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: The story continues to enthrall
Summary: 5 Stars
Small Favor is tenth in the Dresden Files series, and the story's really ramping up. There are inevitable references to previous events, but they're not essential to understanding the tale. I wasn't always sure what I'd forgotten or which book things took place in. But it was more frustration at my husband's remembering than a need to know, that made me look up Arctis Tor on the internet. Much to my delight, the search led me to the short story where Harry Dresden first met Karrin Murphy. Reading a reference to their first meeting on the next page in Small Favor was just a delightful slice of serendipity.
Dresden's world is beautifully thought-out, endlessly inventive, consistent and evolving. It's filled with intriguing three-dimensional characters--unless magic's a dimension in which case four or five-dimensional... And there's a darkness gathering behind the tale that's never quite told, simply shown through the protagonist's eyes as he slowly realizes what's at stake. Who will wield the holy swords? How come evil and good keep joining forces? Why can't a bad guy simply be bad instead of meriting unexpected respect for his good deeds?
And then there's God. The wizard, Harry Dresden, tries to keep a low profile there. He's not sure what to believe about God and church, but some of his friends take the divine very seriously. The God that's painted through their words takes life and humanity seriously too. How can a good God let bad stuff happen? The mysterious stranger suggests maybe He's working behind the scenes, and we've just not seen it yet.
The author takes his readers seriously too, and the telling of his tale. This book is a fine addition to the set, for all that it's the wrong size. The story's complete, as it is in each volume, but the history's still got more to come, and I'm eagerly awaiting my chance to unwrap book number eleven.
Book Review: Couldn't put it down
Summary: 5 Stars
Harry Dresden is your typical hard-boiled noir fiction detective except that he's a wizard and he does his wisecracking and investigating in a world is populated with vampires, other wizards, faeries, demons, mythical swords, billy goats gruff, and various other things that go bump in the night. That combination makes this book fascinating reading no matter whether you enjoy reading mysteries, or fantasy novels. If you enjoy both, you are in luck.
This was my first book of the Dresden files series. I first encountered Jim Butcher in an anthology of vampire birthday stories and loved the concept. I always recommend that people start at the beginning of a series rather than jump in with the newest book, but am bad at taking my own advice. In this case, I could tell I was missing some of the back story but the author gave enough information that I didn't feel lost and the book was so engrossing I didn't mind that it would have been better to have read them in order. I'll definitely go back and read the rest of the books. If you are just discovering the Dresden Files, I think it would be better to start at the beginning but if you are impatient like me, you'll be fine.
There is a large cast of characters, many of whom play a big part in the book and some of whom are even mortal. The family of Harry's apprentice Molly is front and center because her father Michael is a Knight of the Cross and is a big part of the battles Harry has to fight. I found it refreshing that a character of deep Christian faith got such a positive treatment even though he is balanced by another Knight who is an agnostic.
The plot moves along at a good pace but not at the expense of creating interesting characters and situations. I very much enjoyed this book.
Book Review: And just what would a BIG favor involve?
Summary: 5 Stars
As this 10th volume of the DRESDEN FILES opens an early snowfall has inspired Harry to combine a training session for his apprentice Molly with a snowball fight including her family. The happy romp in the snow quickly turns terrifying when the Billy Goats Gruff appear. Harry's problems with the Gruffs seem small though after Queen Mab decides to call in one of the two favors Harry owes her, a not so small matter involving Gentleman Johnny Marcone and the Summer Court. Harry knows that this small favor was going to cause him no end of trouble but it is really an offer he cannot refuse. What he did not realize was just how costly this project would be.
THE DRESDEN FILES is a series of urban fantasy novels featuring Wizard/Private Investigator Harry Dresden and his ever expanding circle of friends, family and enemies. Butcher has created a remarkable detailed universe for this series, one that centers on Chicago, more or less as we mortals experience it (although populated with Wizards, vampires and fairies) and stretching into the magical Nevernever. Harry is the typical, smart mouthed PI, often at odds with the powers that be, both mortal and magical as he attempts to find justice for those around him. His sarcastic comments lend a comic note to his adventures which are often punctuated by fierce battles. The ongoing story arcs involving the large cast of secondary characters will keep the reader looking for the next volume in the series. Due to these numerous and ongoing subplots this series needs to be read in order, beginning with STORM FRONT. Some background information is included in each novel but skipping around the series will either confuse the reader or spoil surprises.
Book Review: Great book, great series. Highly recommended
Summary: 5 Stars
In this book, Queen Mab is back to call in another favor and you'll never guess what she wants Harry to do... The plot is fast yet never out of control. I can't believe the sweeping, multiple-book story lines that somehow never get confusing or dropped. Kudos to Butcher on an amazing feat. More, more, more.
If you're new to the Dresden File series, Harry Dresden is the only wizard in the Chicago Yellow Pages, a supernatural gumshoe who lives in his rundown Chicago apartment. His tongue-in-cheek neo-noir narration is just lots of fun to read. While the series is driven more by a blazing and far-sweeping plot than by characters, the characters, too, are multifaceted individuals (for the most part) who learn (or not) from real mistakes. And seriously, who doesn't love a polka-playing Medical Examiner? A sex-feeder who has sworn off sex.... A fairy godmother who wants to turn you into a pet dog and love and take care of you forever. The list goes on...
Great fun. Outstanding writing. Paced for thrills with no slow spots. Darkly urban, contemporary setting. Magical, colorful characters. What's not to like?
The series is best enjoyed by starting with the first novel, Storm Front.
Storm Front (The Dresden Files, Book 1)
Book Review: Go Harry, Go!
Summary: 5 Stars
I first became addicted to Harry Dresden, The Dresden Files, when it appeared on the SciFi Television Network. Before that I had not heard of him, or Jim Butcher. When they took the series off, I was very upset.....hence, the natural migration to the books, which were SO much better than the show. So, I found the series and started from the first book. I was very disappointed that the books were not at least 100 pages longer! I became engrossed in Harry, Michael, Bob, and company! When I had finished all of the books, I read them again. I found details the second time that I missed, because I read them too fast.
I do not think that Michael detracts in the least from this story. I love the play between good and evil, and Jim Butcher does it extremely well!!! Mab, as always is at her evil best, and never telling the "complete truth". Molly is still trying to perfect her abilities, so her role is best behind the wheel where she is out of sight and can assist Harry from time to time. Marcone continues to surprise as he keeps his word, which I NEVER would have guess when he was first introduced. I'm sure Mr. Butcher will continue to surprise us with his Wild and superb imagination. I hope he continues and LOVE his Dresden books.