Gale Reads: Dead Ever After by Charlaine Harris

Hello everyone! I really miss blogging so much. I can't believe I've been MIA for almost 3 months (again!) as I didn't expect that I'll be so busy and tired during my training at work. Anyway, it is finished and I'm back!

As I had some free time to read, I decided to pick up the last installment of the Sookie Stackhouse Series (True Blood) by Charlaine Harris which was released last May 2013. I have been following this book series since last year and I am planning on buying all the books for my collection as I have just read this series via ebook format and I would love to have them in a printed format so that I can re-read them anytime I want plus it's nice to look at on my bookcase haha :)

COVER TALK:  4/5 
 
I love that it looks like a cartoon and the choice of colors the artist have used. I also think that all the elements on the drawing signified the characters that had a great impact on Sookie's life all throughout the 13 books like Quinn the weretiger, Alcide the werewolf, Sam the Collie and the Bats to signify the vampires.  Even the tomatoes and flowers signified something so every part of this drawing symbolizes the highlights of the story.

When I do buy the complete series, I will get all of the books in this version of the cover because I loved this cover compared to the True Blood version. I really don't like faces of actors on books because they didn't look like what I had in mind hehe :)




MY THOUGHTS:

Sookie is a telepathic barmaid at the Merlotte Bar at Bon Temps, Louisiana and is living in a time wherein vampires, were-species, shapeshifters, faeries and witches are open to the public about who they are. Sookie had been living in the center of the supernatural world as she had been romantically involved with the vampires (Bill and Eric), the weres (Alcide and Quinn) and a shapeshifter (Sam). She's also connected to the Supe world through her family (her grandfather and cousins are fae and her brother is a werepanther) and friends (Pam is a vampire, Amelia is a witch, Mr. Cataliades and Diana are half demons). Personally, I really enjoyed reading this series and I am really looking forward on how Harris will end the story since there's still a lot of uncertainty in the previous book.

This is the last book of this series so I have been expecting a lot from the author to wrap everything up with a nice little bow on top. The story about Sookie Stackhouse's life have been going for a decade already and I really think it is time to end it. It have been so interesting too that even HBO decided to make a TV adaptation on it and it also became popular. I do believe the TV series True Blood is still ongoing right now and it did have a following although I am not part of those people as I hated it.

I liked that everyone had a happy ending and all the conflicts did get answered. Harris did a good job in the writing department, as always, because I have hardly found any error in the story telling and her kind of writing style (which I loved) is still there. It was still a page turner as I have been really curious on what will happen next as Harris is very fond of putting so many twist and turns on a story.


RATING: 3/5

I would have given this a higher rating but the previous books (specifically books 1-9) are way way better compared to this. There's no element of excitement anymore which I don't know why I felt that way even though there's a lot of things happening in the story. Maybe I just got bored in the story or I lacked the enthusiasm because I knew from the beginning of the book who she will end up with. If you want to see the details why I gave this book a 3/5 rating, then read on.

*SPOILER ALERT*

OVER-ALL RATING FOR THE WHOLE SERIES (13 books): 4/5

I have read book 1-10 consecutively, then books 11-12 a few months after and book 13 after a few months again. 

When I read book 1-10, I was so engrossed to the series that I finished all 10 books so fast! I think I've read it in less than 2 weeks, roughly 1 story per day. The way the story progressed and changed made it a page turner and I really enjoyed being part of Sookie's life. There have been no dull moments for me while reading and the way Charlaine Harris build a character make you love them even more even though they are not the main characters. If you want to read my detailed review on books 1-10, click here.

I got afraid to read books 11 and 12 because of the mixed reviews it received so it took me awhile before I read them. I even forgot to make a review of those two here when I did finished reading them. All I can say is that they were less interesting than the first 10. It felt like Harris just made them out of pressure to make the story longer, somewhat like a filler. The story went crazy especially in book 12 wherein Eric got weirder and weirder.

Now, book 13 came and it went downhill even more. I really hoped that she can revive the story but I was so disappointed. After all the emotional building for Eric and Sookie's relationship, they will just go their separate ways and easily forget their "undying love" for each other. They have been through a lot and have came out of those scratched and injured but still alive and in-love.

