Dead Reckoning

Review originally posted here:[....] I finished this last week and I am only now getting around to reviewing this. Now I know you all know about the disappointment with Dead in the Family, mine included. But I can say Dead Reckoning was a little better than the last book. That doesnt go without saying, this wasnt a favorite. In fact, like I have heard some say and I think it is true, this felt like a filler. Problems were addressed, others rose and some of those werent addressed (part of my problem with this book). Nonetheless, this wasnt bad. It is definitely a step from the last book; library worthy. In Dead Reckoning, Sookie is being stalked by someone who really wants her dead. While at work, someone tries to set Merlottes on fire by throwing firebombs. It is already bad enough that Merlottes is declining since there is a new club in town that is bringing around entertainment good enough for Jerry Springer. Sookie and Sam are at a loss as to who or what would want them dead and Sookie has the sinking feeling that it has nothing to do with Sam. After getting set on fire, Sookie goes to her house with Eric and Pam there. Sookie finds out that Pam is not doing well. Her girlfriend is dying of cancer and she wants to turn her. But the regent of Louisiana, Victor, will not allow Pam to do so. In fact, Victor is making sure he is making Erics life a living hell. But soon they know they must take out Victor soon before he causes more damage. Some of that damage actually ties in with Sookies very heritage. I wish I could say that was the focus of the story, but it wasnt. In part, yes, but this book felt like it was written specifically for Sookie to make room for someone else in her life. We dont get a lot of Eric and that upsets me a little bit. We actually got more Sam and even Bill. Dont get me started on that (and no I will not rant on the rain scene even though I really, really want to). I like them both, dont get me wrong, but I dont like how Harris is waiting until now to work a big gap between Eric and Sookie. Nonetheless, Sookie pissed me off in this book when it came to Eric. For instance, in the beginning when the bar is almost set on fire and Sookie actually gets set on fire (well her hair, but close enough), Eric comes to the rescue. Due to the blood bond, he can sense when she is in danger or any other emotion. Now when he does arrive, Sookie is actually angry at him because she thinks he is overreacting. Are you kidding me? You were set on fire! If not for Sam, it would have been a lot worse for you. I dont get it. Sookie bitched and moaned in the last book about how Eric wasnt there to save her from her crazy ass cousins who tortured her. Eric told her he was covered in silver due to the great Victor and if not for his warning before he was taken, she would have died. Now he was able to get to her in time and she is pissed? This is probably my biggest issue with this book. Sookie couldnt make up her mind about a damn thing. A lot of this book was Sookie acting the same way over things that have been discussed and established. She bitches and moans about violence and when she is in danger (almost killed a couple of time), she still bitches. I am sorry, but I am pretty much out of patience when it comes to Sookie. It just seems she is grabbing every excuse to leave Eric, but she still doesnt know what she wants. Now like I said another part of the story was about Sookies heritage and her grandmother. I was more intrigued with this story, but it was incomplete. Sookie finds out from clearing out her attic, that her grandmother left her a note and a gift. A very powerful gift. Given what it can do, Sookie is confused about what to do about it and if her family members are worth trusting. I wish Harris focused a little more on this. But it is clear, this will play a big part in the next book to come (at least I hope it does). I like Dermot and Claude, but I didnt like that we werent given more concerning them and their story. We find out something is going wrong with the fairies and I know there is more, but we werent really given that. It was thrown in there and I was really anticipating that part of the story over everything with Victor. And then, poof, nothing. No real hints about whats to come except that the gift might play a big part in it all. This disappointed me the most. The best parts of this book were the action scenes. We have two villains in this book. One is Victor and another is someone I didnt expect to see until later (and I wont spoil, but it was expected). I got a feel of Victor. I know that he is a very calculating and manipulative bastard. The other villain though, we only see once or twice in the book and I have no feel of them except they are crazy as hell. I couldnt understand how no one seemed to get a hold of this person (then again, cant stop the crazy). But I liked the fight scene when they finally got the chance to take down Victor. It was bloody and actually suspenseful (always a fan of swords). The fight with our other villain was good, but I have a feeling with the way they were disposed of, there might be some repercussions. Although neither scene lasted as long as I would have liked, they were good. One thing I must mention, did anyone notice the amount of grammar issues in this book? Or when something was already established, it was repeated again as though the character lost their memory? For example, when our other villain makes themselves known, they confess to all the crime right then and there. Then a few chapters later, Sookie goes on about how she is sure this person is behind everything. Huh? They confessed, you are not sure, you know. Or when someone asked Sookie if Jason is single, Sookie says Yeah, but we know that isnt true because Sookie already talked about Jasons new girlfriend Michele in the beginning of the book. She said Michele might make something permanent with him. There are quite of few incidents in this book like this. Where one thing is said and then said again as though the character was unaware of it in the first place, but they werent. My point is, as was an issue with the last book, this felt rushed. It felt like this book wasnt looked over properly before publishing. Overall, there are two more books to go in this series and I cant say I am not a wee bit happy about it. When I started this series, I was so in love with it. But now it feels sort of stretched out. There have always been little issues throughout the series and Harris herself knows about them. She mentioned them on her site. But now, those little things are sort of getting in the way. The magic that was there in the beginning is slowly going away because I honestly feel Harris isnt giving us 100%. I know she can write, she comes up with great stories, which is why I am now confused with where this series is and where it will be headed. As I said before, this is better than the last book. I will pull through and finish the last two books to come. I can only pray that things fit into place properly when it is all said and done.

