To be honest with you, I think the first book is the lightest of the bunch. Things keep going further and further into the deep and dark as the books progress. If I had a main complaint of the books (which I did generally like), it would be that there's no balance. He doesn't let us come up for air, so to speak. I personally think he's one of those obnoxious (and mistaken) writers who think only angst and darkness can be considered "real" or "serious" literature. It gets a little tired.

Happy Labor Day to you too! Have fun at the cookout. :)