To start, news from yesterday: Kurt Vonnegut has died. Known for his science fiction works such as Slaughterhouse-Five and Cat’s Cradle, his stories often analyzed the human condition from unique perspectives, often full of black humor and a sometimes resigned tone.
Is it just me, or does it seem like the last year has seen a lot of distinguished or significant speculative fiction writers pass on? Not trying to be morbid. Maybe I’m just noticing it more, for some reason.
Well…on to the review, which I promise is cheerier than the obituaries.
I finished it. Took me, what? Three subway commutes and a lunch break? Sounds about right.
Story teaser: Harry Dresden, Chicago’s only Wizard-for-hire and private investigator, must deal with a string of serial killings that seem to be targeting magically inclined, middle-class women throughout the city. And the killer is leaving clues only a wizard could follow. With tensions on the rise between several Courts of power-hungry vampires, and Harry’s own anger-management issues, combined with a fallen angel gunning for his soul, there’s going to be a major shakedown, hopefully involving lots of fire and clever schemes. With the involvement of one of my favorite characters, Marcone, I loved every second of this newest installment.
Dare I say the magic is still here? Or would that rouse a chorus of groans? Too bad, cause it’s true. I am partially amazed, but incredibly thankful that Butcher has yet to lose a single spark of the mystery, adventure and wit that drew me into the series in the first place. Has every book been a sparkling gem of genius? ‘Course not. But it has proven a solid run, with no title being that expected disappointment, or the ruin of expectations. Butcher’s writing remains strong, if not better than ever. My only comment is it has become geared towards more mature audiences at this point. I’m not sure if it’s just this book, or if it’s only the first time I’ve noticed it, but there is a noticeable growth in the sexual themes, graphic violence, cursing, all that. Never cringe-worthy, and Butcher thankfully plays for subtlety for the most part, letting the reader’s imagination carry them along more often than not. But if that kind of material bothers you, then be warned. Though it is understandably hard to avoid when some of your big baddies are succubus and incubus.
Harry, of course, has all manners of personal moral dilemmas to deal with, on top of the case itself, and the ending is a positive note compared to some of the earlier, darker beats that Butcher laid out.
I plan to enjoy this series to the very end, and my only hope is that Butcher can keep up this level of excellence until it’s all over.
Sum-up? Buy it. Read it. Enjoy it.
I see that smile.