DNF so will not be rating or reviewing. Thank you for the opportunity to review this title.

If you haven't requested this yet, you need to ASAP! If you thought the first twelve books were good, this last book in the series takes it to the next level. ⚠️Spoiler!⚠️Sorsha comes back.... and you know that child Gabriel had a prophecy about.......

Blade Bound is the last book in the Chicagoland vampire series by Chloe Neill. Ethan and Merit are getting married. The wedding is wonderful it's what happens after that's the problem. Coming from there reception there are people fighting in the streets. There's magic going on and Ethan and Merit need to stop it before there beloved city is in jeopardy. There's a happy ending with a baby they never thought they'd have. This series is awesome and this last book does it justice, Sad to see it end but this book has everything and you can't put it down! Highly recommend and can't wait for more by this author!!!

Blade Bound by Chloe Neill is a fantastic read.  Highly recommend this series to readers of Ilona Andrews..

Where to begin...I've been with this series since the beginning and it's one of my favorites (I have a thing for blond vamps LOL). After book 5... and "the scene" as I'll call it, I was MAD. BUT, I trusted Chloe to make it right and she did.  I could not ask for a better ending for Merit and Ethan. I'm sad to see them go, but they deserve that late honeymoon in Paris and time with their daughter. Besides, this is what re-reads are for, right?!
Many thanks to Chloe for such a wonderful series and a fabulous ending.

Merit and Ethan are finally getting married. Everything is finally going her way

Until Sorcha returns, bringing winter to summertime Chicago, threatening the entire city and having one terrible demand: that the city and over Mallory and Merit

But no-one believes that her ambition is so simply satisfied with revenge


I am a little bemused about the mayor taking the lead so much. In fact, this has been a thing that has bemused me throughout this series: why is the mayor all powerful, how come they have so much authority and why is no-one else involved? I mean, if the third biggest city in America is evacuated because of a supernatural menace isn’t the president obliged to make a speech or something? Shouldn’t the governor of Illinois actually notice?

The story gets more and more epic but at the same time it’s clear the author wants this to be very very local. This is the Chicagoland vampires, it’s a story about Chicago so even when we probably should spill a little beyond the borders.

I think this probably centres on a general underlying issue I’ve had with this series from the beginning. It has an element of simplicity that kind of hangs on the story. Like keeping the story focused only on the Chicago authorities, making the mayor pretty much a complete authority within her realm and having her and her minions make decisions which are pretty dubious. It serves very much to make our main characters look intelligent, insightful and martyred but it’s a little clumsy (we see something similar ion how this series is pretty disjointed in how vampires are treated, flirting between viciously hated and violently oppressed minority to moderately tolerated/ignored other and back again within a pretty short space of time).

This bleeds over into the plot as well – it’s quite predictable with a lot of conflict resolved quite easily. Ethan makes a speech. Mallory manages to translated a centuries old mystery in a couple of hours. It adds to the story being a trifle… predictable? The arc is not one that surprised me even once and there was nothing resembling a twist


But… it’s still very fun. It’s one of those books that asks me to question whether twists, originality or a great deal of complexity is necessary. The story was predictable and simplistic – but still emotionally engaging: invoking anger at the terrible way the vampires are being treated. Excitement from the battle scenes and some decent, engaging development of Ethan and Merit’s relationship and their concerns over the prophecy that says Merit will become a parent. None of these are original and, yes, a lot of them are very predictable – but that didn’t make the characters any less engaging. These same patterns have been continuing for a long time in this season – but I still largely enjoy them. I like Merit, she’s fun, capable, not as bright as she’s written but still nifty without being overpowered. She also has some excellent female friends – which has been a major issue in the series before now: other women were demonised or occupied a relatively small role in the story. But increasingly we’re seeing Mallory move to become her own, skilled fun character who is taking a prominent space in the story and not constantly tormented by her own guilt which is an excellent step forward

Though I have to say I’m not a massive fan of Ethan or Merit and Ethan’s relationship. Nor their end game (I think this whole baby ideation seems to have dropped on her from nowhere apparent). Sure he’s finally respecting her as an equal and deciding that he shouldn’t be putting his Sentinel in a little secure box somewhere, but my gods it took him a long time and he still has to constantly fight that instinct.

I also wish that over this series the very few POC had more prominent roles. Or there had been some LGBTQ characters (after 13 books + short stories. Really).