Im convinced that this wasnt written by Charlaine Harris, but by someone else and Charlaine signed off on it. Its simple things like phrases that dont fit the characters and the fact that the ending felt like it was left hanging compared to all of the other books in the series so far. Not to give away spoilers, but there is a phrase Bill uses in talking to Sookie that is COMPLETELY out of character for him, despite the fact hes still in love with her. Charlaine has never been one to worry about having crystal clean language, but this was...not Bill talking but maybe something more like a fan talking in his place. On top of that, throughout the book the character have seemed to lose their southern charm, accent, and sass...especially Sookie herself. She doesnt sound southern anymore. Shes almost the northern Ohio non-accent I knew as a kid now. Its really sad because its what keeps me engrossed in the book. Now it almost feels like someone else is talking instead of the person that was talking for the first 8 or 9 books. The worst part of it is that this book in particular felt like absolutely nothing happened. The issues with Victor were solved from the previous book, but everything else was just inched along a bit with no resolution. For example, the entire story line behind the CD (dont want to spoil anything) was left completely hanging. The object was introduced, talked about, warned about...and there was no struggle there at all! Charlaine always had added SOMETHING to give it a reason for existence in the current book in the past and this one just failed in giving that entire story line a reason to exist. Im sincerely hoping that Charlaine gets back on the wagon with the next novel in the series. This was sort of a dud compared to the others in the series and I hope its not a sign that shes bored with it. Maybe its all setup for a blockbuster in the next book?

I have been an avid reader of the Sookie Stackhouse books for about 5 years now. I was late to the game and caught up with everyone right before True Blood came to TV. I fell in love with the first 8 books, but lately it seems that Mrs. Harris is just filling the books with whatever she can. I have read books 9 and 10; and will continue to read any of the books that she puts out in this series, but I cant seem to get as excited about a new book as I used to. In the 11th installment of Sookie, we see a person from her past come back, even though I had really forgotten about the Pelts, I actually had to skim through a few books to get updated on the back story there. I liked that Mrs. Harris brought back Amelia and Bob, but I was not in the least bit happy about them figuring out how to break the bond between Sookie and Eric. And dont even get me started on the whole Eric being arranged for with the Queen of Oklahoma!! I swear, Sookie just cant catch a break with the vamps in this series!!! Maybe she should actually give a were a shot! The conflict with Victor was brought into this book, but I felt the demise of Victor and his crew was too fast and way too neat. I mean really, I understand that the scene couldnt last for that long, but it wasnt even a full chapter; or so it seemed to me. I was left wondering about a lot of things through out the book, and I feel that a few things could have been cleared up in this book; like really, what was up with Claude and Dermot? I understand that Mrs. Harris needs to leave some things up in the air so that she can continue the series, but still, some things could have been either cleared up as I said earlier, or answered altogether. I felt that the book just really dragged on way too much.

