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Changes (The Dresden Files #12)

by Jim Butcher (Goodreads Author), James Marsters (Narrator)

4.52 of 5 stars 4.52 · rating details · 27,460 ratings · 1,784 reviews

The new novel in the #1 New York Times bestselling Dresden Files series.

Long ago, Susan Rodriguez was Harry Dresden's lover-until she was attacked by his enemies, leaving her torn between her own humanity and the bloodlust of the vampiric Red Court. Susan then disappeared to South America, where she could fight both her savage gift and those who cursed her with it.

Now Aria...more

Audio CD, 16 pages

Published April 15th 2010 by Penguin Audio (first published March 18th 2010)

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Apr 14, 2013 StoryTellerShannon rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy-scifi, action, books-reviewed

Harry returns in his 12th novel discovering through his old flame that he has a daughter. Along the way he avoids assassination attempts and hostile supernatural creatures in order to save the child. For those who have enjoyed the most recent two books it's more of the same old same old though I find the style diverting from the original first six or so novels. Harry gets into jam after jam and even though they get bigger and bigger it's gotten to the point where it's getting stale. True, the ol...more Harry returns in his 12th novel discovering through his old flame that he has a daughter. Along the way he avoids assassination attempts and hostile supernatural creatures in order to save the child. For those who have enjoyed the most recent two books it's more of the same old same old though I find the style diverting from the original first six or so novels. Harry gets into jam after jam and even though they get bigger and bigger it's gotten to the point where it's getting stale. True, the older novels were like that as well but it felt Harry was at least in more danger. These days he's so powerful and has so many allies that the question is almost jocular in how he's going to get out of it as we laugh and tag along.

Writing style in the last few novels has bothered me the most. Too many characters snort in reply or cross their arms. Butcher spends more time in trying to write things he's not so good at and it makes me wince. I think Butcher's strengths have always been in his ideas and the plotting of those ideas and the writing style has always been a few notches down, especially when he deals with the love issues or "wise talk". Lately, the quality has dropped in both so it feels like he's rushing things in order to meet deadlines.

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(view spoiler)

It's unlikely I'll continue with this series as I had reservations with the previous novel and had to struggle through this one just to finish it. That said, I think Harry will be in good hands as this was on the NY Times Best Seller List and the loss of a few readers won't affect the author economically.

WRITING STYLE: C to C plus; PLOTTING: B minus; CHARACTERS/DIALOGUE: C plus to B minus; CHANGES/CHOICES: B minus; WHEN READ: December to January 2012 (revised review early August 2012); OVERALL GRADE: C plus to B minus. (less)

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Aug 17, 2010 Mike (the Paladin) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, urban-fantasy, fantasy, action

Okay, full disclosure I love the Dresden books. If you have read my reviews of them you know this. This one is no exception and is possibly the best so far.

I can't say much about the book's storyline without spoilers, but there are parts of the story...threads if you will, that have been running through the other volumes more or less underneath other "Main story lines". (These books can really make you rethink the concept of a "fairy godmother" for instance) A lot of these come to culmination h...more

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Mar 05, 2011 Dan Schwent rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy-detective, 2010

In the space of a phone call, Harry Dresden learns he has a daughter with Susan Rodriguez and that she's been kidnapped by the Red Court of vampires. The vampires are setting up a bloodline curse that will kill the child and everyone related to her. Meanwhile, the White Council of wizards seems to be buddying up with the Red Court to put an end to the war between the wizards and the vampires. Can Harry save his daughter and stop the bloodline curse?

I have mixed feelings about this one.
Pros: As u...more In the space of a phone call, Harry Dresden learns he has a daughter with Susan Rodriguez and that she's been kidnapped by the Red Court of vampires. The vampires are setting up a bloodline curse that will kill the child and everyone related to her. Meanwhile, the White Council of wizards seems to be buddying up with the Red Court to put an end to the war between the wizards and the vampires. Can Harry save his daughter and stop the bloodline curse?

