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Heirs of Chicagoland #3
Shadowed Steel
In the third installment in the Heirs of Chicagoland series, the vampires in Elisa Sullivan's world are out for blood.
Elisa Sullivan is the only vampire ever born, and she bears a heavy legacy. After a sojourn with the North American Central Pack of shifters in the wilderness—where she turned a young woman into a vampire to save her life—Elisa returns to Chicago.
But no good deed goes unpunished. The ruling body of vampires, the Assembly of American Masters, is furious that Elisa turned someone without their permission, and they’re out for her blood. When an AAM vampire is found dead, Elisa is the prime suspect. Someone else is stalking Chicago—and Elisa. She'll need to keep a clear head, and a sharp blade, to survive all the supernatural strife.
Elisa Sullivan is the only vampire ever born, and she bears a heavy legacy. After a sojourn with the North American Central Pack of shifters in the wilderness—where she turned a young woman into a vampire to save her life—Elisa returns to Chicago.
But no good deed goes unpunished. The ruling body of vampires, the Assembly of American Masters, is furious that Elisa turned someone without their permission, and they’re out for her blood. When an AAM vampire is found dead, Elisa is the prime suspect. Someone else is stalking Chicago—and Elisa. She'll need to keep a clear head, and a sharp blade, to survive all the supernatural strife.
330 pages, ebook
First published May 4, 2021
178 people are currently reading
1618 people want to read
About the author
Chloe Neill
43 books10.1k followersChloe Neill is the New York Times bestselling author of the Heirs of Chicagoland, Chicagoland Vampires Novels, Devil's Isle Novels, and Dark Elite novels. Chloe was born and raised in the South, but now makes her home in the Midwest. When she's not writing, she bakes, works, and scours the Internet for good recipes and great graphic design. Chloe also maintains her sanity by spending time with her boys--her husband and their dogs, Baxter and Scout.
Connect with Chloe at www.chloeneill.com.
Connect with Chloe at www.chloeneill.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews
January 6, 2023
I have a love-hate relationship with Chloe Neill's books, which means I adore one aspect of a story while feeling irked at something else. The same is true here.
The romantic ship is phenomenal. I loved it in the first two books, and it gets even better now that Connor and Elisa are officially dating. I'm weak for a cocky, rakish werewolf alpha-to-be hero in love with his childhood nemesis. WEAK. It scratches my id, okay? Especially when the childhood nemesis is a one-of-a-kind vampire with a monstrous secret that no one knows about (except for aforementioned werewolf boyfriend. As I said earlier: I am weak). Every Connor/Elisa interaction is A+ and I am definitely reading the next book in the series.
The action subplot re: Elisa facing off against AAM vampires trying to capture her... meh. I was ambivalent for the first two-thirds of the book. Then I got super annoyed because (major spoilers ahead, do not click unless you want to know)
So... three stars for a wonderful romantic ship and a mediocre action subplot. YMMV.
Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The romantic ship is phenomenal. I loved it in the first two books, and it gets even better now that Connor and Elisa are officially dating. I'm weak for a cocky, rakish werewolf alpha-to-be hero in love with his childhood nemesis. WEAK. It scratches my id, okay? Especially when the childhood nemesis is a one-of-a-kind vampire with a monstrous secret that no one knows about (except for aforementioned werewolf boyfriend. As I said earlier: I am weak). Every Connor/Elisa interaction is A+ and I am definitely reading the next book in the series.
The action subplot re: Elisa facing off against AAM vampires trying to capture her... meh. I was ambivalent for the first two-thirds of the book. Then I got super annoyed because (major spoilers ahead, do not click unless you want to know)
So... three stars for a wonderful romantic ship and a mediocre action subplot. YMMV.
Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
November 5, 2022
I just wasn't very interested in this story... the first one in this spin-off series was OK, I liked the last one, but this went back to just being OK.
I love the original series, but I'm starting to think that the spin-off just isn't necessary. I'll give one more a shot, but then I might bow out.
I love the original series, but I'm starting to think that the spin-off just isn't necessary. I'll give one more a shot, but then I might bow out.
May 8, 2021
Chloe Neill returns with another installment in the Heirs of Chicagoland series. Well, I’m gonna be straightforward and just say it – I really enjoyed this book! There’s so use beating around the bush when you could be reading this exciting book. But if you were on the fence about this series, I would say it’s definitely worth the read.
It keeps in tune with what Neill had created in the original series, but the spin off has a fresh, young vibe to it that I really enjoy. I love the playful banter in this book. Sometimes humor can be hit or miss depending on the author, but I really felt like the dialogue in this one was really well done. It definitely put me in a good mood while reading it.
