The many fans of Butcher's Chicago-based Dresden Files series (most recently Small Favor) will enjoy this spin-off novella featuring Thomas Raith, Harry Dresden's incubus half-brother. After reluctantly attending a rendezvous arranged by his untrustworthy older sister, Lara, Raith learns that Dresden is being set up by the evil Stygian Sisterhood, but he can't go directly to Dresden's aid without revealing his part in the secret Oblivion War. Raith's resulting plan has something of a slapstick air, and the high cosmic stakes are generally played for laughs. Given Dresden's limited appearance and the significant backstory underlying the series, this is an unlikely entry point for newcomers, but Butcher clearly demonstrates that Raith, usually seen more as Dresden's sidekick, is more than capable of sustaining a story on his own. (Oct.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Jim Butcher is a full-time writer who lives in Independence, Missouri, with his wife, son, and ferocious guard dog.
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March 21, 2009: It's not as good as his full length novels. The story in this one is much like some of the sub plots in the full length Dresden books. If you are into that series you should definitely read this if not I'd recommend starting with the novels. The TV series was pretty good as well but not up to the books. I'm putting the first novel and the DVD collection on the recommended list below.
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November 02, 2008:
This 'book' is 70 pages long with a lot of white space and a large font. It would barely qualify as a chapter in a real book.
Wait for it to be remaindered. It's not worth full price.