One of the best-known and best writers of the new American mythology is Charlaine Harris. Dead to the World is the fourth novel in her Anthony Award-winning Southern Vampire series. It continues the story of psychic waitress Sookie Stackhouse, who has fallen out with her undead lover, Bill. Bill has no sooner departed for Peru, than Sookie finds the head vampire, Eric, running naked and terrified through the rural night. She helps Eric, and discovers his memory has been destroyed by a coven of unscrupulous, astonishingly powerful witches, newly arrived in her small Louisiana town, and offering a huge reward for Eric. Sookie tries to hide Eric, but her brother sees him--and immediately disappears. And Sookie finds herself caught in a war among witches, vampires, and werewolves. --Cynthia Ward

Product Description
When cocktail waitress Sookie Stackhouse sees a naked man on the side of the road, she doesn't just drive on by. Turns out the poor thing hasn't a clue who he is, but Sookie does. It's Eric the vampire--but now he's a kinder, gentler Eric. And a scared Eric, because whoever took his memory now wants his life.

Sookie is not your typical vampire novel heroine. She is neither very strong physically, nor is she very sure of herself emotionally. She's not had an easy life because of being telepathic in a small town, and that was before the changes caused in her life after the "coming out" of the vampires. Her ex-boyfriend, Bill the Vampire (as he's known around town), is out of the country and she's not sure she wants to see him anyway after her last "adventure" with him in Mississippi (you must read "Club Dead" to find out this part of the story). Sookie's story begins in "Dead Until Dark" where the main characters of the series are introduced. It's an interesting and entertaining story, which continues in "Living Dead in Dallas". I would recommend these books to anyone who enjoys vampire stories! They are truly worth reading (and reading in order)!

This novel begins after a New Year's Eve party at Merlotte's (the bar where Sookie works). She is driving home when she nearly runs down a man clad in only jeans running down her road. When she stops, she finds that she knows the man and that he has no idea who he is although he does realize that he is a vampire. It turns out to be her ex-boyfriend's boss, Eric. As you've probably noted from the book description and the other reviews, there are twists and turns here aplenty. Some of the little things that runs through Sookie's mind are laugh out loud funny and I found myself doing just that many times.

I regret that the book was not longer (but then I usually feel that way with books I love). I hope that in the future we see more of Alcide. I think he'd be good for Sookie. He seems almost too innocent sometimes but he's refreshing and obviously still wants to believe the best about people, which is such a rare thing in the world. I was surprised to find that I was happy with all but the last twist in the Sookie/Eric relationship. I loved to see his vulnerable side, tempered with his protective side.

I enjoyed the introduction of the new shifters and the other assorted new additions to the character list, including the introduction of witches and a fairy into the mixture. I would also like to see Sookie's brother, Jason, grow up a bit and stop being such a male bimbo -- although I would hate for him to lose his charm and playfulness.

All in all, the book was definitely a Wonderful story! As I said, I would recommend it to anyone!


"Who Shot J.R." ending LOL   May 5, 2004
 17 out of 18 found this review helpful

Well I actually got this book about 2 weeks ago couldn't wait for it to come available.

I can say that I like this series more so than the {{Anita Blake}} Series by Laurell K. Hamilton, because it's fun, and Sookie deals with regular life things.. like still having to go to work on time, worrying about her bills, dealing with insecurities where it comes to her relationship with Bill and Sookie isn't super tough she is just a woman next door from "Down South" that happens to have this psychic ability and who by way of her boyfriend got involved in the Supernatural community.

Book picks up right where it left us to some degree Sookie and Bill are on rocky ground. Eric does have amnesia and Jason is missing throw in some witches and other supernatural creatures and YES it does begin to feel like {{Anita Blake}} this book is mainly about Sookie helping Eric while Bill is out of town in Peru, for those of you out there that like Bill I can't say more than that(without giving away spoilers). Okay so for the wrap up a few good fight scenes, some romance, Debbie returns from {{CLUB DEAD}} and the humor. OH YEA!! Sookie New Year's resolution not to get beaten up so much.

I recommend this book at Amazon prices and if you are collecting the series. My comment about "Who Shot J.R." will make more sense once you read the book. By the end of the book MORE people WANT (as in Desire) Sookie which is familiar to {{Anita Blake}} the funny thing is this one actually reminds me a lot of {{Stephanie Plum}} Series by Janet Evanovich, but it still has it's own unique twist and blend.

Respectfully Reviewed