Ghost Story (Dresden Files #13)

Ghost Story (Dresden Files #13)

Jim Butcher

Publisher: Orbit

**Warning – Massive spoilers from the previous books in the series below**

Meet Harry Dresden, Chicago's first (and only) Wizard PI. 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. As if being murdered wasn't enough, Harry's shade can't rest in peace. He learns that three of his loved ones are in mortal danger and only by discovering his assailant’s identity can he save them, bring criminal elements to justice, and move on. It would just be easier if he could interact with the physical world, and had a (working) crystal ball, and had access to magic. And he’s far from the only silent presence roaming Chicago's alleys. Hell, he put some there himself. And now, they're looking for payback.

Regular readers will know that The Dresden Files is one of my favourite UF series ever, heck it’s one of the best series ever and from book four on has been consistently good with plot twists, a slow building but intriguing story arc and characters you really care about. Ghost Story is no exception, but it is a little different than any of the previous books. Harry Dresden is dead, but has been sent back to Chicago six months after his assassination to find out which of his many enemies finally did away with him. However, as a ghost Harry doesn’t have access to his powers, his favourite back up or his old friends and things have changed a lot in the last few months without him…

Not having a physical presence is a major hindrance for our main character and it’s a testament to Jim Butcher’s writing style and characterisation that despite the majority of the book consisting of Harry talking to various different people, I was never bored. It was fascinating to see such a physical character coping without a body and figuring out who had killed him. Added to mix was some of the bad things that have been happening in the meantime and the fallout from the last book which have had far reaching impact on the world. The final section of the book was full of ghostly action though with some fantastically imagined action that have me leaning forward, urging Harry and allies on every obstacle.

This is quite a big book but honestly when the writing is this good it doesn’t matter as you just find yourself swept along at the break-neck pace. And the ending, oh the ending. If you thought Harry being dead was an obstacle, wait until you find out why Harry was killed and what’s in store next. Highly recommended read – but really you have to invest in the whole series – which I strongly recommend!

Recommended for fans of Kelley Armstrong and Mike Carey. 9 out of 10.

Audio Review: Fool Moon (Dresden Files #2)

Fool Moon (Dresden Files #2)

Written By Jim Butcher

Narrated by James Masters

Business has been slow. Okay, business has been dead. And not even of the undead variety. You would think Chicago would have a little more action for the only professional wizard in the phone book. But lately, Harry Dresden hasn't been able to dredge up any kind of work—magical ormundane. But just when it looks like he can't afford his next meal, a murder comes along that requires his particular brand of supernatural expertise. A brutally mutilated corpse. Strange-looking paw prints. A full moon. Take three guesses;and the first two don't count...

It’s been a while since I listened to an audible book as I haven’t been able to concentrate on listening to anything – I have a terrible habit of drifting off into my own thoughts and not actually listening to the story. So in order to try and get back into the habit, I decided to try the second Dresden Files book as I love the series and have read the book before so it wouldn’t be too difficult to focus on the story. Plus it’s read by James Masters who I have adored since his Buffy days!

James Masters manages to bring to life Harry Dresden, Chicago’s only wizard and his trials and tribulations. It’s helped by the first person narrative, but mostly I think James just manages to capture the voice of a world weary, trying his best wizard who has the weight of Chicago on his shoulders. Harry is an old fashion guy – always protective of women and trying his best to do right and protect as many people as possible including his police friend Lt Murphy, who is in a lot of political trouble for assisting Harry in the past. Added to which the supernatural world doesn’t take kindly to mortals learning too much about them.

That’s not to say that this is perfect. Actually, Fool Moon is one of the weaker stories in the series with an awful lot of info dumping near the beginning – included a long explanation of several different types of werewolves. This is interesting as it adds a lot of colour and texture to the traditional werewolf myth in Harry’s world, but seems a little unbelievable that Harry ends up coming across every type of wolf in the next twenty-four hours! Harry’s relationships with Murphy and Susan are not particularly deep, but nonetheless there is a spark with each of them that could lead to something meaningful.

There is plenty of action with Harry literally being thrown to the wolves on multiply occasions. The mix of magic and physical fighting is well balanced and if some of the motives behind the actions are a little weak then the pacing and amusingly wry observations by Harry more than make up for it. As with Storm Front, this is a Harry Dresden that is still finding his place in the world but all the basic ingredients for one of my favourite Urban Fantasy series are there. They just need a little more seasoning and more mixing.

