Helpful Score: 7
NOTE: Reading at least 'Blood Rites' and the preceding books in the Dresden Files would be a good idea before reading 'Backup', and my review does contain spoilers for 'Blood Rites'.
Jim Butcher's newest book, a twelve thousand word novelette called 'Backup', is a very short story from his Dresden Files series, only this time it's from the point of view of Harry's brother, Thomas. One of the best things about 'Backup' is that it gives insight into Thomas' personality, such as how he sees himself and his relationship with his brother. Thomas' opinions of Harry are very amusing and he has no trouble telling them. Just look at Thomas' worry that Bob the Skull doesn't actually talk, and that Harry was pulling his leg using his night job as a ventriloquist. We also really start to understand how much of a hardship it is for Thomas to suppress his demon everyday, and how little he thinks of himself. The story itself is also fun, and Thomas has a similar sense of humor to his brother, though they have little contact. 'Backup' is fast paced and never lets up on its speed, so it feels that it was over before you even realized you started it. It is very easy to read, so it shouldn't take more then a hour to get through. The price tag is a bit extreme for a tiny book, even with such nice binding. Either way, Thomas is a great character in the Dresden Files, despite his small part, so it is nice to see more attention on him. I personally would love to see more stories about Thomas in the future, or at least more appearances from him in the main series. Overall, 'Backup' is a refreshing look at the Dresden Files, since Thomas sees the characters and events in a completely different light then Harry. If you like the Dresden Files series you'll almost certainly like this story, though you might want to borrow from a friend or the library due to the price for such a short book.
Jim Butcher's newest book, a twelve thousand word novelette called 'Backup', is a very short story from his Dresden Files series, only this time it's from the point of view of Harry's brother, Thomas. One of the best things about 'Backup' is that it gives insight into Thomas' personality, such as how he sees himself and his relationship with his brother. Thomas' opinions of Harry are very amusing and he has no trouble telling them. Just look at Thomas' worry that Bob the Skull doesn't actually talk, and that Harry was pulling his leg using his night job as a ventriloquist. We also really start to understand how much of a hardship it is for Thomas to suppress his demon everyday, and how little he thinks of himself. The story itself is also fun, and Thomas has a similar sense of humor to his brother, though they have little contact. 'Backup' is fast paced and never lets up on its speed, so it feels that it was over before you even realized you started it. It is very easy to read, so it shouldn't take more then a hour to get through. The price tag is a bit extreme for a tiny book, even with such nice binding. Either way, Thomas is a great character in the Dresden Files, despite his small part, so it is nice to see more attention on him. I personally would love to see more stories about Thomas in the future, or at least more appearances from him in the main series. Overall, 'Backup' is a refreshing look at the Dresden Files, since Thomas sees the characters and events in a completely different light then Harry. If you like the Dresden Files series you'll almost certainly like this story, though you might want to borrow from a friend or the library due to the price for such a short book.
Helpful Score: 6
This is a small, 70-page supplement to The Dresden Files.
Chronologically, it falls in line after Book 10 (Small Favor). At the very least, do not read this book (or this review) until you have read through Book 6 (Blood Rites).
Compared to a full-length Dresden book, this is a short story. The conflict is relatively straight-forward, suspense is minimal, and resolution comes quickly. But that really isn't the point.
The point is that you are given a 70-page window into Thomas's life and emotions. You know that Harry and Thomas care for each other and take their bond of brotherhood very seriously. But they also keep their emotions in check. Harry's perspective in the books allows for a glimpse of his own feelings, but Thomas's have always been more elusive.
This book finally gives you a chance to spend some time in Thomas's head. You get a sense of how he feels about and deals with his own family in the White Court. You get a better sense of the self-control required to manage his Hunger. You get a glimpse of the lengths he must go to in order to project the image of Toe-moss, the homosexual salon owner, in order to cover up his true identity as a life-force-devouring White Court Vampire and part-time demon slayer. And you get to see, from his own perspective, the fierce sense of loyalty and pride that he feels for his brother Harry.
