Turn Coat (The Dresden Files #11)

Dresden time!!

Turn Coat

5 out of 5 Grey Stars

"I love being a wizard. Every day is like Disneyland."

You've done it again, Mr. Butcher. Bravo. How is it possible to keep creating such fantastic stories with new plots and subplots and sub-subplots and tying everything together and making it seem so easy? I know it's not, it's really hard, but Butcher makes it seem effortless, which makes The Dresden Files such a great series. We're really stepping up the game now!

"Okay, listen up. Things are about to get sort of risky."

Plot-Line:

I admit, I was a bit worried starting Turn Coat. I've never been a fan of Morgan, and I knew after reading the synopsis that he is going to be an important character in this installment. See, Morgan's been framed for the death of a Senior White Council member, and the only one who can help him is Harry. And Harry, being the good guy that he is, isn't going to turn Morgan away, especially since he believes that Morgan didn't commit the crime. Now the real killer needs to be found to clear Morgan's name, to stop any other killings from happening, and most importantly, to find the traitor inside The White Council. How much has The Black Council grown, how much are they affecting and changing matters in the White Council? There are lots of players, lots of mystery, and lots of twists and turns and new schemes in play throughout this novel. Just know that whatever you think is going to happen is even worse than you imagined, and that things are even more terrible than they seem.

"Doom, doom, and doom. Damn. How the hell was I supposed to do the right thing if there wasn't a right thing?"

Notable Parts:

Ohhhh, so much new information! We've got new creatures, new places, and new knowledge. Butcher really knows how to seamlessly add in information and reveal answers to questions you didn't even know you had. Skinwalkers are making their appearances, called naagloshi, which are bigger and badder than you'd ever imagine. Maybe even too much for Harry himself to handle. We get to see White Council headquarters, which is awesome, and we get some changes with Demonreach, the scary island that featured in Small Favor. Harry's got his relationship with Luccio, some great moments with Murphy, and the Alphas are back! Gotta love those college werewolves. The Gatekeeper shows up again (which I've been not-so-patiently waiting for) and he's dropping some alarming hints about the future. I'm trying to figure out what he means, but knowing Butcher, whatever happens will not be what I'm expecting. Oh, and Thomas has got some serious crap to deal with, poor guy. I just seriously love how Butcher keeps creating new ideas, setting up new plots, and how he develops his characters in ways you wouldn't expect. He's 100% right when he writes that the Council isn't about justice, it's about restraining power -- which is something Harry's going to have to keep learning the hard way.

"If I did the smart thing every time matters got dangerous, the world would probably come to an end."

Overall:

Harry's really stepping up his game now, and I love seeing his character maturing! There really is no single path to victory, and Harry's learning to set matters up in a way where he can have more than one way to win. Brilliant. The White Council's future is changing quicker than we thought, and I have no idea what's in store for future wizards, only that it's really not looking too good (like, at all). There are quite a bit of aftereffects to deal with in the next installment of The Dresden Files (titled Changes) and I'm so excited to see what happens next!

"Everyone dies. Everyone. There's no 'if.' Only 'when.'"

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

With Christmas coming around the corner, I've been getting in the spirit by listening to some amazing Christmas music by the fantastic band Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Oh, who am I kidding. I've been listening to their Christmas CDs non-stop since Thanksgiving was over. Yes, I am one of those people. My flatmates forbid me from putting up Christmas decorations until after Thanksgiving had passed. I restrained myself (barely) and now the place looks like Christmas threw up everywhere. Beside for the mini-tree, wreaths and stockings with candy canes on them, I've really enjoyed making paper snowflakes. Cheap, easy decorations to make the place seem festive! And of course I needed to listen to some wonderful Christmas music while all this decorating was happening, hence Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) 24/7!  

  

Trans-Siberian Orchestra has been making wonderful music since 1996, and I love all their albums. They do other music besides Christmas stuff, which is awesome and I listen to throughout the year, but it's their Christmas CDs that I listen to the most. Blending Christmas ideas with lovely musical themes, TSO really captures the spirit of Christmas in their music and share it with their millions of fans. The have the upbeat, jazzy tunes, the classic ones, the slower, more emotional songs, and the ones that move you so completely that you have to listen to them again and again. They have a wide variety of singers, letting us hear all sorts of wonderful voices, and the amount of instruments they use create a phenomenal symphony that combine to produce something truly beautiful. I want to list some of my favorites for you guys, but it's so hard to choose! They are so many stunning, awe-inspiring Christmas songs that TSO has created, I don't know how to decide my favorites. But if I really had to pick, I'd have to go with Music Box Blues, Christmas Canon Rock, and This Christmas Day. Oh, and can't forget An Angel Returned! Seriously, they are all so fantastic, I highly recommend giving them a listen to help pump up your Christmas spirit. And if you don't celebrate Christmas, it's all good -- you can still listen to their Night Castle and Beethoven's Last Night albums, and can't forget their newest album: Letters From The Labyrinth. I am so extremely excited to hear the new album, fingers crossed it's a Christmas gift!

Merry Christmas and happy New Year! Enjoy the holidays everybody! 

Small Favor (The Dresden Files #10)

Continuing on with the adventures of Harry Dresden!

Small Favor

5 out of 5 Not-So-Small-Favor Stars

"I am wizard; hear me roar!"