Recommended for fans of Ben Aaronovitch and Patricia Briggs. 8 out of 10

Drink Deep Review

Drink Deep (Chicagoland Vampires #5)

-          Chloe Neill

Publisher: Gollancz

Clouds are brewing over Cadogan House, and Merit the vampire can't tell if this is the darkness before the dawn, or the calm before the storm. With the city itself in turmoil over paranormals and the state threatening to pass a paranormal registration act, times have never been more precarious for the vampires. If only they could lay low for a bit...
Then magic rears its ugly head when Lake Michigan turns black. The mayor insists it's nothing to worry about, but Merit knows a panic is coming. She'll have to turn to friends old and new to find out who's behind this, and stop them before it's too late for both the vampires and humans.

After a long wait between books three and four, I didn’t leave it very long before picking up book five in this series (See, I can learn from my mistakes!). After the shocking ending of book four, I thought this would be the start of a very different journey for Merit, the new vampire and Sentinel of Cadogan House and while there are some changes, this is essentially more of the same as we’ve had before. Something has turned the Great Lake black and while humans are blaming the vampires, Merit is tasked with trying to figure out what it is and how to resolve it. This means she gets to visit various supernatural groups around town and asks them if they had anything to do with it. It’s not the most original investigative route but for some reason it seems to work for Merit!

There are a lot characters in this book – I really liked getting to know Joshua and watching how he and Merit interact now  - it seemed like a step in the right direction. Mallory, Merit’s best friend is stressed about her sorcesser’s exam, while the vampires within Cadogan House continue to seem some of the most human vampires in Urban Fantasy complete with movie marathon and favourite bars. There is one character that is conspicuous by his absence but is never-the-less mentioned frequently and really casts a tall shadow over the whole plot. However, I really wanted Merit accept the current situation more – which made me a little disappointed that there was some balance returned by the end (Really difficult to talk about without spoilers!). The ending seemed a little simple and there are a few long running plot elements that are mentioned and still not resolved  - I hope they aren’t dragged on too long. However, it would be a big emotional punch for Merit and I hope this vibrates around the next book!

Despite these few reservations, Chloe Neill does have a knack for creating a world that feels real – there is colour behind the descriptions and personality behind the characters (even if you don’t always like them!). I always seem to get through these books far too quickly, leaving me wanting to know how the events of one book will impact Merit and her friends going forward. These books are like sushi – tasty and filling – something you get the occasional craving for but could use a little soya sauce to be extra delicious!

Recommended for fans of Jennifer Estep and Patricia Briggs. 7.5 out of 10

Hard Bitten Review

Hard Bitten (Chicagoland Vampires #4)

- Chloe Neill

 

Publisher: Gollancz

 

Times are hard for newly minted vampire Merit. Ever since shapeshifters announced their presence to the world, humans have been rallying against supernaturals-and they're camping outside of Cadogan House with protest signs that could turn to pitchforks at any moment. Inside its doors, things between Merit and her Master, green-eyed heartbreaker Ethan Sullivan are...tense. But then the mayor of Chicago calls Merit and Ethan to a clandestine meeting and tells them about a violent vamp attack that has left three women missing. His message is simple: get your House in order. Or else.
Merit needs to get to the bottom of this crime, but it doesn't help that she can't tell who's on her side. So she secretly calls in a favor from someone who's tall, dark, and part of underground vamp group that may have some deep intel on the attack. Merit soon finds herself in the heady, dark heart of Chicago's supernatural society-a world full of vampires who seem ready to fulfill the protesting human's worst fears, and a place where she'll learn that you can't be a vampire without getting a little blood on your hands...

 

I seem to have a bit of blind spot when it comes to this series – I have really grown to love Merit (especially now she’s no longer moaning about being a vampire) and the rest of the characters (Ethan, Christina and the rest!) and the last book I gave a high rating. Yet, I have let this book and the next one sit on my TBR shelf for months depriving myself of a thoroughly entertaining and exciting read! Bad Mel!

 

The vampire raves mentioned in Friday Night Bites reappear here (as they weren’t really solved in that book) and look to be a big political problem for Ethan and the rest of his house. Merit in her role as Sentinel is asked to investigate and ends up entangled in vampire politics, blood raves and the possibly reappearance of her biggest enemy… There is a lot going on here which makes for an exciting read – especially if you like politics as well as action. Merit is still struggling to walk the fine line between her duties to the house and her feelings for Ethan. For the first time I really felt Ethan was trying to make an effort with Merit and open up more than he has before.

