Wow! This is the first time I'm disappointed with a Sookie novel. The whole book was off. I understand how Sookie's not dealing well with how she is changing but come on. It's great she is learning where her abilities come from and what her grandmother did to have children. She should be mad that Gran nor anyone helped with her telepathy. Nice that Amelia is back sad that they are not close anymore. Alcid and the bed thing??? Eric and Sookie's sex scene has Eric saying wimpy words. The vampire is a Viking, wimpy words do not fit. I get that CH wants SS and EN to break up, but this is not what I am use to. Still a devoted fan and I will buy the next installment - so please get back on track. QK

I agree with the other reviewers, the whole book and characters were off. It's as depressing as our economy. I'm used to laughing the whole way through the book, but only had a few laughs with this installment. The thing about Charlaines books it seems, is that after the initial love scenes she loses the fire and passion that she has previously shown readers and it's a let down. I don't understand what Alcede had to do with anything, that was so out of character for him to do that. I did enjoy when Sookie broke the blood bond and she and Eric found they still loved each other. I usually love the fight scenes and the more they chop off heads, the more I laugh, but something was missing it this one. I did not enjoy Sookie and Amelia's friendship breaking up and I really didn't like the part with Bill in his hidy-hole. With so depressing things in this book, it makes you wonder if something has gone wrong in Charlaine's life. :( I'm sure the next book will have us all totally entralled again. 12 more months to wait and see. :)

Before I start I want to say Johanna Parker does her usual excellent job as narrator.
I loved the Sookie series. This book and the one before it are killing it for me.
I have to agree with the bulk of reviewers, this book felt unfinished, rushed and had no depth or central mystery. This series is called the "Southern Vampire Myster[ies]". But it had turned into days in the life of a cash cow character. I hate to say this because again, I loved this series but it has lost most of the things that I enjoy. Sookie does not use her telepathy anymore; there is no longer a central mystery or theme in the story that I as the reader care enough to try to puzzle out. There are so many just-plain-random-out-of-left-field things that I found I kept saying "you're joking!” I think I am going to give this series one more book and then I am done.
I am a very disappointed listener.

Wow it is such a bummer that CH has turned into a "machine" writer like Rollins, Koontz and Berry. Think the series Lost in its final seasons. But I'll still get the next book, everyone is allowed a stinker once in a while.

I was so excited to when I discovered that the next book in this series had been released. Unfortunately, this book is a major disappointment. I've listened to all of the books in this series twice because I enjoy the stories so much, and the way the narrator gives them voice. However, I have no desire to plod through this one again. Here's hoping this is an exception and not an indicator for the rest of the series.

In reading some of the other reviews, I have to concur that Sookie is definitely a little more somber in this book than others. She is clearly depressed and while that is totally reasonable based on the story line, it does make rooting for her a little more difficult. I do think that this book was definitely designed to set up for the next major story line but that doesn't bother me. We learned more back story, Pam kicked some ass (love Pam) and one of my favorite vampires returned (though briefly).. all in all a good book. On a side note, I think what makes the audio versions so amazing is that we are simply blessed to have such an amazing narrator in Johanna Parker. I listen to a lot of audiobooks and no one holds a candle to her. Period.

I agree with the rest of the reviews from those who didn't enjoy this book.
Spoiler Alert!
I actually got sick to my stomach when Eric answers the phone and walks away from Sookie so she doesn't hear his conversation with the Queen of Oklahoma...reeks of betrayal! And when he finally tells Sookie what is going on...I was so sad! Could it be the Author is setting Sookie up to make a decision to use her newly discovered fairy charm? Could be interesting.
I was shocked with the whole Alcied scene...what the heck was that all about and why??
I usually listen to the books more than once, but this one makes me sad. I'm going to wait for the next book with my fingers crossed.
Still an fan....

I've been reading the series and this book was a massive let down. I hope the series either picks up or just ends.

I've read all the books in this series and this one just wasn't that good. Yes it's very somber. The action feels like a retelling of previous books. Same with the romance.

The worst part, however, was the ending. It was so sudden that 3 minutes until the end of the book, I was concerned I must have not downloaded the entire audiobook and there must be another section. Nope... it just ended right there.

That said, if you're a fan of the books, I'd still read it. It's still good old Sookie and their are moments that are wonderful. I have to believe this book was just the preamble to a much "bigger" book both in length and content.

So disappointed. . . . . . . how long til the other 1/2 of this book comes out?