Chelsea
Written on Feb 7, 2017
Sure, the life of a graduate student wasn't exactly glamorous, but it was mine. I was doing fine until Chicago's vampires announced their existence to the world - and then a rogue vampire attacked me. But he only got a sip before he was scared away by another bloodsucker ... one who decided the best way to save my life was to take it.
Turns out my saviour was the master vampire of Cadogan House. Now I've traded sweating over my thesis for learning to fit in at a Hyde Park mansion full of vamps loyal to Ethan 'Lord o' the Manor' Sullivan. Of course, as a tall, green-eyed, four hundred year old vampire, he has centuries' worth of charm, but unfortunately he also seems to expect my eternal gratitude - and servitude. Right ...
But my burgeoning powers (all of a sudden, I'm surprisingly handy with some serious weaponry), an inconvenient sunlight allergy, and Ethan's attitude are the least of my concerns. Someone's out to get me. Is it the rogue vampire who bit me? A vamp from a rival House? An angry mob bearing torches?
My initiation into Chicago's nightlife may be the first skirmish in a war - and there's going to be blood ...
- ISBN10 0575094044
- ISBN13 9780575094048
- Publish Date 11 March 2010 (first published 1 April 2009)
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country GB
- Imprint Gollancz
- Format Paperback (B-Format (198x129 mm))
- Pages 368
- Language English
Reviews
Silvara
Written on Apr 20, 2016
I liked that the book started with Merit's change from human to vampire. We got to learn about vampires in this world, right along with Merit. We also got some info on werewolves, magic-users, and nymphs. I like the idea of vampires living in Houses. Which are basically their family, they're all sisters and brothers once they've been accepted into a House and turned into a vampire. And each House polices it's own, but also works in concert with the other Houses to hunt down Rogues.
There was also politics, both vampire and human. We learn why vampires and werewolves don't get along, (and I love that it's not an issue of being different, but an actual ISSUE.) And even though there is a love triangle, it didn't bother me as much as usual. Ethan wants her, but only because he's attracted to her physically, he doesn't seem to care about her emotionally. And doesn't hesitate to use her in the chess-match that is vampire politics. And while Merit is also attracted to HIM for the same reason, she knows it's not enough. Then there's Morgan who wants to get to know Merit and actually date her.
I loved how Merit reacted to being turned into a vampire against her will. Even though it was to save her life. I especially loved the part where she and Mallory kick out the vampire sent to explain things to her. There are a lot of funny and snarky moments in this book, and I can hardly wait to see what the next book has in store.
This review was originally posted on Fantasy of the Silver Dragon
kimbacaffeinate
Written on Oct 4, 2015
Merit is a hoot. She is clearly unhappy about the change but does not complain, instead she shares her opinion with sarcastic one-liners and a cocky attitude. From the start, it is clear Merit is unique and will evolve into one badass vampire. She is smart, an awkward dresser and independent making her well rounded. One of the things I enjoyed most about Some Girls Bite was that the author took us through all the awkward steps of her transition, from her first taste of blood to accepting the radical change her life has undergone.
A little haters’ relationship begins between Merit and Master Ethan and it is laced with sexual tension. Ethan secretes sexiness but also remains a mystery. I loved their back and forth conversations, and wicked, edgy banter. Neill just teases us with it as we see no real development but she has me hoping!
Secondary characters round out the story. Mallory is Merit’s best friend and totally supports her. I enjoyed Mallory, a girl needs a friend who has her six. Catcher is swoon-worthy but seems to have eyes only for Mallory. We spend some time with Merit’s Grandpa the Ombudsman. I love how supportive he is of Merit. He even has her friends over for dinner. Jeff is a computer nerd and shifter and is so freaking adorable I want to keep him. We also meet Merit’s father, Joshua and I am very curious about what role he will have as we progress in the series. Other vamps and characters added interest and have me curious.
The world is simplistic and I quickly became caught up in Some Girls Bite. I thought Holloway did a great job as narrator even with the male voices. Neill has taken a different approach with the supernatural creatures which was refreshing. While a lot happens, the story was not rushed and we get a strong sense of the world. Neill delivered plenty of action but also gave the tale an adventurous tone laced with humor t0 keep things light. I am looking forward to grabbing the next audio. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer
littleread1
Written on Feb 22, 2014
Berls
Written on Apr 24, 2013
3 1/2 Stars
My Initial Reaction...
I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to seeing more of these characters. I do think it suffered a little bit from what I call "first book syndrome" - all the world building and character development promise better books in the future, but make for a less exciting reading experience at first.
The Narration...
Cynthia Holloway isn't great and she isn't horrible as a narrator. I've heard much worse; there are no horrible, distracting accents and the pacing is fine. However, she doesn't manage to create characters with her narration, let alone bring them off the page. You only get to know the characters through the words she's reading, not how she's reading them. She's not distracting, but she doesn't improve upon the reading experience at all.
The Characters...
