Tag Archives: Jim Butcher

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Brief Cases

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My overall rating for this anthology comes to an impressive 4.7 stars, reflecting the average of the individual stories contained within this collection. I had the pleasure of both reading and listening to the book, which greatly enhanced my enjoyment of the narratives. The audiobook features several talented narrators, including James Marsters, whose portrayal of Harry Dresden has become iconic, and the author himself, Jim Butcher. This volume comprises 12 stories, combining both original tales and previously published pieces from other anthologies.

**3.75 stars for “A Fistful of Warlocks.”** This story follows Anastasia Luccio in the early stages of her career as a Warden. Tasked with apprehending a rogue warlock, Anastasia travels to Dodge City, where she encounters legendary figures like Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, and Doc Holliday. The narrative creates a captivating blend of Western atmosphere and supernatural intrigue, successfully showcasing the alliance and tension between the White Council and the Ventori. Additionally, we are treated to a glimpse of a younger, more inexperienced Anastasia as she navigates this unfamiliar territory.

**4.0 stars for “B is for Big Foot.”** Having read this story previously, I was pleased to find that my enthusiasm for it only grew upon re-reading. The plot revolves around Harry Dresden, who finds himself summoned into the woods for a mysterious job. Bigfoot, the legendary creature, enlists Harry’s help to check on his son, who is currently enrolled at a private school. The premise is amusing and light-hearted, showcasing a blend of humor and warmth as Harry embraces the unusual task at hand.

**5.0 stars for “AAAA Wizardry.”** This story marks a significant turning point for Harry, who takes on the role of mentor to a group of young wizards. He strives to impart values and knowledge about their responsibilities as Wardens. The narrative does an excellent job of highlighting Harry’s growth throughout the series, as he grapples with the weight of teaching and guiding a new generation while reflecting on his own long journey.

**5.0 stars for “I Was a Teenage Bigfoot.”** In yet another engaging installment, Harry receives another urgent call from Big Foot, this time concerning his son, Irwin, who is facing darker challenges at school, potentially involving malicious magic. As they reunite, it’s heartwarming to see how Irwin has absorbed Harry’s teachings, showcasing both a deeper connection and the lingering shadows of danger that encircle their lives.

**5.0 stars for “Curses.”** In this cleverly crafted tale, Harry finds himself embroiled in the famous Billy Goat Curse that has beleaguered the Chicago Cubs, preventing them from breaking their World Series drought. As Harry navigates this whimsical yet poignant narrative, he attempts to remedy the amusingly cursed situation, bringing a light-hearted touch to the often-serious tone of the series.

**5.0 stars for “Even Hand.”** This story delves into the complex character of John Marcone, the sole fully human participant in the Unseelie Accords. Known for his harsh demeanor, Marcone’s character is further developed when Justine seeks his protection. The story offers rich insight into Marcone’s perspective on Harry’s future, presenting a nuanced view of one of the series’s most intriguing villains.

**4.5 stars for “Big Foot on Campus.”** In this engaging narrative, Harry is once again recruited by Big Foot to assist his son Irwin, who may be in over his head due to matters of the heart. Initially reluctant, Harry agrees to help on the condition that Big Foot finally meets his child. This setup leads to a captivating exploration of family dynamics against a backdrop of potential danger.

**5.0 stars for “Bombshells.”** This story centers on Molly Carpenter and the profound impact that Dresden’s death has had on her life. Justine reappears, not as the damsel in distress but as a character seeking help for Thomas. The plot showcases Molly’s growth as she steps into action, combating a dire situation and trying to make a difference in the face of adversity.

**4.0 stars for “Cold Case.”** The narrative follows Molly Carpenter, the Winter Lady, along with Mab, as they embark on a mission to Alaska. While there, Molly is tasked with collecting a tribute from the Fae in Unalaska. However, her mission is complicated by the unexpected arrival of Carlos Ramirez, who brings with him a peculiar mystery that entangles Molly in a deeper conflict.

**5.0 stars for “Jury Duty.”** In this humorous yet tense installment, Harry finds himself serving on a jury, where his unique skill set adds a twist to the classic courtroom drama. The story captures the essence of Dresden’s character and the series’ hallmark blend of humor and supernatural intrigue.

**4.0 stars for “Day One.”** This tale features Waldo Butters, Harry’s friend and a capable coroner, who has undergone significant development throughout the series. As Butters takes on the mantle of a Knight of the Cross, he faces his first real battle, grappling with feelings of inadequacy as he prepares to step into a new role that requires courage and resilience.

