Dead to the World Reviews

• Witch Wolf Was It?

  
  By A1M4NJYP0WNL8Q on 2004-08-14
  For me, Charlaine Harris represents what vampire romance stories could be if they let go of all the solemn gothic trappings that they only too often hide a lack of plot behind. Sookie Stackhouse proves that a down to earth waitress in a small town Louisiana bar can be just as effective a heroine as your basic kinky necromancer type. Sookie's not quite normal - she can read minds - but she has a straightforward approach to the weirdness within and without her that is like a breath of fresh air.
  
  This is the fourth book in the series, and finds Sookie back in Bon Temps still fuming at the perfidy of her ex-boyfriend Bill the vampire (yes, I said Bill). In fact all that Sookie wants to do is wait on tables, watch cable, and not get beaten up by yet another supernatural creature. In fact, when Bill announces he is bound for Peru to do research, she is even a bit pleased. But nothing lasts, and while driving home one night she finds Eric, the Area 5 vampire sheriff wandering around in various states of undress, and lacking any memory of who he was.
  
  Suddenly Sookie, who finds the new Eric much nicer than the old one, is embroiled in a war that pits a coven of extortionist witches against an every supernatural creature in the Shrevesport area. To make matters worse, Sookie's brother disappears, leaving her worried to death and depending on a mixed crew of vampires, weres, and a somewhat ditzy fairy for support and protection.
  
  Of course, the secret of Harris's success is that Sookie is a lot tougher than you might think. Yes, she is emotional, attracted to the spookiest men, and lacks fashion sense, but underneath it all she has learned to pick up the pieces and carry on. If you don't count her taste in men, what Sookie does always makes sense. And her wry, humble style cannot fail to charm.
  
  Harris manages to tread the line between sexiness and bad taste with surer feet than Laurell Hamilton. As a result the eroticism never distracts from the plot and the solid narrative style that Sookie uses. It you are interested in a new twist on the girl-meets-vampire genre these books are a great place to start.
  
  

• My favorite one in the series!

  
  By A1T17LMQABMBN5 on 2004-10-04
  I have loved this series since Dead Until Dark and I tried to resist reading the newest installment Dead to the World, for the next book won't be out in quite some time. This is the best Southern Vampire novel in the entire series! This is of course my favorite installment and I hated to see it end and savored the last pages with gusto. Sookie Stackhouse is still mourning her breakup with Bill when he tells her that he's off to Peru to meet with some vampires there. But Sookie isn't able to think about Bill much when, on her drive home from work, she finds vampire Eric, scared and vulnerable, wandering the streets in the middle of the night with almost no clothes on. He's lost his memory, has no idea what has happened to him, so Sookie decides to look after him. She is shocked to find that he is no longer the no-nonsense vampire trying to get into her pants that he'd once been. It appears that some witches have put a spell on Eric and are planning to wreak havoc among the supernaturals in Shreveport. To make matters worse, Sookie's brother is missing. Sookie seeks the help of the local vampires, werewolves and other shape shifters, but will they be able to fight against the most powerful witches ever encountered? There are many twists throughout the novel.
  
  As said earlier, this is my favorite installment. There is a lot of action and Sookie is quite a tough cookie in this one. She is also reaching an uncertain future regarding her love life. She is not over Bill, but she is attracted to vampire leader Eric, werewolf Alcide and shape-shifter Sam. I have a feeling that the next installment will be quite interesting in the relationship department. I adore Eric. He sounds so scrumptious! He is what made this novel so memorable to me. He is the most interesting and sexiest of the male characters in the book, and there are quite a few hot men in this series! But that scene with Eric... I won't spoil it for the reader. Suffice it to say that it was the most delectable scene in the book. Anyway, I cannot recommend Dead to the World enough. This is the best part of Charlaine Harris's series thus far. The only bad thing is that I have read all of the books now and I will have to wait who knows how long till the next one. The good news is that Ms. Harris is releasing a novella based on this series in the Bite anthology next year. In the meantime, I strongly urge you to read this, but make sure you read the previous three installments before you do.
  
  

• Finishing this has left me feeling ridiculously melacholy.

  
  By AV9A3PYDX71JB on 2004-09-17
  I cant believe it. I have now gone through all of the books written in this series thus far and the plot has reached a point where I feel I could burst and now I have to WAIT for the next one to be published...oh, I could just D-I-E!
  First of all, if ever there was a "dream plot" that I would like to be involved in that had me running for my life every 5 minutes, well, the plot of
  "Dead to the World" would be it. I can explain in one word quite simply: ERIC.
  I have found him to be outrageously appealing from day one and Im only loving him more as the series progresses...just the thought of finding him along the road all vulnerable and in love with me is enough incentive to put up with Sookies unique troubles for a while. Truly, I love the man. I am so anxious to see what is going to develop and OMG I LLLLOOOVVED the ending. I loved it.... I want that coat.
  
  

• We need more than 5 stars for this one!! Maybe 7 stars...