Oh, Harry, you poor guy. Seriously, you can never seem to catch a break. But all these ordeals that you face make for some seriously great reads! Small Favor is no exception, and Butcher continues on with his plots for Harry in the best ways possible. Whenever we think something is resolved from previous novels, Butcher shows us just how talented he is, bringing back things most readers overlook. You'd think by book 10 I'd be better at figuring out what's going to happen, but that's what I love most about The Dresden Files -- I'm surprised again and again with each new installment. Mr. Butcher, you know how to weave a damn good story!

"There's nothing as exhilarating as being shot at and missed."

Plot-Line:

Let's jump right into the action! Butcher really knows how to grab his readers from the first chapter, and Small Favor does not disappoint. The sidhe are getting involved, and whenever that happens, we all know that matters are about to get extremely messy. Remember that time Harry made a deal with Mab and now owes her some favors? Well, the Queen of Air and Darkness has decided to cash in: Harry's to be her Emissary and protect a certain someone (whose name I'll omit to avoid any mini-spoilers, although you can probably take a good guess who it is). The Denarians are back to cause more trouble, and the Summer fae aren't too cozy with Harry either. Harry's got some dangerous enemies to face (as always) but his allies aren't exactly who you'd expect, adding a bit more tension to the novel. Good luck with this "small favor," Harry. You're gonna need it.

"Don't think, Harry. You know too much about what you're up against. Analyze, decide, and act."

Notable Parts:

The HUMOR. Oh, my gosh, Butcher, you've really outdone yourself! Harry's always been an entertaining character, but the snark and bits of comedy are phenomenal in this installment. Witty banter, hilarious situations, and grin-like-an-idiot-while-you-try-to-hold-in-your-laughter lines. Absolutely over-the-top fun. Of course, there's still danger and action and tension and whatnot, but Butcher's comedic skills really shine in this installment. Now, onto the serious stuff. Ivy and Kincaid are back, which is always cool to read about -- Ivy is one kickass kid! Our Knights of the Cross make their appearances, too, and without Sanya and Michael, Harry would be in some serious trouble. Luccio also helps out, and, I have to say, Gard is a pretty awesome character. The Denarians are great villains, and Nicodemus does not disappoint in his role of evil leader to the blood-thirsty gang of vicious fallen-angel hosts. We're introduced to some new powers, which I'm happy about, as I was wondering when we'd get into this area of magic. And then there's Harry, who seems to be acting a bit strange at times. Okay, maybe seriously strange -- but this is explained in the best way, and I love the shift in plot-lines here. What will be done with this new information?

“We're always disappointed when we find out someone else has human limits, the same as we do. It's stupid for us to feel that way, and we really ought to know better, but that doesn't seem to slow us down.” 

Overall:

I love this series! Have I said that enough yet? Probably, but I'm going to keep saying it anyways! Jim Butcher has created the most epic urban fantasy series, and I just love everything about The Dresden Files. There's always action, dangerous battles, character development, and changes that you don't see coming. I love the way Butcher intertwines plots and how he takes them in directions you don't always expect. Small Favor is a great read in a fantastic series, and I can't wait to see how things develop in future novels. So many great setups, where to next, Mr. Butcher? 

“Its amazing what you can get used to if your daily allowance of bizarre is high enough."

White Night (The Dresden Files #9)

Moving onto the next The Dresden Files! Woo-hoo!

White Night

5 out of 5 Vampiric Stars

"Being a wizard gives you more power than most, but it doesn't change your heart. We're all human. We're all of us equally naked before the jaws of pain."

Another epic installment in an even more epic series. How do you do it, Butcher? Seriously, I want to know! Each installment keeps getting better and better than the last, which is mindblowing, since the series is so amazing to start off with. I'm continuously pleasantly surprised with each story, and am devouring this series as quickly as I can.

"This is stupid," I panted to myself. "Harry, you jackass, this is how you keep getting yourself into trouble."

Plot-Line:

"Suffer not a witch to live" really sums up White Night. People are killing off female practitioners of the Art, and it's up to Harry to find and stop the murderer. Unfortunately, most of the evidence seems to be pointing towards Thomas, Harry's half-brother. Wait, what? Thomas? It doesn't help that he's also keeping secrets from Harry, making it seem even more likely that he's somehow tied into all these deaths. There's a whole big mess brewing between the White Court of Vampires, old players both bad and good are making their appearances, and we get some interesting flashback scenes from earlier in the year (after Proven Guilty but before White Night). What happened in New Mexico, Harry? Whatever it is, you need to deal with it quick. Murphy's a bit restricted in SI -- since she's no longer lieutenant -- and you need to find this killer before any other innocent people die.

"Using magic is about doing things for the right reasons. You don't throw down like this just because you're strong enough to do it. You do it because you don't have much choice. You do it because it's unacceptable to walk away and still live with yourself later. Otherwise, you're using power for the sake of using power. And power tends to corrupt. It isn't hard to love using it. You've got to go in with the right attitude or the power starts using you."

Notable Parts:

So. Much. New. Information. There are changes with Lasciel, Ramirez is getting more involved, and we may or may not be given some information about Harry's... birth? Yeah, you read that right. Important things are stirring, guys. As per usual, the humor is on point, adding a bit of relief to all the dangerous situations that are happening. Harry's got some new magical shindigs, Marcone makes an appearance, Molly is apprenticing. Harry is becoming more mature, learning to listen to reason over rage and lust for battle. But he's still got that anger problem going on, which Murphy notices. I'm excited to see how things play out with Molly, and with Ramirez! I really do like his character. Lots of happenings throughout White Night, and I really like the flashback scene -- it might be my favorite scene out of the whole book. Flashbacks aren't something that Butcher has really experimented with, and I think he pulled it off excellently. It ties into the overall story perfectly, and has some ripple effects too that I did not expect.

