Book Review: Dead Ever After (Sookie Stackhouse #13) by Charlaine Harris

Book reviews

22 June

Dead Ever After (Sookie Stackhouse #13) by Charlaine HarrisPaperbackReview copy provided by publisherGollancz (Hachette), May 2013Synopsis- Sookie Stackhouse has one last adventure in store.Life has taken her from a waitress in Merlotte’s Bar, Bon Temps, to part owner; from social outcast to the heart of her community; from a vampire’s girlfriend to the wife of one of the most powerful vampires in the state. She has survived earthquakes, revolutions and attempts on her life. Sookie has endured betrayal, heartbreak and grief . . . and she has emerged a little stronger, and little wiser, every time.But with life comes new trials . . .The question is, in the end: who will love, who will live, and who will be dead ever after?Sookie finds it easy to turn down the request of former barmaid Arlene when she wants her job back at Merlotte’s. After all, Arlene tried to have Sookie killed. But her relationship with Eric Northman is not so clearcut. He and his vampires are keeping their distance…and a cold silence. And when Sookie learns the reason why, she is devastated. Then a shocking murder rocks Bon Temps, and Sookie is arrested for the crime. But the evidence against Sookie is weak, and she makes bail. Investigating the killing, she’ll learn that what passes for truth in Bon Temps is only a convenient lie. What passes for justice is more spilled blood. And what passes for love is never enough...Review- *Warning this review has spoilers* The long-awaited finale for the Sookie Stackhouse series, Dead Ever After is finally here! I was thrilled when I returned from my holiday to find it among the book parcels that had piled up over the month. It was the first book I picked up and was perfect for those cold days that I spent at home with my pooch before returning to work. I know this series is no masterpiece (though it certainly felt like it earlier in the series!), at times it’s repetitive, many times I’ve been frustrated and the first person viewpoint outlining Sookie’s menial daily activities can sometimes get boring. But, picking up a Sookie book felt comfortable for me and this book allowed me to accept all the flaws of the series because I knew it was coming to an end. Even though it’s been a year since I read the last book and I’d had a break for a couple of years before that with reading this series, but it’s not hard to remember all that’s happened with Harris’ subtle (and not so subtle) summaries of Sookie’s past adventures that are recapped in each book.In the last book (Deadlocked #12) I was really over the Sookie and Eric dramas. Of the paranormal world, I’d have preferred her to get with Alcede (the werewolf)… which was never going to happen. So, when Sam came back on the scene in Dead Ever After I wasn’t surprised, I was actually relieved. It’s not the passionate, dangerous love affair that you’d expect from the series, but it is sensible. And after Sookie’s chaotic life, sensible is probably a good idea. What I didn’t like about this book was that there was a barrier set up between Sam and Sookie from early in the story which meant that there were minimal scenes where they actually had an emotional connection. It felt like Sam was just around, in the background. So, when they did get together I didn’t really feel anything. There was no explicit lead up to Sookie’s feelings toward Sam and even though we know they’ve been friends forever and Sam has always had a soft spot for Sookie, I didn’t really feel their connection by the end. That part of the story was a bit rushed. I did enjoy the reappearance of many of the characters in the series like Amelia, the demons, Quinn, Alcede and Pam.I’m glad this series has wrapped up. It had run it’s time (in my opinion) and though I wasn’t completely satisfied with the romantic plot tie-up I was glad she didn’t end up with Eric (even though I really liked him earlier in the series). That said, it’s worth the read for those who have followed the series and want some closure as it’s a quick, easy read and Sookie’s former feisty self is finally restored by the end.