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3.57 AVERAGE
3.57 AVERAGE
I liked this book better than the previous one of the series but I really miss the Erik we saw at the beginning of the series.
I know there's a lot of people who love the Sookie series and despise True Blood. I for one, am not one of those people. I liked the fact that the show was different from the books and didn't follow every plot point exactly. However, I notice a distinct difference in the quality of writing and plot in general in her last few books since the show began. I love True Blood, but I can't stand Sookie on the show. I seriously hope every episode that someone punches her in the face. I enjoyed the books because I liked Sookie's character. She wasn't the whiny mess she is on the show. Now I feel as though Sookie's character is changing into this multiple personality and is written like she is on the show. Annoying, whiny and just stupid. The plot was alright and the ending was horrible, It wasn't horrible overall, but with the first books in the series I couldn't put them down. This book, I had a hard time picking back up.
Spoiler
Jeopardy, really?
Just didn't feel as involved with this one. I mean, at this point in the series, there's no point commenting on writing style because if you're still reading then it's not so terrible you feel you can't read them any more, so my main gripe about this book was the lack of plot/progression.
I'm oddly happy about there finally being hints that Sookie/Eric may come to an end. I know, I know, she spent this many books so far building up their relationship and Eric is so hot and blah blah, but their relationship is horribly boring now. All they do is have sex, complain at each other and keep secrets from each other, with Eric's secrets usually putting Sookie in some danger or other and then she complains. I mean, the whole plot line in this with Eric and Niall forcing poor mentally-unstable Terry to spy on Sookie before Sookie was even going out with Eric didn't even phase her at all, when really, it's out of line and creepy. Completely ridiculous storyline to get Eric out of the way though, he's being made by his dead maker to marry some queen? Oh, dear.
If Bill and Sookie get back together I swear I'm going to murder someone. I mean, I liked Bill a little more in this but he still came across as pathetic, and there's still that whole issue of him USING HER from the first book until the 4th/5th I think, RAPING HER and NEARLY KILLING HER in book three, and being a general whiny twat since then. I'm glad Sookie put Alcide in his place because he has been getting an arrogant shit, alls he ever contacts Sookie for is when he needs to use her for something or other since he became packmaster. The constant mention of Dermot being 'hot' but looking like her brother's twin was fucking creepy, and I'm still gutted she kicked Claude out AND POOR AMELIA. I miss Amelia and her 'clear broadcasting' and hilarious attitude and magic slip-ups, I hope she doesn't piss off for good now just because Sookie had a weird out-of-character bitch-fit. You know who else I miss? Quinn. Another one that got kicked out of the books for no reason other than Sookie having an out-of-character hissy-fit. He wasn't even MENTIONED in this book and he's the only ex/ex-lover-interest that's never used Sookie for her super-duper-powers.
Really, the only thing that happened in this book was finally that guy died after they discussed it happening for ages. Victor? That's it. Unrealistic that no one died during the struggle except some random human only introduced in this book, but oh well. Oh, and Sandra Pelt died. I can't even remember the last time she was mentioned, and in this book she became the big bad guy again before dying just like her sister. Great for her.
I'm really losing interest in this series. I mean, I know she churns out one every year but there really needs to be more plot if you expect people to buy them...
I'm oddly happy about there finally being hints that Sookie/Eric may come to an end. I know, I know, she spent this many books so far building up their relationship and Eric is so hot and blah blah, but their relationship is horribly boring now. All they do is have sex, complain at each other and keep secrets from each other, with Eric's secrets usually putting Sookie in some danger or other and then she complains. I mean, the whole plot line in this with Eric and Niall forcing poor mentally-unstable Terry to spy on Sookie before Sookie was even going out with Eric didn't even phase her at all, when really, it's out of line and creepy. Completely ridiculous storyline to get Eric out of the way though, he's being made by his dead maker to marry some queen? Oh, dear.
If Bill and Sookie get back together I swear I'm going to murder someone. I mean, I liked Bill a little more in this but he still came across as pathetic, and there's still that whole issue of him USING HER from the first book until the 4th/5th I think, RAPING HER and NEARLY KILLING HER in book three, and being a general whiny twat since then. I'm glad Sookie put Alcide in his place because he has been getting an arrogant shit, alls he ever contacts Sookie for is when he needs to use her for something or other since he became packmaster. The constant mention of Dermot being 'hot' but looking like her brother's twin was fucking creepy, and I'm still gutted she kicked Claude out AND POOR AMELIA. I miss Amelia and her 'clear broadcasting' and hilarious attitude and magic slip-ups, I hope she doesn't piss off for good now just because Sookie had a weird out-of-character bitch-fit. You know who else I miss? Quinn. Another one that got kicked out of the books for no reason other than Sookie having an out-of-character hissy-fit. He wasn't even MENTIONED in this book and he's the only ex/ex-lover-interest that's never used Sookie for her super-duper-powers.
Really, the only thing that happened in this book was finally that guy died after they discussed it happening for ages. Victor? That's it. Unrealistic that no one died during the struggle except some random human only introduced in this book, but oh well. Oh, and Sandra Pelt died. I can't even remember the last time she was mentioned, and in this book she became the big bad guy again before dying just like her sister. Great for her.
I'm really losing interest in this series. I mean, I know she churns out one every year but there really needs to be more plot if you expect people to buy them...
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Loved this book so much. Read the last half of the book in the space of twenty four hours, as I just couldn't put it down. This will be one of my favourites of the series, and I can't wait to dive into book twelve.
Not for Gianna to read since I do want her to read the book so that we can discuss on personal time.
I will start off with what I liked about it and that would be the fae storyline. It was interesting to find out that Fintan was around more than we originally though (sneakily creepy) and that her grandmother knew more about everything concerning the fae, Sookie's powers, etc. Dermot and Sookie getting closer as relatives (the outcasts of the family) was a great storyline instead of as lovers, which was something hinted earlier in the book and I'm glad was not turned to that way. I loved getting to know Mr. Catalaides more and his involvement with the Stackhouse Family (not just with Sookie). I loved the introduction to Mustapha and hope that we find out more. I was sad to see that Akira got killed, because he sounded like an interesting character, but just shows the strength of Pam and Eric.
However, I gave this book a one star, because it is by far, the worst of the series. If Ms. Harris continues this way, then I am done with these books. It is clear that the show is having an effect on her writing or maybe she's just tired of the storyline (which I get), but she really needs to make sure to be consistent with things. For instance, at the end, she's throwing a baby shower for Tara (who basically was her only friend) and says in the books, "I finally feel at home doing something for my community like the old me." Um...what? They ostracized you for being crazy, because of your talents and never gave a damn about you. In fact, they tried on many occasions to get you arrested, killed, or anything else under the sun. The only ones that talked to you were Sam, your grandmother (which she was killed because of you), Tara, Foyt, Jason, and that crazy girl that turned in to religious zealot (man, can't think of her name...Lorraine). You walked in to a room and heard the disgusting things they said about you, but now, you are a part of the community, doing something for the community like you've always done. Maybe, I'm being overly critical, but it just shows the inconsistency and laziness of the writing.
Okay, and am I crazy, but when did Sookie play softball? I counted three times in one paragraph it was mentioned. She laced everything with relating to "I'm glad I played softball or I had softball to help me." WTF? I'm sorry, maybe it's me, but I'm from the South and a big city at that, but I doubt seriously that a girl that was written as considered crazy by 90% of the townsfolk in a small Louisiana town and introverted at that would not play a team sport. And how come all of sudden, it's mentioned and then thrown in our face?
The other part, which is the main reason I gave this book a one star and that is Eric. So, you spent this entire series showing the good about Eric and the bad about Bill. You finally write that she's accepted their love the way it is, but then, just dismiss it quickly. And I'm a Whedonite and used to Joss just killing off the relationships when it finally was accepted by both parties. But to end it in a way that broke up Bill and Sookie in the first place. How messed up is that? Ms. Harris, you couldn't come up with something better? I know, he's trying to get out of it, but the way things ended in how you made Sookie actually disgusted by Eric and his murdering as you put it, it was clear that you are writing him out of her love life. It was clear two books ago that you were heading this way, but to make it in the same way as Bill, then that's, well, it's crappy. And if Sookie goes back to Bill (I think I might be changing my mind that she's writing for Sam), then you have lost me as a reader. How could she go back to him and then, dump Eric for the same reasons? And vice versa? I'm all for Team Eric, but now, it's like, how can she stay with either one and/or dump the other one for the same thing?
And I agree with most reviewers, what was up with just throwing Alcide in there? That was the most insane storyline ever and that Amelia was the culprit. I liked Amelia's character, but that just seemed out of left field. I get that she doesn't like Eric, but damn, that was messed up in so many ways. I get that Claude would do that to play a joke, but Amelia actively sought Alcide out to tell him about the broken bond. And how dumb is Alcide for thinking that would work? He knows that she wouldn't fall for something like that and maybe Sookie was right to tell him that he's changed being a pack leader. Although, my conclusion is that it's another example of inconsistencies with the storyline.
