Series: Sookie Stackhouse #1
Genre: Paranormal Fiction
Pub Date: May 2001 (my edition Sep. 2008), Ace Books
Format: Mass Market Paperback, 304 pages
Source/FTC Disclosure: I purchased my copy of this book. I was in no way compensated for this review and my opinions are my own.
Source/FTC Disclosure: I purchased my copy of this book. I was in no way compensated for this review and my opinions are my own.
Sookie Stachouse is a small-time cocktail waitress in small-town Louisiana. She's quiet, keeps to herself, and doesn't get out much. Not because she's not pretty. She is. It's just that, well, Sookie has this sort of "disability." She can read minds. And that doesn't make her too dateable. And then along comes Bill. He's tall, dark, handsome--and Sookie can't hear a word he's thinking. He's exactly the type of guy she's been waiting for all her life...
But Bill has a disability of his own: He's a vampire with a bad reputation. He hangs with a seriously creepy crowd, all suspected of--big surprise--murder. And when one of Sookie's coworkers is killed, she fears she's next.
MY THOUGHTS
One of my friends who'd recommended the Twilight books also recommended this series. I ordered the 7-book boxed set from Amazon sometime after the holidays but have only just not gotten to reading it. Personally, I don't think it has quite the same gripping, page-turning quality that Twilight did. Don't get me wrong, it's an interesting premise, and I enjoyed the idea that vampires were officially considered legal beings with actual rights and were therefore, in many cases, trying to "mainstream," or fit in with other humans. But I didn't feel very emotionally connected to the story--for me, the characters were not universally relatable.
I know some complain of Harris' writing style, but it didn't really bother me that much--it felt like Sookie Stackhouse was really the one telling the story. Her perspective is amusing: while not the sharpest knife in the drawer, she does have occasional insights that take people by surprise. Between that and her "disability" she quickly becomes essential in being able to solve the mystery of the murders that have been perpetrated in her own town. Overall, the book was a nice, quick read, with some different takes on vampires and other supernatural beings and how they fit in with the rest of the world. The romance between Sookie and Bill has a tendency to be annoying at times, but who am I to talk, given that I've never dated a vampire?! I've also already read the second book, which I ultimately liked better than the first, but that's for another review.
Other reviews of Dead Until Dark:
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I never really got into the HBO series. But I have these one my TBR list and I've heard really good things about the books. I'm looking forward to starting them (=
ReplyDeleteI'm interested in checking out the tv series.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't mind checking out the TV series, either, since I'm not particularly married to the books, but we don't get HBO so I doubt I'll ever see it...
ReplyDeleteI've heard mixed things about this series, but I'm interested in reading it. I've heard really good things about the show too, but I don't know that I'll watch it since I never have time to watch TV!
ReplyDeleteYou are SO far ahead of me on linking other people's reviews to your own. I just started trying to do that this week (courtesy of the weekly geeks posting). You go!
ReplyDeleteHi Melissa! Thanks for visiting my blog! And I love your blog! :)
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a great read! I had never heard of this series before. And I love her name..Sookie, Sookie, I could say it over and over again. :)
ReplyDeleteI was thrown off a bit by her writing style, but I got used to it by the second book. :) This one wasn't my favorite, but I enjoyed the second much more.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I have posted a review of this book here: http://paperback-passion.com/2009/03/dead-until-dark-final-review/
*lovelovelove*
ReplyDeleteBut I'm totally not loving the media tie-in cover. :(
Thanks for the review. I watch the series on HBO and I love it. I guess I am just the opposite I am not into the Twilight hype.
ReplyDeleteSounds like an interesting book, I'll definitely look into reading this one.
ReplyDeleteI bought this book shortly after I heard about the tv show...but as of yet I haven't read it yet. I really need to get to it soon!
ReplyDeleteOooh! I can't believe I haven't read this series earlier! It sounds so right up my alley, it's embarrasing to admit I didn't read at least the first yet *sigh*
ReplyDeleteOOoo. I've been wanting to read this series for a while and with your take and synopsis of it, I think it's time I look into this first book. :)
ReplyDeleteI've never even heard of these books until recently. I haven't read any of the Twilight books either. For some reason, although I love children's fantasy, I always steer away from adult fantasy. I need to expand my horizons and give it a try though. I enjoy mysteries so maybe I'd like these...
ReplyDeleteI've never read any of these books, but it they're just as good as the tv show, if not better because usually the books are superior to the movies/shows, then I expect the books will be excellent. Great, honest review!
ReplyDelete- Alex
I haven't read this book but I think that I'll enjoy it cus I love the show and dislike the Twilight series. :)
ReplyDeleteI love the Sookie Stackhouse books. I think Sookie is less whiny and more likeable than Bella. I like that Sookie is very practical, even though she gets sucked into the craziness of the supernatural world.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds sooooo good, your review just makes me want to read it more!! :)
ReplyDeleteFunny how different everyone is in what they like to read. I finished Twilight and never bothered to read the other three because I just didn't care what happened. These? Ran right through them. Well, until I had to wait for the next paperback. Now I'm behind.
ReplyDeleteI do feel it is partly because I had hight expectations going into Twilight (other's buildup). I should have gone into it as a quick, fun read.
