Wicked Hour by Chloe Neill – a Review

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Description:
Vampires were made, not born—until Elisa Sullivan came along. As the only vampire child in existence, she grew up with a heavy legacy, and tried to flee her past. Then circumstances drew her back to Chicago, and she stayed to keep it safe. With shifter Connor Keene, the only son of Pack Apex Gabriel Keene, at her side, she faced down a supernatural evil that threatened to destroy Chicago forever.

After the dust from the attack has settled, Elisa is surprised when Connor invites her to a usually private Pack event in the north woods of Minnesota, and by the warm welcome she receives from some of Connor’s family, even though she’s a vampire. But the peace doesn’t last. The shifters tell tales of a monster in the woods, and when the celebration is marred by death, Elisa and Connor find themselves in the middle of a struggle for control that forces Elisa to face her true self—fangs and all.

Review:

Wicked Hour by Chloe Neill is the 2^nd book in her Heirs of Chicagoland series.  I looked forward to reading this book, especially after I loved the first book, Wild Hunger.  I am happy to say Wicked Hour was equally as good as the first book, and I cannot wait to continue reading more of this wonderful series.

Refresher:  Elisa Sullivan, our heroine, is the only vampire child ever born, and her parents are the powerful leaders of the American vampires that lead the Chicagoland series.  Connor Keen, our hero, is a werewolf and the heir apparent to the North American Central Pack Apex (Alpha).  Both Connor and Elisa have known each other since childhood, though they did not consider themselves friends,  as their families maintained a peaceful friendship, despite the different species (vampire – werewolf).  In the last book, Connor and Elisa become friends, now that they are no longer children, and the chemistry between them continues to heat up.

In Wicked Hour, Connor needs to go to visit the Minnesota Pack, because of an initiation, and also some concerns.  He convinces Elisa to go with him, as she is very good at reading people, as well as Alexei, another werewolf loyal to Connor and his pack.  What they find is a clan in disarray, with the elders and the younger generation becoming separated, especially after the death of one of the younger females.  Connor and Elisa will also discover that the elders are ignoring signs of a dangerous species that is hurting and killing others.  Both will have to find a way to stand up to the clan, and earn their respect, especially since they do not like a vampire in their mist.  

What follows is an exciting action filled adventure, especially in the last third of the book as the danger escalates with this new species trying to take over, including killing humans. Connor and Elisa will discover how this new mutant is being created by a magical spell, and must find a way to defeat them, as well gain the trust of the clan.   

I thought Elisa was a wonderful heroine; strong, smart, sensible and truly likeable. She does have a secret that Connor knows about; she feels she has a monster inside of her, but when she is in danger, her monster is what will help her fight like a berserker.  As the danger escalates putting their lives in danger, it is Connor who persuades Elisa to use her gift to help save their lives.  It was nice to see her accept her other part, and I look forward when she will be able to use this more when needed.

Chloe Neill gives us another great story, with a wonderful couple, great secondary characters, which include, LuLu, Alexei, Theo and Elisa’s strange cat, Eleanor of Aquitaine.  Wicked Hour was well written by Neill and continues this wonderful Urban Fantasy/Paranormal series, which I can’t wait for the next book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher