Review - From Dead to Worse

Title: From Dead to Worse
Author: Charlaine Harris
Publishing Date: 2008
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Mystery
Rating: C
Sensuality: Subtle
Book Disclosure: I listend to an audio book that I downloaded from my library.

From Dead to Worse is book 8 in Charlaine Harris's Southern Vampire Mystery series. Sookie Stackhouse, a waitress for a Louisiana bar, finds herself in the middle of a werewolf war. There is actually quite a few plots going on in this installment of the series and somehow Sookie ends up in the middle. Sookie's boyfriend Quinn has gone missing and Sookie isn't sure what to do about it. Jason insists on involving Sookie in his life with the shifters. Sookie doesn't want anything to do with any of it, but she is involved anyway.

From Dead to Worse felt like a very transitional book in the series. There were a lot of little subplots without there being a major one. This book felt like the author had to tie up some loose ends before she could move on in a new direction. I am interested in seeing where the author is going to go with the series. However, Ms. Stackhouse needs to pull her head out her butt!

I have to say, I was not overly thrilled with this book. Sookie was getting on my nerves with her incessant whining. I have noticed before in other books, but this one really takes the cake. The hair that broke the camel's back for me was how she treated Quinn. It really pissed me off. Don't worry; I am not going to give away spoilers or anything like that. I am just going to leave it at that. I did NOT like how Sookie reacted or handled that situation. Of course, I am going to continue with the series, but this is my least favorite of the bunch thus far.

Review - All Together Dead

Title: All Together Dead
Author: Charlaine Harris
Publishing Date: 2007
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Rating: B+
Sensuality: Warm
Book Disclosure: Borrowed a copy from the library.

All Together Dead is book seven in Charlaine Harris' Southern Vampire (Sookie Stackhouse) series. In this book Sookie has to travel to Rhodes to attend a vampire summit. She is serving the Queen vampire of Louisiana. The Queen is in a very vulnerable position. She has been accused of murdering her husband and Sookie is the only witness to what really happened that night. Sookie is attending the Summit to help the Queen discover who her enemies might be by listening into human minds.

Oh man, things are really starting to heat up politically in Sookie's world. I really felt that All Together Dead is a turning point in the series. Up to this point Sookie has been able to keep to the edges of the supernatural world. In this book it becomes blatantly obvious just how immersed in this world she is, whether she wants to be or not. The turning point comes when Sookie finally realizes that as much as she wants to live a normal life, she will always be on vampires’ radar. She is to valuable a commodity for them to ever ignore her and her special gift.

Sookie's relationships with Eric and Quinn continue to move forward. Because this is urban fantasy, there is not a clear cut hero in the picture for Sookie. Is it Eric? Is it Quinn? Or could it possibly some other guy not even introduced into the series yet? I must admit this worries me, not to mention that there might never be a "happy ever after" for Sookie either. However, I will keep reading. Ms. Harris has me thoroughly hooked like a big mouth bass on a fishing line.

Here is what others had to say:

Escape Between the Pages

This book can be purchased in print or kindle format from Amazon.

Review - Definitely Dead

Title: Definitely Dead
Author: Charlaine Harris
Publishing Date: 2006
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Mystery
Rating: B
Sensuality: Subtle
Book Disclosure: I downloaded the audio version to my iPod.

Definitely Dead is the sixth full length novel in Charlaine Harris' Southern Vampire Mystery series. In this book Sookie goes to New Orleans to clean up her cousin’s apartment. Her cousin Hadley was a vampire who died and left her things to Sookie. When Sookie gets to Hadley's apartment she uncovers the body of a man stuffed in a closet. With the help of a witch Amelia, Sookie discovers what happened.

So this was my first audio book and a big concern of mine was whether or not I would be able to concentrate enough to listen and comprehend the story while driving or doing chores. I was pleasantly surprised that for the most part I followed along just fine. The narrator Johanna Parker did a good job. I think it helps that the story is told in first person so the narration fits.

