My rating:

add to my books

Small Favor (The Dresden Files #10)

by Jim Butcher (Goodreads Author)

4.38 · rating details · 14,274 ratings · 668 reviews

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

No one's tried to kill Harry Dresden for almost an entire year, and his life finally seems to be calming down. For once, the future looks fairly bright. But the past casts one hell of a long shadow.

An old bargain has placed Harry in debt to Mab, monarch of the Winter Court of the Sidhe, the Queen of A...more

Hardcover, 420 pages

Published April 1st 2008 by Roc

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

There is a good chance some of your friends read this book. Sign in to see!

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

Best urban fantasy

63rd out of 1,234 books — 4,793 voters

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Annie Barrows

Best Books of 2008

45th out of 1,109 books — 6,053 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 19,516)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

May 19, 2008

Reed rated it

As I began reading the 10th Harry Dresden novel, I started ticking off little mental bullet points:

Sarcastic dialogue.

Harry in more trouble than any 3 urban fantasy characters.

The frenzied "first climax" that always happens in the middle of a Dresden novel.

Repetitive info-dumping (description of Harry's beat up Volkswagen, Mouse the huge-ass dog, his big-ass cat, his pretty-boy vampire brother, his burned hand, his terrible youth, the t...more

like 19 likes

· see review

Jan 03, 2009

Michael rated it

Shelves: series-challenge, to-be-read-challenge, fantasy, read-in-2008

Jim Butcher's Dresden Files takes a bit of a break from the supernatural conflict that has been the focus of the last several novels with great success. The entire conflict isn't ignored and it is always present, though it may be on the back burner for "Small Favor."

During an October blizzard, Harry is called on to deliver one of his two remaining favors for Mav. Gentlemen Johnny Marcone has disappeared and Mav tasks Harry with finding him and returning him safely. But a...more

like 7 likes

· see review

Jul 22, 2009

Chris rated it

Shelves: fantasy, wizardry

"Hell's Bells" count: 21

This is the tenth book in the series, and if Butcher's own plan can be trusted, it marks about the halfway point for the series as a whole. Having made it this far with the series is a remarkable achievement, and if he can keep it up all the way to its projected end, I will be a very happy and impressed reader. So, a few words about the book itself, and then some thoughts on the series.

Honestly, if you've been following my reviews of thi...more

like 10 likes

· see review

Jun 08, 2010

Ben Babcock rated it

Shelves: own, fantasy, 2008-read, 2008-best10, urban-fantasy, mystery, 2010-read

Second review, read from June 7-8, 2010.

When I re-read a book I've already reviewed, I tend to write a new review to reflect how my opinion of the book has changed with a second reading. In this case, my opinion hasn't changed much. If anything, my admiration of Small Favor has increased. I stand by my original review, and I recommend you read that for my full thoughts on this book.

Some addenda though.

Reading the series in near succession like this gives me a new...more

like 4 likes

· see review

Sep 29, 2008

Seth rated it

Shelves: modernfantasy, sf-f-h

About 1/4 into Small Favor I found myself wondering if Harry Dresden was about to magically jump a shark. By the end, I had decided it might be the best book in the series.

Well, he actually does kind of jump a shark, but he was in an aquarium at the time.

Favor put us firmly back in Dresden's home territory. Someone has kidnapped his least-favorite sometimes-ally "Gentleman" Marcone and he's being coerced into saving him by an old enemy. His allies in faerie-lan...moreAbout 1/4 into Small Favor I found myself wondering if Harry Dresden was about to magically jump a shark. By the end, I had decided it might be the best book in the series.

Well, he actually does kind of jump a shark, but he was in an aquarium at the time.

Favor put us firmly back in Dresden's home territory. Someone has kidnapped his least-favorite sometimes-ally "Gentleman" Marcone and he's being coerced into saving him by an old enemy. His allies in faerie-land are trying to kill him. His friend Michael is seriously doubting whether Harry is trustworthy. And he winds up stuck in the convergence of conflicts between the Seelie and Unseelie courts and between the Knights of the Cross and the Denarian demons. And just for fun, with Kincaid and Sergeant Murphy along for the ride, still bristling from their breakup.

Thematically, this book is about divided loyalties, trust, and--most centrally--what it means to be good instead of evil. The central morals of Harry, Sergeant Murphy, Michael, Sanyo (another Knight of the Cross), and even the mercenaries Kincaid and Gard are roughly similar, but each draws different lines around what is required and what is allowed to be good.

