Slight spoilers...I love the character of Sookie Stackhouse; her dignity in the face of the underlying tragedy of her life hooks me in every book. DEAD TO THE WORLD was no exception. It's another great entry in the "Southern Vampire" series, although if I had to rank the four books so far, this would place last. Her relationship with Bill the Vampire over (for now), she's finally receptive to Eric the vampire's romantic overtures--but it takes the personality change in Eric from mysterious amnesia to accomplish the deed.
Sookie is surprised to find Eric naked in the night on a dark road with no memory and shelters him. Amnesia reveals a sweetly charming and vulnerable Eric far removed from his more unpredictably dangerous normal self. Sookie takes it upon herself to protect Eric and figure out what's going on. Without his memory he's frighteningly unprotected against deadly enemies and maybe even some of his vampire brethren.
Sure there was actually an interesting external plot with evil witches and some of the werewolves from the last book that culminated in a gory bloodbath, but I don't even try to pretend that I read these books for anything but the offbeat characters, the humor, and Sookie's love life. And boy did her love life get more interesting in this book. The "Southern Vampire" mystery series still has me hooked. Can't wait for the next book already.--Preeti (1 May 04)
SPOILERS...
I too read and enjoyed Charlaine Harris' DEAD TO THE WORLD. I really like the Sookie Stackhouse books and enjoyed her relationship with Eric in this volume. In fact, I actually enjoy Eric more than Bill. I find Bill rather one note, but Eric--even with his memory and in devious mode--is an interesting character. I would not mind seeing more of him now that he has his memory back.--Shelley (16 May 04)
DEAD TO THE WORLD has been reviewed already, so I'll just add my recommendation to it. I enjoyed it immensely, and frankly, more than the last one. Then I was in mourning for Bill betraying Sookie. I'm still waiting for much more groveling than I'm getting, so needless to say Bill is not forgiven by either Sookie or me. <g> I really enjoyed the romance with Eric, though don't know if I want it to continue in any way. I just don't care for his attitude now that he has his memory back, and I get a kick out of him not getting to remember any of the good stuff. --Linda (2 Jun 04)
I enjoyed this latest Sookie Stackhouse installment. She's the thinking woman's Anita Blake. Because Bill is gone, Sookie was able to indulge her little fantasy about what things would be like with Eric, and interesting adventures commence. I didn't miss Bill, and feel that the variety of possibilities that open up because he's out of the picture will be good for the series. I don't think we've seen the last of Bill, though. I predict he'll be back. I highly recommend.--Suzanne (6 Aug 04)
