The last three Dresden Files books were major game-changers for the series, and we were constantly buffeted with change after change, revelation after revelation. The books certainly weren't bad, but after a while, it was clear a Breather Episode was needed. Skin Game manages to do a fantastic job of this, still throwing a few twists in, but for the most part it seems to be an effort to build a new status quo, and give the audience a chance to get comfortable again. It does so masterfully, and it really feels like we're back to the heyday of the series. The plot is still epic in the same way as the last three books, but the return of Nicodemus and Michael, and the more straight-forward plot help to ground this one in a familiar awesomeness. While I initially wasn't a fan of Nicodemus, Small Favor did wonders towards turning me around to him, and this book continues that track record. What started out as a flat, albeit intelligent villain now has become a great foil for Harry, and an interesting reflection of what Harry could be if he finally allowed himself to give into temptation. Speaking of which, while the Winter Mantle is still a problem, it's downplayed compared to Cold Days. I don't mind this, as it allows us to see the Harry we all love, rather than the angsting wreck he was starting to become. It's tough to talk about what makes this book great anymore without dipping into spoilers, so I'll just say that if you loved Dead Beat or any of the books that came after that but before Changes, you'll really enjoy this one. The magic still hasn't left this series, and I can't wait for the next entry.
A Welcome Return
The last three Dresden Files books were major game-changers for the series, and we were constantly buffeted with change after change, revelation after revelation. The books certainly weren't bad, but after a while, it was clear a Breather Episode was needed. Skin Game manages to do a fantastic job of this, still throwing a few twists in, but for the most part it seems to be an effort to build a new status quo, and give the audience a chance to get comfortable again. It does so masterfully, and it really feels like we're back to the heyday of the series. The plot is still epic in the same way as the last three books, but the return of Nicodemus and Michael, and the more straight-forward plot help to ground this one in a familiar awesomeness. While I initially wasn't a fan of Nicodemus, Small Favor did wonders towards turning me around to him, and this book continues that track record. What started out as a flat, albeit intelligent villain now has become a great foil for Harry, and an interesting reflection of what Harry could be if he finally allowed himself to give into temptation. Speaking of which, while the Winter Mantle is still a problem, it's downplayed compared to Cold Days. I don't mind this, as it allows us to see the Harry we all love, rather than the angsting wreck he was starting to become. It's tough to talk about what makes this book great anymore without dipping into spoilers, so I'll just say that if you loved Dead Beat or any of the books that came after that but before Changes, you'll really enjoy this one. The magic still hasn't left this series, and I can't wait for the next entry.