Several years later my grandmother decided to she wanted to clear some space and she asked family members if they wanted any old books before she gave them to Goodwill or just threw them away.  I picked out a large World Atlas mostly because it had a large number of great photos in it, but it also told a story because it was published in 1942.  The map of most of Europe was one large Nazi flag.  I don't remember if it was named "German Empire" or "Nazi Occupied Europe."  There was an equally large Japanese Rising Sun flag spread out over a large part of the Pacific Ocean, South East Asia and China labeled "Japanese Empire."  I knew a little about the Second World War, but seeing that book made it much more real for me.  I think that Atlas made me want to learn more about history in general.

So for example, it's possible that Cowl was behind some of the planning that went into the assault on Demonreach island in "Cold Days," but he sure as hell didn't make himself a potential target by riding on any of the barges with the practitioners who were attempting the ritual to bring down the island prison's defences.

This is a good, concise narrative that fits what few facts we have.  And wardenferry419's call out on the Vichy government makes a certain amount of sense.  If Cowls purpose in Dead Beat was to gain power and to defeat death, his actions read differently if by death you mean the Adversary.

• Anyone can learn magic(WoJ). John can learn magic and can gain power. By using all the ways Harry has been tempted with and one more. He could make a deal with outsiders.

Expanse... I enjoyed the first book, the second not as much, and found the show to be more entertaining (I sometimes struggle with too many textual viewpoints/protagonists)

Bad news: Over the years I read a lot while waiting for new Dresden. Do you have anything interestimg to read on same genre?

For her to increase significantly in power due to learning, there would need to be a breakthrough in human knowledge, imo.