In the first thrilling installment of Chloe Neill’s spinoff to the New York Times bestselling Chicagoland Vampires series, a new vampire will find out just how deep blood ties run.As the only vampire child ever born, some believed Elisa Sullivan had all the luck. But the magic that helped bring her into the world left her with a dark secret. Shifter Connor Keene, the only son of North American … son of North American Central Pack Apex Gabriel Keene, is the only one she trusts with it. But she’s a vampire and the daughter of a Master and a Sentinel, and he’s prince of the Pack and its future king.
When the assassination of a diplomat brings old feuds to the fore again, Elisa and Connor must choose between love and family, between honor and obligation, before Chicago disappears forever.
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4 ½
I have read and loved The Chicagoland Vampires Series, (mostly) so when I saw this will be released I was really psyched to get my hands on it.
I should say that it also can be easily read if you have not read the first series, everything that is important will be mentioned and explained. So if you have not read it and don’t plan on it you still can read this book and not be lost.
After reading it I can say that I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. It was a perfect mix of old and new , the old Chicagoland we know and love and the new with fresh new people to love just as much if not a bit more . Familiar faces and storyline being brought over to the new faces and new problems with Chicago.
We still get to see Merit and Ethan but out if the eyes of their Daughter Elisa which I not only liked but it was different. But obviously this being Elisa’s story they stay pretty much in the background but still poke their head in sometimes. Which was nicely done.
I really enjoyed Elisa, she was strong, unique funny and really working on distancing herself from her parent’s legacy and wants to stay on her own two feet. But what nobody knows is that she fights an internal battle with a monster inside her since she was pretty much born. A possible side effect if the way she was made and or born?! Only one person knows a little about it and that is Connor Keene.
Speaking of Connor I really enjoyed him, sexy strong alpha male with a sense of humor. I really loved them together and their banter, it had many laugh out loud moments.
But there was also a tender and really honest site to them that I loved. Overall I just really liked them. The few awkward moments between them made it just so much more realistic and fun read.
I also enjoyed Theo, thought his role in the Ombidubus office was great, I just hope we will not see a love triangle here.
I also enjoyed Lulu, the daughter of Malory and Catcher who decided to ban Magic in her life, but I think that will change and we will see some kind of conflict with herself.
Of course we also see the faeries again and of course they up to no good. We learn more about their magic and history but also more about Magic in general that also involves the vampires and wolves.
The seen prophecy we heard about before is hinted at but we still don’t know what it is or what was seen……but I think it will be a major part of the series.
Overall, I really enjoyed it was fresh and funny, the writing was smooth and it was easy to fall in love with the characters. The final battle I thought was a bit anti climatic but overall it was great first book and I ‘m looking forward to reading the next one already.
I rate it 4 ½
If you liked Chloe Neill’s Chicagoland Vampires series, then you will love this spin-off! Never heard of Chloe Neill or Chicagoland Vampires? That’s okay…you’ll like it too.
Wild Hunger is the first installment in the Heirs of Chicagoland series, and the series title tells you exactly what you need to know. It’s Chloe Neill’s fun and familiar action-packed storytelling, still set in well-loved Chicago, but it’s filled with the next generation. The main characters are Elisa Sullivan and Connor Keene (recognize any last names??) but there are tons of additional characters that compliment the leads in a format similar to its predecessor. Bonus: We even get major screen time with all our favorites from the original, but their roles are downplayed as to allow their offspring to shine.
Urban fantasy meets mystery/suspense in a spinoff that promises some passionate romance in future installments. How long til the next book? You can fill the time catching up on the generation before or you can start fresh with this one. Your choice. Enjoy!
***4.5 Stars***
“Snoopy was a realist. Much respect for Snoopy. Woodstock was the asshole.”
I have to admit that I went into Wild Hunger both excited and worried all at the same time. I was excited because I loved the Chicagoland Vampires series and was thrilled that didn’t have to truly say goodbye to that world and all the crazy characters I’d come to love. But I was worried because I loved the characters in CV so much and may not love the next generation as much.
Thankfully, the worry was not needed.
