Changes (Dresden Files, #12)

by Jim Butcher

I answered the phone, no big deal, until I heard the message: 'They've taken our daughter.' Harry Dresden, professional wizard, has never faced anything like this. Arianna Ortega, Red Court vampire, blames Harry for her husband's death - and she's out for revenge. So her discovery that Susan Rodriguez had borne Harry a daughter was an unexpected gift. Arianna's next step was to kidnap the girl and she plans to use her blood in a violent ritual sacrifice designed to kill Harry, Susan and their daughter. With the White Council of Wizards and the Red Court in a state of detente, Harry finds himself alone except for a handful of allies - resources utterly inadequate to challenging the Red King and his entire vampire Court. With the life of his child at stake, Susan's humanity hanging in precarious balance and with his own death looming, Dresden must find a new source of strength. In the past, there had always been a line Harry wouldn't cross, and though dark powers have tempted him time and again, he never gave in. But then, only his own life was at stake.

• ISBN10: 1101186305
• ISBN13: 9781101186305
• Publish Date: 1 April 2010
• Publish Status: Active
• Imprint: Roc
• Format: eBook
• Pages: 448
• Language: English

Reviews

[Ben Pick]

There is nothing I can say about this that isn't a spoiler. This novel was titled appropriately and wow does it live up to it.

[jojo_k]

This book hooked me in from the first chapter and what a ride to the very end. Wow, I'm glad I have the next installment ready to go, with that cliffhanger, who could wait?

[kimbacaffeinate]

As is my drug of choice, I listened to the narrations of James Marsters. He has become the voice of these characters and I could not imagine Harry without him. Oh, where to begin. Let me just get this off my chest before I burst...we hear Mouse speak. It was brilliant! Perfection. I laughed so hard I had tears and we were in the middle of some intense shite when it happened.
You might remember I am not a big Susan fan. Well, in Changes I decided I hate her. Strong words I know, but she reveals a secret to Harry that floored me and might just get Harry killed. Arianna Ortega, Duchess of the Red Court will use that secret against Harry. You'll need to buckle up and bring supplies before beginning Changes because once you begin you won't be able to put it down.
I laughed, screamed, got angry, cheered and was left in a fetal position by the time all was said and done. If I haven't convinced you to pick up this series by now, all hope is lost. Changes is a pivotal novel and I am anxious to see what Side Jobs, (#12.5) brings. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer

[tweetybugshouse]

one of this series most exciting books. I kept reading wanting to know what was coming next.

Fans of The Dresden Files have a new adventure in their hands. April 6th was the release for book 12 of the series chronicling the supernatural exploits of wizard and private detective, Harry Dresden. Dresden is the worlds only publicly practicing Wizard. Don’t believe it? It says it right there on his business card. But while earlier books were more centered on cases brought to him as a private investigator, Changes is entirely focused on Harry’s personal life.

The Dresden Files has been one wild adventure after another. Vampires, trolls, werewolves, wizards, fairies, and all manner of mystical beings congregate around modern day Chicago. And where supernatural forces frolic, supernatural bedlam often ensues. And over the years Dresden has made powerful friends and even more powerful enemies.

This time around Harry’s personal life catches up with him. And in the course of the tale, author Jim Butcher does an amazing job of pulling in characters from novels past and linking them all into a potent and action packed crusade that will change the future of the Dresden character forever. Every previous book literally brought Dresden to the events detailed in this book and the consequences of this edition threaten to have far-reaching ramifications.

It’s hard to review the story without giving away twists or turns critical along the way. It’s impossible to mention the peripheral characters that come into play without giving away information that is key to the resolution of the story. I consider this a mark of the true craftsmanship that Jim Butcher employs when telling his tales. The characters are compelling and long lasting as they are developed further from one book to the next. Later books directly reference the outcome of events that were important in earlier books and surprisingly consequential in continuing storylines.

Without giving anything away, its safe to say that book 12 is an amazing work of fiction that was nearly impossible to put down. The mythology of Dresden’s world is compelling. The writing throughout the series is consistent and has all led up to what happens in this book.

Changes proved to be a great addition to the series and, much more than past release, really leaves the reader anxious for book 13. And there is good news on that front as Side Job, book 13, is scheduled for release in November of 2010. Its unusual for Butcher to release two Dresden books in the same year. But with the recent conclusion of his Codex Alera series it seems he has dedicated his creativity fully on Harry Dresden. As an aside, those not familiar with the Codex Alera works, the 6 novels comprise a mind-blowing work of fiction in their own right.

The Dresden Files is a series of stories told from the first person perspective of Harry Dresden himself. Due to the craftsmanship of Butcher’s work, it’s crucial to read the books chronologically in order to truly appreciate the development of the character and his history. Each book builds on the characters and events that came before it. And the history of the series makes for an interesting and exciting journey. I have never regretted starting Storm Front, book one, less than two years ago and I anxiously anticipate the release of Side Jobs, book 13 in November.