Marcone and The Archive (a super-efficent magical database of all written knowledge ever, but housed in a little girl) serve as the background to the moral debate: Marcone's morality is strongly personal, running his criminal empire and ruining whatever lives it costs while still going out of his way to save and help individuals he sees in distress. The Archive is impersonal, fighting to keep emotional attachments from driving her insane while she hold humanity's heritage against any disaster. They are each afraid to join human society fully, worried that they won't be able to reconcile their job with their humanity.

The book is back in classic Dresden form in other ways, too. Harry doesn't rely on odd moments of insight that come like deus ex machina in some of the other books. He doesn't build plans that last longer than a day. And he doesn't ever rely on his intelligence over his wit, his wits, and his ability to break things very, very well. He's good at mouthing off, pushing people into making mistakes, and doing not-subtle magic with collateral damage. And he has charisma and leadership only Murphy can match. In Small Favor he leaves the other stuff to the pros. Just like the good old days.

In a lot of ways, this is what Storm Front would have been if Butcher had been a better writer at the time. It has more complex character interactions than the first book in a series can sustain and it assumes some (but not too much) knowledge of the backstory, but it hits the themes of the series without sacrificing the action and faith in himself that make Harry who he is.
.(less)

like 5 likes

· see review

Aug 14, 2011

Sammy rated it

Shelves: urban-fantasy, dresden

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I still think, despite Murphy's initial refusal, that she will take on Shiro's old sword. I think the real question is whether or not she will remain on the force - she is a cop on her blood, but it is clear that, politically, it is becoming more and more difficult for her to remain on the force and do her job.

I think this has been set up since Dresden viewed her with his sight and saw her and a Guardian Angel with a sword in place of her gun at her side.

Of course, this al...moreI still think, despite Murphy's initial refusal, that she will take on Shiro's old sword. I think the real question is whether or not she will remain on the force - she is a cop on her blood, but it is clear that, politically, it is becoming more and more difficult for her to remain on the force and do her job.

I think this has been set up since Dresden viewed her with his sight and saw her and a Guardian Angel with a sword in place of her gun at her side.

Of course, this also begs the question of what will happen to Excalibur? It is clear that Michael is most likely to injured to remain a Knight. Molly actually seems a logical person to take up the sword, as a King blood line has been established, she certainly has the faith, and by wielding the sword, she would certainly be no longer lacking power as a combat wizard. Indeed, it would make her in some ways, one of the strongest threats out there, given the amount of damage the Dresden and Michael could havoc working together.

But if Murphy took up the sword, would it make sense to have two Knights located in the same geographic area? Probably not.

One of my friends once hypothesized that Dresden himself could wield a sword. On one hand, this seems more likely now that he is free of Lashiel and Urial has taken an interest in him. But the fact still remains that his sense of faith is with magic, not a higher power. Plus, the geographic issue comes into play.

This means, that most likely, a new character will have to be introduced to take up one of the swords. Lets just hope it doesn't take another 3-4 books.

The development with Lucciano is an interesting one. Is it a n interest that is what it seems - mutual respect that is now happening due to a re-discovered sex drive in her younger body? Because the other explanation is much more sinister...in many cases, such as the attack on the warden and wizard training camps - Lucciano was one of the few wizards that knew where those camps were. She could be a member of the Black Council trying to move in on Dresden, and Merlin is just a red herring.

(less)

like 3 likes

· see review

Apr 16, 2009

Gina rated it

· review of another edition

Recommends it for: PNR/Urban Fantasy/Sci-Fi lovers!

Shelves: own, action, mystery, paranormal-supernatural, science-fiction, suspense, urban-fantasy

You owe me a favor, Harry…

Finally, it seems that life is calming down some for Harry. But you never know when the past will come back to bite you in the ass…

Winter’s Queen Mab seeks out Harry; he owes her two favors, and she’s come to collect on. As Winter’s Emissary, she’s putting Harry in charge of finding Gentleman Johnny Marcone. Seems the man has been kidnapped, and that move is against the Accords. Harry doesn’t want to, but he has no choice.

Summer’s Que...moreYou owe me a favor, Harry…

Finally, it seems that life is calming down some for Harry. But you never know when the past will come back to bite you in the ass…

Winter’s Queen Mab seeks out Harry; he owes her two favors, and she’s come to collect on. As Winter’s Emissary, she’s putting Harry in charge of finding Gentleman Johnny Marcone. Seems the man has been kidnapped, and that move is against the Accords. Harry doesn’t want to, but he has no choice.