I also love the main characters in this series. I feel like there’s a good array of different personalities and Neill does a good job of integrating them all in without making it feel too crowded. I love the different paranormal creatures featured in this series too, so there’s really something for everyone here.
If you like a snarky heroine and exciting action, then I would definitely recommend trying out SHADOWED STEEL. It’s definitely one of my favorite reads this month.
April 30, 2021
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Heirs of Chicagoland series continues with the gang back in Chicago. I appreciated the last book because it gave us more time with Connor and Elisa alone, so we got to see their relationship building. Their relationship continues to develop in Shadowed Steel. Her friend, Lulu, still seems silly but loyal.
The primary story here is the AAM (Vampire rules watchdog group) wants to hold Elisa accountable for the human she turned to vampire as she is not a Master. She only did so because the human would have died because of the Pack. Their plan is to lock her up and test her, and force her to join a Vampire house under the control of a Master.
Elisa has no interest in being in a house, having the control of a Master, becoming a Master or creating any vampires in the future. She enjoys her work in the Ombudsman office. I suppose Elisa will always be a bit of a "special snowflake" considering who she is and Connor, but she does a good job of figuring things out and managing her own problems here, not relying on her friends or family to solve them.
The villains were easy to spot and one motive was clear. The other motive and details were much harder to see and had to be untangled throughout the story. Shadowed Steel is a solid installment with world-building, character development and an interesting mystery.
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Heirs of Chicagoland series continues with the gang back in Chicago. I appreciated the last book because it gave us more time with Connor and Elisa alone, so we got to see their relationship building. Their relationship continues to develop in Shadowed Steel. Her friend, Lulu, still seems silly but loyal.
The primary story here is the AAM (Vampire rules watchdog group) wants to hold Elisa accountable for the human she turned to vampire as she is not a Master. She only did so because the human would have died because of the Pack. Their plan is to lock her up and test her, and force her to join a Vampire house under the control of a Master.
Elisa has no interest in being in a house, having the control of a Master, becoming a Master or creating any vampires in the future. She enjoys her work in the Ombudsman office. I suppose Elisa will always be a bit of a "special snowflake" considering who she is and Connor, but she does a good job of figuring things out and managing her own problems here, not relying on her friends or family to solve them.
The villains were easy to spot and one motive was clear. The other motive and details were much harder to see and had to be untangled throughout the story. Shadowed Steel is a solid installment with world-building, character development and an interesting mystery.
December 18, 2021
Un bon troisième tome j’aime bien cette série mais je dois avouer que je n’arrive pas à l’apprécier autant qu’un tome de Kate Daniels qui reste pour moi la meilleure série d’urban fantasy que j’ai lue.
Après l’intrigue est intéressante et le livre est bien écrit. Je continuerais la lecture de cette série.
Après l’intrigue est intéressante et le livre est bien écrit. Je continuerais la lecture de cette série.
May 4, 2021
Elisa Sullivan is the only vampire ever born and not created. In the previous book she saved a young human woman’s life and the ruling body of vampires, known as the Assembly of American Masters (AAM) have summoned her. They want to hold her accountable since she broke vampire law by turning a human. With her parents out of town and Elisa unaligned with a house, she faces the charges with her friends and the shifter Prince. It does not go well; they want Elisa to join a house and be tested.
This was an intense installment as a member of the AAM turns up dead and they immediately accuse Elisa. Then there is the creepy stalker who has formed a relationship with Elisa in his head.
Elisa is clever and working to control her inner monster while finding herself, enjoying her friends and falling in love with a sexy shifter prince, but first she needs to deal with the threats that may put an end to all of it. Her friends at the Ombudsman office offer help but have to suspend her. Elisa offered some solid leads and kept her head even as her friends her threatened.
Conner and Elisa’s romance progresses. Their chemistry feels genuine, and Conner is a sweet, cocky alpha who obviously adores Elisa. I enjoyed their romantic interaction and was delighted to see their relationship more defined.
A certain she wolf continues to be a pain in the arse. An elf wants to be friends, and Elisa and I connect over our love of coffee.
The case wrapped up, but I am eager to see where things are headed for Elisa, Conner and their friends. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
This was an intense installment as a member of the AAM turns up dead and they immediately accuse Elisa. Then there is the creepy stalker who has formed a relationship with Elisa in his head.
Elisa is clever and working to control her inner monster while finding herself, enjoying her friends and falling in love with a sexy shifter prince, but first she needs to deal with the threats that may put an end to all of it. Her friends at the Ombudsman office offer help but have to suspend her. Elisa offered some solid leads and kept her head even as her friends her threatened.
