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The Dresden Files #12
Changes
Long ago, Susan Rodriguez was Harry Dresden's lover-until she was attacked by his enemies, leaving her torn between her own humanity and the bloodlust of the vampiric Red Court. Susan then disappeared to South America, where she could fight both her savage gift and those who cursed her with it.
Now Arianna Ortega, Duchess of the Red Court, has discovered a secret Susan has long kept, and she plans to use it-against Harry. To prevail this time, he may have no choice but to embrace the raging fury of his own untapped dark power. Because Harry's not fighting to save the world...
He's fighting to save his child.
Now Arianna Ortega, Duchess of the Red Court, has discovered a secret Susan has long kept, and she plans to use it-against Harry. To prevail this time, he may have no choice but to embrace the raging fury of his own untapped dark power. Because Harry's not fighting to save the world...
He's fighting to save his child.
438 pages, Hardcover
First published April 6, 2010
About the author
Jim Butcher
248 books49.5k followersJim Butcher is the author of the Dresden Files, the Codex Alera, and a new steampunk series, the Cinder Spires. His resume includes a laundry list of skills which were useful a couple of centuries ago, and he plays guitar quite badly. An avid gamer, he plays tabletop games in varying systems, a variety of video games on PC and console, and LARPs whenever he can make time for it. Jim currently resides mostly inside his own head, but his head can generally be found in his home town of Independence, Missouri.
Jim goes by the moniker Longshot in a number of online locales. He came by this name in the early 1990′s when he decided he would become a published author. Usually only 3 in 1000 who make such an attempt actually manage to become published; of those, only 1 in 10 make enough money to call it a living. The sale of a second series was the breakthrough that let him beat the long odds against attaining a career as a novelist.
All the same, he refuses to change his nickname.
Jim goes by the moniker Longshot in a number of online locales. He came by this name in the early 1990′s when he decided he would become a published author. Usually only 3 in 1000 who make such an attempt actually manage to become published; of those, only 1 in 10 make enough money to call it a living. The sale of a second series was the breakthrough that let him beat the long odds against attaining a career as a novelist.
All the same, he refuses to change his nickname.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 5,076 reviews
December 9, 2022
Changes was insane, a true Game-Changer for the series.
If you’ve been paying attention to the title of each volume in The Dresden Files series, you’ll notice that every one of them is made up of two words. There’s, however, an exception for one title, it’s this book. Changes, the twelfth installment in The Dresden Files has often been praised as the best book in the series. I still have Ghost Story, Cold Days, Skin Game, and Peace Talks (yay!) to go through, but for now, I’m inclined to agree with their assessments.
It takes a lot of guts for Harry to think that way. Harry’s life has always been filled with cruelties that piles on endlessly, and the only saving grace to his sanity is probably his happy-go-lucky attitude, and even that part of him is about to be put to the limit and beyond here. Changes, in a way, retain the similar storytelling structure that the series has, but the events that occurred signified several pivotal and turning points in the series. If you’re reading this expecting the book would be one of happiness, joy, and fun, you couldn’t be farther from the truth. It is the darkest and the most solemn of the series so far, and it is exceptional. It’s about time, really. As much as I enjoyed reading the series, things were starting to get slightly repetitive, and this volume turned everything upside down.
However, the grim direction of the plot doesn’t mean that Butcher sacrificed the staples and hearts of the series. The characters, their evolution (seriously, if you’re reading this book or review, look back to these character’s first appearances and see how far they’ve progressed), and the development of their relationship with each other continues to be my favorite parts of the series. Moments that made me genuinely smile or laugh still existed, but additionally now, some scenes that truly tugged at my heartstrings were spotlighted extensively.
Yeah, like that passage above. Ouch.
Changes features the best action sequences in the series so far, by FAR. Now, if you’ve followed my reviews for this series, you’ll know that I had a minor issue with the longevity of the action sequences in each respective volume; I felt that some of them were longer than necessary. However, that case is non-existent in this novel. The last four of five chapters contained the biggest action sequences within the series, and I never felt bored. Not for one damn page. It was the definition of adrenaline infusion; so much was at stakes, emotional twists and turns were delivered non-stop, and I frankly devoured these in one sitting. Plus, it was super satisfying to see the fortification of Harry’s magical power.
Without a doubt, Changes is the best entry in The Dresden Files for me, and I’m pressed to find out how or will Butcher topped this one. In fact, this is the first time I give a 5-stars rating to an installment in the series. The past eleven books have been fun and entertaining, but this one got the incredibly engaging, high-stakes, and heartbreaking package that made it sticks with me. I’ll stop this review here. I’m sorry I can’t divulge any details on the plot, but I read this one without knowing anything about it, and I’m very thankful to the fans of the series for it. The book ended on a massive cliffhanger, and I honestly have no idea what will happen next, but suffice to say, Changes fortified my excitement to continue reading the series.
Picture: Changes by Vincent Chong
You can order the book from: Book Depository (Free shipping)
You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions
Special thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!
My Patrons: Alfred, Alya, Annabeth, Devin, Hamad, Jimmy Nutts, Joie, Mike, Miracle, Nicholas, Zoe.
If you’ve been paying attention to the title of each volume in The Dresden Files series, you’ll notice that every one of them is made up of two words. There’s, however, an exception for one title, it’s this book. Changes, the twelfth installment in The Dresden Files has often been praised as the best book in the series. I still have Ghost Story, Cold Days, Skin Game, and Peace Talks (yay!) to go through, but for now, I’m inclined to agree with their assessments.
“Even in winter, the cold isn't always bitter, and not every day is cruel.”
It takes a lot of guts for Harry to think that way. Harry’s life has always been filled with cruelties that piles on endlessly, and the only saving grace to his sanity is probably his happy-go-lucky attitude, and even that part of him is about to be put to the limit and beyond here. Changes, in a way, retain the similar storytelling structure that the series has, but the events that occurred signified several pivotal and turning points in the series. If you’re reading this expecting the book would be one of happiness, joy, and fun, you couldn’t be farther from the truth. It is the darkest and the most solemn of the series so far, and it is exceptional. It’s about time, really. As much as I enjoyed reading the series, things were starting to get slightly repetitive, and this volume turned everything upside down.
“Laugh whenever you can. Keeps you from killing yourself when things are bad. That and vodka.”
