The first short story collection in the #1 New York Times bestselling series-including a brand-new Harry Dresden novella!
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reviews
Jan 10, 2011
Mike (the Paladin)
rated it: 
Note: On advice from Sandi, thank you Sandi, I make note here that if you haven't read Changes you should read it before you read (at least the final story in) this book as it will give away the end of said novel. Also it has been advised that I warn you not to read the synopsis of the next Dresden book, due to be released this April.
Thanks again Sandi for the heads up.
This may have been the closest to a 4 star rating I've come for a Butcher Dresden effort. T More...
Thanks again Sandi for the heads up.
This may have been the closest to a 4 star rating I've come for a Butcher Dresden effort. T More...
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Dec 26, 2010
Callista
rated it: 
(First read Oct-Nov '10; read again Dec '10)
Listed in the order I read them, according to my whim.
"Vignette" -- Interesting to see an early draft similar to several Harry-Bob conversations that made it into books.
"Restoration of Faith" -- Cute. I enjoyed seeing how Harry and Murphy met. Despite the apologetic preface about this story being a beginner’s effort, I like it more than either “Last Call” or “Love Hurts.”
"The Warrior" -- Love it. It More...
Listed in the order I read them, according to my whim.
"Vignette" -- Interesting to see an early draft similar to several Harry-Bob conversations that made it into books.
"Restoration of Faith" -- Cute. I enjoyed seeing how Harry and Murphy met. Despite the apologetic preface about this story being a beginner’s effort, I like it more than either “Last Call” or “Love Hurts.”
"The Warrior" -- Love it. It More...
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Sep 04, 2011
Archer
rated it:
Well, hello there fellow bookworms!
And today once again I have to resolutely set my fan-danna under lock and key (I have to at least try) because, well, purely because I FUCKING LOVE THE DRESDEN FILES SERIES! I mean seriously I have been a big fan since the first novel (Storm Front) was released here in the UK back in ’05. I was hooked from the introduction of Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden, Chicago’s resident P.I. who just so happens to be America’s only professional wizard, More...
And today once again I have to resolutely set my fan-danna under lock and key (I have to at least try) because, well, purely because I FUCKING LOVE THE DRESDEN FILES SERIES! I mean seriously I have been a big fan since the first novel (Storm Front) was released here in the UK back in ’05. I was hooked from the introduction of Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden, Chicago’s resident P.I. who just so happens to be America’s only professional wizard, More...
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Dec 19, 2010
Stacey
rated it: 
The most important thing is that I got my Harry Dresden "fix." Everytime I read one of these books, I tear through it like a hyperactive child in a bulk candy story. Well, this anthology, the thing that is supposed to get me to the next release... it was okay. Some of the stories were better than others. "Aftermath," the anticipated novella told right after the ending of Changes, was a disappointment.
The story itself was a typical Dresden universe tale, with the re More...
The story itself was a typical Dresden universe tale, with the re More...
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Feb 13, 2012
Kasey
rated it:
I am officially out on the Dresden Files. The last few books had been bad, but Ghost Story was the worst. Terrible, terrible book. The world of Harry Dresden has just become no fun to go to. Butcher should shut it down and move onto something else.
That said, if he feels compelled to write Dresden Files stories, something like Side Jobs is probably the best way to go about it. Short stories are easier to keep exciting and being able to write stories that are outside of the timeline More...
That said, if he feels compelled to write Dresden Files stories, something like Side Jobs is probably the best way to go about it. Short stories are easier to keep exciting and being able to write stories that are outside of the timeline More...
Jan 08, 2012
Alytha
rated it:
Latest book is Side Jobs by Jim Butcher, a collection of short stories about the Dresden Files.
The collection is in general really good with a high average quality, and spans Harry's complete career so far, from the case where he first met Murphy to just after the end of Changes, the latest novel.
Extra honorable mentions:
Something Borrowed: Harry's werewolf friends Billy and Georgia are about to get married, but somewhere between the usual stress, and a quasi-demonic More...
