Helpful Score: 8
This is the twelfth book in the Dresden Files series by Jim Butchers. I seriously think this was the best book in this series so far, and that is saying something given how much I love this series.
Harry gets a call from his old flame Susan, she has a surprise for Harry. Harry has a child and his daughter has been stolen by the Red Court. Harry will stop at nothing to save his child from the Red Court. He will petition all his allies for whatever help he can get. With the Red Court and the White Council at an uneasy truce; Harry won't be able to depend on the other wizards for help. Harry make have to make some deals to increase his power and call on help from unlikely sources.
I am afraid all I can do is gush about this book, it was amazing! Harry increases in power and gets pulled through a non-stop course of events that will have you on the edge of your seat the whole time. There is a reason this book is called "Changes". Harry goes through a number of huge changes in becoming a father and in having to make some tough decisions about how he will bend his morals to get the power he needs to save his daughter. Murphy goes through changes when she take up one of the Three Swords. Heck even Mouse, the dog, goes through Changes.
The pace of this book was phenomenal. Harry is catapulted from one interesting and creative situation to another; all of them life-threatening. Things happen to Harry in this book that make you want to cry, yet Butcher does an excellent job at not letting things get too heavy by throwing in some of the gallows humor he excels at. The action scenes were exquisite, the character development perfect (even for side characters). I feel like no side characters were forgotten, yet the book never seemed cluttered. There is a lot going on in this book. You have the White, Grey, and Black councils involved, the vampire courts involved, fairy involved, and the Three Holy Swords thrown in there. Molly has become a steadfast character as Harry's apprentice.
Harry is beginning to really become a force to be reckoned with. He is using his power in more intelligent ways and making better decisions; the way he resolves impossible situations is interesting and engaging. Butcher's writing is very readable and engaging and in general is just a joy to read. I forget how top-notch Butcher's writing style is and then I read one of his books and am reminded again and again.
If there is one thing to complain about in this book it is the ending. The book literally ends in the middle of a very important scene for Harry and I couldn't believe it. I was looking for more story and was sad that the book was over. Now, my next question is when is the next book coming out!!??
If you have been reading this series, get this book and read it. If you haven't started this series, get the previous eleven books and then read this one. Or read a summary of the plot online and then get this book and read it. Just make sure you read this book!!
Harry gets a call from his old flame Susan, she has a surprise for Harry. Harry has a child and his daughter has been stolen by the Red Court. Harry will stop at nothing to save his child from the Red Court. He will petition all his allies for whatever help he can get. With the Red Court and the White Council at an uneasy truce; Harry won't be able to depend on the other wizards for help. Harry make have to make some deals to increase his power and call on help from unlikely sources.
I am afraid all I can do is gush about this book, it was amazing! Harry increases in power and gets pulled through a non-stop course of events that will have you on the edge of your seat the whole time. There is a reason this book is called "Changes". Harry goes through a number of huge changes in becoming a father and in having to make some tough decisions about how he will bend his morals to get the power he needs to save his daughter. Murphy goes through changes when she take up one of the Three Swords. Heck even Mouse, the dog, goes through Changes.
The pace of this book was phenomenal. Harry is catapulted from one interesting and creative situation to another; all of them life-threatening. Things happen to Harry in this book that make you want to cry, yet Butcher does an excellent job at not letting things get too heavy by throwing in some of the gallows humor he excels at. The action scenes were exquisite, the character development perfect (even for side characters). I feel like no side characters were forgotten, yet the book never seemed cluttered. There is a lot going on in this book. You have the White, Grey, and Black councils involved, the vampire courts involved, fairy involved, and the Three Holy Swords thrown in there. Molly has become a steadfast character as Harry's apprentice.
Harry is beginning to really become a force to be reckoned with. He is using his power in more intelligent ways and making better decisions; the way he resolves impossible situations is interesting and engaging. Butcher's writing is very readable and engaging and in general is just a joy to read. I forget how top-notch Butcher's writing style is and then I read one of his books and am reminded again and again.
If there is one thing to complain about in this book it is the ending. The book literally ends in the middle of a very important scene for Harry and I couldn't believe it. I was looking for more story and was sad that the book was over. Now, my next question is when is the next book coming out!!??