However, the grim direction of the plot doesn’t mean that Butcher sacrificed the staples and hearts of the series. The characters, their evolution (seriously, if you’re reading this book or review, look back to these character’s first appearances and see how far they’ve progressed), and the development of their relationship with each other continues to be my favorite parts of the series. Moments that made me genuinely smile or laugh still existed, but additionally now, some scenes that truly tugged at my heartstrings were spotlighted extensively.
“Martin was alphabetizing my bookshelves. They used to kill men for sacrilege like that.”
Yeah, like that passage above. Ouch.
Changes features the best action sequences in the series so far, by FAR. Now, if you’ve followed my reviews for this series, you’ll know that I had a minor issue with the longevity of the action sequences in each respective volume; I felt that some of them were longer than necessary. However, that case is non-existent in this novel. The last four of five chapters contained the biggest action sequences within the series, and I never felt bored. Not for one damn page. It was the definition of adrenaline infusion; so much was at stakes, emotional twists and turns were delivered non-stop, and I frankly devoured these in one sitting. Plus, it was super satisfying to see the fortification of Harry’s magical power.
“They say you can know a man by his enemies, Dresden." He smiled, and laughter lurked beneath his next words, never quite surfacing. "You defy beings that should cow you into silence. You resist forces that are inevitable for no more reason than that you believe they should be resisted. You bow your head to neither demons nor angels, and you put yourself in harm's way to defend those who cannot defend themselves." He nodded slowly. "I think I like you.”
Without a doubt, Changes is the best entry in The Dresden Files for me, and I’m pressed to find out how or will Butcher topped this one. In fact, this is the first time I give a 5-stars rating to an installment in the series. The past eleven books have been fun and entertaining, but this one got the incredibly engaging, high-stakes, and heartbreaking package that made it sticks with me. I’ll stop this review here. I’m sorry I can’t divulge any details on the plot, but I read this one without knowing anything about it, and I’m very thankful to the fans of the series for it. The book ended on a massive cliffhanger, and I honestly have no idea what will happen next, but suffice to say, Changes fortified my excitement to continue reading the series.
“But there were some things I believed in. Some things I had faith in. And faith isn't about perfect attendance to services, or how much money you put on the little plate. It isn't about going skyclad to the Holy Rites, or meditating each day upon the divine.
Faith is about what you do. It's about aspiring to be better and nobler and kinder than you are. It's about making sacrifices for the good of others - even when there's not going to be anyone telling you what a hero you are.”
Picture: Changes by Vincent Chong
You can order the book from: Book Depository (Free shipping)
You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions
Special thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!
My Patrons: Alfred, Alya, Annabeth, Devin, Hamad, Jimmy Nutts, Joie, Mike, Miracle, Nicholas, Zoe.
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July 11, 2024I honestly didn't think Butcher could write a better Harry Dresden book than Dead Beat. Boy, was I wrong. Big. Fat. Spoiler. Alert.
*****
In 438 pages Butcher strips Harry to the bone, divesting him of every possession, including his soul. And then on the last page he kills him.
My heart failed me too many times to mention. When Harry's office exploded, some but not so much as he hadn't been there in a while. When the Blue Beetle got squished beyond all hope of resurrection. When his house burned down and took his lab with it. When he broke his back. When he slaughtered the Winter Knight, I actually cried out "No, Harry, no!" What will Mab do to him? It's all very well for Ebenezer (Harry's grandfather! It all makes so much more sense now! Jesus, how far ahead does Butcher plot out these novels?) to say that Harry will always be able to choose, but Harry sold himself to Mab in exchange for healing and power, and he killed, deliberately, to get them. That's a bill I'm not sure he can pay, not and stay Harry.
When Butters got shot.
And then Harry kills Susan, the one woman he has ever loved, to save their daughter and put an end to the Red Court.
He gives Harry a daughter, and then he takes her away.
And then that horrible, wonderful bait-and-switch with Karrin at the end.
Wow.
There are so many great, great scenes, but let me just single out a few.
The Grey Council arriving in the nick of time, when we finally get to see Blackstaff at work. "I got another one."
Karrin with Fidelacchius.
The great rif on the Fellowship of the Ring. (I will say I knew Martin was the rift within the lute, he was too impervious to injury. But I didn't see coming what the soul gaze he exchanges with Harry at the end reveals. But of course it fits, perfectly.)
The best part of this book is that Butcher waited this long to write it, to give us 11 previous chapters in Harry's life, giving us that much lead time to become completely invested in his character. We feel every hit Harry takes like it's aimed at us personally.
Incredibly well done, and leaving the reader wondering how the hell Harry's going to come back from this, and if he'll still be our Harry when he does. What a great place to leave us. Bravo!!
*****
In 438 pages Butcher strips Harry to the bone, divesting him of every possession, including his soul. And then on the last page he kills him.
My heart failed me too many times to mention. When Harry's office exploded, some but not so much as he hadn't been there in a while. When the Blue Beetle got squished beyond all hope of resurrection. When his house burned down and took his lab with it. When he broke his back. When he slaughtered the Winter Knight, I actually cried out "No, Harry, no!" What will Mab do to him? It's all very well for Ebenezer (Harry's grandfather! It all makes so much more sense now! Jesus, how far ahead does Butcher plot out these novels?) to say that Harry will always be able to choose, but Harry sold himself to Mab in exchange for healing and power, and he killed, deliberately, to get them. That's a bill I'm not sure he can pay, not and stay Harry.
When Butters got shot.
And then Harry kills Susan, the one woman he has ever loved, to save their daughter and put an end to the Red Court.
He gives Harry a daughter, and then he takes her away.
And then that horrible, wonderful bait-and-switch with Karrin at the end.
Wow.
There are so many great, great scenes, but let me just single out a few.
The Grey Council arriving in the nick of time, when we finally get to see Blackstaff at work. "I got another one."
Karrin with Fidelacchius.
The great rif on the Fellowship of the Ring. (I will say I knew Martin was the rift within the lute, he was too impervious to injury. But I didn't see coming what the soul gaze he exchanges with Harry at the end reveals. But of course it fits, perfectly.)
The best part of this book is that Butcher waited this long to write it, to give us 11 previous chapters in Harry's life, giving us that much lead time to become completely invested in his character. We feel every hit Harry takes like it's aimed at us personally.
Incredibly well done, and leaving the reader wondering how the hell Harry's going to come back from this, and if he'll still be our Harry when he does. What a great place to leave us. Bravo!!
July 20, 2018
Reread. Nothing has Changed. I am head over heels in love with this book.