As this is the first book, we're only starting to get to know the key characters, but we're already seeing a variety of richly written personalities. Merit, the heroine of the series, starts the book as a new vampire, deeply confused and unhappy about her current situation. She was an English Lit graduate student at the University of Chicago, but when a vampire attacked her late one night on campus her whole life changed. Ethan Sullivan, master of Cadogan House, interrupted the vampire attack and saved her life, but only by turning her into one of his novitiates. Suddenly Merit has to face a life very different from the been planning for, not to mention not knowing the person staring back at her in the mirror (yes, she has a reflection!). I love the way Neill wrote Merit - her frustration comes across vividly and realistically, especially her anger.
Merit has a marvelous group of supporting characters that I look forward to knowing better. Her transformation to vampire has had a deep impact on her relationships - most of the characters we see in the book are new to her, the few that aren't she's relating to differently. A quick rundown of my favorites, sans spoilers: Mallory Carmichael, Merit's roommate and best friend extraordinaire, is snarky and supportive; Ethan, Merit's Master/employer is equal parts handsome, controlling, secretive, annoying, and sexy - so basically the perfect combination to make you (and Merit) frustrated with him and lust after him; Chuck Merit, Merit's grandfather, a retired CPD officer and probably the best grandfather a girl could hope for; Jeff (who I adore) and Catcher (who cracks me up) are also great characters, but I will let you find out about them when you read the book, because I wouldn't want to spoil anything for you.
The Story...
We start the book as confused as Merit; she's being returned to the home she shares with her roommate Mallory after a few days away making the transition from human to vampire. She may have foggy memories of the events since her attack on campus, but it's perfectly clear to her that she does want to be vampire, wants back her life as a graduate student, and is pissed at Ethan Sullivan for changing her without her consent. But there's no going back - even if Ethan hadn't already withdrawn her from the graduate program her fame as daughter of Joshua Merit would have made her change general public knowledge in no time - and thankfully she has her best friend Mallory, who has always been a fan of the supernatural, to guide and support her through her adjustment.
Adjusting to her new life would have been difficult enough if her attitude hadn't managed to make her less than popular among her fellow Cadogan House vampires and if several other young women weren't being found dead, most likely from vampire attack, around Chicago. Merit gets involved in the investigations, while also learning how to be a vampire. Both aspects of her life are interesting, fun to read, and often exciting.
Concluding Sentiments...
This is clearly the start of really great series. I especially loved the way Neill intertwined details about Chicago into the story; it's clear she knows the city and it made that setting so believable. I have to admit, though, that I found myself rolling my eyes more than once. Some aspects were less-than convincing and too may pieces just fell into place way too easily. Yes, I'm complaining about the believability of a book about vampires - that's how unbelievable some of these developments were. That aside, I'm hooked. The characters are really compelling and I can't wait to see them develop throughout the series.
MurderByDeath
Written on Aug 25, 2012
My only trepidation is the very end of the book - comments that Merit makes that make me think future books might *be* darker and sad. But only one way to find out!
SilverThistle
Written on Jul 31, 2012
It was well written but nothing really happened. The first few chapters were interesting and the last couple tried hard to entice me back in but the chapters in between were a bit drawn out and lacked action.
It obviously has fans out there but I'm afraid it wasn't for me.
Melanie
Written on Apr 26, 2012
I'm not so sure why it took me so long to start this series. I really enjoy it. I really like Merit and Mallory. Catcher and Jeff are great too. I'm still on the fence for both Ethan and Morgan. It also good to see that Merit is making the change to vampirism with Lindsay to help her. I think that they will become friends and Merit will need a good vampire friend.
I've already started the second book and purchased the available books in the series. Can't wait to see where this series goes.
Amanda
Written on Sep 22, 2011
Up until the last hundred pages or so, Some Girls Bite was a solid 3 stars. There is a lot of time spent on setting up the world and the circumstances surrounding Merit’s change and entry into the vampiric world, and, while interesting, it was relatively easy to put down. It was good, but not really good. Chloe Neill’s vampires are somewhat similar in comparison with vampires from other series, but unique enough to make them interesting to learn about. By the time everything was built up and unraveling, it got to be difficult to put Some Girls Bite down, to the point where I chose reading over eating.
I think what most captured my attention in this book is how political it is, and how much the ending of the book set up huge potential and possibilities for future books. There is no cliffhanger, but I instantly wanted to get my hands on the next book in the series. Some Girls Bite intrigued the intellectual in me, not just the urban fantasy fan.
Though Merit is not exactly my favorite character, nor is there a lot of romance (though there is definite romantic interest here), I actually really enjoyed Some Girls Bite. Like any good book, it makes me like it despite my normal preferences. Some Girls Bite definitely makes a promise of a good series and I am interested to see if the promise is kept.
liz089
Written on May 26, 2011
Woow.. I knew it had been a while, but 7 years since I've read this one !? Damn... I'm getting old...
So I never finished this series and that does not feel right. I kept thinking about this one, and that one day I wanted to continue. But there was always something else that came first.. So now, I thought why wait ? Lets finally start this again and finish it !
I dont know if I will.. but I got started and thats the hardest part anyway XD
So I really liked reading it again, the MC is very likable and relatable, and this was a good introduction into this series. A lot of interesting side characters, some love interests... (I cant help but to like #TeamMorgan) Just a great start to an Urban Fantasy, let's see how far I will come this time !