Conner and Elisa’s romance progresses. Their chemistry feels genuine, and Conner is a sweet, cocky alpha who obviously adores Elisa. I enjoyed their romantic interaction and was delighted to see their relationship more defined.
A certain she wolf continues to be a pain in the arse. An elf wants to be friends, and Elisa and I connect over our love of coffee.
The case wrapped up, but I am eager to see where things are headed for Elisa, Conner and their friends. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
July 11, 2025
Chloe Neill’s Shadowed Steel earns a solid four stars for its fast-paced action, rich character dynamics, and continued expansion of the Heirs of Chicagoland universe. Elisa Sullivan, the only vampire ever born, returns to Chicago only to face political backlash from the Assembly of American Masters after turning a human to save her life. The tension escalates when Elisa becomes the prime suspect in a vampire’s murder, all while a mysterious stalker lurks in the shadows. Neill balances supernatural intrigue with emotional depth, especially in Elisa’s evolving relationship with Connor Keen, the heir to the shifter pack. Their chemistry adds warmth to an otherwise intense narrative, and the supporting cast of LuLu, Theo, and the devilish cat Eleanor brings humor and heart. While the villain’s motives feel slightly underdeveloped and some plot threads resolve a bit too neatly, Elisa’s internal struggle with her hidden “monster” adds compelling layers to her character. Shadowed Steel doesn’t reinvent the genre, but it delivers a satisfying blend of romance, suspense, and supernatural politics that fans of urban fantasy will appreciate.
I received this ARC copy of SHADOWED STEEL from Berkley Publishing Group. This is my voluntary and honest review.
I received this ARC copy of SHADOWED STEEL from Berkley Publishing Group. This is my voluntary and honest review.
November 12, 2021
My least favorite in the Heirs of Chicagoland series.
⭐️ - creative.
⭐️ - I think an argument could be made for innovative. And I felt bad giving just 1 star
🚫 - engaging. This one didn't do it for me. I found the characters particularly annoying this book. The plot felt like filler compared to others in the series, and it is becoming more and more noticeable that the characters do not have unique voices. The HoC characters talk exactly like the Chicagoland ones; replace the names (Elisa" with "Merit," "Connor" with "Ethan," etc.) and you can barely tell a difference.
🚫 - diverse perspective.
🚫 - educational value. I guess maybe Chicago history, geography, and culture, but I don't feel it's plays a significant enough role to count. And I don't think this book deserves more than 2 stars.
⭐️ - creative.
⭐️ - I think an argument could be made for innovative. And I felt bad giving just 1 star
🚫 - engaging. This one didn't do it for me. I found the characters particularly annoying this book. The plot felt like filler compared to others in the series, and it is becoming more and more noticeable that the characters do not have unique voices. The HoC characters talk exactly like the Chicagoland ones; replace the names (Elisa" with "Merit," "Connor" with "Ethan," etc.) and you can barely tell a difference.
🚫 - diverse perspective.
🚫 - educational value. I guess maybe Chicago history, geography, and culture, but I don't feel it's plays a significant enough role to count. And I don't think this book deserves more than 2 stars.
May 17, 2021
Un troisième tome où certaines choses avancent enfin. Je ne comprends toujours pas pourquoi Elisa ne souhaite pas rejoindre le clan de ses parents.
July 21, 2021
A random stalker? Really? I was hoping for something juicier, honestly.
April 26, 2021
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
Shadowed Steel is the third installment in author Chloe Neill's Heirs of Shadowland series. Because of an incident that happened in Wicked Hour, Elissa Sullivan, the only vampire to ever be born, not made, faces the Vampire ruling body known as the American Assembly of Masters. The Compliance Bureau arm of the AAM accuses Elissa of breaking their laws against turning a human into a vampire unless permission is given by a Master, or the AAM. They demand that Elissa join a House or face the consequences which include testing and/or facing a kind of imprisonment until she complies. Testing is not something she will agree to.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
Shadowed Steel is the third installment in author Chloe Neill's Heirs of Shadowland series. Because of an incident that happened in Wicked Hour, Elissa Sullivan, the only vampire to ever be born, not made, faces the Vampire ruling body known as the American Assembly of Masters. The Compliance Bureau arm of the AAM accuses Elissa of breaking their laws against turning a human into a vampire unless permission is given by a Master, or the AAM. They demand that Elissa join a House or face the consequences which include testing and/or facing a kind of imprisonment until she complies. Testing is not something she will agree to.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
May 5, 2021
With this one it seems like Elisa is settling more into being back home in Chicago, hanging out with her friends and her new relationship with Connor. Sadly just when things are good the new vampire authorities seek her out for what happened in MN. What Elisa did the last book wasn't malicious at all, so you have to wonder why they are coming after her. What happens for the rest of the book is a bit bonkers because it seems like the sins (or so called sins) of the parents can cause troubles for their children. It was fun to see Elisa figure things out and call these vampires out for their prejudices and then later for calling out someone who is a big pain in Elisa's butt. Elisa proved she is her parents daughter in more than one way and did so in a great fashion.
