Picture a Southern-born storyteller who conjured vampires and magic in the heart of Chicago—meet Chloe Neill! This New York Times and USA Today bestselling author has enchanted readers with her urban fantasy worlds, blending supernatural thrills with relatable characters. From her breakout Chicagoland Vampires series to her mystical Devil’s Isle novels, Neill’s vivid storytelling has carved a unique space in the genre.
Born in Arkansas and now calling the Midwest home, Neill’s journey from reluctant writer to celebrated author is as captivating as her books. With a knack for weaving intricate plots and a passion for baking (and dog-cuddling!), she’s a literary force who brings a touch of charm to every page.
The Making of Chloe Neill
Chloe Neill, born May 17, 1975, in Arkansas, didn’t always dream of writing. Growing up in the South, she initially shied away from careers heavy on prose, finding sentence-crafting a challenge. She pursued law at the University of Nebraska, but a part-time job involving journalistic tasks sparked a shift. Neill discovered she could write—and enjoy it. By 2005, after a brief stint in fan fiction, she began crafting her own stories, laying the foundation for her urban fantasy empire.
Now living in Omaha with her photographer husband, Jeremy Dixon, and their dogs, Baxter and Scout, Neill balances her writing with a contract law career. Her Southern roots and Midwestern life infuse her work with a grounded, relatable vibe, making her fantastical worlds feel vividly real.
Chloe Neill’s Unforgettable Stories
Neill’s Chicagoland Vampires series, launched with Some Girls Bite in 2009, is her crown jewel. This 13-book saga follows Merit, a graduate student turned vampire, navigating Chicago’s supernatural underworld with wit and swordplay. Fans adore its blend of action, romance, and political intrigue, with standout titles like Twice Bitten and Biting Cold earning rave reviews for their emotional depth.
Her Devil’s Isle series, starting with The Veil, dives into a post-magical-apocalypse New Orleans, where Claire Connolly battles paranormal forces. Neill’s knack for strong heroines shines here, paired with lush world-building. The Heirs of Chicagoland, a spin-off, follows Elisa Sullivan, Merit’s daughter, with Cold Curses (2023) wrapping up the series in epic fashion. Her Dark Elite trilogy, a young adult venture, explores magical teens at a Chicago prep school, showcasing Neill’s versatility.
Neill’s style—fast-paced, character-driven, and laced with humor—makes her books addictive. Her urban settings, from Chicago’s Cadogan House to New Orleans’ haunted streets, feel like characters themselves, grounding her supernatural tales in vivid realism.
Why Chloe Neill Matters
Chloe Neill has redefined urban fantasy by blending gritty action with heartfelt relationships, appealing to fans of Charlaine Harris and Laurell K. Hamilton. Her strong, flawed heroines like Merit and Claire resonate with readers, offering empowering narratives in male-dominated genres. As a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Neill’s influence extends beyond her books, inspiring new authors to explore urban fantasy’s potential.
Her ability to balance a prolific career—over 20 novels and numerous novellas—with family life and fan engagement (hello, signed books at The Bookworm Omaha!) makes her a beloved figure. Neill’s stories remind us that even in a world of vampires and magic, human connections matter most.
About Chloe Neill
- Born: May 17, 1975, in Arkansas
- Key Works: Some Girls Bite, The Veil, Wild Hunger
- Genres: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Young Adult
- Fun Fact: She’s a baking enthusiast and dog mom to Baxter and Scout!
Ready to sink your teeth into a thrilling read? Snag Some Girls Bite and dive into Chloe Neill’s spellbinding urban fantasy world!