Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris

Genre: Adult, Urban Fantasy
Series: Sookie Stackhouse, Southern Vampire
Paranormal Element: Vampires
Order Online:  Amazon.com | BookDepository.com
Stalk the Author: Web | Blog

PJVs QUICKIE POV:
The power house that is Charlaine Harris might not need much introduction to most of my readers, but for those of you that have snubbed your nose to the popularity that is the Sookie Stackhouse series...I ask you why? Popularity does not necessarily mean crap. It means that a lot of people like it, and there is a reason. The books are great. Erase the monstrosity that is the HBO series from your mind...the books and the show might have characters with the same names, but frankly they are two totally different beasts. I sometimes I wish I can go back, go back and read these for the first time, because the experience of introducing myself to Sookie, Bill, Eric, well it is just one of those rare book moments..when you know you've found some new playmates.


REVIEW:
Sookie Stackhouse, is a small town cocktail waitress that dreams of a little excitement in her life. Treated like a freak for her odd behavior and her inexplicable ability to read minds, her friends and neighbors know something is off about her and hold her at arms length, thinking she might be a little mentally challenged. Hooking up with Bon Temps only vampire resident doesn't do much for her reputation either. When one of her coworkers shows up on the wrong side of dead, prejudices start to arise and Sookie might just be next on the killers list.

Harris' writing style is quirky, fun and light. Her books have a dark flavor conveyed in a cotton candy voice. The subject matter is murderers, vampires and deep seated prejudice but her tone keeps the story flowing and the reader involved, it is truly a gem to read. Her characters are well formed and you find an instant affinity towards them. Even the most vile of her characters that are introduced you can understand. There is a reason why book after book of this series tops the charts.

Sookie is a powerhouse of her own. She is strong willed, assertive and amusing. She makes a ton of mistakes, but her actions are things you can relate too, instead of leaving you scratching your head. At first you think she's a bit daft, or missing a few slices of cheese from her cracker...but you soon realize that this isn't true at all and the transition is exceptional.

Harris embraces the small-town mentality and brings to life Louisiana life so well that I really believe that I might run into one of her characters on the streets of New Orleans one day.  This is a great series and it is recommended that you start at this book instead of skipping ahead. Have fun and read them up, for there are a few of them!

RECOMMENDATIONS:
This is an adult read, their is a bit of violence, a bit of language and a bit of sexual fun. Fans of the Anita Blake Series and Rachel Morgan Series should enjoy.

Waiting on Wednesday: Vampire Week Special Edition

This weeks Waiting on Wednesday is inspired by vampire week.

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly Meme started by Breaking the Spine. It is a feature that  spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. I chose this book because I love this series, and just take a look at the hottie below...

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Dead in the Family: A Sookie Stackhouse Novel (Sookie Stackhouse/True Blood) by Charlaine Harris
Releases May 4 2010

Amazon.com blurb

After enduring torture and the loss of loved ones during the brief but deadly Faery War, Sookie Stackhouse is hurt and she's angry. Just about the only bright spot in her life is the love she thinks she feels for vampire Eric Northman. But he's under scrutiny by the new Vampire King because of their relationship. And as the political implications of the Shifters coming out are beginning to be felt, Sookie's connection to the Shreveport pack draws her into the debate. Worst of all, though the door to Faery has been closed, there are still some Fae on the human side-and one of them is angry at Sookie. Very, very angry...

Currently Reading:  
 

Vampire Week - Eric Northman - Awe Sookie Sookie

In celebration of the release of Hourglass the third book in the Evernight Series. Two of my BWB buddies (Tina @ TinasBookReviews & Emily @ What Book is That?) and I have decided to do a vamp week and feature some of the hottest vamps on screen and on page.  If you are not familiar with the Evernight Series, you can start with my Evernight review. We are also giving away FIVE (5) copies of Hourglass (Evernight Novels) at Blog with Bite. So stop over there and enter!
 

PJV's Vampire Hottie for Today is Eric Northman, who happens to have small screen portrayal by Alexander Skarsgård

Eric Northman is introduced in the first book in the Sookie Stackhouse series, Dead Until Dark.  Eric is an enigmatic and charming vamp that at first scares Sookie and at the same time turns her on.  Over 1000 years old, Eric is the Sheriff of Area Five and owns a bar called Fangtasia.  Sookie becomes acquainted with Eric when she visits his bar, and from there it is a love/hate kind of relationship, which doesn't blossom to real love until Eric, under a curse loses his memory.

“Darling, you can nail my ass anytime”. – Eric Northman, Dead and Gone

 On first site, Sookie immedietly thinks that Eric is a "hunk".  He is described as “handsome, in fact, radiant; blond and blue-eyed, tall and broad shouldered. He was wearing boots, jeans, and a vest. Period. Kind of like the guys on the cover of romance books.”

 

“if there were an international butt competition, Eric would win, hands down – or cheeks up.”

If you haven't read the Sookie Stackhouse series, what are you waiting for. One of my favorite series, and they don't spoil, like the Anita Blake's tend to do.