If you have been reading this series, get this book and read it. If you haven't started this series, get the previous eleven books and then read this one. Or read a summary of the plot online and then get this book and read it. Just make sure you read this book!!
Changes is the aptly named 12th installment of The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher. Harry Dresden is Chicago's only Wizard for Hire, in a universe that's just one weird step to the left of our own. By the end of the book, Harrys world, his life and his future are all changed in such profound ways that the reader is left wondering what fresh hell Harry's new universe will offer.
In the first sentence of the book, we learn that Susan, the woman Harry Dresden loved and lost in Death Masks, secretly gave birth to his daughter, Maggie. Maggie's existence was hidden from Harry and his enemies in order to insure her safety in the ongoing battles of the mortal and supernatural worlds. But now that Maggie has been kidnapped by the powerful and deadly Red Court vampires, Susan needs Harry's help to get her back. His only recourse is to gather his friends and allies from the mortal and supernatural worlds, and negotiate with powerful enemies for the tools he'll need to rescue his daughter. And Harry finds out just how far he'll go to protect a child he's never met.
A wizard with a well developed moral compass, but no particular regard for rules, Harry finds himself willing to bargain everything, including his life, to rescue his daughter. But can he succeed without tapping dark powers gained in other such bargains? Powers that could taint his soul and turn him into the kind of monster he fights were he to use them. And with every new revelation, he comes the slowly emerging truth that failure would not just cost the lives of his friends and daughter, but would imperil the entirety of the mortal world.
(originally reviewed for ijustfinished.com, by this reviewer)
In the first sentence of the book, we learn that Susan, the woman Harry Dresden loved and lost in Death Masks, secretly gave birth to his daughter, Maggie. Maggie's existence was hidden from Harry and his enemies in order to insure her safety in the ongoing battles of the mortal and supernatural worlds. But now that Maggie has been kidnapped by the powerful and deadly Red Court vampires, Susan needs Harry's help to get her back. His only recourse is to gather his friends and allies from the mortal and supernatural worlds, and negotiate with powerful enemies for the tools he'll need to rescue his daughter. And Harry finds out just how far he'll go to protect a child he's never met.
A wizard with a well developed moral compass, but no particular regard for rules, Harry finds himself willing to bargain everything, including his life, to rescue his daughter. But can he succeed without tapping dark powers gained in other such bargains? Powers that could taint his soul and turn him into the kind of monster he fights were he to use them. And with every new revelation, he comes the slowly emerging truth that failure would not just cost the lives of his friends and daughter, but would imperil the entirety of the mortal world.
(originally reviewed for ijustfinished.com, by this reviewer)
Helpful Score: 2
What an excellent book by Butcher! I forgot how fun the Dresden series was. Definitely need to read the other ones though to appreciate it. And there is a cliffhanger at the end so if you can't stand cliffhangers, you'll have to wait for the next book to come out. I would have given this book a even higher review if Jared Kincaid was in it more (my favorite character).
I love his characters and I especially like that they don't all do the right things and good things don't always happen to them. I think it is appropriate for Dresden to be forced to go through these extreme changes (for everyone for that matter) or else he would be just stagnant. I can't wait to see what happens next with Murphy and the rest of the gang.
It is a nonstop action book and I loved every minute of it.
I love his characters and I especially like that they don't all do the right things and good things don't always happen to them. I think it is appropriate for Dresden to be forced to go through these extreme changes (for everyone for that matter) or else he would be just stagnant. I can't wait to see what happens next with Murphy and the rest of the gang.
It is a nonstop action book and I loved every minute of it.
Helpful Score: 1
Hands down one of his best books to date!
Helpful Score: 1
This is Book 12 of The Dresden Files.
The title of this book pretty much sums things up. In this installment of The Dresden Files, Jim Butcher pulls out all of the stops and turns this series completely on its head.
I cannot say much about the book without giving away the plot, but the basics are this: the war with the Red Court is coming to a climax, and Harry Dresden (of course) finds himself right in the middle of it, willing to sacrifice everything. Again. Only this time he really does...
Each book in this series has become more and more action packed, more intense, more extreme. After reading this book, I'm not sure if Butcher can keep up this pace much longer. If things continue in the next book as they did in this one, then his next offering will simply be 200 pages of non-stop explosions and world-melting magic. You can only push the envelope so far before everything careens out of control. I think that he pretty much walked right up to that line with this one. And then he took three steps and a cartwheel beyond it.
