Harry's under siege, the vamps, faeries, and the undead are threatening Chicago and only Harry can stop them. But in doing so he loses whats most precious to him. ( )

Vampire, ghosts, demons - Harry's got problems. Grave Peril was an action packed mystery that kept me on my toes and slightly confused throughout. There was so much going on in this book, all good, all exciting, all interesting, but almost like entertainment overload. I can't wait to see what's in store for Harry Dresden next, but if Jim Butcher would slow the pace down a fraction, I wouldn't complain. ( )

This is book three in the Dresden Files about Harry Dresden, a working wizard in downtown Chicago. I’ve read and enjoyed the first two books in the series but felt this one was missing something. Although readable, i didnt find it as compulsive as the first two. The storyline though well written, did at times suffer from too many endless confrontations, Dresden lurching from one tight spot to the next. By the time I got to the big finale, I just wanted the book to finish. I was as tired as Dresden. Good without being brilliant. ( )

It was pretty good, but I got tired of Harry being so low, yet magically mustering up the strength & magic to get the job done. It got repetitive & a little too predictable. Still, not a bad read, but I don't think I'm going to start the fourth book of the series immediately. I need a break. ( )

Harry Dresden, wizard for hire is back in another adventure This time the city is being terrorized by ghosts. Not the kind that jump up and shout boo, the kind that are tormented and violent and can actually harm people. He gets a tip that one will appear in the hospital and try to kill the children on the maternity ward. He enlists the help of his friend Michael Carpenter (a carpenter by trade but a Knight of the Cross by calling dedicated to battling evil). They manage to defeat the ghost, but discover her body is wound with a piece of barbed wire meaning she was tormented into her actions. It looks like someone is somehow controlling the ghosts,someone pretty powerful.

Making life more complicated as usual, is Harry's fae godmother Leanansidhe. She is here to collect on a long ago promise made by Harry to serve her. Harry manages to lie his way out of things which is never a good idea with fae. Along the way vampires get involved as well as Michael's pregnant wife Charity and Harry's journalist girlfriend Susan. Unfortunately not everyone makes it out of the ensuing battle in the same state as they entered it and it will have greater consequences for Harry in future instalments.

This was great fun, it went a mile a minute with plenty of twists and turns without getting too complicated. I really like Harry and Michael was a good addition to the main characters. I also hope to see more from Tomas and Justine. This is such a fun series, highly recommended to all urban fantasy and mystery fans looking for something a little different. ( )

Excellent. Page-turning, as usual - compelling as all get-out. I'm not sure this is the best in the series thus far, but one could make the argument that he keeps getting better. ( )

Fleshless fiends run afoul of Harry, and we are introduced to an intriguing cohort in Michael Carpenter, a paladin of the highest sort who happens to have a pretty darn spiffy sword complete with italicized name and mayhap an original nail from the Crucifixion (the BIG one), glowing all purty with Mr. Carpenter's divine faith and cutting a swath through the baddies.

What delights me thus far about Mr. Butcher is his inventive machinations providing all manner of terribly awful things with which to assail Mr. Dresden, none of which come off as overly familiar or beat-into-the-ground as many of this burgeoning genre have already succumbed ( )

Started off a bit shaky, but this one really picked up. I'm still not entirely certain I like where the series is headed, but I couldn't put this one down, and I'm willing to try another.

This book was even more action packed than the previous. It just escalated throughout, and even threw another prominent-character curve ball, though I must say I wasn't thrilled with that part. I'm a bit of a romantic with a "good guys win/bad guys lose" ending preference. Hey, it may be predictable, but that's still what I like.

I'm not big on ghosts, and I'm even less interested in the fae and faerie politics, so I was apprehensive at the start, but this book had a few surprises up its sleeve (even a dragon!). I had a real problem with the about face where Michael's character went from the powerful but dimwitted, suspicious watchdog following Dresden around to his friend and ghost-fighting partner. There was no transition nor explanation. It felt really inconsistent with the previous books, but if you just accept it, then the character change wasn't that bad as a whole.

Unlike some paranormal/fantasy stories that leave things more ambiguous, this book went right out and added God as a character explicitly. I found that an interesting move and wonder how it will effect the power struggles in the series.

