Dead to the World: Sookie Stackhouse Series 4

Dead To The World

(Charlaine Harris)

Teaser: Still fuming from Bill's betrayal, Sookie is back in Bon Temps drowning her anger in her job. She thinks that she may just be granted a period of peace when Bill announces that he is leaving for an extended research trip to Peru. Unfortunately, Sookie's life is never boring. One night while driving home after her shift, she spots Eric, scared and barely clothed, running down the road. When she reaches him, she doesn't find the tough sheriff that she knows but an innocent, charming Northman. Someone has wiped all of his memories leaving him in a highly vulnerable state.

Short Thought: This one was my favorite in the series so far. What can I say, Eric over Bill any time!

Expanded Thoughts: Okay, I think I have to say that this is the best novel of the series so far. The setting is finally back in Bon Temps. (The town with which everyone is starting to fall in love.) We are also treated to learn more about the Fangtasia gang. In the other novels, Bill shielded Sookie from Eric and his gang, so it was nice to have her really see how they were.

Many have said that this novel 'kicks it up a notch,' I agree totally. (BAM!) Why do I think that? Well, the most obvious is that Sookie isn't some scared little belle anymore. Bill isn't there to treat her like an innocent child. She begins to show her Independence and her strength. Also, Sookie is being relied on for help. Not just for her telepathic powers, but Pam and Co are really hoping that Sookie can help to bring Eric back to normal. It is one of the times when the Vampires' super-duper abilities are useless.

[Spoilers]

What else makes me love it? There is tons of 'genuine' Sookie and Eric mush. There has constantly been tension, and I have been hoping for three novels for this 'forbidden' pairing to truly happen. (Can you tell Eric is my favorite?) It finally did, if even for a brief period. When Eric loses his memories, he also loses all of his greed, darkness, and boundaries. He becomes a simple, honest man. (No, really, Eric, simple, and honest in the same sentence.) And though it is no secret that I despise those mushy intimate scenes (granny entertainment), I didn't mind them in this one so much. For those of you that do like them, I will just say that you will get your money's worth and more.

[End of Spoilers]

All that being aside, the story was the best yet. My only complaint about it is that it was too short. It could have had an extra 100 pages and been a masterpiece, but it was still great and entertaining. Ah, bah! Enough of this, if you are hooked on Sookie, this is a volume in the series that you can't miss! (Especially, if you have a thing for blonde vikings!)

Additional Notes: This is the 4th book in the Sookie Stackhouse Series by Charlaine Harris. (This series is also known as the Southern Vampire Mysteries.)

Additional Notes: This novel contains violence, coarse language, and scenes depicting sexual situations.

Club Dead: Sookie Stackhouse Series 3

Club Dead

(Charlaine Harris)

Teaser: Cozy couple Bill and Sookie have been drifting apart as of late. Bill, who has always placed Sookie on a pedestal, has became increasingly secretive and distant. The situation escalates when Bill goes missing after a mysterious trip to Mississippi. With the help of a new lycanthropic acquaintance, Alcide, Sookie goes to Mississippi desperate for answers.

Short Thought: Great sexy fun, but it slightly inconsistent with the first two novels in the series.

Expanded Thoughts: This story was bizarre, even for this series. We get introduced to a crap load of new characters, while old characters fade. Sweet Sookie changes a lot in this one. She gets a handful of new love interests, new life experiences, and discovers her darker nature.

[Minor Spoilers]

This series' central theme is the shock to the societal system that was made when the vampires decided to 'go public.' Little did we know that vampires were just the tip of the iceberg. We are introduced to the tribal 'Were' network in this novel. There are even nightclubs (hence, club dead) that cater to 'two-natured' patrons. I found that bizarre because it is inconsistent with all the 'vamp hoopla.'