August 22, 2018
Enjoyable. Reads like an action film meets PI meets urban fantasy. Still getting beat up, only this time, his bouncing back means making some questionable choices. Still a sucker for the women in his life; thankfully the people around him are able to point out his misconceptions. It's less annoying than in the first books, when it was obvious to everyone, including Dresden, that he was being manipulated, but he was "unable to help it" and would lead him into disasterous situations. This time his overdone chivalry surrounds rescuing a daughter he never knew he had, and while also overdone, is more understandable and less inherently sexist than usual. Susan returns from afar, and the normal group is present, Karin, Grasshopper, and Thomas. Some of the favorite side characters make appearances in very appropriate ways, including Commander Luccio, Toot-toot, Butters, and Mister. It is very action paced, with each conflict seeming to lead to more disasters. While it may not make for the best mystery and character building, it builds its own kind of suspense, and makes for an engrossing and fast read. The ending conflict was ultimately satisfying, although a little annoying with one of those "save-the-day" appearance manuevers. My one undisputable complaint was the final cliffhanger event. Really, at this point in the series, it's not necessary; we'll all be back.
August 17, 2010
Okay, full disclosure I love the Dresden books. If you have read my reviews of them you know this. This one is no exception and is possibly the best so far.
I can't say much about the book's storyline without spoilers, but there are parts of the story...threads if you will, that have been running through the other volumes more or less underneath other "Main story lines". (These books can really make you rethink the concept of a "fairy godmother" for instance) A lot of these come to culmination here. Other things....don't. The book is well written and structured, the character which (many of us have followed since his first novel if not his first appearance) has grown along lines that the story laid out. The stories/story and Harry have been true to themselves.
The ending here is of a type that Butcher hasn't used in the Dresden novels before...I can't say more other than it's a sort of "non-resolution" ending. (Can anyone say "cliffhanger"?)
This book is one of those that people like to call a "page turner" or possibly a "thrill ride". Start it when you can afford to sit up late and finish it...I finished it at 3:00AM this morning.
Now I just have to get by till Ghost Story is published.
I can't say much about the book's storyline without spoilers, but there are parts of the story...threads if you will, that have been running through the other volumes more or less underneath other "Main story lines". (These books can really make you rethink the concept of a "fairy godmother" for instance) A lot of these come to culmination here. Other things....don't. The book is well written and structured, the character which (many of us have followed since his first novel if not his first appearance) has grown along lines that the story laid out. The stories/story and Harry have been true to themselves.
The ending here is of a type that Butcher hasn't used in the Dresden novels before...I can't say more other than it's a sort of "non-resolution" ending. (Can anyone say "cliffhanger"?)
This book is one of those that people like to call a "page turner" or possibly a "thrill ride". Start it when you can afford to sit up late and finish it...I finished it at 3:00AM this morning.
Now I just have to get by till Ghost Story is published.
August 2, 2018
In Changes (The Dresden Files #12), Jim Butcher provides strong motivation and plenty of fast-paced action on the way to a satisfying vampire and magic-filled conclusion! Harry Dresden, against all odds, must rescue a daughter he never knew existed from enemies at the Red Court. The personae of Dresden as professional investigator/wizard for hire in Chicago (now yanked out of his usual routine by events beyond his control) has a lot to recommend it. He's not just taking on a case here. He's fighting for the life of his daughter. The noir tough guy personae, in the tradition of Sam Spade or Philip Marlowe, still works; if Dresden is hit, he'll hit back and keep hitting until he's knocked down. Not sure what is new here, but Changes was a well written and fun read! 3.75 stars.
September 1, 2016
Holy F- balls, this book just made my all-time favorites list.
My heart? Through the ringer. My nerves? Shot. My mind? Blown.
This was me through the entire beautiful, horrible, intense, emotional, perfectly narrated audiobook:
Twists and turns like never before. Get ready for the ride of your life.
And that cliffhanger ending... just gut me now.
Perfection.
June 13, 2020
Full Video Review Here: https://youtu.be/vC5czvBoCRE
What can be said about Changes that you haven't already heard by any Dresden Fan out there? I mean, they can't help but tell anyone starting this series that they're going to have their socks knocked off by Changes. Well, I guess what I can say is, they were right.
Dead Beat and Summer Knight were books highly hyped by the same fans of the series and while I thought they were good books (let's be real; ALL Dresden books have been good) they weren't anything that differentiated themselves from the others. With Changes, it does that in spades.
Changes isn't just a clever name used by Butcher. He fundamentally changes everything about the Dresden Files universe with this entry. This bad boy is lean as hell with zero fat and it grabs you from the very first sentence. I never thought that a book could surpass Death Masks for me, but this one did it. I really don't want to say much else because of spoilers, but if you're on book 8-9 or so and you're thinking it's becoming too formulaic for you...just push on. It's worth it. And those changes? They'e a-comin'.
What can be said about Changes that you haven't already heard by any Dresden Fan out there? I mean, they can't help but tell anyone starting this series that they're going to have their socks knocked off by Changes. Well, I guess what I can say is, they were right.
Dead Beat and Summer Knight were books highly hyped by the same fans of the series and while I thought they were good books (let's be real; ALL Dresden books have been good) they weren't anything that differentiated themselves from the others. With Changes, it does that in spades.
Changes isn't just a clever name used by Butcher. He fundamentally changes everything about the Dresden Files universe with this entry. This bad boy is lean as hell with zero fat and it grabs you from the very first sentence. I never thought that a book could surpass Death Masks for me, but this one did it. I really don't want to say much else because of spoilers, but if you're on book 8-9 or so and you're thinking it's becoming too formulaic for you...just push on. It's worth it. And those changes? They'e a-comin'.
August 15, 2022
My initial, immediate after finishing thoughts-
I started Changes 31 hours ago. That included 9 hours of work and 8 hours of sleep. And it is with my whole heart that I say: that was one of the best books I've read in my life. I did not wish to be this person; I wished to be a disbeliever. I wanted to sit here and say, "Changes, meh". Alas, Dresden mania has taken me. Allow me to officially welcome myself into the Loud Screaming Stage of Dresden Fandom: AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH WHY WAS THIS BOOK SO FUCKING GOOD IT DEFIES ALL SENSE IT WAS ESSENTIALLY PERFECT
I started Changes 31 hours ago. That included 9 hours of work and 8 hours of sleep. And it is with my whole heart that I say: that was one of the best books I've read in my life. I did not wish to be this person; I wished to be a disbeliever. I wanted to sit here and say, "Changes, meh". Alas, Dresden mania has taken me. Allow me to officially welcome myself into the Loud Screaming Stage of Dresden Fandom: AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH WHY WAS THIS BOOK SO FUCKING GOOD IT DEFIES ALL SENSE IT WAS ESSENTIALLY PERFECT
July 18, 2016
That was amazing, the best yet. Changes was absolutely the right name for this book. Non stop action from beginning to end. Everything, I mean absolutely EVERYTHING got changed up in this book.