Magic is still not openly acknowledged in this book, but the world must be getting closer with the possession of the cop. Now, there's a magical war going on, which I think is quite likely to spill over into the mortal world, so that may finally change.

I recommend this book for those who liked the first two but wanted more action, or who, like me, are curious where the series is headed. I've been told Butcher is gearing up for some grander tale rather than the stand-alone approach of the first stories. Hopefully this doesn't involve even more court intrigue and politics with the fae and vampires, else my interest will flag. This particular book in the series has very low reread value for me. It was too much of a kick in the teeth on top of my preexisting lack of interest in ghosts, demons, and faeries. Still, as I said, I'm willing to give the series one more try with the next book and see where it goes. ( )

I can't figure out what it is about Harry Dresden books. When i start them, i am sure that it will be the last one i read in the series, but by the end i can't wait for the next one. For me, they just start so slow, even though this one jumped right into the action from the first page. ( )

Grave Peril is the third book in the Dresden Files by Jim Butcher. I first began reading the series because they came so highly, and frequently, recommended. Even though they seem a little overrated so far (granted I find that most things are, and I've only read the first few books), I have enjoyed them immensely. But if the books continue to improve in quality like they have been, I might have to change my opinion. Though far from perfect, Grave Peril is definitely the best book in the series up to this point.

Life's been pretty good lately for Chicago's only wizard-for-hire, Harry Dresden: work is steady, he's got a great girlfriend, and no one has blatantly tried to kill him for at least a couple months. Granted, he's had to deal with a surprising number of ghosts recently, quite a few requiring backup from the resident Knight of the Cross, Michael Carpenter. And then there's the fact that the barrier between this world and the Nevernever seems to be disintegrating, which is a big problem--and not just because it makes it easier for Harry's godmother to track him down. Complicating matters even further, Bianca--the local head vampire--is getting a promotion and the city will be crawling with out-of-town vampires arriving for the celebration which he is required to attend as the representative for the White Council. Unfortunately for Harry, none of them are very fond of him at all, and Bianca arbors a particularly nasty grudge. Just how nasty will soon become apparent.

I was a little hesitant to read Grave Peril since Harry had irritated me so much in Fool Moon. Fortunately that was not the case in this book. While Harry still has the same personality quirks that had annoyed me so greatly (particularly blaming himself for everything), they are significantly toned down, making his characterization much more balanced--slightly more endearing, and much, much less frustrating. (It also helped that he didn't keep getting arrested every two pages.) I found a few things really stood out for me in Grave Peril. First was the introduction of Michael and of Thomas Raith--a vampire from the White Court. (Please, oh please let them be recurring characters!) I also particularly appreciated the further exploration of faith magic (in this case, Christian) and the continued examination of Butcher's version (actually versions) of vampires.

I enjoyed the first two books in the Dresden Files, but I really enjoyed the third. I think Butcher has begun to hit his stride with Grave Peril. The writing has improved and isn't nearly as awkward as it occasionally has been, and the pacing was spot on. However, having read the previous books, the third seemed at times repetitive, especially in the beginning chapters. Someone starting the series here of course wouldn't notice, but some of the descriptions and explanations sound awfully familiar. But, this does mean that the book can stand very well on its own in addition to being part of a series. Overall, Grave Peril has renewed my interest in the Dresden Files and I look forward to continued improvements and storytelling in Summer Knight.

Experiments in Reading ( )

Harry Dresden goes up against a particularly vicious ghost and a whole slew of other nasties.

I really, really want to like this series, but it's kind of an uphill battle. The books aren't bad, but they don't exactly blow me out of the water. The plots are decent, the magical system is rather interesting, and the books read fairly quickly. There's just no spark. I can't really get involved with the stories.

When I reviewed STORM FRONT a while back, I mentioned that I didn't feel there was enough tension. Butcher constantly tells us how much danger Harry's in, but I could never quite feel it. It's much the same here. There were a few exciting parts, (including some large magical fight scenes), but at no point was I fully engrossed. The action wasn't really enough for me.

Butcher does try to tug at the heartstrings this time around, but even that didn't work too well. There's a lot here that hinges on Harry's relationship with Susan, which I never felt. I couldn't invest anything in their romance because it didn't feel like they themselves were really invested in it.

