Dead Reckoning: A Sookie Stackhouse Novel

Yes, the image is small for a reason. 
I could not get the image to rotate!

Dead Reckoning is the eleventh novel in the popular Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris.  And this novel picks up where the previous novel, Dead in the Family, left off.  It is a lot to explain since this is the eleventh book, but just know that with any Sookie Stackhouse novel there is always drama, mystery, love and of course, vampires.  This series, which was the basis for the popular HBO series, True Blood, is in a league of it's own in the world of vampire fiction. 

This is one of my favorite book series.  Each story is new.  Harris does her best to never repeat a storyline so that the reader never gets bored. Each new novel is a development of the novels that came before it.  Because of this the story line is complex, but riveting.  

All of these books take place in a very short amount of time considering some series can take place over an entire lifetime.  I love that Harris allows the characters to grow even in this short amount of time.  You learn to love characters, and hate others.  Harris allows you to make these conclusions on your own as well, because she allows you to judge characters on their actions and not through narration.

Harris does not introduce any new mythological creatures in this novel.  It focuses on the relationships between the characters.  The Sookie and Eric storyline takes a dramatic turn that the reader will never expect, while Pam's storyline focus on the vampire's usually well-hidden emotions.         

This series of books is a great summer read for anyone.  I highly recommend that readers begin with the first novel in the series, Dead After Dark, because in order to enjoy any series you need to start at the beginning.  All of these novels will keep you on your toes with the mystery, the love triangles, and the suspense.  A must read.

Water for Elephants

Water for Elephants  is one of the best books that I have ever read!

This is the story of Jacob Jankowski and how he grew into a man.  While completing his finals at Cornell, Jacob suffers a horrific accident which causes him to run away from home during the Great Depression.  Unsure of what to do, Jacob jumps the nearest train.  This train, which belongs to the Benzini Brother's traveling circus, brings Jacob into a world he never could have imagined.  The story, told by an 80 year old Jacob, will bring you into a world of courage, corruption, and everlasting love. 

I could not put this book down.  The story draws you in from the beginning and does not let go until its unforgettable ending.  I fell in love with the characters.  I rooted for them.  I cried with them, and I was angry at them. 

The three main characters, Jacob, Marlena, and August, are characters that the reader can relate too.  Jacob is strong, hardworking and romantic.  Marlena is quiet, cunning and just wants to be loved.  August is hot-tempered and mean.   

I had a discussion with my mother the other day about the book and how it related to the movie. She has yet to read the book but was deeply moved by the beautifully directed film.  I told her that she has to read the novel now because the passion that is portrayed on screen is only a fraction of that depicted in the book. 

I do not have much more to say about this book, except for READ IT.  This is one of the books that must be read.  Now a major motion picture starring Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon even the movie is a must see.

Lover Unleashed

Lover Unleashed is the newest novel in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series written by J.R. Ward.

Payne, the twin sister of Vishous, has suffered a horrific accident and has been brought into the Brotherhood mansion for treatment. However, the only person who can save her is a human named, Manny Manello. As the story develops, so does the relationship between the two unconventional lovers. They must decide if their love can survive their differences and any dangers that they may face.

This novel also introduces a new group of vampire warriors into the Brotherhood's world. This group is a brotherhood in their own right, and have a connection just as strong as that of the brotherhood we love. However, they have many secrets that are yet to be uncovered. I am excited about these new characters. They are a great way to prolong the series while still creating the characters and the love stories that this series is known for.

To me the overall plot was a little slow. I hate to say that, because I wait in eager anticipation every year for the new book in this series to be released. No one can write a story of star-crossed, eternal lovers like J.R. Ward. What I was missing was the action and adventure that is usually encompassed in a BDB novel. This novel had very few fight scenes. I missed the "edge of you seat" feeling BDB novels tend to provide as the lovers fight for each others. It does however provide readers with much needed character development of new characters and characters that you already thought you knew. Ward does provide the reader with a few twists about their favorite characters. I loved getting to know more about the brothers, but I would have liked a little more excitement and a little less emotional.

Overall, this novel is a must read for any Brotherhood fan. It is a classic love story that will make you laugh and cry. All of your favorite characters are there waiting to tell you about their new adventures in Caldwell, New York. And with all of the new story lines that Ward has created, the reader needs to stay up to date because with this series you don't want to miss a thing.

J.R. Ward has used this simple, classic love story to set the foundation for some explosive new twists in the Brothers' lives and I can't wait to see where she takes them.