I really don't know why Harris made Sookie end up with Sam. They never had a romantic relationship in all those 12 books. Sure, they have known each other for the longest time and Sam have the hots for her, but their relationship is really platonic and is always on the backseat of whoever is the current boyfriend of Sookie. If only Harris made it clear since book 1 (or even in the middle) that they like each other or that there's a chance of them romantically loving each other secretly without them knowing, I wouldn't have a problem. BUT they don't have anything between them aside for loyalty and friendship all those years so it's quite a shock when they did end up together at the very last leg of the series. 

I'm also quite sad that Harris made Eric so bad in the last 3 books. Is love for a  vampire that shallow? Is that what Harris wants to show in this series? That everyone should stick with their own kind and be safe and content? 

I don't know the answer anymore to all the questions in my head about this series. I should have stopped reading in book 10 because now I am not sure if I still loved this series or not just because the last 3 books became soupy in content. I'm still giving the whole series a 4/5 rating because the first 10 books are great and I did enjoyed those.


Thank you for dropping by!

Best Reads of 2012

I am now officially starting my 2012 lists with my BEST READS of the year. I will include all books I've read starting January 2012 even though some are released years ago. I hope you can share yours too so I can check them out :)

*In order*
**CLICK on the title to view my in depth review of the book


10. Sweet Talk by Julie Garwood

READ ON: August 2012

Julie Garwood is always on my auto-buy list since time immemorial. I have loved her since I was in High School and I have re-read all her books countless of times. I especially love her historical romances and even her contemporary ones like Heartbreaker and Shadow Dance. I just don't know what happened to her latest releases starting from Shadow Music. They are still good but I felt, like, her writing style changed or something. I still enjoyed reading them but the depth and captivating story that I loved were kind of short. So, even though I liked reading Sweet Talk, I can't put it on my top 5. BUT This is still a good read. I just miss seeing her old style. Still waiting for her 2013 release :)


9. Of Poseidon by Anna Banks

READ ON: June 2012

"Of Poseidon" is Anna Banks debut book as a writer and I'm glad I was able to read it. This is my first "adult" mermaid book...my last was Disney's Little Mermaid haha. Anyway, this is the only mermaid book I have read  since I became an adult so it's quite entertaining for me. I loved her writing style and her world building. I can't wait for book 2 of this series. Definitely a must-read book for those people who love fairytale-type of book and loves mermaids as much as I do :)


8. Shadow Falls Series by C.C. Hunter

Book 1-3

Book 4

READ ON: July 2012

This is a surprisingly good book for me. I didn't expect to like it as much as I did while reading the series. What I loved about this story is that it has a really good fluidity and it felt like I'm reading a Japanese manga wherein each book means just another chapter and you need to pick it up asap to know what's next. It really is a page turner for me and I can't wait to read the finale of this 5-part series..This series felt like X-men because it consists of all supernatural beings studying in one school and trying to live civilly with each other. I really love the concept and I'm so glad it was well executioned too  :)

7. Iron Fey Series by Julie Kagawa

READ ON: March 2012

Now, this is a faery book. I really enjoyed Julie Kagawa's writing skills and her character building. She was able to create a beautiful but dangerous land, Nevernever, to serve as the perfect backdrop for her characters. I enjoyed reading about Megan, Ash, Puck and Grim's adventures and character development. I also liked reading the short stories for this series, they are that entertaining. I definitely recommend this series for those people looking for an adventure fantasy book :) 

6. Sookie Stackhouse Series by Charlainne Harris

(aka True Blood Series)

READ ON: April 2012

After reading a lot of Young Adult books about vampires and shapeshifters, I really was quite happy to have found a good adult version through this series by Charlainne Harris. Book 13, the finale, will get released on May 2013 and I am looking forward on how she will end this very long series about Sookie Stackhouse. If you loved watching True Blood on HBO, you should definitely read this coz this is way better! The TV Series sucks big time since it's so R-18 but these books are great and it really was told in a way that it seems realistic even though it's fictional :)

