Twice Bitten: Chicagoland Vampires, Book 3

I have really been enjoying this vampire/supernatural series. The explanation for vampirism seems almost more plausible than most of the paranormal fiction novels I have read. For example: an alteration in the DNA. They are still living, still warm, can eat food but need blood supplements, are mostly immortal with some fatal flaws.... It is a bit irritating that we are kept in the dark as to Merit's real first name. And Merit should just boot Ethan to the curb. Cynthia Holloway's narration can be a bit confusing at times as there often isn't enough variation to differentiate between characters but she still does a pretty good read. Definitely not detracting enough to take away from the story. Bottom line is that if you enjoy listening to authors like Ilona Andrews, Jim Butcher, Jennifer Estep, Carrie Vaughn, Kim Harrison, Richelle Mead, Patricia Briggs, Charlaine Harris, J. R. Rain (another really good find), and T. A. Pratt, you will probably enjoy this series as well.

I have read and listened to a lot of different vampire series and this series is definitely in my top five. The story line is wonderful, the narrator is excellent, and the characters are fun. I love this series and can’t wait for the next book to come out in August. I have already listened to this series a few times and will continue to do so. 5 stars.

I actually give this third book in the series four and a half stars. I really am hooked on Chicagoland vampires, and I am very sorry that there's only one more book (please more!!), but just two things kept this from being up there on the list of my all-time favorite vampire series.

First reason is Merit, our intrepid heroine. She's feisty, she willful, she's stromg, resilient and sexy. But sometimes she borders on being a "Mary Sue". Mary Sue is a name given to usually female characters (sometimes male) who know more, perform better, figure things out faster than the leaders, experts or masters. They often save the day, saving everyone even though they are newbies. Merit just borders on Mary Sue-ism, but thankfully doesn't cross the line.

The second reason is the Ethan and Merit relationship continually upstaged any of the conflicts in the plot. Their relationship started and stopped, interrupted for some conflict. I know their issues couldn't be resolved immediately, but what ended up happening was I had a difficult time caring about all the troubles with the vampires and shape-shifters because I was so distracted with Ethan/Merit. I wanted to just hurry through all the fights and arguments and get back to those two.


SPOILER ALERT:


One thing made me very happy---no Red Guard! Thank goodness!!

Anyway, loved this book and on the next (and last, hopefully not!).

I liked both the previous books in this series, but this one is the best one so far (stayed up all night listening to it). I can't wait for the 4th book to release May 3rd, 2011.

I love the "Chicagoland Vampires" series!
If you like books from the Paranormal Genre. You will really enjoy these books.

I think these books are really hitting their stride. I enjoyed this book immensely. There was tons of action between the vampires and the shifters and I really didn't see the villain coming which always makes me enjoy a book more. I loved the advancement of the relationship between Merit and Ethan. I did miss Mallory and Catcher as they didn't seem to be around quite as much as in the previous books. I'm really enjoying this book series and can't wait to listen to the next one. As a narrator, I like Cynthia Holloway and think she does an ok job though she doesn't differentiate between the characters as much as I like.

I wouldn't know, I didn't read the print version

It's kind of a grown up version of House of Night books by P.C. Cast. The reason I say that is because all the vampires seem to live together in houses and there is girl drama. Otherwise it also has a bit of the Dresden files but not nearly as good.

This one was really no different than the other two books she did in this series. Though I will say it kind of threw me off how she all of the sudden decided to change how she said Navarre house (or however it is spelled.).

I have no idea. I don't think it would make it to a third film and third time around is not the charm.

The story isn't bad and it's good for when you don't want to think too hard. I like the characters even! It's just not the best book I've read with the same sort of subject matter. If you want a bit of entertainment and a few chuckles but aren't looking for a book that is going to grip you by the throat and take you on a wild ride, well then this series is for you.

loved it great story i would listen to it again

loved it great story i would listen to it again

Once again Cynthia Holloway does not make any indication to show she has noticed parentheses or asides. She is full steam ahead with her readings.

I had to force myself to finish this book because it became so boring. How many times do I have to listen about Merit and Ethan sparing? The story became too repetitive for me and I got bored. I like the interactions between Merit and her friend but there wasn't enough of their fun banter. Too much time was spent describing details that didn't bring anything to the story line. The more I listened, the weaker the plot became, the more predictable.

Build better plots and quit spending so much time describing what everyone is wearing. I'm more interested in the personalities of the characters, what makes them tick and how Merit deals with them.

Mallory.

No. I might rent it.

I won't be purchasing anymore of this series.