Dead Reckoning
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Elle
> 24 hourFirst I will get it out of the way and say I agree with the continuity issues that others have written about. I was reading and thinking - that is not the way I remember it!! I was excited to get this book and read it. However it was not as good as I hoped it would be. I am getting tired of Sookie waffling about the men in her life. Pick someone already!! Or just be alone for a while. It seemed like it was going to be Eric for the last couple books and that was fine with me. Now there is a problem with that relationship. Yes, this is a book about the supernatural, so I guess the relationships wont be the same as regular ones, but come on. Also, why was Alcide even in this book if it was going to be just a couple pages? What a waste of time. What is with Sookies cry baby attitude after the big fight at Erics bar? She was the one who brought up killing Victor in book 10, and now that it finally happened she is acting like she has never seen a vamp fight etc. One last thing, can we please not have to read about how big and fabulous her breasts are? That is getting old.
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Carole Wooten
> 24 hourI completely enjoyed this newest installment of the Sookie Stackhouse Series. I would rate the book 4 1/2 stars. I admittedly love this series and have waited for a new installment each year with anticipation. While I definitely would not say that this is the best book in the series, this newest book did not disappoint! The book felt like a visit with some old friends for me as I have grown to appreciate the characters both in the book and on the HBO series. Most of the characters that readers have come to know that live in Sookies world had a presence in the book. Some characters were not in this book as much as I would have liked to see (Jason and Bill), but I know they may play a more pivotal role in the next book. Of course this book is no great piece of literature, but I was completely entertained while I was reading it which was my goal. I would recommend this book to fans of the series.
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Tierra T
> 24 hourI love Charlaine Harris and Sookie :) Im sad to sad to say I was not impressed with her latest addition to the series. After reading several reviews about the book and its mediocrity, I have to say I agree. To me the first half of the book was spent updating us as readers on the characters backgrounds and it was redundant. We have read 11 books in the series now, Charlaine. We dont need an update at the beginning of every book. And to make matters worse, the backstory ended up being spotty and inconsistent. On a positive note, Sookies Fae background and her relationship with her family seems like it will be an interesting part of the next book. It would be nice if Sookie could make up her mind about a mate and stick with it. Maybe shell find some Romeo from the Fae world and marry him. I was so excited to read the new Sookie book I pre-ordered it. Now I wish I would have waited for the paperback. I almost felt like Dead Reckoning was thrown together just to get a book out and I ended the story feeling unfulfilled. It seemed like she spent so much time elaborating on what happened during the last few books that she forgot to go in-depth with her plot line for her current book. I certainly hope the next Sookie book will be better!
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Paschal Fougeray
> 24 hourI have read this whole series, and the mercy thompson novels, the cat & bones novels, the anita blake novels, and a myriad of others. Charlaine H. is still my fav. It is easy to understand that this is definitely the beginning of the end. Some parts do come off as hastily written and the tying up of loose ends. So, I have that out of the way. The book finally picks up steam at chapter 11. Until that chapter, it is hard to stay interested. You know, the old Sookie dont give up without a fight and dont go down with the ship attitudes. Our girl has become jaded and tired of the good fight, but she does realize that the killing though necessary is still bad so give her that. This storyline really does feel disjointed and these wonderful characters are thrown in as fillers to almost get them out of the way. *Small Spoiler* Sookie goes home to find Alcide in her bed and tells him she doesnt even LIKE him anymore. As a reader, I cannot see that behavior in Alcide, after all he is Alpha. Amelia & Bob(the once cat) are in and out of the story almost like an add-on dismissal. The reference to thenm would have been enough. Sandra Pelt the side issue is just that a side issue, along with Mr. Catiliades, Dermot, Claude you name it they are all here for the reunion. We all waited for this great affair with Eric, and unfortunately, I think this is the true way of life. Eric can offer Sookie everything, but bottom line not himself, which is what she wants. You will have to read the book to get this love story. The fight scene is great,but short, I could almost see it in my mind. I did not like that Pam seems to have developed MORE FEELING. I do think the storyline with Sookie, Eric, & Victor and the big fight is a great storyline, because that whole outcome on all of those threads could be awesome. I thought the book before this one Dead In The Family was a little lacking also; however, I think that Sookie will go on to fight other battles, give great advice, will stay in the supe world where she does belong (because she definitely has a leg in both worlds) AND WILL NOT END UP WITH SAM! I,also, do not think that she will end up with REMY REARING HUNTER (hadleys telepathic son). So, like I said, this is a reunion book tying up loose ends and preparing us for the end of this GLORIOUS SUPERNATURAL RIDE! I have faith that Charlaine H. is every ounce a professional and will end this series on a positive note and will not be influenced by us the readers or the writers of the True Blood Series. After all, she was here first!!!
