Witches, Weres, and Vamps, Oh MY! discussion

I just finished the latest Sookie Stackhouse book, Dead and Gone. I could probably talk about it for days, guessing what will happen next, why Bill is STILL in the story, and how yummy Eric continually is.

First off, this is one of my favorite series (you'll notice I say that a lot though) and I love the number of characters that I feel for.

I am feeling really frustrated with Sookie right now because she is still having feelings for BILL! I'm done with him & want him gone - but he keeps showing up to save the day! How is she ever going to get over her "first love" if he is always there to protect her????

I'm really curious where you all think Eric was when Sookie needed saving? I'm not sure what to think about this yet.

Hey, thanks for this thread Shanon! I think you know I really want to talk about this! Can't wait to see what everyone thinks.

Since Eric sounded a little guilty and since he didn't think he had enough time to explain to Sookie where he was, and that does not sound good to me, I do not think Sookie will like his excuse. But he did seem pretty angry about her being so badly hurt. I think he had to make a choice and the ever practical Eric sent Bill while he was...welll...that's the problem. Maybe the Nevada King forbade him to go? That would piss off Sookie. If so, then maybe his eventually going to help her could cause problems.

I keep thinking about Pam saying "as you live on in Sookie", after comparing Bill and Clancy as well, and that deeply worries me. Is Eric in trouble now, as in after you die you'll be around as Clancy now is? Well, the next book can not come fast enough for me!

I'm worried Eric's reasons for not saving Sookie are not so noble as well. I REALLY like Eric - maybe his character more then his fit with Sookie. I'm still undecided on if he'd be the best for her. She wants to be #1 in someone's life, that's the whole reason she broke it off with Quinn (which I still don't completely understand). But she will never be #1 to Eric - he's too practical to let his heart make all the decisions. He didn't see her for MONTHS while the new vampire regime was being worked out. Obviously she's not a priority to him.

On the other hand, I will be PISSED OFF if she goes back with Bill. I don't like him & he creeps me out for many reasons.

It's a scary thought that Eric might not be around - he's such a fun character. But Harris does seem to be forshadowing that. (nod to my English teacher for the forshadowing lesson :D )

If something happens to Eric, I will be extremely upset. I'm with you Shanon, I like Eric's character, probably more than I like Sookie's character even. She's been getting on my nerves for awhile. I'm trying to convince myself that blind devotion is a bad thing (as in Bill's case or more of what Sookie thinks she wants). I also did not like that Eric was gone for so long.

I really believe that Eric loves Sookie and maybe he's having problems dealing with it. If Sookie ever asks Eric to put her above his business, I do not think he will. But Eric asked her to come live with him and to leave her work and her reaction was not what he expected. I think they are very much alike. I like that they give eachother space. Ha, I could make a pro and con list for Bill and Eric and eery time I'd probably work it out that Eric is perfect and Bill is awful.

Any other predictions too? I think Claude will stay and part of me is a little worried that he wll not be too happy with Sookie. And man, Arlene and the FOTS group will be back, probably in a big bad way in my opinion.

Other predictions... Claude will stay - he made a place for himself and I doubt he'd be willing to loose it. Although, it did mention that he doesn't think very highly of humans as anything more then sex partners at one point.

I don't really think we've seen the last of the fae though. There's still Dermot running around as well as any other fae that don't choose to go home.

I was hoping there would be more about Sookie's telepathic nephew - hopefully he makes an appearance in the next book as well.

Yes, I hope there is more with her nephew as well.

And don't you feel bad for Amelia? I really like her and hope she finds someone good. I actually liked her and Pam together and was sad that it wasn't more serious.

And did you feel bad for Mel? I did and I'm a little confused as to why they had to kill him. He knocked Crystal out and walked away but I guess he was going to get a shovel or something to bury her. He thought he'd killed her so I guess that's pretty awful but it was still sad.

