Changes Review

Changes (The Dresden Files 12)

-       Jim Butcher

Publisher: Orbit

Meet Harry Dresden, Chicago's first (and only) Wizard P.I. Turns out the 'everyday' world is full of strange and magical things - and most of them don't play well with humans. That's where Harry comes in. But even a career of narrow escapes and supernatural shenanigans hasn't prepared Harry for this. A vampire with a grudge has kidnapped his daughter. A daughter he never knew he had. Furthermore, this vampire plans to use her blood in a violent ritual sacrifice - designed to kill Harry, his ex-partner Susan and their child. As allies are perilously thin on the ground, Harry must find a new source of strength. In the past, there had always been a line he wouldn't cross, and he's never given in to the full fury of his own untapped dark powers. But then, only his own life was at stake. Magic - it can get a guy killed.

First I have to confess that I am a HUGE Dresden files fan. These books just seem to get better and better as Harry’s character evolves and learns while his skills increase as does his enemies. This is the twelfth book in the series and if you haven’t yet discovered this series, start with Storm Front and you’ll have a fantastic journey ahead of you. Trust me. J

As such, Changes probably isn’t a book you can leap into without having read the previous books. Pretty much every friend and foe Harry has ever encountered over the last ten years either cameos or is mentioned at some point – which gives you a great feeling of the depth and range of Harry’s adventures thus far as well as how desperate he is now.

Usually Harry’s travels are limited to Chicago and parts of the Never-Never, but this time Harry travels to Mexico which adds to the scope of the story. While the adventure is bigger and bolder than before, this is also one of the most intensely personal stories with Harry struggling to contain his feelings from the beginning. He makes some tough decisions here that will impact his future and will break your heart. I can’t count the number of times I was on the edge of my seat while reading this – my heart was in my throat on numerous occasions and it was one of those occasions where I literally could not read fast enough.

The title says it all, this is where everything changes for Harry – and I really have no idea where it will go from here – but I am desperate to find out! If you like a white knight in a leather duster who has to make decisions of such morale greyness, then Harry Dresden is the wizard for you.

Recommended for fans of Ben Aaronovitch and Mike Carey. 10 out of 10.