Summer’s Queen Titania doesn’t like what’s happening and is sending everything she can to stop him.

But that’s not the worst of it. When the Denarians roll into town, Harry knows no good could come of any of this, no matter what side is hitting at him. In an effort to get Marcone back, Harry has asked the Archive to mediate a meeting between Harry and Nicodemus. And Harry walked right into their trap, for it’s the Archive they’re after. Should she be broken and take one of the coins, all hell would literally break loose.

So, now Harry has to find the Archive as well as Marcone, repay the favor, keep from getting killed by Queen Titania’s emissaries, all the while trying to keep his friends alive. Could things get any worse?

**There is no stopping Jim Butcher! One of the best series I’ll continue to read until Harry is no more, and I hope that doesn’t happen for a really, really, really long time.

How can you not like Harry Dresden. He is chivalrous, caring, funny, does whatever he can to keep his butt and those of his friends from getting fried, can be a little slow on the uptake when it comes to women, and is completely selfless. He’ll put himself in harm’s way before standing behind someone else. And when scenes get tense, his quips and one-liners make me laugh sometimes to the point of tears. As a defense mechanism to push back his fear, I love it!

The action scenes are superb and well written; descriptions have you right there in the thick of it, seeing everything around you, without going overboard. All characters are three-dimensional and you care for everyone one of the good guys, all while rooting them on to taking down the bad guys. Oh, and a love interest is starting to bloom for Harry as well, I think. I’m very interested to see where that line goes.

Mr. Butcher, you are one hell of an author and I hope Harry is around for a long, long time. I can’t wait for my daughter to be old enough to read this series!(less)

like 1 like

· see review

Mar 13, 2011

Tara rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: witches-wizards-mages, audio-book, read-in-2011

I both enjoyed and didn't enjoy this book. Small Favor was a mythology book. What I mean is that there is a lot of history gone over. We revisit a lot of characters, except this time we get their history. Not to mention there is a fair amount of mythology that is revealed as well. Information about the Knights and the swords. About the fallen angels and who is pulling their strings. About the Winter Queen and what she seems to be after. I think it was also a set up book. There seems to ...moreI both enjoyed and didn't enjoy this book. Small Favor was a mythology book. What I mean is that there is a lot of history gone over. We revisit a lot of characters, except this time we get their history. Not to mention there is a fair amount of mythology that is revealed as well. Information about the Knights and the swords. About the fallen angels and who is pulling their strings. About the Winter Queen and what she seems to be after. I think it was also a set up book. There seems to be a lot of changes ahead.

That being said...

(view spoiler)[ I have to say that I don't like this idea of Harry and Luccio. Partially because I something bothers me about them together that I can't put my finger on at the moment and partially because I want him with Murphy. Except that in this book, I became annoyed with Murphy. Murphy seems to be rigid in her choices and keeps turning down good things. Examples: She turned Harry down a few books back for a bunch of reasons. But now she's stuck on Kincaid? Kincaid who isn't even human? Kincaid who in years to come I think may fall in love with the archive. Maybe, maybe not, but he will always be connected to her and she will always be his first priority. Plus, one of her reasons for turning down Harry is because he's going to live a long Wizard life and she won't. But I'm fairly certain Kincaid is going to live a long life too. Whatever. I think she's making excuses to cover her fear of something good. Then there is the thing with the sword. She turned that down, because of her police job. I job that she admitted was going no where. She's said that she has lost all chance of her getting ahead and such and it would seem she would make a good Knight. I guess those all seem like weak excuses but all the little things that bothered me came up in this books and annoyed me.

ETA:Luccio- I just don't like her. I couldn't pinpoint what bothered me about her when I wrote my review originally, but I have a temp job and on my break I took a walk because it was beautiful outside, and I wanted to not think about work, so I was thinking of the book I had just finished, this one, and that's when it came to me. Luccio (I refuse to call her Anastasia) & Harry have known each other for years. She was one of those people Harry didn't even trust a few years ago, until he had to join the wardens himself. Now if their relationship had grown out of that it would have been one thing. You know two people that had been at odds previously now forced to work together and a relationship develops from there. But this attraction didn't start until she had a new body. Then suddenly he was hot for her and she was chasing him and that icks me out. I mean sure they get along and they make each other laugh, but it seems like were she still in her own body it wouldn't have happened, and that's what bothers me. Because under it all, she is the same person on the inside, but her inside wasn't enough to attract him, until she had the body of a hot twenty year old. More importantly, her inside wasn't interested in Harry until it was in the twenty year old's body. So it makes me feel like the body wants Harry and not the person inside. Basically I'm hung up on the fact that the body and the person seem to be separate and it's the body in charge or everything, not the person. And I admit, I feel a little disappointed in Harry. After years of celibacy, he goes after a hot body and cute face (and loses his protection from the White Court vampires- which also worries me) . And it makes me wonder if Luccio is on the up & up. Or if she's not completely in charge inside that skin.