I can't imagine how the next book is going to look
This volume also makes me realise how far Harry Dresden has come as a wizard since we first met him. If I had the time I'd even be tempted to go back and re read the whole series up to now.
This is one of the best urban fantasy series out there.
I can't imagine how the next book is going to look
This volume also makes me realise how far Harry Dresden has come as a wizard since we first met him. If I had the time I'd even be tempted to go back and re read the whole series up to now.
This is one of the best urban fantasy series out there.
April 24, 2021
DAMN! By far the best Dresden book in the series so far. Not sure how Butcher can outdo this one. I feel emotionally drained! This book will be in the running for my favorite book of the year no doubt! Full RTC!
Actual Rating: 5 stars *****
"There're things we keep hidden from one another. Things we hide from ourselves. Things that are kept hidden from us. And things no one knows. You always learn the damnedest things at the worst possible times. Or that's been my experience."
Actual Rating: 5 stars *****
December 8, 2020
That was insane and incredible. Butcher wasn't kidding when he titled the book "Changes". Very bold move in the development of the characters, especially for Harry and I loved it. I thought the previous book was emotional.. this one legit made me cry. Best of the series yet and my first full 5-stars.
March 5, 2011
In the space of a phone call, Harry Dresden learns he has a daughter with Susan Rodriguez and that she's been kidnapped by the Red Court of vampires. The vampires are setting up a bloodline curse that will kill the child and everyone related to her. Meanwhile, the White Council of wizards seems to be buddying up with the Red Court to put an end to the war between the wizards and the vampires. Can Harry save his daughter and stop the bloodline curse?
I have mixed feelings about this one.
Pros: As usual, Jim Butcher delivers all the thrills of a summer blockbuster. Big explosions, action, a touch of comedy. The showdown with the Red Court would look great on the screen. Old favorites like Sanya and Susan Rodriguez make return appearances. Forgotten plot elements like the holy swords are finally used. There's even some closure to one of the long-running plot lines and new plot lines are set up.
Cons: While I liked Changes and found it entertaining, I wouldn't say I thought it was great. The same things that bothers me about summer blockbusters bother me about this book. Everyone has stupid smart ass quips for every situation. When in the middle of a city of thousands of vampires, shouldn't at least one person maybe BE SCARED OF THE VAMPIRES rather than making inane "witty" remarks?
Most of the story was fairly formulaic for the series, almost as if Butcher took the outline for one of the earlier books, changed some names and places, and started writing this one. Even though I'm glad the vampire plot line went the way it did, how much more of a Mary Sue can Harry Dresden be?
Another thing that bothered me is that the ongoing plot about strife within the White Council didn't advance one inch. I think Butcher is going to milk his cash cow for all it's worth, considering he's already got the titles listed for books that come out in seven years on his Wikipedia page!
The ending was a cliff hanger after a cruel tease.
Conclusion: While I enjoyed Changes as much as I enjoy most Harry Dresden books, they are like the Cadbury Creme Eggs. While I like them when they're in stores around Easter, I'm glad when they're gone and I get a year to let the memories fade so I can enjoy them again the following year. See you in 365 days, Jim Butcher!
I have mixed feelings about this one.
Pros: As usual, Jim Butcher delivers all the thrills of a summer blockbuster. Big explosions, action, a touch of comedy. The showdown with the Red Court would look great on the screen. Old favorites like Sanya and Susan Rodriguez make return appearances. Forgotten plot elements like the holy swords are finally used. There's even some closure to one of the long-running plot lines and new plot lines are set up.
Cons: While I liked Changes and found it entertaining, I wouldn't say I thought it was great. The same things that bothers me about summer blockbusters bother me about this book. Everyone has stupid smart ass quips for every situation. When in the middle of a city of thousands of vampires, shouldn't at least one person maybe BE SCARED OF THE VAMPIRES rather than making inane "witty" remarks?
Most of the story was fairly formulaic for the series, almost as if Butcher took the outline for one of the earlier books, changed some names and places, and started writing this one. Even though I'm glad the vampire plot line went the way it did, how much more of a Mary Sue can Harry Dresden be?
Another thing that bothered me is that the ongoing plot about strife within the White Council didn't advance one inch. I think Butcher is going to milk his cash cow for all it's worth, considering he's already got the titles listed for books that come out in seven years on his Wikipedia page!
The ending was a cliff hanger after a cruel tease.
Conclusion: While I enjoyed Changes as much as I enjoy most Harry Dresden books, they are like the Cadbury Creme Eggs. While I like them when they're in stores around Easter, I'm glad when they're gone and I get a year to let the memories fade so I can enjoy them again the following year. See you in 365 days, Jim Butcher!
October 1, 2017
Long ago, Susan Rodriguez was Harry Dresden's lover-until she was attacked by his enemies, leaving her torn between her own humanity and the bloodlust of the vampiric Red Court. Susan then disappeared to South America, where she could fight both her savage gift and those who cursed her with it.
Susan is back and she has a big surprise for Harry in this one. If you've read the synopsis then you probably already know what it is, but if you haven't I would recommend not reading it so you don't spoil it.
When Jim Butcher titled this one Changes, he wasn't kidding. There were lots of changes, some of which I don't think I was quite ready for. I was shocked by some of the choices Harry made, and although I understand why, I have mixed feelings about them.
As in all of the Dresden books, this one was loaded with action. So much action, that for me I have to sit back and take some deep breaths when it's all finally over. I was stunned by the ending and hoping Jim writes the next book quickly, because it is going to be torture to have to wait a whole year to find out what really happened.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
Susan is back and she has a big surprise for Harry in this one. If you've read the synopsis then you probably already know what it is, but if you haven't I would recommend not reading it so you don't spoil it.
When Jim Butcher titled this one Changes, he wasn't kidding. There were lots of changes, some of which I don't think I was quite ready for. I was shocked by some of the choices Harry made, and although I understand why, I have mixed feelings about them.
