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fishbelly's review against another edition
4.0
Harry Dresden is back for his latest adventure, and as the title implies, he is in for some serious changes. His ex-lover Susan, now "half" Red Court vampire has returned with some startling news--
(*spoiler*)
When she left Harry 8 years ago, she was pregnant with his child. His daughter Maggie has been kidnapped, and she wants his help to get her back. Ariana Ortega, duchess of the Red Court has kidnapped Harry's child, intent on the revenge for the death of her husband by Harry's hand.
From there, Changes proceeds as you would expect for a Dresden novel, for the most part. Perhaps Butcher himself has sensed some of the stagnation of the series, because the title is "Changes" for a reason. With a "I'll show them" attitude, Butcher puts Dresden through hell (like always), but creates wholesale changes in almost every aspect of Harry's life along the way.
Many of the series' characters make appearances, but for the most part the story focuses on Harry, Molly, and Susan.
If you are a fan of the series, then you will most probably enjoy this latest adventure, though I suspect some fans will be upset by many of the changes during the novel. If you're not a fan, then stay clear of this book. Book 12 of a series is not the place to begin!
It was a fun romp, and Butcher definitely changed things up like I've been wanting for years. In the end, however, it felt a bit like the middle story of a trilogy--much of it feels like a set-up for what's to come, including a HUGE cliffhanger ending that is sure to piss off many devoted fans.
Can't wait to read the next book.
(*spoiler*)
When she left Harry 8 years ago, she was pregnant with his child. His daughter Maggie has been kidnapped, and she wants his help to get her back. Ariana Ortega, duchess of the Red Court has kidnapped Harry's child, intent on the revenge for the death of her husband by Harry's hand.
From there, Changes proceeds as you would expect for a Dresden novel, for the most part. Perhaps Butcher himself has sensed some of the stagnation of the series, because the title is "Changes" for a reason. With a "I'll show them" attitude, Butcher puts Dresden through hell (like always), but creates wholesale changes in almost every aspect of Harry's life along the way.
Many of the series' characters make appearances, but for the most part the story focuses on Harry, Molly, and Susan.
If you are a fan of the series, then you will most probably enjoy this latest adventure, though I suspect some fans will be upset by many of the changes during the novel. If you're not a fan, then stay clear of this book. Book 12 of a series is not the place to begin!
It was a fun romp, and Butcher definitely changed things up like I've been wanting for years. In the end, however, it felt a bit like the middle story of a trilogy--much of it feels like a set-up for what's to come, including a HUGE cliffhanger ending that is sure to piss off many devoted fans.
Can't wait to read the next book.
smanke's review against another edition
5.0
Fans of The Dresden Files have a new adventure in their hands. April 6th was the release for book 12 of the series chronicling the supernatural exploits of wizard and private detective, Harry Dresden. Dresden is the worlds only publicly practicing Wizard. Don’t believe it? It says it right there on his business card. But while earlier books were more centered on cases brought to him as a private investigator, Changes is entirely focused on Harry’s personal life.
The Dresden Files has been one wild adventure after another. Vampires, trolls, werewolves, wizards, fairies, and all manner of mystical beings congregate around modern day Chicago. And where supernatural forces frolic, supernatural bedlam often ensues. And over the years Dresden has made powerful friends and even more powerful enemies.
This time around Harry’s personal life catches up with him. And in the course of the tale, author Jim Butcher does an amazing job of pulling in characters from novels past and linking them all into a potent and action packed crusade that will change the future of the Dresden character forever. Every previous book literally brought Dresden to the events detailed in this book and the consequences of this edition threaten to have far-reaching ramifications.
It’s hard to review the story without giving away twists or turns critical along the way. It’s impossible to mention the peripheral characters that come into play without giving away information that is key to the resolution of the story. I consider this a mark of the true craftsmanship that Jim Butcher employs when telling his tales. The characters are compelling and long lasting as they are developed further from one book to the next. Later books directly reference the outcome of events that were important in earlier books and surprisingly consequential in continuing storylines.
Without giving anything away, its safe to say that book 12 is an amazing work of fiction that was nearly impossible to put down. The mythology of Dresden’s world is compelling. The writing throughout the series is consistent and has all led up to what happens in this book.
Changes proved to be a great addition to the series and, much more than past release, really leaves the reader anxious for book 13. And there is good news on that front as Side Job, book 13, is scheduled for release in November of 2010. Its unusual for Butcher to release two Dresden books in the same year. But with the recent conclusion of his Codex Alera series it seems he has dedicated his creativity fully on Harry Dresden. As an aside, those not familiar with the Codex Alera works, the 6 novels comprise a mind-blowing work of fiction in their own right.
The Dresden Files is a series of stories told from the first person perspective of Harry Dresden himself. Due to the craftsmanship of Butcher’s work, it’s crucial to read the books chronologically in order to truly appreciate the development of the character and his history. Each book builds on the characters and events that came before it. And the history of the series makes for an interesting and exciting journey. I have never regretted starting Storm Front, book one, less than two years ago and I anxiously anticipate the release of Side Jobs, book 13 in November.
The Dresden Files has been one wild adventure after another. Vampires, trolls, werewolves, wizards, fairies, and all manner of mystical beings congregate around modern day Chicago. And where supernatural forces frolic, supernatural bedlam often ensues. And over the years Dresden has made powerful friends and even more powerful enemies.
This time around Harry’s personal life catches up with him. And in the course of the tale, author Jim Butcher does an amazing job of pulling in characters from novels past and linking them all into a potent and action packed crusade that will change the future of the Dresden character forever. Every previous book literally brought Dresden to the events detailed in this book and the consequences of this edition threaten to have far-reaching ramifications.