I have mixed feelings about this one.
Pros: As usual, Jim Butcher delivers all the thrills of a summer blockbuster. Big explosions, action, a touch of comedy. The showdown with the Red Court would look great on the screen. Old favorites like Sanya and Susan Rodriguez make return appearances. Forgotten plot elements like the holy swords are finally used. There's even some closure to one of the long-running plot lines and new plot lines are set up.

Cons: While I liked Changes and found it entertaining, I wouldn't say I thought it was great. The same things that bothers me about summer blockbusters bother me about this book. Everyone has stupid smart ass quips for every situation. When in the middle of a city of thousands of vampires, shouldn't at least one person maybe BE SCARED OF THE VAMPIRES rather than making inane "witty" remarks?

Most of the story was fairly formulaic for the series, almost as if Butcher took the outline for one of the earlier books, changed some names and places, and started writing this one. Even though I'm glad the vampire plot line went the way it did, how much more of a Mary Sue can Harry Dresden be?

Another thing that bothered me is that the ongoing plot about strife within the White Council didn't advance one inch. I think Butcher is going to milk his cash cow for all it's worth, considering he's already got the titles listed for books that come out in seven years on his Wikipedia page!

The ending was a cliff hanger after a cruel tease.

Conclusion: While I enjoyed Changes as much as I enjoy most Harry Dresden books, they are like the Cadbury Creme Eggs. While I like them when they're in stores around Easter, I'm glad when they're gone and I get a year to let the memories fade so I can enjoy them again the following year. See you in 365 days, Jim Butcher!(less)

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Nov 06, 2012 Callista rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy, mystery-contemp-american, four-star-novels, read-more-than-once, kick-six-heroines, magic-slingers

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Re-read 20 October - 6 November, 2012.

First read 31 August - 19 September, 2010.

Original reaction in September 2010:
What. The. Hell?!
I have to wait over six months for the next installment!? Auuugghh!!!

Later (January, 2011):
It took me about 4 months to mull over this book before I felt I could write a more coherent review. I’m still not happy with some of the developments; and I still wonder what in the world’s going to come next and whether Butcher can successfully keep all his juggling pins in...more

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May 16, 2010 Dana Stabenow rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I honestly didn't think Butcher could write a better Harry Dresden book than Dead Beat. Boy, was I wrong.

*****

Big. Fat. Spoiler. Alert. Don't read any more until you've read the book.

*****

If I may speak of this from a personal perspective, I have done the same thing with the Kate Shugak series that Jim Butcher has now done in Changes. I took her job away, albeit off stage, I killed her lover, I burned down her house. But in Changes Butcher does it all in one book, in 438 pages he strips Harry to...more

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May 08, 2011 Chris rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: dog-and-canines-fiction, fairy, jrrt, vampires, fantasy-urban

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I'm rounding up to four stars; Butcher has earned that right. Also, fair warning, if you haven't seen all of Xena or Buffy (the televisions series), the end of this review will contain spoilers for both. (Don't say I didn't tell, cause I did).

Things I didn't like

1. The power boosts (but see below) and the fact that Harry is the smartest wizard. If he ran the Council, no problems! (Snort. There is no below for the second part of number 1).

2. Harry's increasing special status. Even Odin likes him!...more

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Jun 20, 2010 Ben Babcock rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2010-read, fantasy, mystery, urban-fantasy

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. The title of this book, breaking as it does Jim Butcher's pattern of two words of equal length for each previous title in the Dresden Files, says it all. There are definitely changes; as such, the spoiler warning here is not to be taken lightly.

If you haven't read the book and at all plan to read it, turn back now.

So it's just me, the people who have read it, and the people who won't read it (apathetic people and haters alike), yes? Well come closer, and I shall tell you a tale of one man agains...more

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Jun 05, 2011 Richard rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: any fan of the dresden files up to date on the series.

Wow...This one is aptly named, and that's an understatement.