While it did take me a bit to get used to the new characters, I ended up loving them. Elise, Merit and Ethan’s daughter, was a really good mix of both her parents strengths and weaknesses and I love that, despite how “special” she is in the sup world, she is extremely down to earth. She does the right thing more often than not and just has a good heart. As for the rest of the new characters, Connor, Lulu, Theo, Petra, Yuen and Riley, were a lot of fun ~ even when things weren’t so fun. Each are quite unique in their personalities and attitudes and I really enjoyed their interactions with each other.
Since this is a first in series and a spinoff, there is a lot of information getting tossed out throughout the book, especially in the beginning, to set everything up, but it didn’t overwhelm me or impede in my enjoyment of the book. I enjoyed getting the updates on the major players from CV and though I know that most won’t be making steady appearances in the series, I do hope that they will pop in briefly at some point in the series.
Overall, I really enjoyed Wild Hunger. The writing is clean and engaging. The main issue in this book was well thought out and executed, and though the resolution was good, I would have a liked a little more follow up, but I’m also not mad at it. And then there is the epilogue. I love that she mixed things up a bit with it ~ in more ways than one ~ and cannot wait to see what is coming next!
~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~
The only vampire ever born, Elisa Sullivan is the daughter of an established and respected vampire house and of its leaders. But growing up is never easy, no matter whose child you are. Elisa goes away to Paris for college, and returns to Chicago on a job, where she encounters the friends she left behind. Elisa’s goal is to help extend the peace that exists in Chicago between humans and supernaturals to her adopted home in France. But her work makes her witnesses to an event that demonstrates not everyone wants the peace to spread across the ocean. Elisa tries to uncover who- or what- is determined to prevent an accord form being reached, all while navigating the political currents in Chicago.
I was eagerly awaiting Wild Hunger, as I am a fan of the Chicagoland series. I was nervous about meeting Elisa, daughter of two great characters, but was pleasantly surprised to find that I liked her. Elisa stands up as her own person, but at the same time, the influence of her parents is clear. Fans will enjoy seeing favorite characters from past books and sometimes, their children, interact in a slightly futuristic Chicago. I hope we will learn more about Elisa’s time in France, and her relationship with the French houses in future books. That part of the plot wasn’t fully explored or given closure in this book. Overall, Wild Hunger was an enjoyable read, and I loved the tension between Elisa and a certain figure from her childhood. It reminded me of the chemistry between two other beloved characters (cough *Duchess and Darth Sullivan* cough) and I am excited to read the next installment of this story.
Wild Hunger is the first book I’ve ever read from Chloe Neill and she sure knows how to wow her readers. There’s a lot less romance than what I typically read, but it’s actually perfect for the storyline. There’s no forced relationship and I like that the book isn’t centered on romance but more of the main character, Elisa. She’s the first and only born vampire with additional magic that no one knows about. She doesn’t flaunt, she’s not overly confident in herself or cocky, she’s fierce without the intention of it and she’s protective of those she loves. I love that Chloe Neill has given each character their own flaws for them to overcome, like Elisa’s lack of trust in herself. I really enjoyed that the ending wasn’t left on a cliffhanger but still gives an idea of more to come for Elisa and the gang. I’m really excited for the next book!
I wasn’t sure what to expect. I know that I loved the Chicagoland vampire books and knew that Elisa was going to be special. I like that she is older in this book and her magic is something we learned about at the end of the last Chicagoland book but you don’t need to have read that series to understand it.
The fact that she keeps it hidden from her family makes me wonder though. But I like that she can be talk to Connor about it and that he doesn’t judge her. The fact that he is in line to be the next Alpha of the North American Central Pack and they are having feelings could be iffy since Elisa is the first vampire born and I don’t think the shifters will like that.
The fairies really through a wrench into the peace talks and this book is intense but I loved it!
I want more I can’t wait to press play on the next book.
I also really liked Suzanne Elise Freeman’s narration I am glad that we they changed narrators for this series as much as I like Sophie we did need a new voice.
I LOVED this start to her next series. Every bit as good as the first one. A great mix of new characters and old, super fast-paced, great magic and I can’t wait for the next one!
Great start to a new series!
love this author and all the books in this series
If you loved Ethan and Merit, you will definitely want to read this!
This is their daughter, Elisa. And boy does she take after both of her parents!