"Anger is just anger. It isn't good. It isn't bad. It just is. What you do with it is what matters. It's like anything else. You can use it to build or to destroy. You just have to make the choice."

Overall:

White Night is freaking awesome, like all the rest of The Dresden Files. Harry faces a lot of challenges against enemies and within himself, and it's always a great read dealing with all this crap along with him. The bond of brotherhood is tested, and I love the relationship between Harry and Thomas. Butcher provides more questions than answers, making us readers greedy for the next installment, and I can't wait to start Small Favor! Each novel packs a punch and is full of action, mystery, suspense and character development. What does Butcher have planned for Harry next? I guess I'm just gonna have to put everything else on hold and find out. The Dresden Files, here I come!

"Growing up is all about getting hurt. And then getting over it. You hurt. You recover. You move on. Odds are pretty good you're just going to get hurt again. But each time, you learn something. Each time, you come out of it a little stronger. Everyone is down on pain, because they forget something important about it: Pain is for the living. Only the dead don't feel it."

Proven Guilty (The Dresden Files #8)

Holy crap was that last Dresden Files amazing! Let's see what Butcher has in store for us next.

Proven Guilty

4 1/2 out of 5 Black Stars

"Ding, ding. Round one."

As always with any The Dresden Files novel, we jump right into the action on the first page. Butcher continues developing Harry's story with the finesse and wonderful execution that we've come to expect from him, and Proven Guilty is another great installment into an epic series.

"Do you know what part of the movie this is?" I said to myself as I moved forward. "This is the part where the old farmer with the torch and the shotgun just can't keep himself from walking forward into the dark cave, even though he damn well knows there's a monster in there."

Plot-Line:

There's black magic afoot in Chicago again (when isn't there?) and Harry's once more on the job to protect his city and his friends. Along with his Warden duties, he also has to deal with a Fallen Angel's shadow that's taken resident inside his head and the Courts of Faeries lack of help in the war against the Red Court of Vampires. Harry's already got his hands pretty full, as per usual, and the appearance of the daughter of an old friend isn't helping matters. Harry agrees to help her, but gets a bit more than he bargained for in the process. Fetches and phobophages are attacking the horror movie con called SplatterCon!!! and more people are going to die unless Harry does something to stop it. Movie monsters coming to life don't really make for a good party. Harry's getting the feeling that he's being played, but for now, all he can do is fight the bad guys. There's more going on than what's shown on the surface; new powers are shifting and making their move, and it's all Harry can do to keep his head above water and protect his friends.

"I don't care whose DNA has recombined with whose. When everything goes to hell, the people who stand by you without flinching -- they are your family. And they were my heroes."

Notable Parts:

One factor I really loved about Proven Guilty is how even though our protagonist is facing nightmare monsters, he's also facing very, very real ones, too. In the previous novel, Dead Beat, Harry killed in cold blood for the first time, and he's feeling the effects from this decision. He feels like he's losing control of himself, that his rage is taking over, and finds himself relying more and more on Hellfire and the knowledge provided by Lasciel. It's an ongoing battle against temptation against this Fallen Angel, and Harry's already got a lot to deal with. Like Molly Carpenter, for example. Tattooed, pierced and all grown up, Molly is becoming an interesting character. She's going to be playing some major roles in future novels, and I'm excited to see how her character grows and turns out. And, as always, we're given more preternatural information. Harry's experimenting with more advanced magic, finally gets a new blasting rod, and Butcher even throws in a little bit of old Billy Shakespeare. 

"You can never tell how someone is going to handle power -- not until you hand it to them and see what they do with it."

Overall:

Proven Guilty gives us more questions than answers, providing great set-ups and story arcs for future novels. The only reason I'm taking off this 1/2 star is because I feel something is missing from this installment. Perhaps that is because Butcher did such an awesome job on Dead Beat that I had some high expectations. That's not to say that Proven Guilty isn't a good book -- it's amazing. Just not as amazing as Dead Beat. Which is probably a bit unfair of me, but I can't help it. Dead Beat is that good. There's an overlying mystery throughout this installment, and I can't wait to solve it and see how it plays out in future novels. And once again, as always, I'm very excited to start the next book -- White Night. I know I will not be disappointed.

"Free will. You can't change what has already happened. But you choose what to do next. Which means that you only cross over to the dark side if you choose to do it."

Dead Beat (The Dresden Files #7)

The Dresden Files continues! Onward with the adventures of wizard Harry Dresden and his giant trusty sidekick dog, Mouse!

Dead Beat

5 out of 5 Necromancy Stars

"Death. You can't escape it. You. Will. Die."

Best. Dresden. Book. Ever. Well, at least out of the first seven. Seriously, Dead Beat blew me away. I can normally make some pretty good guesses about what's going to happen in a The Dresden Files novel, and although I'm not always right in figuring out the mystery, I get pretty close. However, I was constantly surprised throughout this whole novel, and there's one part that I never saw coming and actually had me flipping around in the previous pages to try and figure things out. Absolutely brilliant. Butcher has completely outdone himself in this seventh installment, and I'll be remembering Dead Beat for a long, long time. Even the freaking title is awesome once you start reading the book; it's the perfect choice. I'm still mind-blown by what has occurred in this chapter of Harry's life.

"If some part of me didn't want it, why didn't I pick up the kid instead of Lasciel's coin?"

