Book Ten (The Dresden Files series) - The Dresden Files
ByJim Butcher★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | |
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★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ | |
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Readers` Reviews
The action is also boring. In the first books I was intrigued by the supernatural action, now it seems to be repetitive, page-filling material: buildings collapse and are burned, monsters maim, yeah, yeah. The action no longer has drama, because it's basically the same thing. It's taking me longer and longer to read a Dresden novel, because I just get bored.
Mr. Butcher, are you bored? Time for you and Harry to show some growth.
The one thing that bothered me most about this novel, was where's the magic? The one thing that always impressed me about the Dresden series was the treatment of magic. Other than a boost by an archangel (huh?!?!?), Harry uses firearms more than magic.
It was a good book and I couldn't put it down, but everything after the first third of it left me in a kind of haze. Other than non-stop action, there really wasn't all that much there.
Where's the black council? Why isn't harry tracking them down? Say again why Murphy refused the sword? huh? Wait, Harry has TWO swords now? Wait, the only Knight left is an agnostic? huh?
The book, just really confused me and left me wanting... the real Dresden. It's almost like this was from the ridiculous TV series (why, Jim, why?).
Spoilers Alert......I think Harry's inner dialogue was good in parts, great in others. I was wishing for more of certain characters. More Bob, Thomas, more from the Summer court or even his godmother Lea. If you're gonna be working closely with the Courts of the NeverNever, then you would think she's got to be included somehow. I think the mystery wasn't vetted or credible. Clever and cute, yes, but not was dramatic as the last great one with I believe was in Proven Guilty. The book pales. Certain plot points weren't thoroughly vetted to me. I kept thinking that with everything that's happen to Jim Butcher over the last 12-18 months(TV series, bestseller books), that this book was essentially "phoned in". I know with publishing deadlines looming and two successful series...something like this was bound to happen. I'm still a fan and will still buy the books on Day 1 because I just know how great Jim Butcher is as a writer. He said he want to get to 20 books..there is bound to be placeholders before tying this off.
If it was not for the voice of James Marsters, I would return it and not buy another one recorded under your label.
The previous 4 Dresden books were recorded under Buzzy Multimedia,came each book in one CD. Total 4 CD'S.
Yours, one book in 6 CD!!! Some, as I'm listening now, skip words, come scratchy as if they have been used (heavily) before.
I hope that the quality will improve in the following books.
Ana Reber
The most important aspect a new reader needs to know is that the series has an over-arching story arc, with roots starting at book 3 (Grave Peril) but only becoming visible as more and more of the series unfolds. It's a great thing, but as it continually colours events around Dresden it's best to read the series in order.
*** What to expect
This volume deal again with the Fallen, the faeries, and Marcone. It's a thriller-paced urban fantasy, with fast moving action. Harry spouts his usual brand of flippant humor in the face of the supernatural.
*** What I liked
I like Harry's wise-cracking attitudes towards life, and in dealing with supernatural horrors. I like the supporting characters in general, and I find Butcher is doing excellent job in characterising and building recurring cast and introducing new characters. The long-running support cast are especially complex, and one can see them maturing between books.
*** Be aware
This is part of a series, and you really need to read them in order. Butcher has Harry's mental dialogue to recap previous events and dialogue for those who read the series in breaks, which can feel like he's talking too much (and also may grate on some reader's nerves as a "telling" style, or simply for being repetitive). It's just a function of a long-running series, but as entering the series mid-way is not recommended anyway it doesn't offer much to new readers while could be distracting to fans.
Also, some readers may find Dresden attitudes chauvinistic and misogynistic, though that is a both a trope of the genre and something of a failing of his.
*** Summary
This is one of the better volumes in an excellent series. It's a great example of a fast-paced, urban-fantasy thriller. If you want a blend of modern-day thrillers with dark fantasy, this is the series to read - just start at Storm Front.
--
Assaph Mehr, author of Murder In Absentia: Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
Who’s afraid of the Big Bad Billygoat? If you’re not, then you should be and this story serves as a good example as to why. The story starts off with a friendly snowball fight at the Carpenter household, which then turns into a murderous brawl between Harry and some gruffs (which look a lot like upright billygoats). As Harry ponders over the implications of this latest tussle, Sargent Karrin Murphy of the Chicago PD tasks him with checking out a site with his wizardly senses. There he finds a large pentacle…. and Mab, a Queen of the Winter Court. She calls in a small favor from Harry: John Marcone, crime lord of Chicago, has gone missing and Mab wants him found.
When Mab is in the human world, her voice alone can kill mortals. So she talks through a grimalkin, which is like an extra evil large cat. The things Mab can do to Harry with just her voice make me shudder! And Toottoot tried to warn Harry, but Harry is too curious for his own good.
This is probably my 2nd or 3rd reading of this book and for some reason I always forget everything about it except for the gruffs because they are awesome and scary. And perhaps because Harry is always mentioning their..um… tackle. So once again I was pleasantly surprised by what took place in this installment of the series.
The Denarians are back in play and they are after something pretty darn important, if only Harry could figure out what it is in time. He teams up with Anastasia Luccio (a Warden for the White Council of wizards), Ivy the Archive (who has everything that’s ever been written down in human history memorized), and her bodyguard Kincaide (who has a secret supernatural side). Eventually, Harry has to make some hard choices about whether or not to do a trade with the Denarians. He is not a happy camper about it and he decides to play dirty (hooray!).
Luccio actually makes a play for Harry and he is totally oblivious. Poor dude. Bob the Skull has to point it out to him later. Of course Bob does it with his usual entertaining sarcasm. Harry’s love life, tho small and intermittent, is a mess.
Sanya and Michael (both Knight Templars with saintly swords) lend a hand in the final showdown. Murphy, Thomas Wraith of the vampire White Court, Molly (Harry’s apprentice), and Toottoot with the honor guard faeries all volunteer to help Harry out in some way. This lengthy scene is pretty intense. Harry finally puts a name to what Ms. Guard is, besides being a very deadly assistant to John Marcone. Harry also discovers a new power which, upon explanation from Bob, scares a little poo out of him.
One of the things I really like about this series, is that as the stakes get higher, the consequences go up as well. People get injured. In this book, one of Harry’s friends takes a hard hit and the book leaves us wondering just how bad it is. It’s a good thing the next book in the series is already out. Also, more and more Harry is learning that he can’t be the sole person to fight evil; he needs help from friends and allies and he won’t be able to protect them all.
Narration: James Marsters continues on as the voice of Harry Dresden. I really liked his creepy voice for the grimalkin and his uber-creepy voice for Mab. As always, his voice for Toottoot is both amusing and sincere. Marsters makes a pretty good gruff too, sounding like an angry billygoat.
This was a great story and addition to the series. Things have been going pretty well for Harry recently but that all ends when a snow storm hits Chicago and unusual occurrences start to take place. Harry is called in on a job by Murphy and it indicates that someone is messing with big mojo that could mean trouble. This is confirmed when Mab shows up and basically forces Harry into dealing with the issue by calling in one of her favors (and letting Harry know she wont take no for an answer).
Harry finds that some enemies he dealt with a few years ago have come back to town. They kidnap someone that Harry feels he has to rescue, even if he doesn't like the guy too much. Harry tries to decipher the enemy's plans and to deal with them but the plots and schemes end up being very convoluted and things don't become clear until almost too late. There's a bunch of drama and danger but Harry and company do pretty well at dealing with the bad guys so things end well. Harry even ends up with a date!
Overall, I was extremely pleased with this story. Harry has a lot riding on his shoulders but (as usual) he always impresses me with his ability to pull a win out of his ass. Of course, he did have a good amount of help from friends and associates but Harry is always the driving force and focus of the effort and he always impresses me by being a good person and doing the right thing (without being so perfect that he's annoying). I mean he's a smart ass and sarcastic as heck and some may not like him because of that but he has a heart of gold. I was also rather pleased that Harry might be getting involved with a woman. She's not Murphy and it may not end up being anything serious but I'm still hopeful. Overall, This was a great story and I'd recommend the series. :D
* note - I listened to the audio version of this story and James Marsters did a great job with the narration.
Small Favor is yet another great book in the series. I really enjoy when Butcher delves into story-lines including the Sidhe. Mab plays heavily in this story. There are a few surprises, including some very significant things to key characters. The overall story of Harry Dresden is building to something big; I can just feel it.
Cannot wait to keep reading. I guarantee I’ll be having withdrawal symptoms when I’m done with the series.
And seriously, what's with the hats on the cover? He never wears hats in the books. Am I such a newbie to the series that I'm missing something???
Highly Recommended for Urban Fantasy, Mystery and Thriller fans.
4.5 of 5 Stars (rounds to 5)
James Marsters, of course, continues to slay as narrator, though I will say that his voices for Marcone and Kincaid seemed to have changed a bit from earlier books, which through me off a little, particularly as they didn't feel super consistent. Small quibble, though.
Enjoyed getting a bit more Marcone in this book, as I find him supremely interesting. Actually, a lot of my favorites appeared in this book, and, as usual, it was chock full of excitement and adventures. Very curious to find out the next steps for the swords and for Michael, and gain further insight into the Black Council. Interesting development with Lucio as well, and very curious to see how that plays out. Can't wait to read the next!
Harry is recruited by Queen Mab to protect Marcone who is under attacks by a foe who turns out to be the aforementioned Nicodemus. There is much focus on the Unseelie Accords, those nebulous documents created by Queen Mab which are designed to limit the amount of chaos supernatural beings can cause in the modern world. The Knights of the Blackened Denarius, composed of Hell-serving fallen angels, are signatories but don't think much of the rules.
Small Favor is a book which suffers for the fact it is heavily-reliant on continuity. While this is a feature, rather than a bug, for those familiar with series, it means this book would be less enjoyable for a starting volume. Likewise, I'll be honest, Nicodemus is not that great of a villain.
While only the second time he's used, the character doesn't really have that much over Harry's other foes and his returns will become dreaded rather than enjoyed. I really think this should have been his last appearance in the franchise as there is a great moment in this somewhat unremarkable entry in this series which would have been a fitting finale for the demonically possessed mortal.
One thing I dislike about Nicodemus' portrayal in this book is that a character who was initially defined as one of the most intelligent men in history, one of the greatest villains the world has ever seen, and a reader of the Evil Overlord List suffers a great deal of "Badass Decay" (thank you TVtropes.org). Harry and company run rings around him and there's even a moment which lampshades the wizard has a much more formidable foe facing him in the Black Council.
