Showing posts with label sookie stackhouse. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sookie stackhouse. Show all posts

May 6, 2013

Sookie Stackhouse #13

SOOKIE STACKHOUSE:
Dead Ever After
by Charlaine Harris

And They All Lived Happily ... Well, The Lucky Ones Lived!

9780575096622

She was told there would be consequences for using the cluviel  dor, great magic like that could not be used without consequences. But even with her telepathic abilities she could never have foreseen this outcome. Saving Sam was a decision that she would gladly make again, saving Sam was a choice that made little difference to her life, and yet saving Sam was going to change her life forever.

Being framed for murder is no picnic, neither is sharing a jail cell with Jane Bodehouse the morning after one of her nights on the drink, which for Jane happened to be about every night. But even with little evidence against her there are those who will be glad to see Sookie go down, one way or another. But before this mystery comes to a conclusion there will be more then one revelation and more then one victim dead ever after.

Dead Ever After is one way to describe her past relationships. In this, Sookie's final adventure, old enemies return for a last showdown and final attempt to kill our favourite telepathic barmaid heroine. The last in this series, this story bring to a close all those questions you had about the fate of this fairy blooded southern belle and the small town she calls home. If you have been following this series then this book is a must.
On sale: 01 May 2013
Price (AU): $29.99
ISBN: 9780575096622
Recommended age: 18+
In a word: The End
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: to those reading the series
Star rating: four out of five
xx

May 6, 2012

Sookie Stackhouse #12

SOOKIE STACKHOUSE:
Deadlocked
by Charlaine Harris

What I Did, Or Didn't Do, For Love!


Having watched friends and loved ones marry, have children, and lead reasonably normal lives, at least for the most part, Sookie has often wondered what it would be like to have those things for herself. Yes, technically she is married to Eric, but a marriage to a vampire is not exactly legal, nor ideal when you only get to see your husband for a few hours a couple of nights a week. Not too mention the added stress of a vampire Queen out to claim your husband for her own.

But, as always, Sookie has other matters to tend to. Eric has been framed for a murder she is not entirely sure he is innocent off, having caught him feeding from the victim only minutes before her murdered body was found. The fae left behind on this side are becoming increasingly restless and dangerous, not just to each other but the wider population. There are also complications with the weres, or at least one were in particular who would like to see the end of Sookie. Then there is the cluviel dor.

Deadlocked sees Sookie trapped between a rock and a hard place. While it is true the fae cannot lie that does not mean they cannot deceive and being family the betrayal will cut deep. Meanwhile her relationship with Eric is strained at best and while both are looking to the other for an act that will prove their love, neither are willing to act themselves. However the sacrifice Sookie makes for love is not the one anyone would have expected and despite how much she cares, in the end love will break her heart.
On sale: 01 May 2012
Price (AU): $29.99
ISBN: 9780575096585
Recommended age: 18+
In a word: Cluviel Dor
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: to those reading the series
Star rating: four out of five
xx

August 27, 2011

Sookie Stackhouse - The Sookie Stackhouse Companion

SOOKIE STACKHOUSE:
The Sookie Stackhouse Companion
by Charlaine Harris
  
'A Complete Guide To The Sookie Stackhouse Series'
  

Welcome to Bon Temps, a cosy little town where a freakishly high number of supernatural's call home and where life is anything but easy and laid back. For Sookie, a telepath, life has drastically changed since the vamps came out of the coffin a few years back. More specifically her life changed the night she met her first vampire, Bill, and ever since then she has never looked back.

Several years, and books, later Sookie is still solving, plotting and uncovering murders in her own unique corner of the south. However just because Sookie is a mind reader does not necessarily gain her access to every secret hidden within the minds of those she encounters, such as the private dialogues between Eric and Bill that are now revealed. Nor had she any idea that the Chocolate Cake Caroline Bellefleur is famous for is a scandalously easy recipe to follow.