On to the review... well I felt this was a fine installment. Some of the romantic entanglements are tidied with this book. Finally I feel like Sookie is getting a normal boyfriend with Quinn. I like that their relationship starts out conventionally with him asking her out on a date. Quite a few surprises about Sookie are revealed to keep the series fresh and interesting. I wish I could talk about one reveal involving Bill, but I don't want to spoil it for anyone who isn't caught up with this series. For those of you who know what I am referring to with my cryptic statement feel free to comment.

Yeah, this is a lazy review. What can I say that I already haven't said about this series? For fun I have added links to all the reviews for the previous books in the series. If you aren't familiar with this series, check out my other reviews.


Dead Until Dark
Living Dead in Dallas
Club Dead
Dead to the World
Dead as a Doornail
Series Sunday

This book can be purchased in print or kindle format from Amazon.

Review - Dead as a Doornail

Title: Dead as a Doornail
Author: Charlaine Harris
Publishing Date: 2005
Genre: Paranormal/Mystery
Rating: B+
Sensuality: Subtle
Book Disclosure: I recieved a new copy as a gift from a friend. (My friend is not connected the book industry).

Dead as a Doornail is the 5th book in the Southern Vampire Series by Charlaine Harris. A sniper is at large in Sookie's small town. The victims of the shootings all have one thing in common, shifter blood. One of Sookie's own family members is in danger, as well as her good friend Sam. She plans to uncover the shooter's identity before any more people get hurt, but as usual Sookie finds herself the one in need of help.

This series just keeps getting better and better. I am really having a hard time deciding on which book is my favorite so far. The world building is very good and keeps getting more and more interesting. There are more characters and new supernatural creatures that are being introduced. What's up with the fairies? That is what I'd like to know!

From a romance standpoint, I want to know what direction the series is going to go in. Sookie has about a half-dozen men vying for her attention. It makes me really curious as to who Sookie is going to choose to be her beau. At this point, I am not really sure who I am rooting for and I suppose that Sookie feels the same way. I do hope that she is going to get her happy ever after at some point, though.

Here is what others had to say:

I'm Booking It
Reading With Tequila
World According to Books
Read React Review

This book can be purchased in print or kindle format from Amazon

Review - Dead to the World

Title: Dead to the World
Author: Charlaine Harris
Publication Date: 2004
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Mystery
Rating: B
Sensuality: Warm
Book Disclosure: A friend bought me this book for my birthday.

Dead to the World is book four in the Sookie Stackhouse Southern Mystery Series. In this book, as Sookie is driving home from Merlotte's bar, where she waitresses she finds the vampire Eric on the side of the road, naked. Eric has no recollection of who he is so Sookie being the sweet southern girl that she is, takes him to her home and calls his vampire friends. It turns out Sookie will need to hide Eric because a Witch Coven has come to town. These aren't just any ordinary witches either. These are very powerful shifter witches who happen to be addicted to vampire blood.

Dead to the World is another fine addition to the Sookie series. I personally find Sookie to be a nice, practical girl. Though, she will let her claws show if provoked enough. In this story, she has broken up with Bill and Bill has gone off to South America to work more on his vampire directory. Sookie finds herself in the middle of vampires, witches and shifters when she is tasked with hiding Eric. Eric is not the same since he can't remember his past. He is much nicer and Sookie can't help but be drawn to this new personality.

Personally, I missed the old Eric with his sense of humor. Although, I did like how the new Eric treated Sookie, with much more respect and as an equal. There are new shifter characters, most notable were Calvin Norris and his clan. There has been too much inbreeding amongst Calvin's clan and he'd like Sookie to mate with him to add new genes. Alcide and his group also show up to help defeat the witches. There is quite a lot going on, but it all comes to an exciting conclusion. The book definitely leaves this reader ready for more.

