Book Review Genre: Paranormal Romance
Disclaimer: Reading is all about exploring new worlds, but this Book Review does not shy away from spoiling specific scenes as this is more of a look inside the good and bad of a book.
The Analysis:
I was not planning on revisiting this series, honest. However, I really did enjoy the book club recap on Youtube. If you’re interested check it out, Sookie Stackhouse Readalong. So, let’s book review the second book. But first, follow me on Goodreads.
Here’s The Blurb:
Even though Sookie has her own vampire to look out for her—her red-hot, cold-blooded boyfriend, Bill Compton—she has to admit that the bloodsuckers did save her life. So when one of the local Undead asks the cocktail waitress for a favor, she feels like she owes them.
Soon, Sookie’s in Dallas using her telepathic skills to search for a missing vampire. She’s supposed to interview certain humans involved. There’s just one condition: The vampires must promise to behave—and let the humans go unharmed. Easier said than done. All it takes is one delicious blonde and one small mistake for things to turn deadly…
Cover Critique:
Most people don’t like when actors replace the main cover, but I quite like it. I never liked the original covers. But it will set some people up for disappointment as the show is nothing like the book in key ways.
Now The Story:
Book Info:
Pages: 304
Author: Charlaine Harris
Book 1 Review: Dead Until Dark
Available: Google Play
I’m back in the world of Sookie Stackhouse and before I could feel the familiar tingles of excitement over returning to an old familiar story, I rolled my eyes.
I forgot this Sookie Stackhouse felt like she loved her boyfriend and so should everyone else. I suppose to be more charitable, she might not want him to be mistreated by humans because of his kind. But as his kind is murderous, I’m going to need her to step back and allow others to come to the truth on their own.
Until Lafayette dies and my eyes nearly fall out of my head. This is a big difference from the show. I thought I missed him and Tara before, but man. Once, the shock wore off I got into the story. But I wanted more of the Lafayette mystery. The True Blood, Lafayette, deserved sooo much more. The same could be said for True Blood, Tara, I hated that they erased her memory in this story because that girl can handle anything. Of course, their two different characters but comparisons can’t help but be drawn.
Also, it’s clearly a missed opportunity that the author acknowledges. Tara has a breakthrough that could change the course of her life. But she subsequently loses those memories. And all Sookie can say is, I’m too tired to do anything about it. Hopefully, everything works out. Like really girl, you’re too tired to seriously consider the course of someone’s life. Yet, you’re allowing these vamps to do just that. Maybe I’m too tired to follow yours.
Sookie is still syrupy sweet. The woman kisses Terry on the cheek to prove she’s not scared of him. Like why? He’s not your man. And if you want to prove you see him as a person try being his friend, Mary Sue. No need to kiss him like some blond fluff of bubbles. It’s also at this moment that I realize I’m going to enjoy reading this because even in its messiness it’s entertaining.
A Greek mythical creature was introduced called the Maened. This is my first experience with such a thing. It was pretty interesting and added a subplot element worth following. But not much happens with it as Sookie spends a majority of the book in Dallas. When she comes back to finish up the Lafayette storyline, she has very little to do with it as it’s the Maened show and she’s better at it. The ending solidified my ranking for this book.
Side note: I loved that the supernatural doctor was a dwarf and it inspired me to include more little people somehow in my story.
Sookie personality very much seems clued into her sexuality and sometimes that can be empowering, but she just comes off as disingenuous and ditzy. And a tad judgemental toward the end, I’d never join an orgy, but I don’t need a lecture about it either. Examples like kissing Terry and then Sam are just not necessary.
That puppy Sam is in love with her and she knows it. Yet, she makes out with him and shrugs it off. Never mind that she just cheated on her man. Sam just needs to get a girl. Like, she doesn’t need some commonsense.
It’s hard for me to admit, but her characterization might just be the weakest part of the whole series. Sookie is terribly self-involved and that’s astonishing for a woman that reads minds. But having that little gift doesn’t seem to make it any easier for her to see other people’s points of view. Any perceived slight is unforgivable and she’s ready with a quick wit retort, but never pauses to wonder why someone might feel a certain way or if they have a point.
For example: Portia and Andi were just doing their jobs when they arrested her brother in book 1. Now, she’s acting like it’s some personal affront, spare me. It’s also not easy for anyone to deal with someone with the gifts she has. Yet, she can give Bill a man who’s murdered people, grace, but she can’t do that for the people who’ve known her the longest. People whose only fault is wanting privacy from the one person they could never get it from. I really don’t want to hear her complain anymore about her gift.
Not to mention, she has more chemistry with Eric than Bill. And the little drips of Eric are everything.
But one moment was so badass and really felt like something I would do. She was in a drive-by shooting. Some humans are against the existence of vampires and a lot of death resulted. She looked for Bill after and he was causing a little havoc of his own in the name of revenge. She just gets her purse, walks out, goes to the airport, and goes home. Her brother picks up. Just as calm as all get out. And I feel like that would be my initial reaction until it sunk in a few days later.
So, where does this story shine? Actually, Sookie’s at her best when she’s using her gift to do actual investigations. I’m hanging on her every word and want to know where it all will lead. The author has perfected the Paranormal mystery portion of this story and I truly believe that it’s better than book 1. The vampires are out in the open and introducing themselves to the world and it’s truly a robust world to get immersed in. She answers a bunch of questions that not even the reader knew they had lol.
I also must say that I’m glad the author wrote this story. Much like with fanfiction, the writers of True Blood were able to take her silver and bronze jewelry and turn it into pure gold. So, you have to respect the source material and everything it brings to the table.
Philosophical moment: This book is a bit too light for this, but it came to my mind. It really doesn’t do enough to answer the hard questions. For example: Godrick wants death because he’s killed children, innocents. It’s a genuine question to ask if any immortal deserves life or acceptance into society with the sheer amount of deaths at their hands. Another example is brought forth by the lawyer. He loves his vampire girlfriends, but for reasons beyond his control, he is obsessed with her. He’s becoming someone he doesn’t know. If this is happening unintentionally, what about the people who are being compelled to lose their free will. Sookie just shrugs and says, I don’t know, but Bill is okay.
Solution: I like to think, I answered those questions in my novel, The After Fury. It’s a Paranormal romance, but I’ll give a sneak peek here as it’s still a WIP. You take a bit of their sin and/or immorality onto your shoulders by accepting them into your life. It’s not to say you shouldn’t, but be aware of where you are because it’s not okay and it never will be okay. Even the best vampire has at least one moment where they do something just horrible out of love. I also have my character constantly question if this is a step too far, every step of the way because human lives should not fall like dominoes on a game board. Hopefully, readers pick up on that theme, anyway.
Book Review At A Glance:
Recommendation: 3 out of 5
Book Cover Appeal:
🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓
Story & Narration:
🍓🍓🍓🍓
Romance:
🍓🍓🍓
Character/(s) Personality:
🍓🍓🍓
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