In this novel in Jim Butcher’s #1 New York Times bestselling series, an old debt puts Chicago wizard Harry Dresden in harms way…Harry’s life finally seems to be calming down. The White Council’s war with the vampiric Red Court is easing up, no one’s tried to kill him lately, and his eager apprentice is starting to learn real magic. For once, the future looks fairly bright. But the past casts … bright. But the past casts one hell of a long shadow.
Mab, monarch of the Sidhe Winter Court, calls in an old favor from Harry. Just one small favor he can’t refuse…one that will trap Harry Dresden between a nightmarish foe and an equally deadly ally, and one that will strain his skills—and loyalties—to their very limits.
And everything was going so well for once…
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WOW. Small Favor was another epic read in the Dresden Files series. Harry is in deep again.
After White Night, Harry has had some time to spend with his brother, friends, and his young apprentice, but now all that’s changing.
We have intrigue, betrayal, action-packed moments, and some surprises along the way.
Their’s a game a foot and lots of secrets. Molly, Thomas, Murphy, the Knights of the Cross, and Kincaid join Harry on this adventure. We also get the Billy Goat Gruff, Dark Magic, Summer trying to kill Harry, and Mab calling in an old favor.
Now, Harry only really has one option when it comes to Mab and it’s not the best, but it’s the lesser of the evils. I really loved having the gang together again. I liked that his friend have his back, even if it’s in question, they still stick by him. Bob, the talking skull always adds humor and I love seeing him. Harry finally learns something about “Fidelacchiu,” one for the swords of God, that he is holding on too and hasn’t given to anyone yet. We also see The Fallen and The Archive.
WOW! Just WOW! So much happens in Small Favor and it’s gripping. Butcher brings out the changes that are happening with Harry and around him. There where also some very emotional intense scenes and pivotal plot twists.
Small Favor was another stellar read in this series. I have no idea what’s next for Harry and the gang, but I’m looking forward to continue the adventure.
Rated: 4.5 Stars
So so good. I’m reading these as a craft lesson in series and developing character over a long series. Butcher doesn’t disappoint. Chicago, a place where even the bad guys have a chance at doing good.
Cozy readers will love the community and character development, but fair warning, there is a lot of violence. The introduction of the three billy goats gruff was precious.
I finally made it into the double digits of the series, and I still super enjoying this series, It just get better and better but also bigger and more complicated with each book.
But with that it also gets harder with each book to review them, so I will try to make it short and of course no spoilers, from this book anyway.
It’s no secret that I’m madly in love with Harry and I would follow him anywhere but sometimes he is just too damn predicable and his need to sacrifice himself for his friends but what else is new.
I love his mentorship with Molly, we learn not only much about them but also the council throughout. Molly has become one of my favorite characters, she keeps not only Harry but us on our toes but also is super smart and snarky. Michael is more in this book too, which I loved and things get a little tense with him and Harry. I also enjoyed Sonja he kind of kept the peace between the two or was like a wedge between them. Charity is really growing on me and I love it. I had a hard time with her when we first meet her but I really like her now, the more we get to know her. I also lke that she is warming up more and more to Harry as a friend… of sorts.
Of course we can’t forget Murphy, things will get resolved between them and if you have ben fooling my reviews you know that this makes me happy… at least so far. Thomas as well is a bigger part which also is great and things come up and things happen that could jeopardize their secret. I really enjoy Thomas and miss that he doesn’t live with Harry anymore.
Speaking of missing… yep you guessed it I still miss Susan, I still have hope that someday, somehow she comes back.
Things seems to be heating up for Harry in the romance department as well…. Maybe…… I hope so … even though it is not me lol …. But let’s face it, he really needs to get laid. I almost feel bad for him.
Overall, I really loved this book and can’t wait to get to the next book in the series
I rate it 5
This is the tenth book in the series, and touches quite a bit on the overall story arc. I’ve been binge reading the whole series in order, and reviewing as I go. My reviews focus on setting readers’ expectations, rather than summarising plots.
The most important aspect a new reader needs to know is that the series has an over-arching story arc, with roots starting at book 3 (Grave Peril) but only becoming visible as more and more of the series unfolds. It’s a great thing, but as it continually colours events around Dresden it’s best to read the series in order.
*** What to expect
This volume deal again with the Fallen, the faeries, and Marcone. It’s a thriller-paced urban fantasy, with fast moving action. Harry spouts his usual brand of flippant humor in the face of the supernatural.
*** What I liked
I like Harry’s wise-cracking attitudes towards life, and in dealing with supernatural horrors. I like the supporting characters in general, and I find Butcher is doing excellent job in characterising and building recurring cast and introducing new characters. The long-running support cast are especially complex, and one can see them maturing between books. They deliver emotional payoffs for dedicated readers.
*** Be aware
This is part of a series, and you really need to read them in order. Butcher has Harry’s mental dialogue to recap previous events and dialogue for those who read the series in breaks, which can feel like he’s talking too much (and also may grate on some reader’s nerves as a “telling” style, or simply for being repetitive). It’s just a function of a long-running series, but as entering the series mid-way is not recommended anyway it doesn’t offer much to new readers while could be distracting to fans.
Also, some readers may find Dresden attitudes chauvinistic and misogynistic, though that is a both a trope of the genre and something of a failing of his.
*** Summary
This is one of the better volumes in an excellent series. It’s a great example of a fast-paced, urban-fantasy thriller. If you want a blend of modern-day thrillers with dark fantasy, this is the series to read – just start at Storm Front.
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Assaph Mehr, author of Murder In Absentia: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic – for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
I don’t think Jim Butcher can write a bad book. Fast-paced, taut, with amazing action scenes and realistic emotion.
Another great addition to the Dresden Files.
harry dresden! is there any more to say? read this some time ago, so i don’t remember which one it is, but i can tell you this, if it is harry dresden, it is an amazing read: more exciting than a roller coaster, more satisfying than your favorite dessert, and flat-out fun
It may sound odd to say fantasy fiction is realistic but read and find out. If you’ve ever lived with or worked with someone who has there own set of standards, no limits and a desire to place you in the middle you live vicariously through Butcher’s Dresden. Well paced and easy to read.
Just start at the beginning ofthe series. You’ll end up reading them all.
Awesome read
Every Harry Dresden book is great. Would love to see a new one!!!
Like all of the Harry Dresden series, this one is break-neck action, laugh-out-loud funny, and irresistible.
All the early books by this author are good reads. highly recommend.
I have being reading this series for a while and there hasn’t been a single book that disappointed.
Loved it! I like the interactions between Harry and Mab, and I love Harry’s humor.
I LOVE Harry Desden novels! Do yourself a great favor and go back to the first book and read them in order! They are very good stand alone novels but have many returning characters and a great story arc.
As with all Jim Butcher books, this is over-the-top clever, filled with witty dialogue, and packed with characters about whom the reader genuinely cares.