The collection is in general really good with a high average quality, and spans Harry's complete career so far, from the case where he first met Murphy to just after the end of Changes, the latest novel.
Extra honorable mentions:
Something Borrowed: Harry's werewolf friends Billy and Georgia are about to get married, but somewhere between the usual stress, and a quasi-demonic More...
Oct 11, 2011
Fangs for the Fantasy
rated it:
I approached Side Jobs with a degree of caution and a firm determination not to let my own biases sway me. See, I don't like short stories. I don't. I don't even like stand alone novels all that much. I like great big epic series with huge great meta plots and development and drama and on the edge of your seat excitement.
And while all those are possible within the confines of a short story, they're usually not there. I was especially leery of reading a Harry Dresden short story simply More...
And while all those are possible within the confines of a short story, they're usually not there. I was especially leery of reading a Harry Dresden short story simply More...
Sep 11, 2011
Hester
rated it:
I was asking myself the other day why I like Jim Butcher so much. The fight scenes are longer than I would like, Harry can be frustrating when it comes to women, and every now and then his worldbuilding just...collapses. Reading this collection helped me figure out why; Butcher changes. He grows. His series do not collapse into repetitive drivel.
The first collection in this story is really mediocre, and by the end of the first beer story, I was really annoyed by the constant sexi More...
The first collection in this story is really mediocre, and by the end of the first beer story, I was really annoyed by the constant sexi More...
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Sep 11, 2011
Grete
rated it:
Side Jobs is a collection of stories set in the world of Harry Dresden, occurring in and around the main series.
It’s always good to be back in the Dresdenverse, even if it is only for brief dips. I had already read some of the stories collected in this book, in their respective anthologies, but others were new to me and a complete joy to read. Butcher loses none of his charm and style even though the stories are short, and every one had a different feel to it, fitting to the sit More...
Aug 22, 2011
Johnny
rated it:
I usually dislike short stories because they usually feel like they’re about throw-away characters. Even though I read fantasy, science-fiction, and mystery for pure entertainment, I like being involved with familiar characters where I understand their motivation, their personality quirks, and their past. In a series of novels, I can get that—be it the pure, action-movie drivel of The Executioner (although, there were some nice philosophical considerations in the early novels of that series), th
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Jul 11, 2011
I’ve never enjoyed short stories as much as novels, though I couldn’t give you any rational explanation of that. I bought Jim Butcher's Side Jobs: Stories From the Dresden Files as soon as it was available, promptly read the last story in the collection (which occurs immediately after the stunning event that ends Changes) to see what new would be revealed, then put the book on the shelf and ignored it.
Over the next couple months my neighbor, also a Harry Dresden fan, kept asking if I’d More...
Over the next couple months my neighbor, also a Harry Dresden fan, kept asking if I’d More...
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Jun 23, 2011
Jacqie
rated it:
So I've read most of these stories before, but it's nice to have them collected all in one place. I also like Butcher's intro to the stories- it places them in the timeline of the novels and gives you an idea of his objectives in writing them.
Favorites: the one where Harry gets chased about by a drunken (on bespelled beer) Murphy through a sports stadium. When Harry tells off the evil stepmother before Georgia and Billy's wedding. The tragic story of how Michael is hurt.
More...
Favorites: the one where Harry gets chased about by a drunken (on bespelled beer) Murphy through a sports stadium. When Harry tells off the evil stepmother before Georgia and Billy's wedding. The tragic story of how Michael is hurt.
More...
May 16, 2011
Jacob
rated it:
(Repost from http://drying-ink.blogspot.com/2011/05/r... )
You've probably realised that I love Jim Butcher's Dresden Files series. I mean, who wouldn't? The wisecracking, referential viewpoint of Harry Dresden combined with an urban fantasy world that is both integrated and genuinely fantastical (no sparkly vampires here... no, not even the White Court) makes the series an instant winner. But do the great novels equate to great short stories as well?
Mostly, yes! The stories are wr More...