The Sookie Stackhouse Companion is a comprehensive peak into a small southern town and the people who call it home. While Charlaine Harris sits down to a q&a, Sookie gives up all her knowledge on the supernatural beings that have had a great impact on her once simple life. This is a perfect way to rediscover the books, test your knowledge on the events in Sookie's life and enjoy something new in a bonus short story.
On sale: 01 September 2011
Price (AU): $32.99
ISBN: 9780575097537
Recommended age: 18
In a word: Sookie Stackhouse
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: to those reading the series
Star rating: four out of five
xx

May 23, 2011

Sookie Stackhouse #11

SOOKIE STACKHOUSE:
Dead Reckoning
by Charlaine Harris

If You Had Just One Wish!


Sookie is a girl who over a short period of time has managed to collect many enemies, but while some will go all out to get her or die trying, others are already dead. Living in this state of constant danger, knowing that at any moment someone could strike her down, is taking its toll and as Sookie's enemies move against her and those she loves, Sookie and the gang decide it time to take matters into their own hands.

As a telepath Sookie is used to keeping secrets, many of them not even her own; however she is not so used to having secrets kept from her. Now it seems that all those closest to her, all those whose thoughts she can't hear, are keeping things from her. But meanwhile Sookie is distracted with the discovery of the truth of her past, her realization of her true feelings for her vampire husband and her admitting to herself what she truly wants from her life.

Dead Reckoning is less the murder mystery that we have come to expect from this series and more a murder plot, with the one exception of a spur of the moment killing. There is plenty to sink your teeth into in this book, killers on the loose, vampire politics, treasures revealed, fairy plots and a baby showing to throw. But underneath it all is the continuing story of Sookie that is just as amazing, horrible and addictive as ever. Also look out for an appearance from Charlaine's other heroine Lily Bard.
On sale: 01 May 2011
Price (AU): $29.99
ISBN: 9780575096530
Recommended age: 18+
In a word: Secrets
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: to those reading the series
Star rating: four out of five
xx

January 16, 2011

Sookie Stackhouse #10

SOOKIE STACKHOUSE:
Dead in the Family by Charlaine Harris

Family Matters!


Sookie is coming to terms both physically and emotionally with the outcome of the recent Fairy War. Not only have lives been lost including Claudine's, her cousin and fairy godmother, but others have left her with no prospect of returning. Amelia is returning to New Orleans and Niall and the fairies have left this world for their fairy land never to return.

For a woman with little family remaining Sookie is inundated with family requests. Claude, Sookie's gorgeous and arrogant cousin, asks to move in but he is not the only fairy prowling around Sookie's home. Hunter's father Remy asks for assistance with Hunter's gift and Jason, thankfully, is settling down again spending more quality time with his sister.

But Sookie is not the only one to be affected by family. Bill, still suffering from silver poisoning, pays a family visit and is intern paid a visit by long lost 'family'. And with her recent marriage to Eric, and the blood bond between them, Sookie is feeling the effects of the in-laws more acutely then ever when Eric is plagued by 'family' of his own.

Dead in the Family sees family descend and their problems dictate over the lives of Sookie and her friends as only family can. But when your family feuds involve vampires and fairies someone is likely to end up seriously maimed, if not staked. But you can hardly refuse family, even if they are unwelcome and unwanted. Another Sookie tale that is as addictive and bloody as ever.
On sale: 01 June 2010
Price (AU): $29.99
ISBN: 9780575089334
Recommended age: 18+
In a word: Family
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: to those reading the series
Star rating: three out of five
xx

September 21, 2010

Sookie Stackhouse #9

SOOKIE STACKHOUSE:
Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris

Here Come The Bride!


As the vampires before them the were-community has now decided it is time to reveal themselves to the world. The second great revelation seems to be going well, at least in Sookie's little town of Bon Temps, that is until a body is discovered, a body of a werepanther and suddenly it seems that people aren't as accepting as they might have seemed.

With Jason once again looking guilty Sookie decides to put her mental powers to the task of proving his innocence, however past actions have come back to haunt Sookie with the authorities hot on her trail, and old friendships will prove to be deadly. Things get even more complicated when old loves clash with new.

