From Dead to Worse - Book Review

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From Dead to Worse is the eighth novel in the Sookie Stackhouse/The Southern Vampire series by Charlaine Harris. Published in 2008, the novel continues the story of telepathic waitress Sookie Stackhouse as she navigates the complex world of supernatural creatures in Bon Temps, Louisiana. In this novel, Sookie must deal with the aftermath of the disastrous vampire summit that took place in the previous book, and the political upheaval that has resulted from it.

In particular, the fallout from the disastrous vampire summit is felt throughout the story. The novel examines the political and social implications of the summit, as different factions within the supernatural community attempt to position themselves for power and influence. Sookie finds herself caught up in the middle of this conflict, as she is sought after by various groups who see her telepathy as a valuable asset. The novel shows the ways in which power and influence are wielded in the supernatural world, and the lengths to which some will go to maintain their positions.

One of the strengths of From Dead to Worse is the way that it builds on the events and characters of the previous novels in the series. Rather than starting from scratch with a new plot and set of characters, the novel picks up where All Together Dead left off and expands upon the conflicts and relationships that were established in that book. This adds depth and complexity to the story, and allows the reader to become even more invested in the characters and their fates.



One of the most memorable aspects of the novel is its exploration of the politics and power dynamics of the supernatural world. The aftermath of the vampire summit has left the supernatural community in disarray, with different factions jockeying for power and influence. Sookie finds herself caught up in these conflicts, as she is sought after by various supernatural groups who see her telepathy as a valuable asset. The novel delves into the complex relationships between these different groups, and the ways in which power and influence are wielded in the supernatural world.

Another strength of the novel is its continued exploration of the emotional lives of its characters. Harris does a fantastic job of creating complex and multi-dimensional characters, and From Dead to Worse is no exception. Sookie continues to grapple with the trauma and loss that she has experienced throughout the series, and her relationships with the supernatural creatures in her life are constantly shifting and evolving. The novel also introduces new characters and develops existing ones, adding depth and nuance to the story.

One of the most emotional moments in the novel is the death of a beloved character, which is handled with sensitivity and grace by Harris. The loss is felt deeply by the characters and the reader alike, and adds a sense of gravitas to the story. The aftermath of the death is also explored in depth, as the characters come to terms with their grief and attempt to move on with their lives.

The novel also explores the concept of family, both biological and chosen. Sookie's relationships with her biological family are strained, but she finds support and love from her chosen family of supernatural creatures. The novel examines the ways in which these non-traditional families are formed and maintained, and the important role that they play in the lives of the characters.

Another strength of the novel is its exploration of the emotional lives of its characters. Sookie continues to grapple with the trauma and loss that she has experienced throughout the series, and her relationships with the supernatural creatures in her life are constantly shifting and evolving. The novel also introduces new characters and develops existing ones, adding depth and nuance to the story. One of the most notable developments in the novel is the evolution of Sookie's relationship with Eric, the vampire sheriff of Area 5. Their relationship has been a central focus of the series from the beginning, and From Dead to Worse continues to explore the complexities and challenges of their romance.

From Dead to Worse also continues the series' exploration of themes of prejudice and discrimination. The supernatural creatures in the series are often ostracized, mistreated by humans and often treated as second-class citizens, and the novel does not shy away from the harsh realities of this discrimination. However, it also shows the ways in which the supernatural community can band together in the face of adversity, and the power that comes from solidarity and unity. This theme is especially relevant in today's society, where discrimination and prejudice against marginalized communities continues to be a pressing issue.

One of the few criticisms of the novel is that it can be somewhat slow-paced at times. The focus on character development and relationships means that the plot can sometimes take a backseat, and some readers may find themselves growing impatient with the lack of action. However, for those who are invested in the characters and their emotional lives, the slower pace is not a detriment, but rather a strength.

Overall, From Dead to Worse is a strong addition to the Sookie Stackhouse series, and a testament to Harris's skill as a writer. The novel continues to build upon the world and characters that have been established in previous books, while also exploring new themes and conflicts. It is a must-read for fans of urban fantasy and supernatural fiction, and a fitting continuation of the series. The novel ends on a cliffhanger that leaves the reader eagerly anticipating the next instalment, and sets the stage for even more exciting and emotional developments in the story.

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