Dead as a Doornail

 

Level: Explicit Lite

Genre: Fantasy/Horror > Vampires/Urban Fantasy

Obtained: Purchased at Borders

Reviewed by: Nic Echo

About the Book:

Sookie returns in the fifth rendition of Charlaine Harris' southern vampire novels. It turns out there is a sniper hunting shifters in the area, and not only are Sookie's friends in trouble, but so is her brother, who has become a werepanther. Meanwhile, Alcide is back and is involving Sookie with Were issues. After the packmaster dies, Alcide's father and another are facing to become the new head of the pack.

Rating: 7/10

 Harris has kept up her writing skills. Although no where near spectacular, the series holds for a light yet entertaining read.  This is easily my favourite book of the series so far. Harris sticks to one main plot point for most of the book this time, making the book flow much easier and keeping me wanting more. It does seem that Sookie's worry for Jason is quickly forgotten, however. He is brought up constantly during the first quarter of the book, but later Sookie seems to pay him little mind. 

Harris also ends up introducing some new characters to us, one of which I am sad to say will no longer be with us for the rest of the series. The bartender position at Fangtasia seems to be more cursed than the DADA one at Hogwarts. What little we saw of Charles was fun and delectable, even if a bit flamboyant.

There also wasn't much characterization in this book except a little emphasis on Sookie's romantic life. The tension is back between Eric and Sookie, and even Bill gets to tug on Sookie's heartstrings. Also, any Sam fans will be happy to hear that he has finally set foot onto the playing field, instead of sitting on the sidelines. 

As far as the plot, as I mentioned before, the book flowed better with Harris concentrating on one main story instead of her usual two. Although there is the subplot with the Weres, it barely takes up any part of the book and can clearly be defined as the smaller path. The main plot does branch slightly, part of which involves Sookie being gunned at. Although figuring out who was gunning for Sookie is fairly easy if you actually look at it, I couldn't help thinking it would be someone else. The main gunner, however, took me quite by surprise, and I hope Harris can keep coming at us with such surprises. 

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