Meanwhile Sookie has her hands full at work when Sam is distracted with a personal crisis, however he is still able to find time to berate her when she dose something stupid, even though it just may have been the only thing to save her from a greater evil. But another war is fast on her heals, and for once it has nothing to do with vampires, weres or witches.

Dead and Gone continues Sookie's adventures into an alternate reality where vampires, werewolves and fairies coexist with the humans, even if humans are not always aware of their existence. A truly addictive series that is highly recommended to those looking for a supernatural mystery with bite.
On sale: 01 April 2010
ISBN: 9780575085527
Recommended age: 18+
In a word: Fairies
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: to those reading the series
Star rating: four out of five
xx

October 29, 2009

Sookie Stackhouse - A Touch Of Dead

SOOKIE STACKHOUSE:
A Touch Of Dead by Charlaine Harris

Sookie's Quick Bites!


A Touch Of Dead is a collection of five short stories from the Sookie Stackhouse series that has been published here together for the first time.

Fairy Dust. (takes place after Dead To The World)
Claudine enlists Sookie's help to find a murderer. A fairy has been murdered and only Sookie has the skills to discover who murdered the fairy, and why? But will she be able to discover the truth before the fairies decide to take matters into their own hands?

Dracula Night. (takes place before Dead As A Doornail)
Eric is excited, it's his favourite time of the year, and a huge party has been planed for the event. Sookie has received an invitation to a birthday at Fangtasia, but it is not Eric's, its Dracula's, and rumour has it this year he just might show up...

One Word Answer. (takes place after Dead As A Doornail)
News of Sookie's cousin Hadley arrives in the form of a demonic lawyer, and he's not alone; he comes with vampires. Sookie is about to discover what has become of Hadley, she is also set a task that seems almost impossible to her. But is this one offer she can't refuse?

Lucky. (takes place after All Together Dead)
A mystery has landed on Sookie's doorstep in the form of an insurance agent with magical powers. It's a simple case, or so detective Stackhouse and her partner inspector Broadway thought. But even with a telepath and a witch on the case, they are going to have to be more then good to crack this mystery, they are going to have to be lucky.

Gift Wrap. (takes place before Dead And Gone)
Sookie has accepted the fact that this year she is spending Christmas alone; or so she thought. Someone has gone to a great deal of trouble to make this Christmas one Sookie will never forget; but will it be the killer Were on her doorstep, the naked man in her living room, or the surprise guest for dinner that is the most memorable this Christmas?

This book is invaluable to any Sookie Stackhouse fan, and if you're not a fan you should be. So many hidden gems from the Sookie Stackhouse universe are revealed as we learn all those glorious bits of inconsequential snippets of the lives affecting our heroin, Sookie. These are the background stories that enrich the series, a must read.
 

On sale: 01 October 2009
Price (AU): $29.99
ISBN: 9780575094437
Recommended age: 18+
In a word: Short Bites
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: to those reading the series
Star rating: four out of five
xx

October 22, 2009

Sookie Stackhouse - Gift Wrap

SOOKIE STACKHOUSE:
Gift Wrap by Charlaine Harris

The Best Presents Can't Be Wrapped!


Gift Wrap is a short story in the Sookie Stackhouse universe that has been published in the book Wolfsbane And Mistletoe. A book of short stories about the furred persuasion and the Christmas spirit from a number of different authors.

Sookie is about to have one hell of a Christmas. She is not speaking to her brother, her great-grandfather is not exactly the Christmas type, and her house mate Amelia has left her for the holidays to be with her own family. All in all this is shaping up to be one lonely Christmas.

But her brother has planned a surprise for Sookie, one she may not like. Mostly because of the danger it seems to have put her in, but she's not the only one. Another tall, dark and naked man has appeared at Sookies home seeking help, and Sookie can never say no to a person in need.