On the plus side, I did like the faith-based magic Butcher introduced this time around, and the book was fun in places. It's just not at all what I was expecting, given all the hype surrounding this series.

I'm not sure yet whether or not I'll give the fourth one a go. Three books seems like enough, but I might give it one more shot. ( )

Not my favorite of the series so far, but pretty good. It sort of jumped around a bit, and the "red herring" bad guy seemed a little forced. Am getting a little tired of his "tough guy with a soft spot for dames" attitude. Very cliche, and I'm confident the author could do better if he tried. It's just sort of lazy.

Still, a good beach read. ( )

I really do love this series but I didn't like the way this book was starting out. However, the last half of this book was so good that it really did make up for the first half. I cannot wait to read the rest of this series. ( )

I think I'm about done with Harry. Maybe not forever, but for a good long while. I've been trying to get into this series. The books are fairly entertaining and they remind me of similar works I enjoy. But I just can't take Harry himself anymore. He tries to make his chauvanism more appealing by calling himself on it and then casting it in the light of chivalry, but frankly the way he gets turned on by helpless women is creeping me out. I'm also getting bored with Harry ALWAYS being at the last thread of his strength. I'd like to see him kick butt every now and then without nearly killing himself to do it - just for a change of pace. I think this is a series that will appeal more to men. But the books so far make me think the author is a basement-dwelling creep. ( )

This is a noticeable improvement over the last book in the series. I felt like Mr Butcher had a chance to write the story that he wanted to this time, rather than the story the editor wanted. I liked the new magical items and charms that Harry introduces us to, as well as setting up the overarching plotline for the next book(s). I found this well written and an easy read, much more enjoyable. Closer to Book 1's style. ( )

The Dresden story continues. These books are a good mental break for me. Nothing too exciting, but a good read. And I really cannot get enough of Bob. Seriously, Mr. Butcher, if you're reading this, give us more Bob! ( )

Kearsten says: This one was good - I *really* like this series - mystery with magic. It reminds me a bit of Buffy - the characters inhabit a world like ours in which most don't believe in magic, vampires, etc, but that doesn't stop those terrors from being very real. Harry's a blast, too - sarcastic and funny, just how I like 'em! ( )

Book 3 of the Dresden Files - in which someone is not only buggering around with the barrier between the mundane and spirit realms, but doing horrible things to torture the ghosts that are being stirred up to come through it; and Harry must find out who it is and why. I liked a lot about this book, although I did find it much slower to start than Fool Moon (book 2), and all things considered, I probably didn't enjoy it quite as much - although it was a pretty close call. There's still a lot of the stuff I like in there, however, including Harry being forced into a position where he needs to get in touch with his inner bastard, actions having consequences, and of course, the all-important witty banter. I gave the book a 7.5/10 overall. ( )

I was indifferent towards the first two books in this series, but something with the third resonated with me. Butcher accelerated the story and added a new host of characters and had some real, meaningful things happen. Dresden still barely slips through death's grasp, as is his wont, but somehow the story feels more satisfying.

I am looking forward to reading the fourth book in the series, which I have been made to understand continues the arc begun by book three. ( )

Ghosts and unhappy spirits are popping up everywhere across Chicago and it's up to Harry Dresden and Michael Carpenter to send the spirits back the Nevernever where they belong. But the big question is....what is causing the spirit world to manifest itself so violently and frequently of late.

The story unwinds and throws quite a few "usual suspects" at the reader that manages to keep them off the real trail while effectively laying the groundwork for the epiphany you experience with Dresden as he realizes the truth.

A more unusual cast of characters than pervious Dresden File books. Faith magic abounds and our co-star Michael Carpenter, reminescent of the Knights Templar, plays an integral part in unraveling the mystery. Throw in a vampire masquerade ball, a egotistical sex vampire, and a bi-polar crazy girl to contribute to the overall hectic atmosphere.

A worthwhile read. However, it is the first book to end with a hook to compel you to read the next to finish the story, which I don't own yet and it's driving me crazy. ( )

This one was good - I *really* like this series - mystery with magic. It reminds me a bit of Buffy - the characters inhabit a world like ours in which most don't believe in magic, vampires, etc, but that doesn't stop those terrors from being very real. Harry's a blast, too - sarcastic and funny, just how I like 'em! ( )

Harry Dresden (wizard for hire) often refers to the Nevernever in the first books of the Dresden Files series, but in this book he pulls the reader straight into it. A realm of all sorts of spooks and even fairies, the Nevernever follows an esoteric sort of dream logic that might make some readers shy away. But this journey is one of hard, willful and fantastic magic, set in motion by a complicated twist of plotting that only immortal beings would have the patience for.