We get fights, mystery, secrets, a budding love, a witch that doesn’t use her magic and some new characters. We also see some older ones as well.
Besides Elisa (and her parents of course), Connor and Lulu Bell play a part in this book.
Even though Chicago has been at peace for 20 some years, that’s not the case anymore. Have no fear, Elisa is here. She is picking up right where her mom left off though.
I do want to know what is going on with her though. And how are things going to work between her and Connor, I can’t see that going over well with everyone in the pack.
This is a great start to the spin-off. Can’t wait to read more.
Wild Hunger is the first book in the new “Heirs of Chicagoland Series” which follows Chloe Neill’s Chicagoland Vampires Series. Wild Hunger can be enjoyed without having read the earlier series but there are references to incidents that occurred to characters in the earlier series which really cannot be fully explained in this new series. Wild Hunger is a fascinating, action packed novel. Elias Sullivan (only vampire child ever “born” [not “changed”] and “Immortal”) is the daughter of Ethan Sullivan and Caroline Merit Sullivan, Master and Sentinel of Cadogan House (vampires) in Chicago. She has been attending Ecole Dumas, Europe’s only university for supernaturals in Paris , France (affiliated with Paris’s Maison Dumas-one of Europe’s most prestigious vampire Houses) for 4 years and presently was repaying her training with a year of mandatory armed service for the House. Elias is escorting delegates of Maison Dumas to Chicago for “Peace Talks”. After arriving in Chicago, Elias visits with her parents and meets with her childhood playmate Connor Keene, son of Gabriel Keene, Apex of the North American Pack of shifters which had made its home in Chicago. Elias and Connor had a combative relationship as they grew up. Elias and Connor continue to “spar” with each other but gradually realize there is more to their “friendship” than they realized. They end up working together to solve the assassination of a diplomat at Cadogan House. The adventure is fascinating and most enjoyable. Elias and Connor’s relationship grows and adds to the excitement in the story. It is fun to revisit with characters in the previous series and see how they will interact with Elias and Connor. I highly recommend this book!
I loved Elisa’s & Connor’s story. It is a great pick up from where the story ended with The Chicagoland Vampires series. I Loved Every Page!! Read it straight through. I just wish that the next one was here already.
Love it, as usual.
Full disclosure: I didn’t read the Chicagoland series that this is a spin off from. Therefore, I’m not familiar with the older generations within this book, nor the writing style of this author. That being said, please note that my review is based solely on THIS book and my opinion.
Elisa is the first, full bred, vampire born to Ethan and Merit of the previous series. Although she’s technically the princess, she needed to find her self worth. Why? Because there’s something different about her. Not just being full blood born. There’s something, someone, within her that she’s been hiding. After living and studying in France for four years, she’s volunteering a year of service to the French vampire House/Delegates. So she finds herself returning home to Chicagoland to assist in negotiations for peace among all vampire Houses. But returning home has stirred the monster within. And running in to old friends have sparked new emotions.
Conner is the prince of the shifter family that has been a part of the Vampire House for many years, due to the peace treaty in Chicagoland. He was also the annoying young boy who grew up with Elisa, constantly teasing and torturing each other. But he’s all grown up now. In fact, he’s vying to be Apex when his father decides to “retire”. Part his Pack’s agreement with the Vampire House has been to provide security during events. It’s at one of the events that he sees Elisa again and it appears that she’s not the only one who’s grown up over the last four years. But there’s a job to be done and a trip he has to prepare for.
As you read the story, you’ll meet additional characters, but I’ll stick to these two since they are the focal point in the blurb. I mention this because although they interact with each other throughout the story, I found that the “romance” and/or build up toward the romance was more about friends than lust or “attraction”.
I have read many PNR books. While this one’s POV is mainly focused on the vampire side, there are shifters and faeries in this as well. But I’m sad to say that while Conner is a shifter, we only witness him (or anyone else for that matter) in his shifter form ONCE. ONCE!!!! And he’s supposed to be one of the main characters? I also felt that the climax was a bit anti-climactic, only to leave me hanging with a cliffhanger Epilogue that of course pulls me in a little because, OMG, there might be some romance!!! And then…..