November 18, 2021
I absolutely adore this series and the series it grew from! The writing is engaging, the characters are extremely easy to connect with and love and the urban fantasy is top-notch. The stalker storyline was a bit cliche and predictable but the sheer joy of reading makes up for it in spades. The biggest downside is actually the price of the e-book - and the reason it took me so long to muster the inclination to give in and pay it.
July 17, 2021
Wow the twists and turns Elisa is forced to navigate before she can breathe freely again come fast and furious.
August 16, 2024
Enjoying Brat and Puppy’s adventures!
May 28, 2021
Always a pleasure to return to this world, the characters are growing and their love is evolving beautifully!!
April 10, 2021
In this third book in the Heirs of Chicagoland series, Elissa Sullivan finds herself in trouble with the Assembly of American Masters for making a human into a vampire in the previous book in this series.
Vampires from the Compliance Bureau have come to Chicago to demand that Elissa join a House or face the consequences which include testing and/or facing a kind of imprisonment until she complies. Testing is not something she will agree to. She hasn't even told her parents about her monster half. Only her best friend Lulu and her boyfriend Connor know about it.
When Blake, one of the vampires from the Compliance Bureau, is found messily dead, Elissa is pulled in for questioning by the Ombuds Office where she has been working. She's put on administrative leave while the investigation goes on which makes her very determined to find out who killed Blake.
Elissa has also attracted a stalker who is sending her creepy notes which talk about their very close relationship. Elissa has no idea who's sending the messages but she's concerned that the stalker seems to be targeting her friends including Connor.
This was a very entertaining story filled with both action and vampire politics. I like the way Elissa's relationship with Connor is progressing. I also like her determination to make her own choices and not let anything, including disappointing her parents, get in the way of making the right choices for her life. I enjoyed the worldbuilding and the near-future setting of the story.
Vampires from the Compliance Bureau have come to Chicago to demand that Elissa join a House or face the consequences which include testing and/or facing a kind of imprisonment until she complies. Testing is not something she will agree to. She hasn't even told her parents about her monster half. Only her best friend Lulu and her boyfriend Connor know about it.
When Blake, one of the vampires from the Compliance Bureau, is found messily dead, Elissa is pulled in for questioning by the Ombuds Office where she has been working. She's put on administrative leave while the investigation goes on which makes her very determined to find out who killed Blake.
Elissa has also attracted a stalker who is sending her creepy notes which talk about their very close relationship. Elissa has no idea who's sending the messages but she's concerned that the stalker seems to be targeting her friends including Connor.
This was a very entertaining story filled with both action and vampire politics. I like the way Elissa's relationship with Connor is progressing. I also like her determination to make her own choices and not let anything, including disappointing her parents, get in the way of making the right choices for her life. I enjoyed the worldbuilding and the near-future setting of the story.
May 10, 2022
French & English reviews
Un tome que j'ai dévoré en trop peu de temps ><
Ce que j'ai particulièrement aimé :
- toujours l'univers de Chicago avec ses intrigues politiques et les différentes factions =) Et bien sûr l'ambiance du petit groupe qui fait très bande à Scoobidou !
- l'intrigue autour du meurtre mais aussi toute la tension autour du "monstre" d'Elisa !
- les personnages (je suis hyper curieuse pour Jonathan Black !)
- la romance qui franchit un nouveau pallier avec Connor et Elisa (cette scène dehors <3 <3) et j'avoue je verrais bien Lulu avec Alexei =D
Je ne mets pas 5 étoiles uniquement parce qu'il manque un petit truc pour en faire un coup de coeur =)
Bref, encore un tome qui ravira les fans d'urban fantasy et de vampires =)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A book that I devoured in too little time ><
What I particularly liked :
- as usual the universe of Chicago with its political intrigues and the different factions =) And of course the atmosphere of the small group which is very Scoobi gang !
- the plot with the murder but also all the tension around Elisa's "monster" !
- the characters (I'm very curious about Jonathan Black !)
- the romance that reaches a new level with Connor and Elisa (this scene outside <3 <3) and I must admit I would see love to see Lulu with Alexei =D
I don't give 5 stars only because it lacks a little thing to make it a favorite =)
In short, another book that will delight fans of urban fantasy and vampires =)
Un tome que j'ai dévoré en trop peu de temps ><
Ce que j'ai particulièrement aimé :
- toujours l'univers de Chicago avec ses intrigues politiques et les différentes factions =) Et bien sûr l'ambiance du petit groupe qui fait très bande à Scoobidou !