There is also an incredible cliffhanger ending that will fuel the conspiracy theorists and speculation junkies without limit until the next book is finally released. I am really not a fan of cliffhanger endings, but you have to give Butcher credit. I have no idea where he is going with this series, but it is certainly going to make things interesting for quite some time to come.
The title of this book pretty much sums things up. In this installment of The Dresden Files, Jim Butcher pulls out all of the stops and turns this series completely on its head.
I cannot say much about the book without giving away the plot, but the basics are this: the war with the Red Court is coming to a climax, and Harry Dresden (of course) finds himself right in the middle of it, willing to sacrifice everything. Again. Only this time he really does...
Each book in this series has become more and more action packed, more intense, more extreme. After reading this book, I'm not sure if Butcher can keep up this pace much longer. If things continue in the next book as they did in this one, then his next offering will simply be 200 pages of non-stop explosions and world-melting magic. You can only push the envelope so far before everything careens out of control. I think that he pretty much walked right up to that line with this one. And then he took three steps and a cartwheel beyond it.
There is also an incredible cliffhanger ending that will fuel the conspiracy theorists and speculation junkies without limit until the next book is finally released. I am really not a fan of cliffhanger endings, but you have to give Butcher credit. I have no idea where he is going with this series, but it is certainly going to make things interesting for quite some time to come.
Helpful Score: 1
Wizard Harry Dresden is contacted by his ex-girlfriend, Susan Rodriguez, and what she tells him changes his world. This happens on page 1...actually in the first sentence, but I don't want to ruin the book and give away the plot.
This is the 12th book in the Dresden Files series and I have to say it is one of the best. This book is a little darker than past books in the series, but the action is still a rollercoaster ride. Harry recruits various characters from past books to help him on his mission, including Murphy, Thomas, Ebenezer, Bob, Sanya, Butters, Molly, Mouse and Harry's Fairy Godmother. You can see how Jim Butcher's writing has improved since the first book in the series with the growth of Harry and many other characters.
The title of this book is very appropriate. Harry must make hard choices that change his and his friends lives. There are a couple of twists in this book that totally change the series. This includes a cliffhanger ending that I didn't expect. Fans of this series will not be disappointed. If you have never read this series, start with the first book called Storm Front. With the addition of characters and references to past deeds, I think you would be lost if you started with this book. My rating: 5 Stars.
This is the 12th book in the Dresden Files series and I have to say it is one of the best. This book is a little darker than past books in the series, but the action is still a rollercoaster ride. Harry recruits various characters from past books to help him on his mission, including Murphy, Thomas, Ebenezer, Bob, Sanya, Butters, Molly, Mouse and Harry's Fairy Godmother. You can see how Jim Butcher's writing has improved since the first book in the series with the growth of Harry and many other characters.
The title of this book is very appropriate. Harry must make hard choices that change his and his friends lives. There are a couple of twists in this book that totally change the series. This includes a cliffhanger ending that I didn't expect. Fans of this series will not be disappointed. If you have never read this series, start with the first book called Storm Front. With the addition of characters and references to past deeds, I think you would be lost if you started with this book. My rating: 5 Stars.
I am going to be an ass and assume that you are diehard fan of the series and just want an amuse- bouche about what is going to happen. Well, if you are, in fact, diehard fans then you already know how Jim Butcher loves using his titles as a kind of foreshadowing. So lets change the title into: OUCH!!!
Yeah, this one was full of shock and pain, beginning with the first sentence of the story: I answered the phone, and Susan Rodriguez said, Theyve taken our daughter. The Red Vampire Court kidnapped the daughter Harry never ever knew about!!! Talk about killing two birds with one stone: the Red Court gets to emotionally hurt Harry and Susan with one blow. So, naturally, Harry brings out the big guns and calls in anyone and everyone that might help and/or owe Harry a favor.
As usual with the bad guys in the supernatural community, they didnt limit their assault by the boundaries of the supernatural world civilians, the police, and even the FBI gets involved. (On the other hand, it isnt as if Harry wasnt going to tell Murphy what was going on or not ask for her help either but she sure as hell wasnt going to call in for backup or risk innocent civilians.)