  
  By A23T9XLZHL4C45 on 2004-05-10
  Dead to the World by Charlaine Harris is an excellent vampire novel. I must admit that I found Ms. Harris' vampire series when trying to find something to read while waiting on a new Anita Blake book by L. Hamilton. Am I ever glad that I discovered Sookie Stackhouse! You don't need to be from the South to enjoy the Southern flavor of this story!

  Sookie is not your typical vampire novel heroine. She is neither very strong physically, nor is she very sure of herself emotionally. She's not had an easy life because of being telepathic in a small town, and that was before the changes caused in her life after the "coming out" of the vampires. Her ex-boyfriend, Bill the Vampire (as he's known around town), is out of the country and she's not sure she wants to see him anyway after her last "adventure" with him in Mississippi (you must read "Club Dead" to find out this part of the story). Sookie's story begins in "Dead Until Dark" where the main characters of the series are introduced. It's an interesting and entertaining story, which continues in "Living Dead in Dallas". I would recommend these books to anyone who enjoys vampire stories! They are truly worth reading (and reading in order)!

  This novel begins after a New Year's Eve party at Merlotte's (the bar where Sookie works). She is driving home when she nearly runs down a man clad in only jeans running down her road. When she stops, she finds that she knows the man and that he has no idea who he is although he does realize that he is a vampire. It turns out to be her ex-boyfriend's boss, Eric. As you've probably noted from the book description and the other reviews, there are twists and turns here aplenty. Some of the little things that runs through Sookie's mind are laugh out loud funny and I found myself doing just that many times.

  I regret that the book was not longer (but then I usually feel that way with books I love). I hope that in the future we see more of Alcide. I think he'd be good for Sookie. He seems almost too innocent sometimes but he's refreshing and obviously still wants to believe the best about people, which is such a rare thing in the world. I was surprised to find that I was happy with all but the last twist in the Sookie/Eric relationship. I loved to see his vulnerable side, tempered with his protective side.

  I enjoyed the introduction of the new shifters and the other assorted new additions to the character list, including the introduction of witches and a fairy into the mixture. I would also like to see Sookie's brother, Jason, grow up a bit and stop being such a male bimbo -- although I would hate for him to lose his charm and playfulness.

  All in all, the book was definitely a Wonderful story! As I said, I would recommend it to anyone!
  
  

• "Who Shot J.R." ending LOL

  
  By A2JJGIJI8X6KRS on 2004-05-05
  Well I actually got this book about 2 weeks ago couldn't wait for it to come available.

  I can say that I like this series more so than the {{Anita Blake}} Series by Laurell K. Hamilton, because it's fun, and Sookie deals with regular life things.. like still having to go to work on time, worrying about her bills, dealing with insecurities where it comes to her relationship with Bill and Sookie isn't super tough she is just a woman next door from "Down South" that happens to have this psychic ability and who by way of her boyfriend got involved in the Supernatural community.

  Book picks up right where it left us to some degree Sookie and Bill are on rocky ground. Eric does have amnesia and Jason is missing throw in some witches and other supernatural creatures and YES it does begin to feel like {{Anita Blake}} this book is mainly about Sookie helping Eric while Bill is out of town in Peru, for those of you out there that like Bill I can't say more than that(without giving away spoilers). Okay so for the wrap up a few good fight scenes, some romance, Debbie returns from {{CLUB DEAD}} and the humor. OH YEA!! Sookie New Year's resolution not to get beaten up so much.

  I recommend this book at Amazon prices and if you are collecting the series. My comment about "Who Shot J.R." will make more sense once you read the book. By the end of the book MORE people WANT (as in Desire) Sookie which is familiar to {{Anita Blake}} the funny thing is this one actually reminds me a lot of {{Stephanie Plum}} Series by Janet Evanovich, but it still has it's own unique twist and blend.

  Respectfully Reviewed
  
  

• Delightful
  By A1WCJVVSX3G858 on 2004-09-17
  Ms Harris's first hard cover in the DEAD series is worth every penny of the price. If you are a vampire romance junkie like I am this is a must-read.
  
  Sookie kicks boy friend Bill to the curb,after not being able to forgive him a previous indescretion. And for a few short minutes life becomes normal--or as normal as possible for a self-described person with a disability. Then Sookie sees half-naked Eric, Bill's vampire boss, walking along the side of the road.
  
  He's lost his memory and I, for one, was hoping he never got it back. Eric without a memory is, dare I say, sweet? And Sookie and Eric IMHO are an even better match than Sookie and Bill. Alcide the werewolf makes another appearence, Sookie's brother goes missing and there's some really bad mojo going on between vampires, witches and weres.
  
  Ms Harris just keeps getting better, there's action, adventure, horror, humor and a marvelous love story. What more could anyone want? I found myself staring at the last page of this book wishing it was longer, and hoping Ms Harris would write faster.
  
  
• the best...
  By AJOZXSF28N5N5 on 2004-09-28
  Once a year I find a new author that creates the sensensaton of reading a great book in the summer when I was a kid out of school for the summer.
  