Plot-Line:

We're picking up several months after Blood Rites ended, as per usual for Butcher. Thomas is living with Harry, Mouse has grown to the size of a mountain, and Murphy is taking a vacation out of town for a bit. Things are starting off pretty calm, until Harry gets a letter in the mail from Black Court vampire Mavra. She wants to have a face-to-face, and has some pretty incriminating blackmail that forces Harry to the meet (which is of course at his grave that Bianca had made for him years ago). It's there that Mavra tells Harry to get her The Word of Kemmler, a book written by an insane black warlock back in the 1940s. It's on his search for this powerful book that Harry ends up facing off against some terribly formidable and crazy dangerous new foes. Specifically, necromancers and disciples of Kemmler. The Word will lead to a rite of ascension, upgrading the heir of Kemmler to god-like power. It took enough White Council members to defeat Kemmler himself a couple decades ago, and letting one of his disciples get his or her hands on The Word isn't a option. Harry quickly realizes that he's in way over his head, but the stakes are too high to back down -- not that Harry even knows the meaning of those words. It's going to take all of his power and then some to stop the Kemmlerites from laying waste to Chicago, making Harry question how far he'll go in order to stop them.

"I'm not some kind of superhero. I'm just me. And I didn't want any of this. I don't want to die."

Notable Parts:

I don't even know where to begin, this whole freaking novel is so insanely awesome. I guess I'll start off with the reappearance of Butters, who has been helping Harry take care of his burned hand and learning some very interesting information about the longevity of wizards in the process. He plays an important role throughout Dead Beat and it's nice seeing his character evolving. Billy and Georgia also make appearances, helping out Harry a bit and also having him questioning his decisions and actions. See, Harry hasn't quite been himself lately, and his friends are starting to notice. He's been struggling over controlling his power more frequently, and it's shown. The difference between white and black magic is becoming steadily blurred into shades of grey, and Harry finds himself questioning the uses of dark magic. Add in the PTSD over using fire, since his hand was so badly burned, with these questions of morality, and Harry's got a lot of personal crap to deal with. Thomas's Hunger is explained through a brutally harsh way, and we're introduced to some new characters of the White Council who are actually pretty awesome. And of course the battle/actions scenes are as epic as ever. If you thought Blood Rites was a game changer, think again; the end of Dead Beat is going to have some major changes in Harry's life, changes he never thought would happen.

"I wasn't ready. God, even to save lives that included my own, I wasn't sure that I would be able to call up fire again. I stood there feeling helpless and angry and afraid and stupid -- and most of all, ashamed."

Overall:

One of the many, many reasons I love The Dresden Files is because of how real it is; the characters face real challenges along with all the preternatural ones. It also helps that the stories themselves are awesome. There is never a dull moment throughout Dead Beat; it's crazy intense and constantly surprises me at every turn. I can't wait to see how the changes in this novel affect Harry in the future. By far my favorite Dresden book to date. Harry faces so many challenges throughout this installment, both within himself and by facing so many dangerous enemies, and I know I'll be thinking about what happened in Dead Beat for a long time to come. The Dresden Files is quickly becoming one of the best Urban Fantasy series I have ever read. 

"One of the coldest, most evil souls I have ever encountered once told me that the reason I fought so hard to do what seemed right was that I was terrified to look within me and see the desire to cease the fight and do as I would, free of conscience or remorse. And now I could see that he had been right."

Blood Rites (The Dresden Files #6)

More The Dresden Files!

Blood Rites

5 out of 5 Bloody Stars

"What can I say? I put the 'ick' in 'magic.' "

Whenever I think I know what to expect from a The Dresden Files novel, Butcher always surprises me. Time and time again he proves his talent as an author and outdoes himself with each new novel. His finesse at developing overall story arcs, along with addressing smaller, inner-plots within each individual novel, and how he continually has all his characters growing and changing -- not just Harry -- is what has me keep coming back and continuing my binge read with this series. Blood Rites continues the awesomeness that is The Dresden Files and Butcher really ups the ante in this installment.

"If experience had taught me anything, it was this: No matter how screwed up things are, they can get a whole lot worse. Case in point: our little standoff with Supertart."

Plot-Line:

First off, Blood Rites has a great opening sentence. "The building was on fire, and it wasn't my fault." Classic Dresden. Harry's completing a job (which is why the building is on fire, of course) and has asked White Court vampire Thomas to be his getaway driver. Thomas has helped Harry in the past, although we don't know why, and after helping Harry out on this case, Thomas asks for a favor. Harry agrees, but only if Thomas will tell him why he's been helping him. Thomas agrees, and this leads to Harry meeting Arturo Genosa, a motion-picture producer starting his own company, and a friend of Thomas. People, specifically women connected to Genosa, have been dying in extremely odd ways, and Genosa fears it is a curse called the Malochhio (meaning Evil Eye). Harry decides to help, which is how he finds himself under the disguise of a production assistant for Genosa's next adult film. It's no surprise then that Harry becomes more involved with the White Court, considering they're psychic vampires that feed on lust and have connections with Genosa. Add in Mavra of the Black Court and her scourge of vampires hanging around in Chicago, and Harry's got a lot of vampire-related problems to deal with.

"Justine DuMorne had taught me how to do magic. But it was Ebenezar who taught me why. That magic came from the heart, from the essence of what the wizard believed  -- from who and what he chose to be. That the power born into any wizard carried with it the responsibility to use it to help his fellow man. That there were things worth protecting, defending, and that the world could be more than a jungle where the strong thrived and the weak were devoured."

