SOOKIE STACKHOUSE – ALL TOGETHER DEAD

All Together Dead

Charlaine Harris Books

ALL TOGETHER DEAD : the 7th book in The Sookie Stackhouse Novels by Charlaine Harris

“He is angry at you because you got under his skin.”
- Pam

Imagine yourself as a delegate to one those big conventions. It’s quite easy, right? Now imagine yourself a member of the royal delegation for the vampire kingdom of Louisiana. Is it still easy? You bet it’s not!
ALL TOGETHER DEAD is the 7th book in the series. Sookie Stackhouse, our lovable telepathic barmaid from Bon Temps, finds herself a member of the queen’s delegation to the vampire convention.

The story is based after hurricane Katrina has caused havoc in New Orleans, crippling the queen’s power base. The convention aims to gather all the vampire kingdoms in a week of partying, politics and alliance making.

The queen, Sophie-Anne Leclerq, finds herself in a very weak position therefore she enlists the help of those under her rule. With her finances down and in the midst of a vampire trial, she is prime target for a hostile takeover.

Although Sookie is really not into that “You’re my queen, I follow your command” thing she agrees anyway to it since she is getting paid as the queen’s pet telepath.

In the end it was agreed that Andre, the queen, Sookie, Eric, Bill, Pam, Dialantha, Mr. Cataliades, a vampire named Gervaise and his woman would represent the kingdom of Louisiana. The contingent aims to attend the summit in style.

The tension in Sookie’s romantic life grows ever more complicated in a way. She and the were-tiger Quinn are hitting it off quite nicely but time seems to be not on their side. Quinn is always on the go from one project to the other as head of an events firm that caters to the supernatural. His time for Sookie is always limited.

Eric Northman, on the other hand, is still stressing his claim on Sookie and is even acting like a jealous boyfriend one minute and then back to his serious, business persona the next. Sookie claims it’s the fairy blood in her, Eric says different.

In Bill Compton’s case, Sookie opted to ignore him and try to block out the pain of his betrayal but Bill still tries to get in the picture, refusing to let things end that way.

The vampire convention is held at the Pyramid of Gizeh hotel or simply called “the Pyramid”. It is another of the high class hotels that cater to vampire clientele. It offers maximum security and amenities suited for vampires.

In the convention, Sookie sees Barry again. He is the telepath bellman that she met at another vampire hotel who helped her when she was in trouble rescuing Bill. Since then, Barry has developed his abilities and is now the telepath to the king of Texas, Stan Davis. They are able to talk to each other telepathically.

The summit aims to put together all the undead power players in the region. It is sure to be very interesting indeed. The summit was too much for Sookie though.

Aside from the problems that she is having with the men in her life, vampire politics shows that it is a very vicious power play with all its backstabbing, scheming, plotting and killing. She finds herself in several dire situations often risking her life for the vampires.

When a disaster happened, Sookie comes to the aid of the vampires she feels closest to. Rescuing them was difficult, but then again she can’t just let them die.

I don’t know with you guys, but I really loved this one. It rocks! The story was more gripping and enthralling. I love how Charlaine Harris weaves her magic on this one! Sookie’s life is never boring. It may entail having to deal with supernatural beings that often than not get her into trouble. In fact it is too much of a trouble that often makes her risk her very life.

In spite of some funny and some touching moments, there is a hint of dread throughout the book. But the climactic moment is an even bigger shock than the events leading up to it. It was like everything stopped for me when I got to that part!

Sookie must make choices. It’s now or never for her. Sookie’s feelings just don’t stay on paper – they makes their way to the readers.

One of the things that I love about Charlaine Harris is her writing style. She makes it possible for us to get a better understanding or a better view into the inner workings of Sookie’s mind through her witty dialogues, that and those of the minds that she hears.

The characters are becoming well rounded, more defined. They are becoming more developed as the story progresses. I can barely contain my glee, when the vampires are beginning to show some human affection. Eric, in particular, is acting like a man for once. A man who feels the same confusion, lust and affection as any ordinary man can feel.

Bill, although I have to admit I feel some annoyance for what he did to Sookie, refuses to let Sookie think badly of him. With all due fairness to Bill, he tries to win back her trust. It might be a little too late but he is trying. That counts for something, right?

Quinn, the current apple of Sookie’s eye, still remains so much of an enigma. He doesn’t open up to Sookie. Oh and I forgot to mention Pam, Eric’s second in command. I love how more of her background was mentioned and she too is showing some endearing human affections.

The seventh book proves to be my most favorite of all in the series. The last few chapters were gripping and the kind to surely make you want to finish the book at once. If the past books have offered mystery, action, suspense, a little bit of drama and romance then imagine that magnified tenfold in the 7th book!

Sookie and the rest of the supernatural gang never fail to deliver. It would be impossible for anyone to get bored reading this series.

From the moment you start with chapter one on the first book, it is a sure bet that sooner or later you’d be tracking down the rest of the books in the series. I know I have.

It is a must read with characters you’ll surely love or maybe love to hate. Whatever it maybe, this Sookie Stackhouse novel has you trapped in its magic. Once you start there is no going back for you.

All Together Dead is truly entertaining – Charlaine Harris at her best! If the first six books were good, then the 7th is great , so what more for the future books right? Better check the dictionary for a word that can surpass “great”. I’m saving it up for the next installment and you should be too – get it through my link on this page – click the image!!

Charlaine Harris

• June 12, 2009 -- DEAD TO THE WORLD
• June 12, 2009 -- CLUB DEAD
• June 12, 2009 -- DEAD AS A DOORNAIL
• June 12, 2009 -- SOOKIE STACKHOUSE – DEFINITELY DEAD
• June 12, 2009 -- LIVING DEAD IN DALLAS
• June 12, 2009 -- DEAD UNTIL DARK
• June 24, 2009 -- True Blood V’s Twilight: the Battle Goes on…
• June 17, 2009 -- SOOKIE STACKHOUSE – DEAD AND GONE