From Emma Bull's War for the Oaks to Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series, from The X-Files to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, creators are mixing old European myths and legends with modern American pop culture. Incorporating influences ranging from blaxploitation movies and erotic novels to tabloid staples like UFOs and Elvis, authors and directors are creating a new mythology for the strip-mall, tract-house, cell-phone America of the new millennium.

Lots of fun, but the plot hasn't progressed much...

I love Sookie Stackhouse, and if you're reading this review, you probably adore her, too. She's a good person, just discovering the joys of... well, you know what. Unfortunately, as much as I enjoyed Eric's amnesia and Sookie's importance to Eric during this period of time, I agree with the person who commented that she hopes Ms. Harris doesn't go down the nympho-porn path Laurell Hamilton did in her books. Trust me, Ms. Harris (and Ms. Hamilton, if you're reading this), sex in books is great, but sex cannot take the place of plot. Do I want to see Sookie hook up in a more permanent (and at least quasi-monogamous) fashion with Eric? Heck, yeah! But I prefer storyline with a little romance rather than romance with a little storyline. Don't get me wrong - this story is surprising, the plot moves fast with many twists, with lots of action. However, this is the type of book that fits between the novels that show "real" character development or storyline advancement. I'm hoping this book is a segway into something even more spectacular than the other incredible books in this series. Keep up the good work, Ms. Harris, you write beautifully.

Avid Reader & Reviewer

Sookie Stackhouse, the buxom, blonde, barmaid from Bon Temps is back again. Dead to the World begins one week after the ending of Club Dead. To recap, Sookie is being pursed by four men: Bill, the local vampire who is sort of an ex- but not really; Eric the Viking vampire, who is also the Vampire Sheriff of Area 5; Alcide, a werewolf with a vicious ex- who is definitely still in the picture; and lastly, Sam, the loyal collie, owner of Merlotte's and Sookie's boss. The vampires need Sookie for her telepathic abilities. Alcide and Sam just want to get close, but each has different impediments. Sookie herself is still hurt over Bill's betrayal with his maker, the vampire Lorena.

In the past year Sookie has been thrown into some very dicey situations. Dead to the World opens a whole new set of difficulties. Sookie is besieged from all directions and must fight for survival. Her heart and the rest of her body are once again thrust in dangers path. At the close of Dead to the World, Sookie gains a great deal of insight into all the men in her life. Once again Charlaine Harris has created both a witty and entertaining adventure to snare her readers with.

Charlaine Harris is the author of three previous Sookie Stackhouse novels; Dead Until Dark, Living Dead in Dallas, and Club Dead. She is also the author of two popular mystery novel series, the Aurora Tegarden series and the Lily Bard Shakespeare series. Dead to the World will be released in May, 2004.

Hmmm...

I am one of the world's largest vampire fans. There isn't a whole lot of vampire films (even bad ones) or books I haven't read. As being from the south, I really enjoyed this series. The first two books were beyond excellent. I found myself as a mother of two staying up to all hours of the night to finish them, but with these last two books I have been slightly disappointed in how the book has been led to almost make Bill non-existant. I found him the strongest lead man in the first two books and now I am finding myself missing him. Although Eric is very appealing, I want Bill back!! I like the monogomy in the first two books and I find Sookie being kinda handed around in the last two. All in all, the book has some high points to its appeal. I just miss my vamp man!!