Next, this novel takes a new turn when the solid pairing of Bill and Sookie starts to crumble. Bill is slowing pushing Sookie to the side, and it doesn't sit with Sookie one bit. After he runs off to Mississppi, he leaves his computer system in Sookie's closet with a mysterious database program on it. (The place in which he usually sleeps over.) Okay, I have to comment on this. Bill has a computer?! He has always been portrayed as a guy stuck in the old ways. I just do not see him as the ultra vampire techie geek who would make a program database thing that no one had ever thought to do. It just doesn't fit.

I am not going to give any more away because if you have read the first couple books in this series, you will read this one regardless of what I put on here. So just know this, the story was faster paced than normal with more twists. None of the usual minor characters are in it. (Other than Bill and Eric really.) It leaves behind most of the old developing plotlines, and replacing it with newer, more expansive ones. Despite its flaws, this novels was entertaining as 'all get out.'

Additional Notes: This is the 3rd novel in the Sookie Stackhouse Series by Charlaine Harris. It is also known as the Southern Vampire Mysteries.

Additional Notes: This novel does contain scenes of violence and sexual situations.

Iron Kissed: Mercy Thompson Series 3

Iron Kissed

(Patricia Briggs)

Teaser: As if Mercy hadn't been through enough already, she voluntarily walks into trouble again when her beloved boss and mentor is suspected of murdering members of the Fae community. She sets out to clear his name and finds herself in the worst trouble of her life.

Short Thought: Nail biting plot, and great main character.

Expanded Thoughts: There is really so much going in this novel that you could get whiplash. Not only is Mercy in constant trouble, Zee is a suspected murderer, Adam is trying desperately to keep the Fae at bay, and the real murderer is still on the loose and is highly dangerous.

The setting is opened up in this book. We are given more details about the struggles of the Fae in whether they want to go public. We are shown a part of the Reservation that a lot of Fae call their home. It creates a underlying tension in the whole novel, because every one has a strong opinion on the issue.

I'm going to keep this one short, because I really don't want to give anything away. Let me just say this, the author takes it up another level in this novel when it comes to Mercy. She drives home the fact that Mercy is human, and not some indestructible heroine. She is flawed, vulnerable, and scarred. I am dying to know how the situation will be treated, because it will never be the same.

Additional Notes: This is the 3rd book in the Mercy Thompson Series by Patricia Briggs.

Additional Notes: This novel contains dark themes, violence, and sexual scenes.

Deathwish: Cal Leandros Series 4

Deathwish

(Rob Thurman)

Teaser: Niko and Cal are hired by the vampire Seamus to find out who is after him. He is an ex-husband of Promise of whom Niko knew nothing about. The job pays well, but it causes a rift in Promise's and Niko's relationship. He can no longer trust her. Unfortunately, they don't really have time to discuss it because the Auphe are back and more vicious than ever. They have a plan for Caliban, and it starts with Niko's death. Cal must dig deep, even at the risk of losing himself, to protect Niko from his monstrous relatives. Niko is in constant fear that Cal may dig too deep as he watches him slowly decline into the monstrous darkness.

Short Thought: Urban fantasy genius. Pushes the envelop. Absolutely amazing. Blown away.

Expanded Thoughts: I was blown away by this. I was sure this series was crap on a stick at the beginning. I am so glad that I didn't bet anything on that. This series is brilliant. Thurman, in this novel, takes you on a ride that never slows down and isn't afraid to take everything to a new level complete with dark, delicious new twists and developments. It is almost like the novel hits you in waves. It settles down for a couple pages, and then, BAM! you get blown away over and over again.

The dialogue was not forced or annoying. Cal still had his flair (or is that Robin?), spunk, and dark humor, but IT WAS ACTUALLY FUNNY and well timed and paced. The author is very consistent with the characters and their developments and growths. Niko is slowly becoming even more intertwined into Promise's life as Caliban is slowly becoming more dark and doubting his humanity. I could go forever about how wonderful it is, and how brilliant the characters are.

One thing that has changed in this novel with respect to the series is that half the book is written from Niko's perspective instead of just Cal's. It really highlights their relationship and differences in their humanity and views. We also get even more glimpses into their past. It also keeps everything fresh and doesn't allow the reader to bore of the same humor over and over again. I thought that this took the series to another level, and made Cal's dark humor funny and better placed.