All in all, the building of the characters took a while, but worth understanding. Once the story started to take, it sparked my interest. But right when I was starting to get in to it, it unfortunately fizzled for me. But the writing was very well done and I can see that the series has the potential to draw me back in. Here’s to crossing fingers…..
Great first book to this Chicagoland Vampires spinoff series. I loved and enjoyed the original series and Heirs of Chicagoland has taken off with a bang. The new characters and old characters all mix well, but you never forget that this is Elisa’s and Connor’s story. Great chemistry, action, and story. Not one dull moment. Could not put it down. I want the second book already.
I can’t reply how much I loved this book.
This is the first paranormal book in the “Heirs of Chicagoland” series and is a spin off the “Chicagoland Vampires” series. I highly recommend starting with the Chicagoland Vampire series as Wild Hunger builds off that world and reveals spoilers from that series. I was thrilled when I learned that the author was creating a series for Elisa Sullivan – the now grown up child of Ethan and Merit.
This book has it all – vampires, shifters, fairies, sorcerers as well as political intrigue, murder, suspense, magic, and a potential romantic relationship between Elisa and another character.
This is a fast-paced, full length novel that keeps you entertained right until the very end. The European vampires are entering peace talks and are in Chicago. While at a celebration at Cadogan’s house, one the delegates is murdered and a shifter friend is found, confused holding the knife. I enjoyed reading how the story unfolded. There were many things at play. Who or which supernatural beings performed the murder? Why are the Fae suddenly acting so odd?
Elisa is a strong character who loves her friends fiercely and wants the violence to stop and have peace. She is battling an inner demon – one that powerful and scares her. Connor is a hot, sexy alpha member of the wolf pack that you cannot help, but love. Lulu, Catcher and Mallory’s daughter, is Elisa’s quirky best friend. All the characters were well developed and I am looking forward to seeing them in the future books. There were some short scenes with Merit and Ethan, which I loved, but I would have liked to have read some with Mallory and Catcher.
I received this book through Netgalley and I voluntarily leave this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Audiobook review: The kids are all grownup! Thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book. The action was plentiful, the drama keeps your interest, the characters are likable, and the romantic interest makes me smile! The narrator did a fantastic job!
Chloe Neill’s WILD HUNGER (Heirs of Chicagoland #1) is an amazing spin-off of the Chicagoland Vampires series. I love that this series is about the kids from the Chicagoland Vampire series. I also love that the parents are still included in the new series. Elisa Sullivan is the only vampire to be born. Wolf shifter, Connor Keene, is the son of the North American Central Pack Apex. The two team up to try to stop a supernatural dispute after a vampire diplomate is murdered.
Chloe Neill did a commendable job with this first book to the series. The plot is perfect and skillfully executed. The characters are unique and well developed. They have personal and professional issues to deal with. The chemistry between Elisa and Connor was entertaining. Their parents are good friends, so they hung out as children, frequently getting into fights. They hadn’t seen each other in four years. It was amusing watching their relationship progress. I love that Lulu Bell is Elisa’s best friend, just like Mallory was Merit’s
WILD HUNGER was exciting from start to finish. I’m really looking forward to following this series. While you do not have to read the Chicagoland Vampire series to follow this story, I do recommend the series. Having read the series, I already felt invested in the characters. I also, appreciate what Elisa was going through because of how her birth occurred. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
It was so wonderful to be back in Merit’s world, now with Merit’s daughter. I do admit it did feel a little odd a times, but not in a bad way. Just different in a “I was expecting Merit, but of course I didn’t get her” way. I like how Elisa is a blend of her parents but is uniquely a person of her own. The plot was interesting and kept me entertained throughout the book, and I just loved seeing many of the second generation of most of the main characters from the Chicagoland series. Along with Elisa, I can’t wait to get to know them better. Added to that, I loved the budding relationship between Elisa and Connor, something fans of the previous series knew was coming. All in all, this was the great book I was expecting from this author. She didn’t disappoint, and I’m anxiously waiting for the next book in the series to see more about Elisa’s secret, her and Connor’s relationship, and what is going to happen next. Highly recommend! I was provided a complimentary copy of the e-book which I reviewed voluntarily.