Prediction, and I must admit that this is based on reading other reviews, I think Quinn is going to be a BIG problem. I like Quinn. He had the best chance of being with Sookie and part of me thinks that he deserves more but I think Harris is turning Quinn into a jealous ex. I think that Quinn will return and try to kill Eric to break the bond between Eric and Sookie. What makes me sad is that based on some of his questions in this book, I really think he believes that breaking the bond would be good for Sookie.

Oh no! The more I think about it, the more I'm afraid Eric is in for a load of pain and trouble in the next book!

I didn't even think of Quinn causing problems in future books. I can totally see the jealous ex theory though. The way he showed up on her doorstep to talk to her when she told him she didn't want to see him again was weird, nevermind breaking the vamp rules to do it.

I felt bad that Amelia lost Tray - that girl just can't catch a break.

I think they killed Mel because he basically did kill Crystal, at least he thought he had. He didn't get help after he knocked her out just loaded her up & went to get a drink. I feel bad for the situation - but not for Mel at all. Had the fairies not crucified Crystal she might have still died only no one would have known because he was planning on hiding the body. Heaven forbid he burried her without KNOWING if she was dead or not. Jason would never have known what came of his child - or even if the child was alive or dead. No sympathy, sorry

Yeah, I guess you're right. I thought the whole was cross bit was terrible and this book was a little darker than the others which is why I loved/hated it so much. I was surprised though by how Sookie did not even attempt to hide that she was alright with Crystal being dead, though she of course showed remourse for the baby.

And the Claudine dying right have she finds out she's pregnant was sad. Hey, (another prediction) maybe she did enough good that she can become an angel now? Unless angels are another type of supe and have to be alive to be made. Just because Niall said that she was in the Summerlands does not mean that's the end. He seemed to be wrong about a few things. I'm happy he's gone now too. Harris seems to cull characters as fast as she introduces them.

Hey Shanon, you watch True Blood, right? When you read the books, do you picture the characters from the show? Since I saw the entire first season before reading the books, I do, and that's a big reason wy I love picturing Eric:)
Got any True Blood predictions? It seems the show is headed very differently from the books, which I love because I plan on being surprised. Have to wait for the next book but at least the show will soon be here!

I haven't watched True Blood yet - but REALLY want to. They come out on the 19th and I already have them on top of my Netflix Queue.

I haven't even seen what Eric looks like on the TV show. I picture a hunk of a man with longer blond hair (long b/c of the viking heritage).

Oooo, can't wait to hear what you think of the show. There are some big differences between it and the first book. Anyway, no spoilers attached, just thought I'd force a picture on you of the actor who plays Eric. http://www.imdb.com/media/rm249729280...

I really liked True Blood! Have the DVDs on order with Amazon. Bought them with a birthday gift card. Looking forward to season 2, which starts June 14th! I think Alex Skarsgaard is okay as Eric. His hair needs to be longer. I could never come up with anyone who I thought could be Eric, so he's alright. Will finish Dead and Gonetonight.

He's definately yummy but I picture someone a little broader in the chest & more muscled. I'm going to have to go find Eric's description.


I searched around online for someone that looks like MY Eric but couldn't find on. Closest is probably this guy with chin length hair...

Ha, you two are funny. But I can't help it, since I saw the show first, I'll probably always picture the books like the show.

I was the exact same way with Harry Potter. I couldn't picture anything but those cute little kids in the first movie while I read all the books. :)

I'm excited to see the show - though I've heard there's quite a few differences from the books regarding some of the secondary characters. I'll be interested to find out if they're doing a season for each book.

Melodie - you need to hurry up and finish so you can tell us what you think about that last chapter. There's a lot in it. :)

Yeah, hurry up and finish Melodie!:) Got any predictions for us?

And yes, there are some major differences between the show and the books. I enjoyed the differences, except for one thing that most people probably consider inconsequential. Shanon, let me know whenever you happen to finish episode 9. The scene I'm thinking of happened at the end of episode 8 and for me, it changes something that I have based many of my theories on for the books. Sorry for being vague, don't want to spoil aything for you. Can't wait to hear what you think of the show!