Before I start squealing like I'm at a New Kids on the Block (I feel old) concert, I end this with statement that if you are going to read a contemporary fantasy/paranormal series, this is the one. It's not too masculine, and it's certainly not feminine. It fits all twisted tastes and doesn't disappoint.

Additional Notes: This is the 4th novel in the Cal Leandros Series by Rob Thurman.

Additional Notes: This novel contains dark themes, mild language, violence, and gore.

Magic Strikes: Kate Daniels Series 3

Magic Strikes

(Ilona Andrews)

Teaser: Kate, a mercenary with a canyon sized chip on her shoulder, has found a steady job contracting for the Order of Knights of Merciful Aid. While she is out on a job, she gets called to a scene of a crime involving a murdered werewolf. When she arrives, she finds that the scene has been cleaned and that no one is willing to give up any information on the murder--not even her friends among them.

Short Thought: Mysterious and streetwise Kate, although slightly cliche, is becoming one of my favorite fantasy heroines.

Expanded Thoughts: This series is dark, gritty, and fun of sarcastic goodness. It is also a short and very entertaining read.

This book is by far the best in the series thus far. (Each book is better than the one before it.) We get introduced to more characters, but don't get overwhelmed by it. Kate becomes a deeper character as we begin to learn of her mysterious heritage and the different sides of her character.

My favorite part of the series is the relationship dynamic between Curran and Kate. The reader never really knows what going to happen, and it's glorious. There are too many fantasy (paranormal) novels with bland, predictable relationships. Just for the record, I hope Curran gets his way.

My only complaint is that the 'I'm a strong woman and not gonna listen to anybody and be stupid' thing gets annoying. Yes, it is understood that she is strong-willed and independant. WE GET IT!

Additional Notes: This is the third novel in the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews.

Blood Bound: Mercy Thompson Series 2

Blood Bound

(Patricia Briggs)

Teaser: A dangerous rogue vampire is on the loose, and Stefan has called in his favor to Mercy. Her unique abilities as a walker make her the only one that can potentially stop the powerful and maniacal murderer. Unfortunately, even her abilities don't make facing the vampire any less dangerous. She will find herself in her most dangerous situation yet, and it looks like this may be her last as she faces this real life demon.

Short Thought: Great sequel to the first in the series. More of the back story revealed and built upon.

Expanded Thoughts: Dare I say it? I like these books much better than the super popular Sookie Stackhouse Series. GASP!

So what makes me just love this book? First, this book goes further in the first in introducing more of the 'magical/paranormal' culture around Mercy's neighborhood. We really get an in-depth look into the vampire culture and hierarchy when Mercy has to travel to their lair to speak with their Queen. It is very different from how vampires are portrayed in a lot of the other books on the market. It was also described very well in that I got to experience a little bit of the fear, uncertainty, and anxiety that Mercy felt when she entered. You truly got to see threw her eyes and 'hear' her thoughts. There wasn't a clear friend or foe distinction, and it kept it riveting.

Second, I love the characters. Stefan is an ultra scary vampire that drives a VW psychedelic van, what's better than that? Also, Mercy, although in the middle of a supernatural whirlpool, is actually very normal and very easy to relate to. She owns her own business, and has a very vulnerable side. Sam and Adam are also very interesting characters, but I don't won't to give too much away about this book. One thing that I find awesome is that the author doesn't make her characters invincible, or give them the ability to magically be all better by the next scene. It really keeps you on toes, because something terrible may happen. It was especially tense in this novel because Mercy is put in a terrible situation from which she may not come back.

Lastly, The love story is very complex and interesting. We are not bombarded with gushy filler scenes or forced pairings. It is made more complex in this novel as we are given more back story on the connections between Mercy, Adam, and Sam. Their connections are deeper than revealed in the first novel. The story behind Sam and his connection to Mercy is very interesting and somewhat dark and disturbing. It has your emotions confused as to who to cheer for and what to think about it.

