Author: Ryan

Peace Talks

Background

Published in July of 2020, Peace Talks is the 16th novel in The Dresden Files series. Harry’s brother is found in the wrong place at the wrong time and will soon be judged by the accords. Harry might have a chance to make things right but that’s just a chance.

Peace Talks
Peace Talks

My Thoughts

Much was brought together in this book and the story is reaching it’s climax. This book was a giant set up for the next book… The author was pumping out a book a year on this series and then took 6 years to get this one out. The final book came out about 6 months after this so it is really part 1 of the end.

Recommendation

Fun book but don’t start here. Go back and read the 15 previous books.

Skin Game

Background

Published in May of 2014, “Skin Game” is a fantasy novel by author Jim Butcher, which follows the story of Harry Dresden, a wizard and private investigator, as he becomes embroiled in a high-stakes heist with a group of dangerous criminals. In order to save the life of a friend, Dresden must work with a gang of supernatural beings to steal a powerful artifact from a heavily guarded vault. As the heist becomes increasingly complex and dangerous, Dresden must use all of his skills and wits to outsmart his adversaries and stay alive. Skin Game is the 15th book in The Dresden Files series.

Skin Game
Skin Game

My Thoughts

Back to flexible ethics… Though the author really did a good job writing this book, I didn’t care for where it took us. I do understand the necessity of the story to get to the full story arc but this wasn’t my favorite book.

Recommendation

Still fun but not my favorite.

Cold Days

Background

Published in November of 2012, Cold Days is the 14th book of The Dresden Files series. This book starts Harry’s service as the Winter Knight and his indoctrination to a much wider world.

Cold Days
Cold Days

My Thoughts

This was a fun set up and I’m always surprised at the level of the imagination of the author. I can feel the story starting to spin up to a bigger ending. I’m excited to see where it goes from here.

Recommendation

The next link in the chain

Ghost Story

Background

Published in July of 2011, Ghost Story is the 13th book of The Dresden Files series. Harry is shot and wakes up as ghost but that doesn’t mean his job is done. How can he save the day if he can’t be seen, heard, or interact?

Ghost Story
Ghost Story

My Thoughts

How fun was this idea? The fact that it was the 13th book made it that much more interesting. I loved a bunch of things about this book not the least of which was his pull to his own grave and the rules he had to live with as a spirit. Very interesting!

Recommendation

One of the better books of the series

Changes

Background

Published in April of 2010, Changes is the 12th book in The Dresden Files series. Harry’s old flame comes back to tell them they have a daughter and she is in trouble. The Red Court has her and it is up to Harry to save her.

Changes
Changes

My Thoughts

Another good read. I enjoyed the tie in with the history of Mexico and the Red Court. The exploitation of what I call “Disney Ethics” is taken to a new level with Harry sacrificing all he is and everyone else for a daughter he has never met… Still, the story was fun and I enjoyed the ride.

Recommendation

Worth the read.

Turn Coat

Background

Published in March of 2010, Turn Coat is the 11th book in The Dresden Files series. Harry’s old “friend” Morgan starts this book showing up at Harry’s door battered and needing help. There is something very wrong with the White Council. Can Harry figure it out in time to save Morgan?

Turn Coat
Turn Coat

My Thoughts

Wheels within wheels, the plot thickens as we learn more and more about the Council members and the world of wizarding. I thought for sure that Harry’s understanding of the place was due to it being somehow connected to his mother. However, that doesn’t seem likely after the fact. The skinwalker seemed to be more than a little overpowered but I did like the wrinkle of making Thomas more human.

Recommendation

Great read and vital to the story line.

Small Favor

Background

Published in May of 2009, Small Favor is the 10th book in The Dresden Files series. Queen Mab meets Harry and makes him her special emissary, largely against his wishes. He is quickly sucked into a drama he isn’t ready for.

Small Favor
Small Favor

My Thoughts

This was a fun read. I particularly enjoyed how Uriel intervened at the end.

Recommendation

In for a penny in for a pound… I have to finish now.

White Night

Background

Published in February of 2008, White Night is the 9th book in The Dresden Files series. Someone is killing witches all over the place and leaving behind a calling card that only magic wielders can see. It seems like Harry is doing or maybe Thomas. Either way, it doesn’t look good…

White Night
White Night

My Thoughts

This one wasn’t my favorite but at least we can get through with the White King. Lara is much more out in the open and we learn more about Thomas.

Recommendation

You have to get through it to get to the next.

Proven Guilty

Background

Published in 2006, Proven Guilty is the 8th book in The Dresden Files. Someone is calling in monsters that feed off the fear of people and they know the right man to call…

Proven Guilty
Proven Guilty

My Thoughts

Harry started this book as a warder who had to watch as the death sentence was carried out on a teenager who had gotten too far into the black arts. He isn’t happy about it and we see the psychological wear it, and all the other killings, took on Harry. It’s good to see him struggle a bit as he seems to keep increasing in power.

This book did a good job trying to add some grey into what may be seen as black and white. I’m increasingly impressed with the author’s ability to work subtlety in the story.

Recommendation

If you’ve read this far, you have to see it through.

Dead Beat

Background

Published in 2005, Dead Beat is the 7th book in The Dresden Files.

Zombies! Necromancy most foul and the legacy of the man who started both of the world wars.

Dead Beat
Dead Beat

My Thoughts

I hate zombies. Seriously, they are most boring and annoying of horror creatures and I’ve never understood why people are interested. However, the author did a great job in blending the different types of zombies and necromancy that the story was actually enjoyable.

Recommendation

Worth the time to read, not for the kids.