REVIEW - Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris

Title: Dead and Gone

Author: Charlaine Harris

No. of Pages: 307

First Released: May 2009

Synopsis (Courtesy of Powell's Books):  "When the Weres and shifters finally come out, the residents of Bon Temps, Louisiana, must deal with the violent aftermath. But a far greater danger threatens. A race of unhuman beings--older, more powerful, and more secretive than vampires or werewolves--is preparing for war. And Sookie will find herself an all-too-human pawn in their battle."

Comments and Critique: If you had not read any of the Sookie Stackhouse books, please avert your eyes right now. As we get further into the series, avoiding spoilers becomes just impossible. Sorry.

As you would expect from this series, Dead and Gone is just a fun book. One might be concerned that the story is slowing down, that Ms. Harris cannot continue to write such enjoyable and compelling books. She does not fail to impress. In fact, Dead and Gone does a great job of moving forward the overarching story through the further development of Erik and Sookie's relationship and Amelia's future.

As the story progresses, each book gets a bit darker. The reader can see this clearly in Sookie's plight, Bill's fate and the danger facing both the vampires and the Fae. In addition, each book continues to surprise me. I still have no idea what to expect or in what direction the main story will go.

One thing I do enjoy is the fact that Sookie grows and matures just a bit more each book. She is more self-aware, more confident, and is slowly learning to think before saying yes. Her reliance on southern manners and the need to please others is disappearing as she learns that her actions have severe consequences when dealing with the supernatural world. I look forward to seeing her explore this discovery and taking back control of her life a bit more.

Even though I remain unconvinced that Erik and Sookie's relationship is for the best (I am still a Bill fan and wish we saw more of him), I cannot wait to read the next book. This series is so addicting!

I purchased this book with my own money.