Anyway, then there was Michael. I was really worried. Mostly because a few books back (the same one Murphy turned Harry down in by the way) he asked Harry to do dome research because he didn't think he'd have his sword for much longer. I'm sad that he may have permanent physical damage, but I'm happy that he was able to give up his sword, honorably and not be dead.

I also keep waiting for something more to happen with thomas. i don't know what. Just something. Something that involves family. (hide spoiler)]

I have to wonder where it's all going. What will become of our unwilling hero. I can't remember the last time Harry mentioned working in his office and taking an actual case. It seems lately everything has been people (or Fae or Vampires) calling in favors or blackmailing him into doing stuff for them, combined with duties for the council and what some people might say his own sort of calling... It seems like Harry is not such a simple man anymore. He also seems to now have an even bigger calling. I like a lot of the changes and I think the books are really good, I just don't want to lose too much of what I love about Harry.(less)

like 1 like

· see review

Jul 30, 2011

Callista rated it

Shelves: urban-fantasy, mystery-contemp-american, four-star-novels

This one felt a little slow out of the starting gate, but it definitely picked up momentum as it went along. There are so many irons in the fire now, along with a number of significant things that I’m still wrapping my head around, that it feels premature to comment in a lot of spoiler-y detail about what went on in this installment.
I like Butcher's inclusion of Christianity in Harry's world. Although I'm rather nominally Christian and my worldview is closer to Harry's than Michael's, I r...more

like 2 likes

· see review

Sep 26, 2009

Justin rated it

Shelves: fantasy, own

Small Favor is the 10th installment in the Dresden Files series. Harry Dresden is a wizard for hire, and he likes to take on the things that go bump in the night. Like the rest of the series Small Favor takes place in modern day Chicago, where the general populace remains blissfully ignorant of the dark magical underbelly Harry deals with on a day to day. In the opening of the book Harry is attacked by Gruffs, lethal enforcers of the Summer Faerie court. As he investigates further into the motiv...more

like 2 likes

· see review

Apr 13, 2008

Ashley rated it

Recommends it for: avid readers of the Dresden Files

Shelves: magic-witchcraft, urban-fantasy-paranormal-romance, not-my-copy

This book was typical. I know describing books as "typical" is not usually a good thing, but Jim Butcher is good enough that typical for him is several notches above the norm. Still, the series has hit a plateau for me. Jim Butcher has never written a bad novel, but I've yet to be blown away by the series as a whole or by an individual book. I don't know what's stopping the series from progressing into fabulousness, but it's definitely slammed against its glass ceiling for me.

...more

like 2 likes

· see review

Apr 06, 2008

Nicole Prestin rated it

Shelves: urban-fantasy

If you like the Dresden Files series then you should be mostly satisfied with this book since it's basically more of the same. That's the problem really, these books are really getting formulaic, to the point where I'd really love to see something truly different from the author.

For instance, Jim Butcher is hitting the limits of keeping his series in a first person perspective. Some of his supporting characters are just as interesting, if not more interesting than the main character...more

like 1 like

· see review

Feb 08, 2011

David rated it

Shelves: urban-paranormal, detective, occult-detective

Continuing my tear through the Dresden books. Professional wizard Harry Dresden finds his life seriously disrupted by Mab, Queen of the Unseelie fae, Winter Court of the Sidhe to whom he owes a couple of “small” favors. Gentleman Johnnie Marcone, kingpin of the Chicago underworld has gone missing and Mab wants Harry to locate him but naturally, anything to do with Marcone and the Unseelie is complicated. Infamous crime lord, Gentleman Johnny, a man Harry personally hates, a man who has become on...more

like 1 like

· see review

Apr 11, 2008

Holly rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: audiobook, urban-fantasy, paranormal-fiction

This series just doesn't get weaker or wane even at book 10. New characters are introduced and old characters are fleshed out, plots entangle and more facets of the bigger puzzle of the fight over Chicago and the mortal world are revealed, and this is all frosted by harry Dresden's insouciant sense of humor. Plus, more action sequences than you can shake your blasting rod at. This book primarily deals with why people do what they do, how far characters will go for their beliefs, and a bit of God...more

like 1 like

· see review

Jun 27, 2008

Mick rated it

I'm a pretty big fan of the Dresden Files. And I also happen to have a weak spot for stories dealing with the fair folk, so I looked forward to Small Favor because I knew it would involve some sort of intrigue with Queen Mab. And, it did.