Most of the casebook files focus on one of Dresden's many foes/friends: the black council, the fae, the knights of the cross/Denarian, the white council, the vampires, or Marcone.

This book has some part of ALL of these factions woven into a pivotal moment in Harry's story, after which NOTHING will be the same as it once was. It's hard to think of any single element or relationship formed in the previous 11 books that isn't touched and...more

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Apr 28, 2010 Kevin rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Wow! I'll say it again, WOW!! Book 12 of the Dresden Files is the best one yet. I don't even know what I can say without giving it away. READ THIS BOOK!!!!

4/29/30
Okay, time to try to write an actual review. Warning!!!! May contain spoilers.

Harry gets a call from his old girlfriend Susan Rodriguez. "They've taken our little girl." Harry pauses for 5 seconds and then, "Um, what?"

For those who've read about Harry in the past you know this hit him like a nuclear explosion. He's an orphan. He has def...more

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Mar 05, 2010 Erica rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I must preface this with "I was really really really looking forward to this book." I had loved Turn Coat and was really enjoying where the Dresden saga was going.

Then...I read Changes. I think that Butcher may have many disappointed fans after this book. It had nothing that endeared me to the series in the first place. Plus, the ending was awful.

Goodreads peeps, it always is so misleading when you rate books before even reading them! Wait until it comes out or you get your hands on an arc befor...more

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Jul 13, 2010 Valerie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Ian

Shelves: vampires

Harry does it for me. Smart, nerdy, wiseass, with a self destructive desire to do the right thing.

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May 02, 2010 Angela rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: dresden-files, ebooks, urban-fantasy

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I am a diehard Dresden Files fan, and with each successive book, I've gone in expecting to be thoroughly entertained. This time around I was not.

I was absolutely mindblown.

Jim Butcher knew what he was doing when he titled this book. From the very first sentence, everything you think you know about Harry Dresden, all the people he knows and loves, and the world in which he operates is turned completely on its ear. The biggest of these changes was revealed on Jim's own site, so I will go so far as...more I am a diehard Dresden Files fan, and with each successive book, I've gone in expecting to be thoroughly entertained. This time around I was not.

I was absolutely mindblown.

Jim Butcher knew what he was doing when he titled this book. From the very first sentence, everything you think you know about Harry Dresden, all the people he knows and loves, and the world in which he operates is turned completely on its ear. The biggest of these changes was revealed on Jim's own site, so I will go so far as to say that yeah, revealing that Harry has a small daughter he never knew about? WHOA.

But that's only just the beginning. Sure, it's an earth-shattering revelation for Harry, but the fact that it's a daughter by Susan, the long-lost lover who'd left him to go to South America and fight the vampire transformation that's been enforced upon her, is only the first of a one-two punch. The other blow? The kid's been taken by the Red Court vampires. And she's going to be sacrificed.

I have to admit that I was deeply leery of the idea of setting Harry up with a kid. He's matured a lot through the course of the series, and the Harry of this book is absolutely better father material than the Harry of the initial books would have been. That said? Harry also lives an extremely dangerous life, one which is not suited under any circumstances to caring for a small child. But I needn't have worried. Jim handles everything pertaining to the kid quite believably, including what eventually happens to her. If anything, my only beef about her at all is that little Maggie is barely an actual character presence in the story; she's way more of a MacGuffin than she is a member of the cast.

And. And. And. Really, this book's way less about Harry going "ZOMG I'M A FATHER" (though don't get me wrong, it's absolutely about that) than it is about how Harry's determination to save his little girl lays unutterable waste to everything about his life. And I do mean everything. Long time fans of the series, you better be prepared to have all of the little signature details you've come to know and love about what makes Harry Harry to be blown to kingdom come.

