From the Back of My Shelf (3) : Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris
From the Back of My Shelf is a bi-monthly event, that happens on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month where you pull a book from the back of your shelf (with a 2009 release or prior) and review it. It’s a way to read some of those books that have been gathering dust while new books came out. Feel free to join in and participate, and link your reviews up in the Mr Linky below. Check out more in my intro post here here.
Dead Until Dark
Charlaine Harris
Publisher: Ace
Release Date: May 1, 2001
Pages: 292
Source: Bought
Rating: 4 stars
Sookie Stackhouse is just a small-time cocktail waitress in small-town Louisiana. Until the vampire of her dreams walks into her life–and one of her coworkers checks out…Maybe having a vampire for a boyfriend isn’t such a bright idea. A fun, fast, funny, and wonderfully intriguing blend of vampire and mystery that’s hard to put down, and should not be missed.
I have been watching True Blood on TV since season 1 came out, so I figured it was time to read the books that inspired the amazingness of that show. I really enjoyed Dead Until Dark - I didn’t find the writing or anything super spectacular, but the plot was a lot of fun.
I loved the plot. It was a lot of fun reading, as I already knew a lot of what was coming from the show. I already knew who was behind the murder and what not, but the show leaves out so many little details that it was quite cool to read and see all those things.The writing wasn’t my favorite thing, but I feel like the plot made up for it.
It was a ton of fun to all play compare and contrast with the show, and see what the show kept what the show changed. I was surprised how much the show stayed true to the book, at least for this book so far.
I really liked the characters. I wasn’t too crazy about the romance between Sookie and Bill – it felt so OK now we’re gonna be together after meeting right now? It built slower after that, but right off the bat, I thought it was quite rushed. I really liked Sookie’s character. She is just so fun and quirky. Arlene is another character that I really just love, despite the smaller role she plays. I love Eric, there was only little snippets of him but I thought he was just a marvelous character.
I would suggest reading this one. The beginning was a bit slower but after a certain point I didn’t want to put it down! With it’s enticing plot and fun characters, Dead Until Dark is one you won’t want to miss.
Share YOUR Reviews Below :)
Completely agree with your assessment of the plot vs. writing. I picked up this series before there was a TV show but after the series was already popular. I couldn't for the life of me figure out why the series had such a big following after reading the first book, I was too hung up on Harris' writing. And then I got to Dead to the World… and everything made sense :) Glad to hear you enjoyed the book!
I really need to catch up on this series I've only read the first book. I have never watched the tv show though I do know what you said about the writing is true. The writing isn't amazing but the storyline is interesting. Thanks for the great review, I hope you enjoy the rest of the series if you continue with it. :)