5. Bloodlines Series by Richelle Mead

READ ON: April 2012

This is a spin-off from the popular Vampire Academy Series. This is still ongoing and is following Sydney, the alchemist who if a friend of Rose. I just love reading these books coz the way Richelle Mead created another side for the same world as with Vampire Academy is superb. I can also see glimpses of what happened to the characters  I loved like Dimitri and Rose through this as the setting for Bloodlines happened right after the events in VA ended. I can't wait to read Book 3 and 4 next year coz there's a rumor that 2 books will be released consequently. Yay! :)

4. Vampire Academy Series by Richelle Mead

READ ON: February 2012

As I have said, this is what started my love for Bloodlines. This series made me cry, laugh and feel every emotions that a book could give you while reading. Richelle Mead is a fantastic writer and I love her female characters because they are strong willed and knows what they want. Rose and Dimitri's love story is epic and I really enjoyed the way how her character evolved from being an immature teenager to a mature woman. Love it so much! :)

3. Gunmetal Magic by Ilona Andrews

READ ON: September 2012

This is one of those books that I can't wait for it to arrive. I actually ordered a hard copy instead of an ebook for this one the moment it became available in the US. I really was so happy with Raphael and Andrea's story because it is full of sparks and action. This is also the best cover for all the books in the Kate Daniel's series! I really love having this on hand coz I can re-read it anytime and I didn't regret the long wait because it's worth it :)

2. Guild Hunter Series by Nalini Singh

Book 1-3

Book 5

READ ON: January 2012

This is the best angel book out there in the market because this does not have any religious stuff integrated. It is sort of like a dystopian genre because Nalini Singh created a world wherein Earth is ruled by Archangels with Vampires as workers and humans are just there like "pets". I specifically love  the stories about Raphael and Elena so this being in 2nd place is because of the first 3 books. I just love Elena's character because she is full of spunk and she is a warrior through and through. I can't wait for book 6 because the author said the story will go back to Elena and Raphael instead of one of the Seven (Raphael's elite guard unit). I can't wait!

1. Kate Daniel's Series by Ilona Andrews

READ ON: June 2012

I have been contemplating whether my top 1 will be this series or the Guild Hunter one because I love both and I have re-read them over and over again since I got them...I just can't decide but I nitpicked my criteria and Kate Daniel wins! This won because I loved each and every book in this series even the novellas (Jim and Dali, Raphael and Andrea, and even Curran's POVs) and I can't get enough of them even though I have re-read them countless of times already. While I only am in love with Raphael and Elena's books in the Guild Hunter Series. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed reading book 4 and 5 too but they are not on my top 10. 

This is definitely the top book series of 2012 and I can't wait for book 6 to read more about Kate and Curran and also the other member of the pack :)

You can follow me on GOODREADS if you wanted to see a more regular update on my reading. It's more updated than on my blog because I don't review all of the books here in detail especially those that I have read a long time ago before I started Gale Reads. 

Thank you for dropping by!

Gale Reads: The Sookie Stackhouse Series by Charlainne Harris

This series is very very popular because it has an HBO TV Series called True Blood. Now, I have only watched maybe 3 or 4 episodes of it since I can't seem to get the timing right on the schedule and I prefer reading a book than watching. I'm also not a fan of watching English dramas so it doesn't attract my attention at all.

Now, I contemplated a lot if I wanted to read the whole Sookie Stackhouse Novels by Charlainne Harris. This series garnered a very high rating among book bloggers and youtubers..You'll also always see this on the Top 10 lists of books on different websites.

I'm a bit on the fence to read it even though I love vampire novels because I was able to read Twilight Saga first and I thought it's just a copy of that (Vampires and shape-shifters..ring a bell?)...and I was so wrong! They are totally different stories and also, this series were published first before the Twilight Saga so it can't be the same, right? ^_^


GENRE: paranormal, romance

HIGHLIGHT CHARACTERS: Vampires, Shape-shifters, Witches

TITLES OF THE BOOKS IN THE SERIES:
Dead Until Dark
Living Dead in Dallas
Club Dead
Dead to the World
Dead as a Doornail
Definitely Dead
All Together Dead
From Dead to Worse
Dead and Gone
Dead in the Family
Dead Reckoning
Deadlocked --coming soon May 2012
Dead Ever After --coming May2013
A Touch of Dead --Compilation of short stories about Sookie Stackhouse.