I dont understand all the negative reviews. It was really awesome! Action packed leaving you wanting more. Sure there are several cliffhangers, but we do have 2 more books to go. I trust CH to bring everything together where some are questioning her ability to do so. Maybe those fairies are affecting everyone in BT. I usually dont do reviews, but after seeing it is only receiving three stars, I figured I better put my stars to work. One thing I did reseach was how many stars the other books received. Of course Book 4 received almost 4-1/2 stars and NO ONE gave less than 3. haha So just maybe Charlaine Harris should give us more of that, uhh gracious plenty? Apparently even the hard-to-please were satisfied? :) If Im on my death bed, Im calling Charlaine Harris. I just have to know if our Sookie and Eric finally make it to the alter. (She can alway lie and let die in peace!)

I so love this series and the characters but the last few books have been such a let-down. I still think in some way shell end up with Eric which Im happy about. This book certainly builds on the angst in their relationship and throws a HUGE wrench into it. Clearly there has been foreshadowing in the books with Niall telling Sookie the Vamp is not a bad man and he loves her (I think he spoke of Eric) and Eric saying that Sookie is his wife in every way that matters to him (book 10). This Sookie/Eric thing has been building and growing since book 4..even before. To change Sookies love-interest to an entirely different character or Sam (or even back to Bill) would be devastating to the series. I think its timely to have this issue btwn her/Eric but it could have been written/played on so much better...Im hoping the next one is a drama filled book that takes this story somewhere...not just fill. If the next books find Sookie pg due to some FAE magic thing (some foreshadowing in book)...that would be an interesting twist. Could give her/Erics life meaning and w/some inspired writing could take it in a whole new direction. Bring back the passion of the characters!

Im definitely on the fence with this book. I didnt love it, nor did I hate it (hate is too strong a word). It seemed to be lacking in several areas. Its been said that Harris will soon be ending the series after the next two book releases. After reading Dead Reckoning, I believe it might be time. It seems the characters weve all come to love are losing their personalities and are becoming somewhat uninteresting. Earlier in the series, I thought it would be very interesting to see Sookie and Eric get together...until I finally did. This book (really the past 2 books) have opened my eyes and I am seeing that Eric and Sookie are just not meant to be. I feel Eric has lost his spark in this book and has become...well, for lack of a better word- boring! I am really missing the old Eric. He was sharp and unintentionally humorous, and now he just seems like the shell of the vampire he used to be. What about Bill? Hes been pretty much a ghost in the past two books. Do I think Sookie should run back to Bill? Nah, not really. I think they have pretty much explored their relationship as far as its going to go. The way Dead Reckoning ended, I believe Sookie and Eric will be calling it quits soon. So, where does this leave Sookie? At this point Im not really sure. Im pretty much throwing my hands in the air because Im not sure where Harris is going to lead Sookie in the next two books. I know it seems that I am possibly being a tad over-critical about Dead Reckoning, but I really did expect more from such a beloved series. I can only hope the next book will be better. I am a devoted Sookie fan and hope for bigger and better things with the next book. Book Hollow [...]