My only gripes are very trivial. I wish the novel was much longer. When I really started to get into it, it was over. I'll keep my fingers crossed for a 9,000 page novel in this series. (I would die! ...of happiness.) Also, though it was great to be able to get inside Mercy's head, sometimes I just wanted her to shut it up. I swear that in some instances her inner dialogue would span several pages and she would be saying the same thing over and over again. It just really got annoying sometimes.

I can't wait for the third novel. This has became my favorite series of this type.

Additional Notes: This is the 2nd book in the Mercy Thompson Series by Patricia Briggs.

Madhouse: Cal Leandros Series 3

Madhouse

(Rob Thurman)

Teaser: Cal and Niko are back again, but with a new breed of enemies to add to the ever-growing list. Sawney Beane, a formerly deceased cannibalistic serial killer, is on the loose and leaving a trail of bodies behind. The brothers race to stop him from killing anyone else, but find themselves stretched in two directions when someone makes an attempt on Robin's life. All in a day's work for these brothers who never seem to catch a break.

Short Thought: Overall a good addition to the unique series. Slightly better than the two previous books.

Expanded Thoughts: This third installment into the series is more like three short stories in one. So, for the purpose of this review, I'll be discussing them separately.

First, the main plot is the resurrection of the Scottish serial killer, Sawney Beane. He is a gruesome cannibal that doesn't hesitate to leave a trail of gore and horror behind him. I'm not going to comment on this storyline much, because I didn't feel that it was anything terribly unique. It was like a horror version of a Criminal Minds episode. It was great fun, but not terribly different from other stories of its kind.

Second, there is somebody out to kill the ever-randy Robin Goodfellow. Really, how do you narrow down a suspect when the Puck has made millions of enemies of thousands of years. This was actually my favorite plot line in the whole novel. It was clever, and you get to see a different side to Robin--instead of his bare bottom in action, you get to see a vulnerability clouded in fear (and probably still in action). The ending was also brilliant. I truly never guessed who the perp was until it was revealed.

Lastly, Cal goes to any lengths to get laid. I really didn't like this storyline. It was like a badly done Gothic version of American Pie. I felt that it didn't fit in with the flow of the rest of the series. It was almost like the author decided that she didn't like George and needed a way to write her out without killing her. It was a major turning point for Cal, but not a good one in my opinion.

This series keeps steadily getting better. I look forward to reading the next. This was definitely the best one of the series I've read so far, I almost enjoyed reading it too much. With all this dark humor and horror, I think I scared myself with how much I did enjoy it. Perhaps, I should work up a really kick butt maniacal laugh to go with it.

Additional Notes: This is the third novel in the Cal Leandros Series by Rob Thurman.

Additional Notes: This novel contains dark themes, violence, and mild language.

Magic Burns: Kate Daniels Series 2

Magic Burns

(Illona Andrews)

Teaser: Kate is back with even more attitude, but more importantly with steady employment. She is now a recognized 'friend' to the Pack, a structured gang of shape shifters, and has solid connections to the authorities. Not only does this mean more leverage, but it more importantly means steady money--something Kate is grateful for and lacked until recently.

Kate is given a job by the Pack, or rather returning a favor. She is to track down a group of valuable maps that was stolen. Little did she know that the maps would lead to a butt kicking of epic proportions that she would feel for weeks to come.

Short Thought: Even better than the first of the series. Raised my expectations of the urban fantasy genre.

Expanded Thoughts: This novel was a short step ahead of the first one. I wasn't sure that I was going to continue with it after the first one, but I'm glad that I did.

One of my main complaints with the first novel was that the main character was flat and annoying. She was the stock, bull-headed chick that crumbles to lustful ooze in the presence of an alpha male. It had been done and better. I must say this novel deviated from that quite a bit. We get to see a female character stick to her guns (well swords), get the crap kicked out of her, and not turn into putty at the hands of the one that saved her. I was beyond pleasantly surprised. I had these novels totally pegged as being as predictable as many of the other series in this genre. I dare say, this character has me intrigued in that her whole story isn't revealed yet, and I am craving for more.