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Jmaynard
> 24 hourIts becoming apparent that Harris publishers are pushing for more and more Sookie books in light of the success of True Blood. She has not written Lily Bard since 2001, Aurora Teagarden since 2003, or even a Grave book since 2009. Unfortunately, I think this is hurting the Southern Vampire, né Sookie Stackhouse series. The last book was seriously lacking a plot, and this one is lacking heart. I wont mention the continuity issues other reviewers have - honestly, they were the least of my issues with this book. My main problem is the relationships, and the subplot. Sookie is so in love with Eric. But, she breaks the blood bond without telling him, and agonizes over how violent his world, and he, is. It seemed like a total 360 that she suddenly sees him for what he has always been - a 1000 year old vampire. And all this while concurrently showing that he does have feelings for her. I agree with another reviewer - this book felt like a flashing neon sign Sookie is going to break up with Eric!! And, I was annoyed that Sandra Pelt was brought back yet AGAIN to terrorize Sookie. That story had dragged through 10 books; did we really need to revisit it in this one? There were some very good things here that made this installment a real improvement over the last one. First, it had a plot, and it was actually interesting. Victor is a real threat to Sookie and Eric that requires some planning. The story showcased just how much Sookie has changed (and not necessarily in a good way, at least in her own eyes), and provided some character development for Pam. Readers also learn more about Sookies Fae heritage, her relatives and theres a lot of action in the book. I also liked the cameo appearance by Lily Bard. Overall, though I enjoyed the book, it could have been so much better. I really hope Harris takes a break from the series for a couple years - not the least because I also enjoy her other series! Fans will want to read this, but they may be less than satisfied and can probably wait for paperback.
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Kindle Customer
> 24 hourSPOILERS!!!! What isnt to love about this book? She always will leave you breathless, that is for sure! It starts off with a bang with a fire at the bar, Sookie with a hair cut and a fight between Pam and Eric all in the first chapters. I tell you what... It is nothing short of a wild ride and I read it twice just to make sure that I didnt miss anything. You get to learn some secrets into Adeles past, and where Sookie inherited her special gift from and a rare Fae artifact. The ending with Eric and Sookie, that is one thing that has gotten to me. I was thinking for sure that they would end up being together, but with only two more books left to be published, I am not so sure.... For all you diehard Sookie Stackhouse fans it was a hard scene for me to swallow. It takes place in the bar when they finally kill off Victor, when Eric bites Sookie after their victory and which he does this in a hurtful manner. As Charlaine has so brillantly written,Our relationship had been marked by a thousand turning points, it seemed liked. It seems to me that Eric and Sookie may be on the outs, or maybe she will be using a certain cluviel dor to help solve a certain problem with a certain Queen of Oklahoma? I cannot wait for the next edition, but unfortunately that will be another year, but she never disappoints, it is a MUST read!
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LorettaLynn
> 24 hourSookie Stackhouse # 11. I really enjoy reading the Sookie Stackhouse aka True Blood stories. This book was no different from that side. I enjoyed it very much. I am glad it went to a little different tune then the others. You get to read about Alcee and woo did he make a jack ass of his self. lol he is way to fine to be doing all that. You get some smoking hot Eric yum and Bill and his love for Sookie all in one. You know it seems to me Sookie is getting more and more out spoken, which im fine with, I like that she is, being around all them vampires all the time, She has to be. You know I could say a part about every charter in Dead Reckoning, but im not going to, it could take all day. Nevertheless, everyone is there and full of all kinds of good things or maybe bad. Depends on which way you look at it. I love the way Charlaine Harris writes her stories. I have never picked up one of her books and not liked it. Im looking forward to the next Sookie book.
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Cynthia Wilde
> 24 hourI have loved this entire series but the last few books, Ive felt like something is missing. Like there is no direction in the last few books. They have left me wanting more and unsure of Sookie and the direction of her and all the Characters in her life, honestly something is missing. I really miss the the Hot and Sizzle. I mean now she has Eric and he is the Hottest vanpire every but, nothing is sizzling between her and him, at least its not coming off the pages. There was such a billed up to her and Eric, then finally when they are together nothing, just nothing is happening. There was more sizzle between her and Bill and other lovers. Even before they finally did get together there was hot exciting sizzle. I am really disappoint. I hope the Author finds her sizzle back for these characters, I miss it. But, even with that said I still love this story line and enjoy reading them. I have read this series more then once and cant wait to find out what direction the Author ends up taking all these wonderful Characters. If you are looking for a great series of books to read, I say read this one, because it is a great fantasy world.
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Sonia the Reader
> 24 hourDead Reckoning is full of what one has come to expect from a Sookie Stackhouse Novel: non-stop action and mystery, unique Southern charm, and lines that will cause you to burst out in laughter. But more than that, this latest chapter in the series shows us a maturing Sookie who is finally growing into the woman weve seen her become. Its a great relief and joy to see Sookie finally have such deep contemplation about the circumstances and choices in her life. Its also nice to see her frankly address issues with those closest to her. This story is full of goodies for everyone. Lots of Pam and Eric, Bubba puts in an appearance, and even Sam and Bill get plenty of page time. Some (long-running) conflicts are finally resolved, but other (perhaps more interesting) storylines are introduced. Were left with no certain answers, yet with a sense of that being an okay state. I am looking forward to book 12, but thankfully the next 364 days wont be torture. I closed this book a very happy and content fan. I feel like this Sookie weve finally seen emerge is a strong woman who has come into her own and will make her own happiness no matter what life throws at her. In short, this volume lives up to, and even exceeds, the potential of this unique, charming and well-crafted series. I highly recommend devouring it as quickly as you can get your hands on a copy! p.s. If youre interested in finding a new, similar series, Charlaine Harris (and I) recommend the Mercy Thompson Novels (start with
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RoxN
> 24 hourCharlaine 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.