I hated to see Claudine get killed off, too. Maybe she did get to be an angel. Sacrificing your life for someone else's is noble & selfless, so if that couldn't get you angel wings, what can?

I'm a huge fan of Eric, so seeing things move forward with him suits me just fine. I got a laugh or 2 out of his relationship talk efforts. You just don't expect to hear Eric saying, "You're only my lover. Not Quinn's, not Bill's and not Sam's. Aren't you?" Uncertainty from the Nordic God??? I love it! And he's so not sure how to deal with her. I gotta tell you, fiery & passionate with that one would be enough to make me happy, wouldn't have to have all the emotional baggage to boot! ;-)

I didn't mind seeing Octavia go, but I do hope Amelia stays around. And was too bad about Tray, too. I also was glad to see Bubba pop back in. He isn't around much, but I like it when he turns up. My niece and I were disappointed that he didn't turn up in True Blood.

I was way over Bill until this book. He was the one who was there when Sookie needed help the most. He truly would have willingly died for her. And I'm really interested to find out where Eric was! I'm afraid you guys may be right that he's in for some pain & suffering in the next book, and I just can't stand Eric in pain. I don't think the fairies are gone for good either. They just seem too inherently evil to go away for good. Dermot will surely turn up and cause trouble. I also wouldn't mind seeing Alcide turn up again. With what happened to Tray, he just might.

I agree with everything you wrote Melodie. I loved seeing Eric all uncertain and sort of hesitant and I also hate seeing him in pain. I think he feels more for Sookie than she does for him. And I hope we're right about Claudine being an angel! Then Sookie would have a true guardian angel! And that's so true about the fairies being evil, more so than any other character so far.
The more I hear from other people, the more I find people wanting Eric and Sookie together so I'm hoping Harris will listen to her fans! I just have a sneaking suspiscion that Harris has had the ending planned out from the beginning.

I heard in another thread that Harris has the ending planned out but not how many books it will take to get there. I like the thought that it's all planned out - there are some series that I feel like we're just wandering around in the lives of the characters without any purpose or true plot. I might just have to go searching for this little tid-bit of gossip on the internet myself. If I do, and if I find anything I'll post a link so y'all can see the the gossip first hand too :)

I too hope that Claudine was made an angel - she was working towards that before. Maybe the manner of her death, protecting the hospital & patients, might make that possible.

I don't know about Arlene getting into any more mischief but I think the FOTS should be playing a bigger role in the future. Otherwise, it wouldn't really be worth creating their storyline in the first place. I don't think Arlene is super evil, I think she is stupid and intolerant and a follower. That makes her capable of going along with evil things, which she did in this book, but I don't think she'll keep doing things without someone leading her to do them. I hope her kids are taken away from her...maybe Sookie will get them and then she'll have a family and won't have to worry about not having one if she decides to be with Eric or Bill, who can't have children. Like I said, I still believe Sam is in the ring, because Sookie could lead the most normal life with him compared to the others. Kathryn, your jealous-ex theory is actually really smart. I didn't think of Quinn's storyline playing out that way. The cool thing about this series and the show being so different is that they have the freedom to make changes that seem little at first but could end up changing the whole direction of the show. The book might make Quinn do something completely different, as long as it didn't change the absolute outcome. I don't think the show would do that...too many letdown fans! I can't wait until June 14th!!! How are we doing it this season Kathryn?? I wish you were still here!!!!

Michelle wrote: "I still believe Sam is in the ring, because Sookie could lead the most normal life with him compared to the others."

That is an excellent point. Sam would always be able to put Sookie first where neither Eric nor Bill will be able to because of the Vampire Politics they are involved with.

I think Sam will always just be a good friend. At least, I hope that is all that will happen:)

And Michelle, sorry hon, this book convinced me that Arlene is evil. Intolerant, to the extreme her character was in the book, is evil imo. And I like your idea about Sookie getting the kids! And the more I think about it, the more I am convinced that Quinn will try to kill Eric. I'll be sad when Quinn dies!

