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4.47 AVERAGE
4.47 AVERAGE
This is a reread, but it's been years since I've read these, so it was good to get back into the Dresden universe! I'm happy to report that characters, names, places, and events all came back to me as I listened to this. James Marsters is pitch perfect for Harry and after I finished this, I bought Ghost Story on Audible so I could have him narrate that one. I remember that years past when I listened to the series, John Glover was okay for Ghost Story. But it just wasn't the same. Anyway, without revealing any spoilers, this is the book that changes a lot of things for Harry and his friends, so I wanted to start here with my rereads before catching up on the latest two books. It's good to be back!
Changes sees a resolution of some background plots that have been simmering to a greater or lesser extent from the beginning of the series. The revelations in the book lead Harry to make some life changing decisions which will change him for the rest of his life ...
This was a tough one to get through - even though I couldn't put it down. I wasn't sure I liked where he (Dresden) was going. Having now read on further, it all comes clear and is so important. I love this series.
This is probably my least favourite of the series. 11 books of building up this character only to systematically destroy him and everything he is. yes i get that it is a metaphor for the effect Maggie had on him, yes i get that this allows Dresden and the series to grow so much more in the long run and Yes i know i am not meant to like it. The fact that each of these blows hit me much the way it hit Dresden is a testament to Butchers writing, and this book did make me feel soo much... but that does not mean i enjoy the process and this book always feels a little like a hurdle i have to get over when it comes to this series.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
As with all the Dresden books, I really enjoyed the ride, and now barely remember what it was about a month after reading it. Wizard fights bad guy, and this time he has recently discovered he has a daughter he never knew about. It was a nice twist.
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The first eleven Dresden files books have felt repetitive to me - same characters with the same problems coming back over and over. And always doing ridiculously risky things that somehow work out all right, with no real lasting consequences (outside of one significant exception at the end of Small Favor). Well, when Jim Butcher decided it was time to move things along in Changes, he didn't hold back. Previous books have set up lots of enemies, allies, temptations, and dangers that Butcher brings together - vampires and faeries and interference by human authorities and holy swords and infighting among wizards and ancient evils - he doesn't leave much out. There's still plenty of the pulling-off-the-impossible feel to it, but this time there's some lasting consequences (including an overly melodramatic cliffhanger, IMHO) that will lead in new directions as the series continues.
THIS is a tightly plotted Dresden story - with all the spurious plot points FINALLY pointing to one spot and one ending rather than a whole bunch of weirdly put together plots kind of loosely tying together if you can figure it out.
However, the entire crux of the story is planted in a previously unknown family relation, which I found annoyingly convenient and a poor use of a plot contrivance.
The novel is well written, has an incredible ending, and brings us back to all the characters we absolutely love. I just didn't particularly love the reason for it.
However, the entire crux of the story is planted in a previously unknown family relation, which I found annoyingly convenient and a poor use of a plot contrivance.
The novel is well written, has an incredible ending, and brings us back to all the characters we absolutely love. I just didn't particularly love the reason for it.
adventurous
Why am I acting so odd now that I've finished this book?
...
Because I CAN'T EVEN.
...
Because I CAN'T EVEN.