Another thing I did enjoy about this novel over many of the others in this genre is that the author doesn't force character relationship or alliances. It is more like real life. People don't trust each other so quickly, nor do they have magic enchantments that make them 'made for one another.' People also don't instantly work together 'just because.'

This one could turn into a real prize, maybe even better than Mercy Thompson and Sookie Stackhouse. All Hail Kate Daniels!

Additional Notes: This novel contains scenes of mild violence.

Additional Notes (2): This is the 2nd novel in the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews.

Living Dead in Dallas: Sookie Stackhouse Series 2

Living Dead in Dallas
(Charlaine Harris)

Teaser: Sookie's new adventure kicks off with a bang. The wonderfully flamboyant Lafayette is found dead inside of the car of Andy Bellefleur. Barely recovered from the horrors that have touched down recently in her life, Sookie is shocked when no one in the town cares to investigate or even name a perp.

To complicate things, Sookie is being asked (as if she had a choice) to Dallas by a member of the vampire hierarchy. She goes there, much to her dislike, as Bill's pet with a gift. She's to use her rare telepathic abilities to find a missing vampire, but the Dallas vampires are skeptical of her skills. As Sookie tries to stay on their good sides, she finds that going to Dallas may have just put her closer to Lafayette's killer.

Short Thought: A nice continuation of the series that spans several genres.

Expanded Thoughts: So, what can I say? I talked about reading the first of this series recently on here. I enjoyed it so much I decided to continue with the second in the series.

What is lovely about this novel is: easy, quick, dark plots, entertaining characters, conversational read, gritty, and sexy.

What I could have done without: half the romance (I'm not a big fan of detailed romance scenes), the inconsistencies with the previous novel, and some of the cliched bits.

In summary, despite the few cons about these, I am totally hooked on them. They are some of the most entertaining novels I have read in awhile. And really, who doesn't like the main character to be a underestimated small town southern girl with the strong personality to match? I was afraid that I would hate these novels, because I CANNOT stand Buffy the Vampire Slayer (or any of those fantasy soap operas), but I was pleasantly surprised in that it was nothing like it.

Additional Notes: This novel contains violence, dark themes, and sexual themes.

Additional Notes: This is the 2nd novel in the Sookie Stackhouse Series. (Previously known as the Southern Vampire Mysteries.)

Moonshine: Cal Leandros Series 2

Moonshine

(Rob Thurman)

Teaser: Life is never dull when Niko or Cal are anywhere to be found. The brothers are embarking on new territory as they decide to stay in New York City for the long haul. No more running away. To help to make ends meet, Niko teams up with his current lover Promise to form a bodyguard service. It seems like a great idea, and pays really well. The job lands them into even more trouble. If that wasn't bad enough, Cal is starting to exhibit more and more Auphe-like behavior. These brothers just can't catch a break to save their lives.

Short Thought: A nice continuation to the series, a bit better than the first.

Expanded Thoughts: This novel was a nice continuation and did build upon what was introduced in the premiere novel, but it didn't go anywhere new. It stayed at the same pitch, same level.

It did differ greatly from the first novel in that it was less forced and less cheesy. I love the sarcastic voice of the main character Cal, but sometimes it's too much and can become redundant. You just want to smack him. (If you didn't think he might bite you or shoot you.)

That being said, the characters proved to be much more than cardboard backing in this one. The story delves deeper into Niko's (the truly tragic character) life and character. The author also is genius at giving the perfect 'push and pull' energy between the brothers. They love each other, but the bond was built on tragedy, worry, and violence. It is very interesting to see how they play off of each each and support each other. It is truly something unique in this genre.

I can't wait for the next one!

Additional Notes: This novel contains dark themes, language, and violence.

Additional Notes: This is the 2nd novel in the Cal Leandros Series by Rob Thurman.

