Backup

I just finished rereading 'Blood Rites' when 'Backup' arrived in my mailbox. It couldn't possibly have been better timing. It's always nice to get something new in the Dresden universe, or from Jim Butcher. But the best part about this is getting to look at one of my favorite character's in his own world. There is so much about Thomas that we and Harry still know so little about. Where Harry lives in a world of grays, Thomas' world is black and he fights it anyway. The explanation of how he fights The Hunger that lives within him is probably the best part of this piece, and I can only hope as the actual series continues we continue to get even more insight in Harry's older brother.

Fans of the other books in the Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher should enjoy this short novella, published in a limited-run printing by Subterranean Press. Set in the Dresden Files universe, Backup is a brief adventure of Harry's half-brother Thomas Raith, one of the White Court vampires of Harry's world. Thomas has always been one of the most interesting supporting characters in the Dresden universe, and that is only built upon by giving him his own story...complete with secrets that he's keeping from Harry. There's action and humor aplenty -- Butcher's trademark writing style. But the overall Dresden Files world is carried forward and expanded as a result of this short work. Highly enjoyable, but definitely light-weight in show more comparison to the larger novels in the series.

Originally reviewed for my local library's website: http://www.lincolnlibraries.org/depts/bookguide/srec/staffrec09-04.htm show less

I don't know that I've enjoyed Jim Butcher this much for a while. I love the general installments in the Harry Dresden series (except the last few have fallen a bit flat), and the Codex Alera is a fun read, but this one just really hit it for me. It's quite short (about 80 pages), so it's expensive for what it is (printed as a hardback with a few illustrations). It focuses on Harry's brother, and while we really don't learn too much more about him, I liked having his perspective on things, particularly since he doesn't know everything about Harry (like the brownies), and Harry doesn't know everything about him (like this story).

Thomas Raith is a study in contrasts. By day he works as a mild mannered hairdresser (complete with funky accent) and in his off hours he acts as guardian angel (or guardian demon to be precise) to his half brother, the enigmatic wizard, Harry Dresden. When he receives a warning from suspicious sources that Harry's latest case/cause could have potentially disastrous consequences to both his half-brother and the world at large, Thomas rushes in, determined to do anything to protect them both.

Since I've only read the first three or four Dresden books, and that was over a year ago, I may not exactly be the intended audience for this novelette. Despite that, I really liked this story. For the short length I thought it did a very good job of show more fleshing Thomas out and showing both his good intentions and darker, hidden drives. This is an intriguing character study with a little action/adventure plot thrown in and has made me recall how much I enjoy Mr. Butcher's writing. Since I have no recollection of Thomas at all from the Dresden books I did read, it really makes me want to go and continue on with the Dresden series at large. show less

I SO needed a Dresden-related book while stuck in the "waiting for the next book in the Dresden series" to appear' doldrums!! That having been said, I love sexy, charismatic, loyal, "got y'er back, Harry" THOMAS RAITH . . and this little tome focused on Thomas. Yeehaw! Not nearly as in-depth as the full-length books . . not as heart-poundingly (is that even a word?) action-packed BUT, I'm not complaining! I enjoyed the quick read and was very pleased to have found Backup on my library's shelf! 4.5 stars .. rounded up to 5 --> C'mon goodreads, PLEASE add a half-star option!!

As if I could say no to another Dresden Files story. The novella this time focuses on Thomas (and is told from his viewpoint) as he must perform some of his old White Court duties while not letting Harry know what's going on. The story itself is fast and enjoyable, though one must definitely have read at least the first half-dozen Dresden books to catch all the references. The best part, though, is simply viewing this world from someone else's standpoint (even if Thomas reminds us of his being "a monster" a bit too often). The books are heavily colored by Harry's own perceptions, so seeing it all (including Harry himself) from another angle for a bit is both odd and wonderful.

I collect books, so I expect books from small publishers to be more expensive. “Backup” was issued by Subterranean Press in two editions: a 500 copy signed leather-bound limited edition for $45, and a trade hardcover for $20. However, in this instance both are WAY overpriced. This isn’t even a novella – it is a very short story. It says 72 pages, but that includes black and white illustrations, a large font and big margins. Butcher’s tale in the “Mean Streets” anthology was much longer. When other small publishers, and even SubPress, have signed, limited full-length novels with smaller print runs for $40-50 this felt like a ripoff banking on Butcher’s fans to pay for the privilege. No color plates, duotone or other show more special features besides leather to warrant the price - extremely disappointing.

However, the story itself was excellent. The Dresden Files series is told from Harry’s point of view. This story is told from Thomas’ and has some great ideas. The Vampire White Court has been fighting a secret war (with a very unique twist) and their enemy is trying to drag Harry into it. Thomas can’t tell Harry about it, so he decides to play “backup.” I’ve loved Thomas’ character since he was introduced and it was great to get a deeper look at him, without seeing him through Harry’s eyes. Plus Bob and Mouse make an appearance. If you enjoy the Dresden series, grab this at the library. If you’re a devout fan, get it at Amazon’s discounted price. show less