Small Favor (The Dresden Files, Book 10) by Jim Butcher
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Book Reviews of Small Favor (The Dresden Files, Book 10)
Book Review: Still lovin' it! *spoiler alert*
Summary: 5 Stars
Well, for this installment in the life of Harry Dresden, Mab is calling in her second marker. Harry has to find out who kidnapped Johnny Marcone and get him back. Since Marcone is a member of The Accords now, this is a big deal. Big enough to involve both faerie courts, Black Denarians (lots of 'em), the Archive (Ivy) and some Wardens along with the usual cast of Harry's menagerie. Yet another great rollercoaster of fun from Jim Butcher.
The thing that's got some reviewers bummed is the relationship changes in Harry's life. Murphy is in some sort of unspecified relationship with Kincaid and Harry winds up attracted to Luccio. More than attracted by the end. Well, all I can say is that we're just about right in the middle of this series. Harry and Murphy will wind up together in the end, I'm sure, but it's a bit early in the series for that. What got me here was that Harry has had an attachment problem up 'til now. He wouldn't be with Murphy because he wants a 'serious' relationship instead of a roll in the hay or two. Now he winds up with Luccio? The reason given by Harry "Because it's good for the soul" was a bit odd. I must have missed how he got to this change of attitude.
Other than that oddness, though, we've got another great Harry novel. For you Harry/Murphy fans, you'll just have to be a little more patient. Did you really think it would be that easy? lol
Book Review: Great Book, no matter what other people say.
Summary: 5 Stars
Overall, this was a great book, one I would recommend to anyone.
Some reviewers have implied that this book is just filler, that there wasn't enough magic, or that Harry just wasn't Harry in this book. I say this just isn't true.
Several things were resolved. First, he now owes Mab one less favor, and along the way we learned quite a bit about Mab's current state of mind (and, more subtly, about Titania's too). Second, Harry learned something very important about the swords of the Knights of the Cross; well about the Knights themselves anyway. Then, of course, there's Harry's personal life. A lot of people have commented on this, saying it's way out of character, but it really isn't. It shows some growth and patience on Harry's part, and was foreshadowed in the last book. Just because he doesn't seem to be planning a long term relationship doesn't mean he's being casual about it.
Some people have complained that the way Harry used magic in this book wasn't consistent with other books. Again, they are mistaken. Harry uses several brilliant spells in this book that played to his strengths as a wizard. He has stated, consistently throughout the series, that his strength as a wizard tended more to thaumaturgy than evocation. Just because he didn't go around blowing things up doesn't mean he didn't use much magic.
Book Review: An amazing novel
Summary: 5 Stars
Small Favor is the tenth book in the Dresden Files and follows White Night. In White Night, families in the White Court plan to usurp power from Lord Raith by culling female wizards from several cities. Thomas becomes involved in the case and draws his brother into it as well. Many intersting developments occurred in White Night, including the reappearance of Elaine (who operates as a wizard in LA), the conversion of Lasciel and her death, the elevation of Marcone to the Accords, and Helen Beckitt's return (villain in Storm Front).
That said, Small Favor is the best novel of the series. The plot is more powerful than other novels because of the inclusion of so many characters of past novels. Kincaid and the Archive reappear, and Jim Butcher describes the Archive more fully. Warden Luccio is drawn to Chicago by Dresden's plea. Nicodemus returns to Chicago with the entire crew of denarians. Michael and Sanya see an opportunity to finish them. Additionally, my favortite plot line returned as Mab appears and gives Dresden a task, which also means summer is around trying to harm him.
Small Favor was exciting and exhilarating. When I began the series, I wasn't sure if I liked it too much, but now, I can't wait for the next novel to come out.
Book Review: a favorite
Summary: 5 Stars
This book, like all the other Dresden Files novels, was excellent. For those not familiar with the series, think of it as a film noir detective story and make that detective a wizard. Granted it's an over simplification, but it's a frame of reference for you.
The refreshing thing about these novels is that it doesn't digress into what so many fantasy novels do. Namely, the sub-genere of "supernatural romances" which seem to be of ever increasing popularity. They have their place but in the end are just romance novels with vampires and werewolves added in.
I really like the modern fantasy sub-genre. The Dresden Files are some of the best in the genre. I have a hard time putting the books down when I get them. You really care about the characters and feel the pain and triumphs they go through.
This review's a little disjointed, I'll admit. Probably not even a true review. But the best thing I can say about books is that I would read them again. I would definitely read all of these books again. The only other series I have read through multiple times is Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth series.
If you like modern fantasy, you might check out Mercedes Lackey's SERRAted Edge novels as well.
Book Review: Butcher is a wizard
Summary: 5 Stars
Often in fantasy the basic plot is a cliche. And since Buffy (or Blackwood for that matter) a guardian/wizard/detective in a modern city fighting supernatural intrusions will sound pretty tired. But it is what you do with familiar stories and elements that decides whether you're a hack or a genius. With his storytelling flair, ear for dialogue and inventiveness Jim Butcher plays in the Olympic league. What's more, with every new book in this series he ups the ante - and manages to avoid all the pitfalls of the genre. We still do not know most of the bad guys - or what they are up to - because there are some deep undercurrents in Dresden's world, but does that mean that the series has ground to a snails pace by book 10 (such as in some epic fantasies we know)? Hell no, the pace might well be even more breathless than in book 8 and 9! And yes, we learn new things about Dresden's world and about Harry himself (romance!) but that is not the point, or is it? Action! Character! Emotions! Scary villains! Unexpected allies! Danger from all sides! Big Bangs (lots)! Thunder! Lightning! Include all that and still take the stories in unexpected directions by the 10th book, then you've created magic. Good one, Mr. B. Thanks!