 

Merit spends a lot of time investigating by herself in the story leaving her free to visit friends when she needs help, but also showing she can handle herself now. There is a lovely under current of snark and humour. And while Merit is a vampire, she has never really lost her humanity managing to indulge in greasy food and bad reality TV as well. I loved that Merit still found time to be there for Mallory, her best friend who is going through some major life changing events as well. Overall, I felt Merrit has really grown up now and is spending less time bemoaning her situation – I hope this attitude continues!

 

I really felt like this was the beginning of many storylines with some elements wrapped up, while introducing us to possible new complications. I’m not going to spoil the ending but there is a big emotional punch at the end that I didn’t see coming and will have big influence on where the series goes from here. Hopefully I won’t leave it so long to read the next book, Drink Deep, which is already sat on my TBR pile…

 

Recommended for fans of Mercy Thompson and Jennifer Estep. 8.5 out of 10.

 

Side Jobs Review (Dresden Files)

Side Jobs (Dresden Files Anthology)

- Jim Butcher

Publisher: Orbit

Here, together for the first time, are the shorter works of #1 New York Times bestselling author Jim Butcher-a compendium of cases that Harry and his cadre of allies managed to close in record time. The tales range from the deadly serious to the absurdly hilarious. This is a must-have collection for every devoted Harry Dresden fan as well as a perfect introduction for readers ready to meet Chicago's only professional wizard..

This is an anthology of some of Harry Dresden’s side adventures taking place in between the usual adventures. Harry is Chicago’s only Wizard in the phone book, using his magic to investigate and keep his city safe from the monsters in the shadows. For those who aren’t following his story – I really, really urge you to do so as this is one of the most consistently good and frequently excellent UF series out there. The first couple of books really set the scene, but after the end of the third book the major plot arcs are in place for one hell of a wild ride. Like one of my other favourite series, Kate Daniels this is a series that really matures and grows.

As this is an anthology, there are some great tasters of the kind of trouble Harry frequently finds himself in, and I think most of these can be read without having read the rest of series. However, you do get so much more from the stories if you are following the series – from seeing Billy and Georgina’s wedding, getting to know Mac better and seeing what Thomas gets up to when he isn’t helping Harry out. I have read most of these stories before in other anthologies (I like reading anthologies when I can’t focus for a long time!) so this was like falling back into a comfy sofa with a mug of cocoa – warm, soft and cosy. There were a couple that I haven’t read before and I think they stick in mind more as they were brand new to me. The first story – A Restoration of Faith recounted the first meeting between Dresden and his police contact Karrin Murphy. While it isn’t as sophisticated as some of the later stories, it seems to fit perfectly who Harry was at the start of the series and the core elements of Dresden and Murphy are still recognisable. Comparing this against Love Hurts, one of the latter stories where their relationship has deepened changed makes you really feel for them both. In many ways Dresden’s worse enemy is himself and his conscience.

There is a brand new story set just hours after the end of Changes, Aftermath which focuses on Murphy. This is the story that I really bought the book for and I loved seeing Chicago through Murphy’s eyes – and meeting ‘Will’ again. It really is a big teaser for the latest book Ghost Story – but I don’t want to give anything away for those who haven’t read Changes so I have to keep shum. But it is great! As I said at the beginning if you want an Urban Fantasy series with plenty of investigation and action, light on the romance side (but still there occasionally!) then this is the series for you.

Recommended for fans of James R Tuck and Kelley Armstrong. 9 out of 10

Early Review: The Unspoken

The Unspoken (Krewe of Hunters #7)

Heather Graham

Publisher: MIRA (Published 31st July 2012)

E-Arc Courtesy of netgalley and MIRA

AN AIRLESS TOMB. AN UNSPOKEN CURSE 1898: Bound for Chicago, the freighter Jerry McGuen goes down in Lake Michigan, taking with it every man aboard. But what other fate could befall a vessel carrying the ill-gotten sarcophagus of an Egyptian sorcerer? Because a curse unspoken is no less deadly. Now: A veteran diver and "ghost ship" expert is exploring the legendary wreck for a documentary. He dies inexplicably inside the freighter's main saloon. Then another diver is killed and panicked rumors rise like bubbles from the lake: ancient demons have awakened below! The expedition's beleaguered financier calls paranormal investigator Katya Sokolov to Chicago to save the film -and perhaps some innocent lives. Along with media forensics guru Will Chan, Kat plumbs the depths of an evil that may date back to the time of the Pharaohs. But some secrets are best drowned in the seas of the past...

