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Sookie Stackhouse #11
Dead Reckoning
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Favorite Book of 2011 (2011), Nominee for Best Paranormal Fantasy (2011)An Alternate Cover for this ASIN can be found here.
With her knack for being in trouble's way, Sookie witnesses the firebombing of Merlotte's, the bar where she works. Since Sam Merlotte is now known to be two-natured, suspicion falls immediately on the anti-shifters in the area. Sookie suspects otherwise, but her attention is divided when she realizes that her lover Eric Northman and his "child" Pam are plotting to kill the vampire who is now their master. Gradually, Sookie is drawn into the plot-which is much more complicated than she knows...
With her knack for being in trouble's way, Sookie witnesses the firebombing of Merlotte's, the bar where she works. Since Sam Merlotte is now known to be two-natured, suspicion falls immediately on the anti-shifters in the area. Sookie suspects otherwise, but her attention is divided when she realizes that her lover Eric Northman and his "child" Pam are plotting to kill the vampire who is now their master. Gradually, Sookie is drawn into the plot-which is much more complicated than she knows...
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 3, 2011
About the author
Charlaine Harris
278 books36.3k followersCharlaine Harris has been a published novelist for over thirty-five years. A native of the Mississippi Delta, she grew up in the middle of a cotton field. Charlaine lives in Texas now, and all of her children and grandchildren are within easy driving distance.
Though her early output consisted largely of ghost stories, by the time she hit college (Rhodes, in Memphis) Charlaine was writing poetry and plays. After holding down some low-level jobs, her husband Hal gave her the opportunity to stay home and write. The resulting two stand-alones were published by Houghton Mifflin. After a child-producing sabbatical, Charlaine latched on to the trend of series, and soon had her own traditional mystery books about a Georgia librarian, Aurora Teagarden. Her first Teagarden, Real Murders, garnered an Agatha nomination.
Soon Charlaine was looking for another challenge, and the result was the much darker Lily Bard series. The books, set in Shakespeare, Arkansas, feature a heroine who has survived a terrible attack and is learning to live with its consequences.
When Charlaine began to realize that neither of those series was ever going to set the literary world on fire, she regrouped and decided to write the book she’d always wanted to write. Not a traditional mystery, nor yet pure science fiction or romance, Dead Until Dark broke genre boundaries to appeal to a wide audience of people who simply enjoy a good adventure. Each subsequent book about Sookie Stackhouse, telepathic Louisiana barmaid and friend to vampires, werewolves, and various other odd creatures, was very successful in many languages.
The Harper Connelly books were written concurrently with the Sookie novels.
Following the end of Sookie's recorded adventures, Charlaine wrote the "Midnight, Texas" books, which have become a television series, also. The Aurora Teagarden books have been adapted by Hallmark Movie & Mystery.
Charlaine is a member of many professional organizations, an Episcopalian, and currently the lucky houseparent to two rescue dogs. She lives on a cliff overlooking the Brazos River.
Though her early output consisted largely of ghost stories, by the time she hit college (Rhodes, in Memphis) Charlaine was writing poetry and plays. After holding down some low-level jobs, her husband Hal gave her the opportunity to stay home and write. The resulting two stand-alones were published by Houghton Mifflin. After a child-producing sabbatical, Charlaine latched on to the trend of series, and soon had her own traditional mystery books about a Georgia librarian, Aurora Teagarden. Her first Teagarden, Real Murders, garnered an Agatha nomination.
Soon Charlaine was looking for another challenge, and the result was the much darker Lily Bard series. The books, set in Shakespeare, Arkansas, feature a heroine who has survived a terrible attack and is learning to live with its consequences.
When Charlaine began to realize that neither of those series was ever going to set the literary world on fire, she regrouped and decided to write the book she’d always wanted to write. Not a traditional mystery, nor yet pure science fiction or romance, Dead Until Dark broke genre boundaries to appeal to a wide audience of people who simply enjoy a good adventure. Each subsequent book about Sookie Stackhouse, telepathic Louisiana barmaid and friend to vampires, werewolves, and various other odd creatures, was very successful in many languages.
The Harper Connelly books were written concurrently with the Sookie novels.
Following the end of Sookie's recorded adventures, Charlaine wrote the "Midnight, Texas" books, which have become a television series, also. The Aurora Teagarden books have been adapted by Hallmark Movie & Mystery.
Charlaine is a member of many professional organizations, an Episcopalian, and currently the lucky houseparent to two rescue dogs. She lives on a cliff overlooking the Brazos River.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 6,636 reviews
November 16, 2013
Oh. My. God.
I have never been so disappointed and consequently, angry, by a book as I am right now and it is actually hard for me to type. My brain is exploding right now.
This is going to be a rant. This is going to contain cusses. This is also going to call out Tru Blood. People are going to either like this or not.
First - Tru Blood has killed this series. *cue outrage from fans of the HBO show*
For the record, this is not about those that like the show. I don't but it's not about the fans. It's about Harris' complacency and riding on the success of the show (which she absolutely should, she's one of my favorite authors and is definitely entitled to it) without giving thought to the books.
Harris is no longer writing for a book medium, to me she is writing something that may look good on the screen and damn the consequences. I want to know more about what is going on Sookie's head and not the same repetitive shit has been written in the past three books nor do I want to hear a diatribe about Christian morals that has been paraphrased from an earlier chapter. SHOW ME , do not TELL ME and for the love of God do not TELL ME something you've already told 450 words earlier.
The show is the campy cousin of the series and while the Stackhouse series has always balanced light, sexy and dark the last two books have been a stagnant mess. The characters have changed since this show into what's on the screen. I don't like the show, I don't want to read a veiled script for the show. Please remember those of us who had been fans of the book since before HBO needed a new show to take over the Sex and the City demographics.
Onto the book:
This is me reading the first half of the book:
Eric was a bitch in the book. This is not a spoiler because you will realize this in about six pages. This will in turn spoil the first 300 or so pages because we are then treated to the
We are treated to a cast of characters that come and go like homeless people in a subway tunnel; with no real way to keep track of them. While they are interesting and familiar, you begin to realize that you do not have enough grace to care about them enough.
The middle of the book:
Characters are now caricatures of themselves, plots are messy and contrived, our heroine is growing harder and tougher and then all of a sudden becomes a weepy mess. You can't have it both ways!!!!
But now we are at the emotional/relationship core of the book.
The only person who was at all entertaining and true to form was Pam. I wish this whole book had been from her point of view because by the end of the book I was tired of this mirror-world circus.
The end of the book:
Oy with the poodles already.
At this point it has taken me one week to finish this book. I usually devour the Stackhouse books when they come out and finish it in one night. I'm ready to end this book and move on to something else.
The end was the only high point and not just because it was done but because this is where the meat of the story actually occurs.
So all in all, this book is a crumbling husk of what it once was. It has some really good parts but they are all tied together with seemingly random and transient cords and then brought together for the final assembly. Of course since there is no QC in this factory, we are given a book that should have been given a polish without the influence of Tru Blood. It seems she was writing for the new fans and forgetting about the old ones.
In the process, she forgot about her characters and what's important to the story. There was no real story here. Just a few interesting things that happened that had characters in common.
Don't get me wrong, I'll continue reading this series and it's still one of my favorites. You don't get rid of a series because it's got a bruise or made a few bad choices.
But, in the words of Lorelei Gilmore; "Oy vey with the poodles already!"
July 1, 2021
(B-) 69% | Satisfactory
Notes: Cozy and familiar, while at the same time sloppy, amateurish and blah. No direction, just seemingly random events.
Notes: Cozy and familiar, while at the same time sloppy, amateurish and blah. No direction, just seemingly random events.
May 22, 2011
I am willing to bet that this book was as much of a torture for Charlaine Harris to write as it was for me to read.
There is no juice left in this series. And certainly, there is no author's love. Not only is Sookie's voice no longer recognizable (I just reread books 1-3, so I can in fact tell the difference), but this whole book is simply one huge FAIL.
The characters were altered. Where was cool Pam? Where was sarcastic Eric? Where was chemistry between Sookie and Eric? Where were the human characters? Where was Jason?
Why was this story so convoluted? Why was the blood bond so easy to sever? Why did Alcide show up? Why was Amelia such a ditz? Why were Lily Bard and Jack in the book? Why did Bill come over to ramble about his love life? Why did so many threads from the past suddenly surface? Why was that "package" hidden in the attic? What was the deal with the fairies? What was Hunter doing in this book? Ice pack? Why? What? Where? How? WTF?
There is no fluidity in Dead Reckoning. It is a bunch of events and occurrences smacked together into an uninspired, convoluted, dumb mess.
I am not reading any more of this. With the appearance of a huge deus ex machina (code name c.d.) in this book, I won't be surprised if someone will find a magic wand in the next installment. In any case, I already know how this all will end. If you don't, here:
There is no juice left in this series. And certainly, there is no author's love. Not only is Sookie's voice no longer recognizable (I just reread books 1-3, so I can in fact tell the difference), but this whole book is simply one huge FAIL.
The characters were altered. Where was cool Pam? Where was sarcastic Eric? Where was chemistry between Sookie and Eric? Where were the human characters? Where was Jason?
Why was this story so convoluted? Why was the blood bond so easy to sever? Why did Alcide show up? Why was Amelia such a ditz? Why were Lily Bard and Jack in the book? Why did Bill come over to ramble about his love life? Why did so many threads from the past suddenly surface? Why was that "package" hidden in the attic? What was the deal with the fairies? What was Hunter doing in this book? Ice pack? Why? What? Where? How? WTF?
There is no fluidity in Dead Reckoning. It is a bunch of events and occurrences smacked together into an uninspired, convoluted, dumb mess.
I am not reading any more of this. With the appearance of a huge deus ex machina (code name c.d.) in this book, I won't be surprised if someone will find a magic wand in the next installment. In any case, I already know how this all will end. If you don't, here:
May 10, 2011
Dear Sookie,
You know you are one of my oldest friends, right? I love our yearly visits at your old Stackhouse family home, sitting on the porch, soaking up the sun and drinking iced tea. It’s great to live vicariously through you and hear about the most powerful and sexy supernatural beasts falling over themselves to flirt with and please you. And Eric…. Mmmm =) Anytime you want to tell me all of his dirty little secrets and every sexy thing about him that is okay with me.
But here’s the thing, Sookie. You tend to ramble. A lot. Don’t get offended. I love hearing you talk and visiting Bon Temps with you. But our time is limited. And as much as I love hearing all those mundane details of your life, I really wish our time together could be used more wisely. Your life is so exciting, and so many fascinating things happen to and around you ~ I’d much rather hear about your supernatural activities than the particulars that went into preparing for Tara’s baby showers.
The next time we meet, it would be awesome if you stuck to the more important facts. Don’t get me wrong, I love hearing you talk about brushing your hair and cleaning the kitchen. But if you can’t bring yourself to edit those little fine points in favor of the bigger ones, perhaps you could convince Charlaine Harris to allow us more pages to visit?
Even so, I did enjoy our time together and am looking forward to seeing you again next spring. Hopefully you and Eric will get more alone time and you can tell me everything.
Your friend,
Megan
P.S. I loved Bubba's concert! Anytime you can get that guy to make an appearance (and especially sing!) be sure to tell me allll about it! =)
You know you are one of my oldest friends, right? I love our yearly visits at your old Stackhouse family home, sitting on the porch, soaking up the sun and drinking iced tea. It’s great to live vicariously through you and hear about the most powerful and sexy supernatural beasts falling over themselves to flirt with and please you. And Eric…. Mmmm =) Anytime you want to tell me all of his dirty little secrets and every sexy thing about him that is okay with me.
But here’s the thing, Sookie. You tend to ramble. A lot. Don’t get offended. I love hearing you talk and visiting Bon Temps with you. But our time is limited. And as much as I love hearing all those mundane details of your life, I really wish our time together could be used more wisely. Your life is so exciting, and so many fascinating things happen to and around you ~ I’d much rather hear about your supernatural activities than the particulars that went into preparing for Tara’s baby showers.
