Reviews

Cold Days by Jim Butcher

hotsake's review against another edition

adventurous dark

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

The Dresden series has long been touted as Philip Marlow meets Buffy but later it has become Buffy meets Supernatural and not in a good way. The series is starting to feel like a TV show that has gone on past its prime. The book was an easy fun read, but lacked any kind of staying power.

amyeewing's review against another edition

4.0

Finally finished up Cold Days. And I loved it. This most recent addition to the series was definitely a little different. It seems like the scope of the conflict is always escalating to the point where I wonder how Butcher is going to step it up a notch. Turns out he seems to always manage it. Of course, I seriously doubt the scale of the conflict will manage to be grander in the next book. Kind of harder to get biggere than the stake of the universe. It might be a nice pace to have things ramped down to a more personal level in the next installation.

So my specific yet general impressions of the book...

First off, the writing style maintained that fresh Butcher inner monologue that I'm always looking forward to when I crack open one of these books. I kept laughing out loud at the references the characters would make. Which was a nice contrast to the gravity of the situations the characters were in. The other freshness came from the introduction of new villains and a completely new perspective on some classic "villains".

I didn't particularly care for the ramped up sexual components of the book although I understood the use and context. It's actually kind of nice to have a character that recognizes the strength of sexual... temptations, for lack of a better word, and the power that can come from standing strong and maintaining focus and dedication.

Spoilers ahead!!!!!

The most heart wrenching moment of the entire series was at the conclusion of this book. It was hard enough when Dresden had to kill the mother of his daughter in the heat of the moment. It was so much harder when he had to watch the life and even existence of his apprentice and daughter of one of his best friends ripped away. I actually cried. And for the first time, I'm a little apprehensive about how this new development is going to affect his interpersonal relationships in the upcoming Skin Game.

Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and am both excited and nervous to continue reading the Dresden Files.

leahreadsstuff's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

This gets a million points for a Rankin-Bass animated The Hobbit reference, and another million for a fabulous under the radar Firefly reference. However, it was hard to read about Harry in the situation this book puts him in. And the further into the books I get, the less I can say in a review without spoiling something. 

I really enjoyed Thomas. It’s been a while since Harry and Thomas have had time to interact with consistency, and their dynamic is fun, funny, and entertaining. Also, Thomas in general is a great character and I always want more of him. (Although that is true for almost all of the characters in these books!) I also enjoyed the deepening of vulnerability for Harry and Karrin. So much. I have been waiting for some of the scenes in this book for what feels like ages. 

But overall, this was not my favorite. The plot was a little too: let’s take everything to the next level! It was a lot. And although I enjoyed the world and the humor and Harry like I always do, the changes that have been wrought due to plot points take some getting used to. 

kblueflame's review against another edition

adventurous dark funny mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

alexandrabree's review against another edition

4.0

I took a smallish break in the series BUT back to binging these until completion, read this book, audiobook actually (#14 and #15) in a day and a half.

These are still cheesy and totally a mega series / the never ending story and I still Love It, this fantasy Jack Reacher just keeps on keeping on with the entertainment.

seagullsaga's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

tvrandhavane's review against another edition

5.0

At this point in this series you know what to expect. So, I will not tell you why I chose to read the book or whether you should read it or not. If you have read the first 13 books and liked them, why would you not read it! And if you want to start at the 14th book directly, you are an adventurous person and my opinion is probably not going to change your decision.

So, let's get back to the reasons for the 5 star rating. This book delivers exactly what I wanted: more Dresden. There is the usual action, comedy, mystery, and emotion. Some very old questions are answered and new ones are presented. Absolutely Enjoyed it!

jenlynnhill's review against another edition

3.0

Well I did not see the ending of this one coming. Wow. Not sure how I feel about it. But I think this is one of the books I like most in the series thus far.

fuzzycerts's review against another edition

adventurous dark fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

robynbookends's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0