Deadlocked by Charlaine Harris is the latest in the Sookie Stackhouse/Southern Vampire series. The last offering, Dead Reckoning, got a lot of bad reviews and I was hoping that Deadlocked would provide a strong story line leading to the end of the series, which Ms. Harris has stated will be in the next book, to be released in May 2013. I am sorry to say, that the book I expected/hoped for is not the book I read. I was truly hoping for an action packed story with a terrific cliffhanger that will pull everything together in the final book. What I read was a book that could have fit anywhere in the series, not chronologically of course, but I certainly didn't feel like any type of anticipation was being built toward the end of the series. Nor did I feel that the actual story was all that great. The plot was too convoluted and although I will admit that the antagonist in this story was a bit unexpected, the resolution was too simple and didn't always make sense to me.
I have been a fan of this series since I picked up Dead Until Dark. I've found the stories to be well-written and the characters well-developed and believable, within the world they inhabit. And, of course, I will read the final book to see how it all ends. However, I don't have high hopes for the next book. It seems to me that it will sum up the happily ever afters of various characters without any real substance to the story. As a reader, I'd love to see Sookie get her life with Eric straightened out and find a way to live happily ever after with him. I'd love to read that they start their happily ever after and be disappointed that the series has ended. Unfortunately, based on the last two books of the series, I don't expect that to happen. I expect a lot of convenient endings, including an "aha" moment for Sookie where she realizes that someone else in her life is the 'one for her' giving her an easy ending that requires little imagination on the part of the reader or the writer.
I thought this book was better written than a lot of the previous ones. The multiple story lines each held a distinct presence, yet they wove together which prevented the book from becoming choppy and hard to follow.
ReplyDeleteSookie resurrected some of her inner tough girl, screw you, stubborn independence which was awesome. She starts drawing a line between what she wants, what she needs, and what she knows is right. It's very reminiscent of the Sookie we saw in the earlier books. Thank goodness because this is exactly what she needs when she is constantly being hounded by numerous parties. Mr. "I'm still in love with you" Bill, clingy Great-Uncle Dermot and the Louisiana fae's, Alcide + pack, ever-present Sam, the police, and the entire town of Bon Temps that never seems to know when to leave Sookie alone. And Eric. Especially Eric. You could cut the tension in their relationship with a knife.
Hello Barbara,
ReplyDeleteI tried to find a way to reach out to you through your blog but was unable to find a preferred method. I wanted to ask how I should go about submitting a request to have my novel reviewed by you. My email is nebukhetscry@gmail.com Thanks!
I like many of Charlaine Harris other works but I have not yet read Deadlocked and will try to get a copy.
ReplyDeleteI love the Sookie Stackhouse series, but the last two books have been a major let down. The only word to describe it would be: Boring!
ReplyDeleteHi! I would like to talk to you about doing a book review, but can't find any contact information on your site. You can email me at: oliviahardinva@gmail.com
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