The character is further hurt by the fact he is as close to a loyal servant of evil, which is a questionable motive at the best of times, as the series possesses. To be a good recurring nemesis, a villain must be cool on some level, and it's hard to think of Nicodemus as such when he tortures a twelve-year-old kid as in this book.
In short, Nicodemus starts to wear out his welcome in this book.
Of course, the book does benefit from more focus on the Knights of the Cross as well as series-favorite the Archive. I've always liked the Archive and really wish she'd gotten a bit more focus here. The sum-total repository of all written knowledge in the form of a twelve-year-old girl, Ivy has a spectacularly crappy life. Only Harry Dresden is willing to treat her as a little girl. The book puts her through a truly horrific experience and I'm not sure I'm entirely happy with it.
While menacing a child is certainly a huge motivation for Harry, it's also uncomfortable to read about, and I lost a lot of respect for Nicodemus as an antagonist because of it. Sansa, my favorite of the Knights, also makes a reappearance. More Sansa is always appreciated. I mean, how can you not love a African-Russian atheist-communist Knight of the Christian God? There's also some fun stuff relating to the Three Billy Goats Gruff, except said goats are fairies with guns. No, seriously. Their plotline's resolution is a highlight of the book.
In conclusion, Small Favor is not my favorite of The Dresden Files novels. The return of Nicodemus is underwhelming, there's a bit too much reliance on previous continuity, and the torture poor Ivy undergoes left a sour taste in my mouth. It's not a bad book, though, but suffers in comparison to the great ones which preceded it. Still, I'd rather read Small Favor than most urban fantasy.
8.5/10
Posted by C.T. Phipps at 11:04 PM
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<b>My Take</b>
It’s one manipulation after another — and Butcher is rich in the details and the twisted thoughts in this twist on hardboiled noir. What has he been reading? And talk about manipulation! The way in which Harry redeems the pledge of Summer . . . quite clever, lol, and a classic fae move. Butcher keeps it light with humor and fantasy mixed in and more battles and chases than you can shake a stick at . . . not that Harry is reluctant with that stick of his!
What younger siblings wouldn’t love this opportunity for revenge against an older sibling? Oh, yeah, it’s Molly under siege — and for good reason, lol.
It’s bad at SI. The politicos have cut their budget so bad that the cops at SI are pooling the coffee money for the day they absolutely have to hire Harry. Ooh, and Harry gets his comeuppance when Karrin reminds him of her lack of prospects and the hurt it’s put on the whole SI department. And it’s bad with the Little Folk — hey, you know it’s bad when Toot turns down a doughnut!!
You’ll crack up so hard when you read Harry’s description of Thomas’ Hummer: “took the monorail to the other side . . . ”, “echoing clatter”, and denigrates such luxuries as heated leather seats. C’mon, who wouldn’t prefer a CD player and heated seats over armored sides and bulletproof glass?
<blockquote>Butcher has such a way with words, lol:
“The various beatings I’d received the night before had formed a corporation and were attempting a hostile takeover of my nervous system.”</p></blockquote>
Harry requests the Archive as an Emissary and doesn’t realize until too late and the most amazing reveal of power what the trap is. There are consequences to treating people like individual persons. The Knights complain about missing files . . . don’t they know about the Archive? ‘Cause it sure sounds like she’s got it all neatly filed away when you listen to her tick off Tessa. I loved it.
<blockquote>”Tiny, but fierce.”</blockquote>
It’s the most amazing battle and Michael is euphoric — eleven coins have been recovered, for now. And it gives Harry his idea. One that will betray everything.
<blockquote>”He has a teddy Glock.”</blockquote>
Butcher has so much fun with this series. It’s terrifying, it’s scary, and it’s full of snark as Butcher pokes fun and takes the piss at just about everything.
<b>The Story</b>
A snowball fight goes awry when the supernatural attacks, and life descends quickly from there. You know how bad it is when Mab appoints Harry her Emissary. He must find and rescue Baron Marcone. And a gutted Gard insists that Harry call challenge. Just before the Denarians attack!
It’s a multi-way siege with Denarians, the fae, and Torelli’s goons coming after them. It’s also the story in which Luccio comes on to Harry . . . va-va-va-voom!
<b>The Characters</b>
<b>Harry Dresden</b> is a wizard, a private investigator, a once-upon-a-time consultant to the Chicago PD, and a Warden based in Chicago. The multicolored, vintage <b><em>Blue Beetle</em></b> is Harry’s go-to vehicle. <b>Bob</b> is a spirit entity who resides in a human skull and knows more about magic than most wizards combined. <b>Thomas Raith</b> is a White Court vampire, Harry’s half-brother, and a very successful hairstylist, successful enough to afford that flashy Hummer. <b>Justine</b> is Thomas’ lost lover. <b>Mister</b> is Harry’s 30-lb. cat while <b>Mouse</b> is a Temple dog who adopted Harry. And he’s damned handy to have around!
<b>Molly Carpenter</b> is Harry’s apprentice, under a Doom of Damocles, with a strength for the finer aspects of sensitive magic including neuromancy, mind magic, whereas Harry is excellent at the psychic stresses of real combat. The rest of the Carpenter siblings include little <b>Hope</b> (whom Harry gravely thanks, lol), <b>Daniel</b>, and baby <b>Harry</b>. <b>Charity</b> is Michael’s wife. <b>Michael</b>, of course, is one of the <b>Knights of the Cross</b> (Harry refers to him as the Fist of God) and carries <b><em>Amoracchius</em></b>. This is the story in which Michael gets so shot up that he has to retire. <b>Sanya</b>, an agnostic and descendant of Salahuddin, is the only other Knight of the Cross alive, and he carries <b><em>Fidelacchius</em></b>. He also carried a coin, <b>Magog</b>, until he renounced it.
<b>Sergeant Karrin Murphy</b>, one of Harry’s best friends, still has her job at <b>Special Investigations</b> (SI), a division within the Chicago PD that deals with the weird. Now that <b>John Stallings</b> is in charge at SI, he’s gotten a promotion to lieutenant. <b>Rawlins</b> is Murphy’s partner. <b>Jared Kincaid</b>, a.k.a., the Hellhound, is half-fae, is the Archive’s guardian and had a thing going with Murphy. The <b>Archive</b> is all the world’s knowledge from the world’s beginning to now houses in the body of a child. Harry calls her <b>Ivy</b>.
<b>Toot-toot</b> is one of the lesser fae whom Harry keeps sweet with weekly deals of pizza, hence their name for him: the <b>Pizza Lord</b>, a.k.a., the Za-Lord. After events in <a href="//www.goodreads.com/book/show/91475.White_Night”" target="”_blank”" title="”Opens"><em>White Night</em></a>, 9, many of the Little Folk have joined the <b>Za-Lord’s Guard</b>.
<em>The White Council of Wizards</em>
The <b>White Council</b> is the ruling body of the supernatural world of humans. The <b>Wardens</b> are their policing agents, and <b>Captain Anastasia Luccio</b> is their commander; this is the story in which Harry and Luccio get together. <b>Morgan</b> is Luccio’s second-in-command, and he hates Harry with a passion. Other Wardens include <b>Chandler</b> and <b>Kostikos</b>.
<b>Gentleman Johnnie Marcone</b> is the top gangster in Chicago, and he’s signed the <b>Unseelie Accords</b> — call him <em>Baron</em>. It’s a deal he made with Harry in <a href="//www.goodreads.com/book/show/91475.White_Night”" target="”_blank”" title="”Opens"><em>White Night</em></a>. <b>Sigrun Gard</b>, a.k.a., the Chooser of the Slain, is a supernatural and a security consultant from <b>Monoc Securities</b> hired by Marcone. <b>Executive Priority</b> is the new Velvet Room. <b>Billie</b> is one of the assistants. <b>Hendricks</b>, a.k.a., Cujo, is Marcone’s bodyguard and chief enforcer. <b>Helen Demeter</b>, a.k.a., Helen Beckitt, is the manager and Marcone’s lover. She’s also the one who betrayed his safe house. <b>Torelli</b> is a bully boy beating his way into taking over Marcone’s interests. <b>Bart</b> is cheap muscle for hire; he should really pay attention.
<em>Faerie</em>
<b>Mab</b> is the Queen of Air and Darkness, the queen of the Unseelie fae and Winter, and she’s been after Harry for some time to become her new <b>Winter Knight</b>, a mortal champion with great power. It’s that or fulfill the remaining two favors he owes. <b>Grimalkin</b> is her mouthpiece in this story. <b>Lloyd Slate</b> is still the Winter Knight, absolutely mad from the torture Mab has inflicted on him. <b>Hobs</b> are both Summer and Winter fae, although the hordes at the train station are beholden to Winter.
The <b>Billy Goats Gruff</b> may sound like a fairytale, but they’re Summer’s enforcers, and <b>Titania</b> hasn’t gotten over events in <a href="//www.goodreads.com/book/show/91478.Summer_Knight”" target="”_blank”" title="”Opens"><em>Summer Knight</em></a>, 4. <b>Tiny</b> is one of the bigger gruffs and learns respect for Murphy. The <b>Eldest Gruff</b> is a surprising size. <b>Fix</b> is the suddenly belligerent Summer Knight.
<em>The Vampires</em>
Vampires of the <b>White Court</b> feed during sex or any time they can induce desire. Vampires of the <b>Red Court</b> have gone to war against the White Council.
<em>Knights of the Blackened Denarius, a.k.a., the Nickleheads</em>
The <b>Denarians</b> are humans who choose to pick up one of Judas Iscariot’s silver coins and take in the fallen angel housed in each coin, and they are in town and hunting. Long-lived with incredible power, they’re a tremendous force to go up against. <b>Nicodemus Archleone</b> is their leader and Tessa’s husband; <b>Tessa</b>, a.k.a., Polonius Lartessa; <b>Imariel</b>, Tessa’s second; <b>Dierdre</b> is Nick and Tessa’s daughter; <b>Akariel</b>; <b>Rosanna</b> enticed Sanya til he came to his senses; <b>Anduriel</b>; Spinyboy, a.k.a., <b>Thorned Namshiel</b>; and, <b>Mantis Girl</b>.
<b>Carol</b> is the customer service rep at the train station who’s incredible under pressure. <b>Joe</b> is a janitor at the station whom Harry knows. <b>Jake</b> is the janitor at the hospital. He’s also the <b>Watchman</b> of the archangels, <b>Uriel</b>.