I love True Blood, so I am anxious to start reading the Southern Vampire Mysteries.
ReplyDeletePlease enter me in your Sookie book giveaway:
brightmyer249(at)hotmail(dot)com
I've been reading this series since it first came out, and really enjoy it. In fact, I am just the opposite of you - I liked it way better than the Twilight series, lol!
ReplyDeleteSookie does tend to be the weak link in both the series of books and the TV series, and Bill is actually better on the show than in the book! But I love all the characters that surround them, and that is what keeps me coming back for more.
I have not read this series yet, but I would love to get started on this one. I've heard great things about the HBO series, and I just started watching with Season 2
ReplyDeleteLike I said in my review, I just didn't really get into this one. In fact, my good friend had to bully me into reading the second one, which I liked much better as well! As for the contrast, I like the vampires in Twilight better than Bill and Eric, but I like Sookie better than Bella.
ReplyDeleteI'd have to agree with you, while I enjoyed the first book (haven't managed to get to the rest) I didn't find the characters as absorbing as Twilight.
ReplyDeleteI read this a few years ago and I agree with the comments you made in your review. It's a nice easy read and I enjoyed it. I liked that it was a different take on the vampire theme (at the time anyway) and there was a bit of humor to it.
ReplyDeleteHi Melissa, I'm glad I discovered your blog!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the honest review! I haven't begun reading this series yet, but am looking forward to doing so.
ReplyDeletemegalon22[at]yahoo[dot]com
I find the name Bill funny for a vampire (or supernatural creature in general). The review was honest, but still gave an opinion that would allow others (like me) to still be interested in reading it. Vampires that are around and it's obvious seems a like a good concept.
ReplyDeleteSeahn
I'm hoping to read this book sometime before the end of summer. It seems like the kind of book that is a love-it or hate-it title, whether from the content or the style.
ReplyDeleteNice review.
I haven't read Twilight yet, though I have it here! So I won't be disappointed. I really started reading the Vampire series recently... and Twilight is on my TBR list :)
ReplyDeleteWell let's say, I might enjoy this one as well! I like the sound of this!
I haven't read this one yet, but I really want to... Maybe I'll like it better than Twilight.
ReplyDeleteI haven't watched the HBO series yet, but have wanted to. I would love to read this book.
ReplyDeleteI am not a vampire series fan but I got the whole Sooki Stackhouse set as a gift 2 days back. I guess I might give it a try ,atleast the first one..Thanks for the review
ReplyDeleteI'm not one to read vampire books but I was hooked on Twilight and other book review bloggers have been recommending Sookie Stackhouse as the next best read. The HBO series seems interesting so cant wait to get started reading this.
ReplyDeleteWaiting to watch True Blood DVD this summer! Thanks for this review!
ReplyDeleteIs that the original cover?
ReplyDeleteI know this sounds silly, but sometimes I only pick up some books, because of the cover art. Yep, that sounded really ridiculous.
It's nice to see that the woman has a power for once, even if she considers it a disability. Not that it'll do her much good if she can't read vampires minds. Can she read other vampires minds, because you said she helps solve the murders?
I've just statrted getting into the Vampire genre and have heard great things about Sookie Stackhouse. Also planning to watch True Bood, once it's on DVD
ReplyDeleteWhat exactly prevented you from having that same emotional connection that you did with Twilight? I'm just curious if it's more about the kind of story being told rather than the writing style.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the comments on the review, everyone!
ReplyDeleteS.M.D. - It was a bit of both, actually. The storyline just didn't grab me the same way and the writing style certainly didn't help. One thing about Meyer, her writing style may not be perfect, but somehow it begs you to keep reading.
I agree with you I enjoyed the second book more, I think maybe it was because sookie was less dramatic with bill.
ReplyDeleteA friend of mine recommended this series as well and had also recommended the Twilight series. This definitely sounds like it has more of an adult focus over Twilight!
ReplyDeleteI've never had the opportunity to check out the series yet, but from what I've read about this, it's something right up my alley.
ReplyDeleteWell, now I want to read them more... Great review!
ReplyDeleteI have not read any of the books in the Twilight series even though I have been told that I am behind the times. This book sounds really interesting and I would love to get started on this series. Being able to read minds but can't read those of a vampire - interesting.
ReplyDeleteeveryone's read the twilight series. I think Vampire diaries is kind of similar to twilight.
ReplyDeleteI'll just have to read the Sookie series to see if i like it.
While it doesn't sound Twilight-addictive, this book still sounds like fun!
ReplyDeleteI've heard a lot about the tv series. This book sounds great!
ReplyDeleteMelissa,
ReplyDeleteGreat website. I love your banner, wallpaper, and the organization of your site.
I agree with your observation that it was harder to feel emotionally connected to the Sookie Stackhouse books than it was with the Twilight books. Of the two, I enjoyed Harris' solid writing more than Meyer's repetitive, cliche writing. But there is something to be said about that magic quality that make a book irresitable or not.
http://meganjust.wordpress.com/2009/07/11/bella-and-sookie/
This is the only one that I've read so far. It was okay, and season one followed it a bit.
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