The next time we meet, it would be awesome if you stuck to the more important facts. Don’t get me wrong, I love hearing you talk about brushing your hair and cleaning the kitchen. But if you can’t bring yourself to edit those little fine points in favor of the bigger ones, perhaps you could convince Charlaine Harris to allow us more pages to visit?
Even so, I did enjoy our time together and am looking forward to seeing you again next spring. Hopefully you and Eric will get more alone time and you can tell me everything.
Your friend,
Megan
P.S. I loved Bubba's concert! Anytime you can get that guy to make an appearance (and especially sing!) be sure to tell me allll about it! =)
May 6, 2011
3 1/2 Stars
I should start off by saying that though the Sookie Stackhouse series isn't my all-time favorite series, Eric Northman IS my all-time favorite fictional character. AND GODDAMN I LOVE ME SOME PAM!
Half of the reason I love these books is the Eric and Pam relationship; I find them endlessly entertaining. Though there weren't enough appearances of them (there never are), there were some comedic bits between the two. I enjoyed the funny jabs at Sookie on Pam's behalf (One scene in-particular, involving a gift to Sookie...yeah, that was classic!).
The other half of the reason I love these books is Eric's relationship with Sookie. However, I think Eric is too good for Sookie. I've honestly never been a big fan of her. I think she's a brat, she yells too much, she's too judgmental, changes her mind to whatever suits her at the moment...and the hits can keep coming, but I'll stop here. That said, I was even more annoyed with her in this book because her character has seemed to make ABSOLUTELY NO PROGRESSION; she is not maturing in anyway, except maybe by obsessing over cleaning her house when she's stressed (or so the stereotype goes)...which happened WAAAAAAY too much, but I digress...
I think it's obvious that there is no longer a love affair with our author and these characters. Though I enjoyed reading this (when I wasn't overly frustrated), it felt a bit hollow-I don't know how else to describe it. Though I'm not happy with where some storylines SEEM to be going, there are others that are intriguing (I'll leave it at that so as to not spoil anything).
I should start off by saying that though the Sookie Stackhouse series isn't my all-time favorite series, Eric Northman IS my all-time favorite fictional character. AND GODDAMN I LOVE ME SOME PAM!
Half of the reason I love these books is the Eric and Pam relationship; I find them endlessly entertaining. Though there weren't enough appearances of them (there never are), there were some comedic bits between the two. I enjoyed the funny jabs at Sookie on Pam's behalf (One scene in-particular, involving a gift to Sookie...yeah, that was classic!).
The other half of the reason I love these books is Eric's relationship with Sookie. However, I think Eric is too good for Sookie. I've honestly never been a big fan of her. I think she's a brat, she yells too much, she's too judgmental, changes her mind to whatever suits her at the moment...and the hits can keep coming, but I'll stop here. That said, I was even more annoyed with her in this book because her character has seemed to make ABSOLUTELY NO PROGRESSION; she is not maturing in anyway, except maybe by obsessing over cleaning her house when she's stressed (or so the stereotype goes)...which happened WAAAAAAY too much, but I digress...
I think it's obvious that there is no longer a love affair with our author and these characters. Though I enjoyed reading this (when I wasn't overly frustrated), it felt a bit hollow-I don't know how else to describe it. Though I'm not happy with where some storylines SEEM to be going, there are others that are intriguing (I'll leave it at that so as to not spoil anything).
December 5, 2012
Formula for Sookie books:
--nostalgia for her grandmother and a way of life that's been over for about ten years now
--disappointment when nostalgia does not match up with real life
--nail polish
--a sexy dress that shows off her cleavage
--attraction to more than one man
--self-recrimination about attraction to more than one man
--instant orgasmic sex
--judging others for not being Christian/being violent/being sexually 'deviant'
--self-recrimination about being too judgemental
--failing to be a good hostess in a situation that doesn't require hostessing
--self-recrimination about lack of hostess skills
--hanging out with fairies, who are generally acknowledged to be amoral
--self-recrimination for judging fairies and having her illusions shattered
--hanging out with weres and vampires, who are generally acknowledged to have societal structures built on maintenance of power by violent means
--self-recrimination about hanging out with weres and vampires and seeing violent things.
--screaming when surprised by violent things, followed by
--crying when violent things are over
--impulsive, poorly-executed attempts to stand up for herself
--self-recrimination about said attempts
Harris, unfortunately, doesn't vary the formula in Dead Reckoning, reminding me why I burned out on Sookie--she has almost completely failed to develop, continuing to act like a naif, surprised and unaware of the supernatural world she has been immersed in for years.
Take, for instance, when Amelia and Bob visit, and Amelia says she has Sookie remains a sixteen year old girl, unsure if she is 'in love' if she isn't in the midst of raging hormones or drama. Worrying what other people think all the time and not taking the time to think for herself, and 'breaking up' because she wants to know if he really loves her. I've come to realize that one sure way to spoil a series for me is if there is no character growth through the stories. By no means is Harris unique--I quit Kim Harrison for the same reason. And Evanovich's Stephanie Plum.
Hmm, I'm noticing a theme here. Protagonists stuck in the emotional issues of the early twenties, struggling with self-awareness and relationships, usually rather feminine but stuck in a non-stereotypically feminine role that highlights their incompetence. Good for three books, perhaps even five or six if one draws it out, but eventually, I'd prefer evolution. And development of competence.
The lack of progression coupled with the writing is a challenge for me. Try this on: "Sam, a compact man who was actually immensely strong, was dusting the bottles behind the bar. We weren't very busy that night." Thankfully, there weren't too many instances of such awkward phrasing, but it highlights the fact that I'm not reading for the prose. Characterization is inconsistent: Alcide does something exceedingly strange when he hasn't made an appearance for the entire book, then isn't heard from again. Then there's the rare 'two-dollar' word tossed into the midst of generally simple and straightforward language, a strange delicate blossom in a forest of oaks. It was justified in an earlier book by Sookie having a "word-of-the-day" calendar.
On the whole, I (gasp) prefer the HBO series over the books. At least I don't have to focus on Sookie all the time, and I get to enjoy the beautiful people.
Cross posted at http://clsiewert.wordpress.com/2013/0...
March 16, 2021
I really enjoyed the storyline. Even though it was expected with no shocks or surprises, I still liked reading it play out. I especially love reading about Hunter, and the ending was satisfying.
August 10, 2011
It seems to me that Ms Harris is being more and more influenced by the show, which in case of the novel is a bad thing. Does anybody else have a feeling that the author is setting a scene for a convenient fading out Eric, and a not- so- miraculous reintroduction of Bill? The dialogue between S. and E. is stale and lacks in energy.Whereas, Bill's character all of the sudden shows signs of sense of humour. In short, I wouldn't be surprised if in the end of the series Eric ended up dead, and Bill emerged as a Sookie's true love.
Well, if I were Stephen Moyer, I would be thrilled.
Well, if I were Stephen Moyer, I would be thrilled.
May 14, 2011
Welll...This is a solid, "liked it" but more 3.5 stars. If it wasn't for the fact that there MIGHT be a HUGE plot inconsistency in this book (the convo between Sook, Claude & Dermot about Niall & Eric being in cahoots), I would give it 4 stars but I'm trying to figure out if something might actually be a well placed lie by CH or not but I'm not so sure yet.
(**Edited on May 14th. After doing some digging, I think the bit I thought was a plot inconsistency is intentional. See bottom of review)
However, overall I really enjoyed this installment once the ball got rolling (the 1st 50% was a bit boring for me) & I do believe this was indeed a huge turning point for not just Sookie & Eric but Sookie herself. The end scene with Eric was like..BAM! She has some very big thinking to do about what she wants for herself & what she is willing to accept about her life & the people she surrounds herself with.
I don't have many doubts that Eric/Sookie are going wind up together. OK maaayaybe a little doubt b'c CH likes to play her audience...but... really? It wouldn't make sense to have it be anyone else 11 books in & a few shorts as well. I found this installment to signify their next big bump in the road, the next trial & tribulation for their relationship & watch how they get through it. In this book, for the 1st time Sookie was more upfront. Discussing the future, aging, babies etc.. she has grown & continues to. It does look like there is a setup for a breakup in the next book but with a possible reconciliation in the last book thanks to the magical cluviel dor. Who knows for sure though!
**Semi-spoilers**
There were a lot of typical SVM hi-jinks & humor in this book. Sookie's naked jaunt into Bill's house & her rambling inner monologue... "Irrelevant!" was hilarious.
I even liked Bill. A lot. Although, that's not surprising b'c CH was turning him into Eric to a degree. Not kidding. CH is definitely recycling her Eric material into the new Bill. His quote as to why he loves Sookie complete with a comment about her chest (so un-Bill like) is practically verbatim Eric to Sookie in DTTW. That's right...go check it out! And his move..."Is it Christmas? Are you my early present?" was also classic Eric. It's a little tedious CH's manipulation of the audience but whatever. It is what it is. I suppose if you are going to finish this ride be prepared for the tactics that come with it.
Sookie was back to herself but in better form than ever in many ways. Aside from her own homicidal tendencies, she is growing, more mature & in control. Or trying to be at least. She is taking a much larger stand for herself in what she will tolerate from the people in her life whereas in the past, she almost assumed their feelings & was able to be manipulated more. I like her relationship with Eric a lot. Warts & all. I found her insecurities & misgivings well founded as well as his own anger, resentment & fear. I really enjoy seeing them having to go through a ton of crap to work it out. Like a real relationship.
I also loved the scene with Eric & Sookie after the bond broke. Not the sex scene mind you b'c that was whatever - it was one page of throwing it in but it did, to me show their huge relief that Sookie does in fact love Eric tremendously as he does her. More than that, I love their bit of dialog afterward.
However, the scene that blew me away was at the end when she freaked out amongst the assassination ruin in which she had the majority hand in rallying & plotting. When Eric took her blood after rightly calling her a "hypocrite" & didn't take the pain out of it. HOLY COW. I know this will be a much debated scene & very controversial but I thought it was just SPOT ON. So good. So dark. So very deep.
It was awesome. Well for me anyway. I mean here Sooks has been complaining the last 2 books how she wants Victor to die (by her own hands even). She's the one that rallies Eric & co. It's her plan they go with & then at the end....b'c she hates what she sees in herself & not only that but, was a part of & had the largest hand in plotting, she projects onto Eric & co. b'c it's easiest to do that.
Him letting her feel the pain was his way (to me anyway) of saying deal with it! Face it. This is life with me/a vamp Sookie & I'm not going to sugarcoat it for you. Accept it & accept me. You partake in this life, these are the realities that come with it. We're alive. Isn't that what you wanted most?
I don't know what CH is going to have her do but I find this turning point really compelling. She scares herself. The lengths she's willing to go to for those she loves & to survive & the macabre situations she finds herself in as a result.
I thought it was a very clever, deep scene.
The CD fairy love token is a bit of a cop out but I will wait to see how CH wields it. Oh wait.. we have a potion which will amazingly come in SO handy! Er...we'll see.
The potential Fairy plot is quite devious. It seems as if CH is foreshadowing someone playing dress up in Eric or someone else's skin to potentially get Sook's up the duff? IDK but all the material is there & man...those Fairies are sneaky.
Funnily enough, I felt the worst for Sookie in regard to Amelia. Not that Amelia's meddlesome betrayal was a surprise to me, I figured it was only a matter of time but she really went all out. Sookie is a character with a rare handful of people she can trust & not even that. She is quite often, alone. And that theme featured a lot in this installment. With Eric's new day man being a 'lone wolf', Eric asking her to move in with him b'c the thought of her being 'alone' & feeling her fear made him crazy. Her really feeling the isolation in this installment esp. when she kicks everyone out of her home. Poor Sookie Sookie.
Overall, this place which Sookie is in, yet another crossroads deciding who she can trust, turn to, what will happen to her relationship & what will that mean for her future? This is all great meaty stuff.