BRIEF SUMMARY:
Two years prior, vampires exposed themselves to the world after Japanese scientists invented a synthetic blood product called True Blood. The vampires proclaimed that they can now live with humans because the True Blood is enough to sustain them physiologically and won't need to kill humans anymore in order to survive.

Sookie Stackhouse is a bar waitress in Bon Temps, Louisiana. She is also a telepath. She considers her telepathic powers as a curse until she met Bill Compton, a vampire. She evolved from being a common human to becoming a major magnet for supernatural beings and the conflicts that puts her life in jeopardy most of the time.

In this series, we will follow the story of Sookie Stackhouse as she tries to survive in a world totally different from what she know of before all these chaos started.


COVER TALK:
At present, this series already has 2 types of book covers.

The first covers are the ones with cartoon drawings. You'll think these are children's book if you based it on the cover but once you read it, you'll know that it's for adult reading only. I love how simple they look but each drawing has a real meaning behind it and they definitely symbolizes the story per book.

The re-released cover versions are the ones with the True Blood actors in the front. They are all black and white in color with a pop of red while the actors show a sexy pose related to the TV show.

They also released 3 omnibus version wherein it contains the same cover but they placed 3 book titles per omnibus. I've seen them on the bookstore and they are huge and thick. It looks like an encyclopedia haha ^_^ but it does saves space and will definitely save you time to search the titles for all of the books in the series.

I personally love the original covers a lot more than the TV Series adaptation. I really don't like books with actors as the cover model coz it gets old for me and the novelty usually wears off quite fast then I'll be so irked when I see the covers hehe. I am still on the process of looking for a box set that's available locally. I really loved the original cartoony covers alot :)


MY THOUGHTS ON THE SERIES:

This series contains 13 titles all in all. The 12th will be released this May 2012 and the last installment would be on May 2013. I haven't read the 11th book yet coz I don't have it so I'll just be giving my review on the first 10 books of the Sookie Stackhouse Southern Vampire series :)

This series is so great! I regret that I didn't started reading it until early this year. Although I think it is for the best because I was able to read all 10 books continuously and I don't need to wait for the next installment haha ...I read all 10 books in 2 weeks (roughly one book every day) because I can't seem to put the story down. It is really a page turner and every chapter has something exciting going on.

Charlainne Harris is a great writer. She was able to create a very realistic world where vampires and humans and other magical creatures exists together. I love how she describes the setting and the characteristics of each characters because it made them more real. There is also character development as the story moves on. They learn from their mistakes and they mature. Also, the way she introduces new character is flawless and not forced. It made the transition from one book to another very smoothly. I also love the fact that even though there are a lot of books in this series, you can still enjoy each of them individually because they contain different stories.

I want to also give credit to Harris for being able to mesh vampires, werewolves, shapeshifters, fairies, witches, etc very nicely. There's no feeling of having too much and I ended up guessing and thinking which magical creature will erupt next hehe.

Now, for the negatives. It's very hard to think of what I don't like in the story but I think there's only one. I hate it when Sookie starts feeling all gooey inside when there's a new hot guy around and she allows them to kiss her or something. I mean, she is supposedly in love so she should not be so fickle about that. But that's just me hehe. I guess for her it's different...she just started liking guys late because she can't hear these supernatural guys clearly and she can enjoy their company more than humans.

I can't wait to read the last 3 books of this series. I'm very excited to know which guy Sookie will end up with. I hope it's Quinn coz they are perfect. I don't want her to end up with the vampires.


OVER-ALL RATINGS: 4.5/5. Love this series! This is definitely one of my favorite vampire series of all time :)

WILL I BUY THE WHOLE SERIES? Definitely. I am already looking for a box set for the first 10 books. Then I'll get the other ones too. Definitely worth having it in your collection.

WHO WILL YOU RECOMMEND THIS TO? This is really for mature readers only and I won't suggest this for teenagers because this is a romance novel and there are a lot of romance involved, if you know what I mean. The story actually involves a lot of sexual innuendos and romance so it might not be for conservative folks who have never tried reading romance novels yet.


Have you read this series yet? If not, do so! Even if you don't like paranormal, you'll definitely love it for the adventure and romantic side of it. Charlainne Harris is really a great story teller. Never a dull moment with this books ^_^