Eight stars
Charlaine Harris left series fans with a stellar collection of novels about vampires, weres, and various other shapeshifters, but it is the short stories that connect the writing best of all. The whirlwind does not dissipate and readers are treated to a great story with this piece, likely best called a novella. Harris keeps the reader front and centre in this piece that offers a little of everything.
Sookie and Sam have made quite a connection, but still sticking to the platonic. When they agree to head to Texas to attend a wedding, things get intense from the outset. As Sam’s mother has recently admitted publicly about her shifting ways, locals take offence and try to make their views known. Sam and Sookie do their best to defend the family and get to know more about one another at the same time. Harris does well and adds depth to the entire series.
The full-length novels worked well for me, though I always enjoy shorter pieces, which challenge an author’s abilities. Harris hits the mark with this novella, hashing out some of the unspoken aspects of both characters. Sookie and Sam provide something series fans can enjoy, as well as keeping the plot twists plentiful. I can see how this piece connects the larger story arcs provided by the novels. I have been pushing through the shorter writings and found this one a real treat, without getting too dense. Harris has my full attention, which has never waned.
Kudos, Madam Harris, for keeping me attentive and excited in equal measure.
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