ParanetOnline
The Dresden Files => DF Spoilers => Topic started by: GreenMysticalUnicorn on January 20, 2026, 06:42:28 AM
-
The book is out! Let’s have your thoughts!
For me it was a 4.5/5. Amazing book and absolutely needed for Harry and the series to move forward into its final arc
Also. Spice Goyles hahahahah
-
Every Dresden Files book is like a little ball of sunshine :)
I thought parts of the book were pretty messy. Why did Mother Winter turn up exactly? Mab called her but then turned on her? I found that very confusing.
-
There’s alot going on there we aren’t fully aware of
-
I am very, very interested to see what develops as far as Harry's apparent investment of extra power into his companions and followers. I'm starting to wonder if his Starborn nature means he's been influencing the power levels and destinies of all his friends this whole time.
Of particular note is a certain Gentleman who gained a lot of his status from... Harry's signature.
-
He comes from a line of thieves… what a line
-
First half of the book is good, the second half, except for the Thomas plot, is boring, IMO. And this is not about lack of action, is about lack of depth and clumsy attemps to make Lara fit into Murphy's place, with dialogue that makes no sense considering previous books, also everything apparently gets fixed by going to the gym, because some conversations were not even that deep.
The last battle was ridiculous. I get the point was to show Harry's friends being there for him, as that is one of the themes of the book, but it was just badly executed.
I liked Harry being a parent to Maggie, finally.
I don't like the soft-retcon of Lara's character or Harry and Murphy's true love protection.
I would have liked more depth from the rest of the cast not only from Michael.
Bear was a nice addition, also, a predictable addition.
I liked how horrible Mab is, this is more true to who she is supposed to be.
I liked Molly here more than in previous books.
Harry is becoming more morally gray, too (Renfields) which would only work if this is about making Harry go darker in order to take him into the light again eventually.
The soulgaze, just... ugh.
I hope Thomas gets his vengeance.
Apparently we can call Vadderung on the phone, but we don't ask details about Murphy, not even for confirmation that she's indeed alright.
The book was okay, it was necessary, but just okay, it is clumsy about a lot of things, and honestly makes me less interested in what comes next.
-
Ramirez mentions that Harry's castle was indeed built by Merlin. Yes, we know that there were many interesting wards built in it, but I don't remember Harry or Bob in the story saying that the castle was indeed built and designed by Merlin.
-
I just finished it a while ago.
My comment will have lots of spoilers, obviously.
I loved it, which absolutely surprised me. I thought it was going to be a boring, sad book and i was nothing. I mean, yes, it was a book about grief and recovery, and Harry (and later Thomas) are sad the whole time. But the book itself is not sad, it is funny sometimes, it is interesting, the pain feels true and there is a lot of hope. So yes, I loved it.
I think 4.5/5 is fair. There are a few things that bothered me. The sudden level of Fitz (who I love!) sounds to much to "somehow, Palpatine is back". Lara not knowing what a soulgaze is, even when Harry saw Ramirez soulgazing her. I can imagine excuses for that that could work in universe, but still feels clumsy. And overall, the True Love protection thing.
Of course, there are also a few thing I did not like personally but that do not the book less good. For example, I really wanted Harry to destroy Thomas hunger. And the hunger in his baby too.
I also did not like that Lara did not realize that she was becoming addict to Harry until it was too late. I realized it as soon as Lara mentioned that she had not needed to feed in the whole week. A moment of thought and I suspected Mab knew it too. I understand Harry did not realize it, because he is not in his best mental state and he was so dead set in saving Thomas that he became blind to other things. I fully understand and accept that. But Lara experimented it, she is clever, she had been surrounded by addicts her whole life. She should have noticed it. The only in universe excuse I can think is that she was in denial, but in that case a line like "I should have realized, I did not want to see" or something like that would have been perfect.
The most surprising thing, is that we did not have any resolution to the things BG seemed to promise. We still don't know anything about what being a Starborn means, and Harry not even mentioned that his time to speak with LTW approaching. And we did not have any resolution about the wedding either. But when I say that this is surprising, it is especially because I do not care. The book let me satisfied without addressing those things.
I won't comment here the things I liked because there are too many, but I will mention two topics I have questions about.
1) What exactly involves the arrangement with Etri. Can Harry and Maggie visit Thomas' son? Could Lara see him from time to time? Can Molly check on him and report to Thomas?
2) where was Marcone, what was he doing the whole year? I mean, I understand Jim did not want to include Marcone because the book is already crowded, but it is weird that Harry had not mention anything, not even asking Gard about him. Harry mentions a lot of people helping in the reconstruction of Chicago and i found super weird that there was not even a passing line to the Baron.