Readers are thrown right into the action, which at times can make them feel as if they are missing something (they are, as far as I can tell some of the events referred to aren't experienced by the reader except for as flashbacks and Dresden's nightmares.) Harry and his friend, a true Knight of the Cross, Michael, are in their fourth or fifth night of hunting down a series of powerful ghosts who are attacking the real world with a strength that seems unprecedented, even so close to Halloween. But fighting specters that are trying to punish people long dead, for deeds long lost to history, is only the beginning as Harry discovers a strange spell, woven into the very being of the ghosts, that appears to be manipulating them into their attacks.

What follows is an almost painful series of events with so many possible bad guys that one has to wonder how Harry has survived so long at all. An iron will and indomitable stubbornness are threaded into Harry as firmly as the barbed wire-shaped torture spells are threaded into the human and ghostly victims of this book's Big Bad. A book that revels in loose ends, it leaves more than a few set ups for further books but it also brings the Nevernever solidly into the Dresden world, giving reader's imaginations and Dresden more territory to play in. ( )

I love the Dresden series so far. In "Grave Peril" there is a shift in the wall between the Ever After and the real world, so ghosts, demons, and more are having no trouble getting through and creating more havoc than usual. It is up to Wizard Harry Dresden and some choice friends to try to get to the root of why this is happening and fix it promptly before more people get hurt. This book was more intense, more surprising, and had more character depth than the previous two. I loved new character Michael Carpenter, the angel with a sword made with a nail from the holy cross, and his wife Charity. I was glad to see Harry's girlfriend, Susan have more to do too. There was even more Bob the skull than in the last couple of books, and I love some Bob scenes! This book involved ghosts, demons, vampires, dragons, and more. This ultimately ended up being the one thing that bothered me down to a four star instead of a five star review. This book felt like it could have been several books worth of material all wrapped into one. Why is that a bad thing? Because none of the pieces of this massive puzzle were explained or expanded on enough for complete satisfaction. I also felt like I had missed something with the introduction of Michael and the fact that they had been working together. Since when? Was there a novella or something I missed? On the positve side, Butcher (who has been accused of having a "Mary Jane" complex with his character Harry) proves that he can allow harm to some of his important characters to progress the series onward and I am always impressed by that. Too often with paranormal series you know nothing major or life-threatening will really happen to the main group of characters. Overall this was a strong novel and I can honestly say even if the first two weren't quite as good as you would have expected, try the third volume and you may end up quite pleased. I wholeheartedly look forward to Harry's next adventures. ( )

(Amy) Right, so these books were recommended to me by very nearly everyone I have ever met (exaggeration not as great as one might imagine, actually), as I may or may not have mentioned before. I know I've mentioned that I'm not as blown away by them as some people have been, and that hasn't changed now, after I've read the third book, either. But here's the thing: I read it almost without stopping, in the course of about a day, and I've bought (though not yet begun) the fourth one, too. So why, if I don't really give all that much of a damn about them, do I find them so compelling?

I really have no idea.

But I guess it doesn't matter all that much. Books that hold attention that strongly aren't all that easy to come by, and since three out of three of these have done so, so far, there's a pretty good reason to think the rest will, too. Predictably-gripping is far from a bad trait in a series of books. And while the storyline is so far unfolding quite similarly to much of the other supernatural fiction I've read, there's nothing really wrong with unoriginal if it's also entertaining, which this certainly is. So really, I guess I just need to get over whatever it is I'm expecting from these books that's not there, and enjoy them for the several-hours-of-quality-entertainment that they in fact are, because it's unfair to be disappointed by something that is actually quite rare in itself.

( http://weblog.siliconcerebrate.com/ze... ) ( )

Harry's really gotten himself into a pickle this time. There's not much of Murphy and the cops in this one, but he manages to get himself into enough trouble anyway. And when it's all said and done, it's really just beginning -- I think this book really marks a gear change in the series. ( )