Changes is the latest in the Dresden files saga, book 12, and it does not disappoint. It is the thinking person's adult Harry Potter, though not at all connected to the Potter series. There was a TV series based on the books, but it was, as I understand it, more of a conglomeration, not each book in the series being filmed as an entity. I didn't learn of the series until it was over, and I didn't begin to read the books until then either.
Who is Harry?
Harry is the last wizard in Chicago. He lives in a time when magic is used to fight the bad elements of the spirit world, and magic has a serious set of rules, which if violated, lead to death in order to keep magic pure. Long ago Harry was falsely accused and almost was put to death. There are still some who don't trust him, who wonder if he had gone bad. And where he goes, mayhem is sure to follow for the bad vamps, etc. are out to get him. He always managed to come out on top. While he would like to live peaceably, he isn't afraid to take up arms and magic against any who are determined to exterminate good -- and he does it with panache, a bit of fear, a lot of clever and quick-acting ways and means...
The usual cast of characters
Bob, the skull; Karrin Murphy, the police detective in charge of paranormal activities, which many in the department do not think exists; Thomas, a vamp who is Harry's half-brother; Molly, Harry's young apprentice, the daughter of Michael who used to be the Archangel on earth; the Foo dog; half-vamps; good vamps; bad vamps; assorted other bad characters, all imaginary...of course Harry Dresden.
The story
Harry learns that his daughter Maggie, who he never knew existed, has been kidnapped by he Red Court. It's up to him to rescue her before she is ritually killed.
The action
Harry teams up with his usual helpers, including his ex-lover, Maggie's mom, who is a half-vamp. So long as she doesn't partake of human blood, she will not change over. Her helper is Martin, charged with keeping her safe. He and Harry don't get along.
My take
I really liked this book. It is one of the best. It has a pre-ending and an ending. I can't say I understood the ending. I have some questions. Is this the end of the series? I don't think so.
If I owned the books, instead of getting them from the library, I'd have a pencil in hand to underline all the pithy aphorisms and truisms. I could take a lot of quotes. I admire Butcher's ability to construct a universe and give out information as needed as the stories develop, different rules and procedures, all are logical in a totally made up universe where you can step into the Ways and move more quickly through time and space while meeting up with incredible difficulties and supernatural creatures, all bent on evil. It isn't particularly hard for me to read because I don't expect to meet up with any of these in a dark alley. I know they don't really exist. And I know Harry always comes out on top, or does he?
Have you read the books?
What do you think of the ending?
The book is also available for Kindle. There are also audio books for the series, but I didn't like the monotonous voice of the reader. I wish Jim Dale were reading the books!
Karin
Originally posted 2010-06-28 20:01:22.
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