This book is expensive considering the small amount of content, but it is more than worth it for the opportunity to spend more time with a character that I am always wanting to learn more about.
Chronologically, it falls in line after Book 10 (Small Favor). At the very least, do not read this book (or this review) until you have read through Book 6 (Blood Rites).
Compared to a full-length Dresden book, this is a short story. The conflict is relatively straight-forward, suspense is minimal, and resolution comes quickly. But that really isn't the point.
The point is that you are given a 70-page window into Thomas's life and emotions. You know that Harry and Thomas care for each other and take their bond of brotherhood very seriously. But they also keep their emotions in check. Harry's perspective in the books allows for a glimpse of his own feelings, but Thomas's have always been more elusive.
This book finally gives you a chance to spend some time in Thomas's head. You get a sense of how he feels about and deals with his own family in the White Court. You get a better sense of the self-control required to manage his Hunger. You get a glimpse of the lengths he must go to in order to project the image of Toe-moss, the homosexual salon owner, in order to cover up his true identity as a life-force-devouring White Court Vampire and part-time demon slayer. And you get to see, from his own perspective, the fierce sense of loyalty and pride that he feels for his brother Harry.
This book is expensive considering the small amount of content, but it is more than worth it for the opportunity to spend more time with a character that I am always wanting to learn more about.
Helpful Score: 3
This is a short story in the Dresden Files series based on the point-of-view of Harry's brother, Thomas. Thomas discovers that Harry is in trouble and knows nothing about it. So, Thomas must track Harry down with the help of Bob, the skull.
The story is very short and fast paced. Thomas is one of my favorite characters in the series. It's nice to find out how he really feels about his vampire family and about his little brother, Harry. We also discover how hard it is for Thomas to control the hunger inside of him. I wish the story could have been a little longer, but you take what you can get. My rating: 4 Stars.
The story is very short and fast paced. Thomas is one of my favorite characters in the series. It's nice to find out how he really feels about his vampire family and about his little brother, Harry. We also discover how hard it is for Thomas to control the hunger inside of him. I wish the story could have been a little longer, but you take what you can get. My rating: 4 Stars.
Helpful Score: 2
This is a small novella told from Thomas's point of view, Harry's brother, it takes place in the same time/place as the Dresden Files. It was an okay story. The story was well written but nothing spectacular. The illustrations throughout were okay, but again not masterpieces.
Thomas is contacted by his sister. Apparently Harry has been set up by some evil witches and Thomas, as a soldier in the thousand years old Oblivion Wars, needs to save Harry and get rid of the threat that the witches pose.
Thomas's character came across as a bit dry for me. The story was interesting as was the back story dealing with the Oblivion Wars. The action scenes were well done.
This is a very short novella though; it took me 20 minutes to read. Although the story is okay, it wasn't anything breath-taking. If you are a huge Dresden fan, you probably want to read this. I wouldn't waste my money on it though. I got it from the library and I am happy that I did.
I am eagerly awaiting the next Dresden Files book though...."Changes" will be out in April, 2010. So I have quite the wait!
Thomas is contacted by his sister. Apparently Harry has been set up by some evil witches and Thomas, as a soldier in the thousand years old Oblivion Wars, needs to save Harry and get rid of the threat that the witches pose.
Thomas's character came across as a bit dry for me. The story was interesting as was the back story dealing with the Oblivion Wars. The action scenes were well done.
This is a very short novella though; it took me 20 minutes to read. Although the story is okay, it wasn't anything breath-taking. If you are a huge Dresden fan, you probably want to read this. I wouldn't waste my money on it though. I got it from the library and I am happy that I did.
I am eagerly awaiting the next Dresden Files book though...."Changes" will be out in April, 2010. So I have quite the wait!
Helpful Score: 2
Good book and a QUICK read. Short book on the half brother of Harry Dresden. It will be interesting to see what is in store for Thomas in future books.