Having been following the adventures of both Krewe of Hunters so far, I have to confess I was getting a little bored. However, this story completely re-invigorated my interest in the characters and story. Set in Chicago where the wreck of a ship containing valuable Egyptian antiquities has been found and people start to die in mysterious circumstances. Is it a mummies curse or something more human…?

The main characters this time around are ME Katya from the Texas Krewe and Will Chan from the original Krewe – and the only one from that group who remained unattached when the stories switched to the new group. This always felt odd to me and I’m glad to see him get his own story – and even more I loved how Kat and Will butted heads in the beginning. It’s always nice when there is that friction between characters and these two felt more natural as they work together and the attraction grows. Kat is a stubborn but strong woman (almost essential in stories these days!) and she remained feminine, using her charm and politeness to get a lot of what she wants out people. Will comes across as quite brash at first, but it just seems like he has high standards.

However, what really makes this story stand out was the mystery of the ship-wreck and the mummy. There is a reason that Egyptology remains a strong fascination today and the slow burn on the mystery – were these deaths natural or were they murder is intriguing. There are more suspects and dodgy motive spread around the city which made it very entertaining to read. The idea of a mummy running round Chicago killing people is intriguing while the flashbacks to the downing of the ship adds another layer to the mystery. As ever with Heather Graham stories, the plot is fast and involving – but don’t try to think too hard about it as the links between different elements might not stand up to it. A diverting and enjoyable read with a sweet couple and a killer mummy!

Recommended for fans of Nora Roberts and Julie Krantz. 7.5 out of 10

Audiobook Review: Storm Front

Storm Front (Dresden Files 1)

Written by Jim Butcher

Read by James Masters

My name is Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden. Conjure by it at your own risk. I'm a wizard. I work out of an office in midtown Chicago. As far as I know, I'm the only openly practicing professional wizard in the country. You can find me in the yellow pages, under Wizards. Believe it or not, I'm the only one there.
With rent past due and a decent meal becoming an issue of some importance, Harry needs work, and soon. A call from a distraught wife, and another from Lt Murphy of the Chicago PD Special Investigation Unit makes Harry believe things are looking up, but they are about to get worse, much worse. Someone is harnessing immense supernatural forces to commit a series of grisly murders. Someone has violated the first law of magic: Thou Shalt Not Kill. Tracking that someone takes Harry into the dangerous underbelly of Chicago, from mobsters to vampires, while he himself is under suspicion of the crimes. One thing is certain, if he can't stop whoever is on this killing spree, Harry will be the next victim.

In the interest of full disclosure I have read all the Dresden files books previously and think these books are one of the strongest Urban Fantasy series available. However, I have always thought Storm Front wasn’t one of the strongest books in the series – just a good starting point. So when I decided to trial Audible Storm Front is the first book I wanted to listen to, mostly because it is read by James Masters who I have loved ever since he rocked into Sunnydale early in season two of Buffy.

Harry Dresden is an openly practising wizard in Chicago (you can find him in the book) who occasionally consults of the police for those cases of a ‘different’ nature. When he is called to a murder scene, he discovers a couple who have been murdered by a black wizard and has now set their sight on Harry. Harry is a lonely figure with few friends in this book and a lack of social life and the sword of Damocles handing over his head. As a result it is a little difficult to warm to him, but as the story is told in first person we can see the heart behind the quick quips.

Personally I think this particular story works much better in audio than it does in written word, James Masters captures Dresden’s world weariness and cynical perfectly – and this does give more depth to the story. A large proportion of the story is Dresden running around being beaten up or going up against various supernatural threats. Butcher’s take on vampires is scary and different with Madam Bianca coming across as a frightening vamp – in more than one way! The action is swift and exciting, while the magic system is interesting – with plenty more left to explore.

Overall this is a decent start to a great series – brilliantly read by a great narrator. The story is probably only a worth a 7 but I had to add an extra point for the narration!