<b>MacAnnally’s Pub</b> is a bar that has been accorded neutral status where the supernatural gather. <b>Mac</b> runs the place and brews his own ale. The <b>Paranet</b> is a web-based network of contacts for middle-class practitioners, an early-warning system for weaker supernaturals that was put up by Harry and Elaine with weregild from events in <a href="//www.goodreads.com/book/show/91475.White_Night”" target="”_blank”" title="”Opens"><em>White Night</em></a>. The <b>Nevernever</b> is an alternate plane of existence and contains <b>Faerie</b> and the <b>Ways</b>. <b><em>Myrk</em></b> is matter from the Nevernever that covers up light. <b>Soulfire</b> is the opposite of <b>Hellfire</b> and is used to create matter.
<b>The Cover & Title</b>
The cover is a’glint in gold, gold foil that is — in the bricks, the door, and Harry’s face as he stands in profile to us in his signature duster and fedora, staff in hand with its runes glowing. Or is it the flames at his feet casting that glow upward? Let’s not forget that Harry is also holding a modern accoutrement to the arts, a pistol.
I suspect the title is all about a freshly made Chicago doughnut, <em>Small Favors</em>, that could save a life.
I listened to the audiobook version of this book, which is exceptionally well narrated by James Marsters (who reads all the books in the series) and I intend to consume the rest of the series this way. Jame Marsters breathes life into Dresden in a way few could.
Jim Butcher has done an excellent job of making a long running series into something that leaves you wanting more. It's a big accomplishment and a very well written book.
Wizard Harry Dresden is out doing work for his other job, as a private detective, when he gets stuck in one helluva snow storm. To much snow, too fast and before he knows it Queen Mab, Faerie Queen of the Winter Court, is standing before him with a demand he make good on one of the favors he owes her. Mobster extraordinaire, Gentleman Johnny Marcone is missing and Mab wants Harry to find and protect him. Ok, find a mob boss. Harry’s an excellent PI. How hard could this be? Oh, Harry. Seriously?
Guest reviewers:
A ~ my 16-yr-old daughter
T ~ my 15-yr-old son
K ~ my 13-yr-old son
Yep, still loving the series. Humor, magic, mystery, great characters; what’s not to love? As always the big finale is hit with everyone though one of our favorite characters gets seriously injured. The plot is twisty and tricky and involves the Courts of Faerie. The hated Denarians are back and causing trouble, too. Man, we really hate them. But that means the Knights of the Cross are in this book. Yay for Michael and Sanya! Along with Thomas, Murphy, Marcone and Mouse there are some more favorites back: Kincaid, The Archive, Ms. Gard, Hendricks and Capt. Luccio. New baddies are some denizens of the Summer Court, the Billy Goats Gruff. Yowzers. Add in a battle, helicopter, Ride of the Valkyries, weapons, magic and a cool island and you pretty much have all the excitement you can handle. T does want it recorded for all time that he no longer likes Murphy due to a decision she made at the end that I will not reveal so as not to spoil. A & K don’t agree and still like Murphy. T also said he didn’t like what Harry was saying at the end of the book until the janitor walked into the chapel.
Favorite quotes:
“’Likest thou jelly within thy doughnut?’
‘Nay, but prithee, with sprinkles ‘pon it instead,’ I said solemnly, ‘ and frosting of white.’”
“’You rush a miracle worker, you get lousy miracles!’”
“’Ha-ha! Ah-hahahahaha! I am wizard; hear me roar!’”
“’Tiny,’ Sanya rumbled to Michael, clenching a demonstrative fist. ‘But fierce.’” ~ talking about Murphy
"Small Favor" was not fun. It was like those linear video games where all the player can do is move the character along a pre-determined path (with obstacles or invisible 'walls' blocking any attempt to explore) in order to watch a story unfold in cutscenes. The character sometimes gets a new item that will be necessary later, or learns a fact that explains something, but never really has to use their brain. The character is given super-duper powers and is effectively immortal, so there's not much tension, either.
Before I continue, let me explain something: I don't mind religions in books, I've been a big fan of a *lot* of series with a clear Judeo-Christian type focus. What I'm about to complain about is based on the series changing radically out of seemingly nowhere, and Harry leaping from agnostic to Christian *without question* despite knowing all kinds of creatures & things from other religions/myths that really don't fit in that belief system.
So, we have a story on rails with a superhero character. Now, swap the old zany supernatural creatures with Biblical ones, ditch good old Wizard Ebeneezer in favor of various 'wise' religious people, and the other wizards & most police for a big oldschool Christian/Catholic family plus a few knights guided by their preferred male deity. Oh, plus the old irreverently wisecracking skeptical, independent Harry was fired and replaced with one that spends his time praying to the deity, worrying whether it approves of him or his actions, and discussing religion with others. At one point, he offers a common atheist logic point as an obvious strawman just so a kind old man can spend a few pages telling him why it's wrong and he should believe in the loving benevolence of their deity. :-p
In the end, various implausible events provide a tidy deus ex machina to the story, but it ultimately leaves so much unexplained and hanging that it didn't *feel* like it was over. It felt more like the end of a chapter, which wasn't at all satisfying. I'm really hoping that the next book will be more "fun" to read -- I don't especially care who has sex or a relationship with whom -- but I don't have much hope at this point. :-(
I've loved this series since I picked up Storm Front and discovered the short lived tv-series. Right up to and including White Night I've read every book as paperback, but I decided to pick up the audiobook version of Small Favor as I'm trying to listen to more audiobooks. Let's talk about the story and then I will share my thoughts about the narrator.
The story is dynamite. I got really interested in the concept of the "black council" in White Night. A council that is a secret and is working against the White Council. Harry doesn't know too many details about this suspected Council but he has shared his thoughts with a few people. In Small Favor we learn that the Black Council might be spread further than Harry initially expected, right through to the Supernaturals working against each other. We also learn about The Archive, who is a magical construct and repository of all knowledge and wisdom. The Denarians want The Archive to turn her into one of the "Fallen" and Harry and his friends set out to save her.
There was so much going on in Small Favor that I felt like I was almost holding my breath the entire time as I listened to the book. There is adventure, supernaturals (although less vampires than usual) and hidden plots. I don't want to spoil the story for anyone that hasn't read it yet, but it is all awesome and cements my thoughts that this is one of the best urban fantasy series out there. It is not just focused on vampires or angels or faeries - it is everything and it is fantastic!
I loved learning more about The Archive and towards the end we find a revelation about a comparison between The Archive and Bob (a skeleton head spirit that resides with Harry) that left me wanting to pick up the next book right now to find out what happens next.
James Marsters (Spike from Buffy tv show for those that have watched it) is the narrator for this book and he is fantastic. He is the voice of Harry Dresden. After having listened to him narrate this book I will definitely be listening to the rest of the books on audio now. He does the voices just perfectly and I love the tone he uses when Harry screams out his spells in battle.
I recommend this series, but I highly recommend listening to it on audio. James Marsters definitely makes this series even better, if that is possible!
As if that isn't bad enough news for Harry, Titania, Mab's sister and Queen of the Summer Court of the Sidhe, is on a rampage against him, sending huge, powerful, talking goats to attack Harry, and anyone in the vicinity.
Fortunately for Harry, he doesn't have to face all these threats alone. He has a motley crew of magical and non-magical allies, and the action, as always in this series, is nonstop.
Harry himself continues to be a fantastic, extremely sympathetic hero. He is unwilling to ever give up when innocent lives are in danger at the hands of horrible villains, and he constantly displays his trademark snarky defiance in the face of impossible odds.
The sound quality of this audio recording is excellent and it is an unabridged version of the book. It is narrated by actor James Marsters, best known for playing the character Spike, a platinum-blond, British vampire in the TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its spin-off series Angel, between 1997 and 2004. Marsters does an outstanding job on every part of the reading, including general narrative and various character voices. Listening to him is a real pleasure.
I am extremely grateful for Mr. Marsters's reading talents not just for their own sake, but because experiencing this novel as an audiobook gave me the opportunity to admire Jim Butcher's writing even more than I did when I read this book in print--which I did not think was possible. In my experience of listening to audio versions of books, very few of them can stand up to the intense focus of being read aloud, which is much slower than reading silently to oneself. This relative snail's pace acts to draw attention to every problem of dialogue, pacing and plot. I am happy to report that under that intense spotlight, I experienced not a single flaw in this book.
I am not a person who often reads a book more than once--too much to read and far too little time. But this book was definitely worth experiencing twice. And owning this recording means I may listen to it far more times than that in the future.
This is one of the best purchases I ever made, and I am systematically collecting audio recordings of all of the Dresden Files books.
Well, he actually does kind of jump a shark, but he was in an aquarium at the time.
Favor put us firmly back in Dresden's home territory. Someone has kidnapped his least-favorite sometimes-ally "Gentleman" Marcone and he's being coerced into saving him by an old enemy. His allies in faerie-land are trying to kill him. His friend Michael is seriously doubting whether Harry is trustworthy. And he winds up stuck in the convergence of conflicts between the Seelie and Unseelie courts and between the Knights of the Cross and the Denarian demons. And just for fun, with Kincaid and Sergeant Murphy along for the ride, still bristling from their breakup.
Thematically, this book is about divided loyalties, trust, and--most centrally--what it means to be good instead of evil. The central morals of Harry, Sergeant Murphy, Michael, Sanyo (another Knight of the Cross), and even the mercenaries Kincaid and Gard are roughly similar, but each draws different lines around what is required and what is allowed to be good.
Marcone and The Archive (a super-efficent magical database of all written knowledge ever, but housed in a little girl) serve as the background to the moral debate: Marcone's morality is strongly personal, running his criminal empire and ruining whatever lives it costs while still going out of his way to save and help individuals he sees in distress. The Archive is impersonal, fighting to keep emotional attachments from driving her insane while she hold humanity's heritage against any disaster. They are each afraid to join human society fully, worried that they won't be able to reconcile their job with their humanity.
The book is back in classic Dresden form in other ways, too. Harry doesn't rely on odd moments of insight that come like deus ex machina in some of the other books. He doesn't build plans that last longer than a day. And he doesn't ever rely on his intelligence over his wit, his wits, and his ability to break things very, very well. He's good at mouthing off, pushing people into making mistakes, and doing not-subtle magic with collateral damage. And he has charisma and leadership only Murphy can match. In Small Favor he leaves the other stuff to the pros. Just like the good old days.
In a lot of ways, this is what Storm Front would have been if Butcher had been a better writer at the time. It has more complex character interactions than the first book in a series can sustain and it assumes some (but not too much) knowledge of the backstory, but it hits the themes of the series without sacrificing the action and faith in himself that make Harry who he is.
I don't want to delve too deeply into spoiler territory but the action starts when Mab returns to collect one of her favors owed. The task becomes increasingly complicated as Marcone, the Archive, the Summer Court and Angels (fallen and upright) get involved. It features a terrific showdown in the Shed Aquarium and does important development of the Island Harry calls Demonreach.