Notable Parts:

As you can probably guess from the description of Blood Rites, we're given a lot of more information on different types of vampires, and Butcher's got some pretty cool ideas. The Black Court vamps are basically your traditional type of vampire -- holy water, garlic, wooden stakes, the whole thing. Out of all the vampire Courts, the White Court is the one that has the most near-humanity, making them even more dangerous. We're introduced to Lara, a White Court vamp, who is going to become a major player for future novels. Besides for vampire info, we're also given some info on Murphy, on her personality and why she acts the way she does. She helps Harry out big time during an important part of the novel, showing off her badassery, which is always awesome. Kincaid makes some appearances, too, and it was interesting getting more information on his character. We also get information on Ebenezar's past, which is really important. And, most important, we're introduced to a little dog named Mouse that quickly becomes one of my favorite characters. I wish I could have a dog like him!

"There's what's right, and then there's what's necessary. They ain't always the same."

Overall:

Butcher ups the ante in each novel he writes, and I love it. I love the characters, I love the stories and pace and development and everything about The Dresden Files. Blood Rites sheds light on information that is going to change the way Harry thinks, feels, and acts in future novels in ways that he can't even imagine. Brilliant arcs are being set up without the use of cliffhangers, which isn't an easy thing to do. Blood Rites is another great installment to an amazing series by an extremely talented author. I can't wait to see where Harry's troubles take him next. Dead Beat here I come.

"The hardest lesson a wizard has to learn is that even with so much power, there are some things you can't control. No matter how much you want to."

Death Masks (The Dresden Files #5)

Continuing on with Harry Dresden's next epic story -- Death Masks

Death Masks

5 out of 5 Fallen Stars

"Illegal is such a strong word."

I've said it before, and I'll say it again -- poor Harry can never catch a break. It's just problem after problem for the guy, and while I do feel bad, his challenges make quite an interesting and fun read. Death Masks continues where Summer Knight left off, and the action is non-stop in this fast-paced, intense addition to The Dresden Files.

"I'd seen corpses before. Hell's bells, I'd created some. But I hadn't ever seen anything quite like this."

Plot-Line:

Not only is Harry being targeted by hitmen from the Red Court, has a duel planned with one of the Red Court's champions, been hired to find the Shroud of Turin, has his ex Susan showing up around town, he's also got fallen angels -- called Denarians -- to deal with, along with a cryptic/apocalyptic prophecy. Just an average day for Harry Dresden. Susan's still battling her semi-vampiric nature, Ortega wants Harry dead to end the war between the Red Court and the White Council, and the Denarians want Harry for their own evil reasons. All Harry is trying to do is protect the ones he loves, but that's a bit hard to do when be attacked from all over. Harry's got a lot to deal with in this chapter of his life, and the odds aren't looking good for him. He'll need all the help he can get to keep himself out of hot water -- or dead. It's a good thing for Harry then that Michael and the rest of the Knights of the Cross are there to help. It seems they may be the only ones he can trust.

"Life would be unbearably dull if we had answers to all our questions."

Notable Parts:

We're given tons of new information throughout Death Masks, but Butcher never makes it feel overwhelming. It's a real talent that he can continue building and adding to the world of Harry Dresden without making it seem like he's listing out facts or just throwing information at his readers. Not only are we given more information in potions and entropy curses, we're also introduced to the Archive, Denarians and their coins, and Mordite, also known as deathstone. There's Shiro and Sanya, Knights of the Cross, who really come in handy when fighting the Denarians. The humor and sarcasm is as great as always, giving us some chuckles between dealing with corpses and fights. There's only one annoying mention of how Harry needs to protect women -- in the novel, he says it would not be any less wrong if something bad happened to a man, but in his gut it isn't the same. Considering this was the only mention of Harry being a chauvinistic pig, I decided to overlook it and focus on the rest of the story instead. The vampires are important throughout the novel, and it made me wonder: do all vamps look like ugly, demonic bats under their human mask, or is this just for the Red Court? I hope to find out in the next book, Blood Rites, as the summary says that Thomas is going to play a major role, which will give us more information on the White Court of Vampires.

"There are things you can't walk away from. Not if you want to live with yourself afterward."

Overall:

Death Masks is a great installment to an amazing series. The flow between novels and the continuation of the overall story arc are written wonderfully. I love the increasing complexity of each novel; nothing is ever black and white in The Dresden Files, and everything becomes more muddled and grey with each installment. We're being given pieces to a puzzle one novel at a time, and I can't wait to see what they create in the end. Time to start Blood Rites and see what Butcher has up his sleeve for Harry next.

"It isn't good to hold on too hard to the past. You can't spend your whole life looking back. Not even when you can't see what lies ahead. All you can do is keep on keeping on, and try to believe that tomorrow will be what it should be -- even if it isn't what you expected."

The Moment of Letting Go

J.A. Redmerski is the author of one of my favorite books -- The Edge of Never -- so when I found out she was giving away ARCs of her new book -- The Moment of Letting Go -- I knew I had to get my hands on a copy. And I did! I received an Advanced Reader's Copy (ARC) of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

The Moment of Letting Go

4 out of 5 Let-Go Stars

"Drink the sky."

J.A. Redmerski is a talented author, the type of author that changes the way you see yourself and your life through her writing. The Moment of Letting Go is no exception, and had me questioning my own actions and choices while reading it. This novel is all about being more carefree, having fun with what you do in life, overcoming your fears, and learning how to let go. I learned so much from The Edge of Never, and while that book will always be my number one, The Moment of Letting Go taught me more than I ever expected.