And now for my biggest issue..the potential plot inconsistency (it's the convo between S,C & D about how Niall & Eric were in cahoots. It soo doesn't stack). I am investigating that one & won't bog down the review with it but in fairness I will change my rating if it turns out that it's not a sloppy, hole filling, plot inconsistency b'c CH didn't have enough material to plan 13 books.
**Edited May 14th. I thought when reading that b'c CH has stated she writes by the seat of her pants, that she was going back to try & fit in plots in places she thought were vague enough, in order to make things work now that she had to stretch the series out. After all, she has made a lot of obvious errors in the past that her readers have caught & called her on.
In this book - C&D tell Sookie that Eric had approached Niall to send protection for Sookie, hence Niall calling in Claudine b'c she was withering. The implication being Eric knew who Niall was in connection to Sookie.
CH recently stated in April that DR doesn't "have a word about the history between Niall and Eric, because it's not important to Sookie's story."
I think those crafty fairies are definitely up to something.
(**Edited on May 14th. After doing some digging, I think the bit I thought was a plot inconsistency is intentional. See bottom of review)
However, overall I really enjoyed this installment once the ball got rolling (the 1st 50% was a bit boring for me) & I do believe this was indeed a huge turning point for not just Sookie & Eric but Sookie herself. The end scene with Eric was like..BAM! She has some very big thinking to do about what she wants for herself & what she is willing to accept about her life & the people she surrounds herself with.
I don't have many doubts that Eric/Sookie are going wind up together. OK maaayaybe a little doubt b'c CH likes to play her audience...but... really? It wouldn't make sense to have it be anyone else 11 books in & a few shorts as well. I found this installment to signify their next big bump in the road, the next trial & tribulation for their relationship & watch how they get through it. In this book, for the 1st time Sookie was more upfront. Discussing the future, aging, babies etc.. she has grown & continues to. It does look like there is a setup for a breakup in the next book but with a possible reconciliation in the last book thanks to the magical cluviel dor. Who knows for sure though!
**Semi-spoilers**
There were a lot of typical SVM hi-jinks & humor in this book. Sookie's naked jaunt into Bill's house & her rambling inner monologue... "Irrelevant!" was hilarious.
I even liked Bill. A lot. Although, that's not surprising b'c CH was turning him into Eric to a degree. Not kidding. CH is definitely recycling her Eric material into the new Bill. His quote as to why he loves Sookie complete with a comment about her chest (so un-Bill like) is practically verbatim Eric to Sookie in DTTW. That's right...go check it out! And his move..."Is it Christmas? Are you my early present?" was also classic Eric. It's a little tedious CH's manipulation of the audience but whatever. It is what it is. I suppose if you are going to finish this ride be prepared for the tactics that come with it.
Sookie was back to herself but in better form than ever in many ways. Aside from her own homicidal tendencies, she is growing, more mature & in control. Or trying to be at least. She is taking a much larger stand for herself in what she will tolerate from the people in her life whereas in the past, she almost assumed their feelings & was able to be manipulated more. I like her relationship with Eric a lot. Warts & all. I found her insecurities & misgivings well founded as well as his own anger, resentment & fear. I really enjoy seeing them having to go through a ton of crap to work it out. Like a real relationship.
I also loved the scene with Eric & Sookie after the bond broke. Not the sex scene mind you b'c that was whatever - it was one page of throwing it in but it did, to me show their huge relief that Sookie does in fact love Eric tremendously as he does her. More than that, I love their bit of dialog afterward.
However, the scene that blew me away was at the end when she freaked out amongst the assassination ruin in which she had the majority hand in rallying & plotting. When Eric took her blood after rightly calling her a "hypocrite" & didn't take the pain out of it. HOLY COW. I know this will be a much debated scene & very controversial but I thought it was just SPOT ON. So good. So dark. So very deep.
It was awesome. Well for me anyway. I mean here Sooks has been complaining the last 2 books how she wants Victor to die (by her own hands even). She's the one that rallies Eric & co. It's her plan they go with & then at the end....b'c she hates what she sees in herself & not only that but, was a part of & had the largest hand in plotting, she projects onto Eric & co. b'c it's easiest to do that.
Him letting her feel the pain was his way (to me anyway) of saying deal with it! Face it. This is life with me/a vamp Sookie & I'm not going to sugarcoat it for you. Accept it & accept me. You partake in this life, these are the realities that come with it. We're alive. Isn't that what you wanted most?
I don't know what CH is going to have her do but I find this turning point really compelling. She scares herself. The lengths she's willing to go to for those she loves & to survive & the macabre situations she finds herself in as a result.
I thought it was a very clever, deep scene.
The CD fairy love token is a bit of a cop out but I will wait to see how CH wields it. Oh wait.. we have a potion which will amazingly come in SO handy! Er...we'll see.
The potential Fairy plot is quite devious. It seems as if CH is foreshadowing someone playing dress up in Eric or someone else's skin to potentially get Sook's up the duff? IDK but all the material is there & man...those Fairies are sneaky.
Funnily enough, I felt the worst for Sookie in regard to Amelia. Not that Amelia's meddlesome betrayal was a surprise to me, I figured it was only a matter of time but she really went all out. Sookie is a character with a rare handful of people she can trust & not even that. She is quite often, alone. And that theme featured a lot in this installment. With Eric's new day man being a 'lone wolf', Eric asking her to move in with him b'c the thought of her being 'alone' & feeling her fear made him crazy. Her really feeling the isolation in this installment esp. when she kicks everyone out of her home. Poor Sookie Sookie.
Overall, this place which Sookie is in, yet another crossroads deciding who she can trust, turn to, what will happen to her relationship & what will that mean for her future? This is all great meaty stuff.
And now for my biggest issue..the potential plot inconsistency (it's the convo between S,C & D about how Niall & Eric were in cahoots. It soo doesn't stack). I am investigating that one & won't bog down the review with it but in fairness I will change my rating if it turns out that it's not a sloppy, hole filling, plot inconsistency b'c CH didn't have enough material to plan 13 books.
**Edited May 14th. I thought when reading that b'c CH has stated she writes by the seat of her pants, that she was going back to try & fit in plots in places she thought were vague enough, in order to make things work now that she had to stretch the series out. After all, she has made a lot of obvious errors in the past that her readers have caught & called her on.
In this book - C&D tell Sookie that Eric had approached Niall to send protection for Sookie, hence Niall calling in Claudine b'c she was withering. The implication being Eric knew who Niall was in connection to Sookie.
CH recently stated in April that DR doesn't "have a word about the history between Niall and Eric, because it's not important to Sookie's story."
I think those crafty fairies are definitely up to something.
Shelved as 'gave-up-on'
December 12, 2013I don't know why I have this feeling we will be disappointed with this installment. I just feel the series needs a closure and it doesn't seem like it. I want more Eric but I don't think I'll get all the Eric I need to get to love this series again. It feels like this book is just gonna be another chapter in the series and not as whole book. I'm not sure if I made myself clear,lol.
December 14, 2017
To say it with a quote from the book:
"I've tried to kill you over and over, and you just won't die!"
I almost felt like apologizing.
That's the Sookie Stackhouse series in a nutshell! ;-P
I still love it though! XD
"I've tried to kill you over and over, and you just won't die!"
I almost felt like apologizing.
That's the Sookie Stackhouse series in a nutshell! ;-P
I still love it though! XD
May 4, 2011
***There are some minor spoilers below... allusions to character's feelings/thoughts/actions that could give some plot points away***
Sookie's working her shift in Merlotte's when the bar is firebombed... and it doesn't look like the bomber was human. To make matters worse, an old enemy is out for her blood and the tension between her vampire lover/husband Eric and his progeny Pam with their boss, Victor, is building. The peaceful life Sookie is wishing for seems a distant dream.
A new Sookie book is like visiting with old friends. There are so many folks I love in Sookie's world, and it is real treat catching up with them... but it's like a visit with the old gang in more ways than one: it is great catching up with them all, but there's so much going on in their lives, you feel like you didn't spend as much time with them as you would have liked.
A few old favourites make significant appearances here: Bubba, Mr Cataliades, Amelia, Bob, Hunter and Alcide show up. Alcide in a funny (and very compromising) way, and it makes me think we might not see Alcide again in a hurry. Bill plays a larger role in Dead Reckoning than he has in a while, and I found myself genuinely liking him (not just feeling sorry for him) for the first time in quite a few books.
Eric is obviously in a starring role, and as much as I was rooting for a relationship between the two of them, you begin to see some problems here. Sookie's starting to genuinely consider the real costs of a relationship with him: both him as an individual, and him as a vampire. What's going to happen when she gets older? How can they have a relationship if Eric won't talk to her; not just about his business and problems, but about serious issues that have huge consequences for her? This couple has serious communication problems. She's also really beginning to examine how much violence she can cope with and wants in her life. While Sook struggles with the thought of killing someone, even if that someone is trying to kill her, Eric will snap their neck without a moment's thought--or a pinch remorse. While Sookie understands Eric's character, motivations and actions, she needs someone who will understand her remorse and horror, and comfort her, even if she knows she's not being rational. Eric will never be that person. Sookie also takes a very drastic measure to test her real feels for Eric in this book... and the outcome could destroy a good friendship, as well as putting her in danger. And Eric's been hiding a big secret.
Sookie has experienced more personal growth over the course of the series than any character in any other series I can think of. She's a lot more mature, and there's an 'Aha!' moment where she decides she's going to have to prioritise her crises in order to cope (like she feels she's not so much living as rushing from one life-threatening situation to another). She's far more cautious in many areas of her life, but largely in who she chooses to trust. She's beginning to examine what she really wants from life, and I thought it seemed like she was starting to think of herself as leading two separate ones: her normal, human, life in Bon Temp, as a barmaid, a sister, and a friend, throwing her best friend's baby shower; and another, where she's the wife of a powerful vampire, a pawn in political power games, and in constant danger from vampires, weres, faeries, and God-knows-what-else. And more than anything Sookie just craves peace. A quiet, happy life with the people she loves. At one point, she tells Eric she wishes he was a 'normal' vampire: boring, and without the political struggles.
Dead Reckoning ends on an ambiguous note, and perhaps creates more questions than answers for the series. While we learn a lot more about Sookie's gran, and her family history, some threads in the story I thought had been neatly tied up are unravelled again (notably, an unexpected twist to do with Bill). What is Sookie going to do with her Grandfather's gift? How will this book effect her relationship with Pam? What about Eric? The Queen of Oklahoma? What the HELL is Claude really up to? It definitely seems as though everything is coming together for a big finale in 2 books' time.
The world of the Southern Vampire Mysteries is rich and vibrant--and SO real--and Charlaine Harris has created an intricate web with almost infinite possibilites. I cannot wait to see how see where she takes it next.
Sookie's working her shift in Merlotte's when the bar is firebombed... and it doesn't look like the bomber was human. To make matters worse, an old enemy is out for her blood and the tension between her vampire lover/husband Eric and his progeny Pam with their boss, Victor, is building. The peaceful life Sookie is wishing for seems a distant dream.
A new Sookie book is like visiting with old friends. There are so many folks I love in Sookie's world, and it is real treat catching up with them... but it's like a visit with the old gang in more ways than one: it is great catching up with them all, but there's so much going on in their lives, you feel like you didn't spend as much time with them as you would have liked.
A few old favourites make significant appearances here: Bubba, Mr Cataliades, Amelia, Bob, Hunter and Alcide show up. Alcide in a funny (and very compromising) way, and it makes me think we might not see Alcide again in a hurry. Bill plays a larger role in Dead Reckoning than he has in a while, and I found myself genuinely liking him (not just feeling sorry for him) for the first time in quite a few books.