I recently reread the first book of the Series (Stormfront) and though I think that's a great book too (and the right place to start the series), I am also surprised and pleased by how much stronger Jim's writing has gotten. This is really where the scope of the series and the powers of the protagonist start to scale up and expand.
Due to an exchange with a faerie, and in turn getting his debt sold to the Queen of faeries, Dresden owes Queen Mab a favor. It isn't enough that he has to go rescue someone he doesn't like from the dangerous Demon Denarians however, once again someones trying to kill him. For as of yet unknown reasons, the Summer Faeries are out for his blood and sending the Gruff brothers (each one bigger than the last) after him to take his life. With the Gruffs behind him every step of the way, he has to wheedle and deal with the Denarians in order to retrieve the Archive. As always, he and his friends are in danger the entire time.
Harry's character fell a little flat in this one. He still had his humour and aptitude for magic, but he didn't seem as personal as he usually is. It was harder to connect with him in this book. Murphy also has a lesser part and isn't described as well in this book. Usually she has a lot of imagery associated with her and that just wasn't there this time. Michael and Sanya were ok, but surprisingly didn't play a very big part in this book even though it involved the Denarians. Everyone else played minor roles as well.
Butcher is normally a very descriptive writer; and while he still is in this novel (its one of the longer ones) it just seemed to fast and the detail wasn't in the important parts. Regardless, the plot was interesting and one of his better ones. I just wish he had fleshed it out more. All of these books involve a world that is very involved. While it does mirror the regular Chicago, Butcher's Chicago takes in account the magic that permeates all of Dresden's life. And he does a good job of it. He makes it very believable and especially because its written in the first person, we see it all in Harry's view.
Overall I greatly enjoy the series and look forward to the next. There's only three more so far to go so I'll have to make sure to savor each.
Small Favor
Copyright 2008
541 pages
Review By M. Reynard 2010
In a nutshell, demons Nicodemus and the Black Denarians are back, along with Kincaid and the powerful Archive. Even bigger evil plots are afoot and intertwined. Faery Queen Titania is sending "hit men" out after Harry because he is doing a "small favor" for Queen Mab. All of the usual allies and foes make an appearance in this fast and furious page turner. I am again left wondering how Harry manages to survive the ever increasingly steep odds against him. Not unscathed, that is for sure, and those near and dear to him constantly put themselves in harms way to come to his assistance.
If you're a fan of urban fantasy and have yet to give the Dresden Files a go, then I'm not sure what's stopping you. I will say that while this novel stands on its own, I wouldn't recommend starting here. There is just too much that relies on the previous books for a newcomer to enjoy it fully. Some readers have commented that perhaps Butcher tried to put a little to much action into this installment and the expense of plot and character, but I think that if you've read the other books, then Small Favor chugs along at just the right speed. This series really needs to be taken as a whole rather than book by book, and as such, I find it amazing. Now you'll have to excuse me as I have another Dresden Files novel to get back to.
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.
I will say that the feel of it was different. There was much less humor in this one than in several of the others. It seems that, with each book, Harry grows in maturity, in power and influence, and also in pessimism -- because how can you not be a little dark in your outlook, when you're facing necromancers who are immensely more powerful than you, the entire Red Court and much of the White and Black Courts, the Fae, the Black Council (or at least the disapproving White Council), and, of course, the Knights of the Blackened Denarius? But as Harry grows, he becomes too self-conscious of his own smartypants defense mechanism, and so loses his flair for it. The comment is made at one point that he is actually left speechless by an enemy, and that seems to be happening throughout the book, and the series. I wouldn't be surprised if part of it is Butcher getting burnt out on making up witty sarcastic repartee -- I would guess that any character trait would get somewhat tired after ten books.
Anyway, there is some wittiness, and there are some really funny parts -- the moment when Harry raises a fist in praise of the ugly dolphins, the ones who didn't sell out to a plastic surgeon to be on Flipper, and says, "Represent," cracked me up. And there is also a lot of banter between Harry and Thomas, which seems a good place for it. But there is a new romantic entanglement for Harry, which is excellent since the poor guy is so lonely and yet so surrounded by incredibly beautiful and monstrously evil temptresses; and there is some good progress made toward endgame. Though we don't find out anything terribly momentous about the Black Council, apart from them being even more powerful and nasty than we may have thought. And the good side takes some serious losses as well, so it isn't all wine and roses. Which just makes me eager to read the next book, of course.
Wow, how hurt can one person get and just keep going? That was my only problem when reading this latest in the Harry Dresden series. The fact that he's ALWAYS beat up is uncomfortable to me. And so much action keeps the tension level high.
What I really love about this series is the humor, Harry's loyalty to what he believes is right, and the fact that it takes place in Chicago, often destroying well-known places, and this one is no exception.
And of course, I'm often amazed at the wit Harry displays in rising above seemingly no-win situations, more often than not with a great deal of sarcasm and humor.
Harry also explains things to us in great detail; the hows and whys, before taking action. While much of this is for our benefit, in some places, it seemed to get long-winded.
Many people/characters from prior stories are in this book. Thomas, Michael and his family, along with Sanya, the other knight. Mister and Mouse also have a little more to do. Ivy, the Archive is back along with Kincaid, her bodyguard. Murphy is getting in deeper with the supernatural world, gaining respect from the various groups. You'll recognize some of Marcone's people. The Denarians are back - those Fallen Angel guys with the coins. We also get to meet a bunch of new creatures from the Summer and Winter Courts.
Some long standing questions are answered and we're presented with new ones as some situations change- and some of these are big.
You don't need to read the other books before picking up this latest one, but I think you'd get a great deal more satisfaction from the book and better appreciate the different relationships and the larger significance of some actions if you read the series in order.
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.
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.
The Winter Queen wants Harry to track down Marcone, who's been kidnapped in a huge display of magical power--and hellfire. Someone is messing with the accords, possibly trying to start a war, and Harry can guess the most likely candidates--the Denarius knights. The good news is, Harry can count on help from his friends Michael and Murphy--and from his young assistant, Molly. The bad news is that all of a sudden, none of them seem willing to trust him. And then there are bigger and bigger Gruffs coming after him.
The Denarius Knights don't think small and it takes Harry time to piece through the clues and learn their ultimate goal. When he does, though, the usually unshakable Harry Dresden has a real concern--both for what they'll accomplish if they're successful, and for the fate of his young friend Ivy, the Archivist. Harry may not be perfect, but he'll give an awful lot to make sure nothing bad happens to her. Unfortunately for both of them, it's entirely possible that he'll end up giving an awful lot without helping her at all.
Author Jim Butcher continues his Dresden Files series with a fast-paced adventure. Dresden gets mangled by magic--and by physical force, attacked by just about every power around, gets his brain warped when he isn't looking, and generally stays about a half-inch ahead of his many pursuers through the course of the story. Once in a while this means that he can't wise-crack, but not often. Harry works with familiar sidekicks including cop Murphy, knight Michael Carpenter, Harry's half-brother (and vampire), Thomas, and others in what appears to be one hopeless battle after another. Fortunately, Harry is far from incapable of defending himself. Even more fortunately, his friends have their own powers and aren't afraid to use them.
Harry makes a charming character partly because he doesn't mind mocking himself, partly because his friends so obviously care for him, and partly because his first response to trouble is to try to blow something up. We don't get quite the moral complexity Butcher has offered in some of his other recent Dresden Files stories, but that certainly doesn't keep SMALL FAVOR from being a completely enjoyable treat.
By Jim Butcher
Once more author Jim Butcher has given his readers a thrill packed roller coaster ride through the wild & woolly world of Harry Dresden's Chicago. The 10th book in the series shows us an ever evolving and maturing Harry Dresden. Almost all of the old gang are back, Murphy, Mab, Thomas, Marcone, Knights of the Cross, Fallen Angles ...etc.... and of course ...Bob. While Butchers books are far superior to the enjoyable , if somewhat short lived TV series, is there anyone who doesn't visualize Terrence Mann in a smoking jacket as they read about Bob?
Butcher seamlessly moves his story from the world of the hard boiled gumshoe through the occult and into magical realms of Faerie, (not to mention a few stops at the Godfathers), with all the in's and out's that we've come to expect in a Dresden novel.
I normally don't do reviews of novels because I would hate to inadvertently ruin the story for someone. So here`s the nutshell version without giving anything away. A very enjoyable read that I highly recommend. The book has most of the cast and crew that we've grown to love (or hate). Fast paced with lots of twists and turns in the plot, no surprise there. The Good guy's finaly get to.......... I'll stop there. Oh, ya.... There's something better than hellfire, (be careful what you wish for Harry!). Enjoy!
In Frith,
Spence the Elder
"Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc"
M. Addams
Fight scenes go by faster than snowflakes in a blizzard. There's some really clever action in this book! Fortunately, Harry has the aid of the Knights of the Swords, policewoman Karrin Murphy, his apprentice Molly, his vampire half-brother Thomas and Someone Else. Harry is always good company and his friends are welcome any time. In the small interludes between frantic action, almost casual insights into love, treachery, loyalty, family and religion detonate like hand grenades of wisdom.
I like the way Harry Dresden continues to learn and develop in front of our eyes. He's a man so caught up in action that he misses some of the subtler aspects of relationships--which his exasperated brother takes him to task for. Jim Butcher has left his loyal readers wondering if Harry is giving up on the idea of getting together with Karrin. I enjoyed everything about this book, while at the same time wishing for just a little more time with the inner Harry. I mean, come on, this is a book for adults. Did he or didn't he?
Of course I do have one small quibble...why can't Butcher release these books as downloadable audiobooks as well as CDs? 14 CDs - Small Favor's grand total - is a bit unwieldy to drag around, and it makes for a huge clump of MP3 files on my player. (Thank heavens for expansion cards.)
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.
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)
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.
I really like how Harry has a family now. While they may not all be blood related, they're always there when he needs them. Whether or not he actually verbalizes it, they show up and cover him even if it means being willing to risk their lives.
The only character that hasn't really been brought back much is Susan, Harry's last love interest. Though a new relationship seems to be developing between Harry and an unlikely powerful woman. I am excited to see where that relationship goes, as it could be quite the romance.
I rate this book 5/5
Priscilla
The only reason this book isn't a 5-star is because it suffers from a cast of too many characters. Butcher has tried to blend a lot in this particular venture, and it doesn't always flow as seamlessly as his usual work. I'm not a great fan of the fae, either, but at least it ends up taking a back seat for the middle of part of the story. I enjoy the Carpenters and find the Knights fascinating, so having them around in the book is a bonus for me.