And as for watching the new season, I can't wait and will probably hog down every episode right after the boys are in bed (Sunday nights, right!) I guess there's some summary of season 1 on HBO tonight which I recorded and will watch later in the hopes that clips of the new season will be shown!

I'm so excited to start watching. I feel like a dirtbag, I'm using the computer at the library because my laptop crashed AGAIN!!! I am nutting up about this! If we can't get on here and discuss our shows RIGHT AFTER WE WATCH THEM I am gonna be pissed! I want to make plans to watch them at the same time (if possible) and then call each other or get on here? What do you think??? I figure HBO will do all the episodes back to back like they always do right before the second season airs so I'm gonna gorge on True Blood Season One and watch them all together, or try to anyway.

I'm so excited to start watching. I feel like a dirtbag, I'm using the computer at the library because my laptop crashed AGAIN!!! I am nutting up about this! If we can't get on here and discuss our shows RIGHT AFTER WE WATCH THEM I am gonna be pissed! I want to make plans to watch them at the same time (if possible) and then call each other or get on here? What do you think??? I figure HBO will do all the episodes back to back like they always do right before the second season airs so I'm gonna gorge on True Blood Season One and watch them all together, or try to anyway.

I watched the season 1 summary, hosted by Alan Ball, last night. It was pretty boring except every once in awhile he would drop hints about the new season and then they showed a quick preview, which was really cool. I definitely think I have a better idea of what's going to happen.

Brenda asked me at the bookclub whether I had watched THE MAKING OF and I thought she was talking about a repeat of the season 1 making of...that sucks that I missed it. I'm gonna look for it! I want to get sneak peeks too!

I bet they air it a few more times. It was more of a season 1 summary for people who want to watch season 2 but missed the first season.

I was watching an interview with Charlaine Harris recently that got my mind rolling. After the interview we were left with the information that she doesn't think it's a good idea to stay with a vampire. That vampires are a lot of fun to "play" with but it's just not realistic and it's not possible to be truly happy with a one in the end. She was also clear that she knows how the books will end. She knows who Sookie will be with and that she plans for Sookie to be truly happy.

So here's my theory LOL! I really think it's going to be Sam. I feel Harris has worked at creating a firm foundation and a history in their relationship. There has always been a degree of sexual tension and desire but Harris holds it at bay and never really crosses the line into a full relationship. I have a feeling she will continue to guide us through more love interests (I have a feeling she's setting us up to want Bill back in the next book LOL) but the path will eventually end at Sam.

Sookie faithfully references Sam and Merlotte's as being safe, normal & relaxing. He's a supernatural being but alive, it's possible (although likely difficult) to have children, she can read his thoughts but his thoughts aren't invasive, he's consistent, stable & protective.... And although he has the bar Sookie can be #1 in his life.

I'm guessing that by the last book we will be surprised at how much we want Sookie to be with Sam and when she finally is it will be quite the climax ;) I really don't plan on finding the Sam lust until the last book if that's how it's actually going to go down.

Terry wrote: "I was watching an interview with Charlaine Harris recently that got my mind rolling. After the interview we were left with the information that she doesn't think it's a good idea to stay with a va..."

Oh no! I think I would be so irritated!! Sam is so wimpy... At first, I thought that Sookie would be turned into a vampire, but now, with all of the fey stuff going on, I'm not so sure. I don't think we even know what the ramifications of having her grandfather around will be...

Definitely an interesting theory, though...

My vote is for Sam. He has been there for her through everything and still likes/loves her no matter what. I think Bill and Eric need to get over themselves and either work together to protect Sookie from the "things" that will harm her/use her or let her decide, no vamp crap, who she wants to be with and leave well enough alone! I agree that Quinn is just going to be trouble, and I don't think we have heard the last about the weres and Alcide or his ex.

I'd be REALLY disappointed if she ended up with Sam. He's a nice guy and all, but actually rather dull with all the other characters factored in. I could live with Alcide, I guess.