Nevertheless, to gather information on the Red Court, Harry and Susan race around Chicago. To avoid the mortal authorities there are several trips to the Nevernever. There is also another trip to Edinburgh. Harry also calls in favors, summons things into his summoning circle, creates a summoning circle in his mind and finally settles with the Winter Court.
Not to give away too much of what happens, but the last 20 or 30 pages were really shocking, so this installment will be the first to get five stars for that alone! Additionally, I absolutely loved how Jim Butchers pop of pop culture helped lighten the mood. One such example is his reference to the movie Princess Bride. The image of Wesley, Inigo and the Giant atop a castle walkway with Wesley saying, why didnt you list that among our assets (paraphrased) really did pop into my head! It was nice how it actually fit the conversation Harry was having too.
Another one is the debate on who got to be Legolas from J.R.R. Tolkeins Lord of the Rings during this particular quest. (My two cents: Thomas wins! Sorry Sanya.) However, the conversation didnt end there. Harry asked who he was cast as and Sanya answered: Sam Why: It was no contest. They gave Gandalf to [Lea]. You got Sam Sam was the true hero of the tale, he faced far greater and more terrible foes than he ever should have had to face, and did so with courage. That he went alone into black and terrible land, stormed a dark fortress, and resisted the most terrible temptation of his world for the sake of the friend he loved. That in the end, it was his actions and his actions alone that made it possible for light to overcome darkness. (335)
In reference to Sam, what Sanya said is true, but what made you really think is what followed. Harrys mind went to Smeagol and/or Gollum. Peter Jacksons presentation in the movie took a humorous turn, but those that read the book know how Smeagol and/or Gollum fought with himself to the point that it was sad!
Therefore, five stars for the emotional roller-coaster, a.k.a: Ouch. Five stars for all the surprises, which shocked me. Five stars for the laughs and the opportunity to think upon hidden thoughts in another book. Five stars for all the action. Five stars for the ending where you say, OMG! I need the next book now!
Yeah, this one was full of shock and pain, beginning with the first sentence of the story: I answered the phone, and Susan Rodriguez said, Theyve taken our daughter. The Red Vampire Court kidnapped the daughter Harry never ever knew about!!! Talk about killing two birds with one stone: the Red Court gets to emotionally hurt Harry and Susan with one blow. So, naturally, Harry brings out the big guns and calls in anyone and everyone that might help and/or owe Harry a favor.
As usual with the bad guys in the supernatural community, they didnt limit their assault by the boundaries of the supernatural world civilians, the police, and even the FBI gets involved. (On the other hand, it isnt as if Harry wasnt going to tell Murphy what was going on or not ask for her help either but she sure as hell wasnt going to call in for backup or risk innocent civilians.)
Nevertheless, to gather information on the Red Court, Harry and Susan race around Chicago. To avoid the mortal authorities there are several trips to the Nevernever. There is also another trip to Edinburgh. Harry also calls in favors, summons things into his summoning circle, creates a summoning circle in his mind and finally settles with the Winter Court.
Not to give away too much of what happens, but the last 20 or 30 pages were really shocking, so this installment will be the first to get five stars for that alone! Additionally, I absolutely loved how Jim Butchers pop of pop culture helped lighten the mood. One such example is his reference to the movie Princess Bride. The image of Wesley, Inigo and the Giant atop a castle walkway with Wesley saying, why didnt you list that among our assets (paraphrased) really did pop into my head! It was nice how it actually fit the conversation Harry was having too.
Another one is the debate on who got to be Legolas from J.R.R. Tolkeins Lord of the Rings during this particular quest. (My two cents: Thomas wins! Sorry Sanya.) However, the conversation didnt end there. Harry asked who he was cast as and Sanya answered: Sam Why: It was no contest. They gave Gandalf to [Lea]. You got Sam Sam was the true hero of the tale, he faced far greater and more terrible foes than he ever should have had to face, and did so with courage. That he went alone into black and terrible land, stormed a dark fortress, and resisted the most terrible temptation of his world for the sake of the friend he loved. That in the end, it was his actions and his actions alone that made it possible for light to overcome darkness. (335)
In reference to Sam, what Sanya said is true, but what made you really think is what followed. Harrys mind went to Smeagol and/or Gollum. Peter Jacksons presentation in the movie took a humorous turn, but those that read the book know how Smeagol and/or Gollum fought with himself to the point that it was sad!