-
here was Marcone, what was he doing the whole year? I mean, I understand Jim did not want to include Marcone because the book is already crowded, but it is weird that Harry had not mention anything, not even asking Gard about him. Harry mentions a lot of people helping in the reconstruction of Chicago and i found super weird that there was not even a passing line to the Baron.
I'm not sure whether The Law and the upcoming Out Law fall within 12M's overall timeline but were separated for book scope, or fall the year after, but Marcone is at least active at expanding his empire through all the reconstruction contracts in The Law.
Can't see Harry being up to contending with the "but what's he doing with Namshiel?" issue until his head is straightened out some, though.
-
I liked how now as a Master to Fritz Harry is behaving more like a teacher should. Yes, he is older and he has learned from his mistakes with Molly, the main reason I think is he had no real personal connection with Fritz like he did Molly.
-
I liked how now as a Master to Fritz Harry is behaving more like a teacher should. Yes, he is older and he has learned from his mistakes with Molly, the main reason I think is he had no real personal connection with Fritz like he did Molly.
Yes. There is a lovely line near the end, when Harry talks about how he is more capable now, when he says "Plus, I've been teaching".
Of course, I also loved every interaction with Michael and the KotC, as per usual, but I liked Daniel too.
I also loved the smoothed mention to what happen on Christmas.
-
I'm not sure whether The Law and the upcoming Out Law fall within 12M's overall timeline but were separated for book scope, or fall the year after, but Marcone is at least active at expanding his empire through all the reconstruction contracts in The Law.
Can't see Harry being up to contending with the "but what's he doing with Namshiel?" issue until his head is straightened out some, though.
You are right, I totally forgot about The Law (which I read). But still, it is weird that Harry mentions everyone working in the reconstruction and Chicago and there is not a line about what Marcone is doing.
-
I’m still ruminating over Twelve Months, and will have to re-read, but my initial impression is of the book isn’t favorable. On first reading, I liked it less than Ghost Story on its first reading, which had been my previous low mark for first readings once the series got going after the first few books. Certainly there are scenes and moments in Twelve Months that I very much liked. But on the whole, I thought the book awkward and clunky when I’ve come to expect Butcher’s Dresden books to sing. I’m not saying it’s the worst of the series but the gap between my expectations for substance and quality versus what I got in the book is probably the greatest.
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?
- 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?
- 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?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
-
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.
He was harsh, yes. However keep in mind that he is also hurting, he is grieving as well because at the moment anyway, everything has been taken away from him. This makes him angry, not rational, that may come later, we shall see how Jim handles it.
-
- 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.
Good question. For Feds we only got the HBGB inspectors who weren't the Men in Black.
-
He was harsh, yes. However keep in mind that he is also hurting, he is grieving as well because at the moment anyway, everything has been taken away from him. This makes him angry, not rational, that may come later, we shall see how Jim handles it.
Agree.
-
As far as Fitz goes my theory is if Will got an upgrade from being in that battle what would it do to a council level wizard who took in his first big bite of magic that night. If he wasn't worn out that means he took in let's call it wild magic and if at the end of the fight he took in a lot and then didn't use magic for a week or two. That could explain why he has such a broad range and extra large gas tank. Or he's a plant that will come back to ruin dresden's life in the future
-
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.
-
Got it on Friday, finished it on Saturday. Overall, a very good and different book than the others. I was very happy that Fitz was the new apprentice, because that makes Ghost Story in retrospect much better (because I was unhappy all those years about Fitz taking up a good part of that book with him disappearing afterwards).
I think Butcher wrote Harry dealing with his grief quite well and how it takes a lot of time to heal. At first glance, I can't find a thing I am really unhappy about with this book, except maybe that I think Bonea got a bit the short end of the stick being Harrys second "daughter" and that Harry wasn't even thinking about contacting Einherjar Murphy (although there's of course a good reason for it, with the shade and all).
8,5/10 I would say, and on to Mirror Mirror.
-
I also thought Carlos was a bit too far back to normal given how hostile things left off between him and Harry at the end of the last book.
It also seemed to pivot Lara a little too far towards trying to keep similar standards to Thomas' standards of self-discipline to limit the harm his hunger does. She's still the same character who described herself as a polite, neat monster who'd destroy the Council through peace ... and got off on disemboweling her (admittedly, awful) cousin for committing treachery. What I'm not sure of is whether she's playing Harry, or Jim is trying to retcon her to be not as a more sympathetic character?
-
At the end of Battle Ground, Carlos has been yelling before coming to see Harry.
I took this as, he is angry about the news, about the "Terms" and about having to be the one to deliver the news. Which at the time got picked up as anger at Harry.