Working my way to the end of the review, I have to say my comments about the sometimes dubious plot limitation, simplistic railroading and coincidence still apply: but none of this is a deal breaker. None of this stopped the story from being engaging. None of this stopped the book from being fun. None of this stopped me from caring about Merit, being angry on her behalf and being excited by the action she faced. I still laughed at her and Mallory bouncing off each other and still felt her worry over the world they lived in. Basically, these issues don’t change the core important element of this book – and this series – it’s fun, it’s enjoyable; sure it’s not my favourite series but it’s a series I’ve returned to happily again and again and again.

Oh wow! First of all, I've been reading the Chicagoland Vampires series for years now and the fact I got to read an ARC of the last book is just so amazing!! It's truly an honor and something I do not take for granted.

I've loved this series from the first book, when Chloe first introduced us to Merit and her friend Mallory and Ethan. I absolutely LOVED Ethan from the moment I first "met" him! And even though this is a paranormal/urban fantasy series, Chloe made her characters very relatable and there was a lot of feelings in every book. She made me love them. She made me cry. She made me smile and laugh out loud. She made me feel every emotion that just a good writer can make a reader few. I went from a "I love Chloe Neill" phase to a "I HATE Chloe Neill" one with these books. But it didn't last, because she's an amazing writer and she definitely redeemed herself. I can definitely say that I LOVE Chloe Neill! She created one of my all time favorite series for sure!

Whenever I'm in a "book funk" I choose a paranormal book, because it's guaranteed they'll get me out of my funk. Specially if it's a good story, packed with action and with a truly kick-ass heroine. The Chicagoland Vampires series is one of those. But you can (and will) enjoy these books even if you're not in a funk. They're THAT good!

Merit and her gang are the best kind of characters to read about! Not to mention Ethan. They are so entertaining together! I love her sense of humor and her appetite (seriously, this girl can EAT! LOL).

From the moment I saw the cover of this book, I knew I'd love it, because, not like the previous 12 books, it doesn't have only Merit in it. It has Ethan. So it had to be a special one. And when I got it (as you know I don't like to read blurbs, specially if it's a book whose author I already know and trust) I didn't know before reading it that Blade Bound would be the last installment in the series

But I was right, it is pretty special and there's a reason Ethan is on the cover. The bond he and Merit share is as stronger as ever and in this book we can see how they are truly partners and equals. From the way they joke with each other, to the way they now know each other and can complete each other sentences and thoughts, their love became as fierce as they did. It was a pleasure to read this book. They've came a long way and everything they went through was worth it, just so we could read this book.

I also love their relationships with their friends, specially Catcher and Mallory (I love those two). I love Merit's grandfather, as usual. We can definitely see where she gets her spunk (and her appetite) from. And the Cadogan House vamps are also pretty entertaining, as usual, specially Luc and Lindsay.

In this book, Merit and Ethan have to face a very surprising enemy (I loved how Chloe changed things up) and they don't have to face it alone. For me the story came full cicle, because we can see how each character grew in the story. They're stronger, and because their bonds are also stronger, they can face anything that comes their way!! It was awesome to see them standing together, to fight or to have fun.

I really really enjoyed this series and I loved this book. It was the perfect ending to a perfect series!!!!

The wedding of the century is coming and Merit is the bride-to-be.

Also coming is some sort of evil that people are struggling to identify and it's threatening everything that Merit and her groom, Ethan, have fought so hard to protect.

And when werewolf Gabriel stops by to remind them of the impending prophecy, Merit just knows that the honeymoon will have to be cancelled.

Time is running out to save Chicago from the supernatural powers that threaten it and the humans who think that they can handle it.

Final thoughts: After all of the many books that seemed to drag this story out, it now feels rushed. It's almost like Neill was so eager to start a new series (probably with a certain prophesied child) that she pushed this one to an awkward end. I still love Merit and Ethan, and I definitely love how Ethan has finally accepted Merit as his equal, deserving of the chance to make a difference, but the luster has gone. I'll miss some of Chicagoland, but I'm really not too sad to see it end.

I'm so sad to see this series, Chicagoland Vampires,  come to an end but, if it has to end, I like how the story finished. From the very first book in the series, I was drawn into a rich world of supernatural beings; vampires, witches, shifters, and more. The world is fascinating, humorous, heroic, sad, scary, and sexy. At the heart of the story is Ethan, the Master of the Cadogan House of vampires and Merit, his Sentinel, a fierce sword-wielding warrior who protects Ethan and the House. "Blade Bound" is a fitting ending to the series. Excellent!

