Dead Reckoning

I discovered this series years ago and was completely hooked from the first book. I recommended it to several people long before anyone had ever heard of True Blood. Over the years I have anxiously awaited each book and happily devoured it as soon as it arrived. Even though a lot of people started to give the series bad reviews, I never agreed with them. However, I was really surprised at the lack of quality with this latest novel. The best part about these books are the characters and how real their presonalties seem to be. All of them seem to jump right off of the page and into your living room. However, she appears to have lost this spark in the latest novel. Eric seemed to be made of cardboard. The relationship between Eric and Sookie always seemed so alive and filled with sexual tension. Even when they did not get along, there was always humor in the dialog. Now his character has taken a complete 180 and I dont even recognize him any more. Miss Harris may want them to go their separate ways, but she should not sacrifice their personalities to do this. I also noticed careless contradictions to the story line. Towards the end, Sookie talks to Bill about Erics commitment to the Queen of Oklahoma. Bill is completely surprised by this information. However, at this point in the book, Bill already knew this. He and Sookie had discussed it about three chapters before. I was so confused that I went back and re-read the earlier chapter thinking that I had completely missed something, but I hadnt. Where was her editor? It was such an obvious mistake, I was embarrased for Miss Harris. I also had the feeling that this book was just some chapters that had been plucked out of a larger novel. The ending was abrupt and the story was left hanging like an episode in a TV series. Except in this case, we cannot tune in next week to read the next installment. Up till now, Miss Harris had always left you wanting for more, but the current story line came to a complete conclusion. I truly do not want this series to end, but it appears that she may no longer be focused on putting any real energy into it. If that is the case, I hope that she at least gives the ending as much love and attention and she has given to the earlier books.

This is my first review ever. Had to leave one to contradict some of the not-so-great reviews. Yes, this is a bridge book. By that I mean there are many new transitions beginning in this book and some loose ends starting to be tied up. That happens when a long series is starting to wind down. However, this is still a very good book which I loved. I read hundreds of books a year and yet have never felt the need to leave a review until I saw all of the negative reviews here. We are readers, not writers, and if you want a certain kind of book with a certain kind of outcome, write one. However, otherwise, you as a reader are to read and follow where the writer leads and your personal feelings on where that writer is leading shouldnt cause you to leave negative feedback just because it isnt where you want a book to go or all answers havent been provided in this particular book. She may have a reason for everything shes written and knowing her writing like I do, she has always answered all those questions and in this case, what some have called continuity problems. Remember, this is from Sookies perspective and things may have happend in the past that she is just now finding out about. She doesnt always know everything that has happened in the past between other characters until she is finally told about it, just like you wouldnt know until you were told. This is the second book this month in a series that supposedly great fans have been leaving negative reviews because the book didnt say what they wanted it to and things happened that may not have been explained fully (yet) but because they didnt like what happened or where they were being led, they got angry and dissed the books regardless of the quality of the book/series/writing, etc. I happen to have the opinion that this is for entertainment purposes and I was entertained and the writing was well done; therefore, I believe the books are good. I have enough patience to allow the writers to continue their stories and I will always be open to where they lead. If I dont like something about the direction of the book, then I use my imagination to contemplate other possible scenarios for the book but still eagerly await the actual creator of the storys vision to unfold. What is important to me is did the book take me on a mental adventure; did it relax me and take me to another world; did it entertain; did it further the overall story; was the writing competent/good; and, do I want to continue on the writers journey (and the characters journey) to the full conclusion no matter the possible twists, turns and ultimate ending . . . and I do want to continue Sookies journey no matter what the outcome. Charlaine Harris is a fantastic writer. Ive read every book she has written that I could get my hands on (actually think I have read all published books and short stories shes written) and I may not have loved where the character ended up but I have loved every series and every book/story because of the characters journeys and self-discoveries. She will always be one of my favorite authors. Again, I personally liked this book. It isnt the very best book shes ever written but the book is good, a fast read (for me anyway) and furthers the story, maybe not as far as some would like, but as I previously stated, I am always content to allow the authors of my books to lead me along the trail of their vision/story and Im happy that they invite me along with them and am always sad when the journey ends but they get to decide when and how the journey will end. Thats why I pay them for the privilege of them sharing their creativity, vision, talent and stories which spring forth from their minds. If you value the same things I do about books and Charlaine Harris books in particular, please dont hesitate to read this book because I did enjoy it. If I didnt, just like with Laurell Hamiltons books, I would stop reading them no matter how much I enjoyed the first few books and some aspects of them, the large majority of Ms. Hamiltons books are no longer to my taste because the writing style changed so much, not because the characters were not going in the direction I wanted them to. None of those worries here, Ms. Harris writing style has not changed one iota. Just my $.02 worth!