  This year I found Charlaine Harris and her vampire series, what a treat.
  
  If you have read one of her books you know what I mean...if not..savor and enjoy...she is the best..
  
  Thanks Charlaine!
  
  
• Maybe the best Sookie yet
  By A2CR57GAJKNWVV on 2004-07-06
  With her vampire ex-boyfriend heading out of town, Sookie Stackhouse looks forward to more peaceful (and lonely) times in small-town Louisianna. But when her brother starts dating a shape-shifter and hunky vampire Sheriff, Eric loses his memory and Sookie finds him running naked near her house, she realizes that the times will be anything but peaceful. With his memory intact, Eric was a jerk but he's sort of sweet without it--and Sookie has a hard time fighting the attraction. Still, she's made a new year's resolution--no more getting beat up. And if she hangs with Eric and the other vampires, she knows she's going to get hurt.

  When her brother turns up missing, though, Sookie realizes that she can't just lay low. And with witches trying to take over nearby Shreveport (where Eric is from), it doesn't take long before she's in the middle of the fight of her life. There is one bit of good news. Despite a great figure and good looks, Sookie's mind-reading always scared away the normal males. But as she meets shifters, witches, vampires, and even a fairy, there are plenty of non-human and half-human males who find Sookie just what they are looking for--assuming she can survive long enough to create a relationship.

  Author Charlaine Harris mixes up humor, suspense, magic, and a really nice character in Sookie Stackhouse for an especially strong entry into her Southern Vampire series. In a world where amoral vampires and amoral humans wage war for control, Sookie provides an ethical perspective and a bit of balance. Her concern for her missing brother and her ambivalent feelings toward Eric increase reader empathy with Sookie and our stakes in the outcome.

  I've enjoyed each of the Southern Vampire novels but DEAD TO THE WORLD may just be the best.
  
  

• Don't let anyone tell you differently ...
  By on 2004-05-08
  This is Sookie's story all the way, and a compelling one it is. No, Bill is not physically present for most of the book, but he is present in Sookie's emotional life. Yes, the Eric amnesia story is a plot device (as all happenings in fiction are), but it works because it gives Sookie an opportunity to shine as the heroine of the book in every way. Her growth as a character is one of the things that makes this series work as a series. Each book builds on the one before it, and each book has a different focus as Charlaine Harris continues to deepen her characterization of this quirky, wonderful fictional world. This book is Sookie's, and it reminds you what a wonderful character she is! Her story and her life, though, are bittersweet, and this book lets that deeper aspect of her character bloom without losing the dry, pragmatically humorous narrative style. Because of that, and because of Sookie's strong showing, I think this is the best book in the series so far, with so much left open for future consequences/implications.

  In response to some of the other reviews, Hallow's reasons for wanting vengeance are explained clearly at the end of the book, in addition to general references to her character throughout that make her motivations pretty clear. A postscript at the end of the book makes it clear that Bill is not disappearing from the series. And for those who wonder about Eric's lack of memory regarding what happened while he had amnesia, the final few pages of the book strongly suggest that while he may not have full memory yet, he has plenty of suspicions and speculations that will likely be an issue in the next book. In fact, that's one of my favorite things about these books: the ending doesn't deliver everything wrapped up in a neat little bow. But you know another book is coming so the anticipation is heightened with speculation about which direction things will go. This is not to say that certain situations are not resolved very nicely, because they are (particularly the Alcide/Debby debacle). Because Harris has given Sookie some new experiences with a new man, however, the options have expanded, and the promise of more competition for her heart is exciting. And maybe a little more competition will be good for Bill, too.
  
  

• I'd prefer the road less traveled.
  By A1FEVXGN1O50T1 on 2004-06-30
  Having devoured the first three books in this series in as many weeks, I was delighted to get my copy of 'Dead to the World' and while the story took you through mysteries and adventures as per Charlaine Harris' usual excellant story-telling, the plot was thin. And Sookie, the main character, after having been initiated into the ranks of womanhood by her vampire boyfriend, Bill, seems to be taking the same path as another literary vampire-befriending female. I've stopped reading that series of books and I'm afraid I'll stop reading this series of books for the same reason if they continue in this vein. (yes, I did it on purpose.) I read books to entertain myself and bed-hopping nymphos aren't anything that trip my trigger, I much prefer a well thought out and written plot line.

  There's not much character development in this book, Sookie, maybe due to her brother being missing, seems even more passive in this book. Some new characters are introduced but only peripherally. Eric's character was turned upside down due to the requirements of the plot and that didn't even ring true, there wasn't a coherence to it, it was uneven in the portrayal. The other familiar characters are there and go through the motions through to the big fight scene near the end of the book but it all lacked 'flavor'. It was an OK read but not delightful as the previous ones had been.

  I'm still looking forward to the next book in the series but not as much as I had been previously.
  