Here is what others had to say:

Reading with Tequila
Bailey's and Books
Mindful Musings
nomadreader
Well-Read Reviews
I'm Booking It
My Reading Room

This book can be purchased in print or kindle format from Amazon.

Review - Club Dead

Title: Club Dead
Author: Charlaine Harris
Publishing Date: 2003
Genre: Urban Fantasy (Mystery)
Rating: B+
Sensuality: Warm
Book Disclosure: Received as a gift from a co-worker for my birthday

Club Dead is the third book in Charlaine Harris' Southern Vampire Mystery Series featuring Sookie Stackhouse. Bill is working on a secret project. He is required by his Queen to take a trip and ends up kidnapped by the King of Mississippi. Eric comes to Sookie with a plan to rescue Bill, but Sookie will have to go undercover and see what she can learn by reading the minds of humans working with the Mississippi vampires. Alcide, a werewolf who owes the vampires a favor is tasked with keeping Sookie safe. He also provides a way for Sookie to get close to the Mississippi vampires.

In Club Dead I was slightly frustrated with Sookie and Bill. Sookie was quick to believe the worst in Bill. I was surprised that she took what Eric told her at face value instead of waiting until she had the facts straight from Bill. And then there is Bill. I was a fan of Bill, but now I am not so sure. His behavior in this book was very strange. Since the story is told from Sookie's point of view the reader doesn't really know why Bill acted the way he did. It was touched on very briefly, but I would have liked an in depth explanation from Bill. It could have been just a way for Harris to further Sookie's relationship with Eric. At this point, I might be rooting for Sookie to hook up with someone more "alive".

What I really enjoy about Sookie is she is just such a refreshing character to read. She has a really big heart, and is very loving and soft, but cross her or show bad manners and be prepared to be knocked down a peg or two. When backed into a corner she comes out fighting.

Ms. Harris does a great job of creating diverse and very intriguing characters. Her writing is vivid and descriptive. My personal favorite was Bubba. I don't want to spoil it for those of you who haven't read the book. Let's just say he is a famous character. Readers will love immersing themselves in the world she has created. I for one, easily finished this book in a day. I can't wait to see where Sookie is headed for her next adventure.

Here is what others had to say:

Avid Book Reader
J. Kaye's Book Blog
Thrifty Reader
The Book Smugglers

This book can be purchased in print or kindle format at Amazon.

Review - Living Dead in Dallas

Title: Living Dead in Dallas
Author: Charlaine Harris
Publishing Date: 2002
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Mystery
Rating: A
Sensuality: Warm

Living Dead in Dallas is the second book in Charlaine Harris's Sookie Stackhouse Vampire Mystery Series. Sookie is a very pretty southern girl who waitresses in a small town Louisiana bar and is dating a vampire Bill. She has a special talent in that she can hear what others are thinking, not vampires though, which is one of the reasons why she is dating Bill. Sookie owes the vampire leader, Eric a favor and he sends her and Bill to Dallas to help find a missing vampire.

Living Dead in Dallas is an awesome second addition to the Sookie series. I am just loving Sookie. She narrates the story with such an open and honest voice. I love how she is strong in her convictions and is willing to say what is on her mind, but she still remembers her manners. Sookie is sweet, not snarky and she can be very frank. I love her directness and she never plays the victim even though she is victimized.

Living Dead in Dallas is told in the first person perspective from Sookie. I happen to enjoy the first person point of view and Sookie is an excellent narrator. She easily captures other characters and describes them very well. All of the characters are well drawn and that is one of the greatest strengths of Harris's writing. There is a lot of action in this book and the pacing moves very quickly and flows smoothly. I am loving this series and I am looking forward to reading more.

This book can be purchased in print or kindle format from Amazon.

Series Sunday - A Southern Vampire Mystery

With the the last episode of season one of the HBO's TV show True Blood airing last night, based on the Sookie novels written by Charlaine Harris, I thought I would do a post on the popular series.