"I know what I want to do, but like so much of my life, it doesn't at all feel like I should."

Sienna:

Sienna is all about stability -- a stable career, a stable income, a stable lifestyle. Growing up poor and watching her parents struggle to raise her financially and seeing the effect this strain had on her parents made her crave a different life. She graduated from college, works at a prestigious job with her best friend, and thinks she's reached that steady point in her life where this is what she'll do for the rest of her life. All of that changes when an assignment takes her to the beaches of Oahu, Hawaii, where she meets carefree surfer Luke Everett. After only a couple sentences, he has her intrigued and has her already questioning her life. Maybe her stable life isn't what she needs. Maybe she should let Luke teach her how to let go of all her problems and enjoy life. Maybe she should let her heart take control this time. What she doesn't expect is the feelings that emerge within her on this trip, and just how much staying in Hawaii for another two weeks is going to change her.

"You're not you anymore. And it's scaring the hell out of me."

Luke:

Luke may seem like a carefree surfer that lives fast and wild, but he's experienced tragedy in his life that has changed him completely. When he see some of his old self in Sienna, he wants to help her just like his family tried to help him. Helping her overcome her fears, doing what she loves in life, not being controlled by money -- these are all things that Luke wants Sienna to be able to do. It doesn't hurt that she's a gorgeous girl who intrigues him just as much as he intrigues her. But besides from them only having two weeks together, Luke knows that they won't last. His past has too much of a hold over him -- for good reason -- and he knows that his lifestyle isn't one that Sienna will be able to live with. Luke knows how fragile the future is -- he learned that the hard way. Will he and Sienna be able to overcome the enormity of Luke's past and find a way to be together? Or will the two be pushed away by fragility of the future?

"Death can happen at any moment. Life is finite, Sienna. The one thing we're all destined to do, no matter what, is die. I don't want to be someone always afraid of it. I want to live what life I have left to the fullest."

Overall:

Reading Sienna and Luke's story was quite a journey to experience. Overcoming fears, accepting loss, moving on from the past -- the two had a lot to deal with. I understand Sienna'a actions and choices, and I feel everything Luke does right alongside him. It's painful, heartbreaking, and bittersweet, but ultimately a story about letting go and living the life you choose. The Moment of Letting Go is a fantastic, emotional read, and I suggest reading it ASAP when it comes out on August 11th. Luke and Sienna's story is not one to be missed.

"We're all stronger than our weaknesses. Sometimes we just need someone else to help us find that strength."

where she went

Wrapping up the wonderfully emotional if i stay series by Gayle Forman, with where she went.

where she went

5 out of 5 Heart-Wrenching Stars

"Letting go. Everyone talks about it like it's the easiest thing. Unfurl your fingers one by one until your hand is open. But my hand has been clenched into a fist for three years now; it's frozen shut. All of me is frozen shut. And about to shut down completely."

Gayle Forman has upped the ante in this amazing squeal to if i stay, accurately titled where she went. Everything I love about if i stay has become even more pronounced in where she went; the writing is more eloquent, more beautiful, and more heart-breaking. I did not think this would be possible with how great the first novel in this duology is, with how well it flows and tears at our heart strings, but Forman did it. She makes a story about a guy who lost his girlfriend and second family more devastating that when Mia lost her own family. Forman has completely blown past my expectations in this beautiful sequel, taking us through the aftermath of if i stay through Adam's eyes.

"I find the need to remind myself of the temporariness of a day, to reassure myself that I got through yesterday, I'll get through today.”

Plot-Line:

Fast forward three years from the end of if i stay. Mia decided to wake up, but like Adam was told before, it was easier for her to cut herself off from her old life and all the memories associated with it. Adam and Mia faced a lot of tough challenges after Mia woke up, and the way their relationship ends is terrible. Mia is now a rising star, getting ready to tour after graduating from Julliard a year early, and Shooting Star has grown widely popular, earning platinum to double-platinum records. It's a crazy coincidence when Adam ends up having a day off in New York City before his next big tour, and finds himself outside of Carnegie Hall, where Mia is having a recital. They reconnect after the performance, but everything is awkward and tense between them -- it's worse than when they first started dating because of their history together and all the pain they've both suffered. This chance meeting turns into a night of reconnecting between the two of them, and it's an emotional rollercoaster for both of our main characters. The three years since the accident have taken their toll on both Adam and Mia, but while Mia has been able to survive through music, Adam has not. He's a completely different person, and he's spiraling down a deadly vortex with no end in sight. Maybe it's not coincidence that the two have met up again right when Adam needs Mia the most. Maybe it really is fate. 

“I've come to realize there's a world of difference between knowing something happened, even knowing why it happened, and believing it.” 

Notable Parts:

Just like in if i stay, the chapters switch between present and flashbacks, and Forman makes it work wonderfully. Each flashback is written for a specific reason, to help the readers understand how Adam got to where he is in the present timeline, why these things happened in the first place, and how this ripple-effect has changed Adam so greatly. The distance of the band, his crumbling relationship with Mia, how he deals with mourning, and his reaction to all pressure he faces in his new lifestyle are so realistic, it makes the reader feel like they are experiencing everything Adam is right alongside him. Grief really is a competition, and it's forgotten that Adam lost family too -- there was no one there for Adam while he was suffering, and it's obvious how this changed him. It's a heart-breaking life that Adam finds himself in, and while Mia had the solace of music, Adam lost that. Music no longer makes him feel like he has a home; it is no longer a comfort for him. It's just a reminder of what he has lost, and how tiring his life has become. It's in this aspect, of Adam's dramatic change in his relationship with music, that the readers realize how much Adam has lost, how much he is struggling. He really did lose everything.

