HARRY DRESDEN IS BACK AND READY FOR ACTION, in the new entry in the #1 New York Times bestselling Dresden Files. When the Supernatural nations of the world meet up to negotiate an end to ongoing hostilities, Harry Dresden, Chicago’s only professional wizard, joins the White Council’s security team to make sure the talks stay civil. But can he succeed, when dark political manipulations threaten … political manipulations threaten the very existence of Chicago—and all he holds dear?
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I was glad to see that this book was shorter than the last few Dresden books which were a wee bit bloated. I disagree with some of the comments that there wasn’t enough action, that it was mostly set up and that there was a lot of repetition from all the previous books. As someone who reads the books once or twice, I like a little refreshing, but honestly, I didn’t see it much. I do feel with about 100 more pages Butcher could have ended the story nicely though.
I really liked the character development and seeing everyone getting settled into their new reality and doing the best they can. In that respect, it’s my favorite Dresden book.
This was a solid like that I’d recommend to fans, even mild fans of the series. This is definitely not the book to read if you aren’t really familiar with The Dresden Files though.
I got my e-copy courtesy of Overdrive via my public library.
I enjoyed the Dresden Files in the past, so was looking forward to the new installment after a few years’ gap. If you’ve never read them before this is not the place to start, but if you are a fan then this book delivers.
*** What to Expect
Peace Talks picks up where the series previously finished (some 6 years ago), and continues on the main story arc. Harry had been fighting the Fomor, which came to power after his war on the Red Vampire Court. Getting into this book is like meeting an old friend again, catching up and reminding yourself of past events. It then continues in a true Dresden fashion, with complications and counter-demands piling up quickly to a nearly impossible situation.
*** What I liked
I love the series, the complex and rich world that Butcher has built. As usual, there’s a bit of new lore to explore, with new threats and more for us to discover about his world. Butcher’s plot are thriller-style: fast-paced, with mounting complications and quickly rising odds.
Dresden himself is not without flaws, and is generally a very relatable person (you may not always like him, but at least you could understand where he’s coming from). Side characters at this stage of the series are good and complex too, not cardboard cutouts. All have motivations of their own, and in some cases (Marcone and Lara Raith in particular) tend to be very interesting in their own right. In this volume we get a deeper view into Ebenezar McCoy, Harry’s grandfather and senior wizard.
*** What to be aware of
This book is essentially the first half of a much larger work. Butcher usually wraps whatever he started by the end of each volume, leaving just a few hints about things to come when he’ll explore the consequences. Peace Talks ends very much on a cliffhanger, and it’s obvious that it had to be split into two volumes. The scope of the work might partially explain the time it took to finish and publish. The next installment, Battle Ground, is due out by end of September this year, so make your own choice about reading now or binging when both are out.
As mentioned above, the series has to be read in order. There are heavy references to past events, both from the main arc and from the short story collections. In terms of personality, Dresden has a distinct voice. Just like with regular people, he is who he is (and don’t mistake Butcher for Dresden), and you may or may not like him. By this point in the series, you’ll know.
*** Felix’s Review
Felix enjoys the series too, enjoys looking at the working of a supernatural world from the point of view of someone who’s a top player (he himself is much more focused on occult cases that affect regular people – even when he keeps gets dragged into highly political ones). He has the sense that should Dresden ever have the time for a relaxed drink, they could share many pleasant hours shooting the breeze together over a cup of wine. He’s eagerly looking forward to the next volume, to see how the battle with what, for him, is a mythical god will turn out.
*** Summary
If you’re a fan, why are you reading this review rather than the book itself? If you haven’t read them yet, you can see my review for the full series, but do make sure you read them in order. Remember that the first three volumes are slower, earlier works, but from then on Butcher’s writing is steadily improving and the series really takes off in scale and exploring consequences.
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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.
Listened through this over 3 days and gotta say, I am looking forward to a second listen in buildup for the next one. Didn’t realize that this book was part of a two book set but not upset with some of the points addressed in this one. Glad to see these issues coming together
Harry’s back! He is now trying to cope at being a Dad, getting used to a new home, and picking up the pieces from the fallout of the last disaster. Of course the universe is not going to give him a break, monsters and tough choices await.
It has been a long dry spell for Dresden fans. The first part of the book seemed a little slow, but all ‘H’ blows loose and Harry hits the ground running. There are hard lessons along the way and heroes are tested. Can’t wait for the second part!
After a long absence, it’s great to see Harry Dresden doing what he does best–battling monsters that threaten his family and greater Chicago. Only this time, all the monsters are under one roof. The peace talks are going to explode, the only question is when–and what will set them off.