However, things are not always as they seem, as someone else has plans to surprise the unsuspecting Sookie with a gift of their own. A gift like no other has been arranged for Sookie, and it will come from the most unlikely of sources. Christmas is no time to be alone and lucky for Sookie this year she doesn't have to be.

A lovely story of family, love and yuletide cheer. An intriguing story with a twist that you will never see coming, but with an ending to warm the heart. This story takes place before Dead And Gone, the eight story in the Sookie Stackhouse series.
 

On sale: 01 September 2008
ISBN: 9780441016334
Recommended age: 18+
In a word: Christmas
Re-read it: possibly
Recommend: to those reading the series
Star rating: three out of five
xx

September 24, 2009

Sookie Stackhouse #8

SOOKIE STACKHOUSE:
From Dead To Worse by Charlaine Harris

Everything Has Changed, But Nothing Is Different!


In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the disaster of the Vampire Summit, Sookie Stackhouse had hoped things might finally return to normal; as normal as things can be for a telepath. But many lives, and dead lives, had been lost with many others left wounded. There was a lot to recover from; uncertainty and danger surrounded Sookie as the vampires struggled to protect a weakened Queen, and the werewolves drew ever closer to taking out their own pack.

Sookie, however, has other things on her mind. There was the double wedding to start with, not to mention the total disappearance of her boyfriend Quinn, at least she thinks he is still her boyfriend, but she's not heard from him in so long she and can't be certain of his feelings. Also, someone is gong out of their way to make life difficult for Sookie and those close to her.

Sookie is in for a lot of surprises, a few are even family related and Hadley also manages to deliver a bombshell from the beyond. Eric has a revelation of his own and even Sam has a few tricks up his sleeves, or at least under his clothing. Sookie finds out that even a telepath can be surprised as everyone seems to have something their keeping from her, but the biggest betrayal will come from someone she loves.

This book is chockfull of excitement, events and surprises, right up until the very last page. An enjoyable read to pass the time and a great story in the continuing adventures of Sookie Stackhouse.
 

On sale: 01 April 2009
Price (US): $7.99
ISBN: 9780441017010
Recommended age: 18+
In a word: Families
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: to those reading the series
Star rating: four out of five
xx

September 4, 2009

Sookie Stackhouse - Lucky

SOOKIE STACKHOUSE:
Lucky by Charlaine Harris

Lucky Rabbits My Foot!


Lucky is a short story in the Sookie Stackhouse universe that has been published in the book Unusual Suspects. A book of short stories about paranormal detectives and supernatural criminals from a number of different authors.

Sookie Stackhouse and her house mate Amelia Broadway were just in the middle of a very important operation when they were interrupted by the door bell. Greg Aubert, Sookie's local insurance agent, has just arrived in time to watch the paint dry on Sookie and Amelia's toenails. But without the need for any claims, Sookie is at a loss as to the why the full time insurance agent, part time witch, has arrived on her door step.

Greg has come to Sookie to beg a favour, with a few threats thrown in for good measure. Someone has broken into his office, someone has rifled through his files, but worst of all someone may have discovered Greg's magical secret. Somehow, Sookie and Amelia have been roped into finding out who is behind it, and why?

As Sookie and Amelia delve deeper into the mystery they find more suspects then they bargained for, and some very surprising culprits. Not to mention some twisted magic, a stray vampire, and more danger then thought possible for a little investigation such as this.

An interesting little story that tells of balance in all things, even magic, and that life is every bit as complicated as people are. Even the mystery of Terry's dogs is revealed during Sookie and Amelia's inquiries. This story takes place after All Together Dead, the seventh story in the Sookie Stackhouse series.
 

On sale: 01 December 2008
ISBN: 9780441016372
Recommended age: 18+
In a word: Lucky
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: to those reading the series
Star rating: three out of five
xx

August 13, 2009

Sookie Stackhouse #7

SOOKIE STACKHOUSE:
All Together Dead by Charlaine Harris

Better The Vampire You Know!


