You'll have to let me know how this is. I've heard different opinions on it, but have thought about trying it out.

OOoooooh sounds like Charlaine Harris might have a case there huh?? Think I'll skip this one.

I noticed all the similarities too. So obviously I also checked the dates when the books were written. I'm surprised Charlaine Harris didn't start any legal actions against Meyer. I'm sure she could win (and make a hell lot of money in the process, as Meyer must be worth quite a nice amount of cash herself).

Now, I don't know which one I like best. I think both books have stupid, shallow heroines and that bothers the feminist in me. But I loved True Blood, so perhaps I would lean towards Harris. However, the Twilight series did have this 'can't-put-the-book-down' advantage, no matter how much it made me cringe, which the Sookie Stackhouse series doesn't have - at least for me.

I agree-- I think that True Blood is much more entertaining than Charlaine's writing. Perhaps I'm a fan of profanity and the "shock" factor (ha!), but I felt no need to continue reading the actual series.

I felt the same way about the Twilight Saga-- mediocre writing, goofy characters, but something about it sucked me in. I enjoyed New Moon the most.

At any case, I'd love to hear what Harris has to say about the similarities between the two series. I'm sure someone has brought it to her attention before.

I thought the same thing about the similarities to Twilight, to the same point of checking the publish dates too! The shapeshifting was over the top. I actually mainly started reading reviews to see what others had to say about that point.

Anyway, I don't think either is better than the other, just different, though I think I'm enjoying the Sookie books more because Bella and Edwards self -denying and moping got beyond annoying at times. To the point where I sometimes wished a vampire would just drain a human already. :P

I hate the similarity. I automatically lost all interest in Stephenie Meyers Twilight after reading Dead Until Dark. Her, 'Twilight' is way too little kiddy, pre-teen. I read Dead Until Dark and now I am hooked.

I prefer these books, actually. Twilight is just too...prudish. The sex scenes were clumsily skipped over, and most fight scenes were not described.

I ended up reading the entire series (and still waiting to see what happens with Ms. Stackhouse in the next ones). About every 3rd book I liked, but for the most part... I still prefer the show.

And I agree Rachel, the Twilight stuff IS prudish. Too bad Meyers wouldn't "go all the way" (ahem) and re-write them as adult novels. More blood, more sex, more swearing. Lol.

Alice swore once...she "said a word that sounded odd in her vampire (and therefore beautiful) voice". Or something to that effect :P

He he this is exactly how I felt when I read The Awakening (The Vampire Diaries #1) by L.J. Smith
published September 28th 1991. This story was also very similar to Twilight. :)

Makes you think though...

Hadn't you read the Twilight series, would you have enjoyed this book/series more? I agree, at this point (I've only read the first book in the Sookie Stackhouse series so far) I would absolutely recommend the a Twilight series over this one. I gave this book 3 stars. The ONLY way I'll ever give a book 1 stars is if I didn't finish it... And it takes a lot for me to put a book down that I've given more then an hour of my precious short life to reading. I haven't started True Bloods yet because I don't wanna spoil the books. I just bought books 1-10 used (paperback) for a great price, too. I expected more from this book as I'm sure you did as well.

It wasn't until I read your review that I realized the similarities between the Twilight series and this series. When I first started reading your review I was like "what the hell is she talking about." But once you addressed some of the similarities it made more sense to me. I actually came up with a couple more similarities now that I've thought about it, too. I wonder if authors get pissed when reading other authors literature at how similar books can be. I mean let's face it- the Fifth Shades of Grey series and the Crossfire series are like identical... and then K. Bromberg wrote two books in a series (so far) that are a definite Fifty Shades downgrade. They weren't that great in my opinion but she gets a high star rating... I also read online that she pays for her reviews, so who knows.

Anyway thanks for your perspective, it made me think a little. I just wanted to give you my insight/opinion. :)

Thanks! I know that literature is like music-- everybody borrows from somebody. Perhaps that makes us enjoy it more. ;)

Also, the True Blood tv series doesn't follow the plot of the Sookie books AT ALL (maybe here and there, but not really). So if you decide to watch the show, it shouldn't spoil anything for you.

I never noticed the simmilarities. I had my obsession with Twilight, now I guess it's time for the the series she possibly got ideas from!!!