And be prepared for a cliffhanger, because Jim Butcher is a cliffhanger-writing BASTARD. Hopefully he won't actually be making a habit of this--hopefully this'll just be a feature of the fact that this is the midpoint of the series. But I can forgive him the cliffhanger just because this is hands down the best novel he's written yet. The writing is flawless, and Butcher's got his sense of pacing down to a finely honed art by now; in the big climactic battle sequence, I had that thrilling "MUST! READ! NEXT! PARAGRAPH!" urgency that comes with truly epic adventure.

Five very, very well deserved stars.(less)

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Mar 20, 2013 Claire rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

All I have to say is wow, just wow. Jim Butcher did it again. He really knows how to tear a reader's heart out!

The title, Changes, is completely appropriate for this book and basically sums it up. Everything in Dresden's worldview changes. He makes alliances he never thought he'd have to, he ends up losing people I didn't think he'd see again and somehow gaining a new person I never saw coming.

A previous villain somehow turned into a valuable ally, and there are more startling revelations about...more

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Nov 27, 2012 NiteReader rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audio, urban-fantasy, cliff-hanger, 2012-reads

5 Bittersweet Stars
This book is the great game changer in Harry Dresden's life. It will be interesting to see what happens next.

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Jun 20, 2011 Sally rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I just finished the last of the Dresden books today, both Changes and Side Jobs. I started reading them a few months ago and the series started well and I believe it just kept getting better.

The pop culture reference in the first few were a little irritating but not overly so and overall they were very good and got consistently better. There are no books that disappointed me in the entire series so far and the stories remained fresh.

Harry himself is not materialistic, chivalrous (in what I think...more

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May 21, 2013 David rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013

It's rare that I give a book that I wouldn't regard as flawless a 5-star rating but I am (1) to acknowledge the sheer audacity of the author for the direction he takes this series in this book; (2) Even without having yet read what follows, this is obviously a hugely pivotal book for a very good series, and (3) It's very good.

First a tip: avoid wikipedia character summaries and do not read ANYTHING, even a synopsis of books that follow this. It gives away a huge twist. Even having this spoiler b...more It's rare that I give a book that I wouldn't regard as flawless a 5-star rating but I am (1) to acknowledge the sheer audacity of the author for the direction he takes this series in this book; (2) Even without having yet read what follows, this is obviously a hugely pivotal book for a very good series, and (3) It's very good.

First a tip: avoid wikipedia character summaries and do not read ANYTHING, even a synopsis of books that follow this. It gives away a huge twist. Even having this spoiler before I began, I was able to enjoy how Jim Butcher wove this book together.

The fewer spoilers the better, so I'll only say a little regarding this book. If you've not yet read previous books in this series, don't read further in this review.

In the book's first two sentences we learn two crucial things: Dresden had a daughter from Susan Rodriguez AND she's been kidnapped. And thus begins a whirlwind of the book. This is the story of Dresden's mission to find his daughter and rescue her from her captors.

Like I said, this book isn't without flaws. For such a dynamite opening, and given the number of important moments to the plot of this book and the whole series that happen, it actually drags quite a bit at times. The cast of characters in this book just aren't as compelling as some of the previous books. Molly hardly develops at all. Thomas is reintroduced and interesting at first, but is just there. Sanya is funny at times, but not the same without Michael. It's up to Mouse and the ladies of Winter to drive the characters along while Harry stresses out from all the "changes".

I also have to marvel at why Butcher chose one book to lay down what I would consider no fewer than four really truly major series-changing points. Maybe it's to imitate real life. "When it rains, it pours." Anyway, none of this is typically representative of a five-star book. In my rating system, a 3-star book is okay, not bad. A four-star book, like most of this series, is what I rate for very good books that maintain a high quality with a peppering of things like I've mentioned. Five stars is perfection. I give it only when there's absolutely no complaints. But (sigh), like I said - Butcher shows an audacity as a series author that is nearly unparalleled. Not only that, but the relatively draggy moments aren't too slow and not for very long. Finally, the last third of the book is a scorcher! There's a showdown that's the equal or better of the battle at Hogwarts in the final Harry Potter book. So, for the first time in recent memory - a novel lacking perfection that's, in the end, too good not to get a perfect rating.(less)

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Dec 01, 2012 Gabriel rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

2012 Re-read
What has changed by rereading all these books in order is the following.

1 - the silly remarks Dresden makes (that I sometimes complained about, at least in comment sections of other people's reviews) has disappeared and lessened.
2 - The reminder paragraphs have also faded into the background.
3 - Overarching themes stand out a little clearer, story lines feel a bit more connected.
4 - This series has tightened up and just gotten better.