Eric is obviously in a starring role, and as much as I was rooting for a relationship between the two of them, you begin to see some problems here. Sookie's starting to genuinely consider the real costs of a relationship with him: both him as an individual, and him as a vampire. What's going to happen when she gets older? How can they have a relationship if Eric won't talk to her; not just about his business and problems, but about serious issues that have huge consequences for her? This couple has serious communication problems. She's also really beginning to examine how much violence she can cope with and wants in her life. While Sook struggles with the thought of killing someone, even if that someone is trying to kill her, Eric will snap their neck without a moment's thought--or a pinch remorse. While Sookie understands Eric's character, motivations and actions, she needs someone who will understand her remorse and horror, and comfort her, even if she knows she's not being rational. Eric will never be that person. Sookie also takes a very drastic measure to test her real feels for Eric in this book... and the outcome could destroy a good friendship, as well as putting her in danger. And Eric's been hiding a big secret.
Sookie has experienced more personal growth over the course of the series than any character in any other series I can think of. She's a lot more mature, and there's an 'Aha!' moment where she decides she's going to have to prioritise her crises in order to cope (like she feels she's not so much living as rushing from one life-threatening situation to another). She's far more cautious in many areas of her life, but largely in who she chooses to trust. She's beginning to examine what she really wants from life, and I thought it seemed like she was starting to think of herself as leading two separate ones: her normal, human, life in Bon Temp, as a barmaid, a sister, and a friend, throwing her best friend's baby shower; and another, where she's the wife of a powerful vampire, a pawn in political power games, and in constant danger from vampires, weres, faeries, and God-knows-what-else. And more than anything Sookie just craves peace. A quiet, happy life with the people she loves. At one point, she tells Eric she wishes he was a 'normal' vampire: boring, and without the political struggles.
Dead Reckoning ends on an ambiguous note, and perhaps creates more questions than answers for the series. While we learn a lot more about Sookie's gran, and her family history, some threads in the story I thought had been neatly tied up are unravelled again (notably, an unexpected twist to do with Bill). What is Sookie going to do with her Grandfather's gift? How will this book effect her relationship with Pam? What about Eric? The Queen of Oklahoma? What the HELL is Claude really up to? It definitely seems as though everything is coming together for a big finale in 2 books' time.
The world of the Southern Vampire Mysteries is rich and vibrant--and SO real--and Charlaine Harris has created an intricate web with almost infinite possibilites. I cannot wait to see how see where she takes it next.
May 3, 2011
Have you ever noticed that every time an enemy of Sookie Stackhouse bites the dust, another is waiting in the wings to make her life miserable? If you think about it, our girl has got a lot of carnage in her wake: from Lorena... to the vamp who killed Hadley... on to Andre and Debbie and Appius Livius. But you cut off the head of one beast and another grows in its place. Our beast du jour for Dead Reckoning is our old pal Victor. He is making life more and more miserable for Eric, and he's an ever-present threat to Sookie.
And he's not the only one. Someone has firebombed Merlotte's; some drugged out thugs are sent to snatch Sookie; and that's just the beginning! Sookie has to figure out who is targeting her, while helping Eric come up with a plan to get out from under Victor.
Emotions are running high. There's a schism between Eric and Pam, and Sookie knows she has something to do with it. (The basis of their discord, when it's finally revealed, is real kick to the gut!) At the same time, Pam is trying to gain permission to create her first vampire child. And there are major developments in the blood-bond issue between Eric and Sookie.
Sookie is coming to see how much she has changed since the supes have come into her life. Much of what she's done has been necessary to her own survival, but she's not sure she likes who she's become. Things are strained between her and Eric. I've been Team-Eric for as long as I can remember, but the cracks are forming. That's an understatement, really. We see what can easily be the mechanism to separate them once and for all. But things are left unresolved. I just wish Harris would just rip the band-aid off already. I've softened towards Bill, though I can't see the two of them ever reconciling --and we even have a surprise appearance from another potential suitor. But when all is said and done, I feel like we're just getting more groundwork laid for Sam as an eventual HEA. Sure, he's got a girlfriend here, but he is now firmly ensconced as Sookie's best friend. I feel like it's just a hop, skip and jump from becoming something more.
I can't wrap up without acknowledging that Sookie makes some great new discoveries about her family history. And we finally know where her telepathy comes from. (A fun surprise, I thought.) We have resolution on the main story arc, but the relationship issues are left hanging in a most frustrating way. I just didn't feel like the book was as cohesive as some of the ones that came before it. The best books in the series were obvious in what they were about: whether it was the vampire summit, the evil witches or what-have-you. The weaker ones tend to meander from event to event, or perhaps more accurately... from disaster to disaster, in Sookie's life. Almost 4 stars.
And he's not the only one. Someone has firebombed Merlotte's; some drugged out thugs are sent to snatch Sookie; and that's just the beginning! Sookie has to figure out who is targeting her, while helping Eric come up with a plan to get out from under Victor.
Emotions are running high. There's a schism between Eric and Pam, and Sookie knows she has something to do with it. (The basis of their discord, when it's finally revealed, is real kick to the gut!) At the same time, Pam is trying to gain permission to create her first vampire child. And there are major developments in the blood-bond issue between Eric and Sookie.
Sookie is coming to see how much she has changed since the supes have come into her life. Much of what she's done has been necessary to her own survival, but she's not sure she likes who she's become. Things are strained between her and Eric. I've been Team-Eric for as long as I can remember, but the cracks are forming. That's an understatement, really. We see what can easily be the mechanism to separate them once and for all. But things are left unresolved. I just wish Harris would just rip the band-aid off already. I've softened towards Bill, though I can't see the two of them ever reconciling --and we even have a surprise appearance from another potential suitor. But when all is said and done, I feel like we're just getting more groundwork laid for Sam as an eventual HEA. Sure, he's got a girlfriend here, but he is now firmly ensconced as Sookie's best friend. I feel like it's just a hop, skip and jump from becoming something more.
I can't wrap up without acknowledging that Sookie makes some great new discoveries about her family history. And we finally know where her telepathy comes from. (A fun surprise, I thought.) We have resolution on the main story arc, but the relationship issues are left hanging in a most frustrating way. I just didn't feel like the book was as cohesive as some of the ones that came before it. The best books in the series were obvious in what they were about: whether it was the vampire summit, the evil witches or what-have-you. The weaker ones tend to meander from event to event, or perhaps more accurately... from disaster to disaster, in Sookie's life. Almost 4 stars.
November 28, 2015
This was another strangely addictive instalment in the series, although things aren’t looking good on certain fronts
I thought Sookie was a bit naughty to But yay for the deaths of
7 out of 10
I thought Sookie was a bit naughty to But yay for the deaths of
7 out of 10
May 19, 2020
WTH...WTF...Seriously!!!...Speechless...seriously pissed off!
No words, other than the few above, can truly describe how disappointed I am with this book and this series. When I re-discovered my love for reading several years ago, this was one of the first series' that I read and I fell in love with. It will continue to hold a special place in my heart but what I fell in love with is just no more. NEVER, in a million years, did I think I would say I'm looking forward to Season 4 of True Blood more than the next book.
What I Liked
Jack & Lily Leeds - their appearance was one of the few excited moments I had while reading. What's worse, I was excited about them & I've never read their books. How sad is that?
Bubba - loved that he was brought back in this installment, however, I feel his re-introduction fell a little flat.
Pam - we got to see a softer side to Pam with her love interest and I enjoyed that.
Sookie - finally stands up for herself in some respects and that was much needed for her. It's time for her to stop letting people walk all over her.
What I Didn't Like...Serious WTF moments
Alcide - I have several questions on this topic. Why does CH feel the need to make Alcide such an asshole? When he was first introduced, he was a character I really enjoyed reading & felt that he had lots of potential. I just don't understand his character development. Next, why bring him into this book for that un-necessary scene? It served absolutely no purpose, why even bother?
Sandra Pelt - Ok, did you run out of people to try and kill Sookie? Why resurrect her of all the past villains? I guess since most of the bad guys in the past are dead, that was the only option.
Eric - Eric will forever be on my top ten list of favorite characters, BUT, the past couple of books have made him out to be such a p**sy :/ Thank god for the scene at Fangtasia at the end of the book or I would have sworn he was be-spelled again.
Pretty much the whole book - In every book, with the exception of the last two, CH has always had a clearly defined plot. There may have been several smaller plots working at the same time, but, you were able to see progression within the book, as well as, the series itself. This book didn’t offer that at all. Instead we received pieced together scenes that did little to explain what the overall plot even was or was supposed to be.
Overall, this was installment left me wanting nothing more than for this series to end. I’ve said it before, I would much rather have fewer books & wonderful stories, over more books & mediocre ones. If we can’t go back to the series of old, for the love of God, put an end to it.
No words, other than the few above, can truly describe how disappointed I am with this book and this series. When I re-discovered my love for reading several years ago, this was one of the first series' that I read and I fell in love with. It will continue to hold a special place in my heart but what I fell in love with is just no more. NEVER, in a million years, did I think I would say I'm looking forward to Season 4 of True Blood more than the next book.
What I Liked
Jack & Lily Leeds - their appearance was one of the few excited moments I had while reading. What's worse, I was excited about them & I've never read their books. How sad is that?
Bubba - loved that he was brought back in this installment, however, I feel his re-introduction fell a little flat.
Pam - we got to see a softer side to Pam with her love interest and I enjoyed that.
Sookie - finally stands up for herself in some respects and that was much needed for her. It's time for her to stop letting people walk all over her.
What I Didn't Like...Serious WTF moments
Alcide - I have several questions on this topic. Why does CH feel the need to make Alcide such an asshole? When he was first introduced, he was a character I really enjoyed reading & felt that he had lots of potential. I just don't understand his character development. Next, why bring him into this book for that un-necessary scene? It served absolutely no purpose, why even bother?
Sandra Pelt - Ok, did you run out of people to try and kill Sookie? Why resurrect her of all the past villains? I guess since most of the bad guys in the past are dead, that was the only option.
Eric - Eric will forever be on my top ten list of favorite characters, BUT, the past couple of books have made him out to be such a p**sy :/ Thank god for the scene at Fangtasia at the end of the book or I would have sworn he was be-spelled again.
Pretty much the whole book - In every book, with the exception of the last two, CH has always had a clearly defined plot. There may have been several smaller plots working at the same time, but, you were able to see progression within the book, as well as, the series itself. This book didn’t offer that at all. Instead we received pieced together scenes that did little to explain what the overall plot even was or was supposed to be.
Overall, this was installment left me wanting nothing more than for this series to end. I’ve said it before, I would much rather have fewer books & wonderful stories, over more books & mediocre ones. If we can’t go back to the series of old, for the love of God, put an end to it.
May 18, 2011
Can't wait!!! I'm counting down the days.... I read the whole series in less then 2 weeks when I discovered them and I seriously need this book asap!
Well I FINALLY got my copy of this absolutely wonderful book! I couldn't put it down, I'm kinda sad that I finished it so quickly...now I miss the characters all over again! LOL, I am at a lost for words about what went down. I don't know whether I should cry or be happy, the new issue with Sookie and Eric is so heartbreaking (for me at least). Bill has gained some of my trust and love back. Pam...poor, poor Pam, I did cry for her. I'm a bit sad that Jason wasn't in the story much, he had a big role in the end of the previous book. It really struck me as odd that he didn't have a least a bigger role in this book then he actually did. I find myself left with a lot of answered questions from the previous book, but a hell of a lot more now. Now all I have to do it wait for the next book to get those answered. Hopefully Good! All in all a ABSOLUTELY WONDERFULLY AWESOME book!! Now HURRY up Season Four of TRUE BLOOD!!!!
Well I FINALLY got my copy of this absolutely wonderful book! I couldn't put it down, I'm kinda sad that I finished it so quickly...now I miss the characters all over again! LOL, I am at a lost for words about what went down. I don't know whether I should cry or be happy, the new issue with Sookie and Eric is so heartbreaking (for me at least). Bill has gained some of my trust and love back. Pam...poor, poor Pam, I did cry for her. I'm a bit sad that Jason wasn't in the story much, he had a big role in the end of the previous book. It really struck me as odd that he didn't have a least a bigger role in this book then he actually did. I find myself left with a lot of answered questions from the previous book, but a hell of a lot more now. Now all I have to do it wait for the next book to get those answered. Hopefully Good! All in all a ABSOLUTELY WONDERFULLY AWESOME book!! Now HURRY up Season Four of TRUE BLOOD!!!!
