Friday, May 4, 2012

Book Review: Deadlocked by Charlaine Harris

Deadlocked is the 12th book in Charlaine Harris’ bestselling Sookie Stackhouse novels. It released earlier this week, and I was able to get my hands on a copy.  I know from the reviews I've read, they are some fans ready to ditch the series.  I'm happy to report, I don't share their sentiments.  Note:  I'll do my best not to mention any spoilers.
Deadlocked, in short, is about family, friendship, vampire politics and of course star-crossed love. If you’ve read the sneak peak chapter Harris released on her site, then you understand some of the family dynamics brewing in Bon Temps. Sookie has her hands full with fairies in Deadlocked. Why exactly are they drawn to her? Is it her blood? Is it the portal in the woods? Or is it the cluviel dor? Not that many folks know about the cluviel dor or its powerful magic? Or do they?

In the snippet Harris provides, she mentioned Eric being accused of murder.  But is he really capable of it?  Hell yes. But did he do this murder? The police seem to think so—along with everybody else. Even Sookie has her doubts. The story tracks Sookie in her not-so-normal life in Bon Temps as she attempts to find the real culprit. And the vampire politics with Felipe are heated because the King wants answers about his missing regent vampire, Victor.  And then of course there is The Queen of Oklahoma, Freyda. You’ll be happy to know the Sookie finally meets the regal beauty. And boy is she positively frightening. Or maybe threatening is a better word.  Despite the unnerving situation, Sookie handles it with courage, grace and even a splash of spitfire. I love that about her. And let's not forget about Eric Northman. The impending decision from the vampire viking has yet to be made. Will pride rule over love? Who will Eric choose: Freyda or Sookie?

I call these two star-crossed because that’s ultimately what they are. He’s a vampire. She’s part fairy and part human. Two very unlikely beings that were doomed from the start. While the ride was fun—and you may hate me for stating this, minions—I don’t think they will last long.  As you know, much has happened in the past, but in this book, clear lines are drawn on both sides. At times, it was hard to read. *swallows hard* And there’s much of me that is extremely disappointed in Eric. Damn you, Eric!

For me, Deadlocked was a thrilling read. Some fans are exasperated with the series, but not me. Expect to have some questions answered, but not everything will be revealed. The ending rocked my world. Sookie has balls. BALLS! She makes an irrevocable decision in Deadlocked that will leave you in awe if not begging for more. The ending alone, put this book at a 4.

***
Don't forget about Fred. Here's a shot of him snuggling with me. My buddy.


 Remember to stop by and visit Schatze over at Mary’s BookHounds too.

Have a great weekend.

Mina B.

14 comments:

Mary Kirkland said...

I love this series, it's been one of my favorites since I started reading it back when it came out.

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

I watch True Blood. That's my contribution to the Charlaine Harris fan club. I love Eric. He's so sexy.

Lisa said...

Awww - love the Fredsy snuggler.

LilyElement said...

Thanks for reviewing it! I had mixed feelings over the last few books so I wasn't sure if I should bother reading this one. I'll have to buy it soon :)

Stacy Henrie said...

Sounds like a super fun read! And I love the pic of you and your dog snuggling. :)

Elise Fallson said...

I see I'm 11 books behind in the series...I've heard mixed reviews too, but I'm glad you liked it. Sounds interesting especially if Sookie grows a pair :D
Oh, and bonjour Fred!!

Carley L. said...

Thanks for the review! Fred is a very handsome boy. I've been nervous about reading the book because I wasn't in love with the last one. I remember it came out and I read about half of it and then I left it unread for months (!) before finishing it. It's a yearly tradition for me, though. Read the book and count down the days until True Blood starts. As long as my favourite characters and ships are around, I'm good to go.

Unknown said...

I've only read the first one and follow the HBO series more, with it being an ultra-violent soap opera and all. Nice review. And Fred, Bugsy & Violet (well, mostly Violet) say hi!

mshatch said...

I love the Sookie Stackhouse books but I'm a bit behind, I'm afraid. Also following the show True Blood, which is just as much fun, even if it does veer from the original story line here and there.

Anonymous said...

Fred's a cutie.

I haven't read this series yet, but I do have one of the books.

michelle said...

Fred to the rescue... you can always rely on him to add a visual treat... ooh, so cute and snuggly-buggly-wuggly...

Check out my A to Z Reflections post (I'm linking it to this comment). I've given you a shout out!

Cindy said...

I am just starting the series. I have seen season on on HBO. I have to say that I like the book better. I like Sookie, she has good instincts.

Mina Burrows said...

@Mary - Me too!

@Michael Offutt - I agree. Eric is a hawt!

@Lisa - Total snuggler, Lis. :)

@LilyElement - I understand about the last two. Still, I love the series regardless and this book was - I thought- much better than the last couple.

@Stacy Henrie - Aw, thx Stacy! :)

@Elise Fallson - Yeah, I didn't think she'd do what she did, but she drew the line alright. BALLS!

@Carley L. - I was really disappointed in Eric in the last one. And he hasn't improved much in this book, but Sookie takes the reigns in this one I can't wait for True Blood too.

@Michael Pierce - Aw, Violet..Fred loves the babes!

@mshatch - Yeah, both the show and the books rock!

@Medeia Sharif - Thanks. Well, if you get board that's not an excellent option to dive in to.

@michelle - Yes he is!
Aw, thanks. On my way now...

@Cindy - She does and then she doesn't. But isn't that we love about our protagonists?

UK said...

I read this book the way a thirsty person would drink a glass of water on a hot day. I have been looking forward to this book ever since I finished Dead Reckoning last Spring, and while Dead Reckoning was somewhat of a disappointment after Dead in the Family, Deadlocked delivers. Dead Reckoning kept a line of suspense going, as far as the fae goes, the entire book, giving us no real answers and the book left me feeling unfufilled. Here, here we get our answers, and so much closure as far as Sookie's supe family secrets are concerned.