Scan barcode
mlore95's review against another edition
4.0
When a series runs as long as the Dresden Files has, it's bound to move away from its roots at some point. We've definitely seen that with the Dresden Files: as the series has gone on we've moved away from the hardboiled detective, monster of the week theming into a much larger overarching plot with more characters and much larger stakes.
This novella takes the series back to its beginnings, and it's a breath of fresh air after the wildness of Battle Ground. Here, we see Harry doing what he does best - helping a woman in need. The case is simple, the cast small, and the stakes relatively low. The Law is set after Battle Ground, but can safely be skipped if you're only interested in the main plot, as it doesn't advance it in any way. Instead of cataclysmic events and massive displays of power, we see a Harry much more similar to the Harry of the earliest novels: lots of conversations, arrogance, and intimidation. In some ways it seems Harry's character development has reset a bit - there's quite a bit of observation of women on display here that falls in line with the Harry of the early novels but feels a bit out of place given the recent events in his life and how Butcher has written the character in more recent books.
This story is well worth the read if you're a fan of the series, but I'd definitely recommend being caught on the series before reading, and fans that enjoy the more in-depth worldbuilding and high stakes of the later novels may be a bit disappointed here.
This novella takes the series back to its beginnings, and it's a breath of fresh air after the wildness of Battle Ground. Here, we see Harry doing what he does best - helping a woman in need. The case is simple, the cast small, and the stakes relatively low. The Law is set after Battle Ground, but can safely be skipped if you're only interested in the main plot, as it doesn't advance it in any way. Instead of cataclysmic events and massive displays of power, we see a Harry much more similar to the Harry of the earliest novels: lots of conversations, arrogance, and intimidation. In some ways it seems Harry's character development has reset a bit - there's quite a bit of observation of women on display here that falls in line with the Harry of the early novels but feels a bit out of place given the recent events in his life and how Butcher has written the character in more recent books.
This story is well worth the read if you're a fan of the series, but I'd definitely recommend being caught on the series before reading, and fans that enjoy the more in-depth worldbuilding and high stakes of the later novels may be a bit disappointed here.
jazzrizz's review against another edition
4.0
What a fun short story. While I loved Jim's narration, I really missed James.
Harry's not in a terrific head space. A women out of options shows up hoping Harry can help her.
I loved getting back to detective work. Harris approach to investigating has a more aggressive tone, but he's determined to help.
I really liked the new characters that were introduced. Especially the lawyer!
Harry's not in a terrific head space. A women out of options shows up hoping Harry can help her.
I loved getting back to detective work. Harris approach to investigating has a more aggressive tone, but he's determined to help.
I really liked the new characters that were introduced. Especially the lawyer!
machuu's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
A refreshing return to Dresden for me. Butcher dexterously arranges boundaries for Harry to get back to old school PI work to resolve the case.
kcb_21's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
saraubs's review against another edition
4.0
This novella was not what I was expecting, but I enjoyed it all the same. It felt like a throwback to Vintage Dresden, but still gave a glimpse at how everyone is processing the aftermath of Battle Ground. Unfortunately, instead of satisfying my craving for more, this just made me desperate for the next novel!
sjgomzi's review against another edition
4.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ to the latest offering from Jim Butcher.
The Dresden Files is one of my all time favorite series, and even after 17 books, it’s still a thrill getting to watch Harry save the little guy, girl, or various kinds of supernatural beings, and blow shit up! It wouldn’t be a Dresden Files story unless something explodes. Anyway, this novella is a return to the small scale detective story of the week type of book from the early days. No world threatening battles, or city destroying titans-just Harry taking on a simple case and trying to find himself again after the life destroying events of the past couple of books. It’s was a welcome and much needed breather before the main story kicks it all up again. Still fun after all these years!
The Dresden Files is one of my all time favorite series, and even after 17 books, it’s still a thrill getting to watch Harry save the little guy, girl, or various kinds of supernatural beings, and blow shit up! It wouldn’t be a Dresden Files story unless something explodes. Anyway, this novella is a return to the small scale detective story of the week type of book from the early days. No world threatening battles, or city destroying titans-just Harry taking on a simple case and trying to find himself again after the life destroying events of the past couple of books. It’s was a welcome and much needed breather before the main story kicks it all up again. Still fun after all these years!
sensorglitch's review against another edition
3.0
This books was fine. The bad guy was ok, It was kinda nice having this sort of adventure after the high points of the previous books. There was something very identifiable about what was going on. I hope some of the characters who are here make future appearances - they seemed like they added something new to the cast from the Dresden Group. At the same time, I wasn't super excited by it either.
losquish's review against another edition
5.0
Short and Sweet, Just a Taste to Tide Us Over
Butcher has done it again!
Harry Dresden is recovering from the events of the last two books. This takes place before the Christmas short story, on the Dresden Files timeline.
We see Harry as he is trying to settle in to a new normal. This is a novella (about 1/4 the size of the usual stories) so it is a brief look and therefore much less action packed. That does not mean however that it is any less satisfying.
There are a few people we recognize and a few new faces, but the story fits nicely in with what we have come to expect from the series. Harry wants to do the right thing and by golly he finally might just be learning how to go about doing it in a way that everyone has been trying to teach him for years.
This is a fantastic installment and the only complaint is that it is too short for the reader who wants the whole completed series to enjoy, but I assure you that this story doesn’t overstay its welcome or leave you with more questions than answers. It’s a perfect little snack to hold us over until news of another novel is ready.
Butcher has done it again!
Harry Dresden is recovering from the events of the last two books. This takes place before the Christmas short story, on the Dresden Files timeline.
We see Harry as he is trying to settle in to a new normal. This is a novella (about 1/4 the size of the usual stories) so it is a brief look and therefore much less action packed. That does not mean however that it is any less satisfying.
There are a few people we recognize and a few new faces, but the story fits nicely in with what we have come to expect from the series. Harry wants to do the right thing and by golly he finally might just be learning how to go about doing it in a way that everyone has been trying to teach him for years.
This is a fantastic installment and the only complaint is that it is too short for the reader who wants the whole completed series to enjoy, but I assure you that this story doesn’t overstay its welcome or leave you with more questions than answers. It’s a perfect little snack to hold us over until news of another novel is ready.