Recommended for fans of Kevin Hearne and Kate Griffin. 8 out of 10.

Twice Bitten Review

Twice Bitten (Chicagoland Vampires 3)

-       Chloe Neill

Publisher: UK – Gollancz

Shapeshifters from across the country are convening in the Windy City, and as a gesture of peace, Master Vampire Ethan Sullivan has offered their leader a very special bodyguard: Merit, Chicago's newest vampire. Merit is supposed to protect the Alpha, Gabriel Keene-and to spy for the vamps while she's at it. Oh, and luckily Ethan's offering some steamy, one-on-one combat training sessions to help her prepare for the mission. Unfortunately, someone is gunning for Gabriel, and Merit soon finds herself in the line of fire. She'll need all the help she can get to track down the would-be assassin, but everywhere she turns, there are rising tensions between supernaturals-not least between her and a certain green-eyed, centuries-old master vampire.

Why have I waited so long before reading this book? Because I’m a fool! Although I’ve had Twice Bitten since it was released in the UK, I’ve only just got round to reading it. And I had a fantastic time catching up with Merit, Ethan and the rest of the Cardoc house vampires. The shapeshifters are in town for a conference to decide whether to withdraw from the human world or stay and face the challenges alongside the vampires.

This time round I fell straight into writing which subtle merges Merits emotional journey and her coming to terms with her new life as a vampire Sentinel as well as her attraction for her house master, Ethan. Add the action of fighting shapeshifters and you have a wonderfully emotional and exciting story. Merit is a heroine you can root for. I loved that she and Ethan moved their relationship forward – even if he then screws things up. Why can’t UF heroine have happy straight forward relationships? Beside the emotional side, there is plenty of snarky banter between characters which I always enjoy. The action is fairly straight forward but exciting and I found I couldn’t read the pages fast enough.

The expansion of the world with the shapeshifters final decision means that the world will change around Merit and I can’t wait to read Hard Bitten to see what happens now! Luckily I have Hard Bitten waiting to be read! J

Recommended for fans of Patricia Briggs and Kelley Armstrong. 9 out of 10

Friday Night Bites Review

Friday Night Bites (Chicagoland Vampires 2)

- Chloe Neill

Publisher: UK – Gollancz

VAMPIRES IN CHICAGO! You'd think a headline like that would have made the fine citizens of the Windy City to take up arms against us bloodsucking fiends. Instead, ten months later, we're enjoying celebrity statue and fending off the paparazzi, who are only slightly less dangerous than angry stake-wielding slayers. Don't get me wrong - Joe Public isn't exactly thrilled to be living side by side with the undead, but at least they haven't stormed the castle . . . not yet . . . But it could be a matter of time. There's a first-time reporter sniffing around vampire society, and if he uncovers the Raves - mass feeding parties, where vampires round humans up like cattle and drink themselves silly. The fact that it's majorly frowned upon by vamp society won't make a difference to that kind of a headline, or a new reporter who's out to impress his family. So now my 'master' - the centuries-old yet gorgeously well-preserved Ethan Sullivan - wants me to reconnect with my own upper-class family and act as liaison between humans and vampire . . . and use the opportunity to keep the less savoury aspects of vamp existence out of the media spotlight. Tough job, when it seems someone doesn't want vamps and humans to play nicely - someone with a serious, ancient grudge . . .

The best thing about Friday Night Bites is Merit the main character. She has a style that is easy to read, is tongue in cheek without being forced and someone I would like to spend time with. There’s some good exploration of Merit’s relationships in this especially with her best friend, Mallory – who deserves a book of her own. I also enjoyed learning a little bit about Merit’s family – meeting her sister and niece was actually one of my favourite bits – more of Charlotte and Olivia please!

Unfortunately the plot of this book felt more like an after thought. It didn’t really make sense – the threat against the vampires – opening the rave culture was a good idea – but in order to stop it, Merit has go to formal functions... huh? In addition, the reaction of one of the wealthy families didn’t ring true to me – if your family were threatened by vampires would you ask the vampires to solve it? There’s less action in this book, that in Some Girl’s Bite, the first book – apart from a big action sequence at the end that seems tacked on.

Overall the book was easy read and amusing, if you didn’t want to think too hard. I’m probably going to try the next book in the series, but Some Girls Bite was much more fun.

Recommended for fans of Tanya Huff and Charlaine Harris. 6 out of 10.