**5.0 stars for “Zoo Day.”** I would gladly give this story more than 5 stars if I could! It’s a beautiful narrative capturing Harry, his daughter Maggie, and Mouse on their first meaningful outing together. The story artfully switches between their perspectives, illustrating Harry’s anxieties about fatherhood, Maggie’s hope to connect with her dad, and Mouse’s desire to protect his friends. As a darker element threatens to disrupt their joyful day, the trio must remain vigilant, adding depth to their familial bond.

For anyone missing the adventures of Harry Dresden and his eclectic group of companions, this anthology is a delightful treat that will surely capture your heart. Enjoy!

My rating: 🌠🌠🌠🌠.7

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Skin Game

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Skin Game by Jim Butcher

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is Dresden and I have loved him since the first time I opened a book and found this wizard who is flawed but tries to do the right thing no matter the consequences. I expect a great story with characters that are believable and more than meets the eye, and that is just what I got. The story is pure Dresden and true to who the characters have come to be as this tale has continued. The few new characters who were introduced fit very well with those we know so well. Everyone is evolving and becoming more than they originally were whether for better or worse, and everyone is surprising in how they react to Dresden.

When Harry became the Winter Knight he thought he would be able to deal with it and maybe find his way out as he has so many times in the past. What he didn’t expect were all the complications that kept him working for Mab even though he wishes he had made better choices. Because of the parasite growing in his head, he has been living Mab has kept him isolated and is wearing down his humanity.

Nicodemus Archleone, a Knight of the Blackened Denarius, is back and Mab has a debt to pay off to him. That is where Dresden comes in, Mab is loaning Harry to a man he hates and has defeated in the past, to help. Lucky for Harry he is given some say in how things will work and enlists the help of Karrin Murphy, ex-cop and good friend, to go on this particular adventure with him. The goal, to stay alive and thwart Nicodemus at all costs.

It may be just me but I have not found a Dresden novel that did not make me very happy to have read. As that is the case I will recommend this to any fans of Harry Dresden who have not already read it. If you want to start a really good series, then start with Storm Front and work your way up, they do need to be read in order as reference is made to early incidents.

** I listened to it for my second time around because I have fallen under the spell of James Marsters who I could listen to all day and be very happy. He is Harry and don’t let anyone tell you any different. I hope he will narrate all the books as they come out because I would not do audio without him. Enjoy this book both ways!

There’s power in the touch of another person’s hand. We acknowledge it in little ways, all the time. There’s a reason human beings shake hands, hold hands, slap hands, bump hands.





View all my reviews

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Dresden: Dog Men

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My rating: 🌠🌠🌠

The start of this story stopped me in my tracks for a minute before I realized what was going on. Probably at the same time Dresden figured it out. This is a tale fit for Dresden but set outside his hometown which always makes things tenser since he is working with people who may not believe in the paranormal. You get to see a character who has not made an appearance since around the fifth novel or so though he has been mentioned in passing.

Harry is feeling angry and anxious after his battle with Puck which makes him fear for his friends. But just as he is about to sink into it he gets a visit from someone totally unexpected. Harry is asked to help a family that has lost four members to something which may turn out to be supernatural. So he takes off for Mississippi and another chance to protect innocents, which he does best.

Slow start but it’s a Dresden story so things will likely pick up quickly. This is for the fans who always need more of Harry. But should be tried by anyone who likes urban fantasy or comics.

My rating: 🌠🌠🌠🌠

No need for an in-depth breakdown of things. This is Harry Dresden and I love Harry Dresden. If he were to step off the pages he would be mine even if he protested. Things are gearing up to get a bit complicated for him, Listens, and Mouse as they try to keep people from dying.

Of course, I recommend this.

My rating: 🌠🌠🌠🌠

My rating: 🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠

Harry is fighting more than one enemy this time around. He must figure out how to destroy the bad guys without taking himself as well as innocents out too.

This is classic Dresden and it just keeps getting better.

My rating: 🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠

I really enjoy these mini-stories that give us a look at cases Harry is working on before we get back to the main event. The action has ramped up and there will be a great payoff in the end. Though it is not a novel, it is a way to be able to keep his legacy alive. Even if it is totally detached from the world as it is in the novels.

My rating: 🌠🌠🌠🌠

This was a decent end to the story but I would have been happy with a little more action. Still, Dresden, so I will be happy with at least getting something.

Still well worth the price of admission.

