17 Sept 2010

DEAD IN THE FAMILY.

A bit of a change to my line up of books - I was going to read Measles And The Dragodon by Ian Ogilvy as book 3 in my SEPTEMBER SPECTACULAR CHALLENGE but instead opted for Dead In The Family by Charlaine Harris. Not to worry though I will be reading Measle next and then The Lost Symbol as my final read. Apologies to those of you who were expecting Ken McCoy's Hammerhead, I promise I will read and review this at another time.

To view books ONE and/or TWO read for this challenge simply click on the relevant link. Whilst to view what other bloggers are reading as part of this challenge click HERE.


It's all about family .....

If you think your relationships are complicated, think again: you haven't seen anything like the ones in Bon Temps, Louisiana. Sookie Stackhouse is dealing with a whole host of family problems, ranging from her own kin (a non-human fairy and a telepathic second cousin) demanding a place in her life, to her lover Eric's vampire sire, an ancient being who arrives with Eric's 'brother' in tow at a most inopportune moment. And Sookie's tracking down a distant relation of her ailing neighbour (and ex), Vampire Bill Compton.

In addition to the multitude of family issues complicating her life, the werewolf pack of Shrevesport has asked Sookie for a special favour, and since Sookie is an obliging young woman, she agrees. But this favour for the wolves has dire results for Sookie, who is still recovering from the trauma of her abduction during the Fairy war.
....... From the inner front cover.

FIRST SENTENCE: "I feel bad I'm leaving you like this," Amelia said.

MEMORABLE MOMENT: .....  a child locked in a permanent grayness, a child who experienced only occasional flashes of pleasure and color in his new 'life'.

Normally a big fan of these books, I was so delighted to hear this, the latest novel in the series, was on it's way. What a disappointment.

With very little of the usual action we have come to expect of the 'Sookie books' and with several new strands of the storyline started only to fizzle out there was just something woefully lacking about Dead In The Family. I don't know if the author was under  pressure to write this the tenth novel or whether it was written as a 'bridge' to an eleventh book but I'm extremely sad to say that it just wasn't up to what we have come to expect from Charlaine Harris. And this from someone who has thoroughly enjoyed all her previous books -  I'm far from convinced I would have read any more of the series if this had been my first experience of her work.

That said, it wasn't all bad  - perhaps the one redeeming feature was the inclusion of Eric's 'brother' who, like 'Bubba', was another famous face who, though believed to be dead, had 'joined' the vampire community. A small glimpse of humour, this was just too little in what was an otherwise fairly humourless story that went nowhere.

Dead In The Family was a gift purchased from Amazon.

16 comments:

Nina said...

I still need to get the first book in the series. I heard so many awesome things about Charlaine Harris writing. Sorry that it didn't was great!

serendipity_viv said...

That is the only problem with series, they just don't manage to keep up momentum as they progress. I think a couple of books would be good and then leave it at that. I have only read the first one of these, so I do need to pull my finger out.

budh.aaah said...

I am a huge vampire (anything smelling remotely vampiric)fan and havent come across this. Hmm must read.

Gina said...

Egad! I was so anxious to read the review I think I hit on a spoiler fact for those of us that haven't read the series yet....yes, guilty, but hey...no big deal. (So that's why Sookie has the strange talents she does...interesting...) ^_^ Too bad the book was a bit of a disappointment for you...hate it when that happens, especially with a series this LONG! I am fairly certain there is another book (or 2 or 3) scheduled to be released late this year or early next so here's hoping that installment is a better read for you. Have a great weekend!

R. Ramesh said...

good post..though it's bad the book was a disappointment for you. btw, ya u said right buddy...people who sit on the rear seats and kick us while watching movies r a big irritant..

Arti said...

I am not a huge Vampire fan...
So I guess this aint for me!! You dint like it as well, so its not good anyways!!
Have a great weekend!!

SG said...

Nice post. May be I am not smart. I find all of Charlaine Harris's novel plots are complicated and I have to re-read them a few times to fully understand.

Kelly said...

I'm sorry you didn't enjoy this one as much and I think you are in the majority with that opinion.

However, I still thought it was a good book...just not as action filled as some of the others. I'll certainly continue reading them as she concludes the series (and I know she said there will be a conclusion).

I'll agree on enjoying the storyline about Eric's "brother". That was fun!

tattytiara said...

Wow ten books, I've never kept up with a series anywhere near that long.

Jen said...

Wow. There are a lot of vampire series out there right now.

Karen said...

Agreed. this book was just plain boring. I think it's time to wrap this series up. She can't seem to figure out where to take it next or to cut any storylines loose so it's just meandering around with no clear direction. On the upside, Eric was in it. he is really the only reason I'm still reading but even he has lost his fangs....and humor sadly.

BURIED IN BOOKS said...

I actually stopped reading this one. I skimmed through it. Bubba's real personna was funny, but not enough to carry the whole book. In fact, I got so tired of vampires, werewolves, shifters, etc, I couldn't keep up and just stopped reading it. I wouldn't watch Trueblood except my husband, who doesn't read, loves it and it's some shared time together. I don't die if I don't see it.

Good review. Glad you like the September Challenge. Me, too. It's just enough! Maybe one of us will win, I wouldn't mind this week's prize!

Heather

BURIED IN BOOKS said...

I actually stopped reading this one. I skimmed through it. Bubba's real personna was funny, but not enough to carry the whole book. In fact, I got so tired of vampires, werewolves, shifters, etc, I couldn't keep up and just stopped reading it. I wouldn't watch Trueblood except my husband, who doesn't read, loves it and it's some shared time together. I don't die if I don't see it.

Good review. Glad you like the September Challenge. Me, too. It's just enough! Maybe one of us will win, I wouldn't mind this week's prize!

Heather

Kathy Habel said...

Stopping by on the hop. I'm a new follower.

If you love book giveaways like I do then stop by my blog and check out my new giveaway linky:
Got Great Giveaways?
Have a great weekend!
~Inspired Kathy
I Am A Reader, Not a Writer

MANDY said...

Found you through the hop. Great blog! I am your newest follower. Come and visit me at
www.mandysescape.blogspot.com

Misha said...

Thanks for the review!
I have just read the first book in the series and I had liked it.I am sorry this book wasn't that great.
Are the other books in the series good?