Now I just have to find some way to be patient for book 11.
Secondly, and this follows closely with the characters, there has to be a wide variety of interesting supporting characters as well - not only heroes, but the villains. Both we look forward to seeing in the future.
Third, and this is really important, the mythology, the canon behind the series itself. How the author sets up the world he's created, and his eye for detail. This goes hand in hand with continuity. You lose the continuity, you lose the detail and the canon becomes, at best, haphazard and a real mess.
These are the three things that I love about two different series. The Dresden Files, and Outlanders.
Of course, this review is about Small Favour - Book ten of the Dresden files by Jim Butcher.
Poor Harry Dresden. He's been through a lot over the years. He's been tempted by a fallen Angel, had his girlfriend taken from him by the Red Court, been in trouble more times than he can count with the White Council... just to name a few of the things that have happened to him. But what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
A man that he despises has disappeared, and the Winter Court forces Harry to search for him, by calling in a marker, one of the two remaining favours owed to Mab, the queen of the Winter Fae.
Of course, as much as Harry would like to tell her to shove it, he has no choice but to do as she asks.
And that only invites more misery into his life.
Don't fret, as tempted as I am, I won't give any of the plot away, I don't want to spoil it for any potential readers.
It has been a year since I read the ninth book, and at that time, I had devoured the entire series in less than a month. Consider this... I have a wife, son, full time job, and hobbies I like to pursue, so you have to realize that I loved the series if I would finish off the books that quickly.
You can forget a lot in a year's time.
I forgot about the rich world that Jim Butcher created. Sure, there are people out there who would say that it's nothing more than a cheap rip-off of Harry Potter, but to Hades with that noise!
The Dresden files takes fantasy, all aspects of it, and melds it wonderfully together in a modern setting, and does so without removing or sullying any of the fantasy elements.
With each progressive novel, the world he's created fills out more and more. We learn more about the various factions of the fantastic world of the Dresden Files - more about the wizards, more about the Fae, more about the various vampire houses, and so forth.
Most importantly though, is we learn more about each character that we, the fans, hold near and dear to our collective hearts.
Even minor characters that have only appeared a couple of times get more detail, we learn more about them, and they fill out in our minds, becoming more complete.
And, that's one other wonderful thing about the series... such a rich rogue's gallery of characters, friends and foes alike. Again, characters - heroes - that you grow to care for, and on the flip side of the coin, villains that you despise, but know that they're needed because the hero is as only as good as the villain he has to face.
Another thing that I really respect about the series is that there is an overall major story arc in development. A story that will eventually be brought to closure in the future, but one for which each and every passing novel is setting the stage.
There is something huge in the making, something that will be biblical in proportion once it finally comes to the forefront.
But, until then, each novel has its own story to tell, and bits and pieces of the overall puzzle are falling into place.
And, of course, the characters are all growing and developing with each passing offering.
The only downside is that anyone who is just starting to read the series at this point will have a lot of catching up to do. Even though each novel is a stand alone story, there are more than a few facts brought up that will leave a new reader wondering just what is going on.
For a few, this can be intimidating, but more often than not, it will simply whet the readers appetite to go out and find the previous novels so that they can read them, and discover for themselves what happened to bring up a particular point... such as how did Harry burn his hand? What's up with this Vampire Thomas who just happens to be his brother?
Things like that.
One last thought - the humour that long time readers has not diminished one iota. It's there in full force and more than once I laughed out loud while reading.
Just one of many reasons I will continue to follow this series until it does finally come to an end.
For veteran readers, it was a great addition to the series. For newcomers - all I have to say is this. Welcome to the club and get ready for the ride of your life!
5 out of 5.
I love the character Harry, his skull/spirit/former wizard Bob, his enormous dog Mouse, and his enormous cat Mister. Harry is a self-deprecating, chivalrous hero in the fight against evil. He wants to protect his city, Chicago, and its people.
The author manages to write Harry and the other characters well while writing an exciting plot. I just have to keep coming back for more.
I have to say I did NOT find this book "churchy" as a few have in their reviews. I think Mr. Butcher is brave in bringing the Knights of the Cross, most notably Micheal, into the series. I have found lately there are not many writers of this genre who feel comfortable bringing religion and/or faith into their stories unless it is a minor element. I find it fascinating that one of the Knights of the Cross is agnostic. Evidently believing in Him is not required (according to Him) to be worthy of wielding the special sword and fight for the what is right.
The series is ultimately about good and evil and these are definitely two groups that epitomize that, hence their existence in the story. But they are just part of the crowd in Harry's world. Ms. Butcher writes characters all the way from the meanest, deadliest and cruelest to the Knights of the Cross and all those in between. They come in and out of the stories, some more than others. There are plenty more characters on both of the warring sides. The vastly different characters are one of the things I love about the Dresden Files, other than the stories they populate.
Small Favor finds Harry ending a blissful, for him anyway, year of not having to dodge bullets or various boogins that have plagued him to date. His apprentice Molly is coming along nicely, old scars have healed, and hes managed to get his life into some semblance of order.
Then Mab appears after Harry investigates a magically triggered explosion that destroys an apparently abandoned building. Mab, Queen of the Winter Sidhe and general monster, calls in the second of three markers Harry owes her, charging him to find and save the life of Gentleman Johnny Marcone. This triggers a reaction of Summer as well as the Dark Denarians, an order of Fallen Angels who have taken a certain interest in Harrys ally/nemesis crime lord.
To complicate matters, Harry is noticing changes among his group of friends, and distrusts of the past quickly bubble to the surface. How can Harry expect to survive demons and monsters when his own allies think he may be one of the enemy?
Butchers writing style improved significantly, as White Night and Death Shroud, while definitely passable, lost much of the punch his earliest work seems to have. This is back to basics, with more of the jokes and razor-edged wit that made people love Harry from the start. He manages to hold all of his plots together, as he was on the verge of having threads run away, maanges to keep them in one place from start to finish.
But Harry always comes back to Chicago, and it is here that the majority of his strange cases take place. As he explains it, there is more magic in the Midwest. Well, those of us from that area can definitely believe this statement. Besides, even a very good wizard such as Harry sometimes needs a little help from friends, and this is where the White Knight, Michael and his family live. Michael's daughter Molly is an apprentice to Harry. Also living here is Karrin Murphy, Chicago Police sergeant. Karrin works in the Special Investigations department and lo and behold, paranormal activity certainly comes under her jurisdiction.
In this book we have Mab, the Queen of the Winter Court of the Sidhe who asks a small favor of Harry. Of course he owes her, and there is no saying no to a Queen. So Harry is in it up to his eyeballs, with every faction coming at him from all sides. We have weregoats, and Gruffs and Trolls and shape shifting fallen angels, along with local human mobsters to contend with. The Archive, an all-knowledge human vessel, who is also a twelve year-old child gets involved, on the idea she may be able to negotiate a peace, but gets captured instead. Now this really upsets Harry. He not only has a fondness for Ivy, but she is a child and to Harry, children are supposed to be exempt from evildoers.
He employs all his friends, the White Knights with their sacred swords, Sgt. Murphy, the Captain of the Wardens, even some fairies and especially his vampire brother, Thomas. What they go through tests everyone's loyalties and beliefs.
The action is fast and furious, the elements extreme, the bad guys can't seem to stay dead, and Harry is trying to save everyone including himself.
The ending leaves a few untidy loose ends, and what is Harry going to do about them? Because as a Wizard who believes in the truth and doing the right thing against evil, it's a big job and someone has to do it.
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
In comparing this book to the previous books in the series, Butcher is improving. One could make a valid complaint that Harry's predicaments tend to be resolved by magical force or the intervention of more powerful allies. I heard one reader complain that Harry rarely uses his smarts to overcome predicaments and there's some truth to that. I always figured it was due to Butcher's background in high fantasy that he relied on muscling through for a lot of his big fights. In any case, Harry uses his noggin a lot more in this book in order to take down the bad guys who outclass him. In particular, I'm thinking about the gruffs and the big fight at the Oceanarium. There's nothing more fun to read than a hero figuring out how to outsmart the bad guys. Harry does this in spades.
Also, in the past Harry has relied almost exclusively on fire and air evocations, spitting out "Forzare!" and "Fuego!" at every turn. I can understand that a wizard would stick with what works but considering how often these spells don't work for him (bad guys too tough), you'd think he would have some back-ups. I often wished that Butcher employed more variety in Harry's magic to reflect his years of magical experience. _Small_Favor_ improves on this by adding some new spells to Harry's repertoire from an illusion to hide his identity to an electrified chain to a giant "Bigby"-style hand. I'd still like to see more of this and I'm hoping that Molly will introduce some of it since her magical style is more subtle and sneaky than Harry's. Alas, there are no potions, something I loved from the early books that added to Harry's range of abilities without seeming like a Deus Ex Machina device. There is still something knight-ish about a wizard that wades into combat with an armored duster and magic shield while flinging monsters around but maybe that's the DnD player in me who would use magic to manipulate the battlefield while staying out of harm's way.
Another of Butcher's strengths is that he isn't heavy-handed with his "messages." They progress naturally from the story and characters. This book uses a lot of Christian themes between fallen angels and the Knights of the Cross but I never felt like Butcher was preaching to me. As a non-Christian, I appreciate that.
Complaints--I don't have many but there are a couple things I wish Butcher would change. First of all, I'd like some more downtime. Tight plotting is great for keeping the reader reading but I'd really enjoy seeing some of these characters just hanging out, being themselves. When every fight is quickly followed the next, there isn't much time to just get to know the characters which is crucial in caring about them. Second, Butcher has a thing about women--they're all hotties. Even the ones that aren't love interests for Harry get elaborate descriptions of their athletic bodies and perfect skin whether they're athletes or not. Molly and Charity, for instance--there is no reason for them to be fashion models. I imagine this comes from the author's high fantasy sensibilities but it detracts from the stories for me. I'd like to see more characters who look like regular people. Of course, neither of these complaints has stopped me from thoroughly enjoying the series.
I really enjoyed this book and the stakes for Harry and his friends keep getting higher. Whenever I think I know what will happen, Jim Butcher manages to twist things up so much that I'm always guessing. There was also quite a bit of foreshadowing in this tale, so I'm sure we'll see the one particular location again.
Having read through the series, I’m more invested in finding out what happens to apprentice Molly, and just why creatures from Fairie are attacking Harry – this time. Harry also wants to know, so he bribes one of the littlest Fair Folk … with a Donut. One of the good ones, too. Why does he use a donut instead of the usual pizza? Maybe because he’s only summoning one, not a whole crew.
