Well. That was a lot. ( )

Yeah, I'm getting a little done with the Dresden Files, but I have to admit the ending of this one has made me want to read at least the next one. I also must confess that I sort of accidentally read a bit about the next one (curse you, social media!) so I kind of knew how this one would end -- at least, the big picture ending, if not the details. In general though, this is another pretty typical Dresden story: Harry gets some Big News about someone he loves being in jeopardy, and leaps into action, summoning to his side all the supernatural big guns he can muster. For some reason he particularly has a bunch of powerful women who seem ready to drop everything and help him out whenever he calls. Ironic, since he often gets himself into trouble feeling like he needs to help women in danger -- usually he's the one with his ass on the line. Anyway, the paranormal action seems to have been seriously accelerating in recent volumes, and this one is no exception -- there are many big kabooms which seem to be sort of ultimate. Also, Harry is learning more about his own personal history which creates some emotional drama. So, yes, though I'm almost ready to give up on Harry Dresden, Butcher has kept me engaged for at least one more book. ( )

448 ( )

The title of this book always brings the David Bowie song to mind. Ch-ch-ch-changes...

Changes is the twelfth book in The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher. In this week's episode... Susan is back and drops the biggest bombshell on Harry possible. Nothing is going to be the same after this.

The title for this installment is on the nose. In this book everything changes for Harry. Everything. Butcher seriously messed with my emotions big time. My heart damn near stopped when Butters took two bullets in the back. POLKA WILL NEVER DIE! As the story progresses every part of Harry's life is gradually stripped from him. Harry thought he'd hit rock bottom before but he was wrong. No more house, work, car, magic goodies, Mister is lost (please say someone finds Mister), potential White Council civil war, back broken, made a deal with Mab (which explains the title on Cold Days I'm thinking). It's a lot to take in and has to be the worst 48 hours in Harry's life.

I will say it was highly satisfying for the entire Red Court to be wiped out. F*cking vampires. Though I will say I wouldn't mind seeing the Ebbs again. The win the "Most Interesting Parley With The Enemy" award.

Then, just when you think it's over and the good guys can go home, or in Harry's case someone else's home, after saving the girl, Butcher pulls a fast one and we're left in a cliffhanger. It won't be long before I read the next book. ( )

Okay, Harry should give up on the whole romance thing. It's not working for him.

I would have given the book five stars if it wasn't for the cliffhanger ending. Grrrr. ( )