  

• Give the poor girl a break!
  By on 2004-07-05
  I was going to hold out till this book out came in paperback, so all four in the series would match. My resolution lasted about a month, and I devoured the book yesterday. I've really enjoyed this series, but it's just getting depressing. So my main impression I had as I closed the book was "give poor Sookie a break!"

  The first two books were a lot of fun. But the third one made me cry at the end, with the heartbreak that Sookie endures. When I started reading this one, I had hopes, but by the end of the book I was sad again. I don't want to feel sad when I spend $20 on a book and it compells me enough to read it in the space of one day. I enjoy spending time with Sookie in Bon Temps, and the characters that I feel I have grown to know very well in the past four volumes.

  But I just want something *good* to happen to Sookie. I want her to find love that will last. (And I had to laugh at the reviewer who called her a "bed-hopping nympho." I didn't realize that sleeping with two guys in 26 years made you a nympho!!) Her self-worth has taken a beating her whole life, I would for once like to see her find someone who respects her and wants her.

  Which means, of course, I'll be lining up to get book five, whenever that may be. I just hope it doesn't make me cry.
  
  

• I love it !!
  By A3CE5TQABU4CNU on 2004-07-30
  I love the series , it is refreshing to see a girl with such innocence about her be the main charicter.I was happy about the lack of Bill in this edition , because frankly i was getting very very bored with him and how he was going about things. I have loved Eric since the very first secen he was in , I think he has great potential to become a great male lead charicter. I would like to find out more about who eric was before he was a vamp. I also think that what has happened to Sookies brother will make for a great up coming story line. I have to agree with some of the other reviews that i dont want to see a line of men in and out of her bed. Don't get me wrong i like how the author explores sookies sexual side but dont make it the main focus. Pick one guy and have him stick to it.The book moved along very nicly, i finished it in 2 days , i couldnt put it down.
  I love the series and wait eagerly for the next edition to come out.
  
  
• Excellent Entry in the Series
  By AOEP96629WHHA on 2005-01-13
  First of all: There are some series that you can jump into at any point. There are some series that you can't. If you absolutely had to, you could probably enter the Southern Vampire Series through any of the previous books, but I would not recommend starting with this one. I've read them all, but with my fuzzy memory found it a little slowgoing at the start of this one as I struggled to bring myself back up to speed.
  
  Once I did, though, I was enthralled.
  
  What makes Harris' books stand out from the paranormal-woman-involved-with-supernatural-man/men genre is her characters. Not that she's short on plot, but a good character has a lot of power to propel you through a story, and her Sookie Stackhouse reads like a three-dimensional, breathing woman. Moreover, her supernaturals read real, too. One might guess that an author who names a vampire lead "Bill" is seeking to demystify the species, but the way Harris does it--while often funny--doesn't make them less interesting. It makes them endearing, believable...what might actually happen if a human being were altered into something immortal and morally questionable. Vampirism adds layers, but doesn't alter the essential person, except with the kinds of masks we all adopt.
  
  Some might object to Sookie's departure from her long-time sweetie, but I found the romance in this book surprisingly touching. Some other writers may get confused on the point, but Harris seems to understand that meaningless sex is the equivalent of meaningless action. It might make for blockbuster summer movies, but in books it lacks impact unless it involves the heart. In everything she does, Sookie has a lot of heart.
  
  The series in general: it's a paranormal-woman-involved-with-supernatural-man/men-solving-mysteries series, so if you like others of the type (Hamilton's Anita Blake series, Feehan's Carpathian romance series, Huff's Vicki Nelson series), you should definitely check this out. There's a lot of southern color and humor in Harris' series, but these books are serious, not parodies of the genre. I can't wait for book 5.
  
  
• How Does Something So Good Keep Getting Better?
  By A2O6N82ASKCSSN on 2004-06-05
  Wish I could give this one SIX stars -- I can't believe the new and fascinating vistas Harris has opened up in the supernatural arena, and the characters get deeper and more intriguing with each outing.

  I rather dreaded the amnesia mentioned in the previews -- such a stale old device, yes? Not this time! Eric's amnesia has the effect of opening a door to a new country for Sookie, and may well have a more lasting impact on her than on him. I was delighted to see Alcide again, and the more Sam, the better! But what happens to Jason...oh, this is TRULY fascinating! Now I'm on pins and needles for the next book.

  Harris deserves an extra star just for being able to write about sex in genuinely erotic, but not sick-making , detail -- and for her gentle mockery of the "throbbing manhood" genre at the same time.

  And Sookie manages to cling to her resolution to take better care of herself, despite dangerous circumstances over which she has no control. When this series opened, she was a sad and sorry critter, beaten down by a lifetime of being viewed as weird or "wanting in the head." Now that she has spent time viewed as a person with power by others who are very powerful, she's showing real growth as she comes into her own.
  
  

• Eric...sigh...I pine for you
  By A2RSRR0FUYJ8M5 on 2004-07-02
  I loved this book! It was worth the wait. My only gripe is that I was done reading it in a single 24 hour period-- so that means I have to wait another year for the next one.
  I hope memories surface in that installment. That's all I'm going to say about that.
  And I hope for more of a certain Werewolf with whom Miss Sookie shares such wonderful chemistry.
  Argh! Stop teasing me Ms. Harris! Stop teasing me!
  Oh, okay...Maybe I like the teasing...
  