***SPOILERS!*** okay, so I am a huge fan of these books (aka: SOOKIE AND ERIC = AWESOME!) but I was disappointed with this one. I thought that this was an okay book, but it was nowhere near my favorite. I felt like there were too many stories happening at once, and that Sookie kind of took a back seat in this one. I miss the Sookie who was much more comfortable speaking her mind and kicking butt (human and nonhuman). I realize that a lot has happened to her character, but this seems a bit out of character (development-wise). I am craving some real Sookie/Eric relationship development. When Sookie realized the truth behind the fae gift that was left to her, I was kind of hoping (in my mind...though I have a good feeling it never will) that Sookie will end up using it to make herself live happily forever with Eric (not as a vampire, but as a whole new being...a hybrid of some kind, perhaps?). I also get the strange sense that the topic of children is about to become huge in the next book...perhaps some mystical pregnancy? Cause Sookie was saying that her pants werent fitting and a few other little things (and okay, so I am a total romantic and thinking way too much about this...but forgive me! I love these characters!). Anyways, I hope that fans of the books can appreciate my thoughts on the subject.

I wont write a synopsis. Others have done that. It would be a matter of dead-horse-beating. I did enjoy this book. I like the world of Bon Temps, and I like visiting once a year. I also freely admit that I fell heavily for Eric Northman the first time I read about him. So, Dead Reckoning. Is it Great Literature? No. Is it intended to be? Also no. Is it a fun read? Yes. Does it tie up some loose ends and then wave others around like banners so we have a reason to read the next book? Of course. Yes, there are some continuity problems. Other people have already beaten this drum, too. Theres no reason to beat it some more. I also didnt like the way Sookie told Bill a piece of Big Plot Point Information at one time and then, at the end of the book, she told him again just as if shed never told him before and he acted as if hed never heard The Big Plot Point Information before. It was jarring.

Charlaine Harris -- Dont do it -- ending the Sookie/Eric relationship would be a MISTAKE! Ive read Charlaine Harris for years, first with Lily Bard (healthy relationship with Jack), Harper Connelly (the relationship in this series is just creepy), and then back to the original Aurora Teagarden series (gratuitous killing off of Martin stopped my reading of the series -- are you kidding me? why would you kill him off, the relationship was good for both people and the killing off served no purpose). **spoiler alert** Now, to the subject of Sookie and Eric. Yes, the relationship is complicated, but all relationships worth having are. Eric has been there from the beginning with Sookies best interests at heart (unlike Bill or Quinn). The best friend (Sam) rarely makes it as the love interest in the end (it rarely happens in real life, and shouldnt happen in fiction -- this is settling, not love); if the relationship with Sam was going to work, it already would have. Alcide or Calvin didnt get far enough to even be a part of the discussion. And, bringing in a white knight this far into the series is just a cop-out. So my issue -- why all the foreshadowing that Sookies and Erics relationship is doomed (to be honest, it feels a lot like the foreshadowing done for Aurora and Martin). Looking back -- this relationship has a history of 11 books -- even during her time with Bill and Quinn, Eric was in the background providing Sookie support that the others could/would not. Yes, there are issues -- as anyone who is trying to balance a real job with a relationship know (note that Eric has been the only guy in Sookies life that had a real job and real responsibilities) and all the times where Sookie/Eric have had issues have been when other responsibilities have had an impact (please, being chained in silver is a pretty good reason for not riding to the rescue.....). Ways forward which would be fulfilling for the reader: 1. Sookie and Eric should learn from breaking the bond that the feelings between them are real; once they come to this realization, then put the bond back in place with both of their consents 2. Use the fairie token (which must be used for personal reasons, not world peace) to ask that she and Eric make the right decisions for long term happiness for them both -- this is a mature wish which sadly may be beyond Sookies (and Charlaines) capability.... 3. Have Felipe appoint Eric as regent for Lousiana (a regent is needed now) -- this would give Felipe/Eric reason to negate the Queen of Oklahomas claim; Eric would need to depend on Sookie further in his role, and this would require Sookie to grow up and realize her life is never going back to being a simple as it was, but must grow in order to be an equal partner in the relationship (this requires her to accept responsibility). As far as addressing Sookies longevity -- the other foreshadowing occurring is the hint that as long as Sookie spends time around other fairies, she becomes more fairie. Fairies have extremely long lives and therefore, she can be with Eric without ever changing to vampire. This fits with both her desires and the ability to use her gift to best advantage to support the mature needs of the couple. What Sookie has had with others has been lust. What she has with Eric is a complicated relationship based upon love. I, for one, would want the relationship that is worth something in the long run. So, is Sookie going to run scared? Or is she going to grow up? Hopefully, Charlaine will not disappoint us.