I was all for Sookie and Alcide but it never happened... If damn Bill and Eric weren't there it could've been...

If it's Sam it's eh... ::shrugs:: I don't care.

I'm very gullible and easily swayed and dragged through the whims of an author as far as love interests go LOL! I tend to wholeheartedly embrace whoever Harris suggests as the primary flame du jour. Even though I'm enamored with Eric right now, I'm game for a suggestion via circumstance or revelation from Harris to pine after a Bill & Sookie hook up ;)

I will say I'd be a little surprised to see a Sookie/Alcide hook up. I got the feeling that Harris intentionally burnt that bridge with the last big pack fight, Alcide becoming head of the pack and finalizing the deal with a young pack member for all to see LOL! But you never know.

I just get the feeling that Sam has been intentionally left as a constant, friendly and safe option for a reason. I also think that it's very intentional that Harris has slowly started to reveal Sams actual strength in the last couple books (when he shifted into a lion & kicked some butt in Dead to Worse). I think his Character will slowly be relieved to be worthy of Sookie. Their hook up may not be something the reader wants right now, but I have a feeling if and when the time comes, it will be what the reader wants.

I am a total fan of Eric and all but I agree that a vampire probably isn't the way to really go you can't have a family and stuff with a vampire and they're out of the picture all day and thats when a lot of the more normal parts of life occur.. it also seems so dangerous for Sookie they get her into a lot of trouble..

I can see Sam being the one she ends up with in the long run.. after all he is always there and he was there for her in Dead to Worse to protect her as Terry said.. out of every non-vampire she's had in her life he'd be a good fit for a happy life..

When I first heard the name Sookie for the heroine, I remember thinking this would be books about some southern girl with her hands on her hips, heavy accent, saying "And another thing. . ." It took me forever to start the series, but I ended up loving it and consider it one of my favorites.

I just finished the series, reading a book a day so finished in about a week and a half. I don't normally read PNR stuff, but loved this!!

Bill is doing a good job getting back into Sookie's good graces but I don't know if I could ever trust him again. Then again, Eric's maker is suppose to show up in the next book so that could cause problems if that guy doesn't like Sookie or their blood bond. The vegas king is suppose to be interested in their relationship as well, wherever that leads (probably to trouble!) lol

The first chapter of Dead in the Family is available on the author's website now.

Of all her suitors, I like Eric best. Sam's a great friend but I don't think Sookie would be happy with him for eternity as her husband. Eric's a little high handed at times, but I do believe he really loves her. He just isn't sure how to deal with that. I'm really curious about his explanation for why he couldn't be there to save her initially and sent Bill (and Niall) instead. I'm sure it's a good explanation, just a long complicated one (involving probably either his sire or the new king). He did show up for the second round of the battle to save Sookie. I'm curious too about how much blood she can get from Eric and still be okay. She's having Amelia research if the blood bond can be broken. Perhaps if she nears the "too much" level, that spell could save her. I do believe they have strong feelings for each other, regardless of the blood bond. I think the bond just amplifies it.

On another note, since I don't read PNR usually, since I really REALLY loved the Sookie Stackhouse books... is there another series that's similiar that you can recommend. I loved the humor througout these books that I doubt can be replicated by another author as well. The Sookie books had the humor, romance, suspense/mystery, and the supernatural. It's kinda in a category of it's own, so not sure what else might be similiar. (I found these at the bookstore shelved under Mystery.)

Deliciously Evil Half Breed (mwuahaha) wrote: "I don't really think any compare to Sookie. I absolutely loved the books and can't wait for Dead in the Family. I made the mistake of reading the first chapter on Charlaine Harris' website and that..."

I've never thought of the Sookie books as PNR in any way. I've always considered them mysteries with a supernatural bent and any romance was just a side item, except for in the case of DEAD TO THE WORLD. I agree that the Morganville Vampires might be one of the only series I can think of that is somewhat similar.