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Shadowed Souls

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To be fully honest I was interested in this book mainly because it had a story by Jim Butcher and I am always happy to find a new Dresden Files story. This is an anthology that contains 10 short stories all based around the same theme. Each story is based on the idea of good and evil, two aspects of the character and how complicated it can be to live as one or the other. The rating is based on the average of all 10 stories.

Cold Case by Jim Butcher: 3.5 stars
The story is about Molly Carpenter in her capacity as the new Winter Lady. Mab has sent her to collect a tribute from a small group of Fae, the Miksani, in Unalaska. There is something odd going on in the town and it may cause trouble for what she needs to do. Carlos Ramirez also happens to be in town which makes it even more clear that there is a problem in the town that could make the Winter Ladies job even harder.

The characters are just as well drawn here as if they were simply pulled away from their lives in Chicago and the never-never. The new characters are a little hazy and their place in the Fae world are not very clear. The story is enjoyable if a little slower than expected. There is also no appearance by Harry, this is strictly about our Molly and the lesson that Mab has to teach her.


Sleepover by Seanan McGuire: 3.0 stars
Elsinora ‘Elsie’ Harrington is half human/half succubus in a world that does not really know that supernaturals live among them. Elsie is at a roller derby match rooting for her cousin when she meets a pretty girl and does something totally silly, she follows her out without telling anyone. Before she can formulate a thought she is drugged and taken away by a group of teenage boys who want her to get back the sister of one of the boys.

The characters are a little dull and boring but they still manage to keep you reading. The story has not real snap to it but you can push through and find something interesting in what the are doing. Not sure it really fits the theme.


If Wishes Were by Tanya Huff: 2 stars
Vicki Nelson is a detective who also happens to be a vampire, though this does not seem to have any bearing on anything. When a woman comes to her about a lamp she has found which contained a Jinn, she wants help to set things right. The problem is that she is tricked into doing just what the Jinn wants. Vicki makes an attempt to handle it on her own with less than satisfactory results.

Truth be told this was one of my least favorite stories. I could see potential but it never materialized. I was bored with it almost from the start and it never got better for me.


Solus by Anton Strout: 2 stars
The Department of Extraordinary Affairs-Other Division goes to investigate the claims of ghosts in a castle. They found the ghost of a lonely young woman, Agatha Sedgwick, who was haunting the castle.

I was so bored I cannot even remember anything much about this story. I actually went to sleep while reading it so draw your own conclusions.


Peacock in Hell by Kat Richardson: 3.5 stars
Emily Ann Peacock is half dead and a master thief. She is sent into Hell to rescue Lenny Red Mane for a sketchy character named Peter Fiori. What she finds is though Lenny may be the one in Hell she is working for a devil. The thing is what can she do about it.

I really liked this story and the characters. They held my attention and made me like them and the situation they found themselves in. This is a good one.


Eye of Newt, A Dan Shambles Zombie P.I. by Kevin J. Anderson: 2.5 stars
Dan Shambles has a new client, a newt named Geck who comes to him because there seems to be a hit out on him. He was attacked and one of his eyes was taken out. He needs help and Dan goes on the case.

This was a nice story with a different kind of hero and a different kind of world.


What Dwells Within by Lucy A Snyder: 3 stars
Jesse Shimmer, a magic user and his ferret familiar Pal are outlaws in the magic community. When a friend of hers is compelled to kill himself and his girlfriend is taken Jesse steps in to help. She is very good at killing devils and this one needs it more than most.

Nice short story that holds your interest and makes you want to know more about the characters.


Hunter Healer by Jim C. Hines: 4 stars
Julia Chapel ran from a life that she could not live any longer. Now she is a Healer who has an assistant who is a hearth fairy, Hob. Terrence Chapel is Julia’s father and a Hunter, he is also the reason that Julia ran away. Julia had a twin sister, who was a very good Hunter, but now her sister resides within her making Julia double souled. When a Harvester comes to her it is only to gain her attention because it also leads a rogue hunter named Shard to her, and he wants to be the only one with a double soul.

Good story that draws you in and sets up the back story in a quick and effective way. The characters are well fleshed and give you a good look at who they are and can be. I enjoyed this one a lot.


Baggage by Erik Scott de Bie: 3 stars
Vivienne Cain, aka Lady Vengeance, former demon possessed super-villain turned edgy it-girl superhero turned fugitive from vigilante justice. She is a high functioning alcoholic who uses the drinking to keep her powers under control. V has been going to a gym working through some of her frustrations for a while when she senses a demon lurking about. As V becomes friends with a girl at the gym the demon gives glimpses of itself but never fully shows itself.

