Peace Talks

The latest Dresden files novel is the smallest book in the series thus far, absolutely dwarfed by the previous 3 books being nearly double the size. The decision to split the book left this as little more than build-up with the rest of the book forthcoming in Battle Ground. The author has left the story half-finished, without the hallmarks of similar stories that have been split into multiple books (wrapping things up, adding extra material/scenes to flesh out the content, etc). Expect half the story, but pay full price.

As a Dresden fan I am really disappointed with this book. I have waited a while for this installment and I couldn't wait to read it. I preordered this one and Battle Ground as soon as I could because Butcher had always delivered with great stories. However, having finished the book, I feel like I paid full price for half a book. Adding insult to injury I now have to wait until September and pay for another full book just to get the rest of the story. I just feel unsatisfied with paying physical print full price for half a book, that turned out to be a rehash of Harry's earlier adventures. Butcher reused a lot of old tropes that he had used in previous Dresden novels. Only to then cut the story short and leave us waiting while charging us full price again for the rest of it. I guess I expected more given it has taken so long for this book to come out. Don't get duped. Check it out at the library.

When I say that this book feels unfinished, I guess I truly won't be exaggerating. Ever since Summer Knight ( book 4 of the series ) I got used to certain way of writing from the author. This book feels as if it had been reworked a few times too many. All of a sudden Harry feels the need to be all touchy-feely. Most normal people probably don't understand, but humans who have gone through patches of life as rough as Dresden and overcame the situation simply behave differently. And it shows in many places. In this book Harry all of a sudden lost all his experience with dealing with the nasty side of humans ( and non-humans ). All of a sudden he's a snivelling kid who requests and requires approval of other characters even before he does anything. I also should point out that the next book is the other half of the story. So unless you really want a bad cliffhanger, basically missing ~ one whole half of a book, then go ahead. Otherwise wait for the next one to come out,then purchase.