The book start in full prep of the wedding and what may or may not be in stall for our beloved characters. The wedding is actually happening even with some killer security all over the place since it it is kind of a big deal not only for Methan but for Chicago as well. I have to say that the wedding, which includes the bridal shower, dress, reception and the whole thing was just beautiful and fit for Merit. It had Merit and Ethan written all over it while still catering to Chicago and of course her parents. 
Of course it doesn’t take long before Chaos breaks out and Chicago is once, more in danger. Methan and gang are of course right in the middle and willing to help, but not everything goes smooth and they once again end up being the target for humans. It gets so bad that the humans including the Mayor are ready to hand over not only Merit, but also Mallory to end the whole thing. Of course that doesn’t go over well with neither Ethan nor Catcher. 
We see almost everyone and all supernatural races throughout the book once to help or at least they are mentioned to what happened to them. That includes the Fae , the council of vampires , the pack of shifters and of course the Order, plus some others.
I wish we would have seen more of Gabriel and his pack given he was a big part of the series and let’s not forget the prophecy her foresaw but overall it was okay. 
In the end the of course defeat the “big bad” with the help of not only the order but also the RG.I liked how everyone came together in the end to figure it out and fight.
Merit in this book was a bit more, hmmmmm sad maybe…… she kind of grieved for things she couldn’t have or may or may not have in the future. But in the end she picker herself up and knew what to do. I liked how while kinda sad she was still super happy with Ethan and being married to him, it was odd seeing her married but it really fit her. Of course she kicks butt in this book, just like all the previous book and I don’t think there is much that can take her down. It is kind of hard believe that it has only been a little over a year for her since her journey as a vampire began. But she came very far and I was happy for her outcome. 
Ethan, well it was no secret that most the books I was either not sure about him or didn’t like him. Only the last few books had I started to like him. Well Ethan managed to finally win me over with this book. I really like him in this book for what he did and the way he handled things. Not only with Merit but also people, vampires and humans alike. He became funnier with each book as well I guess more relaxed. It was nice to see him that way funny, relaxed, but still very alpha and protective. He came a long way from the stiff vampire who ate a hotdog with fork and knife and had very little humor that we met in book one. Oh and we finally learn the nickname he has for Merit and it actually is really fitting. 
Mallory and Catcher were a big part of this book and a big part of solving the problem but I think what came over most was the friendship between the four of them and of course between  Merit and Malory . At one point in the series I wasn’t sure if I ever could forgive Mallory but I really think I can and did. She did some truly bad things and it took time to heal for everyone but in the end it all worked out.  
I always liked Catcher and what he stood for and I liked his relationship with Mallory I don’t think there could have been anyone else for them. They were perfect for each other and balanced each other out greatly even or more so after everything that went down throughout the series. 
Okay, now to some thoughts of the overall ending of the series, it will be spoiler free.
Most things in the series will be tight up by the end of the book, what happened to some of the supernatural races or other little things, some things were either not mentioned or just left hanging. Some characters that were in previous books and are still very much alive are not even mentioned which was kind of disappointing but I can understand that not everything can be included sometimes. They were not major characters or storylines so it was not so bad.
Thing with the AAM and the RG are mentioned and some things are solved. The RG thing, well not sure about that it was almost too neat and easy, and if that case could have been solved like that a few books ago. It kinda made no sense.
Now to the prophecy that we been hearing about for forever………. I liked the outcome but again it was a bit too easy again……. I saw it coming that way at a certain point at the book it was predicable (in this book) and kinda a cop out I thought, At least for something so big we been waiting for almost the entire series. There were also some minor issues I had with but don’t want to mention or I would spoil some and really it was nothing big anyways.
I heard that there is supposed to be a spin off series but to be honest I have not checked of it has been announced about who and where. But I think I have some ideas after this books. 
Overall I thought it was a great ending to a great series, while it had it lows it many more highs and I enjoyed this book and series. I really will miss Methan and the gang. 
I rate the book 4★. The series I guess would be a 3 ½★ - 4 ★

Some of my favorite Quotes 

Luc saluted. “Sire.” He glanced at me, grinned. “Mrs. Sire.”
“Nope,” I said, shaking my head. “I’m going to nope that one right there.” 
***
“I hope to God that is Chris Pratt riding a velociraptor.” 
***
“Happy Darth Sullivan Eve.”
***
“I am your husband, and your friends, and you lover. And I am also a soldier. I am a vampire. I am monster, in no small part.” The Emerald shifted, transmuted to quicksilver- one element battling another. “And if I must show them in that order ti protect you, I will. Should it come to that, God have mercy on their souls. Because I will have none.”
***

I'm going to miss these characters. But in every series there is a time when it need to end and this book was a good ending.

After the wit and excitement of the first few Chicagoland Vampire books, readers will be expecting a comforting goodbye from the final installment of the series. I found it a bit disappointing.

Aside from a few pages of excitement relating to an intruder in their home, the first 25% of the book is dedicated entirely to a wedding and its preparations, and the details are at times exhausting.