I really like the character of V but she is never as fleshed out as I would like her to be. None of the other characters are very fleshed out either and the story is a little thin. But it was still a good read.


Sales.Force. by Kristine Kathryn Rusch: 3.5 stars
Kaylee loses her fiancee, Dex, in a car accident after he has sworn that they would be together forever. Kaylee had not worked very much while she and Dex were together, her job is killing evil supernaturals. Kaylee goes back to work after only a week and her boss gives her an assignment that is not exactly up her alley, she is sent to investigate, not kill. When she looks into a love potion it may be the best thing for her.

Good story premise with characters who are likeable and make me willing to see more of in a longer version.


Impossible Monsters by Rob Thurman: 4 stars
“Infernally heroic Caliban Leandros takes a trip down memory lane as he deals with some overdue-and nightmarish vengeance involving some quite nasty Impossible Monsters”. Caliban has two lists, one that his brother made for him in order to keep him from doing something unforgivable and inhuman. The other list is one he has made for himself that has the names of people who have done things he feels are wrong but that he wants to give them a chance to change. It’s time for him to start working on that second list.

I totally like Caliban and plan to read the books which can give me a closer and deeper look into who and what he is.

Like with most anthologies this one has good, bad, and iffy stories in it. What did not work for me might work for someone else just as what I liked might not be as good for another. I would recommend this to anyone who likes urban fantasy.

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

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Cold Days

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Cold Days
(The Dresden Files #14)
by Jim Butcher ,
James Marsters (Narrator)

In this 14th book about the Wizard Dresden you get some things you expect and some things you might not see coming. I love these stories because I get to check out of reality and step into another world when I start to read/listen to this series. The characters are fun and continue to grow and change as the series does. This parallel universe is peopled by some of the most fantastic creatures and a lot of them are seriously deadly.

Harry comes back to himself after being dead (see Ghost Story) at the mercy of Mab in her court. He has a nurse who helps bring him back from the brink and when she does Mab starts his true training. Harry now carries the mantle of the Winter Knight and he is going to have to fight every day to keep it from taking his humanity. That is going to hard going with less than scrupulous beings surrounding him day in and day out.

His first assignment as the Winter Knight is not something you would ordinarily have right out of rehab, but it is par for the course. Mab tells Harry that he must kill a member of the Winter court and do so swiftly. There is only one problem with the order and that is Harry needs to figure out how to kill an immortal being. In the midst of that dilemma Harry also finds that he must defend his Island and all of Chicago from annihilation.

Once again James Marsters brings Harry and Company to vivid life. I could listen to him all day and never get tired of his voice. I see Harry and everything that happens as I follow the narrative. Ready for the next book and hoping that James Marsters will be continuing to bring me enjoyment of my favorite wizard/knight.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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Ghost Story

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Ghost Story
(The Dresden Files #13)
by Jim Butcher,
James Marsters (Narrator)

I have been reading the Dresden files for years and still cannot get enough. This is my second time around with this particular title having read it for the first time in 2012. I even watched the short lived television series, which may not have been perfect but was nice for those who wanted to see Harry brought to life. He truly lives in these books however with James Marsters as his voice.

While this may not be the best of the series it still gives us the true feeling of who Harry and his friends are. We have a lot of growth from characters that we have seen in the past for a short time. A lot of the usual characters are only seen sporadically in a limited capacity. I would have liked to get more from Murphy and the Alphas as well as Thomas, though it was nice to have Butters in a more active role. This picks up from the end of book 12 with Harry realizing what has happened.

Harry Dresden once a Warden of the White Council and the only practicing wizard in Chicago finds himself on the other side of the veil. There he is met by several people who he knew in life who inform him that he has to go back and identify his killer or some of his friends will die. In order to communicate he has to go find Mortimer Lindquist who is an ectomancer (?), he can see and speak to ghosts. What Harry does not know is that with his death all the power hungry supernaturals have converged on Chicago and his friends are the only thing standing between them and a nightmare.

Yeah, like I said it may not be the best but a true Harry Dresden fan will still have to read/listen to it. If you have not tried the audible book version I would suggest you do just that, the narration is well worth doing this again.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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Wild Card #1-6

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wild card 1

I am always glad to have another Dresden story. This one is going to have all his friends and family helping to find out who or what is killing in their town. If you need a fix of Harry while you wait for his next full blown adventure I think this will do.

Though it was super short even for a comic.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

wild card#2

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

wild card#3

Nice continuation but needed more

This was a decent entry but was way to short and did not really give much in the way of story. I liked it because it gives me my fix of Harry’s world, but I could do with something more. Fans of Dresden will feel compelled to read it.