But instead of sallying forth to find the prize, Toot-toot comes back screaming, RUN!
Harry staggers back, and there’s Mab, Queen of the Winter Fairies, with mysterious messages. She wants him to save Gentleman Johnny the Gangster. Whuh? And the danger Toot-toot ran from… wasn’t her. Still, Harry Dresden had the opportunity to snark at her, so it was not a wasted meeting.
Cool Moment – when Harry does his research and figures out just who is trying to kill him, and do they come from Summer or Winter or somewhere else entirely? Bob the Skull can’t stop laughing. Bad Bob! Fairy tales may sound silly now, but they used to be all about killing people.
The dangers increase and increase, and when did fairies start using automatic rifles? Maybe when hi-tech meant lightweight, non-iron weapons.
Cool moment – when two people have death weapons aimed at you, try to make them hit each other!
Cool Moment – when a Knight of the Cross politely doesn’t ask what took you so long to get there, don’t mention the guys trying to kill you, because it’s not relevant to the current fight. Walking past the bodies is a fine time to mention it though. Yes, by book 10 Harry just has that many enemies. They don’t all wait their turn.
Cool Moment – Harry has never blown up a train station before. Well, it’s still standing. Mostly. Hardly damaged at all!!!
So, Harry sets up a ransom with the bad guys (someone get me a cheat sheet with all the different sets of bad guys in this book) which takes place at an aquarium. As we all know, water does not burn, so Harry will certainly not burn this aquarium down. But a few hour later… it’s only MOSTLY standing. Oh, Harry. But this time it wasn’t his fault!
Cool Moment: Harry has a revelation. Ye Bad Guy has pulled him aside for a heart to heart talk, NOT because he thinks Harry can be corrupted right now, but because something else is going on. Something big. So Harry runs out mid-conversation and yells for his backup to look sharp, someone is pulling a shady deal. Later, Harry realized that this same bad guy is pulling the distraction gambit on such a huge scale that foiling him is going to be very, very difficult.
Meanwhile, the original bad-guys are still planning to kill Harry Dresden, Wizard.
End of story – remember that doughnut? Wow. It was important. Mwahahahaha. Wizard. And Murphy’s face when she sees the doughnut is even funnier.
New things in this book – Harry is learning to plan ahead. He is figuring out that Queen Mab of the Winter Court is actually not one of the bad guys, although she has plans beyond anything he has a reference for. Also, some people are telling him that he’s being too soft on Molly, and he’s not doing her any favors. Uh oh. Damsel is going to have to get other people out of distress, and she can’t learn while Teacher is not pushing her to the limits? Concept!
Fun book. Three stars, and half is for the doughnut gag.
Queen Mab is back along with the Archive and Kincaid. I was wondering when JB will be linking the piece about Harry's debt to the faery queen. Wow, finally here it is and one more debt for Harry to settle. What will Mab have him do next? She's so royally pissed and she is out for vengeance on those who attacked the heart of Winter.
Although we see more connections with the story lines from previous books, new mysteries keep arising! More traitors are coming out of the woodwork. I wanted more progress with the Red Court war and the Black Council conspiracies. I guess I have to WAIT for the next novels.
What an ending! Shocker with Michael, the sword, Uriel, etc. What else is going to happen? A MUST READ for any Dresden fan!
I do think that Butcher could spend a little more time with the characters; he keeps up a tireless plot pace and that does keep us from getting inside the characters' hearts and minds as much as some of his other entries. One of the Dresden series' greatest strengths is how much we care not only about the outcome of each adventure but about the characters as well.
You'll definitely see what I mean in the way Butcher is dealing with the Knights he's befriended (Michael and Sanya) and the third sword (once Sinyo's and now in Dresden's care). I don't want to be more explicit for fear of spoilers, but you'll start talking to Dresden as you read, wanting more action in that arena ... and that's just one of several character-related dilemnas that perhaps don't get enough time.
Still, an excellent book and definitely continuing a strong series. Pick it up and read it and wait impatiently (along with me) for the next one.
I thought Butcher's use of humor was more balanced and less forced, his spin on the foes hunting Dresden was imaginative and amusing, and the main character, Harry, as written actually seemed to be changing, evolving into a more mature and therefore formidable wizard. The city of Chicago actually seemed more real than in any other book in the series although I really so wish Butcher would have someone in the series eat more than just junk food. When I go through Chicago, I eat so much of so many different ethnic dishes, it takes a week for my jaw muscles to recover. Back on point, the main plot was written and executed well, and the new plotlines hint at some new possible roads Butcher may travel with the series. I prepared to read Small Favor by rereading all the previous books and I felt that was a good thing to do. I was able to see how the series characters were mostly unchanging up until around Dead Beat (Book 7) where Butcher starts to shake things up and hint at the end game for Harry.
While I have no real complaints about Small Favor, I do think that it's taken too long for Butcher to address the traitor to the Wizards in the series, hinted at way back in Summer Knight, to be (hopefully) rectified in Turn Coat, Book 11 (which I'm reading now). Another issue not addressed in a timely manner is Harry's family history, specifically more background on his mother, father, godmother and Justine, his first mentor, which I believe Harry would have investigated by now. Other than those minor, unrelated to the story issues, I believe you'll enjoy this new chapter in the life and times of Harry Dresden and I look forward to reading a series that I believe I will reread many, many times over the years.
As usual, the book takes off, right from the beginning, never letting you take a breath as one supernatural force after another seeks to take Dresden down. Quick thinking and good friends keep our hero alive, but never too far from danger.
Rarely have I encountered a series that leaves me wondering about what the main character is becoming. You can see that there is a larger plan in the works, and even his enemies are playing a large part in Harry's becoming a force to reckon with. Kudos to Mr Butcher! Well done!
Taking the good with the bad, it wasn’t a bad read, but is little more than a beach book.
Rating 4 out of 5 stars.
My rating is 5 stars for story and 4 for editing, although 4 1/2 isn't an option on the scale. Keep them coming!!!
The Good:
Small Favor is definitely enjoyable and keeps you reading. Jim Butcher's humor shines through and generates many laugh out loud moments and his tension keeps you glued.
The Bad (why it may be jumping the shark)
As previously mentioned, the book is just non-stop action. Even plot development seems to just throw in every possible issue into the foray and see how it sorts out. There is no focus on Harry's spells since he now just is a human flame thrower and no focus on intelligently (or with focus) resolving the multitude of plot devices and questions. They all just come together with an aha in the last few chapters. By his own definition, Harry is now a "combat wizard". He used to be much more subtle and it required his thinking through problems. No character development.
This Harry is like playing through a video game in "God" mode. Every hit he takes, he just mans up and brushes off (but complains about the pain of course). Sure it's fun, but you don't feel a sense of danger when he just talks about how he can take it because he's used to it.
Most of the plot developments/questions just get resolved as part of the ongoing action. A few don't get resolved at all or are poorly explained (perhaps awaiting the next novel).
Overall:
Don't get me wrong, this is a really entertaining read, but if the subsequent books are all going to be like this (constant mayham, running and off course World at stake problems), it will get very old. I hope Jim brings back some of the subtlety and perhaps even an problem that doesn't threaten world existence. If you can, wait for the paperback.
joe
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.
It also reintroduced the Archive, Kincaid, and Marcone - who are all interesting secondary characters. I love Butcher's grasp on mythology and legend - tying the Archive into historic oracles and Pythians - bringing up elements of the apocrypha and old and new testament legend - all make for a rich fantasy novel with a tone that doesn't approach hokey. I really believe someone like Harry Dresden could exist in my world.
I'm eagerly awaiting book 11.
I like the humor and action in these novels. The chracters have depth or are purposely shallow, which Harry points out is part of their nature. Good job keeping the quality up in a long series. I think I will look up the ones that I missed!
Needless to say, Harry has his hands full, and they become overflowing, especially when the three Goats call for a personal vendetta against him, he inherits another Sword of the Nail from a personal friend and decides to give one to another personal friend.
When it comes to 'Small Favours' among the Fairy Community, they just don't grasp the concept of size.
I finished the book and enjoyed it but it started out not maybe as well intended as it could have.
Here though we get to see into the world of the NeverNever more than we have seen in a while and we get to get some clues into whose side people in the faiery world really are on and it seems not to be on Harry's side afterall.
Anything that Queen Mab asks can not be good for you- aka Harry- but he pulls out ahead at least having saved his own teeth and saving innocent lives in the process too.
Good read- and in my opinion - keep reading if it seems a little dry it gets way more exciting and better as you get into it.
The usual suspects - Murphy, Michael, Mallory and Thomas all make an appearance, as well as Sinclair and Sanya whom I personally missed.
The story is fast paced and full of action and humor like the rest of the books in the series. We receive some more background story on the players of the Dresden universe.
The only down size for me is the innuendoes about the "Black Council" we have been getting for the past few books, without receiving any further information to advance this story line.
I strongly recommend this book for fantasy lovers, however advise people who are not familiar to the series to start from the begging, Butcher does a fairly god job in re-introducing us to the characters, however if you are not familiar with them from previous books some of the personal interactions won't be as clear or as interesting.
I liked how Butcher had developed the Order of the Blackened Denarius, up until this novel. They were menacing, fallen-angel type evils of biblical proportions. Even in "Small Favor" it's stated that the Knights prefer to double or triple an active Denarian if possible, because otherwise the odds are suicidal. Inside the book, Harry coins the term 'Nickleheads' because otherwise he's giving Denarians too much respect.
I guess Butcher bought into that mindset too. Because Harry Dresden had it too easy, given the odds against him. I liked the way the Summer/Winter angle was handled, and the early chapters were great. Then in the middle of the book when the focus is off Marcone, suddenly nearly the entire might of the Denarian Order (led by Nick) is focused against team Dresden. Rather than diabolical fallen angels hellbent on Armageddon, the Denarians come off more as buffoonish monsters with little intelligence. Nicodemus is the exception, yet given the number of Denarians encountered, this struck me a reversal of the how the Order of Denarius was portrayed in the Dresden Files.
Overall, I enjoyed the book but I'd like my fallen angels a little more on the scary side. Nicodemus fits that bill, the rest, no.
As he goes on, Butcher moved from good to great, from "I'll certainly read that when I have time" to "I pre-order his books with overnight shipping and don't make any other plans for the day after they release." If you're new to butcher, go buy the rest of the series and read them in order; you'll really get a lot more out of them, and then buy this, and each new book as he writes them. If you know you like butcher, you're not reading this review...you've already read the book, love it, and are counting down the days till the next release. If you're not sure if this genre is for you, and to be honest some people just have trouble getting the combination of fantasy and the real world, go read some of his short stories in "Side Jobs" or one of the other anthologies.