The Sandra Pelt story was not totally great, but not bad either. In this series, it always seems that Sookie is dealing with one big problem and one little problem. I liked that Sandra and the Pelt family are finally threw and I liked how she was "taken care of" in the end.
I'm not sure if I will buy the next book on May 3, like I always do every year. I might just read reviews first and base my buying option on those. I'm not one for going with reviews, but I have agreed with alot of people on the issues I brought up with in my review over this book. So, we shall see next year.
I will start off with what I liked about it and that would be the fae storyline. It was interesting to find out that Fintan was around more than we originally though (sneakily creepy) and that her grandmother knew more about everything concerning the fae, Sookie's powers, etc. Dermot and Sookie getting closer as relatives (the outcasts of the family) was a great storyline instead of as lovers, which was something hinted earlier in the book and I'm glad was not turned to that way. I loved getting to know Mr. Catalaides more and his involvement with the Stackhouse Family (not just with Sookie). I loved the introduction to Mustapha and hope that we find out more. I was sad to see that Akira got killed, because he sounded like an interesting character, but just shows the strength of Pam and Eric.
However, I gave this book a one star, because it is by far, the worst of the series. If Ms. Harris continues this way, then I am done with these books. It is clear that the show is having an effect on her writing or maybe she's just tired of the storyline (which I get), but she really needs to make sure to be consistent with things. For instance, at the end, she's throwing a baby shower for Tara (who basically was her only friend) and says in the books, "I finally feel at home doing something for my community like the old me." Um...what? They ostracized you for being crazy, because of your talents and never gave a damn about you. In fact, they tried on many occasions to get you arrested, killed, or anything else under the sun. The only ones that talked to you were Sam, your grandmother (which she was killed because of you), Tara, Foyt, Jason, and that crazy girl that turned in to religious zealot (man, can't think of her name...Lorraine). You walked in to a room and heard the disgusting things they said about you, but now, you are a part of the community, doing something for the community like you've always done. Maybe, I'm being overly critical, but it just shows the inconsistency and laziness of the writing.
Okay, and am I crazy, but when did Sookie play softball? I counted three times in one paragraph it was mentioned. She laced everything with relating to "I'm glad I played softball or I had softball to help me." WTF? I'm sorry, maybe it's me, but I'm from the South and a big city at that, but I doubt seriously that a girl that was written as considered crazy by 90% of the townsfolk in a small Louisiana town and introverted at that would not play a team sport. And how come all of sudden, it's mentioned and then thrown in our face?
The other part, which is the main reason I gave this book a one star and that is Eric. So, you spent this entire series showing the good about Eric and the bad about Bill. You finally write that she's accepted their love the way it is, but then, just dismiss it quickly. And I'm a Whedonite and used to Joss just killing off the relationships when it finally was accepted by both parties. But to end it in a way that broke up Bill and Sookie in the first place. How messed up is that? Ms. Harris, you couldn't come up with something better? I know, he's trying to get out of it, but the way things ended in how you made Sookie actually disgusted by Eric and his murdering as you put it, it was clear that you are writing him out of her love life. It was clear two books ago that you were heading this way, but to make it in the same way as Bill, then that's, well, it's crappy. And if Sookie goes back to Bill (I think I might be changing my mind that she's writing for Sam), then you have lost me as a reader. How could she go back to him and then, dump Eric for the same reasons? And vice versa? I'm all for Team Eric, but now, it's like, how can she stay with either one and/or dump the other one for the same thing?
And I agree with most reviewers, what was up with just throwing Alcide in there? That was the most insane storyline ever and that Amelia was the culprit. I liked Amelia's character, but that just seemed out of left field. I get that she doesn't like Eric, but damn, that was messed up in so many ways. I get that Claude would do that to play a joke, but Amelia actively sought Alcide out to tell him about the broken bond. And how dumb is Alcide for thinking that would work? He knows that she wouldn't fall for something like that and maybe Sookie was right to tell him that he's changed being a pack leader. Although, my conclusion is that it's another example of inconsistencies with the storyline.
The Sandra Pelt story was not totally great, but not bad either. In this series, it always seems that Sookie is dealing with one big problem and one little problem. I liked that Sandra and the Pelt family are finally threw and I liked how she was "taken care of" in the end.
I'm not sure if I will buy the next book on May 3, like I always do every year. I might just read reviews first and base my buying option on those. I'm not one for going with reviews, but I have agreed with alot of people on the issues I brought up with in my review over this book. So, we shall see next year.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
