Wild Hunger

July 9, 2018
In this spin-off from the Chicagoland Vampires series, all the supernaturals and humans of Chicago have been at peace for 20 years. It is no surprise when someone looking for more power decides to undermine the agreement, but Elisa Sullivan, daughter of vampire leaders, will fight to keep peace intact and save Chicago. Elisa moved to Paris to find her own way, but her job brings her back to her Chicago home, which is hosting peace talks among European leaders. Then, one representative is murdered and a shape-shifter is blamed. Elisa believes the suspect was framed in order to compromise the peace talks, and she teams up with her parents and friends, including Connor, a childhood companion whom she once found annoying but now has a crush on. She must also battle a literal inner monster that she doesn’t want to let out. Fans of urban fantasy will find their new favorite heroine in quick-witted, tough Elisa. Agent: Lucienne Diver, Knight Agency.

The first in a spin-off of Neill's bestselling Chicagoland Vampires series, narrated by Suzanne Elise Freeman, has vampire Elisa returning home from Paris. Much has changed in the four years since she left Chicago--including her feelings toward her childhood nemesis, shape-shifter Connor Keene. Freeman gives unique voices to the eclectic cast of characters, highlighting their different origins. At times, her leisurely pacing distracts from the overall narration of the story. This is especially notable during times of action and high emotion, when one would expect a faster, more engaging quality instead of the slow pace Freeman uses. Though Freeman possesses a pleasant voice, this story begs for a more emotional and dramatic performance. There's nothing magical about the production of this magic-infused mystery/romance. A.L.S.M. � AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine