Archive for Sookie Stackhouse Short Stories
Young Adult Vampire Books: More Sookie Stackhouse!
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What could be better than more stories featuring our favorite vampire fan – Sookie Stackhouse! Sure, we have all read the original series and loved it, watched the television show and are now impatiently awaiting the return of the show for its fifth season. But did you know there are stories about Sookie out there that are not part of the regular series? Did you know there are Sookie Stackhouse stories plotted by Alan Ball and written by some great writers who know a thing or two about fangs?
Well it is true and we have two volumes of untold stories from the denizens of Bon Temps just here for your pleasure, as they certainly have been mine. They are called True Blood: All Together Now and True Blood: Tainted Love. You just know Alan Ball must have come up with those titles, they are such a great reflection of the puns of numerous song titles as episode titles he has had for the show.
In addition, I have unearthed a little fun book for all true blue fans,The Fangbangers Guide. I thought it would be a fun book to have along with Charlaine’s recent companion book A Touch of Dead that I reviewed earlier. And finally- an interesting take on our gal Sookie and all her friends in William Irwin’s True Blood and Philosophy. It has always hit me that True Blood has a lot to say beyond just the fangs – and this is a great look at some concepts that even Anne Rice has said drew her to the world of Bon Temps where vampires live and kill in the open.
True Blood and Philosophy by William Irwin
This is part of an ongoing series that explores aspects of pop culture through the lens of philosophy and social structures. Sounds heavy but actually it is really interesting reading. He takes a look at such subjects as how werewolves struggle with self identity, the nature of vampire politics and how Sookie portrays the many questions we have about the metaphysical side of mind reading.
I found it particularly interesting that he looks at MaryAnn in the light of how sacrificial rituals and religions work. You will find yourself seeing all the citizens of Bon Temp in a new light after reading this book. This is the perfect book for this time between seasons to get a little more of the old True Blood fever and viewpoints to ponder.
A Taste of True Blood: The Fangbanger’s Guide by Leah Wilson (editor) and others
This book was written upon the conclusion of the second season and looks at all the ways that the television show has created a dialogue for the fans and the writers. In fact, some of the essays in here are written by the show writers and look at things like political influences on the show, the role of sexuality in the portrayal of vampires, and then there are the just plain fun stories like Jonna Rubin’s “SOOKEH! Bee-ill! and the Downfall of William T. Compton”.
While it is true that much has happened since season two ended, most of this is just a great look at all the wonderful characters in the show and how the fans just as much as the writers have come together to make the show as great as it is. The heart and soul of True Blood are its fans, and this book shows it with flying colors. A Taste of True Blood is a must for anyone who claims to be a true believer of the show.
True Blood Volume 1: All Together Now by Alan Ball, David Tischman, Mariah Huehner and David Messina
This is a graphic novel of the comic books, and before you let that stop you-check it out. The art is just perfect for this set of stories. The premise is a good one; Sookie and company are trapped at Merlotte’s by some kind of sorcery that makes them feel and reveal the little and big secrets they have kept out of shame. It is a great setup to get to know many of these characters better by seeing some old stories of their lives, and deaths, before they came to Bon Temps.
The additional bonus is the art – with many wonderful illustrations of each character you are going to want to mentally frame for future daydreaming. Alan Ball’s touch is all over this – so don’t expect it to feel like the books, this is truly a child of the television show. But that said, it has all of the great touches that Ball brings to the show and brings all of us closer to Sookie, Bill, Eric, Sam, Tara, Jason and Lafayette then we have ever been before.
Truly, Madly, Deadly: The Unofficial True Blood Companion by Becca Wilcott
This is truly a work of fan appreciation for the show. If you love True Blood the show and would like to know more about the actors, who they are and even what they did before this show this is the place to find it all out. The biographies of all the principle characters are here at your fingertips, along with some pretty cool interviews, an episode guide to the first two seasons (this was written between seasons two and three) and some really fun behind the scenes stuff that all fans crave. Like many books on this show, there are discussions of the themes that sit beneath the writing on the show, including its exploration of the identity of sexuality. I particularly liked the fact that Wilcott has included a great overview of the many ways that vampires have been historically shown in both film and television. A great companion book to the show and you don’t need to warm up your laptop to look any of it up!