As in all of the Dresden books, this one was loaded with action. So much action, that for me I have to sit back and take some deep breaths when it's all finally over. I was stunned by the ending and hoping Jim writes the next book quickly, because it is going to be torture to have to wait a whole year to find out what really happened.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
June 18, 2023
I'm ... speechless. No, actually, that's a lie. *curses up a storm*
Harry has a daughter! Fucking Susan! And OF COURSE the Red Court vamps are using the girl against her father. So what is he to do but try to find help where he can. Naturally, the ones owing him the most do the least. FFS!
A lot happens here and most of it is spoiller-territory so I cannot say much more than what my status updates already reveal:
There will be a ragtag band going to get the girl back and, possibly, ending the war Harry started for Susan once and for all.
So many chickens come home to roost here. Friends helping, others betraying, the fucking White Council being as stupid as ever if not more.
Bob, Mouse, Mister, Murphy, Molly, Thomas and sooo many more get involved one way or another and it was moving me to tears (or made me scream in anger).
The emotions in this were INTENSE. I can't say this installment surpasses all others before it in humour or intensity or emotional payoff because previous volumes were already extremely impressive on all these fronts. Nevertheless, it's one hell of an impactful entry in the series. Not least because of that mindfuck of a cliffhanger at the very end.
I feel like I need lying down for a while, I'm so drained. Can't say if it's because of the book or the heat or both. *snickers* Which tells you just HOW great this was.
Harry has a daughter! Fucking Susan! And OF COURSE the Red Court vamps are using the girl against her father. So what is he to do but try to find help where he can. Naturally, the ones owing him the most do the least. FFS!
A lot happens here and most of it is spoiller-territory so I cannot say much more than what my status updates already reveal:
There will be a ragtag band going to get the girl back and, possibly, ending the war Harry started for Susan once and for all.
So many chickens come home to roost here. Friends helping, others betraying, the fucking White Council being as stupid as ever if not more.
Bob, Mouse, Mister, Murphy, Molly, Thomas and sooo many more get involved one way or another and it was moving me to tears (or made me scream in anger).
The emotions in this were INTENSE. I can't say this installment surpasses all others before it in humour or intensity or emotional payoff because previous volumes were already extremely impressive on all these fronts. Nevertheless, it's one hell of an impactful entry in the series. Not least because of that mindfuck of a cliffhanger at the very end.
I feel like I need lying down for a while, I'm so drained. Can't say if it's because of the book or the heat or both. *snickers* Which tells you just HOW great this was.
May 18, 2023
I am extremely happy to say that Changes absolutely lived up to the hype that has been built around it...incredible book.
February 17, 2020
“Still don't know what I was waitin' for
And my time was runnin' wild
A million dead end streets and
Every time I thought I'd got it made
It seemed the taste was not so sweet
So I turned myself to face me
But I've never caught a glimpse
How the others must see the faker
I'm much too fast to take that test
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes
Turn and face the strange”
- David Bowie
“The only constant in life is change”
- Heraclitus
AC/DC guitarist and frontman Angus Young was once asked if his band had put out eleven albums that were essentially all the same. His unblinking answer was “no, we’ve put out twelve albums the same”.
If it’s not broke, then don’t fix it is also a time-honored maxim that may not be universal, especially when you’re talking about artistic expression.
The now infamous episode of Happy Days resulted in the uncomplimentary term “jump the shark”. Wikipedia defines this as “Jumping the shark is an idiom used to describe a moment when something that was once popular but has grown less so makes an attempt at publicity which only serves to highlight its irrelevance. “
Jim Butcher had a winning formula: style an urban fantasy series around a hard-boiled crime fiction template, fill it with magic, action, colorful characters and all anchored by a charismatic protagonist narrator. The first eleven novels featured vampires in three courts, faerie courts (and a godmother!), werewolves, and enough action to stuff as box of lucky charms (they’re magically delicious!).
But maybe the conversation had begun that they had mined the depths and were approaching the time when Harry would need to summon a certain Arthur Fonzarelli who could again don the waterskis.
To Butcher’s credit, he did not attempt a pointless remedial stunt but instead made the decision that our story was going to go in a completely new direction.
I think this was the best Dresden novel up to this point.
Parts of it reminded me of Apocalypto and also the arena scene from Attack of the Clones. LOTS OF ACTION! But also some introspection from our hero that serves as some foreshadowing for the changes to come.
Susan comes back into Harry’s life with a HUGE surprise and the need for some life changing decisions. Dresden must make a deal with Queen Mab and before you know it we are in a winner take all fight with the entire Red Court.
Butcher drives me crazy with the wise-ass levity, but that’s also part of the charm. His writing can be some of the best in the urban fantasy genre but can also divulge into made for TV smarmy sentimentalism, especially in scenes regarding romantic relationships – maybe he needs to get a ghost writer to help with these scenes.
Whatever happens next, there are BIG changes in the storyline that continues in the next book and from here on.
Well done!
And my time was runnin' wild
A million dead end streets and
Every time I thought I'd got it made
It seemed the taste was not so sweet
So I turned myself to face me
But I've never caught a glimpse
How the others must see the faker
I'm much too fast to take that test
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes
Turn and face the strange”
- David Bowie
“The only constant in life is change”
- Heraclitus
AC/DC guitarist and frontman Angus Young was once asked if his band had put out eleven albums that were essentially all the same. His unblinking answer was “no, we’ve put out twelve albums the same”.
If it’s not broke, then don’t fix it is also a time-honored maxim that may not be universal, especially when you’re talking about artistic expression.
The now infamous episode of Happy Days resulted in the uncomplimentary term “jump the shark”. Wikipedia defines this as “Jumping the shark is an idiom used to describe a moment when something that was once popular but has grown less so makes an attempt at publicity which only serves to highlight its irrelevance. “
Jim Butcher had a winning formula: style an urban fantasy series around a hard-boiled crime fiction template, fill it with magic, action, colorful characters and all anchored by a charismatic protagonist narrator. The first eleven novels featured vampires in three courts, faerie courts (and a godmother!), werewolves, and enough action to stuff as box of lucky charms (they’re magically delicious!).
But maybe the conversation had begun that they had mined the depths and were approaching the time when Harry would need to summon a certain Arthur Fonzarelli who could again don the waterskis.
To Butcher’s credit, he did not attempt a pointless remedial stunt but instead made the decision that our story was going to go in a completely new direction.
I think this was the best Dresden novel up to this point.