Sookie Stackhouse is about to attend the long anticipated Vampire Summit on the shores of Lake Michigan. Despite the numerous warnings from friends and ominous feelings of danger, Sookie is going. She says she is looking forward to traveling to a new city and experiencing something new, but in truth Sookie is going mostly for the money. That and if a vampire wants you to attend then you'll attend, especially if that vampire is a Queen.

Sophie-Anne Leclerq, Vampire Queen of Louisiana, has 'requested' Sookie attend the summit. Sophie-Anne is finding herself in a dangerous position heading into the summit; she has suffered a massive financial and personal loss in the wake of the hurricane damage to her powerbase in New Orleans. Also the Queen is to stand trial for the murder of her husband, she stands to lose everything, and Sookie is the only witness to her innocence.

Politics is rife at the summit and it's not unusual for those in attendance to fear assassination. Some will go to extreme lengths to protect themselves as Sookie finds out, and a moment's decision will force Sookie into a bad situation that will inevitably strengthen her bond with Eric. However this is not such a good thing considering Sookie is still in the beginnings of a relationship with the new man in her life, the were-tiger Quinn's. But that is not the only thing putting strain on this relationship, as at the summit Sookie also discovers Quinn's violent past.

At the summit Sookie discovers she is not the only telepath present, Barry the Bellboy whom she met in Dallas is there with the Dallas vampires. But the summit, crawling with vampires and their entourages, has also attracted the attentions of those extremist who's only purpose is to eradicate all vampires. The summit is set to end with a BANG! and not everyone is going to make it out alive.

A load of new characters and new supernatural beings are introduced in this politically themed story, and every moment is packed with action. Fast pased and terribly intriguing.
 
 
On sale: 01 April 2008
Price (US): $7.99
ISBN: 9780441015818
Recommended age: 18+
In a word: Politics
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: to those reading the series
Star rating: four out of five
xx

Sookie Stackhouse - Dancers In The Dark

SOOKIE STACKHOUSE:
Dancers In The Dark by Charlaine Harris

Obsession can be Murder!


Dancers In The Dark is a short story in the Sookie Stackhouse universe that has been published in the book Night's Edge. A book of short stories about horror and romance from three different authors.

Sookie Stackhouse does not feature in this story.
Instead we are introduced to Rue, she is a student struggling to get by and in her desperation for cash she answers a want add for a job dancing. Rue is a good dancer and is happy to make money doing something she loves, however there is one catch. Rue will have to dance with a vampire. She never thought she would see herself associate with a vampire, but worse still at the end of each dance performance that vampire is going to have to bite her. It's all part of the act, she is told.

When Rue joined the dance company it was Sean she was partnered with. Sean is a very old vampire, and has been dancing for many many years. But Sean hasn't survived all these years without knowing a thing or two about those he associates with. And it doesn't take long for Sean to figure out that Rue is not all that she seems. She is hiding something, or is in hiding? Sean hasn't quite figured it out yet, but he will.

Sean and Rue find they are developing feeling for each other, but are they able to find a way to trust each other when they have both given each other reasons not to? And will Rue be able to escape her past, or her fate with death?

It's a lovely, romantic short story with a tragic ending that will leave you with mixed feelings. Well thought out characters and an interesting plot. As long as you have read the first Sookie Stackhouse novel you will have a basic understanding of the background to this story. However this story also provides background for All Together Dead, the seventh story in the Sookie Stackhouse series.
 
 
On sale: 01 October 2004
ISBN: 9780373770106
Recommended age: 18+
In a word: Romance
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: to those reading the series
Star rating: four out of five
xx

July 25, 2009

Sookie Stackhouse #6

SOOKIE STACKHOUSE:
Definitely Dead by Charlaine Harris

It's All In The Blood!


Sookie is once again called away from her little home town of Bon Temps on account of a vampire. Only this time it is to the city of New Orleans, and the vampire is her cousin, Hadley. Actually I should say 'was', for as we found out in the short story One Word Answer, Hadley had been killed, and Sookie is off to New Orleans to clean out Hadley's apartment and close out her estate.

