On a semi-related topic, how are wc vampires created? Clearly, being nibbled on (or even feasted on) does not transmit infection. Do they have to be born? If so, how is the creature transmitted through egg or sperm? The infection, which can be killed prior to the first feeding, is a discreet entity, it seems? Or, is it all one being in many bodies? I never quite understood what these things were supposed to be.

I generally hate shipping threads, especially Murphy ones, but I am curious. I assume from your name you are a female, what about Harry makes you think he would be a terrible partner? Aside from the potential of putting his love interests in danger, since that would obviously scare a lot of real people away, but in the books it would not be something that Murphy would see as a negative.

Aesthetics and such aside, his life is a mess. He’s not even his own man anymore. What sort of relationship can people even have like that? One of settling and convenience, really. But as a real partner, Dresden isn’t able to offer much. In terms of just having some comfort or whatnot, he’d do for something casual if you were into his look and lifestyle. Then again, any nice looking guy who didn’t have expectations would be better for something casual as Dresden does have expectations while being completely unsuited to what he wants. In the future, if he survives and his life is his own again and no longer a shitshow, he might be a better candidate. Right now, though, his life is a disaster.

And, I’m not into “shipping” discussions, either. I don’t care who Dresden sleeps with. Was just commenting that this relationship seems doomed from a story point of view if it is realistic. Also, the name means “bliss” in sanskrit and so is just a word I like the look and sound of. It was the name of the buddha’s male relative, but can also be a female name. I am a woman, though, so that assumption was right.

I think they’re a bad match to begin with. While she had her career, self esteem and so intact, she had no real interest. It was only after her self esteem, self worth, etc. was laid low that she changed her standards. I think she was quite correct with her initial assessment; that she and Dresden were a poor match. So, I think, if it follows how this sort of thing would go in reality, their relationship won’t last very long or be very healthy for her.

I think they’re both pretty difficult people, but looking at it from a woman’s point of view, Dresden is a terrible potential partner.

As for “powers” or whatnot, she should definitely stay a normal person. Not every character needs to be related somehow or be granted super powers. The narrative needs a normal person’s perspective.

Given you mention his kid, you must be up to date on the books. Still, this is spoiler free zone, so I’ll tag my reply. Don’t look at it if you’re not current on the story.

I don’t recall the passages where it was explained that Dresden’s mom was into the furry scene, but we never saw pics of Dresden’s father; he could be very hirsute. Also, sleeping with a shapeshifter could be pretty amazing, I’d think. Add time travel and you might be on to something here.

As for the BAT being in the present, that'd be swell, but I hope to God he isn't going to write it in present tense. Present tense fiction is extremely irritating to read. Too many f*(&ing gerunds. Simple past FTW.

I’m still hoping for second person, future tense.

I can’t wait for Peace Talks.

Yeah, I don’t mind waiting, either. Right now, I’m listening to audiobooks of the Malazan series. Fantasy fans have probably already read it, but I hadn’t read a lot of fantasy in the past. If anyone hasn’t read it, I highly recommended it. The first book can be a bit of a chore, but every book gets better and better. And, I believe, the series is done. I’m near the end of book eight of ten now. The books are also pretty long, with the audio versions being 42+ hours each. I listen to them at night when my husband snores. 

The style hasn’t really changed. It’s still the exact same format and structure for every one of the stories. The main character is just dealing with larger scale stories now. But, the book structure itself is still the exact same paint by numbers formula. One change that I like is less of the “look at me be a private eye” stuff. That was his hook early on, but it’s served its purpose and the story moved passed it. His writing is better than it used to be, but it’s still not good.

As far as fans “sticking “ with it, that’s not really needed. If waiting is too much, just forget the series till the 2030s and, if you’re still alive then, take the opportunity to see if Butcher ever finished that series you used to read. If he has, you can read them.