Hexbound (Dark Elite, Book 2)

I don't like to recap a novel's plot in a review because I feel like the book description does a pretty good job of teasing the story in most instances. However, I will tell you why I really enjoyed both books in the Dark Elite series. I am a huge fan of paranormal romance and action novels - vampires, werewolves, witches, etc... if it falls in one of these categories, then I'm interested in reading it. This includes anything from young adult to more r-rated novels - anything goes. However, as I've expanded my love of reading this genre, I've discovered there are just as many horrible writers as there are great ones in this genre. I have been a fan of Chloe Neill's Chicagoland vampire series for quite some time - in fact, it is definitely one of my favorite series in the genre! (Although those books definitely fall in the more adult category). So earlier this year, I decided to give this young adult series a try, and once again, I was not disappointed. While many paranormal books have similar or overlapping themes, I enjoyed Neill's twist on the world of magic in this series. Also, I appreciate that these novels are truly age appropriate for young adults. I have read a few series before that contained very detailed intimate scenes between high school students in books being billed as appropriate for middle and high school aged readers. While I personally enjoy my fair share of juicy scenes, I wouldn't want my daughter reading them one day when she hits middle school age. Therefore, I appreciate Neill's ability to mix innocent age-appropriate romance and flirtations in with the action of these novels' plot. Yet, while these books are certainly age appropriate for young adults, they are not written in a flighty high school tone which would turn off adults. On the contrary, I find a lot of adults (like myself) still really enjoy young adult fiction, and if that's the case, you will not be disappointed in this series. Now if you like a little more spice in your novels... then definitely check out her Chicagoland vampire series! Also, please note this review applies to both the first and second book in the Dark Elite series (Firespell and Hexbound) so I will be posting the same review under both titles. I do recommend reading the stories in book order (i.e. Firespell then Hexbound).

There's never a dull moment at St. Sophia's. Ever since Lily Parker arrived at the Chicago boarding school she has been going nonstop. From discovering her suite-mate Scout's secret about being an Adept, one who fights against the Dark Elite to keep the people of Chicago safe, to finding out that she is also an Adept with the power to wield firespell, her arrival in Chicago has been anything but boring. Only weeks since rescuing Scout from the Reapers, a new threat has arisen. This one comes in the form of hideous creatures with fangs and claws that have been leaving slime trails in the tunnels leading to St. Sophia's. Still no closer to discovering the truth about Lily's parents and what they're really working on, she, Scout and the other Adepts in Enclave Three manage to get caught in the middle of vampire territorial wars as they try to uncover the source of these slimy new beings. To top it all off, Sebastian Born, the Reaper who activated Lily's firespell, is following her. And let's not forget Veronica and her brat pack who just can't seem to mind their own business. With Scout still recovering from her abduction by the Reapers and Lily still not in control of her firespell power, will they be able to figure out and defeat whoever is behind this? With the help of some new friends from Enclave Two and a few surprising allies, it may just be possible. *** Hexbound is the second book in the Dark Elite series and picks up the story just weeks after the events that occurred in Firespell. Lily Parker is still working with the other Adepts to ensure that the Reapers do not harm the innocent by taking their life force to sustain themselves, when she, Scout, Jason and Michael encounter some never-before-seen creatures in the tunnels connecting to St. Sophia's. In their attempt to get more information about what these disgusting and slimy beings are, who created them and why they are trying to get into the school, they will have to turn enemies into allies and put their trust in someone who should not be trusted. Hexbound, like Firespell, is another delightful and quick read. The banter between Lily and Scout makes this story. If anything, Lily is even more sarcastic and clever in this book than in the first and her humorous interactions with Scout continue to entertain throughout the story. Author Chloe Neill has introduced a few new characters with some different powers, of which Detroit, the petite, blond, punk, techie machinist from Enclave Two, is the most interesting. The author has also made the vampires of Chicago a major player in this story, adding in yet another element to this world. In Hexbound, we do see less of the Reapers, however, aside from Sebastian Born. And, although Veronica and her snooty friends make an appearance, there is less of a focus on them, too. This second book in the series moves the plot forward and the ending wraps up nicely, although there are plenty of questions that still remain open from the first book and a few new questions that have been introduced in Hexbound. Another book in the series is planned which will hopefully explore these answers further.

Great transition from book 1 in series

Unless it's been changed to "Leonard Maltin's Movie and Video Guide 2002 (Dark Elite)." But if it has been changed to a movie video quide the title is perfectly fine.

I am completely and totally in love with this series. It started out great but it has developed and gotten even better. She has taken this book to the new level. I love Lily, Scout, Jason, and Sebastian. i can't help but feel that Sebastian and lily are meant for each other, but then Jason has pored out his heart to her. He trust her completely. He told her about his CURSE even when he didn't want to. He is stating to fall in love with her, and she is having a hard time resisting him also. But then there is the illusive helpful dreamy Sebastian who cares for her and helps her. He keeps saying things are not always black and white...there are sometimes gray. Well he is very gray and my heart goes out to him. I can't pick it is a hard decision between the two, and i can't wait to see who she picks. I also want to know what her parents real job is, and how it includes the dark elite. If this book has any more mysteries i am going to explode!

What can I say Chloe you did it again every time i read one of your books I get transported into another world it's the greatest high in escapes you can get you Cary writing I'll carry reading thanks

Pinched my mums review box - This is book 2 following the YA Firespell: The Dark Elite where Lily Parker is settling in nicely if you can call it that at St Sophias School for Girls, she's recently found out that she has the power of firespell which she needs to learn to control, she's full of angst & insecurities involving her parents & after a bit of snooping comes across some info that turns her world upside down. Her feelings for her werewolf boyfriend are growing & it seems she is being stalked by Reaper Sebastian (yum), what is his game? and should she give him the time of day, he stands for everything she's fighting against, he's persistant though. Slimy monsters, vampire turf wars & awful school dinners are on the menu. The friendship between Scout & Lily is the strength of this series, alot happens but there really is nothing climatic, it's a short book too only 240 pages ,meh. That leaves lots unanswered & a need for the next book. Get writing Miss Neill! enjoyed it...but wanted more. Katy....

The Dark elite series is set in a boarding school in Chicago. The main characters are Adept (teenagers with magical abilities) who are fighting against the Reapers (teenagers who also have magical abilities but gain their power through sacrificing others) at night and trying to appear like normal teenagers during the day. Lily, the main character, has just found herself in this world only recently discovering that she also has such an ability and is trying to work out what that means for her. While I'm not for a minute saying I didn't enjoy this book it certainly had a "middle book in a series" feel to it. The things I enjoyed: I love Lily and Scout as characters. I love how they spark off each other and love that they are feisty wonderful heroines without being bitchy or nasty. I liked delving deeper into the world of the dark elite because I thought book one only scratched the surface. Things that could have been better I would have liked to have seen more happen. I just thought it this case the book trundled along a bit too slowly and nothing really was different by the end of the book I wish that we weren't reminded every single chapter (maybe it just feels like that) that Lily is a vegetarian. I really don't care, it's not that interesting. I would have liked more on Lily's own background. I'm definitely still looking forward to seeing how the series pans out but please please give me some more of the kick ass action from book one.

i love the way chloe neill writes keeps you glued to the pages, i look forward to reading this new book in this seres.

Great.