I'm not sure how, I'm not sure why. Maybe it's aki...more

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Aug 29, 2011 Hester rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy, mexico, novels

My two favorite series are Discworld and the Dresden Files. The Dresden Files started off as a paranormal mystery series with a wisecracking noir PI, but as the series has continued, the books have grown deeper and more emotionally complex without losing the suspense and action. Unlike most series, it never stagnates and drops in quality.

'Changes' continues to maintain this high quality while upturning Harry's life. He suffers loss after loss and, in some ways, grows up, which is an accomplishm...more

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Apr 11, 2010 Kevin Hearne rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

At first, I wasn't too sure the title was going to work out well. I couldn't think of it without David Bowie stuttering it in my head, and that didn't mix well with Harry Dresden—especially since we see him on the cover turning to face the strange ch-ch-changes. But as I read along, it became clear that this book couldn't possibly be named anything else. Harry has to deal with many changes to his life in this book, and one of the decisions he makes is going to have far-reaching consequences and...more

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Jun 05, 2010 Richard rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Everyone who has read the previous eleven in the series (duh!)

Shelves: fantasy-vampires, fantasy, series, fantasy-urban

I wish I could give Butcher five stars, but I try to save that for books that changed my life, or made my jaw drop to the floor, or did something fundamentally innovative.

What Butcher gives us in Changes is a rollicking fine adventure. Of the the dozen books in the series, his skill has tremendously. His characters are more nuanced and their flaws and strengths are integrated better into the story. Only two missteps jarred me — Butcher sometimes gets a little preachy, letting Dresden spout on to...more I wish I could give Butcher five stars, but I try to save that for books that changed my life, or made my jaw drop to the floor, or did something fundamentally innovative.

What Butcher gives us in Changes is a rollicking fine adventure. Of the the dozen books in the series, his skill has tremendously. His characters are more nuanced and their flaws and strengths are integrated better into the story. Only two missteps jarred me — Butcher sometimes gets a little preachy, letting Dresden spout on too long about morality, or what God must be like if he exists, that kind of stuff. But here it was over in about three paragraphs, so even that wasn't too bad. The other was something about the dog, but no spoilers.

Folks that haven't read the previous entries in the series are likely to be completely bewildered by this; everything here is mind from Dresden's history. Lasciel and the Nickleheads, for example, are mentioned only fleetingly, although in a fairly pivotal scene. He provides a little background on Susan, but none at all on other major characters.

And, ultimately, this is pulp fiction. As fun as the romp is, we're not talking Pulitzer material, here. It has been fun watching Butcher's skill develop, but the characters are still pretty basic stereotypes and the plot riddled with cliches. I mean, c'mon: he has a kid he never knew about? And he'll go to hell and beyond to save her?

So if you go in expecting the subtleties of serious litchature, you'll be disappointed. Just dive in and enjoy the over-the-top chaos.

P.S.: By the way, according to Wikipedia:

Harry's story will continue in Aftermath, told from Karrin Murphy's point of view and running from roughly half an hour after the end of Changes. The story will be released as part of Side Jobs, a collection of Dresden shorts due for release in late summer or early autumn of 2010.