May 5, 2022
3.5 stars
June 30, 2015
You know the expression "Jumping the Shark" for a television show that has been on too long and gotten horrible? Well, this book series has definitely been to Sea World on a motorcycle.
I hope he had this book in his hand...
And, although I can be quite a masochist when it comes to finishing a series that I've started, I'm officially done.
take that, people who told Charlaine Harris to keep writing when she was obviously out of ideas!
Sookie has actually managed to become even more unlikable in this book. I didn't think that was possible, and yet, here it is. I mean, we already knew she was stupid. Even she admits it.
Okay, I've been stupid in the past. Not consistently stupid, but occasionally stupid.
Uh, no Sookie, you have been consistently stupid.
Plus, she is vain, selfish, and delusional. But, she did do one thing right and that was to get together with Eric. Unfortunately for Eric, though, is that she is a really crappy girlfriend. She is rude, argumentative, never understanding or compassionate, and rash. She breaks their blood bond without even talking to him first. It is like the equivalent of going to Mexico for a quickie divorce from your husband and then wondering why his feelings are hurt.
I should have called Eric and warned him what was about to happen. But I'd been afraid he'd talk me out of it...
Oh, okay then. If you want to do something that you know that your spouse would absolutely be against, just do it behind their back.
Oops, sorry about that. I guess a little "heads up" would have been nice.
So, even though I waited forever for Sookie and Eric to finally get together, I have to say that I now think that Eric can do a lot better.
because you are a boring f*ck and Eric is a viking god...
The only people I will miss in the series:
I hope he had this book in his hand...
And, although I can be quite a masochist when it comes to finishing a series that I've started, I'm officially done.
take that, people who told Charlaine Harris to keep writing when she was obviously out of ideas!
Sookie has actually managed to become even more unlikable in this book. I didn't think that was possible, and yet, here it is. I mean, we already knew she was stupid. Even she admits it.
Okay, I've been stupid in the past. Not consistently stupid, but occasionally stupid.
Uh, no Sookie, you have been consistently stupid.
Plus, she is vain, selfish, and delusional. But, she did do one thing right and that was to get together with Eric. Unfortunately for Eric, though, is that she is a really crappy girlfriend. She is rude, argumentative, never understanding or compassionate, and rash. She breaks their blood bond without even talking to him first. It is like the equivalent of going to Mexico for a quickie divorce from your husband and then wondering why his feelings are hurt.
I should have called Eric and warned him what was about to happen. But I'd been afraid he'd talk me out of it...
Oh, okay then. If you want to do something that you know that your spouse would absolutely be against, just do it behind their back.
Oops, sorry about that. I guess a little "heads up" would have been nice.
So, even though I waited forever for Sookie and Eric to finally get together, I have to say that I now think that Eric can do a lot better.
because you are a boring f*ck and Eric is a viking god...
The only people I will miss in the series:
June 27, 2020
Sookie, I really, really wanted to give you four stars. Truly, I did. Though we haven't known each other long, I've grown extremely fond of you. Unfortunately, I spent much of this story feeling like this:
Fear not, I also have nice things to say, I just wish they outweighed the bad.
First, the bad:
*It should have been condensed. Now, some of the allure of Sookie, for me, is her amusing internal rambling and watching her try to go about a normal way of life. But not for half of the book!!!!! It felt like so much of this book was filler and made it excruciatingly boring to read until almost the end.
Example:
Sookie did the laundry.
Dermot walks in. Sookie says hi.
Sookie goes to Walmart.
Sookie comes home and does the dishes.
Know what? I don't give a rat's ass.
Which brings me to my next point.
*There's building suspense, and then there's dangling a juicy carrot in your face and stringing you along for 5 fucking chapters before you're told what the hell is going on. And I'm not talking waiting for the climax, just answers to questions that you've been more than patient waiting for. Or maybe I'm just a demanding ass who can't wait. Could be both.
*Too many characters were thrown in for me. As this series progresses, it's like there's always 10 subplots within the plot. Which means characters are introduced quickly and don't show up again/or until way later. And by that point, I kinda recognize the name, but I'm scratching my head trying to remember who the hell they were and what part they played. There's just not enough for you to invest in them, therefore my brain is not making a good mental note of them.
*My biggest personal pet peeve with Sookie is her inability to come to terms with her reality. Honey, we're 11 books in now, stop being so shocked. Someone got beheaded? Psh, we saw that like book 1. OMG, she lost a limb! Wait, been there, saw that. You yourself even point out in the climax that of all the bloody, horrific things you are seeing, only one is new to you. I get the upset in the first few books. Now you just need to put on the big girl panties and adjust already. No, it's not nice or pretty, but WE KNOW THAT by now. It's you or them, and you shouldn't feel guilty for defending your life, and the lives of those you love.
Now, while I can concede that a trauma is a trauma, she shouldn't still be having this shellshocked reaction. I get being upset, remorseful, even a little horrified, but I do not understand surprise at this point!!! By now, we've had plenty of bloody, fight-for-your-life battles. This isn't new for you. Please start responding accordingly.
*Sookie pet peeve #2 is her unrealistic expectations of her vampire(or any supe) lovers. While as a woman I can understand the things you want and value in a significant other, I don't think it makes sense to for you to expect just that in something that is not human. Sure, vampires can love, they have feelings, but they still are not HUMAN. Accordingly, you cannot demand the all the same aspects of a human relationship in a relationship with a vampire. I think it bothers me doubly because she is privy to a lot of the ins and outs of the vampire society/hierarchy that a lot of others in the book aren't, so I'd think that would make her more qualified to understand this. And sometimes she does. But for me she still acts too much like this is her first rodeo with a vampire and I find it frustrating. Maybe I'm biased because I've got it bad for Eric. Who could resist this face?? I can't, that's for sure.
*Charlaine, pay close attention to this one. It's bad enough that you use, almost verbatim, the same descriptions for multiple things in EVERY book! Even worse, you do it multiple times in a single book. If I have to read Sookie describe what happened to Bubba every time his name graces a page, I will scream. Guess what? I am not a moron, so I understood perfectly well what you meant the first 500 times you described it the last 10 books. It does not bear repeating!!!!!
The good stuff:
Though the books are kind of predictable in the way that you always know that Sookie and friends will have a problem, but you know that they always save the day, for me the stories have(mostly) stayed refreshing enough.
I love how she manages to find trouble right up until the end. Even after you've had the big bloody climax/power struggle, something else always has to happen. And that keeps me entertained.
Pam. Pam has to be my favorite character. She makes me laugh every time. I love her dry humor, her random exclamations("fuck a zombie!!"), how even though she's not the most affectionate, it's still obvious she cares, and her unwavering loyalty for those she cares about. I am always excited when she appears.
The last quarter of the book was fantastic and had me totally engrossed. I just wish I could say that for the rest of it. Alas, I still will be excited for the next installment and I hope the series will start to redeem itself.
In summary:
Fear not, I also have nice things to say, I just wish they outweighed the bad.
First, the bad:
*It should have been condensed. Now, some of the allure of Sookie, for me, is her amusing internal rambling and watching her try to go about a normal way of life. But not for half of the book!!!!! It felt like so much of this book was filler and made it excruciatingly boring to read until almost the end.
Example:
Sookie did the laundry.
Dermot walks in. Sookie says hi.
Sookie goes to Walmart.
Sookie comes home and does the dishes.
Know what? I don't give a rat's ass.
Which brings me to my next point.
*There's building suspense, and then there's dangling a juicy carrot in your face and stringing you along for 5 fucking chapters before you're told what the hell is going on. And I'm not talking waiting for the climax, just answers to questions that you've been more than patient waiting for. Or maybe I'm just a demanding ass who can't wait. Could be both.
*Too many characters were thrown in for me. As this series progresses, it's like there's always 10 subplots within the plot. Which means characters are introduced quickly and don't show up again/or until way later. And by that point, I kinda recognize the name, but I'm scratching my head trying to remember who the hell they were and what part they played. There's just not enough for you to invest in them, therefore my brain is not making a good mental note of them.
*My biggest personal pet peeve with Sookie is her inability to come to terms with her reality. Honey, we're 11 books in now, stop being so shocked. Someone got beheaded? Psh, we saw that like book 1. OMG, she lost a limb! Wait, been there, saw that. You yourself even point out in the climax that of all the bloody, horrific things you are seeing, only one is new to you. I get the upset in the first few books. Now you just need to put on the big girl panties and adjust already. No, it's not nice or pretty, but WE KNOW THAT by now. It's you or them, and you shouldn't feel guilty for defending your life, and the lives of those you love.
Now, while I can concede that a trauma is a trauma, she shouldn't still be having this shellshocked reaction. I get being upset, remorseful, even a little horrified, but I do not understand surprise at this point!!! By now, we've had plenty of bloody, fight-for-your-life battles. This isn't new for you. Please start responding accordingly.
*Sookie pet peeve #2 is her unrealistic expectations of her vampire(or any supe) lovers. While as a woman I can understand the things you want and value in a significant other, I don't think it makes sense to for you to expect just that in something that is not human. Sure, vampires can love, they have feelings, but they still are not HUMAN. Accordingly, you cannot demand the all the same aspects of a human relationship in a relationship with a vampire. I think it bothers me doubly because she is privy to a lot of the ins and outs of the vampire society/hierarchy that a lot of others in the book aren't, so I'd think that would make her more qualified to understand this. And sometimes she does. But for me she still acts too much like this is her first rodeo with a vampire and I find it frustrating. Maybe I'm biased because I've got it bad for Eric. Who could resist this face?? I can't, that's for sure.
*Charlaine, pay close attention to this one. It's bad enough that you use, almost verbatim, the same descriptions for multiple things in EVERY book! Even worse, you do it multiple times in a single book. If I have to read Sookie describe what happened to Bubba every time his name graces a page, I will scream. Guess what? I am not a moron, so I understood perfectly well what you meant the first 500 times you described it the last 10 books. It does not bear repeating!!!!!
The good stuff:
Though the books are kind of predictable in the way that you always know that Sookie and friends will have a problem, but you know that they always save the day, for me the stories have(mostly) stayed refreshing enough.
I love how she manages to find trouble right up until the end. Even after you've had the big bloody climax/power struggle, something else always has to happen. And that keeps me entertained.
Pam. Pam has to be my favorite character. She makes me laugh every time. I love her dry humor, her random exclamations("fuck a zombie!!"), how even though she's not the most affectionate, it's still obvious she cares, and her unwavering loyalty for those she cares about. I am always excited when she appears.
The last quarter of the book was fantastic and had me totally engrossed. I just wish I could say that for the rest of it. Alas, I still will be excited for the next installment and I hope the series will start to redeem itself.
In summary:
July 26, 2023
sookie confronts the same damn moral dilemma every FUCKING time she re-remembers that she’s dating a vampire it goes like this
sookie: omg you killed someone—?!
vampire of the day: yeah you helped me plan their murder?
sookie: but YOU LIKED KILLING THEM?
vampire: yeah i’ve been undead for 1,000 years? i’m an apex predator?
sookie: i can’t do this anymore—
like BITCH IF YOU DODNTNTNEICJFK FUCJIGJTIDKCJFJSJSKXJRKWKXJC.
the thin veneer that holds this world together or at the very least makes it on some level compelling is the romance and intrigue surrounding its recurring cast of characters (sookie, eric, bill, etc.) and because this book was so fucking bleak and confused, that veneer rlly started to fall apart. it’s all that holds the narrative together.
sookie: omg you killed someone—?!
vampire of the day: yeah you helped me plan their murder?
sookie: but YOU LIKED KILLING THEM?
vampire: yeah i’ve been undead for 1,000 years? i’m an apex predator?
sookie: i can’t do this anymore—
like BITCH IF YOU DODNTNTNEICJFK FUCJIGJTIDKCJFJSJSKXJRKWKXJC.
the thin veneer that holds this world together or at the very least makes it on some level compelling is the romance and intrigue surrounding its recurring cast of characters (sookie, eric, bill, etc.) and because this book was so fucking bleak and confused, that veneer rlly started to fall apart. it’s all that holds the narrative together.