Briansgirl "Master Book Sale Huntress" wrote: "On another note, since I don't read PNR usually, since I really REALLY loved the Sookie Stackhouse books... is there another series that's similiar that you can recommend. I loved the humor througo..."

You might also want to check into the Rachel Morgan series by Kim Harrison. It has some romance (not as much as Sookie but it's definately there), lots of action and lots of humor.

I wouldn't classify Sookie as PNR either actually. I guess technically their Urban Fantasy but they definately focus on the mystery as much (if not more) than the supernatural elements. I think that's one of the reasons they are so popular. The plots never really take a backseat to the romance or world-development.

Welcome to the PNR/UF/whatever category you want to call it ;) club Briansgirl! I knew you'd eventually come to the dark side.

lol Thanks Shanon. I love mysteris so perhaps that's part of why I really love this series. All the supernatural elements were interesting although in this particular series, I don't like the fae. The vampires are still vampires but humanized so they aren't very blood thirsty.

Who writes the Morganville Vampires?

Rachel Caine writes the Morganville Vamps. I'm reading the most recent release right now (out in 2009 - I'm a little behind). It's a good series but with very little romance really. They do have mystery involved to a point though. I have to warn you... they have HUGE cliffhanger endings, but since there is 7 out right now with the 8th coming out next month it shouldn't affect you too soon.

If the amount of romance isn't a bid geal then another series you might want to look into is Charlaine Harris' Harper Connely. Light (very light) on the romance but HEAVY on the mystery. Harris is such a versatile writer.

The fae aren't my favorite aspect of the Sookie books either. I think my favorite group of creatures are the shifters. Sam's ability is just plain cool and I love any tid-bit of info we learn about him & his "talent".

I'm just starting to read and it is very Sookie-esque (I just posted this in another thread too). There is also the "Accidentally" series... that are light and fun.

Nobody though compares with Sookie in my book. :)

I heart Sookie! Though I have to say I don't really understand her dismissal of Quinn, would you want anything to do with a dude that bailed on his mom and sister?

Shanon wrote: "If the amount of romance isn't a bid geal then another series you might want to look into is Charlaine Harris' Harper Connely. Light (very light) on the romance but HEAVY on the mystery. Harris is such a versatile writer.


The library has these. I've got a few of the Teagarden books. I plan on trying to read her other works since she does mysteries so well and I do enjoy mysteries.

I agree about Quinn. Because she has very little family, she wants to be first with the man in her life. And because of the life she's currently leading, she needs someone able to protect her as well. It's not that Quinn's mom needs help, she gets into such trouble that Quinn gets indebted to the vampires for years at a time. That's more than Sookie is prepared to deal with right now, especially as she does have more convienent options closer. I did like Quinn, but I completely understood what Sookie did. (For those who don't like Eric {I do}, then Sam is closer and very stable and able to look out for her and love her.)

Sookie is one of my top favorite series, can't get enough re-reads of these books. :)

i LOVE Eric.but i kinda understand Harris when she said she does not think it was good to stay with a vampire.i mean think about it Sookie is going to get older and he would still be gorgeous,she can't have kids.and she cant be with a human because of her telepathic ability.so Sam is kinda in the middle he is not completely human so she can't read his thoughts loud and clear, yet he is human enough that she can have a normal life with him.it makes sense but i REALLY dont like it.

Just because it makes sense doesn't mean it'll happen. lol If she loves Eric but is only friends with Sam, then I don't see how they could end up romantically together, married with kids. To me, it's more likely that she'll end up guardian of her telepathic nephew.

ஐ Briansgirl "Book Sale Queen"ஐ wrote: "Just because it makes sense doesn't mean it'll happen. lol If she loves Eric but is only friends with Sam, then I don't see how they could end up romantically together, married with kids. To me, it..."

well then how about this . the next book is all about her and sam .dont get me wrong i would be thrilled if she ends up with eric because honestly he is even more intersting than sookie sometimes ,and i am not crazy about sam.but harris likes surprises so we will see .but i agree with you about her nephew.