Welll...This is a solid, liked it but more like my version of 3.5 stars. If it wasnt for the fact that there MIGHT be a huge plot inconsistency in this book, I might have even given it 5 stars but Im trying to figure out if something might actually be a well placed lie by CH or not but Im not so sure yet. 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 dont have many doubts that Eric/Sookie are going wind up together. OK maayaybe a little doubt bc CH likes to play her audience...but... really? It wouldnt 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. Sookies naked jaunt into Bills house & her rambling inner monologue... Irrelevant! was hilarious. I even liked Bill. A lot. Although, thats not surprising bc 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. Thats right...go check it out! And his move...Is it Christmas? Are you my early present? was also classic Eric. Its a little tedious CHs 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 bc 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 & didnt 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). Shes the one that rallies Eric & co. Its her plan they go with & then at the end....bc 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. bc its 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 & Im not going to sugarcoat it for you. Accept it & accept me. You partake in this life, these are the realities that come with it. Were alive. Isnt that what you wanted most? I dont know what CH is going to have her do but I find this turning point really compelling. She scares herself. The lengths shes 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...well see. The potential Fairy plot is quite devious. It seems as if CH is foreshadowing someone playing dress up in Eric or someone elses skin to potentially get Sooks 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 Amelias 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 Erics new day man being a lone wolf, Eric asking her to move in with him bc 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.Its the conversation between Sookie, Claude & Dermont about Eric & Niall being in cahoots. It sooo doesnt stack. I am investigating that one & wont bog down the review with it but in fairness I will change my rating if it turns out that its not a plot inconsistency.

I just finished Book 11 on my kindle and I enjoyed it, but as some have stated, the whole Eric/Niall thing didnt make sense to me and I was kind of disappointed that Bill is barely around anymore. It was obvious when the blood bond was broken, someone from Sookies past or her best-friend in the series may be who she ends up with. I agree with others, who are confused on some flashbacks that some of the story lines are not consistent. I kind of feel that after 11 books and jumping through hoops, if Sookie ends up with who I think, Ill be a bit bummed because then the show and books are mis-leading! I was also annoyed that another Queen was bestowed upon Eric, how convenient and frustrating at the same time...which if we know Eric from the book and show he is greedy and all about status, so for me Im bummed because the Eric I know would pick the Queen over Sookie and if that ends any differently then Erics whole character will be changed. All in all, I enjoyed it, but Im sick of the break ups, and Im disappointed Bill is merely just a neighbor now, nothing more.

Like some others have said I wont give a synopsis since it has already been done. I liked this one much better than the last one (which I thought didnt do anything to further the story, cost too much, and was a bit dull) with all that said I think that Charlaine Harris is a wonderful author and I love her ability to capture human emtion on paper. When Sookie discovers the reason behind Pam and Erics disagreements my heart was completely broken. I could feel the way she felt by Harris descriptions alone, and even though I went to bed with a heavy heart after reading it I still say 4 stars. I hope that in the future Sookie is gifted with at least one true friend who put her above all others and isnt using her to further their own purposes.