May 28, 2012
Book Eleven, and not only is Sookis as stupid as ever (see for evidence her pride at using the word “ambience”) but it seems to be catching. This time, after she’s once again caught up in a mystery arson attack, a whole raft of characters turn up almost immediately to give her an emergency hair-cut, to repair the burn damage. Not one of them suggests she should get a check-up to be sure she isn’t suffering from the effects of smoke inhalation, or even lie down to get over the shock. Instead they rally around to make sure her 3-inch trim is completed as efficiently as possible by an expert. Sookie meanwhile cries twice at the horror of having her hair slightly shortened. Since this is more emotion than she showed when her unborn nephew or niece was killed in its mother’s womb my sympathy for her is limited.
Worst Musical Reference
Gnarls Barkley – Crazy
Or, in a vampire bar “Hips Don’t Lie”.
Or even “I Will Always Love You”
Most Hypoctritical Statement
Says Sookie, serial vampire-shagger.
Most Inane Patriotic Statement
Worst Compliment
Most Unappealing Sentence
Or
Worst Underwear Choice
Alcide’s “Kind of a monokini. Manakini?”, which frankly doesn’t bear thinking about.
Sadly Harris’ money-making machine grinds on, as yet another of these pathetic excuses for literature is currently being written. It seems like even her fans thought this particular edition was a piece of crap, so hopefully she’ll improve on it slightly with Book 12 “Dead Inside") Odds are it will feature appalling sex, a “mysterious” attempt on Sookie’s life, some type of badly-written fight and reams of padding.
In other plot news Sookie finally clears out the loft, which she spent the whole of the last book harping on about. Since it’s mainly full of decayed and rotten items of furniture which have been there for countless decades I can only assume her whole house reeks of festering damp and mould. After this a whole lot of nothing happens for so long that even Sookie feels moved to admit that she’s a rather mundane character. During this drought of action she does her hair, goes shopping, has something to eat, watches Jeopardy! and witters on about such thrilling subjects as being a Christian and how nice it would be to have a locker at work, for many, many pages. We also learn that Sookie’s deceased grandmother used to bitch about people wearing white wedding dresses when they weren’t virgins, which seems like their own business to me. Then Sookie has her hair done again, and gets a new dress. Then she goes to visit a new vampire club, where Harris’ obsession with Elvis rears its head again.
After this Sookie finally finds the random magical item in the attic that Harris has been hinting about for the last book and a half. Then Sandra Pelt tries to kill her again, several times in fact. Also, Harris brings back Sookie’s witch friend in order that she perform a pointless spell that endangers Sookie’s life whilst achieving nothing. Then the reader is treated to yet another incident involving a stalker ex breaking into Sookie’s bedroom for sexual reasons, which as usual is portrayed as being no big deal, because after all “It’s always nice to be wanted”. After this pointless interlude Sookie wanders around for a while ruminating on whether or not she should build a garage (or carport, as she insists on calling it) before being suddenly attacked by a mystery assailant for what must be the 50th time. This particular attack leads to the only chase I have ever read in which the pursued victim feels it wise to strip completely naked and hide in a hole with an unconscious naked man, which is unusual if incredibly ridiculous. I found Sookie being trapped in a dark, confined space with a comatose but potentially dangerous Bill to be redolent of the very similar rape scene several books back, featuring the same protagonists. However Sookie’s rape had absolutely no psychological effect on her whatsoever, and so she fails to recall it or respond in any way to a near repeat of the incident several paragraphs later.
The plot continues to go nowhere. Sookie and all the usual characters drone on about their plot to kill another vampire for vague and uninteresting reasons. Since they’ve been going on about this planned murder since the previous book without doing anything these discussions are hardly riveting. Meanwhile we hear every monotonous detail of how Sookie cleans her house for a “baby shower”, and what predictable presents she has bought for the babies. Eventually Sookie and her various undifferentiated allies succeed in the murder attempt they have been droning on about interminably via the medium of Harris’ aforementioned Elvis obsession, which has afflicted most of her characters with great severity. After this Sookie has a weird masochistic incident with Eric, and suddenly decides to tell the readers that she couldn’t watch more than a few seconds of an unspecified “Saw” movie because it was too gory, which seems disingenuous considering the number of massacres she has been personally involved in. We also learn that Sookie’s grandmother would not have considered using her special magical wishing device to cure her daughter of her terminal cancer because “she didn’t think it would be Christian”, which doesn’t say much for Christians. Then Sandra Pelt turns up for yet another unsuccessful attempt to kill Sookie and is put out of her misery. The end.
Stupidest New Character Names
Immanuel Earnest
Nella Jean
Bellenos
Palomino
Rubio Hermosa
Ana Lyudmilla
Red Rita
Mustapha Khan (This even earns a “Seriously?” from Sookie)
KeShawn Johnson
Hod and Kelvin Mayfield
Dusty Kolinchek
Most Vacuous and Malibu-Stacyesque Statement
“Grooming always makes you feel better”
Worst Musical Reference
Gnarls Barkley – Crazy
Or, in a vampire bar “Hips Don’t Lie”.
Or even “I Will Always Love You”
Most Hypoctritical Statement
"No thank you." I said it immediately. "I would hate to see the fangbangers come in night after night, always wanting what they shouldn't have. It's just sad and bad."
Says Sookie, serial vampire-shagger.
Most Inane Patriotic Statement
“I can't believe this is happening in our country, and me a veteran. Born and bred in the USA."
Worst Compliment
“you have a pair of breasts that should win the Miss America Tit Competition”
Most Unappealing Sentence
“Eric loved monkey sex.”
Or
“The ice pack had done all the good it was going to, and I removed it from my yahoo palace”
Worst Underwear Choice
Alcide’s “Kind of a monokini. Manakini?”, which frankly doesn’t bear thinking about.
Sadly Harris’ money-making machine grinds on, as yet another of these pathetic excuses for literature is currently being written. It seems like even her fans thought this particular edition was a piece of crap, so hopefully she’ll improve on it slightly with Book 12 “Dead Inside") Odds are it will feature appalling sex, a “mysterious” attempt on Sookie’s life, some type of badly-written fight and reams of padding.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2020
finally bought books 11 and 12. yes i know that i shouldn't have read 13 first but in my defense it was cheap. so i forgot pretty much everything that has happened. what i recall is Sookie constantly getting beaten up and the main love interests sucking. these books are fucking garbage, an abomination... love them. ginormous guilty pleasure. i think what ruined the series for me isn't the ending but what happened after that. WHY THE FUCK IS AFTER DEAD A THING? ''Hank Clearwater contracted gonorrhea.'' shit still haunts me.
the first 50-100pages are meh but after that it gets real good.
“I love you,” Bill said helplessly, as if he wished those magic words would heal me. But he knew they wouldn’t.
“That’s what you all keep saying,” I answered. “But it doesn’t seem to get me any happier.”
hun again, get a girlfriend or stay single. they are all boring cunts. especially Bill.
oh no no no nooooo. we are still not over the 'Claude ur gay cousin wants to fuck u' shit? please stab me in the eye. are we in Louisiana or Alabama?
the first 50-100pages are meh but after that it gets real good.
“I love you,” Bill said helplessly, as if he wished those magic words would heal me. But he knew they wouldn’t.
“That’s what you all keep saying,” I answered. “But it doesn’t seem to get me any happier.”
hun again, get a girlfriend or stay single. they are all boring cunts. especially Bill.
oh no no no nooooo. we are still not over the 'Claude ur gay cousin wants to fuck u' shit? please stab me in the eye. are we in Louisiana or Alabama?
May 12, 2013
Rating: 3.8* of five
The Publisher Says: There's a reckoning on the way ...
Sookie Stackhouse is a cocktail waitress in Bon Temps, Louisiana. It's a job which has its own challenges, but now the vampires and the shapeshifters are finally 'out', you'd think the supernaturals would get on with each other. But nothing is that simple in Bon Temps!
... and Sookie has a knack for being in trouble's way; not least when she witnesses the firebombing of Merlotte's, the bar where she works. Since Sam Merlotte is known to be two-natured, suspicion falls immediately on the anti-shifters in the area. Sookie suspects otherwise, but before she can investigate something else - something even more dangerous - comes up.
Sookie's lover Eric Northman, and his 'child' Pam are plotting something in secret. Whatever it is, they seem determined to keep Sookie out of it; almost as determined as Sookie is to find out what's going on. She can't sit on the sidelines when both her work and her love life are under threat - but as their plans gradually become clear Sookie finds the situation is deadlier than she could ever have imagined.
My Review: Sookie Stackhouse's latest print outing. I'm sure I missed something along the way. Too many givens aren't what my memory offers...well, who knows, I might just be sufferin' from worsening Half-heimer's. It certainly feels that way when one is internetless for long stretches! Facts I gave not a second's thought to, because I could pop online and look 'em up, are all wetware storage reliant. I suspect the little elf who does my mental filing has grown very lazy in these internetty years.
Our various dramatis personae are all a-whirl in this outing...how odd, right?...over the Nevada vampire king, Felipe, choosing the reprehensible (even for a vampire) Victor as his Regent. Victor's got his knickers in a knot because he felt he should be King of Louisiana, not just Regent. And, insult to injury, Felipe is separating the Louisiana/Arkansas merger that was effected before the mass deaths two (possibly three) books ago when Sophie-Anne married whatever the King of Arkansas's name was before everyone at the wedding was slaughtered. Felipe chose to keep Eric, Sookie's vampire-rite husband, as Sheriff, the only individual so favored, and thus Victor's gunning (literally and figuratively) for him. Eric, Sookie, and some oddly assorted allies decide that gunnin' for someone is a two-way street after Victor is revealed as the force behind the new vamp club ruining Eric's business, and the roadhouse ruining Sam's beloved Merlotte's, in an unsubtle effort to make Eric come for Victor so Eric can be killed without explanation or expiation.
Yeah, good luck with that. And good luck to Eric in his new, unexpected, and possibly Sookie-less life, as arranged by his now-dead maker, very different from the one he has in True Blood.
Anyhoo, throw in Claude the hot gay faery/stripper, Dermot the damaged faery uncle, Mr. Cataliades the demon (literally not pejoratively) lawyer, Amelia the renegade witch and her former pussycat Bob, and a return visit from nutball Sandra Pelt, and the corpses stack up to agreeable heights in the accustomed way of Harris's books. As is expected in this series, the ending is another sea-change in the life of the Sookster, not yet brought quite to fruition. If this technique has palled on you, avoid this book.Well, what can one say? I mentioned in the last review that I wasn't at all ready to give up on bookish Bon Temps. This book does nothing to push me in one direction or the other. I liked it, and I was very pleased as always to immerse myself in the supe-filled universe that Sookie inhabits. I suspect that, barring a return to the terrible flatness of the un-fun All Together Dead, I'll read along in the series. I won't be out trolling for converts, though, like I do with Louise Penny's addictive-as-chocolate-coated-nicotine-infused-heroin-enrobed-crack Three Pines mysteries. I don't imagine my non-proselytic stance will harm Mother Harris's rep or bottom line.
I'll have to loop back and fill in some details from the book I missed. I suspect I've got the gist from Harris's carefully crafted fill-ins, but some of the fill-ins have left me curious about the full version. (Good job, Mother Harris! I'm tough to inveigle!)
And I am amused to note that The Sookie Stackhouse Companion is now available. Really? A concordance? How Biblical. I might not like Sookie's Jesusy thoughts, but isn't this a bit much?
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
The Publisher Says: There's a reckoning on the way ...
Sookie Stackhouse is a cocktail waitress in Bon Temps, Louisiana. It's a job which has its own challenges, but now the vampires and the shapeshifters are finally 'out', you'd think the supernaturals would get on with each other. But nothing is that simple in Bon Temps!