You know what, though? I spent the first several chapters convinced that Butcher had just phoned this one in. And there was even a slight whiff of shark in the water, and I began to worry that I was about to be handed a set of water skis.

...more

like 1 like

· see review

Jun 11, 2008

Nathan rated it

Recommends it for: Everyone

Shelves: reviewed-2008, fantasy

I literally have to ration my Jim Butcher books or I will drop everything in order to read them.

As in put off work. Ignore my self-imposed obligation to exercise. Stay awake too late. Miss meals. Ignore offers of wild nights of passion from busloads of bikini models. (True story)

You get the idea.

Once again, Butcher wows with the ability to take a relatively straightforward plot, incorporate it into a complex mega-plot now stretching over 10 books, and pop...more

like 1 like

· see review

Apr 05, 2009

Bethany rated it

Shelves: science-fiction

Harry Dresden is at it again. Queen Mab, seemingly unable to speak with her own voice, requests favor number two from our favorite Wizard. The favor is to save Gentleman Jonny Marcone from his kidnappers.

Many adventures take place. The magic is fantastic, as always. Many story lines are opened up here, but not completely finished - thought the story is quite excellent.

like 1 like

· see review

Mar 14, 2009

Joanna rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: scifi-fantasy, supernatural

I am seriously intrigued by the building sense of mystery behind the story arc of this series. I wish I could hurry up and read 10 more equally excellent books and find out what IS REALLY GOING ON?!?!! Meanwhile the individual novels never fail to entertain and I was delighted by the way this one came together. Love the characters, love the settings, love the silly and serious dialogue, love the sparing use of romance, love, love, love. The only thing I hate is that it's over. Until the nex...more

like 1 like

· see review

Jan 23, 2012

Constance added it · review of another edition

As always Jim Butcher holds true to the Harry Dresden world. This is a stupendous story richly written and intricately woven so that It should appease all Dresden fans regardless of age.

The things about Jim Butcher is that he is consistent. I kid you not, these books follow similar plot lines, have the same characters ( that occupy most) and never fail to deliver a good amount of magical ass kicking. When people complain that Butcher has become monotonous, I would agree, but honestly...more

· see review

Mar 15, 2009

Aaron rated it

Harry Dresden, wizard/detective extraordinaire, is back in the middle of political intrigue with the fallen angels and sidhe (faerie-folk) in his tenth adventure. Winter has fallen over Chicago, and Harry is enjoying some much needed down time by playing with the children of his good friend Michael, among them his apprentice and sidekick Molly. Things quickly change from frolicking fun to "Oh, fu-" when they are attacked by three goat-like creatures called gruffs. That is right ... it ...more

· see review

Sep 06, 2011

Fangs for the Fantasy rated it

· review of another edition

Harry's life is all exciting again and the plotting in the supernatural world is reaching greater, and more confusing, levels.

An entire building was destroyed by immense power and in the aftermath it was clear that Marcone, Chicago's mob boss, has been kidnapped. Harry is on the job working with Murphy – and only has more incentive when Mab, Unseelie Queen of the Winter Court, calls in one of the favours he owes her to get him involved – and threatens him with her not-inconsiderable wr...moreHarry's life is all exciting again and the plotting in the supernatural world is reaching greater, and more confusing, levels.

An entire building was destroyed by immense power and in the aftermath it was clear that Marcone, Chicago's mob boss, has been kidnapped. Harry is on the job working with Murphy – and only has more incentive when Mab, Unseelie Queen of the Winter Court, calls in one of the favours he owes her to get him involved – and threatens him with her not-inconsiderable wrath should he refuse. Of course, this is complicated because Summer objects most strongly – strongly enough to send champions to seek and kill Harry to end his involvement.

To make things far worse, the Knights of the Blackened Denarius – Fallen Angels bound to human hosts – are involved. Not just some as he had previously faced – but all of them in their infernal power and plotting, and he only has 2 Knights of the Cross to back him up.

And into this web of plotting and lethal intrigue steps the Archive – the sum of all the world and all of history's knowledge.