To me, it's good escapism, thought provoking without being preachy. It's far enough from the real world to not sound like a news story, without becoming a frilly fantasy tale we can't relate to seriously.
There is, however, a despair-inducing abundance of Michael Carpenter, whose presence is mercifully diluted with that of the admirable Russian, Sanya, a pragmatist who, like Harry, is able to see in shades of grey. Sanya benefits from one of the few bits of available character development, and I can't help wishing there'd been more overall.
There are some really clever plot devices, like the Gruffs, but a lot of the between-battles stuff makes no sense. Like why is Mab's malk doing her speaking for her, when she can actually use her own voice? Why is the Ultimate Gruff willing to make peace with Harry, when his predecessors have been sworn to vengence? Why is Lucio putting the moves on Harry? What's happened to Lea? And we never found out what happened to the smart, helpful dolphins when Harry exploded the aquarium wall.
I wish in the next book everyone would just wake up to discover that this one had been just a "Southfork Dream".
The Dresden series is by far one of the most amusing and enjoyable fantasy series that I've read. If you've not read any of the 'Dresden Files' then please do yourself a favour and start at #1 (Storm Front). It is more than worth it to start at the beginning. I discovered the series, after being a fan of the Sky One television programme.
Having read all the books, at least twice, they have become an integral part of my recreational reading. Furthermore, having convinced a number of my family and friends to try out Dresden, their enjoyment has meant that the 'files, have become an integral part of our regular conversations and day to day terminology.
Small Favor, is not my favourite in the series, although it is by far from the least enjoyable (that title goes to Summer Knight, an excellent book but the weakest, in my opinion, in the series), and it is more of a pre-cursor book (think Star Wars IV: A New Hope - the first Star Wars film, for those who aren't sure). It sets up a number of story lines, for what I truly hope will be another good few books.
Don't get me wrong, this book is brilliant, witty, engaging, funny - the adjectives just keep coming. The development of the characters and the continuance of what makes the series great is still there. Although, I sincerely miss 'Lash', I won't explain more for those who've not read all the books in the series.
In short, if you've already read some of the Dresden Files, you WON'T need me to convince you to buy and read this latest episode. And, if you've not read any, then start at Storm Front...
I was quickly hooked. Deep characters, many overlapping plots, and continual action make these books addictive. I started with books 10 and 11, but looped back to book 1 so I could catch up.
I can understand the complaints some people have about this as compaired with the other books. That being said, a long-term interconnected series requires entries that hit different notes. No one ever made a symphony with just one note repeated over and over.
Churchy? Is that a criticism. I think that considering the abundance, maybe overabundance, of bad guys throughout the series it's fair to have some of the 'good' guys poke their head in and say hello. 'sides, Harry might ally himself with the angels, but he's never gonna be a choir boy.
In the end, totally worth reading. Keep 'em coming, Jim!
With every book Jim Butcher releases, his writing just gets better and better.
His characters are some of my favorite of all time, and he doesn't disappoint with "Small Favor."
The Denarians are back. The Knights of the Cross are back. The Sidhe are back.
The only thing missing are the Red Court Vamps. But I'm sure we haven't seen the last of them either.
And Harry finally gets some romance! Woot!
Jim Butcher has become one of my all time favorite authors in Fantasy / Sci-Fi.
Another great read by one of the world's premiere masters of fantasy fiction."
HOWEVER,
This is NOT the case in the newest Dresden Files book. OMG I was happily reading this book nonstop and loathe to put it down to even go to sleep. Another one for my permanent collection for sure. Of course I already own all the other books in the series too:)
Molly Carpenter learned a little caution and gained a little toughness. Elaine left for California and Ramirez survived his knife wounds. Marcone admitted the truth about Helen's daughter and Harry talked to Thomas about the benefits of his new job.
In this novel, winter comes early to Chicago. Harry is giving Molly a lesson in shielding while the other Carpenter kids are trying to distract her with snowballs. Finally Molly gets her shield up and stops two snowballs, but the others get through. Molly is very good at more subtle magic, but she will never become a combat wizard. Yet Harry wants her to learn the fundamentals.
Molly and the other kids have a whispered discussion and then they pelt Harry with snowballs. Of course, Harry raises his shield well before the snowballs can strike. Then Charity Carpenter drops snow down his neck.
While Harry is trying to shake out the snow, the monsters attack. First the lights go out throughout the block. Then three short creatures with furry coats and horns charge across the backyard. As Harry draws his blasting rod, a fourth monster jumps at him from the treehouse.
The older Carpenter kids grab their younger siblings and run toward the safe room. Harry blasts the monsters, but they soon pop up again to renew the attack. Charity Carpenter finally takes out one monster and drives away the others with a nail gun and a steel hammer.
Since cold iron has drastic effects on the monsters, Harry figures that they are fae. After returning home, he looks through his reference books and finds that the monsters are gruffs, like in the fairy tale about the billy goats and the troll. They are minions of the Summer Count.
Michael Carpenter is a Knight of the Cross. He had been out getting pizza when the attack occurred. He thanks Harry for saving the children, but Harry points out that Charity had actually saved the day. Michael asks Charity how she had known that the monsters were fae, but she states that she hadn't known. Michael tends to believe that it was divine intervention.
In this story, Karrin Murphy summons Harry to consult on a strange incident in an abandoned apartment building. Harry hasn't had a consultation with the Chicago PD for some time due to the disfavor of higher authorities. But Special Investigations has been saving money from the coffee fund to hire him whenever necessary. Now it is necessary, but Harry talks them down to an hourly rate.
The building had the whole front sheered off and dropped to the ground. Harry walks around the property and discovers distorted pentacles on five sides. Someone has created a huge pentagram through the building with hellfire, but Harry doesn't know why.
Harry summons the pixie Toot-toot to gather information on the episode. Toot-toot flies off to contact his friends, but immediate returns and tells Harry to run. Harry is confused for a moment, but then he hears footsteps coming toward him and takes off toward a nearby police station.
On the way, Harry becomes lost in the snow and finds himself in an alley with Mab, the Winter Queen. Mab tries once again to recruit Harry as the Winter Knight, but he still refuses. Then she shows him what happened in the wrecked apartment building.
In a miniature diorama, Harry sees gentleman Johnnie Marcone arrive at the building and go inside toward a panic room. Then there is a break in the coverage, but it resumes with Marcone stumbling out of the building. Then several forms surround him and whisk him away in a plain van.
Mab then calls a second favor from Harry. She declares that he is her Emissary to find Marcone. Then she leaves and the gruffs appear.
These gruffs are larger than the first set. Harry runs out of the alley, but they remain close behind. So he hides in an unoccupied business tower. The three gruffs quickly surround the building, but Harry takes out one of them and manages to escape again.
Harry gets the location of a safe house from Helen at Executive Priority Health, one of Marcone's business enterprises. When he and his brother Thomas check out the location, they find Gard and Hendricks, but not Marcone. Then they are attacked by Tessa and other agents of the Knights of the Blackened Denarius.
Harry and Thomas get away from the Denarians, taking Hendricks and the grievously wounded Gard with them. After some argument, Hendricks and Gard decide to help Harry find Marcone.
This tale has agents of both the Summer and Winter Courts attacking Harry and his friends. Then there are the Denarians out to get him. What is going on?
Harry convinces the White Council to intervene in the conflict. Captain Luccio eventually appears with some young Wardens. Harry starts to view Anastasia Luccio as a potential date.
The story involves or mentions just about every surviving character from the previous books. Maybe the author has decided to end the series. Let us hope otherwise.
Highly recommended for Butcher fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of magical attacks, cunning ploys, and a touch of romance.
-Arthur W. Jordin
This time, we're following Harry as he is again roped into working for the winter court of the faires. Abused, lied to and usually half dead, Harry continually shows us what it takes to keep swinging when your the underdog. His sharp humor and hysterical observations plant a smile on the readers face from page one, despite the tense and often dramatic confrontations that await our hero.
A solid series and an outstanding addition to it.
... incidentally, I want to marry Carlos Ramirez...
Now, having Johnny out of the scene could be a good thing? Well, not if the folks holding him are the order of the Denarians. And yes, they want Gentleman Johnny to take one of those ill-fated coins and the demon possession that goes with.
Unfortunately, Queen Titania is not in agreement with her sister regarding Johnny's possession and she sends some heavies of her own to get Harry's goat. What is described as a small favor turns out to be a serious threat to many of the people Harry cares about.
As always, Jim Butcher puts a lot of heart into his novels. He's kept Harry a good man, someone who'd risk his own life for others, a real hero in the urban fantasy genre.
We get some favorites returning: Michael Carpenter and his family; Sanya, the Black Russian Knight; Captain Luccio; Gard (remember Monoc Security, part of Marcone's protection?); and others.
"Small Favor" is one of the faster paced Dresden novels around. Jim had me hooked from the beginning and didn't let up until I turned the last page. I was glad to read that Butcher has ideas for 20 or so Dresden novels on the books and I seriously hope that his publisher will allow him to continue writing them.
I have my favorite scenarios. A return of his original love interest. More Bob. More touches on known horror monsters like warewolves and vampires. More friction with Murphy. That sort of thing.
I loved the Billygoats. I loved the first half of the book and then, about when they get to the Aquarium I was loosing a lot of details in the frantic action. Butcher does that a lot. He's best when he slows things down for you to see and feel his world. For instance; I can taste Mac's ale and steak sandwiches because he's described it so well- I always love returning there. But often the first 3 of the final 4 chapters are a blur of (WTF?) kind of moments. This book had too many things going on to let you enjoy any one aspect of the book.
Overall, I'd say it was a fun read, a little disjointed in areas. There were unexpected directions and unresolved reasoning for those directions. The development of important relationships wasn't there as much as in other books of the past.
Still, it was fun just not as memorable as past books.
The Billy Goats Gruff; Ha! 'Za Lord's guard protects the cleaning brownies from the dreaded Mister beast. "Forget the doughnut!" Murph standing up to the Gruff v2.0. Gruff v2.0 being Zortched by the might of Thor! Nicodemus still a creepy mastermind of the deepest evil. Michael down for the count. Gruff v3.0- 5'4"? He's Harry's doughnut bitch. Harry with 2 swords. God Speaks Through Tolkien! Murph jelous about Anastasia? Murph want to go all-in in the fight against evil. Soulfire, baby.
Me? I liked this book.