... and Sookie has a knack for being in trouble's way; not least when she witnesses the firebombing of Merlotte's, the bar where she works. Since Sam Merlotte is known to be two-natured, suspicion falls immediately on the anti-shifters in the area. Sookie suspects otherwise, but before she can investigate something else - something even more dangerous - comes up.
Sookie's lover Eric Northman, and his 'child' Pam are plotting something in secret. Whatever it is, they seem determined to keep Sookie out of it; almost as determined as Sookie is to find out what's going on. She can't sit on the sidelines when both her work and her love life are under threat - but as their plans gradually become clear Sookie finds the situation is deadlier than she could ever have imagined.
My Review: Sookie Stackhouse's latest print outing. I'm sure I missed something along the way. Too many givens aren't what my memory offers...well, who knows, I might just be sufferin' from worsening Half-heimer's. It certainly feels that way when one is internetless for long stretches! Facts I gave not a second's thought to, because I could pop online and look 'em up, are all wetware storage reliant. I suspect the little elf who does my mental filing has grown very lazy in these internetty years.
Our various dramatis personae are all a-whirl in this outing...how odd, right?...over the Nevada vampire king, Felipe, choosing the reprehensible (even for a vampire) Victor as his Regent. Victor's got his knickers in a knot because he felt he should be King of Louisiana, not just Regent. And, insult to injury, Felipe is separating the Louisiana/Arkansas merger that was effected before the mass deaths two (possibly three) books ago when Sophie-Anne married whatever the King of Arkansas's name was before everyone at the wedding was slaughtered. Felipe chose to keep Eric, Sookie's vampire-rite husband, as Sheriff, the only individual so favored, and thus Victor's gunning (literally and figuratively) for him. Eric, Sookie, and some oddly assorted allies decide that gunnin' for someone is a two-way street after Victor is revealed as the force behind the new vamp club ruining Eric's business, and the roadhouse ruining Sam's beloved Merlotte's, in an unsubtle effort to make Eric come for Victor so Eric can be killed without explanation or expiation.
Yeah, good luck with that. And good luck to Eric in his new, unexpected, and possibly Sookie-less life, as arranged by his now-dead maker, very different from the one he has in True Blood.
Anyhoo, throw in Claude the hot gay faery/stripper, Dermot the damaged faery uncle, Mr. Cataliades the demon (literally not pejoratively) lawyer, Amelia the renegade witch and her former pussycat Bob, and a return visit from nutball Sandra Pelt, and the corpses stack up to agreeable heights in the accustomed way of Harris's books. As is expected in this series, the ending is another sea-change in the life of the Sookster, not yet brought quite to fruition. If this technique has palled on you, avoid this book.Well, what can one say? I mentioned in the last review that I wasn't at all ready to give up on bookish Bon Temps. This book does nothing to push me in one direction or the other. I liked it, and I was very pleased as always to immerse myself in the supe-filled universe that Sookie inhabits. I suspect that, barring a return to the terrible flatness of the un-fun All Together Dead, I'll read along in the series. I won't be out trolling for converts, though, like I do with Louise Penny's addictive-as-chocolate-coated-nicotine-infused-heroin-enrobed-crack Three Pines mysteries. I don't imagine my non-proselytic stance will harm Mother Harris's rep or bottom line.
I'll have to loop back and fill in some details from the book I missed. I suspect I've got the gist from Harris's carefully crafted fill-ins, but some of the fill-ins have left me curious about the full version. (Good job, Mother Harris! I'm tough to inveigle!)
And I am amused to note that The Sookie Stackhouse Companion is now available. Really? A concordance? How Biblical. I might not like Sookie's Jesusy thoughts, but isn't this a bit much?
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
September 14, 2024
2019 Re-Read
You can get whiplash trying to keep up with Sookie Stackhouse’s life—one day you’re planning a vampire assassination, the next it’s a mundane baby shower. One evening you hand out sharpened stakes, the next cake and napkins.
This is the volume of the series where Sookie realizes how much her life has changed—how much she has changed. For several books now, Sookie has noted that she’s a “bad Christian.” Now she knows where her telepathic talent comes from (an indiscretion of her grandmother’s) and her world has expanded to include all sorts of supernatural creatures. She has left behind her “nice girl next door” persona and is becoming a woman to be conjured with.
It’s inevitable that this will change her relationship with Eric, who is used to being the vampire in charge. He’s getting surly and pouty, not liking this change in his ‘wife.’ She’s standing up for herself and for others, something that controlling spouses find disconcerting.
I amazed, actually, at how many human relationship issues that Harris manages to tackle through this urban fantasy soap-opera. As Sookie learns more about herself and managing her feelings & expectations, we all get to review these life lessons through her interior monologue. How often women are expected to ‘be nice’ and acquiesce to the demands of men, plus how they get labelled as bitches when they don’t follow this script.
Still loving Pam, still carrying a torch for Bill, really appreciating Bubba.
You can get whiplash trying to keep up with Sookie Stackhouse’s life—one day you’re planning a vampire assassination, the next it’s a mundane baby shower. One evening you hand out sharpened stakes, the next cake and napkins.
This is the volume of the series where Sookie realizes how much her life has changed—how much she has changed. For several books now, Sookie has noted that she’s a “bad Christian.” Now she knows where her telepathic talent comes from (an indiscretion of her grandmother’s) and her world has expanded to include all sorts of supernatural creatures. She has left behind her “nice girl next door” persona and is becoming a woman to be conjured with.
It’s inevitable that this will change her relationship with Eric, who is used to being the vampire in charge. He’s getting surly and pouty, not liking this change in his ‘wife.’ She’s standing up for herself and for others, something that controlling spouses find disconcerting.
I amazed, actually, at how many human relationship issues that Harris manages to tackle through this urban fantasy soap-opera. As Sookie learns more about herself and managing her feelings & expectations, we all get to review these life lessons through her interior monologue. How often women are expected to ‘be nice’ and acquiesce to the demands of men, plus how they get labelled as bitches when they don’t follow this script.
Still loving Pam, still carrying a torch for Bill, really appreciating Bubba.
March 24, 2022
I wasn’t expeting this breaking heart moment!🥹
Sandra Pelt was just a crazy bitch!!🫥
I might started liking Bill. It’s obviusly thAt he wants Sookie safe, which is a true love sign. He said to her that he loves her and he also showed, by protecting her and saving her life.
Eric, Eric, Eric. Love always wins! You have just to fight for what u love!
From the middle of the book I got that the relationship between Sookie and Eric wasn’t going to last, starting with the fact that Sookie BROKE the blood bond, which made me cry🥹😭 Eric is visibly in love with Sookie, but he also knows that he is putting her in danger by loving her, by keeping dating her. I’m truly suffering over that, because I love Eric and I really want his affection more, I want his affection and love FOREVER, but it’s good to dream, right? Dreams rarely happen.
I’m also sorry for Pam’s loss and I hoped she could stopped that from happening, because she is suffering, deep inside her stone heart.
Eric, do something and keep dating Sookie! From my side, you can TURN Sookie in a VAMPIRE!!! Do whatever you want, just give me your affection and love moreeee🥹✨🥰
Sandra Pelt was just a crazy bitch!!🫥
I might started liking Bill. It’s obviusly thAt he wants Sookie safe, which is a true love sign. He said to her that he loves her and he also showed, by protecting her and saving her life.
Eric, Eric, Eric. Love always wins! You have just to fight for what u love!
From the middle of the book I got that the relationship between Sookie and Eric wasn’t going to last, starting with the fact that Sookie BROKE the blood bond, which made me cry🥹😭 Eric is visibly in love with Sookie, but he also knows that he is putting her in danger by loving her, by keeping dating her. I’m truly suffering over that, because I love Eric and I really want his affection more, I want his affection and love FOREVER, but it’s good to dream, right? Dreams rarely happen.
I’m also sorry for Pam’s loss and I hoped she could stopped that from happening, because she is suffering, deep inside her stone heart.
Eric, do something and keep dating Sookie! From my side, you can TURN Sookie in a VAMPIRE!!! Do whatever you want, just give me your affection and love moreeee🥹✨🥰
May 31, 2011
Ok, I'm pissed. I really enjoyed the series up until this point and I really feel like this was simply a contractual obligation. There were some parts that were completely boring and hard to get through. There is so much double talk and all around the subject, that i couldn't get into it. Hell, from the first few pages I noticed that Sookie's voice was changed and it was not in a good way.
What happened?
The things about the characters that we all grew to love (even if they were evil and unjust) all changed. Eric feeling bad about something that could put him up on the vampire chain of command? Claude being helpful? Bill being so overtly sexual? Alcide (leader of the pack) doing what a fairy and a witch tell him? Who are these people? I want my 12.99 back plus the week it took me to get through this. NOW, i will never know what happens to Sookie because I probably won't read the next book. For shame.
I'm going to go back and read the first book and pretend like none of this happened.
What happened?
The things about the characters that we all grew to love (even if they were evil and unjust) all changed. Eric feeling bad about something that could put him up on the vampire chain of command? Claude being helpful? Bill being so overtly sexual? Alcide (leader of the pack) doing what a fairy and a witch tell him? Who are these people? I want my 12.99 back plus the week it took me to get through this. NOW, i will never know what happens to Sookie because I probably won't read the next book. For shame.
I'm going to go back and read the first book and pretend like none of this happened.
April 22, 2011
3.5
It's very tempting to give Dead Reckoning 3stars because I feel it inferior in some ways to past Sookie Stackhouse novels but It isn't fair to grade a book just because I am holding a grudge to events that hasn't even happened in the book yet.
So for years of adoration and sheer insanity it stays with 4 stars on first glance ;)
WARNING!
The following may contain spoilers.
Let me just get this quote out of my mind for it's been bugging me ever since I started reading DR.
...I suffered with you, I hurt with you. I bled with you-not only because we're bonded, but because of the love I have for you.
This was spoken by Eric in Dead in the Family. It keeps playing in the back of my mind while and after I read this. It is probably one of the stalest lines I have ever read but I remember the first time I read it in the back of Dead And Gone as a special preview while Sookie's torture is still fresh, I didn't find it corny or flat. It was one of the most emotional moments for me in the series. And even now I still feel more emotion than the actual written words. It served me as a charm throughout this book.
The story in this book is divided in two parts.
First is the attempt on Sookie's life. I admit I was satisfied and can classify this as a mystery worthy of Sookie Stackhouse but the perpetrator is an old character and is solved halfway thru the book.
The second is the threat of Victor. I wasn't satisfied with this one because they have been dancing with him for 4 books now and they still ended up fighting him face to face. They have planned very carefully and in the end it seemed like the sufferings they endured and the time waiting was wasted since they defeated him easily. They even brought two new characters to plan and help but they ended up being useless. One of the characters I like who has a grudge with Victor is Heidi. She is talented and her story is very interesting. Her son was being held like a hostage to ensure her loyalty to Victor and it's a very good angle to work with but her worth was wasted because they focused on the other human who has no special traits and other contribution to offer.
It really wasn't a bad read all in all. The writing is good. The story is good. I probably won't be complaining if it's my first C. Harris novel but since I've been following the series for years, it didn't meet my expectations. It might as well have ended up with a big cliff hanger since there have been new mysteries introduced like Sookie's real grandfather Fintan and a new threat to Sookie in life and in matters of the heart but both were left hanging.
I feel instead of going forward, the story is going backward. Sookie started second guessing her self and her relationship with Eric isn't going forward.
They're married and they share a bond that lets them feel each others emotion but they still don't know each other well. They should have matured in their relationship by now but they are like a new couple on their 3rd date. The endearments Sookie's using honey, honeybun? makes me wince and have goose bumps. Instead of being sweet I feel like it's a sarcasm and been having bad premonitions. *sigh* I didn't feel the passion and warmth Eric used to make me feel whenever he said "My lover".
