October 22, 2012
In yet another engaging urban fantasy that leavens apocalyptic threats with smart-ass humor, Butcher just keeps upping the ante for wizard Harry Dresden, appearing in his 14th novel after 2011’s Ghost Story. Being killed has barely slowed down the Chicago PI, who now serves as the Winter Knight. In that role, Dresden operates as hit man for Mab, the queen of air and darkness, who is forbidden from killing mortals. Not only is his liege capricious and deadly, but Dresden soon finds himself up against new supernatural foes, not least the Redcap, who dyes his headgear with the blood of anyone unfortunate enough to cross his path. The greatest danger, however, may be from Dresden’s new assignment from Mab: to murder her daughter, Maeve. Plentiful backstory allows newcomers to have little trouble getting caught up in the action or connecting with the charismatic lead. Agent: Jennifer Jackson, Donald Maass Literary Agency.
February 25, 2013
Chicago’s resident wizard Harry Dresden is back from the dead and finds his life changed as the once down-and-out wizard detective becomes the powerful Winter Knight. But this new life comes at a price: he’s forced to swear allegiance to Mab, the twisted Queen of Air and Darkness. As Harry adjusts to his new situation, he is faced with numerous attempts on his life, a dark assassination plot and the imminent destruction of the Earth itself. Narrator James Marsters is impeccable in his reading of the14th installment in Butcher’s Dresden Files series. Marsters spot-on portrayal of Harry is classic noir: world weary, cynical, and able to snap off a snarky quip with an ease that would make Phillip Marlowe proud. Completely at home in this bizarre world of fairies and vampires, talking skulls and mystical islands, Marsters delivers the wide array of characters and complicated plotting with great skill. The combination of Marsters at the microphone and Butcher at the keyboard continues to make the Dresden Files an all-around enjoyable listening experience. A Roc hardcover.