You've probably realised that I love Jim Butcher's Dresden Files series. I mean, who wouldn't? The wisecracking, referential viewpoint of Harry Dresden combined with an urban fantasy world that is both integrated and genuinely fantastical (no sparkly vampires here... no, not even the White Court) makes the series an instant winner. But do the great novels equate to great short stories as well?
Mostly, yes! The stories are wr More...
May 01, 2011
Andrew Shuping
rated it:
If you aren't a fan of Harry Dresden (although I'm not sure how that's possible) or have never read him before step away from this book. It's not an introduction to the character and you'll likely be confused about what's going on. If you are a fan of Harry (as you should be) then this book is a great addition to the collection.
In this book Jim Butcher gives us a brief glimpse into what happens to Harry and the gang in between cases. And its a fascinating insight. Harry isn't always go More...
In this book Jim Butcher gives us a brief glimpse into what happens to Harry and the gang in between cases. And its a fascinating insight. Harry isn't always go More...
Apr 22, 2011
Kevin
rated it:
I'm always fascinated by short story collections, particularly when it's multiple stories from one author. There are a number of books which I'm hugely attached to - and which should get written up here at some point - which fall into this category. One of the things which attracts me to them is where authors discuss anecdotes or little elements about what went into the making of the story in the first place, and I wasn't expecting to find that in Side Jobs, but as a result I was pleased and s
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Apr 01, 2011
Sarah
rated it:
As a reader, I enjoy learning more about the worlds in which individual books and series take place. I suppose you could say I am a backstory junkie. I also love fantasy and crime shows. Side Jobs fit into that perfectly. These stories and novellas coincide with The Dresden Files. Many of the stories have appeared in different anthologies or on Butcher's website. The stories span the length of the Dresden chronology with "A Restoration of Faith" coming before Storm Front and "
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Mar 09, 2011
Dxmaniac69
rated it:
As the title says, this is a compilation of all the Harry Dresden short stories. The problem is nearly all of these stories have been published elsewhere before and there is only one story that is new in the book. So is worth picking up?
If your a Dresden files fan and haven't read the short stories, then definitely. I'd say pick it up if you have read less then half. If you are someone who hunted down all the stories previously, it may not be worth your money. The new story, Aft More...
If your a Dresden files fan and haven't read the short stories, then definitely. I'd say pick it up if you have read less then half. If you are someone who hunted down all the stories previously, it may not be worth your money. The new story, Aft More...
Feb 17, 2011
Aaron
rated it:
One of the big trends with today's occult writers is contributing to various anthologies of short stories. Jim Butcher, the author of the TOTALLY awesome Dresden Files series has done his share of stories for these books. This work pulls together all of the short stories he has written to date, starting with a story he wrote while still in college to a new, unreleased story that picks off where the last book concluded.
Each of the stories allows for some character development for Harry Dresdone More...
Each of the stories allows for some character development for Harry Dresdone More...
Jan 06, 2011
Chris
rated it:
"Hell's Bells" count: 14
There's a reason that clichés become clichés. That's because, no matter how much we may hate them, they concisely describe some feature of human existence that is common to us all. The reason everyone uses them is because they're just so... right, and there's really no need for us to come up with something else. It's like saying, "Yes, I could use a screwdriver to put together my new IKEA desk, but everyone does that. I'm going to invent my own, c More...
There's a reason that clichés become clichés. That's because, no matter how much we may hate them, they concisely describe some feature of human existence that is common to us all. The reason everyone uses them is because they're just so... right, and there's really no need for us to come up with something else. It's like saying, "Yes, I could use a screwdriver to put together my new IKEA desk, but everyone does that. I'm going to invent my own, c More...
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Jan 01, 2011
***Dave
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Dec 29, 2010
Karissa
rated it:
This was a great collection of stories all set in the Dresden Files world. The majority of these stories have appeared in other anthologies, that's part of the reason I got this from the library...I had read half of the stories before. Still there are some great ones I hadn't read. The last novella "Aftermath" is a definite must read for everyone who wants to know more about what happened after the cliffhanger ending of Changes.