Parts of it reminded me of Apocalypto and also the arena scene from Attack of the Clones. LOTS OF ACTION! But also some introspection from our hero that serves as some foreshadowing for the changes to come.
Susan comes back into Harry’s life with a HUGE surprise and the need for some life changing decisions. Dresden must make a deal with Queen Mab and before you know it we are in a winner take all fight with the entire Red Court.
Butcher drives me crazy with the wise-ass levity, but that’s also part of the charm. His writing can be some of the best in the urban fantasy genre but can also divulge into made for TV smarmy sentimentalism, especially in scenes regarding romantic relationships – maybe he needs to get a ghost writer to help with these scenes.
Whatever happens next, there are BIG changes in the storyline that continues in the next book and from here on.
Well done!
November 23, 2018
Changes was, in my opinion, the best of The Dresden Files so far. We have Harry with his usual hang-ups but the problem is more thorny than anything he's faced so far. Susan Rodriguez, an old flame who's been turned into a half-vampire, kept a major secret. Now Harry's enemies know it and they're out for revenge.
... I could feel the emotions that were stirring somewhere deep inside me, gathering power like a storm far out to sea. I couldn't see them. I could only feel their effects, but it was enough to know that whatever was rising inside me was potent. Violent. Dangerous. pg 19, ebook
Because of the nature of the secret, Harry is going to need to call in all the favors he's owed. And, maybe, make a few bargains he'd rather not make.
The man once wrote: Do not meddle in the affairs of wizards, for they are subtle and quick to anger. Tolkien had that one mostly right. I stepped forward, let the door bang closed, and snarled, "F*ck subtle." pg 46
In the past few books, Harry has become more powerful but also has more responsibilities. What will happen to his apprentice Molly if he goes off the deep end? There's also Mister, Mouse and Bob to consider.
So we do what a good wizard always does when the odds are stacked up against us: We cheat. pg 95, ebook
Readers are treated to more information about Harry's murky past and a cliffhanger of an ending that will have you immediately reaching for the next book. Highly recommended for fans of urban fantasy. I loved it.
... I could feel the emotions that were stirring somewhere deep inside me, gathering power like a storm far out to sea. I couldn't see them. I could only feel their effects, but it was enough to know that whatever was rising inside me was potent. Violent. Dangerous. pg 19, ebook
Because of the nature of the secret, Harry is going to need to call in all the favors he's owed. And, maybe, make a few bargains he'd rather not make.
The man once wrote: Do not meddle in the affairs of wizards, for they are subtle and quick to anger. Tolkien had that one mostly right. I stepped forward, let the door bang closed, and snarled, "F*ck subtle." pg 46
In the past few books, Harry has become more powerful but also has more responsibilities. What will happen to his apprentice Molly if he goes off the deep end? There's also Mister, Mouse and Bob to consider.
So we do what a good wizard always does when the odds are stacked up against us: We cheat. pg 95, ebook
Readers are treated to more information about Harry's murky past and a cliffhanger of an ending that will have you immediately reaching for the next book. Highly recommended for fans of urban fantasy. I loved it.
January 13, 2016
I'm feeling quite happy, fresh from reading Changes. Had I read it faster, I would have given it less than 4 stars. So who knows, if I'd read it slower, maybe I'd have rated it a perfect five. But I feel that though I can't ignore the flaws of Dresden's episodic epics, I realize that for a book that provides so much fun, it's okay for part of it to be mindless.
April 24, 2022
I have been in a terrible book slump. It's not like I don't have the time (much) to read or I am not reading altogether... I am just not interested. And I have been picking up books of different genres and failing at finding them interesting.
I thought that my usual comfort genre should solve this since I cannot read high fantasy now.. so the next best option? UF. About time I read this book.
It started with a BAM. I had to make sure I am reading the correct book and haven't skipped any because damn.
Alas, I still struggled until the 60% mark, in a way that sure, I am reading and interested in what's going to happen next but not really engaged in the story. But then I couldn't put the book down and I was transported to another world where the outside noise doesn't matter. Where I don't care about checking my phone. Where the only thing that matters is knowing what's going to happen next to the main character. It was just me & the story.
AND I HAVE MISSED THIS FEELING SO DAMN MUCH.
The second half was explosive. It's definitely one of the strongest books in the series so far because as the title says, "changes" flipped the table. It changed my idea of what's next. More or less, the Dresden Files books follow the same formula, typical of this genre. However, this book didn't (and I was hoping for that). It changed the game and left us with a huge cliffhanger. I couldn't help reading the first few pages of the sequel. (I also missed not being able to control my reading whims.)
My point is, this was hella of a book and that says something about the author and the book itself considering my slump and the fact that this is the 12th book of a series.
I also believe I am recovered -if not completely- from this disinterest in books that has been plaguing me since the new year. So thanks, Butcher.
I thought that my usual comfort genre should solve this since I cannot read high fantasy now.. so the next best option? UF. About time I read this book.
It started with a BAM. I had to make sure I am reading the correct book and haven't skipped any because damn.
Alas, I still struggled until the 60% mark, in a way that sure, I am reading and interested in what's going to happen next but not really engaged in the story. But then I couldn't put the book down and I was transported to another world where the outside noise doesn't matter. Where I don't care about checking my phone. Where the only thing that matters is knowing what's going to happen next to the main character. It was just me & the story.
AND I HAVE MISSED THIS FEELING SO DAMN MUCH.
The second half was explosive. It's definitely one of the strongest books in the series so far because as the title says, "changes" flipped the table. It changed my idea of what's next. More or less, the Dresden Files books follow the same formula, typical of this genre. However, this book didn't (and I was hoping for that). It changed the game and left us with a huge cliffhanger. I couldn't help reading the first few pages of the sequel. (I also missed not being able to control my reading whims.)
My point is, this was hella of a book and that says something about the author and the book itself considering my slump and the fact that this is the 12th book of a series.
I also believe I am recovered -if not completely- from this disinterest in books that has been plaguing me since the new year. So thanks, Butcher.
June 2, 2014
Harry returns in his 12th novel discovering through his old flame that he has a daughter. Along the way he avoids assassination attempts and hostile supernatural creatures in order to save the child. For those who have enjoyed the most recent two books it's more of the same old same old though I find the style diverting from the original first six or so novels. Harry gets into jam after jam and even though they get bigger and bigger it's gotten to the point where it's getting stale. True, the older novels were like that as well but it felt Harry was at least in more danger. These days he's so powerful and has so many allies that the question is almost jocular in how he's going to get out of it as we laugh and tag along.