Jim Butcher has already signed for a thirteenth Dresden novel, tentatively listed as Ghost Story on his official forums, and confirmed by Butcher at several signings (his publishers wouldn't let him call it the more prosaic Dead). He has also confirmed that Changes marks the midpoint of Harry's story and there will be at least 7 more books, possibly 10, to finish Harry's story. In addition, despite the previous books playing out in more or less real time, with the elapsed time between books approximately equaling the time between their release dates, Ghost Story has been confirmed as taking place immediately after the conclusion of Changes.

(less)

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Apr 03, 2010 Ami rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: harry-dresden-series

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I only have three words to sum up what I feel after finishing this book.

HOLY F*CKING HELL!!.

I'm speechless. Gosh, when Jim Butcher means "Changes", he MEANS changes!!! There are so many things happening in this book, starting with the startling knowledge that Harry and Susan had a daughter (one that she kept from him). Susan told Harry that their daughter had been kidnapped by vampire of the Red Court. It went from there. From a rescue mission to literally, a war with massive consequences.

The...more

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Apr 18, 2011 Pilars Scott rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Wow! Changes is the right name for this entry in the series. A major shakeup changes the game for all the characters. One of the best entries into the series in a while. The last couple books had me feeling a little burnt out on the plotlines but this one came out swinging and wrapped up some major story lines and upped the stakes. I'm not sure I can wait for the next one to come out in paperback. If you aren't reading and loving the Harry Dresden books.. you should be.

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May 06, 2012 Bob Phule rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

There is little room to review this book AND not leave spoilers. The title is Changes and that into it's self is a spoiler. But the book titles have always been a spoiler. If you like the other books and you have read this far, read it. You will not like all of the outcome but it is a great book.

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Jan 26, 2011 Melissa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

Wow, this was a pretty exciting book. It also lived up to its name, Changes. There were a lot of plot twists, some I liked, some I didn't. I'm not going to bother going through the previous books, there's simply too many. The most important thing about this series is that Harry Dresden is a wizard, living in Chicago, who more than often is saving the world.

Harry Dresden has a daughter. That's how the book opens. His old girlfriend Susan has called to tell him that their eight year old daughter M...more Wow, this was a pretty exciting book. It also lived up to its name, Changes. There were a lot of plot twists, some I liked, some I didn't. I'm not going to bother going through the previous books, there's simply too many. The most important thing about this series is that Harry Dresden is a wizard, living in Chicago, who more than often is saving the world.

Harry Dresden has a daughter. That's how the book opens. His old girlfriend Susan has called to tell him that their eight year old daughter Maggie has been kidnapped. And oh yeah, she informed him at that precise moment that he even had a daughter. She'd been taken by the Red Court of Vampires, who are currently at war with the White Council of wizards and she needs Harry's help to save her. Of course it won't be easy, he'll have to call in a few dangerous favors and people are trying to kill him in the meantime. But anythings worth it to save the daughter he has never met. Even if it means dealing with some of his darkest foes.

Harry really stepped it up in this novel. He stopped being so goody-goody and really expressed a wide range of characteristics. In other words, he was tough. Susan was a bit irritating in this book. I never really liked her in the first place and since she played such a large role, it was hard to avoid her in this book. The rest of the characters had minor roles, but they were all well written. We got to see a little more info on Mouse, Harry's dog, and it was definitely very interesting. Although animals are just wonderful anyway so its always nice to read about them.

Butcher's writing style has definitely improved. He's stopped over detailing things and started really focusing on the important aspects of the novel, like plot and motivation. There were a few plot twists I didn't particularly care for. The first being the notion of Harry having a daughter. I don't know why that bothered me, but it just did. The other was the constant attempts on his life, that line of writing is getting a little stale with him, even though its realistic. The rest of the plot twists however, were excellent. This was definitely an edge of your seat kind of book. Not to mention, the endings a real cliffhanger.

I'm not sure what I'll do until the next book comes out. I know Side Jobs is out and I have it sitting on the shelf waiting for me, but since its only a side book instead of a continuation of the series I don't think it'll satisfy my wanting to know what happens next. Regardless, I've enjoyed reading the series and can't wait to read the next one.