- l'intrigue autour du meurtre mais aussi toute la tension autour du "monstre" d'Elisa !
- les personnages (je suis hyper curieuse pour Jonathan Black !)
- la romance qui franchit un nouveau pallier avec Connor et Elisa (cette scène dehors <3 <3) et j'avoue je verrais bien Lulu avec Alexei =D
Je ne mets pas 5 étoiles uniquement parce qu'il manque un petit truc pour en faire un coup de coeur =)
Bref, encore un tome qui ravira les fans d'urban fantasy et de vampires =)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A book that I devoured in too little time ><
What I particularly liked :
- as usual the universe of Chicago with its political intrigues and the different factions =) And of course the atmosphere of the small group which is very Scoobi gang !
- the plot with the murder but also all the tension around Elisa's "monster" !
- the characters (I'm very curious about Jonathan Black !)
- the romance that reaches a new level with Connor and Elisa (this scene outside <3 <3) and I must admit I would see love to see Lulu with Alexei =D
I don't give 5 stars only because it lacks a little thing to make it a favorite =)
In short, another book that will delight fans of urban fantasy and vampires =)
February 28, 2021
Chloe Neill's latest offering in her spin off of her famous Chicagoland Vampire series gives fans more Elisa and Connor goodness when the vampire princess is forced to explain her actions from Wicked Hour. Thrills and chills with the usual biting humor and smexytimes will keep readers firmly hooked until the last page.
May 12, 2021
3.5 Sterne
Für mich bis jetzt der schwächste Band, was die Handlung angeht, aber der beste in Sachen Elisa/Connor.
Ich mag die beiden als Paar unglaublich gerne, genauso wie auch ihren Freundeskreis.
Tolle Charaktere, die als Gruppe super zusammenpassen.
Für mich bis jetzt der schwächste Band, was die Handlung angeht, aber der beste in Sachen Elisa/Connor.
Ich mag die beiden als Paar unglaublich gerne, genauso wie auch ihren Freundeskreis.
Tolle Charaktere, die als Gruppe super zusammenpassen.
February 9, 2021
Always all the stars for my best friends and family. Cadogan Forever.
September 24, 2024
Audible 9/2024
I received a free copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
Shadowed Steel is the 3rd installment in the Heirs of Chicagoland series. Cannot be read as a standalone. Additionally, even though this is listed as the 3rd in the series, it is a spin-off of the Chicagoland Vampires. I suggest new readers start at the beginning, with Some Girls Bite, to experience the events that created Elisa, Connor, and Lulu.
To preface this review, I will not be speaking of the plot whatsoever. Why? It's the 3rd novel, we readers should be well-versed in the world building at this point. Mostly, I don't wish to reveal things that might spoil the experience.
Merit and Darth Sullivan (the vampires), along with Mallory and Catcher (the witches), and their shaky alliance with Gabriel (the shifters) their actions are still impacting the future through their children, Elisa, Lulu, and Connor.
To be honest, I wasn't invested in the main plot (Elisa being who she is puts a target on her back, no matter what), because Chloe Neill shines when it comes to relationships between romantic couples, but most certainly the relationship built between family and friends. It's real, and sometimes it's raw, but it always resonates with me.
On the personal angst front, there are mysteries and issues stemming from the fact that Elisa is the first of her kind, born not made/created by one of her master vampire parents.
Shadowed Steel was a homecoming for me, a few stolen hours to spend with well-loved favorites. All it does is make me wish to go back to the beginning yet again and experience it with a different perspective.
Highly recommend this series and the author to those who seek Urban Fantasy. Always at the top of my recommendation list.
I received a free copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
Shadowed Steel is the 3rd installment in the Heirs of Chicagoland series. Cannot be read as a standalone. Additionally, even though this is listed as the 3rd in the series, it is a spin-off of the Chicagoland Vampires. I suggest new readers start at the beginning, with Some Girls Bite, to experience the events that created Elisa, Connor, and Lulu.
To preface this review, I will not be speaking of the plot whatsoever. Why? It's the 3rd novel, we readers should be well-versed in the world building at this point. Mostly, I don't wish to reveal things that might spoil the experience.
Merit and Darth Sullivan (the vampires), along with Mallory and Catcher (the witches), and their shaky alliance with Gabriel (the shifters) their actions are still impacting the future through their children, Elisa, Lulu, and Connor.
