(Amy) So, I said in my review of the last one of these that I was looking forward to the next one, and so I was, and my anticipation was fully rewarded: This book, like the others before it, was a ton of fun. I wish I knew what made these books so moreish (It's like eating Hershey Kisses - you know there's no real value in them, and you know there's much better chocolate out there, but, well, just one more?), but I can't put my finger on it. But they are, and, frankly, that's about all I have to say about it. If I try to analyze it I'll just end up damning with faint praise again, and I really don't like the net effect that leaves, because I really do thoroughly enjoy the books when I'm reading them. They make me laugh uproariously, and that ain't nothin'. So I'll just stop talking now, I think.

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

B-movie monsters (the A-listers were all booked) get fleshed, run amok, cause fear, get blasted by Harry, who, since he is now all official and Warden-cloaked, has even more impetus than his own over-large sense of nobility and do-gooderness to save the day. And at the end of this one, Harry gets a big ol' bonus - the kind that entails lots or responsibility and effort, not unlike a previous ending bonus, but less evil, hopefully. ( )

Proven Guilty eschews the past tendency of the Dresden Files series to focus on single-volume storytelling. Instead, Butcher presents a transitional novel which focuses on the series-spanning story lines rather than the current whodunit. Surprisingly mirthless, considering the excellent preceding volume Dead Beat, this novel expands upon politics within the White Council, unnecessarily probes into the Mulder/Skully dynamic between Dresden and Murphy, and ends up saddling Harry with an goth-glam apprentice. Kudos to Butcher for allowing Rawlings to survive the novel--like most beat cops in Dresden's Chicago, he was marked for a nasty, gruesome end.

The answers at the end of the story are few and far between, and as I near the end of the in-print run I'm afraid we'll be years from seeing them resolved. I'm also concerned that the weight of accumulated series-scale story lines will strangle plot momentum in later volumes. ( )

When Harry is called in to help out the daughter of an old friend it leads him to a horror convention where the monsters have come to life.

This is another great read of this compulsively addictive series. Harry has certainly become one of my favorite literary heroes ever, a character even more compelling because he's not perfect and makes mistakes. In this entry Harry discovers hidden depths in a person he formerly avoided and learns that one of his companions is apparently more than he seems to be (wag, wag). As always, I'm thrilled with any story that both Murphy and Thomas participate in. I'm really looking forward to the next adventure! ( )

For me this was the first Dresden Files book that really made apparent the passage of time between books. For all practical purposes both Harry and his brother Thomas are immortal, and through the entirety of the series Murphy has been at the prime of her life. So, seeing a grown up Molly was a nice thing to add.

I personally did not care for the overarching plot as much as the previous books - anything involving Summer and Winter are always layers on layers on layers. The reader has very little hope of figuring out what is going on, which is frustrating.

However, the action was interesting, Harry continues to be a fun protagonist, and Butcher does a good job of both bringing the wizard's life full circle and using the powers vested in him as a Warden for good purposes.

One thing that is really striking is Harry's attachment to the hapless teenagers who find their new gifts blossoming and being sentenced to death as a result of breaking laws they don't know exist - people like himself. The White Council is overextended and lacking allies. Their enforcement arm - the Wardens - have been reduced to almost nothing through the war with the Red Court. Yet, they continue to execute practitioners without consideration of the gravity of their crimes.

Something has to come to a head with this. ( )

General Background
Proven Guilty is Book 9 in Jim Butcher's "Dresden Files" set. The previous books in the series (along with a couple of posts sparked by the books) are reviewed here

The Characters
In addition to our regular cast (Harry, Murphy, Bob (at least a little), Michael, Charity, Mouse, and even a little of Morgan), we have various Faerie courtiers we've met already - both Summer and Winter, and a new character in Michael's daughter, Molly.

The Plot
The A plotline in Proven Guilty starts with Molly coming to Harry to ask for help because her boyfriend's been arrested. From there, it turns into a battle against phobophagic (fear feeding) fetches from the Faerie realm. Meanwhile, in the background we have the struggle between the Summer and Winter courts (and how that impacts each of their ability to help or hinder the White Council in its battle with the Red Court), some *kickass* backstory for Charity, and the simmering tension between Murphy and Harry finally coming to some kind of resolution (or does it?)

Good Stuff
OK. This was a Dresden Files book. So, y'know, take it as read that I'm going to have enjoyed a significant portion of it. Everything I love about the Dresdenverse is here, but there were particular things that made me squee out loud. Without giving away too much in the way of spoilers, interactions between Harry and Molly, the scene between Harry and Michael when Harry finally makes the confession he hasn't been able to make for at least two books now, and way the relationship between Harry and Charity develops are just things of beauty.

Also, for sheer style points, the scenes of Harry outmanoeuvring authority - whether that of a faerie queen or of the White Council's Merlin himself - made me squee out loud in delight. And yeah, again, Harry willing to go as dark as he needs to go to get the job done did all kinds of interesting things to my hormones. But of course, I am a Starfire, so these kinds of things do kinda go without saying.