Even the supporting characters are backtracking. Bill's back to throwing hints at Sookie which he should not be doing since Sookie's married already in vampire law with his sheriff no less! And everyone has a secret agenda and needs something from Sookie. It's like after years of struggling and coming out with friends in life threatening situations you should have been able to identify by now if not who your enemy is at least who your allies are. But no. It's like the past life savings didn't matter. Every body's plotting.
Maybe Harris should wrap this series up and start another one instead of planning another 10 books with this. After 10years she still couldn't commit how many Sookie Stackhouse novels she's planning to write. I always thought this is a good thing because every SS books is long well written story and always bring something new.
It's probably not Harris' fault that she spoiled us with the complex plots and many different treats before that the last 2 books feels like an anthology compare to the past 9 books.
Maybe I'm just angry because I've been waiting for years for this Victor showdown and in the anticipation I didn't mind how much the price of this book is higher than the previous ones. I thought it's ok since the series has become quite popular and a lot of crappy novels are popping out and I sometimes find it insulting when a crappy book is priced higher than the really good ones but now I think the pricing is absurd. It is still worth a buy and even if a friend lend me a copy I will still pay to get my own definitely. But I could have waited for the original price to go down first...
It's very tempting to give Dead Reckoning 3stars because I feel it inferior in some ways to past Sookie Stackhouse novels but It isn't fair to grade a book just because I am holding a grudge to events that hasn't even happened in the book yet.
So for years of adoration and sheer insanity it stays with 4 stars on first glance ;)
WARNING!
The following may contain spoilers.
Let me just get this quote out of my mind for it's been bugging me ever since I started reading DR.
...I suffered with you, I hurt with you. I bled with you-not only because we're bonded, but because of the love I have for you.
This was spoken by Eric in Dead in the Family. It keeps playing in the back of my mind while and after I read this. It is probably one of the stalest lines I have ever read but I remember the first time I read it in the back of Dead And Gone as a special preview while Sookie's torture is still fresh, I didn't find it corny or flat. It was one of the most emotional moments for me in the series. And even now I still feel more emotion than the actual written words. It served me as a charm throughout this book.
The story in this book is divided in two parts.
First is the attempt on Sookie's life. I admit I was satisfied and can classify this as a mystery worthy of Sookie Stackhouse but the perpetrator is an old character and is solved halfway thru the book.
The second is the threat of Victor. I wasn't satisfied with this one because they have been dancing with him for 4 books now and they still ended up fighting him face to face. They have planned very carefully and in the end it seemed like the sufferings they endured and the time waiting was wasted since they defeated him easily. They even brought two new characters to plan and help but they ended up being useless. One of the characters I like who has a grudge with Victor is Heidi. She is talented and her story is very interesting. Her son was being held like a hostage to ensure her loyalty to Victor and it's a very good angle to work with but her worth was wasted because they focused on the other human who has no special traits and other contribution to offer.
It really wasn't a bad read all in all. The writing is good. The story is good. I probably won't be complaining if it's my first C. Harris novel but since I've been following the series for years, it didn't meet my expectations. It might as well have ended up with a big cliff hanger since there have been new mysteries introduced like Sookie's real grandfather Fintan and a new threat to Sookie in life and in matters of the heart but both were left hanging.
I feel instead of going forward, the story is going backward. Sookie started second guessing her self and her relationship with Eric isn't going forward.
They're married and they share a bond that lets them feel each others emotion but they still don't know each other well. They should have matured in their relationship by now but they are like a new couple on their 3rd date. The endearments Sookie's using honey, honeybun? makes me wince and have goose bumps. Instead of being sweet I feel like it's a sarcasm and been having bad premonitions. *sigh* I didn't feel the passion and warmth Eric used to make me feel whenever he said "My lover".
Even the supporting characters are backtracking. Bill's back to throwing hints at Sookie which he should not be doing since Sookie's married already in vampire law with his sheriff no less! And everyone has a secret agenda and needs something from Sookie. It's like after years of struggling and coming out with friends in life threatening situations you should have been able to identify by now if not who your enemy is at least who your allies are. But no. It's like the past life savings didn't matter. Every body's plotting.
Maybe Harris should wrap this series up and start another one instead of planning another 10 books with this. After 10years she still couldn't commit how many Sookie Stackhouse novels she's planning to write. I always thought this is a good thing because every SS books is long well written story and always bring something new.
It's probably not Harris' fault that she spoiled us with the complex plots and many different treats before that the last 2 books feels like an anthology compare to the past 9 books.
Maybe I'm just angry because I've been waiting for years for this Victor showdown and in the anticipation I didn't mind how much the price of this book is higher than the previous ones. I thought it's ok since the series has become quite popular and a lot of crappy novels are popping out and I sometimes find it insulting when a crappy book is priced higher than the really good ones but now I think the pricing is absurd. It is still worth a buy and even if a friend lend me a copy I will still pay to get my own definitely. But I could have waited for the original price to go down first...
February 10, 2016
The Southern Vampire Mysteries are not great books. Charlaine Harris is not a great author. But I have always enjoyed reading about Sookie’s adventure, so it was inevitable that I read the latest book #11.
There something about these books that I have always liked. Sookie’s narrative is funny. I like the southern feel of the books. Though I have to mention that I don’t have much knowledge about Louisiana or the life of south and I don’t know if it’s an accurate portrayal but it’s entertaining.
The author is dragging this series and it’s not working anymore. I think she should wrap it up soon or even the most faithful readers will get bored and be done with them
There something about these books that I have always liked. Sookie’s narrative is funny. I like the southern feel of the books. Though I have to mention that I don’t have much knowledge about Louisiana or the life of south and I don’t know if it’s an accurate portrayal but it’s entertaining.
The author is dragging this series and it’s not working anymore. I think she should wrap it up soon or even the most faithful readers will get bored and be done with them
May 11, 2011
Sookie, Sookie, Sookie. Will you make up your mind whether you like vampires or not?
I begin to think Sookie Stackhouse is actually not that nice a person. Perhaps I have over exposed myself, having ploughed my way through all the novels so far in short order, but there are elements on Dead Reckoning which feel awfully contrived. If you were being pursued by people in the rain and wanted to hide in a house, would you think of taking off ALL your clothes and dumping them in a bush? I mean how much do damp bra and knickers drip? Nope, not convinced, I felt that was a contrivance to create a situation, for no good reason that I could see other than to satisfy a particular fan base. I heard an interview with Ms Harris and even she could not really explain the reason for this episode.
Then there is a Eric situation. I felt the books had what is now known as a 'story arch' in which Sookie was led, despite herself, towards Eric and he, despite himself, to her. This was all rather satisfying. Except that it now appears we may have peaked too soon, come to a climax prematurely and we're now heading downhill toward another conclusion altogether. Which can surely only be an anti climax, especially if Sookie does decide ultimately that what she wants is a nice domestic life, iced tea on the porch and someone to share it with. Looks to me as if she could end up with Sam after all at this rate. I have nothing against Sam, I'd just hoped for something more dramatic as a conclusion after what will be apparently be 13 books in all. Not to mention all that death, blood and destruction (which Sookie now appears to think she dislikes, despite having been co-instigator of the most recent bout)
Sookie's attitude to her vampire lovers is inconsistent. She complains that Eric is scary and violent, yet dear lovely Bill kills three humans in defence of Sookie (one of them a relation) in the first book and this is never brought up against him. She complains that Eric is excited by violence and death, but she forgave Bill for having exactly the same reaction after the Dallas incident, when the Church of the New Sun attached the vampires and Bill ran off in pursuit instead of making sure Sookie was OK. She knows full well the fealty a vampire owes to his maker, it led to her break up with Bill, but when the full implications of this hit home, she's somewhat grumpy about it. She never has any consideration for the feelings of the men in her life, it's all about how what they do affects her. Does she really love any of them, or does she just enjoy the sex?
I was left feeling that this book is setting us up for a conclusion I am possibly not going to like. I'll read the books anyway, they are a light, easy read and often very enjoyable. I thought I liked Sookie Stackhouse, but the selfishness she is starting to exhibit grates somewhat at the end of Dead Reckoning. Maybe she has to get selfish to protect herself, but the violent world she lives and loves in, was very much of her choosing. I guess if I become depressed I can always go back and read 'Dead to the World' again. Eric fan? Me? How did you guess?
I begin to think Sookie Stackhouse is actually not that nice a person. Perhaps I have over exposed myself, having ploughed my way through all the novels so far in short order, but there are elements on Dead Reckoning which feel awfully contrived. If you were being pursued by people in the rain and wanted to hide in a house, would you think of taking off ALL your clothes and dumping them in a bush? I mean how much do damp bra and knickers drip? Nope, not convinced, I felt that was a contrivance to create a situation, for no good reason that I could see other than to satisfy a particular fan base. I heard an interview with Ms Harris and even she could not really explain the reason for this episode.
Then there is a Eric situation. I felt the books had what is now known as a 'story arch' in which Sookie was led, despite herself, towards Eric and he, despite himself, to her. This was all rather satisfying. Except that it now appears we may have peaked too soon, come to a climax prematurely and we're now heading downhill toward another conclusion altogether. Which can surely only be an anti climax, especially if Sookie does decide ultimately that what she wants is a nice domestic life, iced tea on the porch and someone to share it with. Looks to me as if she could end up with Sam after all at this rate. I have nothing against Sam, I'd just hoped for something more dramatic as a conclusion after what will be apparently be 13 books in all. Not to mention all that death, blood and destruction (which Sookie now appears to think she dislikes, despite having been co-instigator of the most recent bout)
Sookie's attitude to her vampire lovers is inconsistent. She complains that Eric is scary and violent, yet dear lovely Bill kills three humans in defence of Sookie (one of them a relation) in the first book and this is never brought up against him. She complains that Eric is excited by violence and death, but she forgave Bill for having exactly the same reaction after the Dallas incident, when the Church of the New Sun attached the vampires and Bill ran off in pursuit instead of making sure Sookie was OK. She knows full well the fealty a vampire owes to his maker, it led to her break up with Bill, but when the full implications of this hit home, she's somewhat grumpy about it. She never has any consideration for the feelings of the men in her life, it's all about how what they do affects her. Does she really love any of them, or does she just enjoy the sex?
I was left feeling that this book is setting us up for a conclusion I am possibly not going to like. I'll read the books anyway, they are a light, easy read and often very enjoyable. I thought I liked Sookie Stackhouse, but the selfishness she is starting to exhibit grates somewhat at the end of Dead Reckoning. Maybe she has to get selfish to protect herself, but the violent world she lives and loves in, was very much of her choosing. I guess if I become depressed I can always go back and read 'Dead to the World' again. Eric fan? Me? How did you guess?
May 14, 2011
What did I think? Uhhhhhhhh....
First, I still love you, Sookie!
Well, maybe love is too strong a word. I still like you. (ish)
But you're getting a little dull. And when you're not being dull, you're frankly acting a little bipolar. This is evidenced by the whole , at the end of the book.
Eric? Eric?! Are you there, or is a wooden doll standing in for you during this book? Ugh. Is Harris trying to get us all to be so bored with you, that we won't notice when she pulls the switcheroo and reunites Sookie with
The World's Most Boring Vampire
Bill? Well, if that's the case...then it's working!
As for the rest of the book, it was ok. Not stellar, but ok. It wasn't painful to read, and I am still interested in finding out how it is all is going to end.
This series will eventually end, right? Right?
First, I still love you, Sookie!
Well, maybe love is too strong a word. I still like you. (ish)
But you're getting a little dull. And when you're not being dull, you're frankly acting a little bipolar. This is evidenced by the whole , at the end of the book.
Eric? Eric?! Are you there, or is a wooden doll standing in for you during this book? Ugh. Is Harris trying to get us all to be so bored with you, that we won't notice when she pulls the switcheroo and reunites Sookie with
As for the rest of the book, it was ok. Not stellar, but ok. It wasn't painful to read, and I am still interested in finding out how it is all is going to end.
This series will eventually end, right? Right?
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