To be honest, I wasn't invested in the main plot (Elisa being who she is puts a target on her back, no matter what), because Chloe Neill shines when it comes to relationships between romantic couples, but most certainly the relationship built between family and friends. It's real, and sometimes it's raw, but it always resonates with me.
On the personal angst front, there are mysteries and issues stemming from the fact that Elisa is the first of her kind, born not made/created by one of her master vampire parents.
Shadowed Steel was a homecoming for me, a few stolen hours to spend with well-loved favorites. All it does is make me wish to go back to the beginning yet again and experience it with a different perspective.
Highly recommend this series and the author to those who seek Urban Fantasy. Always at the top of my recommendation list.
January 27, 2021
To say I loved this book is an understatement. Devoured it in one day. I love Elisa and I love that she seems to get into as much "trouble" as her mother. I love the group of friend that she has gathered around her and those she continues to gather. Elisa and Connor are adorable.
As much as I love reading the books I wish that Lis would trust her parents with her secret, as I am guessing they might be able to shed some light on the situation and they will most likely learn about it in a way that does some damage if she doesn't tell them herself.
Also, I wish that someone would just beat the @$ out of Miranda and put her in her place. She keeps getting passes for causing all sort of problems and needs to be held accountable not just threatened and treated like a harmless nuisance. I guess that was the part that upset me the most. That she got a pass. Just an "I know what you did". She got someone killed and almost got her future Apex killed because she is bitter and childish. I don't think Elisa handled that one well at all.
Please write quicker I would like to read more.
As much as I love reading the books I wish that Lis would trust her parents with her secret, as I am guessing they might be able to shed some light on the situation and they will most likely learn about it in a way that does some damage if she doesn't tell them herself.
Also, I wish that someone would just beat the @$ out of Miranda and put her in her place. She keeps getting passes for causing all sort of problems and needs to be held accountable not just threatened and treated like a harmless nuisance. I guess that was the part that upset me the most. That she got a pass. Just an "I know what you did". She got someone killed and almost got her future Apex killed because she is bitter and childish. I don't think Elisa handled that one well at all.
Please write quicker I would like to read more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2023
Okay so I don‘t write reviews often, only when I have something to say.
I‘ll say one thing though: Wow.
Just wow. You know there’s a reason why Chloe Neill is one of my favorite authors.
She just knows how to write her characters, how to relate to them in some ways (and yeah I know supernaturals don‘t exist in real life ;)
This is the second time where a third book is my favorite from the whole series.
Twice bitten (from the Chicagoland Vampires main series) is my favorite too.
I guess I liked it so much, because Connor‘s and Elisa‘s relationship evolved. ( I don‘t want to give away too much, just read it for yourselves.) Their dynamic not just as friends but also as more, was just so beautiful to watch (err read). It was very honest. And I liked that.
And the side characters as well, there‘s so much compassion and love between them, that it‘s hard not to like them.
All in all you should really give this series a chance. It might surprise you.
I‘ll say one thing though: Wow.
Just wow. You know there’s a reason why Chloe Neill is one of my favorite authors.
She just knows how to write her characters, how to relate to them in some ways (and yeah I know supernaturals don‘t exist in real life ;)
This is the second time where a third book is my favorite from the whole series.
Twice bitten (from the Chicagoland Vampires main series) is my favorite too.
I guess I liked it so much, because Connor‘s and Elisa‘s relationship evolved. ( I don‘t want to give away too much, just read it for yourselves.) Their dynamic not just as friends but also as more, was just so beautiful to watch (err read). It was very honest. And I liked that.
And the side characters as well, there‘s so much compassion and love between them, that it‘s hard not to like them.
All in all you should really give this series a chance. It might surprise you.
August 26, 2023
I had previously found that this series didn't live up to the original Chicagoland Vampire series and that is confirmed here. The story was pretty mundane with three particular things that either irked me or left me underwhelmed
The book was good enough to finish but left me with no burning desire to read any more about Elisa and Connor.
Thanks to my public library for the trade back.
The book was good enough to finish but left me with no burning desire to read any more about Elisa and Connor.
Thanks to my public library for the trade back.
June 4, 2021
Another great addition to the Chicagoland Vampires saga. I look at Elisa and her friends kinda like Buffy and the scoobies! Cant wait for the next book.
April 30, 2021
Check out our full post for SHADOWED STEEL on Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Erica – ☆☆☆☆☆
SHADOWED STEEL is the third installment in the Heirs of Chicagoland series. Cannot be read as a standalone. Additionally, even though this is listed as the third in the series, it is a spin-off of the Chicagoland Vampires. I suggest new readers start at the beginning, with SOME GIRLS BITE, to experience the events that created Elisa, Connor, and Lulu.