Therefore, five stars for the emotional roller-coaster, a.k.a: Ouch. Five stars for all the surprises, which shocked me. Five stars for the laughs and the opportunity to think upon hidden thoughts in another book. Five stars for all the action. Five stars for the ending where you say, OMG! I need the next book now!
OMG, it was so good! The cliffhanger ending is something new for Butcher, though, and to be honest, it sucked. But in a good way, as its gonna force me to get the next boook asap. (Although there is a bit more to the story in the short story book "Side Jobs".) The story had an intensity that is a little different, very good, like the author had an epiphany or something. great story! Perfect for Dresden Files!
Jim Butcher is my favorite author, and he has outdone himself with this book. Brace yourself for the OMG ending.
While very well written and completely engrossing, I did not like the ending. I tend to get tired of authors that seem to be trying out how many horrible things they can do to their main charaters with no signs of future hope. I am holding out for a next book, but this one ended pretty grim and in a manner that it feels like the last.
Wow! What a book! In this book, whatever can go wrong does. Definitely make sure you read the other books leading up to this one, as there is a lot of background info that will put the events of this book into context. There were times that I had to take breaks from this book (as much as I didn't want to) because things go non-stop in this book. There will be a lot of things thrown at you at this book, but it is still reasonable to follow.
I've really been enjoying the Dresden Files series and highly recommending it for anyone that wants a modern fantasy that increases in intesity with each book.
I've really been enjoying the Dresden Files series and highly recommending it for anyone that wants a modern fantasy that increases in intesity with each book.
Just finished this book this afternoon. EASILY one of the best in the series. The title says it all about where Harry ends up by the end. The usual characters are here to round out the story. It's a shame that Butcher only writes one of these a year really because they are so good.
As always, Jim Butcher writes a stellar novel!
This one is missing its dust jacket but is otherwise in good shape.
This one is missing its dust jacket but is otherwise in good shape.
What Can I Say!?
This is the best book in the series to date! No doubts...and of course, I am now waiting (forever it seems) for Book 13!
Harry really gets knocked for a loop this time! Several amazing discoveries occur in this installment which are sure to have riveting results in future books.
I love these books and have a difficult time waiting for the next book to come out! I guess that is just what Mr. Butcher is going for!! He has me hooked and keeps reeling me in...
Enjoy!!!!
This is the best book in the series to date! No doubts...and of course, I am now waiting (forever it seems) for Book 13!
Harry really gets knocked for a loop this time! Several amazing discoveries occur in this installment which are sure to have riveting results in future books.
I love these books and have a difficult time waiting for the next book to come out! I guess that is just what Mr. Butcher is going for!! He has me hooked and keeps reeling me in...
Enjoy!!!!
Probably the best one yet. A warning, though. You might want to wait until the next book is out before reading this one. This as one of the best cliffhanger endings I've ever read (or seen since Babylon 5's Season 4). Also, you'll want a clear few hours to read the book. The action starts in Chapter 1 and does not let up through the surprise ending.
Harry Dresden is getting old and making deals with uenn Mab. Need to know what happens next.
WOW, that was a lot to take in in one book. I just find a way to tell want all I think of the story line and not give it all or any away. Yes, changes happen, some big and some little but lots of changes happen. I did find myself frustrated at times trying to keep up with it all. I also felt it did not have as much of the Harry Dresden humor I love so much. With the story line, I get why it is was there but still missed it.
wasnt't my all time favorite of the series, it took at least 100 pages to get into.
As an author, if you can't love your characters, your story, why should I? I think Jim Butcher is tired of Harry Dresden, so instead of taking a long vacation, he just annihilated him, his home and his friends. I'm sorry I read this book, I was so disappointed in the direction it took, especially with his daughter, and after reading all of the other Harry Dresden books and being a fan who owns every book this was a grave disappointment.
The other series seems to have come to an end, as this one possibly does. I hope Butcher goes to Tahiti or someplace to just relax and enjoy what money can buy before writing again.
The other series seems to have come to an end, as this one possibly does. I hope Butcher goes to Tahiti or someplace to just relax and enjoy what money can buy before writing again.