My favorites were Aftermath (which describes More...
My favorites were Aftermath (which describes More...
Dec 28, 2010
Pointysparkles
rated it:
I've read most of these before, and enjoyed them for much the same reasons I enjoyed the main Dresden Files series, namely the quirky humor that doesn't take itself too seriously. My favorite was probably It's My Birthday Too, which is not incidentally one of the ones written from Harry's point of view.
The problems I have with the series mostly have to do with Butcher's handling of the female characters. It's almost okay in the main series, since it's narrated exclusively from Harry's More...
The problems I have with the series mostly have to do with Butcher's handling of the female characters. It's almost okay in the main series, since it's narrated exclusively from Harry's More...
Dec 21, 2010
Mermaidrain
rated it:
Finally, a collection of all of Butcher's short stories in one anthology (with one exception of the Johnny Marcone short story "Even Hands" published this last summer in the anthology "Dark and Stormy Knights")! Although I've read all of these before (with the exception of two new ones at the end), I still found Butcher's introductory commentary a delight (a hoot really) to read. And I loved that the anthology put the stories in chronological order. I found it ironic that
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Nov 24, 2010
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Nov 23, 2010
Cornerofmadness
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Nov 19, 2010
Rikki
rated it:
Side Jobs is a collection of short stories set in Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden series. Most have been collected in other genre anthologies so it's likely that many have already read this series. With two notable exceptions, all of the stories are from the point of view of Harry Dresden and have that character's trademark humor. Harry is a character I can't help but like. The stories make for mostly a quick read and I especially liked "The Warrior".
I think honestly, most pe More...
I think honestly, most pe More...
Nov 12, 2010
Lightreads
rated it: 
Dresden Files short stories. Jim Butcher’s capacity to write about sexual assault and rape without having any idea that he’s doing it will never cease to amaze me. That’s the uniting theme of this collection – Harry Dresden, magical slugfests, and rape culture, woo! I think my favorite bit was Harry getting turned on by watching Murphy make out with another woman on the magical equivalent of a date rape drug, and then lying to her about what happened later because it would just bother her to kno
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Nov 02, 2010
John Carter
rated it:
A mixed bag. The first Harry story, and Butcher's first submission, is pretty terrible, as the author acknowledges. Some have an unpleasant feel to them, as if the author were disrespecting the characters ("Last Call," for one,) or where Harry's narration is distastefully arrogant, flaws that don't show up in the books.
That said, some are a chance for the supporting cast to shine. There's a post-injury Michael story that's excellent: I'd been wanting a check-in on his retire More...
That said, some are a chance for the supporting cast to shine. There's a post-injury Michael story that's excellent: I'd been wanting a check-in on his retire More...
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Nov 02, 2010
Melanti
rated it:
I've been trying to read the anthologies with Dresden stories included whenever I get a chance. Though many times I'll get the anthology, read Dresden and ignore the rest of the collection. So, this was about half repeats for me -- I was rather surprised. I thought I'd managed to read more of the stories than that.
Short stories can be great snippets into the daily lives of the characters in major stories. You get to see Dresden relaxing on a day off or handling smaller cases that a More...
Short stories can be great snippets into the daily lives of the characters in major stories. You get to see Dresden relaxing on a day off or handling smaller cases that a More...
Mar 04, 2011
Malyssa
rated it:
I've enjoyed all of the Dresden books I've ever read, really. Are they high literature? No. Are they fun reads and creative? Yes yes yes!
Jim Butcher continues his preference of writing in the First Person. I totally get this, as it is actually my preferred form of writing as well. My only gripe, and it is a tiny, tiny one at that, is that when he switches to a different character (which he does in two of the stories in this book), the voice really doesn't change that much. It More...
Jim Butcher continues his preference of writing in the First Person. I totally get this, as it is actually my preferred form of writing as well. My only gripe, and it is a tiny, tiny one at that, is that when he switches to a different character (which he does in two of the stories in this book), the voice really doesn't change that much. It More...