It's ok, I haven't gotten to this one yet, so I guess I'll be looking for a used copy when I do... (just finished 7)
Some of the related incidents from other stories and his history did not seem to track as clearly as in previous books.
I love the series though the characters are my favorites, and I love the tv series done with this story line.. better than most other stuff on tv now!
Please convince them to continue for a few more to clear up the uncle issue and make Harry a white wizard again..and his girl friend... needs to show herself again. and the vampire courts etc all the make believe netherland is wonderfully scary and horrid
Harry is relieved when all Mab asks of him is to rescue crime boss John Marcone, who was recently kidnapped. He figures how hard this can be as dealing with a mundane mob killers seems easier than some of the supernatural soul stealers he normally contends with. Still he is confused why Mab wants this done and bewildering him further she does not know why. Harry investigates to understand better the scenario as he finds it difficult to fathom how John was abducted from a highly guarded safehouse. He asks his friend Michael Carpenter, father of his apprentice Molly, to help him, but the "Knight of the Sword" hesitates as he distrusts Harry since the wizard was exposed to a curse. However, Harry soon realizes that by abetting Mab, he has brought onto him and his friends, the most powerful adversary of the Queen of the Winter Court, the Queen of Summer.
Dresden is at his best in this private investigative urban fantasy as his R&R ends with paying his debt. Fans will appreciate the hero as the favor seems simple enough, but soon spirals into soul threatening danger that would have hard core sleuths like Marlowe peeing in their pants. Dresden's inquiries are cleverly done to set the stage for the usual lethal fantasy spin. Readers will relish Jim Butcher's latest tour of Chicago's underground as the sunny skies abruptly twist into deadly tornadoes.
Harriet Klausner
This books flaws are self evident. There are way too many characters on the pages. As I was reading this book, I wondered who everyone was. You sometimes need a score card to keep track. I understand some other reviewers concerns as well. Sgt. Murphy is a former shadow of herself from previous books. I missed the sexual tension between her and Harry. Now that Dresden has seemed to find a new love in Luccio, that is all missing. What happened to the plot line about the Black Council? There seemed to be a build up to this over a few books and now that seems to be on the back burner. Yes, this story was a bit preachy as far as The Carpenter family was concerned. These characters need to take a back seat for awhile and let the general flow of the plotlines continue.
To me the previous book, The White Knight, was disappointing. A Small Favor was better, but don't you miss reading a plotline like going into battle on the back of a dinosaur? I know I do. 3 and 1/2 stars for the witty banter in the book.
Some of the best lines so far in the series, and a helping of visits from old friends like toot-toot.
Only 11 months until the next book
The other portion that bugged me was the almost - I think another reviewer said as well - 'churchy' direction, which clashes horribly with Harry and frankly much of what made the series great. At several points, it was almost a bit preachy. Along those lines, the Carpenters are annoying. Can they all die? I'm hoping they fade in the next book. Okay, back to seriousness, the 'preachy' and 'churchy' components may be more of symptom of the lacklusterness of the book - a quick means to an end. I've got no problems with, and usually enjoy, the themes of temptation and right vs wrong and they were handled fantastically with Lash... again the book went from a complex situation to much of it being handled very simply (and nothing is ever simple for Harry Dresden... especially when fairies are involved).
Is it a bad book? No, you'll enjoy reading it, but it suffers a lot in comparison and dampens a the desire to read the next.
This book is exciting from the very beginning to the end. Can't wait for
the next one. I will however recommend that you start at the beginning
of the series to meet all the characters and learn the plot. I highly recommend this book. It is pure reading pleasure!!
I enjoyed this outing and we are finally getting some sense of a greater plot that Harry will have a part to play in with future books in series. Having said that though the action is relentless to the point that it sometimes seems like movement for its own sake and simply to grind Harry down, it lends a touch of formula to the novels that annoys me a little now. If I could I'd probably give this 3.5 stars.
I recommend you either buy the hardcover or wait for a standard format paperback release. Until you buy it, read the story in the library book.
If you can appreciate an offbeat occult detective series, expect a good read with more than an occasional chuckle.
The well-paced writing, however, is typical for the series. And the wisecracks are generally funny. Worth reading for series fans, but not the best book to start with.
My favorite wizard (the other Harry) returns in another suspense-filled thrill ride. A complex and witty character, Harry Dresden has gone through a lot of turmoil and changes throughout the series. He still deals with many internal struggles as well as confusing relationships. Harry is constantly putting others before himself, so his love life has been non-existent for years. He's a mentor, a friend, a brother, a wizard, a warden, an investigator, and whatever else he needs to be to help those he cares about. With equally complex secondary characters, Butcher has created one of the most well-known and well-loved urban fantasies.
Flawlessly blending classic noir mystery with a fresh take on fantasy, every installment of the Dresden Files is a treat. In Small Favor, Harry enlists the help of his friends once again to combat the forces of darkness, while trying to stay alive. With a few surprises along the way, this is a non-stop, action-packed mystery that does not disappoint.
If you haven't been reading the Dresden Files, you've been missing out.
The case, is as always, a great ride. However, to quote an earlier review: Where's Harry Dresden? More importantly, where are the relationships that were so important to him earlier in the series - namely those with Murphy and Thomas?
When I first began reading this series, it was Murphy and Harry that grabbed me and hooked me. Their's was an angsty relationship, but nonetheless filled with chemistry that leapt off the page at me and helped me endure Susan's incredibly grating presence in the early books. As the characters that I cared the most about, I had hoped I would see Harry and Murphy develop into something more eventually. No, instead, Murhpy is now Harry's muscle. Reduced to being "small and fierce" (Tyra Banks has a lot to answer for), she's a cipher to me in this book. For some reason, she's still hung up on Kincaid, yet I have no idea what that relationship meant to her beyond that. A holiday with him is about the last thing I remember from an earlier novel. She's been having experiences off somewhere, while the books now see fit to chronicle Elaine, the annoyance that is Molly and even pages and pages (previous book) of Charity's righteous anger at Harry (Mercifully, Charity seems to have grown a heart in this book). Why? I have no idea. I don't care about any of them, yet recently, they've taken precedence over the characters that I've loved and followed for from the first book.
I don't understand why Murphy, pretty much the strongest female character (a character I wished more urban fantasies could get a clue from) in the book has been reduced to a bit part. Is it so Luccio can take her place? Ten books later, I care nothing for Luccio, and frankly, the thought of seeing Harry in this relationship in the next book has me already putting it aside. I have no earthly idea why I should care about this character as opposed to Murphy. Murphy and Harry are the normal and the supernatural in intriguing packages (I've been eagerly waiting for Murph to get the sword...yet, that's done too, explained away in a flip line and nothing more), and more importantly, in characters who to me had such grand potential considering their views on the world, their attraction and their partnership. They pretty much *sparked* like crazy to me from the get-go, and as the characters grew with each book, the story potential between this too seemed to me to be too good to be true - I *craved* their relationship in other urban fantasies I've read. Now? Not anymore. I rather suspect they might find they're too good friends to ever stuff it up with a relationship at the rate things are going, but I doubt I'll be around to read about it.
If there was no romance on the horizon for them - cool. However, Murphy, pretty much hands down my favorite female character in the books like this that I've read, is still slowly disappearing in favor of background characters.
The other disappointment? - Thomas. Nothing more than muscle, and competing with Molly as the Resident go-to-guy for funny one-liners. He's been reduced to being Harry's chauffer and Harry's double. After which, he suddenly reappears at the end of the book, the lack of his presence at his brother's side explained by one line. Thomas' reveal as Harry's brother in an earlier book pretty much gave me the biggest emotional punch for Harry in the entire series. Since, then, I've seen nothing of the sort for Harry. He's been coasting along, getting a revelation here and there embroiled in his cases, but none of it translates back to the next most important characters to me, and I'd argue, Harry - Murphy and Thomas.
I think Harry is stagnating. I haven't seen any change in him since Thomas appeared. Perhaps a line or two there, when he's not running for his life, or getting involved with third tier characters, but that's pretty much it. He is surrounded by pages and page of superfluous characters, thrust into importance in the book, and at the expense of the established characters. I was willing to tolerate Molly's presence as Harry's apprentice, but frankly, any character designed to be the sister/apprentice/plucky, yet snarky with the one liners? Is as annoying in print, as they are onscreen. I shudder to think of yet another book involving Michael and his family. I know more about them, than I do about Murphy and Thomas these days, and I don't care about the former, especially when their presence is as a consequence of sacrificing Murphy and Thomas' time with Harry. Simply put, that isn't a sacrifice I'm willing to make. And having Thomas appear in a separate book? Doesn't do him justice. It's Thomas and Harry (and Murphy), that I want to read about, not `Thomas' adventures without Harry'.
My best friend made sure I had this book on time the day it was released. I waxed lyrical about it for a year until I got it...and I really don't know how to tell her I wished she'd saved her money. There's nothing here that got me hooked in the series' early novels. All there is, is a hero that's stuck, and a cast of characters that are suddenly thrust into importance after spending the previous 10 books as minor characters, while those that have been around for ages now, that affect Harry the most, are slowly fading away.
I'm not sure about any of these other reviews, if they read it or not it's hard to tell, but I have one major question...where's Harry Dresden? The Harry we have come to know and love seems somehow absent in this volume.
After all this time of holding off amd waiting, he just suddenly gives in to his urges over a woman he has not really shown any interest in over the course of the series? Instead of one of the many current women in his life and throughout the books. I don't understand it. If he has been able to resist for this long, waiting for his love that just doesn't seem to be, why suddenly just give in on a whim. Not only does that open him up more for a White court vamp but it just does not seem to fit his style.
Fearing and cowering so much before Mab? Temptation and resisting it, or giving in to it, is what made him such a great character for me. By the end of this book, he seemed to be losing much of what makes him a great character.
And now, I hope I am wrong, but being a warden without a sword, I had hoped he would take up the winter knight role instead of the Knight's sword, now that would be entertaining, filled with temptation and the strength to avoid or succumb. Getting rid of Lash was bad enough, now it seems even more... churchy?
It feels that way when the Knights are involved, I'll give you that, but come on. This a lot like religious fiction to me. Again...given the Knights role I can understand that much, but Harry just wasn't himself for me in this book.
It wasn't a bad read by any means and I'm sure I'll be in the minority that did not like it, but there it is. It didn't feel like Harry to me. Maybe my hopes were too high? I can only hope the next one will get back to his roots and take him more strongly along the thin line between good and evil and keep him leaning one way, towards the light, but still tightly gripping the other side, needing the dark to fight dark things.