Some quick points/thoughts on some aspects that jumped out at me:
- As someone on one of these threads has already brought up, where’s Marcone as Chicago is struggling and re-building? And as the Baron of Chicago, he takes no action against the ghouls eating people off his streets? How does that reconcile with the Accord signatory we saw in Battle Ground?
I was rereading "The good people" which is Molly's inner monologue, and she says Marcone is doing more for Chicago than the government, or something like that. And in the book we know Gard says Marcone send her. So it is possible that Marcone is doing something, and we may see it addressed in the next book. But what was weird for me was the fact that Harry did not even mention what Marcone was doing. Nothing like "I knew Marcone's people were controlling the scavengers and he has been so busy with this and that"
- Why aren’t Toot-Toot and the wee Folk involved in finding Justine? Dresden has narrated several times that they are essentially everywhere, and he’s enlisted/bribed/rewarded them in helping him find people, foes, items, etc. They were used extensively before, during, and after the Battle for Chicago to find the flying squids, cadavers, etc. Why not used to find Justine?
I don't think the wee folk that are loyal to Dresden can be so far away. Justine is in Europe, she probably flew there very soon in the series. Besides, only because Harry did not mention that he used the wee folk, it does not mean he didn't.
- The essentially non-speaking role Demonreach is an odd choice. We’re used to Dresden talking directly to him, even in the presence of others, and Demonreach responding. Why so little dialogue here?
Yes. That was very weird, but I think it is on purpose. Jim is doing something. Remember that Harry realized a while ago that Demonreach can hide things for him. I believe the lack of dialogue is a hint at something changing in their relationship. I agree it is weird for now but I will keep the mind open to the idea that there is a good reason for that.
- Also, where was Lea? I would have expected at least a scene with her and some discussion of the engagement and the Battle of Chicago she missed. She must regret that she couldn’t have taken part in THAT.
It has been a while, we don't know much of what Lea is doing. Personally, it does not bother me.
- Where were the Men in Black teased at the end of Battle Ground? I was expecting them to show up in some fashion in this book.
I think they are the ones doing the inspection for chemicals. Otherwise, would why Jim spent so much time talking about a boring inspection? And we have Harry explicitly dismissing them as non-important, which is a serious red flag. Perhaps they were just gathering information, perhaps they left a bag with a hex, perhaps they planted bugs (improbable). I don't know, but I am almost sure they are important and perhaps the Librarians.
- Thomas was much too harsh on Dresden. Without Dresden’s choices (if you want to call them that), Thomas would be dead, Justine likely dead, and their son also likely dead.
However, the biggest issues with the book that I have revolve around Mab. I’m starting a separate thread for my thoughts on Mab in the hopes of getting different thoughts and perspectives on her role in the book.
I tend to be very protective of Harry, so my first reaction was being mad at Thomas. But then I realized that interaction happened when Thomas was too...raw. He was in terrible pain and when we hurt we are rarely fair or rational. But a few months later he gave him a Beetle, and they hug and I am sure some things were said after the last page. So I am ok with that and ready to enjoy my Thomas. I love him and his interactions with Harry. The moment when Harry is feeding Thomas with memories of what they did together, and how Harry thinks he is a hero are among my favourite parts of the book and probably of the whole series. All the feelings.
I will see your thread about Mab.
