about the book. I was disappointed in the actual "event" itself, but have high hopes that the author knows what she's doing. The last page left me hopeful for Merit's future.

In summary, Hard Bitten is another fabulous installment to the Chicago Vampires series. I cannot imagine where Ms. Neil is going to take us next, but I can't wait to find out!

While I think you would enjoy Hard Bitten as a stand-alone I wouldn't recommend it. There is so much back story that you're missing out on, and the emotional punch is tenfold if you've got all the pertinent info.

My Rating:

Don't forget to stop by on Friday for an
interview and giveaway with Chloe Neill!!

This book was received by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Waiting on Wednesday: Hard Bitten by Chloe Neill

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.


Today I am spotlighting Chloe Neill's upcoming book, Hard Bitten, book four in her Chicagoland Vampire series. If you haven't read this series yet you are missing out! Chloe Neill writes a wonderfully multifaceted, kick-ass heroine and amazing secondary characters. This series sucks me in and pulls me under - it's Urban Fantasy that's written so that you feel like it could really happen...The Chicagoland Vampires are a fabulous addition to the vampire genre and I have been waiting for Hard Bitten since I turned the last page of Twice Bitten .

Hard Bitten
~Chloe Neill

Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: New American Library
Publish Date: May 3, 2011
ISBN-10: 0451233328
ISBN-13: 978-0451233325
ASIN: B004IYIU1U

From the author's website:
Times are hard for newly minted vampire Merit. Ever since shapeshifters announced their presence to the world, humans have been rallying against supernaturals--and they're camping outside of Cadogan House with protest signs that could turn to pitchforks at any moment. Inside its doors, things between Merit and her Master, green-eyed heartbreaker Ethan Sullivan are ... tense. But then the mayor of Chicago calls Merit and Ethan to a clandestine meeting and tells them about a violent vamp attack that has left three women missing. His message is simple: get your House in order. Or else.

Merit needs to get to the bottom of this crime, but it doesn't help that she can't tell who's on her side. So she secretly calls in a favor from someone who's tall, dark, and part of underground vamp group that may have some deep intel on the attack. Merit soon finds herself in the heady, dark heart of Chicago's supernatural society--a world full of vampires who seem to ready to fulfill the protesting human's worst fears, and a place where she'll learn that you can't be a vampire without getting a little blood on your hands...

You can read the first chapter here!

I'm also excited to be a stop on her Hard Bitten blog tour!!!
Be sure to stop by on April 29 for an interview and swag giveaway!!!


What are you waiting for?

Friday Night Bites by Chloe Neill

I loved Some Girls Bite and anxiously awaited Ms. Neill's follow-up, Friday Night Bites. Did I enjoy this book? Yes...BUT, I felt like I spent a lot of the book waiting for something to happen.

Friday Night Bites takes place about a month after the events in SGB. Merit is House Sentinel, and moving into Cadogan House to be closer to her job and give Mallory and Catcher space. She's still sort of dating Morgan, and still denying any attraction to Ethan. A problem comes up involving Merit's childhood friend, Nathaniel, a reporter researching a story that could be damaging to the vampires, and she must investigate. There is misdirection, deception, and lots of tension. An old enemy returns, and Merit goes through some changes. Mallory is having her own issues adjusting to her magic, and she and Merit disagree about Merit's love life. I don't understand why Merit and Mallory left things where they did.

I had hoped to see more of Morgan in this book, I really like his character, but Merit was very busy. I found Ethan frustrating, which was probably Ms. Neill's intention. One minute you thing he's "got" Merit, then he's back to the same old Ethan. Catcher is really a good frient to Merit and I love Jeff! He provided many smiles for me during this book; I hope we see more of him in the next one. There are some new characters introduced, and we meet Gabriel, the leader of the North American Pack near the end of the book. The end sort of leaves us with a cliffhanger, more of a "what's up with that?" than an "oh my God!"

As I said, I did like this book and it is a nice follow-up to SGB. I'm ready for book 3, Twice Bitten, which comes out in July.