Not that there wasn't any anger at Harry, but more Harry and Council both being idiots with Carlos in the middle and very stressed about being the messenger.
-
It also seemed to pivot Lara a little too far towards trying to keep similar standards to Thomas' standards of self-discipline to limit the harm his hunger does. She's still the same character who described herself as a polite, neat monster who'd destroy the Council through peace ... and got off on disemboweling her (admittedly, awful) cousin for committing treachery. What I'm not sure of is whether she's playing Harry, or Jim is trying to retcon her to be not as a more sympathetic character?
Thinking on it, Lara is operating in a different space than we've seen her before. Mab says "You are engaged to a wealthy, powerful, desirable woman who respects you enough to tell you the truth," so we can take it she's being more honest with Harry than she has in the past. We also mostly see her operating at a distance from her life as a vampire and head of the White Court. At the Halloween party, we see her more like her old self when Harry embarrasses her.
-
Thinking on it, Lara is operating in a different space than we've seen her before. Mab says "You are engaged to a wealthy, powerful, desirable woman who respects you enough to tell you the truth," so we can take it she's being more honest with Harry than she has in the past. We also mostly see her operating at a distance from her life as a vampire and head of the White Court...
I think this is Lara playing it cautiously.
She has successfully manipulated Harry in the past... and he has seen through her deceptions in the past.
Harry has responded to her whamp-mojo like other men do... and Harry has kept his head enough to do a major evocation even in the midst of Lara going full-on-ravenous on him: her losing control while he saved them both. Lara isn't sure what would happen if it came to full-on conflict. So she's... cautious.
I think this is Lara keeping her options open.
She's under Mab's orders to marry him, and she currently sees no way out of that. She is building trust with Harry, because WK-Harry is stronger than any prior Harry, and she sees the advantages of a trust-based working peer/partner in such a marriage. And, of course -- if her opinions & "best course of action" change -- it's far easier to betray someone who trusts you. Lara's political by instinct, and options are a politician's best friends.
-
Good question. For Feds we only got the HBGB inspectors who weren't the Men in Black.
Yes, this is my biggest disappointment with the book. At first when Harry kept look up in the sky thinking someone was watching him I wondered if they had designated a satellite in space to watch him/the city. That or some type of plane flying over head and he felt the tingle on his neck from someone watching him.....Nope, just a rock gargoyle...
Fitz :
For me it would have been better to keep him under Mort, and perhaps work out of the Castle as his ghost adviser instead of another Apprentice. Sure, teaching and all that helped, but he also said how HE needs to get back to work to learn more. Would prefer to see him doing some travel or bringing people in to teach himself new tricks.
-
Would prefer to see him doing some travel or bringing people in to teach himself new tricks.
Emphasis added. So much this. He's got the knowledge of the ways! I've been waiting since Changes for some awesome travel stuff. Or at least some hoped over to Italy for some great food. In this book, he could have used the ways to bring in some hard to get supplies or something. The way the story went, with all the mentions of food being difficult to get, a group trip to a grocery store with backpacks would have been a big help.
-
Emphasis added. So much this. He's got the knowledge of the ways! I've been waiting since Changes for some awesome travel stuff. Or at least some hoped over to Italy for some great food. In this book, he could have used the ways to bring in some hard to get supplies or something. The way the story went, with all the mentions of food being difficult to get, a group trip to a grocery store with backpacks would have been a big help.
Yes!! Where is the trip to the Vatican to yell at the group in charge of holding the Coins?!?! Esp. after Marcone has one...
-
So I made some notes rereading.
Harry says the dates were mainly a PR thing. I think this is Harry misunderstanding Mab. Mab's goal was to get Lara addicted sooner rather than later. This wouldn't happen for at least a year if she didn't insist on them spending time together. Harry wouldn't have made a point of being around her. Maybe they would have done the experiments, but that wouldn't have gotten them to three feedings.
Lara says the Hungers die with their hosts; Thomas's hunger says it will be consigned to Outside. I think the Hunger probably knows better. Thoughts?
Harry says "Drakul had been a late-fourteenth-century type." Does Harry mean Drakul is from the late 14th century or does he mean Drakul has a late 14th century aesthetic? The first one is wrong. Harry can be wrong.
Harry asks Toot "who could make it in time?" Butters, Carlos, Daniel, Fr. Forthill, the Alphas, Rabbi Aaronson, Gard, and Lara and crew made it. (I don't think I am missing anyone, but I might be). Who else do you think Harry called in, if anyone?
How did Bock get Kravos's book of shadows? Harry had it in Grave Peril. He got it from Stallings.