Bad Stuff
Hmmmm... there was a particular scene that made me a world of not happy, but I can't go into it without giving away spoilers. Let's just say that someone I'd developed an emotional investment in appeared to have been taken out of the picture and I was NOT well pleased with this. I was, however, willing to keep reading, and that willingness was rewarded when things were later resolved in a way I could live with.

Ratings and Recommendations
Proven Guilty, for me, continued the trend of each Dresden Files book being better than the last. Which means I can happily give it a 9/10 - absolutely loved the book, and can't wait to head down to the library this afternoon and pick up Book 9 to continue Harry's adventures.

( )

Another great development for Dresden's character. I love that all the characters throughout this book are doing new and extraordinary things that you wouldn't have thought possible when you open the book. The new array of depth to Michael's family is phenomenal. ( )

Now a Warden for the White Counsel, Harry Dresden is officially responsible for any violations of the Laws of Magic within Chicago. His mentor and friend has asked him to find out why the Fey Summer Court will not aid the Counsel in the war against the Red Court Vampires. Then he receives a message from an enigmatic senior counsel wizard that alerts him to the practice of black magic taking place in the city. Add to this vicious attacks at a theater and a horror convention and Harry finds himself buried in responsibility that will force him into political maneuvering with some of the scariest denizens of the Nevernever.

One thing about this series that has impressed me is Butcher’s ability to continually deliver a really good story. He weaves his plot elements together skillfully with lots of action, humor and pathos. He’s made Harry Dresden one of my favorite heroes in urban fantasy. Despite being an extraordinary wizard, Harry is easy to relate to, likable and laugh out loud funny. All Butcher’s characters are interesting and constantly evolving. Every time I finish the last page of one of his books, I can’t wait to start the next one. It just keeps getting better and better. Highly recommended. ( )

It's even better the second (well, 4th, sort of) time around. It's not only polished, it... hmmm. what's more than polished? Every single word's just right, and it means something, and it echoes off something else. Okay, could be I'm sappy because of Mother's Day, or because of the inscription (I got it signed--yay!), but damn, it's a good book. Just when you think he can't get any better. Also, Best Use of a Pitcher of Ice Water in a Work of Fiction, ever. ( )

Proven Guilty outdoes all the previous editions of The Dresden Files. With the phobophage/black magic plot that forms the center of the novel, Harry also continues to fight his inner demons- literally- and we gain new insight into the Carpenter family. As if that weren't enough, we also have glimpses of the ongoing stories of Thomas and Murphy, and more questions raised by the end of the book ranging from the fate of the Sword to the question of whether or not there could be one entity manipulating the various supernatural attacks in the series so far. ( )

Excellent book in the series. Harry becomes more and more well rounded with each book. The character development and action really made this book. We also found out some answers to a few mysteries, which made it fun. ( )

This series is getting better and better ( )

This is another well-written book by Jim Butcher, about Harry Dresden, Wizard, fighting evil monsters in Chicago, IL and alternate dimensions. Harry Dresden and his friends are likable, and his fast-paced adventures keeps your interest! This is re-readable and worth your time, if you like fantasy fiction :) ( )

This is the eighth book of Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files, and it is a scorcher. Someone is performing black magic in Chicago and it is up to Harry to find out who and stop them. This magic is dangerous though, it is calling in Fetch’s from faerie and they are taking the guise of Horror movie villains before feeding on the fear of their victims. Harry must find out who is doing this, travel to faerie to fight the Fetches on their on turf and save the life of a dear friend. This is an exciting book with non-stop action from cover to cover. ( )

I tore through this one, pretty much. I started reading around 10 pm, after my meeting was over, and stayed up till (gulp) 3:15 am. I was in bed, though, so at least my body was resting...

I liked this one. Probably not as much as some of the other Dresden Files (I've yet to put them in "most liked" order, so I'm not sure which is my favorite right now) but it was good. Jim Butcher has a way of injecting humor into the most serious of situations, and of dropping bombs on you that were not expected. His writing flows very well, and I think I caught only one copy-editing mistake (that's what you get for first editions, but much, much, better than the first-run hardbacks by Laurell K Hamilton). I have to admit, I'm in awe of the way he can switch from comedic fantastical crime to high fantasy. Reading both series at the same time will give you that insight, I guess :)

This one didn't give me quite the tingle that others did, though I'm glad we got to see so many bits from other books in the series. Too bad Harry's not getting the romance he needs (no comments on my love life, thanks) and there's still a bunch of questions hanging around. We still haven't gotten the big picture of who (or what) is behind all the maniacal goings-on in the world of that other wizard called Harry, but as I just read, there are 20 predicted books in this series, so I guess it would be silly to unveil that plan for world domination just yet ;)

I really want to know what Mouse is (aside from a Caucasian, hahah) and I would have liked to see more of Bob. And Little Chicago? So all that power went back to Harry. What did he do with it? Was that all that let him get through what he went through? The writing about SplatterCon!!! (it's misspelled without the exclamation points) makes me want to get to a con again. Maybe soon. Molly was a nice character, and it will be interesting to see how she and Harry get along. So he can't be in a mentor-apprentice relationship without some sort of sexual tension (ie Elaine)? Hmm.