  
• Hmmm...
  By AJCU0CK95ULHU on 2004-07-10
  I am one of the world's largest vampire fans. There isn't a whole lot of vampire films (even bad ones) or books I haven't read. As being from the south, I really enjoyed this series. The first two books were beyond excellent. I found myself as a mother of two staying up to all hours of the night to finish them, but with these last two books I have been slightly disappointed in how the book has been led to almost make Bill non-existant. I found him the strongest lead man in the first two books and now I am finding myself missing him. Although Eric is very appealing, I want Bill back!! I like the monogomy in the first two books and I find Sookie being kinda handed around in the last two. All in all, the book has some high points to its appeal. I just miss my vamp man!!
  
  
• Great Series
  By A3FDF80JASNN92 on 2004-09-04
  I am a big fan of sci-fi, horror and especially vampire novels. The Sookie Stackhouse series has become one of my favorite series! This is the fourth book in the series, and although it stands on its own, I would advise reading the series in order (Dead Until Dark; Living Dead In Dallas; Club Dead and Dead to the World.)
  
  Sookie is a waitress working in a small town. Sookie is fun and lovable, and also telephatic. In a small town this has caused her a quite a few dating and relationships problems because she knows what everyone is thinking. Sookie is a very lovable heroine. She is just your average girl with everyday problems, e.g., an old car that she fears will break down, having enough money to pay the monthly bills, and at the moment, dealing with a breakup from her boyfriend Bill.)
  
  In Sookie's world there are vampires, werewolves, witches and many other supernatural types. Although most people only know about the existence of vampires, the supernatural has become a part of Sookie's life through her ex boyfriend Bill, the vampire.
  
  In Dead to the World, Bill and Sookie are still broken up, and Bill is going on a business trip to Peru. While he is gone, Sookie's biggest plan is to stay out of trouble which means stay away from all the supernatural elements which usually end up with her being injured. (If you have been reading the series, you know that Sookie is forever getting beat up and/or badly injured because she is dealing with supernatural creatures with extraordinary strength).
  
  Now Sookie's plan is working fine until on the way home from work, she runs into a naked Eric (Bill's boss and another vampire) running alongside the highway. Sookie picks him up and discovers he has lost his memory. And Sookie being Sookie agrees to help hide him out from the people who hurt him, while also trying to help him get his memory back. Also a twist is thrown in when Sookie's brother disappears. There's the usual romance and southern charm, and all of the characters that we love in this series.
  
  What makes this series work so well, is that Charlaine Harris has kept Sookie as a very loving character. You can't help but like her! She genuinely cares for people which is why she is always helping them and getting herself in trouble. Throw in all the supernatural characters in a small town setting and you have yet another winner by Charlaine Harris. I can hardly wait for the next book in the series.
  
  Very enjoyable; highly recommend.
  
  
• fun offbeat read that combines elements of several genres
  By AFVQZQ8PW0L on 2004-05-06
  When the Japanese invented synthetic blood and made it available to the general public, vampires came out of the closet, proclaiming their existence on global television. Bon Temp, Louisiana waitress Sookie Stackhouse met vampire Bill in the bar and they became romantically involved. She was elated that she was unable to read his mind, but when he hurt her she dumped him and vowed never again to get involved in any way with a supernatural being.

  When she sees Bill's boss Eric running around naked, kindhearted Sookie takes him into her home. She learns that a witch has placed a curse on Eric because he is in the way of their plan to take over the Shreveport supernatural community. They search for Eric while Sookie keeps him safe from the witches.

  Meanwhile Sookie's brother negotiates a deal for Sookie's caretaker services but suddenly vanishes for no reason. Worried about her missing sibling, Sookie becomes frenzied when she learns that the witches are enhancing their power by drinking vampire blood. She must confront these dangerous deadly fiends if she is to rescue her sibling and keep Eric safe.

  The more the heroine fights the witches the more she becomes part of the supernatural world. Even worse in her mind is that she has feelings for Eric. Fans will appreciate this endearing protagonist who combines vulnerability with a steely spine (kind of a supernatural Steel Magnolia) as for a change the woman is the heroic savior while the men are the perils of Paul. Fans will enjoy this offbeat read that combines elements of several genres to ensure that the world of Charlaine Harris seems real, one bite at a time.

  Harriet Klausner
  
  

• Spoiler Alert!!
  By A1ZOQC2ARU81I9 on 2004-05-06
  I love this series, and eagerly anticipated the release of this book. However, this was not my favorite book. The Sookie/Eric thingie felt contrived- and I felt she (Harris) wimped out when Eric did not keep his memory of the time (sex) he and Sookie shared. We already know he cares for her, right?!?! Sookie has his blood-he can sense her feelings, right? And what is up with Bill?!?! It seems like Ms. Harris wants to explore Sookie and Eric's relationship, so she shoved Bill right out of the way-WHILE STILL GIVING HERSELF AN OUT with Eric's two time memory loss. Which I thought was ridiculous. What about Bill's (or for that matter, ANY vampire's) super sensitive vampire nose that can smell different men on Sookie- phooey!