Well, there are probably tons more of great books about True Blood, and I may yet do an overview of the books I discover along the way. In the meantime, this should hold us all until the show starts again in June.
So for all the Sookie Stackhouse fans out there – just pour yourself a cup of joe and sit back and read up on our favorite vampire companion, with these fun books that explore all the aspects of living and sometimes even breathing in Bon Temps.
Great Fantasy Book Short Stories – Unusual Suspects
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A variety of celebrated authors have joined together once again for a sequel to the much enjoyed Powers of Detection (6ME2WDWKRBMX). Together they have written twelve original stories of mystery and suspense in the fantasy worlds we love so much. The characters are wonderfully written and fully drawn out. Sit back, get comfortable and prepare for a whirlwind journey around the world.
In “Lucky”, by Charlaine Harris Sookie Stackhouse has once again found herself involved in a rather sticky situation. Asked by an acquaintance to investigate recent break-ins at his office, Sookie and a friend readily agree not expecting anything out of the ordinary to happen. Spells, missing luck and the occasional vampire tangle the heroine up in a magical web of disaster.
Vampires, werewolves, zombies and an assortment of other famed supernatural creatures roam the streets of Las Vegas in “Bogieman”, by Carole Nelson Douglas. It is 2013 and nothing is the same in the world. Delilah Street, a paranormal investigator, is accustomed to challenging jobs where she has to deal with the abnormal. When she’s hired to investigate the murder of Sam Spade she realizes that this case is more unusual than even she is accustomed to.
In “Looks are Deceiving” a dwarf is hunting for whatever or whoever killed a Duke. Although the Duke isn’t dead yet (only cursed) it’s a race against the clock to find the person responsible for his current state. This enjoyable story by Michael A. Stackpole takes place in a traditional fantasy world and twists and turns keep the reader engaged.
In “The House of Seven Spirits” Erica is a writer who needs a little inspiration. When she rents a home for the summer she looks forward to the solitude. When she moves in she realizes she won’t get a moments peace to write; not with the seven “spirited” roommates she ends up sharing the small house with. Sharon Shinn contributes is a wonderfully well written story with excellent characters that stay with you long after the last page is turned.
Alf has to find his daughter. She has gone missing and her mother is at a loss as to where she might be. Alf teams up with a stranger and together they look for the lost girl. “Glamour” by Mike Doogan is an amusing tale of surprise’s that will have you laughing before it’s over.
In “Spellbound” no one is ever safe when a witch leaves loves spells lying in wait. Gwynn may be an apprentice to a great and wonderful wizard but she has her hands full trying to investigate the strange occurrences at her school and keep her boss away from the infatuated witch and her pesky love charms. Suspense, romance and spell casting make this a stand-out story by Donna Andrews.
This science fiction story “The Duh Vice” by Michael Armstrong portrays a future world where wasting energy is a punishable crime. An officer investigates a resource-wasting violation and captures the guilty offender. Things go downhill from there. This is an interesting and disturbing look at what the future may hold.
It’s not unthinkable to assume Santa has a life after the big night, but where exactly does he go? “Weight of the World” by John Straley takes us into the mind of the big elf and we see what happens when murder surrounds him.
In “Illumination” by Laura Anne Gilman, when Bonnie goes searching for her missing father, things become difficult and convoluted. An encounter with a cave dragon becomes an enlightening moment for Bonnie and allows her to discover truths both past and future.
In “The House” by Laurie R. King a class project has a group of students investigating and researching a creepy old house on the outskirts of town. Although it’s isolated and foreboding they’re not deterred. But when one of them goes missing they must all bond together to unravel the mystery.
With “Appetite for Murder” Simon R. Green takes us into the Nightside, a dark and depraved city. There we meet Sam, a supernatural detective, who’s seen and done it all. However when he’s asked to investigate a serial killer who’s stalking the streets hunting down the innocent he knows many lives are at risk. With a sensual and sexy heroine sidekick, Sam investigates a case that will shock and thrill.
Women’s rights, mystery and magic are all combined in “A Woman’s Work”, a story of supernatural intrigue written by Dana Stabenow. A female team, Seer and Sword are commissioned by the king to look into the death of a royal heir. This fast-paced action-filled story takes place on the Island Kingdom of Pylos where things quickly go astray.
Overall, this is a good collection of fantasy short stories that introduced me to several new authors!
Fantasy Book Review – My Big Fat Supernatural Wedding
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This collection of short stories brings a new element of creativity to paranormal romance. Just how wrong could your wedding day go? Well, amongst the supernatural, weddings are never normal or boring. Charlaine Harris contributes with “Tacky” which follows a marriage between a werewolf and vampire, and Jim Butcher has detective Harry Dresden trying to stop a ill-meaning fairy from marrying a werewolf. Many top authors combine their writing talents in this diverse anthology:
“Spellbound” by L.A. Banks
Imagine a heartfelt romance between Odelia Hatfield and Jefferson McCoy. This pair of supernaturals meet and fall in love in college, but their families don’t approve of their wedding. Hilarious trickery and magical mischief ensue.
“Something Borrowed” by Jim Butcher
Two werewolves, Billy and Georgia, are getting married and are eager to have Harry Dresden, a modern day wizard detective, as their best man. After an unusual turn of events, Harry finds that the bride, Georgia, has gotten involved in foul play and is now trapped in a spell. And there’s only one way to break it. Can he save the marriage in time?
“Dead Man’s Chest” by Rachel Caine
Cecilia Welles thinks things are too good to be true when she finds herself about to marry the handsome Ian Taylor after a short courtship. But he isn’t everything he seems and he’s been hiding quite a bit. The wedding will take place on a pirate ship, the pirate captain has a big surprise in store, and her soon-to-be-husband is thinking of . . . murder?
“All Shook Up” by P.N. Elrod
Caterer Frankie Foster meets “Elvis” at Santiago and Trinidad’s wedding. Due to her psychic powers Frankie can tell that Santiago and Trinidad are wrong for each other, but she finds herself falling under the charm of the guy in blue suede shoes. Can she find her own “hunka hunka burning love”?
“The Wedding of Wylda Serene” by Esther M. Friesner
Wylda Serene, a pampered and spoiled woman accustomed to getting her way, decides to have her wedding at The Club, a place known for its supernaturally disastrous events. Although her friends try to warn her away from this venue she digs in her heels. Can you say “I told you so”?
“Charmed by the Moon” by Lori Handeland
The characters in this story are very likable, and Werewolf hunter Jessie McQuade is especially charming. Jessie is about to marry professor Will Cadotte because well, she loves him. However, she finds a love charm and starts to wonder if she truly loves Will or if they’re simply under a spell. This story proves that in the end, true love does prevail.
“Tacky” by Charlaine Harris
This short story follows Sookie Stackhouse in her latest short adventure. There has been a temporary truce between the werewolves and the vampires, but there are those who still don’t approve of vampire Taffy and Werewolf Don’s wedding. You see, vampires aren’t allowed to marry non-vamps. The vampires try everything they can to keep these two apart and Sookie finds herself in the midst of an intense battle. You’ll have to read the story to find out if they find their happily-ever-after!
“A Hard Day’s Night-Searcher” by Sherrilyn Kenyon
This story is linked to Kenyon’s “Dark Hunter” series. As you may know, the Dark-Hunters are vampire hero Artemis’s immortal personal fighters and are dedicated to defending humans against vampires, daimons and other enemies, including evil gods and goddesses. In Kenyon’s latest story, an unassuming squire falls in love with a Dark-Hunter. Along with some intense vampire-hunting, prepare to be thoroughly amused.
“…Or Forever Hold Your Peace” by Susan Krinard
The setting is England during the Victorian days and paranormal is the norm here. The story opens with a strange man who appears at Lady Emma and Lord Edward’s wedding and drops dead immediately after trying to halt it. The next day, the bride mysteriously vanishes. Resident detectives Lady Olivia Dowling and “Kit” Meredith try to find out what’s going on in this truly supernatural and humorously romantic tale.
Check out My Big Fat Supernatural Wedding at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