Writing style in the last few novels has bothered me the most. Too many characters snort in reply or cross their arms. Butcher spends more time in trying to write things he's not so good at and it makes me wince. I think Butcher's strengths have always been in his ideas and the plotting of those ideas and the writing style has always been a few notches down, especially when he deals with the love issues or "wise talk". Lately, the quality has dropped in both so it feels like he's rushing things in order to meet deadlines.
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It's unlikely I'll continue with this series as I had reservations with the previous novel and had to struggle through this one just to finish it. That said, I think Harry will be in good hands as this was on the NY Times Best Seller List and the loss of a few readers won't affect the author economically.
WRITING STYLE: C to C plus; PLOTTING: B minus; CHARACTERS/DIALOGUE: C plus to B minus; CHANGES/CHOICES: B minus; WHEN READ: December to January 2012 (revised review early August 2012); OVERALL GRADE: C plus to B minus.
Writing style in the last few novels has bothered me the most. Too many characters snort in reply or cross their arms. Butcher spends more time in trying to write things he's not so good at and it makes me wince. I think Butcher's strengths have always been in his ideas and the plotting of those ideas and the writing style has always been a few notches down, especially when he deals with the love issues or "wise talk". Lately, the quality has dropped in both so it feels like he's rushing things in order to meet deadlines.
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/>It's unlikely I'll continue with this series as I had reservations with the previous novel and had to struggle through this one just to finish it. That said, I think Harry will be in good hands as this was on the NY Times Best Seller List and the loss of a few readers won't affect the author economically.
WRITING STYLE: C to C plus; PLOTTING: B minus; CHARACTERS/DIALOGUE: C plus to B minus; CHANGES/CHOICES: B minus; WHEN READ: December to January 2012 (revised review early August 2012); OVERALL GRADE: C plus to B minus.
June 19, 2023
Man, this really lived up to the hype. It lived up to the title as well. Nothing's going to be the same after this.
"Something like this will test you like nothing else,” Mac said. “You’re going to find out who you are, Harry. You’re going to find out which principles you’ll stand by to your death–and which lines you’ll cross.” He took my empty glass away and said, “You’re heading into the badlands. It’ll be easy to get lost.” -Mac
The Dresden files books have all been good, but they were starting to get a bit repetitive, in my opinion. This book breathes new life into the series.
"Something like this will test you like nothing else,” Mac said. “You’re going to find out who you are, Harry. You’re going to find out which principles you’ll stand by to your death–and which lines you’ll cross.” He took my empty glass away and said, “You’re heading into the badlands. It’ll be easy to get lost.” -Mac
The Dresden files books have all been good, but they were starting to get a bit repetitive, in my opinion. This book breathes new life into the series.
September 19, 2018
I knew this book was going to hold some big developments in this series just because of the title. Changes. And I wasn't wrong. This 12th book in The Dresden Files series is my favorite so far. Action packed and full of surprises, Changes kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end.
Susan Rodrieguez, Dresden's former girlfriend and now half vampire, comes back into his life, asking for help with a dire situation. Dresden is caught off guard by some of her secrets, now revealed, but rallies his allies to help in the quest. Things rapidly spiral out of control (This is Dresden we're talking about....that can't be too surprising) and he finds himself making choices he never thought he would make.
This was a fabulous addition to this series! Lots of magic, constant action, and some really important character development. I knew what happened in the last portion of the story (thanks to my husband's accidental revelation of extreme spoilers) but the final hour of this book still left me shocked and speechless for awhile. I'm glad I have book #13, Ghost Story, waiting in the wings! I'm starting on it right away!
I listened to the audio book version of Changes. Narrated by James Marsters, the audio is a bit shy of 15.5 hours long. Marsters performance was fabulous as usual. He lends some great acting skills to his reading, voicing the characters and different personalities perfectly, even Mouse the Foo Dog. :) He reads at a nice even pace and even with my hearing loss I was easily able to hear and understand.
Moving on to the next book....I must know what happens! I'm so glad that I read action series slowly.....my husband speeds through and then has to stew on cliffhangers for months. :)
I do have one question though..... Dresden is always adamant that he will NOT wear hats. So why does the publisher insist on picturing Dresden on every book cover wearing a hat????
On to the next!
Susan Rodrieguez, Dresden's former girlfriend and now half vampire, comes back into his life, asking for help with a dire situation. Dresden is caught off guard by some of her secrets, now revealed, but rallies his allies to help in the quest. Things rapidly spiral out of control (This is Dresden we're talking about....that can't be too surprising) and he finds himself making choices he never thought he would make.
This was a fabulous addition to this series! Lots of magic, constant action, and some really important character development. I knew what happened in the last portion of the story (thanks to my husband's accidental revelation of extreme spoilers) but the final hour of this book still left me shocked and speechless for awhile. I'm glad I have book #13, Ghost Story, waiting in the wings! I'm starting on it right away!
I listened to the audio book version of Changes. Narrated by James Marsters, the audio is a bit shy of 15.5 hours long. Marsters performance was fabulous as usual. He lends some great acting skills to his reading, voicing the characters and different personalities perfectly, even Mouse the Foo Dog. :) He reads at a nice even pace and even with my hearing loss I was easily able to hear and understand.
Moving on to the next book....I must know what happens! I'm so glad that I read action series slowly.....my husband speeds through and then has to stew on cliffhangers for months. :)
I do have one question though..... Dresden is always adamant that he will NOT wear hats. So why does the publisher insist on picturing Dresden on every book cover wearing a hat????
On to the next!
October 13, 2021
Hey, I have a new booktube (youtube for book reviews) channel and mentioned the Dresden Files in my Top 10 Spooky Reads Not Stephen King here. I hope you enjoy! Please subscribe if you do, thanks!
It's hard to keep reviewing these without pretty much saying the same thing over and over. The game has been stepped up for these last couple books (like 5 at this point), in plot, writing, stakes, everything. This series go from a fun popcorn series at first to some of my favorite books of all time possibly.
I keep thinking, there's no way he can up the stakes after the last book and then he proves me wrong. The stakes in Changes were as high as they get with the Red Court.
And if you haven't listened to James Marsters reading these books, you're really missing out. He's the perfect Dresden and ALL OTHER CHARACTERS, especially Toot Toot.