Skim ahead to the actual plot. The villain is a repeat from another book; they are very forgettable. A weakness of this book is Mallory's role as the deus ex machina, negating any mystery or any need for investigative prowess by Merit, whose intelligence used to be an asset. 

The series, overall, was enjoyable. However, Blade Bound is the weakest; if it wasn't the last one in the series, it would probably the last one for me.

[Side note: why would all of the Cadogan vamps hang out in Wrigleyville? It's 15 miles away, on the opposite side of the city, a 30+ minute drive (more, if you account driving through downtown traffic to get there) or a 45+ commute via public transit. Are there no trendy bars in this version of Hyde Park?]

I love the Chicagoland Vampire series. And Blade Bound seemed to have wrapped everything up. I am really hoping that it's not the end of the series, but it really seemed like it. A great story, wonderful familiar characters and with the exception of the end, which felt a little rushed I loved it!

I gave this 5 stars -- no review on Goodreads.    I loved this series and I look forward to the next series.

Full review to be published online in April.

BLADE BOUND is a great ending to an overall amazing series. Ethan and Merit are no longer dancing around one another, they feel more solid than ever. They are at their best when they are loving and supporting one another.

This latest novel has all of the action and snark that Chicagoland fans have come to love. This has been one of the best urban fiction series out there, one that has grown better by the book. Chloe Neill has a knack for writing interesting characters, action, and mystery driven plots. It has been a pleasure to read this series. There was also a great epilogue, one that tied up most of the loose ends from the series.

BLADE BOUND is the last book in the “ChicagoLand Vampires” series. It is recommended to read GR this series from the beginning; as these are not standalone reads.

Wow, I can't believe this is the last book in this series! Yes, there is a spin off (which I just learned because of this review!), more books in this world, but Merit and Ethan's journey is done-they might be in said spin offs, but they won't be the main characters. And that's a bit sad, but they had a hell of a ride, and they deserve a happy ending!

So this book kinda wraps everything up. Like, Ethan's nickname for her! Sure, I did find one thing that I still want to know about, which is Jonas and Margot-I want to know if they fit together! If it was mentioned, I didn't catch it! But yeah, this was a great wrap up to this series!

Of course, there was a lot of good food, and fights! But there was also their wedding, which was really sweet! And there was some unexpected happenings because of the ending of Midnight Marked and the return of Sorcha, so there wasn't a honeymoon right after the wedding. But they could've gone on one after the threat was taken care of!

One thing that I was really looking forward to being in this book, was how Gabriel's prophecy of a child of Merit and Ethan was going to play out. And yeah, it was dealt with throughout this book-Merit's worry about bringing a child into this world, and so much more! Such a great ending!

I absolutely loved this book, and I can't wait to read the spin off series!

If there was ever a book that could be the perfect ending to a long-running series, Blade Bound would be it. Blade Bound brings everything full circle, and without giving anything away, this is a must read. This series has been a roller coaster of emotions for me. Merit’s up and rock bottoms crushed me. I can remember sitting in the dentist office’s bawling my eyes out after reading about Ethan’s sacrifice for Merit, and the dental assistants asking what was wrong. That is just a tiny piece of how good this series is. Neill has created a whirlwind series that will hook readers from Some Girls Bite to Blade Bound. These two characters along with the others have been with me so long that I know as soon as the reality sets in that this is the last time I will ever read about them and their adventures.

I swore off this series after Ethan was "killed"- like I sat out several books in furious protest. So what he came back- you never kill the hot, alpha, master vampire hero. Ever. 

I am SO glad I came back around last year and caught up on the action I missed. Blade Bound is the perfect ending to an overall amazing series. Ethan and Merit are no longer dancing around one another, they feel more solid than ever- they are at their best when they are loving and supporting one another!

This latest novel has all of the action and snark that Chicagoland fans have come to love. With the exception of Ethan's ridiculous death- this has been one of the best urban fiction series out there. Chloe Neill has a nack for writing interesting characters and action- mystery driven plots. It has been a pleasure to read this series. Also- great epilogue- a perfect ending, wrapping up everything nice and tidy. *swoon*

This is the final book in the Chicagoland Vampires series and Chloe Neill did an absolutely fantastic job with a story that has plenty of action and still completes the series.   While this book does close the series it also leave the door open to more novellas or even a spin off series based on other characters.

Love the Chicagoland Vampires!  Since this is book 13 and the last book in the series, don't start with this one.  Go back and read them all.  I'll be missing Merit and Ethan and mallocakes.  Can't wait to see what Chloe Neill writes for us next.  In the mean time I'll be re-reading the series.