Moon Called: Mercy Thompson Series 1

Moon Called

(Patricia Briggs)

Teaser: Mercy is a auto mechanic with a strange heritage--she's a walker. As a walker, she can transform herself into a coyote form with ease. Her heritage in her neighborhood is not so strange in that the house next door houses a werewolf clan's alpha with whom she keeps getting into predicaments and awkward situations.

Short Thought: One of the best books in the paranormal romance genre.

Expanded Thoughts: While waiting for the next Sookie Stackhouse novel, I decided to try the Mercy Thompson novels. (Okay, so I was forced by one of my peers.) I was pleasantly surprised, they're even better than the Sookie books. I look forward to continuing.

My only complaint is that the main character has the annoying bullheaded, loner gene that is in so many other books in the genre. Though, I do applaud Briggs on having a main character that owns her own mechanic shop. That's too awesome. (Especially for me, I can't even check tire pressure without disaster.)

Additional Notes: This is the first novel in the Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs.

Magic Bites: Kate Daniels Series 1

Magic Bites

(Ilona Andrews)

Teaser: Kate Daniels is a self-proclaimed hard ass living in an alternate world Atlanta. She doesn't have a soft bone in her body, and it makes her a damn good mercenary. For this first adventure, her guardian is found murdered, and she requests the help of several local supernatural factions to get to the bottom of it. She finds herself entwined not only in a savage murder case, but also in the politics of the local shape shifters.

Short Thought: Wonderful, paranormal adventure suitable for both female and male tastes.

Expanded Thoughts: Well, I could never call this a piece of genius or great literature, but dang was it entertaining. It was like watching one of those fantasy shows on TV. If you look at it just as a entertainment piece and easy read, it succeeds. It is simple. There are no complicated characters or plots lines, and everyone adheres to a stereotype. That being said I think I am going to read the next one. Reads like this are perfect in the morning over coffee, or as a great substitute for TV. I mean I am already caught up in the potential love story (they get me every time dag nabbit).

Additional Note: This is the first book of the Kate Daniels Series by Ilona Andrews.

Dead Until Dark: Sookie Stackhouse Series 1

Dead Until Dark

(Charlaine Harris)

Teaser: Vampires have been living amongst humans for centuries. With the new invention of synthetic blood, they have finally come out in the open as a race. (In the guise of having a disease called 'vampirism.') People are still afraid, but now they know what they should fear.

Enter Sookie Stackhouse. She's a bar waitress in the small rural town of Bon Temps, Louisiana. During the years,rumors have surrounded her because of her special abilities. Sookie has always been able to hear the thoughts of others. It has been a curse all of her life. She can't date, keep good friends, and everyone thinks that she's touched in the head.

Sookie's world collides with the vampires when she gets her first vampire customer at the bar. To her surprise and relief, she is unable to hear his thoughts. From that first meeting on, she intertwines herself with the life of the local vampires and the trouble that comes with it.

Short Thought: Short, Fun, interesting, country-fried paranormal romance.

Expanded Thoughts: This book has a special spot in my heart, because it portrayed the small town country life very well. All the stereotypes were there. (And let me tell you, they exist.)

It didn't let me down; it read so smooth, like a conversation around Virginia slims and sweet tea on a front porch swing, that you could really picture the characters and hear their voices.

I knew that I had to read this novel when I read that it was about the deep south complete with a Vampire named Bill. Not something ancient and mysterious sounding, but 'Bill.' I totally love it!

This novel is a great summer read, or a perfect starting point into the romantic fantasy genre. It has murder mystery, romance, politics, intrigue, and an interesting setting all rolled up into one. If you love that theme of the 'innocent girl' meets the 'brooding mystery man' and 'her world is turned upside down' theme, then you can't pass this novel up!

Additional Thoughts: This novel contains scenes of mild violence and sexual situations.

Additional Thoughts (2): This novel is the first novel in the Sookie Stackhouse series (also known as the Southern Vampire Mysteries) by Charlaine Harris.