I'm slightly concerned with that ending, but Changes was another in the epically great column instead of the old popcorn one.
4.5 out of 5 Stars (highly recommended, like super duper highly)
It's hard to keep reviewing these without pretty much saying the same thing over and over. The game has been stepped up for these last couple books (like 5 at this point), in plot, writing, stakes, everything. This series go from a fun popcorn series at first to some of my favorite books of all time possibly.
I keep thinking, there's no way he can up the stakes after the last book and then he proves me wrong. The stakes in Changes were as high as they get with the Red Court.
And if you haven't listened to James Marsters reading these books, you're really missing out. He's the perfect Dresden and ALL OTHER CHARACTERS, especially Toot Toot.
I'm slightly concerned with that ending, but Changes was another in the epically great column instead of the old popcorn one.
4.5 out of 5 Stars (highly recommended, like super duper highly)
April 1, 2024
Good book, good character growth - but I'd be lying if I said it was my favourite Dresden Files book.
August 5, 2022
There do be Changes, alright.
May 11, 2020
Rough book for Harry. Rough end for me. Seriously, I am crying. At a Dresden book. The climax of the story tore me to pieces!
November 11, 2012
Yup. That about sums it up. Holy craptoid this book was intense. I know that I said that I found Turn Coat to be predictable, but Changes was anything but. It started off with a Whopper and then added jalapenos and Sriracha and some pickled habaneros and holy shit is this going to be regrettable later. I never knew where this was going to go next, and each time another explosive ingredient was added, my intestines clenched.
And on top of that, this book was surprisingly emotional as well. EVERYTHING changes and many things are lost for good. Harry makes choices that I was sure NOTHING would ever cause him to make, and rather than losing respect for him for these choices, I have even more because after 11 prior books and several short stories, it's perfectly clear how dire things would need to be in Harry's view in order to lead to that point. And for him, it was. And it was heartbreaking.
I had no trouble at all accepting Harry's reaction to the bomb that was dropped on him regarding Maggie. Though I did think that anyone else would have been there for the wrong (selfish) reasons, but not Harry. He went from zero to Super-Dad in 0.006 seconds. And it made sense. In the very first Dresden story, the short that comes before Storm Front even, we see him go to the wall for a little girl he doesn't know who has no ties to him in any way, so of course for family he'd go through the wall and demolish the house and the ground it's sitting on if necessary. Whatever he needs to do.
And though my intestines were clenched, I loved and dreaded every minute of it.
I really liked the Red Court/Maya correlation, and I think it makes perfect sense. That's probably what really happened.
Yes. So. Changes. Wow. Awesomeness, and I can't wait to see where it goes from here.
June 1, 2016
7/10
Ch-ch-changes
Just gonna have to be a different man
Time may change me
But I can't trace time
David Bowie
I merely put this in my review as I couldn't pick this book up without singing this classic song in my head and some of the lyrics are mildly relevant I suppose.
This isn't a review and more ramblings as I can't work out my feelings on this one.
I found this one difficult to rate to be honest, so much happens in this one but I just didn't get totally invested in the story. I think I like the series the most when Harry is PI'ing and working out some mystery and not being some sort of all powerful wizard in an alternate universe which is what happens in this one.
Loads happens, within the first few pages a massive reveal happens which changes the whole of Harrys outlook on things and shapes his future and the plot of this book. From there it does what it says on the tin, changes. Things from the series that I've come to enjoy either get destroyed or torn to shreds making this entry a little like a climax to a mini arc and leading into a reboot for future novels.
The ending leaves on a massive cliffhanger meaning I'm unsure on how the series is going to progress but I'm hoping not too much changes in the future novels but then again, how can't it? At least I don't have to wait long to find out.
Ch-ch-changes
Just gonna have to be a different man
Time may change me
But I can't trace time
David Bowie
I merely put this in my review as I couldn't pick this book up without singing this classic song in my head and some of the lyrics are mildly relevant I suppose.
This isn't a review and more ramblings as I can't work out my feelings on this one.
I found this one difficult to rate to be honest, so much happens in this one but I just didn't get totally invested in the story. I think I like the series the most when Harry is PI'ing and working out some mystery and not being some sort of all powerful wizard in an alternate universe which is what happens in this one.
Loads happens, within the first few pages a massive reveal happens which changes the whole of Harrys outlook on things and shapes his future and the plot of this book. From there it does what it says on the tin, changes. Things from the series that I've come to enjoy either get destroyed or torn to shreds making this entry a little like a climax to a mini arc and leading into a reboot for future novels.
The ending leaves on a massive cliffhanger meaning I'm unsure on how the series is going to progress but I'm hoping not too much changes in the future novels but then again, how can't it? At least I don't have to wait long to find out.
July 19, 2018
Jim Butcher must sit up nights thinking up ways to make Harry Dresden’s life miserable! Just when you think that his life can’t get any more complicated, Butcher dreams up worse things for him to deal with.
Susan Rodriguez returns to mess with Harry’s reality—and inform him that he’s a father and his little girl is in tremendous danger from the Red Court vampires. Harry has spent the last 11 books gathering friends, allies, and frenemies. He has to call on all of them, all his talents, all his anger & power, and all of his cunning to get through this tangle.
So Butcher throws everything into the blender and gives it a good whirl. There is a lot of action, a lot of blood, a lot of characters. I was happy to see the return of Butters and Toot-Toot. Also, it was great to have Mouse get to show off his powers. Harry makes a questionable deal in order to cope with the situation and gets assistance from unexpected quarters. The book ends on a cliff-hanger, so if you object to that sort of thing, consider having the next book queued up and ready to roll. Because, let’s face it, if you’ve read this far, you’re not going to quit now, are you?
Susan Rodriguez returns to mess with Harry’s reality—and inform him that he’s a father and his little girl is in tremendous danger from the Red Court vampires. Harry has spent the last 11 books gathering friends, allies, and frenemies. He has to call on all of them, all his talents, all his anger & power, and all of his cunning to get through this tangle.
So Butcher throws everything into the blender and gives it a good whirl. There is a lot of action, a lot of blood, a lot of characters. I was happy to see the return of Butters and Toot-Toot. Also, it was great to have Mouse get to show off his powers. Harry makes a questionable deal in order to cope with the situation and gets assistance from unexpected quarters. The book ends on a cliff-hanger, so if you object to that sort of thing, consider having the next book queued up and ready to roll. Because, let’s face it, if you’ve read this far, you’re not going to quit now, are you?
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