It’s hard to review the story without giving away twists or turns critical along the way. It’s impossible to mention the peripheral characters that come into play without giving away information that is key to the resolution of the story. I consider this a mark of the true craftsmanship that Jim Butcher employs when telling his tales. The characters are compelling and long lasting as they are developed further from one book to the next. Later books directly reference the outcome of events that were important in earlier books and surprisingly consequential in continuing storylines.
Without giving anything away, its safe to say that book 12 is an amazing work of fiction that was nearly impossible to put down. The mythology of Dresden’s world is compelling. The writing throughout the series is consistent and has all led up to what happens in this book.
Changes proved to be a great addition to the series and, much more than past release, really leaves the reader anxious for book 13. And there is good news on that front as Side Job, book 13, is scheduled for release in November of 2010. Its unusual for Butcher to release two Dresden books in the same year. But with the recent conclusion of his Codex Alera series it seems he has dedicated his creativity fully on Harry Dresden. As an aside, those not familiar with the Codex Alera works, the 6 novels comprise a mind-blowing work of fiction in their own right.
The Dresden Files is a series of stories told from the first person perspective of Harry Dresden himself. Due to the craftsmanship of Butcher’s work, it’s crucial to read the books chronologically in order to truly appreciate the development of the character and his history. Each book builds on the characters and events that came before it. And the history of the series makes for an interesting and exciting journey. I have never regretted starting Storm Front, book one, less than two years ago and I anxiously anticipate the release of Side Jobs, book 13 in November.
landstander's review against another edition
4.0
This was easily one of my favorite Dresdan books in a while! Butcher cashes in on several long building story elements to make a truly interesting addition that is full of changes. This feels like a bridge from the more episodic to something new and different! I suppose the next book will prove me right or wrong. Either way, it's a fun read that feels a bit heavy handed with cameos of just about every character ever introduced in the series but ultimately it's still fun.
mlg9's review against another edition
5.0
Could not stop reading this one. Really loved how it pulled a lot of the plot lines together.
nerdyreferencelibrarian89's review against another edition
5.0
Wow, this book is aptly named, while it still feels like a Dresden File book, it also manages to create a lot of changes, both in tone, characters, and overarching plots right from the very beginning.
This changes in Changes, take this plot to the one where the most is at stake, and it doesn't do this by creating a globally threatening situation, but rather stakes that create personal risks to Dresden. This creates some wonderful tension, character moments, and reveals.
Perhaps my favorite thing about this book is the way it brings so many of the small plot lines being hinted at together.
It ends on with a Bang that left me immediately grabbing for the next book.
I hope the last two book remaining manage to keep the emotional development as high as Changes managed!
This changes in Changes, take this plot to the one where the most is at stake, and it doesn't do this by creating a globally threatening situation, but rather stakes that create personal risks to Dresden. This creates some wonderful tension, character moments, and reveals.
Perhaps my favorite thing about this book is the way it brings so many of the small plot lines being hinted at together.
It ends on with a Bang that left me immediately grabbing for the next book.
I hope the last two book remaining manage to keep the emotional development as high as Changes managed!
aahlvers's review against another edition
5.0
There are big changes in store for Harry (hence the name Changes) this time around. It seems like the bad guys keep getting badder and I am not sure what Jim will do for the next novel. Maybe a nice apocalypse?
kikmigi23's review against another edition
4.0
This book has a lot of depth and a fair number of shocking surprises near the end. It's still a Dresden book but it seems shaded darker than some of the earlier novels. Well, maybe that's just opinion, earlier novels having exploding chest cavities and the like. A lot of shit goes down, and while everything resolves well, it doesn't resolve happily ever after. If you've read the other 11, you definitely will want to read number 12.
bluedepth's review against another edition
5.0
Rollercoaster ride from the beginning to the end! Was not expecting that ending. Time to put Dresden to rest for a short bit and find something new. What to choose?
momotan's review against another edition
5.0
I answered the phone and Susan Rodriguez said, "They've taken our daughter."
Un inizio col botto, subito a piena velocità, per quello che sicuramente è fino a questo punto il libro migliore della serie.
Una serie che si era mantenuta a lungo su un buon livello, ma che poi sembra aver premuto decisamente sull'acceleratore diventando ottima.
Harry si trova davanti alla missione più difficile, la scelta più complicata.
Si tratta di una questione personale, che per di più lo tocca nel profondo visto il suo passato.
E' il suo momento più nero, quando il suo bisogno è maggiore... e si ritrova quasi da solo.
Vicino a lui solo gli alleati storici: Murphy, Mouse, Molly, Senya, Thomas.
Il White Council? Occupato a trattare col nemico, ancora traballante dopo gli eventi del libro precedente.
Il Grey Council? Impegnato a nascondersi e a progettare l'attacco ai suoi nemici.
Luccio? Fuori dai giochi.
Ramirez? Fuori dai giochi.
I Raith? Non abbastanza coinvolti per entrare in gioco.
E contro Harry, l'intera potenza della Red Court, decisa a pareggiare i conti una volta per tutte.
Nemici quasi divini, quasi imbattibili.
Le entità in gioco sono sempre più potenti, le scelte di Harry per tenere testa all'avversario sono sempre meno. E nessuna di queste è buona.
Va scelto il male minore, letteralmente.
Un libro avvincente, appassionante, con un ritmo forsennato che tiene incollati alle pagine e rende difficilissimo staccarsene per -ad esempio- adempiere a banalità materiali come l'andare al lavoro.
Un libro che gronda cupezza, rabbia, dramma.
Con un finale potentissimo e inatteso.