“You know, I thought about that a lot these last couple of years," She says in a choked voice. "About who was there for you. Who held your hand while you grieved for all that you'd lost?” 

The Music:

I remember Forman saying that she's not very good at writing lyrics, which cannot be true. Before each present-time chapter in where she went there are beautiful verses written out that relate to what happens in the chapter. These lyrics are amazing. I wish I could write lyrics like Forman does. She also has complete songs written out after the novel ends, and I am just in awe of the way she writes and what she is able to say through these lyrics. Simply amazing. The progression through the songs and lyrics are in complete harmony with what is happening in Adam's life, and I love it. The titles for the albums are unique and interesting, and the titles also reflect Adam's life. The songs she has referenced are the perfect songs to mention, and I am in love with the songs Forman has written. I will re-read this novel again and again just to experience the power of these lyrics once more.

"I just want out. Out of my existence. I find myself wishing that a lot lately. Not be dead. Or kill myself. Or any of that kind of stupid shit. It's more that I can't help thinking about what it would be like had I never been born in the first place."

Overall:

Adam and Mia face more hardships in their lives than anyone ever should, and the way they change and grow is a beautiful story to experience. I will be forever grateful that I read this amazing series, as I almost let it pass me by because of the movie. I can relate to the impact music can have on a person's life. Music will always play a major role in Adam's and Mia's life, even if their relationship with it changes at times. The way that Gayle Forman portrays this relationship in her writing is achingly beautiful, and the lyrics -- and story -- she has written will stay with me for a very long time. Adam and Mia's relationship is not one to fade into the background, and I hope both characters find peace with the tragedy that has changed their lives forever.

"I have to make good on my promise. To let her go. To really let her go. To let us both go."

if i stay (novel)

Taking a break from The Dresden Files to read -- surprise! -- if i stay by Gayle Forman.     

if i stay

5 out of 5 so-glad-i-read-it stars

"This morning I went for a drive with my family. And now I am here, as alone as I've ever been. I am seventeen years old. This is not how it's supposed to be. This is not how my life is supposed to turn out."

I am so glad that I decided to read if i stay by Gayle Forman. I can't believe I was going to be one of those people that just watches the movie and never reads the book. The book is always better than the movie adaption; I must have had a serious lapse of judgement to forget this. I mean, I almost let an amazing story slip past me because of the film version. What was I thinking? Obviously I was not. I must thank Emily May of Goodreads (follow this link to see her reviews: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4622890-emily-may?ref=ru_lihp_up_rv_6_mclk-up2393414703) for her review on this novel. When she says a book is worth reading, 9 out of 10 times she's right. Her review on if i stay made me say screw the movie, I'm reading this book. I am so grateful that I did.

"There's something comforting in that. To go down as a family. No one left behind."

Plot-Line:

As some of you may know from the movie trailer, if i stay is about a girl named Mia Hall who is involved in a terrible car accident. It was a day like any other, until it suddenly wasn't. Forman jumps right into the story, giving us a little bit of happiness with the family all together, only to rip the rug right out from under of feet. Bam -- car crash, dead parents, dying siblings. How could life change so suddenly, so horribly? There's some supernatural aspects to the novel, as Mia's body may be in a coma, but her mind is conscious -- or maybe this is her spirit? Mia is able to experience everything that is happening to and around her body; however, she cannot feel anything physically. She cannot walk through walls, or just wish herself somewhere and poof! be there. There are restrictions on what she can do. No one can see the Mia outside of Mia's body, and she cannot communicate with anyone, but she is aware of everything that is happening. Soon Mia realizes that it's her choice, whether to leave or to stay. How does she stay without her family, but how does she leave without Adam? This is a terrible burden that Mia has to suffer, and it is ultimately up to her what happens to her life.

"I'm not sure this is a world I belong in anymore. I'm not sure that I want to wake up."

Notable Parts:

There are many parts that I love about this novel. The relationship between Mia and her best friend, Kim, is developed wonderfully. The history they share just makes them even closer. Her relationship with Adam is not perfect, and they suffer many challenges ahead of them. Between Julliard and the rise of Adam's band, plus the differences in their personalities have them facing some hardships. Music is what brought them together, but is that enough? Also, Mia's insecurities are explained in such a realistic and relatable way in the novel. She's also not insecure all the time; she can and does stand up for herself, but it's understandable why she feels like the odd-one out of her family sometimes, why she feels like she doesn't fit in. Forman's writing has us experiencing every hardship right along with Mia, has us facing the same shocking decision: when your family is all gone, would you stay? Or would you go?

"I realize now that dying is easy. Living is hard."

Differences From the Movie:

There are many similarities in the novel and the film adaption; many scenes follow the book exactly. However, it's all in the execution. What seems cliche in the movie doesn't seem cliche at all in the book. Well, there's still that "play me like the cello" part, which, while at first made sense in the novel, did get a little weird when Mia says how she literally sawed her bow back and forth on Adam's stomach. Ummmmm what? This scene does help Adam and Mia get past the beginning stages of awkwardness in their relationship, so good for them that they overcame all the awkward I guess. Jamie Blackley is definitely the perfect actor to play Adam, although, after reading the novel, I'm not so sure about Chloe Grace Moretz. I still like her as an actress and think she did a wonderful job on the film, but I think her portrayal of Mia needs to be adjusted -- mainly to make Mia seem more secure, as Mia in the book is not as insecure as Moretz portrays her to be in the film. The movie adaption of if i stay is true to the novel, right up until the very end, but it's the way Forman writes out each scene that makes the novel so much better. Music is still a very important part in the novel like it is in the film, and Forman makes some really good references and choices of music in her novel. However, I just have to say that Willamette Stone is such a better band name than Shooting Star.

