The Dresden Files have been going on since 2000, and I’ve been reading them since ~2017 when fans said there was a lot in common between the early books and my writing. So I’m invested, and keep reading despite some unevenness.

What to Expect

After jumping the shark in the previous book (Battle Ground, 2020), this book is decidedly different. It takes place over the twelve months following the battle and the losses, as the city rebuilds itself. Much is about Harry himself and his healing journey. I mean, don’t take me wrong, there’s still the scary ultra-powerful entities and a massive confrontation at the end – it wouldn’t be a Dresden Files novel without it – but overall it’s a story about recovery and building up towards future novels.

Speaking of which, after the long hiatus of full novels since 2020 (with the exceptions of a couple of short stories), the next novel Mirror Mirror is set to next year, and a couple more novellas have been announced for the interim.

What I liked

I liked the change of pace. After the over-the-top events of last two novels, this was much needed. Grounding Harry and us back in the human life. The story feels much more personal and intimate, and the theme of healing and moving on is universally resonant.

What to be aware of

As number 18 in the series, it’s obviously not the place to start. There’s a lot of prior knowledge, recurring characters, and past events referenced. Butcher makes it reasonably easy to pick up even after the large gap, but still.

Also, as noted, the series is constantly escalating in stakes and size of battles. What started as a local wizard doing ‘private detective’ style work, has long since blown up to earth-shattering events. How you feel about that kind of stories will determine your appreciation of the series.

Felix’s and Jack’s Reviews

Felix had read the previous novels in the past, and had strong opinions about the unholy mix of pantheons and legends that prance around willy-nilly across the world. The transition of mortals to the realms of the gods makes perfect sense to someone who grew up in a world where the Roman myths are true; Felix was just happy he never had to deal with that scale of events.

Jack was new to the series, and had to go back and read through. He enjoyed the series, but his taste generally leans towards trashy adventure/romance books so make of that what you will. He says he deals with enough of the real ghost stuff in his day job on the police force’s metamundane department, so in fiction he prefers the less mentally taxing.

Summary

The series is still good, even though it long transitioned from private wizard to epic fantasy (and jumped the shark in doing so). I particularly find these ‘smaller’ events, the more intimate ones, a more appealing read.

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Enjoying the reviews, but wondering who the heck are those Felix and Jack fellows? Glad you asked! Felix is the protagonist of the Togas, Daggers, and Magic series, an historical-fantasy blend of a paranormal detective on the background of ancient Rome, and Jack is the police detective running the Unusual Crimes Squad, dealing in occult crimes in modern-day Australia.

Come meet Felix and Jack on the free short stories and novels!