But before Sookie can leave Bon Temps there is plenty to keep her occupied. Her ability is called upon to help a co-worker, and there are new people in Sookie's life. One is a new co-worker that Sookie is suspicious off, one is a new worker at Fangtasia, a vampire, who Sookie takes a liking too, and one is a man that Sookie takes a real liking too.

Once Sookie arives in New Orleans, things don't go as smoothly as Sookie hopes. There are surprises awaiting Sookie in Hadley's apartment. There are friends, and enemies, new and old. Kings and Queens, killers and kidnappers. There are obligations, revelations, allegations, confrontations, confessions, broken hearts, broken bodies and fancy dresses.

Sookie is shown New Orleans in all its forms, from the bright lights of the city, to the grand old Garden District, to the dark and damp swamps and bayous, whether she wanted to see it or not.

Sookie is learning more and more about the supernatural community everyday, and so too are we. Every moment brings new excitement and new challenges, this book will keep you on your toes and keep you guessing. I recommend reading the short story One Word Answer by Charlaine Harris, found in the book Bite, before reading this book as it provides a lot of background for this story, although I should say it is not entirely necessary.
 
 
On sale: 01 April 2007
Price (US): $7.99
ISBN: 9780441014910
Recommended age: 18+
In a word: Heart
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: to those reading the series
Star rating: four out of five
xx

July 19, 2009

Sookie Stackhouse - Tacky

SOOKIE STACKHOUSE: 
Tacky by Charlaine Harris

Everybody Loves A Wedding!


Tacky is a short story in the Sookie Stackhouse universe that has been published in the book My Big Fat Supernatural Wedding. A book of short stories about supernatural weddings from a number of different authors.

Sookie Stackhouse does not feature in this story.
Here we are introduced to Dahlia, Dahlia's best friend Taffy is getting married. To a Werewolf. No one seems to be pleased about this union except Taffy and her future husband, the Werewolf packmaster Don. Despite her feelings, Dahlia is going to do all she can as bridesmaid to make sure the wedding is a success. Oh, did I mention that Dahlia and Taffy are vampires.

Even before the big day there are problems, attempted murders. And it's not just the supernatural community that feels that this wedding is unnatural. Should a wedding between a vampire and a Werewolf be permitted? Will it go on without a hitch? Or will the body count mount up?

It's a quirky little, short story with a feel good, fairytale, 'happily ever after' ending. As long as you have read the first Sookie Stackhouse novel you will have a basic understanding of the background to this story.
 
 
On sale: 03 October 2006
ISBN: 9780312343606
Recommended age: 18+
In a word: Weddings
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: to those reading the series
Star rating: three out of five
xx

Sookie Stackhouse - One Word Answer

SOOKIE STACKHOUSE:
One Word Answer by Charlaine Harris

In A Word, Yes!


One Word Answer is a short story in the Sookie Stackhouse universe that has been published in the book Bite. A book of short stories about dark seduction and vampires from a number of different authors.

Sookie is at home raking up her yard, at midnight, with the vampire Bubba. Just your ordinary night. When something unordinary happened. A limousine turned into Sookie's drive. A limousine would not turn up at Sookie's unless it was deliberate, no one turned up unless it was deliberate, that's how far out of the way Sookie's house was.

As a large gentleman emerged from the limousine, Sookie is left alone to face him, and from what she can 'hear' he isn't human. What could he possibly want from her, and what has all this to do with her long estranged cousin Hadley?

The large gentleman has not come alone; he has come with vampires in tow. Just as things start to look ominous for Sookie help arrives. But is it enough to save her from the task that has been bestowed upon her? Has she just made a powerful enemy? and will she survive another attack on her life?

A great little story offering an intriguing extra insight into the world of Sookie Stackhouse and its character. I strongly recommend reading the first five Sookie Stackhouse novels before you read this. This short story sets the background for what is to come in book six, Definitely Dead.
 