  The witch plot was contrived- I never got a good enough feel about Hallow to understand WHY she cursed Eric the way she did. I mean, really- if she is mad because he will not sleep with her(and we are to believe she's a raging wackadoo) would she really curse him with a lost memory!? Even as a back up? NO!! The whole thing seemed to be a plot excuse to put Sookie and Eric together and alone long enough so they could finally give in to their mutual lust.

  Also, what was the deal with Jason being kidnapped- I like the werewolves, but please- does Sookie need to have sexual tension with ANYONE else?!?!? Bill, Eric, Alcide, Sam, and now the werewolf- honestly!

  As you can probably tell, the book left me frustrated. There were so many elements and plots swirling around, and it seemed like a lot of the plotlines were only sketched out. I was left needing more detail in most of the storylines.

  I will definitely read the next book though. Sookie Stackhouse and her world are great, and I love reading about it.
  
  

• Sookie meets a gentler, kinder Eric, among other things....
  By AWIHJDPD4SCJB on 2004-06-05
  This fourth entry in the Sookie Stackhouse and vampire Bill series maintains its quality and adds to the lore of this new world where magic and magical beings meet the `real' world.

  Similar to other books of its genre (mystery meets horror meets romance), our heroine Sookie, a self-declared "uneducated but not unintelligent" bar maid in a small town in the south, has her hands full as usual.

  First, her ex-boyfriend vampire Bill takes off for Peru for some research. Then she finds his boss, Eric Northman, running naked and amnesiac down the road to her home. Turns out he's been cursed by a coven that's moved into his territory, planning to take over. Then her brother disappears, possibly kidnapped by those same nasty witches.

  After accepting guardianship of Eric (he's not safe at home without his memory), and leaving the coven business to the vampire community, she decides takes matters into her own hands when the local cops don't take her brother's disappearance very serious.

  All this leads to the werewolf pack in Eric's territory, another strange pack in another even more remote patch in her own home territory, and eventually a major confrontation of the principals. Along the way, Sookie indulges in a little pillow action with Eric, receives strange and unexpected proposals, and manages to keep her New Year's Resolution, "not to get beat up."

  A fun, fast-paced romp. If you like the others, you should like this one. Harris is definitely a better entry in this evolving genre. Some day I'll check out her most conventional mysteries.
  
  

• Lots of fun, but the plot hasn't progressed much...
  By A1TIVD0Y3KJSCN on 2004-06-18
  I love Sookie Stackhouse, and if you're reading this review, you probably adore her, too. She's a good person, just discovering the joys of... well, you know what. Unfortunately, as much as I enjoyed Eric's amnesia and Sookie's importance to Eric during this period of time, I agree with the person who commented that she hopes Ms. Harris doesn't go down the nympho-porn path Laurell Hamilton did in her books. Trust me, Ms. Harris (and Ms. Hamilton, if you're reading this), sex in books is great, but sex cannot take the place of plot. Do I want to see Sookie hook up in a more permanent (and at least quasi-monogamous) fashion with Eric? Heck, yeah! But I prefer storyline with a little romance rather than romance with a little storyline. Don't get me wrong - this story is surprising, the plot moves fast with many twists, with lots of action. However, this is the type of book that fits between the novels that show "real" character development or storyline advancement. I'm hoping this book is a segway into something even more spectacular than the other incredible books in this series. Keep up the good work, Ms. Harris, you write beautifully.
  
  
• Well, I liked it....
  By A3L6PIEJLBU8S0 on 2004-07-25
  When I read the first book I was amused but thought it was kind of lightweight compared to other "vamp" authors out there. I read the second one though, and I admittedly got hooked.
  
  To be honest I didn't think "Bill" was that strong of a character and the moment "Eric" stepped onto the page I kept thinking about HIM ending up being Sookie's main squeeze.
  
  When "Bill" went off and did his "fling" thing? I completely lost interest in him. I have no sympathy for this character. He strayed, he deservedly lost the heroine, IMHO and nothing he's done since has endeared him to me so...Sorry, I'm rooting for "blondie" though both friendly shifters are rather appealing....
  
  This series IS starting to look an awful lot like a comedic take off of Laurell K Hamilton's AB series, and I'll admit I really don't want to see Sookie going down Anita's route into having a harem...
  
  Frankly, that turned me OFF reading Hamilton, all that indiscriminate sex for the sake of it...This character is just too good to waste like that, being an "everygal" type.
  I like her, and while I'm definitely enjoying her discovering sex, I really hope we don't have a succession of men in her bed...
  