Quite frankly, this is one of the saddest installments of the Southern Vampire Mysteries. I dont mean the emotional impact of the plot upon my personal psyche so much as I mean the whole book just makes me sad. There was a time when each of these stories held me excitement over what was going to happen next. It seemed like although the stories were certainly a dirty little pleasure, they were so engrossing I couldnt put them down. These days (whereas these days seem to coincide with books written after the HBO series started), the books are much more like pale shadows of what had come before. Originally, the Southern Vampire Mysteries were just that; mysteries in the south with vampires. The author would dab a touch of romance and sexual tension for flavor, but ultimately whether the characters were vampires or simply Scooby-do, it was still a mystery. The more recent books however have taken on a new tone altogether. The books that have been released since Ms. Harris creation reached the little screen, have been more like a collection of random Sookie thoughts punctuated by mostly mundane happenings. While this book seemed to have a little more (very subtle) structure under the story than the last, there were still far too many pages dedicated to the trifles of getting ready to go somewhere after a shower. I think that many Sookie fans would agree that Ms. Harris has veered too far from the original format of the book. In fact, the biggest mystery in this book seemed to be, `will people enjoy the baby shower for Tara,... puke. As if to add insult to injury poor Tara didnt even have so much as a line during the entire affair. Dead Before Dark, was an excellent example of a mystery ex: girls were dying and nobody seemed to know who the murderer was - only to be revealed at the end as a trusted friend (ominous music). Here, there is the spark of mystery: some unknown assailant firebombs Merlots and nobody knows who it is - until about fifty pages later when the person is arrested and the ending of the book is telegraphed worse than acting by a professional wrestler in a b grade movie. Sookie as a character has also begun to stagnate a bit and that is really unfortunate. She started out as a sheltered and socially damaged young woman. Through the first few books she learns to control her telepathy and through this new control see her disability in a new light, even drawing strength from it. She also comes into her own as a woman and begins the difficulty of navigating her first relationship. Throughout all this, she not only has to learn how to deal with the violence of the vampire world around her, but also what it means to become a murderer herself. Unfortunately, after that the character starts to become somewhat stagnant and the author tries (albeit successfully for awhile) to hide that fact with love triangles. By the point in the storyline weve reached, Sookie should be past trying to simply deal with violence. Shes seen more blood and death than most cops do in a thirty year career and should be a bit more calloused than she is (especially after the fairy war). On a positive note, it was interesting to find the genesis of Sookies telepathy and to have the social structure of the fae fleshed out a bit more. I also like that Sookie seemed to be so much stronger now that she had been living with other fairies. Perhaps its time that she transmute into some sort of vampire (due to blood consumption) fairy hybrid and have Eric looking to her for protection for once. Whatever happens, for Gods sake, at least make the plot mysterious otherwise change the name to Southern Vampire Aftershower Decsionmaking.

Spoiler alert -- if you havent read it, you may not want to hear what I have to say... After reading this book, I thought to myself, wow, so basically nothing changed This book strikes me as a bridge between story lines. No new characters, no new threats. I can only hope that it was more an attempt to tighten up some (not all) loose ends, before a larger plot on the horizon. Charlaine Harris took an entire book to do three things -- kill Saundra Pelt, kill Victor, and give us some background on Adeles fling with Fitnan. Walking away from this book, the characters are all kind of in the same boat as we left them. No main characters died. No new sups were introduced. Sure, if you put the obvious continuity issues aside, we got some explanation of certain elements. But nothing about Sookie or her gang really advanced. Bill is still in love with her. Eric loves her but loves power more. Sam is the loyal best friend that, lets face it, Sookie will eventually date. Pam is a lesbian with a softer side (for a vampire). Claude and Dermot are still gorgeous and quiet fae. In fact, I find it odd that questions brought on VERY early in the book were left unanswered. I thought for sure these things were foreshadowing a resolution by the end but NOTHING advanced. Examples: will Sams business survive his coming out; will Sookie and Eric move forward in their relationship; what does Dermot and Claude really want from Sookie. Some things may have gathered clues but I expected them to be buttoned up given they were plot points. Urgh. Charlaine -- bring us your A game. We KNOW you have it in you!!!