Summer Knight

First re-read since my first read about 13 years ago.

I rather like the fact that Harry doesn't win 'em all. Makes him more human, more relatable. But it is kinda hard to see him this down in the dumps. Thankfully, there's a kick-ass climax, and there be faeries.

Summer, Winter, Red, White and Faerie Courts and Councils there's so much going on in this one! Overall I really enjoyed the book and narration is awesome. Yes, you need to get past certain noise James Marsters makes in his mouth ( )

Yes, I read it in a day. Getting over the stomach flu is a great time to read! Anyway, I really enjoyed this episode in Harry Dresden's adventures. The pace is swift, the characters engaging, and the plot complex. Lots of very cool supernatural stuff going on. Harry's a bit of a downer sometimes, but he does get his mojo back (I don't think that qualifies as a spoiler). :) ( )

Another Page-turner in this Gripping Series.

I've read the previous books in this series and really enjoyed them. However I don't think that you have to have read them to enjoy Summer Knight. Butcher weaves any pertinent information expertly into this book, without causing any detrimental effects to pace or plot.

I added the narration again too and alternated between reading and listening to the tale. I loved it. James Marsters' narration really brings our hero, Harry Dresden to life. The narrative is read with emotion that appropriately reflects the various scenes and I like his tonal variations when reading characters' dialogue. I feel that his acting skills also add a further dimension of theatre to the performance which brings the story to life.

This story has everything that I look for in a great read; some really great characters, a good balance between the various aspects - mystery, crime, thriller, horror, detective and paranormal - and blends them with well written dry humour ensuring that it doesn't got too heavy. Butcher even managed to include a sprinkling of romance. The espionage aspects surprised me a few times, the story leaving me breathless on the edge of my seat too but I loved trying to second guess where the leads would take us next!

I can't wait to start reading book 5 and see what trouble Harry lands in next. ( )

Fairies. Armies of them. But don't call them fairies, because they don't like it and they have claws and fangs and monstrous powers that mortals (even wizards) either fear or get cut down by.

And Harry is stuck working for one of their Queens, investigating the death of the Summer Knight (kind of the mortal weapon/sheriff for the Queens). He's trying to avoid an all-out war among the Summer and Winter Courts, which would be apocalyptic to the mortal realm.

More fun, thrills, danger, and some heavyweight magic battles, along the way. Trolls, pixies, unicorns and a council of wizards who debate executing Harry, if he survives everything else.

Oh, and a blast from the past who may be the death of him. (you know, assuming everyone else fails)

I've definitely become a Jim Butcher fan. ( )