Well, For starters I generally dont do book reviews, I think Im mostly doing this because Ive been reading some of the reviews and I think they may scare readers away. For starters some of what Ive read here is correct there were some back story issues, continuity errors, and some out of character moments. Thats all true. some of these I can let go of because I know when a series gets this long things are going to be forgotten. The out of character moments were probably a bigger issue for me. Im totally team Eric/Sookie and I actually like when I see the softer side of Eric it reminds me of DTTW Eric. And I didnt expect him to be his funny happy go lucky self in this book with all that was bearing down on him but at moments the way he was with Sookie, particularly that bite at the end was very troubling for me because through 10 books hes never harmed her so this bothered me alot and I hope its not CH trying to turn readers against him after such a build up of his and Sookies romance. That being said Im not as convinced as some that this is the end of Eric and Sookie, At least I hope not I feel like their story has been build up for the last 8 books. I hope Sookie fights for her vamp and doesnt just let Oklahoma have him. I think in this book Sookie realizes shes not nor is she ever going to be the good christian she believes she needs to be. Sookie at times has an issue with trying to fit the mold of normal, as if anyone really knows of normal? The faeries are going to be a problem in one or both of the last books. Dermot and Claude are up to something but we dont know what. Sookie is now in the possession of a fairy token (CD) that grants her a wish, alot of people seem to think shell use it to go back in time and never have met Bill......That still presents problems however, Sophie anne would still have known about Sookie, Niall would still be her GGF and The Bombing in Rhodes would not have been prevented in which case Eric, Bill, Pam and alot of other vampires and humans would have lost their life. I cant see Sookie letting that be. Nor do I think that would make her safe. Alot of people see Sam being maneuvered into position for the HEA....Funny this was the one book I saw him more in a BFF role than ever. Course I dont have a clue where CH is going with things She may haul him in at the last minute as the HEA.....Hope Not, that goes against what Ive been reading thus far. All and All I liked this book just a few things to nit pick about but I will continue the series and hope it ends the way Id like :)

This latest offering in the Sookie Stackhouse saga is not as imaginative or engaging as Harris previous books. The story line is too disjointed with rogue elves, fractured romances and hints that Bill may be sliding back into place as Sookies main man. One understands the need to keep readers guessing about who Sookie will snuggle up to, but the intervening causes--Eric is subject to control from forces beyond the border of Louisiana, etc., are weak. The early magic, where the characters were like the folks next door, but they hung around with, and sometimes bedded, vampires and werewolves has lost its luster. Perhaps the unique world that Harris so skillfully crafted in her early books has become mundane and therefore less interesting, or perhaps Harris,like a lot of authors, having become rich and madly successful is less inspired to work her imagination as hard. Cannot blame her for that I suppose.

With a deep sigh, I find that here is another series that began with so much promise that is dying a slow and torturous death. I understand the politics of a series that became an international sensation, spawning an HBO series and even a Twilight fan vs. True Blood fan feud (which is better: vampires that are sensitive and glitter or vampires that are evil and hot... yes, very important questions to debate). Again, when this series first started - I couldnt get enough. There was nothing out there like the Sookie Stackhouse series; a hero with the name of Vampire Bill... and a strange little woman named Sookie who could read minds - except of course for vampires. Bill has come and gone, and in Dead Reckoning (book #11) it is easy to see that Eric is also fading into obscurity. Both were once characters with depth, mystery and were well-developed, and now they are both bland versions of the characters they started out to be. Bill was noble and wise, and now he has become a boring computer analyst (seriously??). Eric Northman, the unstoppable Viking Vampire, seems to always be bowing down to someone else and seems to be afraid of his own shadow. Sookie, the misunderstood clairvoyant suddenly became Sookie the fairy (again... seriously??). Because the series started out so good, I buy each new novel hoping for the magic of the first few novels. I feel like Im stuck in a dysfunctional relationship. I keep hoping theyll get better, and they dont. Then a new book comes out and the cycle begins again. I have decided to end this relationship, I wont be reading any other books in the series (I know the series is coming to and end and I also know how it ends... it sucks - no pun intended).

It really says something when you are in a bookstore and dont even realize a book in one of your favorite series has come out. That is what happened to me, and it is rather sad. Like many other reviewers I felt that this book was a filler book. Sure we found out some interesting things about how Sookie was given her power but the rest of the book was just a little off. SPOILERS!!!! Why in the world did Alcide think it was a good idea to show up to Sookies house? Why was there never any other conversation about the whole situation? That was very odd to me especially because I thought the two of them were at least friends but instead I guess Alcide is no longer going to be a part of the book so that was a simple way to get rid of him but the strings were not tied up at all. Overall it just seems like the book was disjointed and was really not that great of a read. I am upset at the interaction between Eric and Sookie it doesnt make any sense!!! I will continue to read the series but it will not be something I wait for with bated breath like I have done in the past.