 
On sale: 01 January 2005
ISBN: 9780515139709
Recommended age: 18+
In a word: 'Yes'
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: to those reading the series
Star rating: three out of five
xx

July 18, 2009

Sookie Stackhouse #5

SOOKIE STACKHOUSE:
Dead As A Doornail by Charlaine Harris

Working With The Enemy!


Sookie has noticed changes in her brother. If it was uncertain before, its curtain now. Jason would never be the same again. At least not at the full moon. Jason had been bitten by a shapeshifter, a werepanther, and now at every full moon he would change into a werepanther, well a half-man half-panther. Jason seemed to be fitting into the werepanther community at Hotshot quite well. That is until a sniper appears.

A sniper is targeting the shapeshifters of Bon Temps, and some of them seen to think Jason may be the shooter. If Sookie can't find the truth before the next full moon the shifters may take matters into there own hands. Will Sookie loose Jason, the only family she has left?

But that's just the beginning of Sookie's problems. There is yet another attempt on Sookie's life, well several attempts to be accurate. The ex-boyfriend to deal with, a number of suitors to contend with, a fire, a beating, a friend in need, a fight to the death, and supernatural politics that Sookie somehow got dragged into.

Another intriguing fast paced story that is impossible to put down. A great mystery that will keep you guessing till the last page. A very enjoyable read.
 
 
On sale: 01 April 2006
Price (US): $7.99
ISBN: 9780441013333
Recommended age: 18+
In a word: Sniper
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: to those reading the series
Star rating: four out of five
xx

July 13, 2009

Sookie Stackhouse - Dracula Night

SOOKIE STACKHOUSE:
Dracula Night by Charlaine Harris

Nothing Says Happy Birthday Like A Sharp Pointy Stick!


Dracula Night is a short story in the Sookie Stackhouse universe that has been published in the book Many Bloody Returns. A book of short stories about vampires and birthdays from a number of different authors.

Sookie is on her way to work when she is collecting her mail. Bills, bills, bills, and an expensive, fancy looking invitation. It's a birthday invitation from Eric. No, its not Eric's birthday, its Dracula's. To celebrate Eric has planed a lavish party. Every vampire celebrates the birthday of Dracula, and even some hope against hope that Dracula himself may one day appear at their party. Although this is highly unlikely Eric is blindly hopeful that this year Dracula will chose to celebrate at Fangtasia.

At the party there are scarce few humans, Colonel Flood and Calvin Norris are present but neither can be called true human, with one a werewolf and the other a werepanther. There are also a number of vampires present that Sookie has never met before, out of towners passing through who have doped by for the celebration.

At midnight every one present is holding their breath as Dracula appears, or has he? There is some confusion and a lot of disbelief, and Sookie as one of the only humans is placed in a precarious position. While Colonel Flood and Calvin Norris try vainly to assist Sookie, and Eric seems temporarily unable or unwilling to, it is Pam that places Sookie salvation in Sookie's own hands. But is Sookie able to save herself? And what of the consequences of such action?

A fun and enlightening story in the Sookie Stackhouse universe that takes place before Dead As A Doornail.
 
 
On sale: 01 September 2007
ISBN: 9780441015221
Recommended age: 18+
In a word: Birthday
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: to those reading the series
Star rating: three out of five
xx

July 11, 2009

Sookie Stackhouse - Fairy Dust

SOOKIE STACKHOUSE:
Fairy Dust by Charlaine Harris

Lemons Are A Killer!


Fairy Dust is a short story in the Sookie Stackhouse universe that has been published in the book Powers of Detection. A book of short stories about fantasy and mystery from a number of different authors.

Sookie is at work, and not in a good mood. Something that is not helped by the newest customer to walk into the bar. Claudine. A six foot tall, long black haired, gorgeous fairy. And she's not come to socialise. She needs Sookie's help, something Sookie is none too pleased about, but lucky for Claudine, Sookie needs the money.

