Cold Days: A Novel of the Dresden Files (edition 2012)

This latest in the Harry Dresden series is packed with action and emotion and the stakes are higher than ever for Harry. This book is not one for a newcomer to the series, though. It seems to me to be very necessary to read at least CHANGES and GHOST STORY before tackling this epic volume because threads woven into those come together in this book.

Almost anything I say about the plot of this book could constitute a spoiler and, even though the book has been out since November, I don't want to ruin the plot for anyone. I think that I can safely say that despite becoming the Winter Knight and being tasked with killing Maeve, Harry is still unmistakably Harry. He is always ready with a smartass remark no matter how inappropriate the situation might be for one. And Harry is always willing to put himself in the line of fire if it means protecting those he loves. He is also constantly battling to be Harry and not be taken over by the mantle of the Winter Knight.

The writing is powerful and emotionally intense. I found myself needing to take breaks from this story to decompress even though I was very eager to find out what happened next. The book is very descriptive and filled with characters out of myth and nightmare. We also see characters we have become familiar with from earlier books in the series—Harry's vampire brother Thomas, Harry's apprentice Molly, Butters, Mac, Toot Toot, and even a little bit of Mouse.

Fans of urban fantasy have to get to know Harry Dresden. I highly recommend this series and this book. ( )

I honestly didn't think anything would be able to top [b:Changes|6585201|Changes (The Dresden Files, #12)|Jim Butcher|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1304027244s/6585201.jpg|6778696]. It was just so emotional and... Full of change (yep, I went there). But damn. Just damn. [b:Cold Days|12216302|Cold Days (The Dresden Files, #14)|Jim Butcher|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1345145377s/12216302.jpg|17189468] didn't just top it for me, it blew it out of the park.

All of those little things in the previous books that didn't make sense? The things I just kind of went with assuming I had missed something? Those questions are all starting to be answered, and on a totally epic scale. I feel like this entry in the series just took Dresden from and bunch of semi-related stand alone Urban Fantasy novels to one huge Epic Urban Fantasy tapestry. Yeah, tapestry, I know. I squeezed reading this into a Wheel of Time re-read, deal with it.

I love Butcher's sense of humor. I love how I can go from tense and on the edge of my seat, to laughing out loud, and then to getting a little misty eyed all in one page. I love that he teases my stupid squishy romantic side a little, without the story turning into a another lame paranormal romance (sorry PNR fans, it's just not my thing). I just plain love this series.

What else can I say? If you're considering picking this book up, I'm hoping you've read the other thirteen books in the series first. And if you've read all thirteen, I'm guessing you're enough of a fan to want to continue. And if you're a fan, you won't be disappointed.

No doubt about it, five stars. Hell, make it six for that matter. Loved it!




Damn it... Now I have to wait a whole year to find out what happens next. ( )

All you really need to know is that Harry is back and the series is back on track. This installment had everything that the previous book lacked. There was plenty of excitement and genuine plot lines for the beloved secondary characters. ( )

SHORT REVIEW WITH COUPLE BIG SPOILERS - BE WARNED. No matter how long between these books and how much I've forgotten from one to the next, they are always a great ride! This volume was no exception. Harry is back from the dead and fulfilling, albiet unwillingly, his obligations as the Winter Knight along with (once again) rushing to save Chicago and the rest of the world from a horrible supernatural threat. As always there is much action, much sarcasm and a fair amount of confusion thrown in on Harry's part. Loved it and am looking forward to the next volume (can't be soon enough!) ( )

Man! I keep hoping Harry gets a better break than he's got. There's a lot I like in this book; but I can't mention it without spoiling the entire plot. I did love that just about every one of his friends tells him he's a jerk and an idiot for A) not getting in touch, B) not seeking their help, and/or C) leaving things unsaid. I could NOT believe the end. Whoa. Why do I never know where Butcher is going with Harry? Why!? ( )