  Next book, I'd like Sookie to make up her mind, and stay monogamous...There is plenty that is "sexy" in a monogamous relationship too. You can have good stories and steamy sex in a continuing series and not lose the momentum if you work at it.(JD Robb anyone?)
  
  I dunno, LKH's Anita Blake reminded more than a bit of Mercedes Lackey's Diana Tregarde and her SO, and now Sookie, Bill, and Eric are reminding me of LKH.
  
  Would I read another Harris Southern Vamp?
  
  Sure, if only to find out who she ends up with, but not more than that unless she's ready to stop teasing us with the multiple men bit...Been there, done that, and frankly?
  
  I'm getting bored...
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Better than Club Dead but. . .
  By on 2004-05-05
  Ok, first the good stuff: I found this book to be about 100% more entertaining than Club Dead. Even though I think it got a little anticlimatic towards the end, I still zipped right through the story. If you're a member of the Sookie+Eric club, this is your book. I loved the end, and so long as the next book isn't an Alcide+Sookie fantasy sequence, I'll keep reading.

  So-so: This book seems to be doing a lot of cleaning up from Club Dead, and I thought the prologue especially was like a couple of pages of explanation for what the heck happened in Club Dead and why characters acted in peculiar ways. Not entirely satisfied but I've moved on. But as for Bill -- poor Bill, that's all I can say. With this book and Club Dead, I really wonder why Ms. Harris just doesn't kill him off. He's certainly nowhere near the dynamic, charismatic character we met in the first two books. Good potential subplot awaits him in the next book, but then I thought this particular subplot (love triangle) was also going to be handled in DthW. So who knows? But I gotta say, I'm a fully converted Eric+Sookie fan after this book, and I have no regrets. Bring on Book 5!
  
  

• Exciting
  By on 2004-05-12
  The premise of this series is that vampires have "come out" to the world at large, become legal citizens in many countries, and their effect of living in a small community in the American South. The main character is Sookie Stackhouse, who works as a barmaid and who happens to be telepathic. I won't go over the plot except to say that you can read about it from the PW or Booklist descriptions above.

  I loved this book. It's very exciting, tension filled-a real page turner. I've been a fan from the beginning, and I think this may be my favorite in the series so far. Sookie is still her wonderful self, the plotting is fantastic, and I loved the little bits of information planted here and there about certain characters. (There is a certain duo I am really rooting for, conventions be damned!) I liked Bill very much in the first book, but after #2 and #3, I was ready to see Sookie move on. I found the Eric storyline in this book to be charming, and I am glad to see that Sookie herself seems to have seen it as nothing more than a temporary comfort. Having the field wide open at this point leaves many interesting possibilities for the future! And here's hoping none of them get poor Sookie beaten up again.

  The only thing that gives me pause is the inevitable comparison to Laurell K. Hamilton. I have bristled at the Anita Blake comparisons since the first Sookie book came out, but even I will admit it may be getting a bit too close for comfort with the introduction of certain characters and plot devices. I've read all the Anita Blakes but the last two, as I just got bored with the lack of plot while Anita becomes ever more tiresome. With that in mind, I must admit that I laughed out loud when Sookie asks Alcide if one becomes a werewolf packmaster by fighting for the title and he replies that no, one gets elected.
  
  

• Another fun time with Sookie
  By A39XYDJR10PR8Y on 2004-05-18
  I have enjoyed all of the Southern Vampire books, but this one is my favorite. Eric is one of my favorite characters, and amnesia or not, he's still an interesting guy. Some reviewers have complained that Bill is notably absent in this book, but he and Sookie didn't exactly end their relationship on a positive note, and readers likely would have felt cheated is suddenly the two of them were happily together again.

  That said, I think this book is a set-up for things to come. I knew Eric was going to get a book eventually, and this book did that nicely while not answering any questions about him. His mysterious nature is still in place, but Harris sets up a potentially deeper (and not necessarily sexual) relationship between Sookie and Eric, especially with his ability to sense her emotions. This book softened Eric up a bit and gave the readers a chance to see that maybe there's something deeper to him than what we have seen thus far. We get to see him as a "person" separate from Bill.

  The other thing I thought this book did well was show Sookie as a strong woman who doesn't necessarily need Bill (though he's nice to have around). I expect big things from Alcide and I suspect we'll see Calvin Norris again and Sam will become more important in books to come.

  I'm also looking forward to seeing Jason in the future. Thus far, he has been a fairly flat and somewhat unlikable character, but the events of this book have the potential to make him a stronger and more influential character in future books.

  There's a lot going on in this book, maybe too much for some people, and the book is fairly short for my tastes. However, this is a good read and a primer of greater things to come.
  
  

• Just keeps getting better and better
  By A28504V9WK2V1F on 2005-04-03
  I had just finished writing a (extremely negative) review for the Laurell K Hamilton book "Incubus Dreams" when I realised how much my affection for Charlaine Harris' "The Southern Vampire Series" has grown over the years.
  