To preface this review, I will not be speaking of the plot whatsoever. Why? It's the third novel, we readers should be well-versed in the world building at this point. Mostly, I don't wish to reveal things that might spoil the experience.
Merit and Darth Sullivan (the vampires), along with Mallory and Catcher (the witches), and their shaky alliance with Gabriel (the shifters), their actions are still impacting the future through their children, Elisa, Lulu, and Connor.
To be honest, I wasn't invested in the main plot (Elisa being who she is puts a target on her back, no matter what), because Chloe Neill shines when it comes to relationships between romantic couples, but most certainly the relationship built between family and friends. It's real, and sometimes it's raw, but it always resonates with me.
On the personal angst front, there are mysteries and issues stemming from the fact that Elisa is the first of her kind, born not made/created by one of her master vampire parents.
SHADOWED STEEL was a homecoming for me, a few stolen hours to spend with well-loved favorites. All it does is make me wish to go back to the beginning yet again and experience it with a different perspective.
Highly recommend this series and the author to those who seek Urban Fantasy. Always at the top of my recommendation list.
Sarah – ☆☆☆☆☆
I’m feeling slightly disloyal at this point in Elisa’s series – I might actually like Elisa more than I liked her mother. Born into her world, Elisa is more at home in her skin and more confident in her place in the supernatural world than Merit was at the start of her series. Merit’s books were almost paranormal romance at times while Elisa is all urban fantasy.
This third book sees Elisa take a stand against the powerful Assembly of American Masters – the vampires’ governing body. Unwilling to compromise her independence, Elisa’s choices divide her friends, family, and allies. With some great action scenes and escalating threats from a stalker, this story moves quickly. Elisa’s interactions with the Assembly of American Masters are a fascinating mix of chases, battle scenes, and mind games.
I really love the way Elisa’s friends come through for her in this book. Even when her alliances are shaky, her friends remain loyal – and highly entertaining. This series is a fun mix of action, snark, camaraderie, and romance – and I’m loving it.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
May 8, 2021
As a long time fan of the Chicagoland Vampire series, I was thrilled when I realized that the series was going to continue with the next generation of Cadogan House Vampires and the North American Pack. I have enjoyed the first couple of books in this series, even though it felt like the first books took a little while to find their footing.
Now, it seems as if things have settled down a bit and we have Elisa and Connor seemingly in a good place. I'm not really sure that I can put my finger on what I felt with this installment other than to say that everything was just a tad too superficial. I actually enjoyed the book. I alternated between listening and reading and the narration was fine - no problems there. The story arc WAS interesting. A bit shallow - not too much depth to it - but still it was fine.
If I had to try to explain my thoughts, it would be that it almost had the feel of a novella. Something is missing so far, that something that made the Ethan and Merit relationship story so compelling, but I think that the world IS being set. The road map is being put in place. Maybe as a reader, I've just gotten too spoiled and I've forgotten that Merit and Ethan took a while to become who they are today. Come to think about it - they drove me crazy more often than not as well. So, I guess things ARE on the right path......
The development with the "monster" is an interesting storyline and I am looking forward to seeing how and where things are going to go from here. To be honest though, I've never understood why Elisa doesn't feel like she can talk to her parents about this. Out of everyone in the entire world, her parents would be the two people that would support, help her research and protect her NO MATTER WHAT. That she has kept this secret her entire life has always just felt "wrong" to me. At least she has confided to Connor.
The story arc is in place, relationships are being developed and we are being introduced to several characters that look like they are going to play important roles in the future. I'm in this for the long haul - so I guess I'm going to wait patiently for the next installment to see what is going to happen next.
Honestly, I was proud of how Elisa handled everything with this so called "testing" scenario - especially with Nicole. You go girl!
Now, it seems as if things have settled down a bit and we have Elisa and Connor seemingly in a good place. I'm not really sure that I can put my finger on what I felt with this installment other than to say that everything was just a tad too superficial. I actually enjoyed the book. I alternated between listening and reading and the narration was fine - no problems there. The story arc WAS interesting. A bit shallow - not too much depth to it - but still it was fine.
If I had to try to explain my thoughts, it would be that it almost had the feel of a novella. Something is missing so far, that something that made the Ethan and Merit relationship story so compelling, but I think that the world IS being set. The road map is being put in place. Maybe as a reader, I've just gotten too spoiled and I've forgotten that Merit and Ethan took a while to become who they are today. Come to think about it - they drove me crazy more often than not as well. So, I guess things ARE on the right path......