Of course, now that I've read it, I can't wait for the next one. Maybe we'll see Butters and his amazing polka skills again. Would have liked to have seen Warden Luccio more. Wonder what will happen with the Merlin. Seems like Harry's either being set up to take a great fall or great responsibility. Oh, wait. He already has that...

(from my site: http://etoiline.com/coronach/2006/04/... ( )

This book is a very good addition to the Dresden series. By the end of the book I felt like I knew some of the minor characters better.

One of the twists at the end gave me pause, but I trust Jim Butcher to handle it well.

My overwhelming impression at the end of the book was that there are so many exciting places this series could go. I'm anxious to see what Butcher does with it. ( )

It's been a while since I've read the earlier books, which is a shame, because there's enough back story that I half remember to be just annoying.

That said, I think it would stand alone well, or if I remembered more clearly it would work well too.

Harry has two, not obviously linked, things going on. Firstly there's a vague warning about a black magician in Chicago that he looks into, secondly, a horror con gets attacked by supernatural critters. There is a link, and just for fun the link leads back to the centre of the Winter Court of Faerie.

Oh, and the war with the Red Council is still going strong, but in the background. Lots of nice little twists and turns, a few genuine shockers.

The niggles about back story will just make me read the books when the "to read" pile is under control. ( )

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Another fascinating romp through Chicargo's under and overworld. The White Council are in town again, and Harry is charged with gaining assistance from the Faere in the Council's ongoing battle with the Red Court. In addition dark magic is being practised and as a Warden Harry's job is to stamp it out - vigourously. However the practitioner turns out to be a young pretty girl - always Harry's weak point - and even worse the daughter of the Knight of the Cross and Harry's best friend.

Harry calls in a few favours - hard earnt during the last seven books he doesn't have many left now? - and raids the Winter Faere Wellhead. Someone must be smiling on Harry because he is the least physically damaged in this story. There is a fascinating subplot as to whether or not Harry will turn to God or fall into Lasciels clutches.... and who is the traitor on the White Council?

Although each book is well written - only one minor plot hole in this one (Molly didn't react to Harry's cold shower) the best part is the underlying back story that is perpetuated thorugh the series. Another gripping installment.

After re-read: the subtext of discussion about Faith, the power of God and whether or not Harry will fall to Lasciel really make this one of the best of the series. The downside is the mixed up plot, there are three very loosely connected plots all running sequentially. Also there is a lot of repitition of information from all the previous works, that is just redundent now.

Overall gripping part of a series, showing that these aren't just isolated facets in Harry's life but the JB has a continued plan and over-arching backstory. Still a quick enjoyable read.

Re-read agin - this time starting the series here and so the repitition of backstory points was actually useful. It is still a fast read, but for light hearted urban fantasy with some serious undertones you can't really do much better than this. Internally consistent which is always vital, it leaves open a lot of hooks for future exploration - and because they are explicitly mentioned I can be fairly sure that they will arrive in later books. The only minor down side which we've already experienced with Harry is that the size of opposition he's going up against is getting just stupidly strong and it's becoming inconcievable that he should survice and equally that he could fail. However at least in this episode it's tempered by that fact that he's not alone for once and has some fairly powerful allies. ( )

There's a convention for horror fans in town, and beings from the Nevernever that feast on fear are popping out into the physical world while wearing the shapes of movie monsters. Harry has to investigate this and the reason that the Faerie Courts aren’t pitching in on the war between the wizardly White Council and the vampiric Red Court, all the while keeping an eye on the rebellious daughter of his friend Michael, the paladin. ( )

This is the eighth book in Butchers series The Dresdon Files which deal with the life of Harry Dresdon who is a wizard in an alternate Chicago who solves mysteries that often involve things that go bump in the night. I have been a fan of Jim Butcher for years and this most recent novel in the series did not disappoint in the least. I enjoyed it so much that I managed to read it in an entire day. Harry as always takes on more then he can chew simply because he's a good hearted man who finds it hard to say no....especially when there is a damsel in distress involved. If you like mysteries...and fantasy then I would highly recommed this series to all. Each book just keeps getting better. ( )

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Eigth book- Dresden Files, series.
One of my all time favorite series.
I actually couldn't wait for this one and picked it up hardcover. Harry's is that unkillable, never say die, hero that you love to cheer for! ( )

Harry tours the Neverever with his entourage, learns more about his buddy's wife (Charity), gains a pupil, and watches scary movies. 'Nuff said. ( )