Changes
Copyright 2010
438 pages (less)

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Apr 29, 2013 Martin Wilson rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Changes is an excellent, big, bombastic climax to the Dresden Files series. It draws on a vast number of the series returning characters and many of them get the crowning moments of awesome that they deserve. If you've read and enjoyed the previous eleven books then you'll no doubt enjoy Changes, which features excellent turns from Murphy, Molly, Thomas, Sanja, Butters and more.

That said the book does create some problems for the series as a whole. However, I don't think you really start to feel...more

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Apr 13, 2013 Ashish rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

The Dresden Files is so awesome, I've been rationing myself - one book a month - to avoid burning through all of them in succession with no time to savor the stories, ending the entire series in one crazy jag that'll leave me with a crazy, confused, mixed-up bag of impressions from all the stories lumped together into a single mass. For eleven books, this worked - they were good, and there was always something to look forward to the next time. Until Changes.
Changes takes to another level altoget...more

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Jan 07, 2013 Erica Nicol rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

Reading this brought home to me that the Dresden Files is now one of my favorite series. All the books are reliably entertaining, fast-paced, and mix the twists and turns of a good who-dunnit with innovative fantasy elements, and all of this works incredibly well in the Chicago setting. Is Harry Dresden one of the great literary characters of all time? Maybe not, but in Harry, Jim Butcher has achieved a character that can grow and change throughout a long series and one that is capable of holdin...more

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Dec 11, 2012 Jeffrey Grant rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I gave this book a lower rating because of what I view as a lazy conceit.
The story in this book was excellent as far as the Dresden universe goes. Big moving and shaking going on, power struggles and kick-ass conflicts. All very good, all very entertaining.
What Butcher did with Dresden pissed me off.
Dresden ends up with an unknown child. I HATE it when authors do that, especially the way Butcher did. The child shows up and it essentially becomes an excuse for the character to abandon sense a...more

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Oct 11, 2012 Katepc rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I spent much of this book going 'Saw that one coming' then, 'saw that one coming a mile off,' then 'yep, that one too'. And then 'holy shit, okay, that one not so much.' I mean, who knew the dog could talk?

I've been chain smoking the Dresden books starting about a month ago, I guess, and it's given me an interesting perspective on the series. Yes, they're samey. Yes, they're repetititive. There are flaws in the writing and characterisation that annoy me and any time there's a fight you know that...more

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Sep 06, 2012 Kevin Symmons rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I know this is a cult favorite and Jim Butcher and his hero Harry Dresden occupies a vaunted place amongst devotees of the paranormal. Personally, though Changes is well written and very humorous in places, I never really found myself lost in the story or buying into it. It is not because I doubt the existence of Creatures or dislike this genre. I loved Deborah Harknesses "Discovery of Witches" and my own first novel was a paranormal romance. What I found very difficult were the complex plot lin...more

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Dresden Files: Swords and Kings	17	50	Oct 29, 2012 08:09pm
Progressively more depressing	36	312	Oct 18, 2012 12:45pm
Loose Ends	7	33	Oct 17, 2012 09:40pm

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About Jim Butcher

A martial arts enthusiast whose resume includes a long list of skills rendered obsolete at least two hundred years ago, Jim Butcher turned to writing as a career because anything else probably would have driven him insane. He lives in Independence, Missouri, with his wife, his son, and a ferocious guard dog.

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Quotes from Changes

“Laugh whenever you can. Keeps you from killing yourself when things are bad. That and vodka.” — 436 people liked it

“The man once wrote: Do not meddle in the affairs of wizards, for they are subtle and quick to anger. Tolkien had that one mostly right.

I stepped forward, let the door bang closed, and snarled, "Fuck subtle.” — 161 people liked it

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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7102287-changes?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348335230l/7102287.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7102287-changes?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Changes by Jim Butcher[/url]

Changes (The Dresden Files #12)

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