Sookie agrees to help and soon finds herself at the home of Claudine and her brother. There are also three other humans in the house, all are gagged and bound until Sookie is able to 'listen' to them. One of them is guilty of murder. A fairy is dead and Sookie must find out who the killer is, and she has precious little time to accomplish this.

I love fairies, I and really enjoyed the twist to the fairies in this short story. Six feet tall, a high allergy to citric fruits, and possibly enjoy eating humans? And when I say short story I mean short; sixteen pages in total.

A lot of story packed in to a few pages, but I recommend reading the first four Sookie Stackhouse novels before you read this. It will give you a better grasp of the characters, with Claudine being introduced in the fourth book, Dead To The World.
 
 
On sale: 01 January 2007
ISBN: 9780441014644
Recommended age: 18+
In a word: Fairies
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: to those reading the series
Star rating: four out of five
xx

Sookie Stackhouse #4

SOOKIE STACKHOUSE:
Dead To The World by Charlaine Harris

This Means War!


Sookie and Bill are taking some time apart. Far apart. To Peru, apart. Its looking as though this separation may be permanent.

It's New Years Eve and Sookie has just finished work. She was expecting to arrive home to an empty house, expecting to spend the next few hours sleeping in her safe warm bed. What she wasn't expecting was to see a naked man running down the road as she dove home. A naked dead man. It was the vampire, Eric.

Eric has lost his memory. He is as helpless as a puppy, a puppy with very sharp fangs, and will trust no one but Sookie. Sookie now finds herself the babysitter to a very dangerous vampire who can't remember a thing, and not to mention has a number of very dangerous people out looking for her 'baby'.

And this is just the beginning of Sookie's problems. Her brother has disappeared, a new threat has moved into neighbourhood, and there is the law to deal with. Sookie is left to deal with this all on her own as all the men in her life seem to have left her in some way or other.

But Sookie isn't the only one with problems, the vampires and the Weres are dealing with a new enemy that will see them go to war, unfortunately for Sookie she seems to be right in the middle of it. Will Sookie be able to avoid becoming involved in the bloodshed, not to mention the attempts on her life? And will her brother be found, alive?

But it's not all bad for Sookie though, there is a marriage proposal of sorts, two in fact, not to mention a large sum of cash for her trouble.

Another well written, actioned packed mystery full of twists, dangers and new supernatural beings. Best of the series so far.
 
 
On sale: 01 May 2005
Price (US): $7.99
ISBN: 9780441012183
Recommended age: 18+
In a word: War
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: to those reading the series
Star rating: four out of five
xx

July 7, 2009

Sookie Stackhouse #3

SOOKIE STACKHOUSE:
Club Dead by Charlaine Harris

If You Think Computers Are A Pain In The Ass,
Imagine The Pain Of A Sharp Pointy Stick In Your Side!


Sookie is asked once again to use her gifts to help the vampires find one of their own who has been kidnapped. Yes another kidnapping; only this time it is her own vampire Bill that has been taken. Or has he?

Is it possible Bill has decided to leave Sookie for another woman, another dead woman. Either way Bill has disappeared and Sookie has decided that no matter how or why he left her, she was going to find him. Whether she would wrap her arms about him in a loving embrace, or to tear his throat out with her bare hands, she wasn't sure. But she was sure she had to find him.

In the mean time there was a new temptation for Sookie. A very tall, green eyed, good looking temptation. Not to mention the ever increasingly persistent Eric. Would Sookie leave Bill? Can their relationship survive temptations, secrets, unfaithfulness, torture, attempted murder, actual murder, rape, abuse, and just a good old fashioned beating? Only time will tell, as Sookie's gonna need some time to heal her many wounds, not to mention her heart, before she can decide if Bill is still the one she wants to be with, or if its all over for good.

Another fast paced, entertaining and action packed book to sink your teeth into.
 
 
On sale: 01 May 2003
Price (US): $7.99
ISBN: 9780441010516
Recommended age: 18+
In a word: Temptation
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: to those reading the series
Star rating: four out of five
xx