Ms. Harris has created an alternate reality to the human world where vampires are coming out into the public. Vampires want to integrate into society and have civil rights just like normal humans do. Unfortunately, like will all new things, people are unsure and hesitant. Vampires are facing much discrimination against their kind. Sookie Stackhouse narrates the books in first person. She is a sweet, southern girl who has always felt like an outsider because she can hear peoples thoughts. When she meets Bill, a vampire, she is absolutely amazed that his thoughts are blocked to her.

I have only read the first book in this series, Dead Until Dark. I thought it was pretty good. It took me a few chapters to warm up to Sookie, but once I got a good feel on the rhythm of the book, the story really took off for me. Do you need to read the books in order? Ms. Harris states that it is more fun to read them in order. Each book is designed to stand on its own, but the backstory has gotten extensive.

Series reading order:
1. Dead Until Dark
2. Living Dead in Dallas
3. Club Dead
4. Dead to the World
5. Fairy Dust (story in anthology Powers of Detection)
6. One-Word Answer (story in anthology Bite)
7. Dead as a Doornail
8. Definitely Dead
9. All Together Dead
10. Dracula Night (story in anthology Many Bloody Returns)
11. From Dead to Worse
12. Gift Wrap (story in anthology Wolfsbane and Mistletoe)
13. Dead and Gone
14. Dead in the Family

Review - Dead until Dark

Title: Dead until Dark
Author: Charlaine Harris
Publishing Date: 2001
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Rating: B
Sensuality: Warm

Dead until Dark is the first book in Charlaine Harris’s Southern Vampire series. It is narrated by Sookie Stackhouse, a waitress in a small Louisiana town, Bon Temps. Sookie is blonde and blue-eyed – a very pretty girl, but what really makes her stand out from the crowd is that she can hear others peoples thoughts. All her life she has struggled with this disability. She has never done well in school because she couldn’t concentrate with the background noise of different thoughts coming from her schoolmates. She has never dated or had a physical relationship with the opposite sex because she can’t keep up her guards when touching someone else.

Then one night, she meets a vampire, Bill and the strangest thing happens. She discovers that she can’t hear his thoughts. It is breathtakingly quiet, even when she touches him and tries to listen intently to his mind. Sookie and Bill form a friendship when she saves him in the parking lot of the bar where she works. Then a local girl is found strangled and Sookie asks for Bill’s help in finding the murderer.

I was really looking forward to starting this series. I had heard a lot of really good things about it. When I first started reading the book, I almost didn’t like Sookie. It took me a few chapters to warm up to her narration. I can’t put my finger on the exact reason for my dislike. I really shouldn’t call it dislike, because that’s not accurate either. Maybe it’s was more of a feeling that I couldn’t relate to her. As the story unfolded this changed though and Sookie really began to grow on me.

One of the strengths of this book was the way in which Harris slowly provides the reader with background information on the vampires and their culture. There are never any large info dumps. The reader gets their information right along with Sookie as she discovers it. I think that is the advantage to stories told in the first person narrative. I enjoyed the mystery and the slow unveiling of how things work with the vampires. I enjoyed Bill and Sookie’s relationship, especially when Bill would come across as “Old World”. There is one scene in particular when he tries to explain to Sookie why he wants to protect her. I thought that was quite sweet. Although, I was surprised how quickly Bill and Sookie exchanged I love yous. That felt a little rushed and not quite sincere.

There is also a large cast of characters and they are all interesting and add to the charm of the story. I especially liked Sam, Sookie's boss at the bar and her Grandmother.

One minor gripe I had with the story is Sookie always crying. It makes her human and vulnerable, but it seemed like it happened a little too often. I can understand why though. I was a little shocked at all the bad stuff that Sookie went through. I definitely like the world Harris has created. I can’t wait to continue on with this series.

Here is what others had to say:

The Book Smugglers
Avid Book Reader