  I suppose like many readers I had approached this series when Ms. Hamiltons star was starting to dull slightly. I was suspicious of the main character Sookie Stackhouse to begin with. Her character and situation seemed a little too familiar at first. In fact I didnt like the first book at all. I never warmed to Bill for some reason, an opinion still not changed even by this book. But I stuck with it and by the time I got Dead to the World I loved the whole universe created by the author.
  
  Sookie is a loveable heroine. So different to the difficult and unlikeable Anita Blake. She is vunerable and sweet. She is unselfish to the point of putting her life at risk to save others. She is in touch with her sexuality, yet doesnt base whole narratives on it (*hint hint* Ms. Hamilton) and does seem to be developing with every book.
  
  The supporting characters are consistently interesting. Eric has a certain devilish charm that keeps the reader hooked and hopefully we will see more of Sam and Alicide in later books. Same goes for Jason who, with certain plot developments in this book, should give Sookie plenty more adventures.
  
  Dead to the World is a wonderful installment for this series that will hopefully keep going from strength to strength
  
  
  
• Best of the Series
  By A3U29LBT749HJ0 on 2006-06-24
  I've been a loyal reader of Harris' southern vampire series and found this to be the best of the bunch. The interactions between Sookie, the vampires, the werewolves, the shifters, and the newly introduced witches are well done. The dialogue is top-notch, and Harris turns up the heat with some fairly explicit sex.
  
  Kudos to Ms. Harris!
  
  
• can't wait for the 5th
  By A5YOMBZZ9RYC7 on 2004-05-10
  It begins where Club Dead left off. Vampire Bill and mind-reader Sookie are still on the outs and he's off to Peru for business. His behavior in the previous book is somewhat explained but - It doesn't appear that she's forgiving him. Eric (Bill's superior) shows up running naked on a deserted road with no memory of who he is (he knows he's a vampire) but he does learn to trust Sookie as she picks him up and brings him back to her house - putting herself at some risk. Witches have stolen his memory as it is quickly discovered and Sookie is given the somewhat dangerous task of watching over Eric as said witches are now looking for him. Thanks to her mercenary brother, Jason, she'll at least be getting paid for it. But Jason goes missing as well, adding to Sookie's worries.
  Alcide, the werewolf and his evil little fiance have cameos and Sam, Sookie faithful friend and boss, is there to help and give advice.
  Some problems: Sookie is becoming the adored and wanted one by every supernatural male she comes into contact with - though apparently they'll cheat on her. There are some slow parts but the book does keep moving without suspending its own reality. The witches could have had more of a role - been more explored - as it was they were just sort of there for Sookie and gang to have some new supernatural thing to fight. There were a lot of loose ends at the end of the book so I'm really anxious for the next installment (just my problem I guess).
  Hopefully Eric keeps his lead role as I really enjoyed him - though I prefer him with all his memory. Just a fun character to read.
  This really is a series - the author doesn't do a lot of back storying. Some of the character interaction may not be understood if their relationship began in a previous book. It's better to read them in order (1. Dead Before Dark, 2. Living Dead in Dallas, 3. Club Dead, 4. Dead to the World).
  A fun read with intersting characters.
  Also recommended: Christopher Moore - Boold Sucking Fiends: A Love Story
  Laurell K. Hamilton (Anita Blake Series)
  
  
• An off day for Harris?
  By AZXDNI6KZ8J49 on 2004-05-14
  I enjoyed the first three books in this series very much--they were funny and light-hearted, great beach books. This time, however, I gave up halfway through. The Eric of the previous novels was such a delightful scamp, here he is simply a male presence. There are too many minor characters to keep up with, and Sookie seems to have lost some of her sharp wit. I'll just re-read the first 3 books and wait for the fifth to come out.
  
  
• Hated the Cover, LOVED the Book!!
  By A342BV4226SM5Y on 2004-05-15
  Sookie Stackhouse, our redoubtable heroine, who is telepathic, rides again. What an exciting adventure.

  On the way home from work, Sookie finds the devilish, handsome,self-absorbed Eric running down the road in a pair of pants only. The vampire sheriff, has been cursed by a witch. Naturally Sookie takes him home and gets dragged into another adventure with the supernatural beings that live in her neck of the woods.

  Eric has no idea who he is, or who his friends are. Sookie must help him to stay alive until his friends have time to catch the witches and make them remove the curse.

  Not only is Eric in danger but Sookie's brother, Jason, has disappeared also. While protecting Eric she has to deal not only with vampires, but weres, witches, were-panthers, and shape changers.

  What a fun book. I loved that Eric and Sookie finally got together. But we learn more about the other supes (supernatural beings) who inhabit this wonderful world.

  The ending wasn't quite what I wanted or expected, but it left it wide open for more of these fun reads.
  
  

• Club Dead (Southern Vampire Mysteries, Book 3)
• Dead as a Doornail (Southern Vampire Mysteries, Book 5)
• Living Dead in Dallas (Southern Vampire Mysteries, Book 2)
• Definitely Dead (Southern Vampire Mysteries, Book 6)
• All Together Dead (Southern Vampire Mysteries, Book 7)