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

 

wild card#4                                                                                  The action gets better

This is a great story with a bad guy who is definitely unique. Luck just wants to have fun and unfortunately this involves causing others to commit acts of violence he gets to enjoy. Wish it had been a bit longer but it got the job done. Dresden fans will be happy.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

wild card#5                                                                                  Vampires v The Mob v The Police

While there was not any real action in this story there were a few revelations about the situation that Harry and Chicago finds itself in. And really any day with Dresden is a 5 star day. Things are growing more tense with the factions as they all decide that it does not really matter if the crimes were committed by their enemy or someone else. This could be their chance to wipe out the competition.

Ready for the conclusion.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

wild card#6                                                                             Dresden does it again

Okay , I have been waiting and I was not disappointed. Though it was short and the battle could have been fiercer, it was still the perfect vehicle for Harry to face off against Puck. Dresden fans have to read the conclusion. Loved it.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

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Changes

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changes

Changes (The Dresden Files #12)

by Jim Butcher (Author), James Marsters (Narrator)

With this book the whole tone of the series changed making the title very relevant. The characters have all been through things which have changed the way they not only look at the world but also the way that they view themselves as well. Things are a little darker as the characters find themselves backed into a corner that they may not survive.

Susan Rodriguez comes back into Harry’s life only to drop a bombshell on him and enlist his help while doing so. She tells him that they have a daughter and that she has been abducted by the Red Court for an unknown reason and he has to help her get the child back. Duchess Arianna of the Red Court arrives to discuss peace with the White Council just as Dresden heads there in order to enlist their help with locating and bringing the child home. Of course that does not work out for him like he expected.

Harry is also under investigation by the FBI for various crimes which are never fleshed out. He has a price on his head and is being targeted for extermination from all sides. Neither he nor any of his friends are safe anymore as all the stops come out in order to take him down.

Definitely worth the price of admission!

This is why you have to listen as well as read this series. With James Marsters doing the narration you are sure to get than just a simple read, you get that roller coaster ride that only he and Harry can give you.

 

 

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“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, “Fuck subtle.”
― Jim Butcher, Changes

“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.”
― Jim Butcher, Changes

 

 

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Turn Coat

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turn coat

Turn Coat (The Dresden Files #11)

by Jim Butcher (Author) James Marsters (Narrator)
  I have been enjoying listening to the books after reading them a few years ago. James Marsters has brought so much life to the characters that I cannot imagine any other voice as that of Dresden. He gives a true vibrancy and personality to each of the characters which distinguishes them from one another. The stories have continued to evolve from that first introduction to the wizard and his world. Things can sometimes drag a little, but it is never for long and always picks up.

Morgan has been the bane of Harry Dresden’s life since he was a 16 year old kid hauled before the White Council for the crime of killing with magic. When Morgan finds himself on the other side of the good graces of the Council he goes to the one person who you would expect to laugh in his face and send him to his fate. But that is not how Harry operates, he believes Morgan when he says he is innocent, and at the risk of his own life sets out to prove that innocence.

A well written ride through the world of Harry and all those creatures, friend and foe,  who inhabit it. This is a good one!

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
“You’re in America now,” I said. “Our idea of diplomacy is showing up with a gun in one hand and a sandwich in the other and asking which you’d prefer.”
― Jim Butcher, Turn Coat
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Small Favor

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small favor

Small Favor (The Dresden Files #10)

by Jim Butcher (Author), James Marsters (Narrator)
Another good book, though I may be a bit prejudiced when it comes to them. I think the characters are brilliantly drawn and very well fleshed out. The mythical creatures come off as being natural to their environment whether in Chicago or elsewhere. The magical workings make sense and appear that they would work because it is energy essentially.

Harry gets attacked by the Three Billy Goats Gruff while practicing defensive magic with Molly at her parents home. He is not sure however whether they were after him or the Carpenter family. He is then called to the sight of a major magic working by Karrin Murphy and finds that Marcone has been kidnapped. There is a lot going on in and around Chicago to be worried about. There seems to be a hit out on him, Mab is calling in one of her favors, and the Denarians are back with another plot. Something major is about to happen and Harry has to figure it out before things really get hairy.

Enjoy!

*James Marsters does a wonderful job once again of bringing the story to life. I cannot imagine listening to anyone read these books because James is it! Love this guy!!
“Nay, but prithee, with sprinkles ‘pon it instead,” I said solemnly, “and frosting of white.”
― Jim Butcher, Small Favor