"Sometimes you make choices in life and sometimes choices make you."

Overall:

It was a seriously screwed-up, failed experiment of mine to watch the movie and then read the book. I almost missed out on a great novel because I'm not too crazy about the film version. I always, always, read the novel first, and I'm never going to watch the movie first again. I don't know why I did in the first place. If I can't get my hands on the novel first, I'll just have to wait to watch the film adaption. Going to be as simple as that from now on. I am forever grateful that I picked up this novel and didn't let the movie adaption dissuade me from it for long, because if i stay is the type of novel that makes you think about your own life and what you would do if you were in a similar situation to Mia. It will stay with you for a long time. I cannot wait to start reading where she went and to find out what happens with Mia and Adam's story.

"If I stay. If I live. It's up to me."

And just because/wise words from Gayle Forman:

"Love can make you immortal."

Summer Knight (The Dresden Files #4)

Continuing on with The Dresden Files, now onto book number four: Summer Knight.

Summer Knight

5 out of 5 Sidhe-ful Stars

"I had to wonder: What do you wear to a war?"

Jim Butcher had added another great installment into his widely popular urban-fantasy series. Summer Knight may be one of the best Harry Dresden stories told yet (up to book 4). The action is better, the mystery is better, and the execution of the story is better. Considering the high caliber Butcher has established in these aspects of his previous novels, this is a great feat to accomplish.

“You’d think as long as I was gambling with my soul, I would have thought to get Mab to throw in fifty bucks an hour plus expenses.”

The Plot-Line:

Harry's choices in the previous novel, Grave Peril, have an important impact in Summer Knight. The White Council has come to Chicagoland to discuss the war with the Red Court, and they are not happy with what has occurred. To make matters worse, just before leaving for the meeting, Harry is approached by a most interesting character: Mab, Queen of Air and Darkness, Monarch of the Winter Court of the Sidhe herself. Harry doesn't want any involvement with faerie politics, but he doesn't have much of a choice with this situation. After the White Council suffered a devastating blow from the vampires, the Red Court has proposed that if they are given Harry, they will cease fighting. Because of the fear the vampires have instilled in members of the Council, handing over Harry becomes a very real possibility. In order to prove himself to the White Council and avoid being handed over on a silver platter, Harry must complete a formal Trial to establish his rank as a wizard. This Trial includes honoring Mab's request of Harry in exchange for her promise of safe passage through the Nevernever for the Council, an essential part of defeating the vampires. Harry agrees and finds himself searching for the Summer Knight, whose murder has allowed a powerful mantle to go missing from the Summer Court. If Harry doesn't solve the mystery behind this murder, and fast, not only is he faced with death by vampire, but the whole world could perish, too. 

"The strong conquer and the weak are conquered. That is Winter. That is what you have learned," she said, "That is what makes you dangerous."

Notable Parts:

We're given so much more information about the world of The Dresden Files, from the White Council, to the Sidhe and the other faeries of the Nevernever. We're introduced to Ebenezer of the White Council, who has connections to Harry and allows us to learn more about Harry's past, along with other Senior Council Members Martha Liberty, Injun Joe, and the Gatekeeper, who I definitely hope to read more about. The development of the Sidhe courts, of the Knights, Emissaries, Lady's, Queens, and Mothers (one of each for Summer and Winter) may replace my love of the werewolf development back in Fool Moon. And speaking of werewolves, Billy and the Alphas are back! These characters have really grown from their last appearance, and become an essential asset to Harry. We're told about other types of magical creatures, such as wyldfae, ogres, ghouls and changelings, and something happens with Murphy that has taken way too long to happen. Finally, there is an appearance of a character you would never expect, although you can probably guess from the foreshadowing that is used, and said character changes the course of the whole novel, of what Harry has believed to be true for over a decade. Also, Harry has an awesome line that pretty sums up the whole book towards the end of the novel, which I really want to cite, but will not in order to avoid spoilers. You'll know it when you read it.

"The only people who never hurt are dead."

A Curious Observation:

Was it just me or did Butcher start using the word 'basso' a lot? He's never used it in the previous novels and then bam, it's popping up everywhere. Just thought that was funny. Also, we're always told about Harry wearing his leather duster and sometimes cowboy boots, but there is never any mention of a cowboy hat. On all the covers for The Dresden Files, Harry is always wearing a hat. Which leads to the question: does Harry even own a cowboy hat? An important question that must be answered, Mister Butcher.

“All of those faeries and duels and mad queens and so on, and no one quoted old Billy Shakespeare. Not even once.” 

Overall:

Summer Knight is an amazing story, and even though each novel has it's own separate mystery, Butcher continues to tie everything together in an almost effortless way. I wish I could plan out novels like he does! Harry's self-blame is not as evident as it normally is, and when it is present, it's justified in a reasonable way. Also, Murphy's button-nose is not mentioned! Huzzah! Everything about Summer Knight is great, and us readers can tell that Butcher is really coming into his own with The Dresden Files, making each novel more and more complex, and in turn making them that much more fun to read. I can't wait to see how the next novel, Death Masks, plays out.

“I don't believe in faeries!”