The development with the "monster" is an interesting storyline and I am looking forward to seeing how and where things are going to go from here. To be honest though, I've never understood why Elisa doesn't feel like she can talk to her parents about this. Out of everyone in the entire world, her parents would be the two people that would support, help her research and protect her NO MATTER WHAT. That she has kept this secret her entire life has always just felt "wrong" to me. At least she has confided to Connor.
The story arc is in place, relationships are being developed and we are being introduced to several characters that look like they are going to play important roles in the future. I'm in this for the long haul - so I guess I'm going to wait patiently for the next installment to see what is going to happen next.
Honestly, I was proud of how Elisa handled everything with this so called "testing" scenario - especially with Nicole. You go girl!
April 14, 2024
On est plus sur un 3.5 avec cette série.
Je m'amuse toujours autant à retrouver les surnaturels de Chicago. J'ai conservé un certain attachement avec eux et je me replonge dans leurs aventures avec toujours le même plaisir.
Cette seconde génération me plaît beaucoup car on voit les conséquences des décisions prises à l'époque de leurs parents. On voit comment tous les changements ont été mis en place et comment ils tiennent bon...ou pas.
Toutefois, il y a certaines choses avec lesquelles j'ai du mal notamment l'entêtement d'Elisa à vouloir à tout prix se distinguer, faire comme elle veut.
En un sens, ce qui lui est reproché dans ce tome n'est pas totalement faux...pas juste non plus mais bon, je trouvais que ses adversaires ne tapaient pas trop loin de la vérité.
Bref... Elisa a du tempérament et ne se laisse pas marcher dessus, ce qui est très appréciable à suivre, pour autant je ne peux m'empêcher de la trouver parfois ingrate. Entre elle et moi c'est assez complexe 😅
Lulu également me pose question. Je peux comprendre son envie de s'éloigner de la magie et en même temps...est-ce que ça ne solutionnerait pas certains de ses problèmes ?
Toutes les 2 se sont bien trouvé avec leur entêtement à n'en faire qu'à leur tête, quitte à ce que ça complique tout 😂
Mon chouchou dans cette histoire, c'est indéniablement Connor. Le prince loup sait faire ce qu'il faut pour être présent, sans être étouffant. Il est un super soutien et d'une patience.
Et j'aime son assurance qui frôle l'arrogance. Il ne doute de rien ^^
Une très chouette série d'urban fantasy. Cette seconde génération n'a pas tout à fait le panache de leurs parents, malgré tout j'aime ces moments passés avec eux. D'autant plus que les dits parents ne sont jamais loin 😉
La traduction VF s'est arrêtée avec ce tome, c'est donc en VO que je lirai la suite et fin. Je tiens à connaître le dénouement des interrogations toujours ouvertes !!
Je m'amuse toujours autant à retrouver les surnaturels de Chicago. J'ai conservé un certain attachement avec eux et je me replonge dans leurs aventures avec toujours le même plaisir.
Cette seconde génération me plaît beaucoup car on voit les conséquences des décisions prises à l'époque de leurs parents. On voit comment tous les changements ont été mis en place et comment ils tiennent bon...ou pas.
Toutefois, il y a certaines choses avec lesquelles j'ai du mal notamment l'entêtement d'Elisa à vouloir à tout prix se distinguer, faire comme elle veut.
En un sens, ce qui lui est reproché dans ce tome n'est pas totalement faux...pas juste non plus mais bon, je trouvais que ses adversaires ne tapaient pas trop loin de la vérité.
Bref... Elisa a du tempérament et ne se laisse pas marcher dessus, ce qui est très appréciable à suivre, pour autant je ne peux m'empêcher de la trouver parfois ingrate. Entre elle et moi c'est assez complexe 😅
Lulu également me pose question. Je peux comprendre son envie de s'éloigner de la magie et en même temps...est-ce que ça ne solutionnerait pas certains de ses problèmes ?
Toutes les 2 se sont bien trouvé avec leur entêtement à n'en faire qu'à leur tête, quitte à ce que ça complique tout 😂
Mon chouchou dans cette histoire, c'est indéniablement Connor. Le prince loup sait faire ce qu'il faut pour être présent, sans être étouffant. Il est un super soutien et d'une patience.
Et j'aime son assurance qui frôle l'arrogance. Il ne doute de rien ^^
Une très chouette série d'urban fantasy. Cette seconde génération n'a pas tout à fait le panache de leurs parents, malgré tout j'aime ces moments passés avec eux. D'autant plus que les dits parents ne sont jamais loin 😉
La traduction VF s'est arrêtée avec ce tome, c'est donc en VO que je lirai la suite et fin. Je tiens à connaître le dénouement des interrogations toujours ouvertes !!
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