Jim Butcher does epic well – and this was one of the better examples. The sheer number of forces, the sheer power of them made the book epic in and of itself. I like his combat scenes and his ability to fully communicate both what is happening and the powers involved extremely well. Between the battles with Summer's Gruffs, Winter's Hobs, the Archive, the Denarians and even mobsters it all held together well and was an exciting and well paced book to read.

He also has a talent for mysteries and this was extremely well done. There were constant questions throughout the books, plots within plots. Hard choices and difficult decisions – and none of it was simple. Yet, at the same time, the information was there and it was technically possible to reach the answer – so we had none of the usual sudden flashes of insight based on random unexplained inspiration that is so common in mystery books. What impresses me most is that this book had a long, difficult and unexplained mystery with several extremely powerful and unknown forces involved yet at the same time never devolved into being too convoluted or confusing to follow. Despite the huge number of actors and notices, the story was never lost, derailed or impossible to follow nor did it become work to follow the threads nor did it become boring through info-dumping and navel gazing.

Read more (less)

· see review

Jul 29, 2011

Kara rated it

The Dresden Files is one of my guilty pleasures of book reading. It's not great literature but it certainly is a couple of notches above most everything on the NY Times bestseller list. This series has always been a nice mixture of detective fiction, fantasy. and horror It simultaneously fits into the cliches of all three genres, and, in doing so, surpasses them. Dresden is the classic anti-hero so often found in both the detective and fantasy genres. He also struggles with typical fantasy/scifi...more

· see review

Mar 09, 2011

Vicky rated it

Harry Dresden is at it again – getting into trouble, that is. The Queen of Air and Darkness, Mab, calls in a favor. Just a small one that he can’t refuse. And thus his troubles begin.

Though I am familiar with the Dresden Files, this is the first book in the series I have read. It will definitely not be the last. The plot was intricate and well woven with all sorts of subplots. The pacing was well done with enough ups to keep you interested and downs to give you a break fr...more

· see review

Feb 20, 2011

Bookmom rated it

Mab, the Queen of the Winter Court, calls in one of the two favors that Harry owes her. Johnny Marcone has been kidnapped and she wants Harry to find him. The fact that Harry is acting as the emissary of the Winter Court means that Harry is now on the hit list of the Summer Court.

Wow, how hurt can one person get and just keep going? That was my only problem when reading this latest in the Harry Dresden series. The fact that he's ALWAYS beat up is uncomfortable to me. And so much action...more

· see review

Jan 26, 2011

Melissa rated it

Shelves: fantasy

I'm not too sure what to think of this edition of the Dresden Files. While it was well written, it seemed a little too fast paced to keep up with all the detail. While these books should be read in order, due to the numerous books in the series, I'm not going to bother recapping them. The most important things about these books is that Harry Dresden is a wizard, a real one with his own ad in the Chicago yellow pages.

Due to an exchange with a faerie, and in turn getting his debt sold to...moreI'm not too sure what to think of this edition of the Dresden Files. While it was well written, it seemed a little too fast paced to keep up with all the detail. While these books should be read in order, due to the numerous books in the series, I'm not going to bother recapping them. The most important things about these books is that Harry Dresden is a wizard, a real one with his own ad in the Chicago yellow pages.

Due to an exchange with a faerie, and in turn getting his debt sold to the Queen of faeries, Dresden owes Queen Mab a favor. It isn't enough that he has to go rescue someone he doesn't like from the dangerous Demon Denarians however, once again someones trying to kill him. For as of yet unknown reasons, the Summer Faeries are out for his blood and sending the Gruff brothers (each one bigger than the last) after him to take his life. With the Gruffs behind him every step of the way, he has to wheedle and deal with the Denarians in order to retrieve the Archive. As always, he and his friends are in danger the entire time.

Harry's character fell a little flat in this one. He still had his humour and aptitude for magic, but he didn't seem as personal as he usually is. It was harder to connect with him in this book. Murphy also has a lesser part and isn't described as well in this book. Usually she has a lot of imagery associated with her and that just wasn't there this time. Michael and Sanya were ok, but surprisingly didn't play a very big part in this book even though it involved the Denarians. Everyone else played minor roles as well.

Butcher is normally a very descriptive writer; and while he still is in this novel (its one of the longer ones) it just seemed to fast and the detail wasn't in the important parts. Regardless, the plot was interesting and one of his better ones. I just wish he had fleshed it out more. All of these books involve a world that is very involved. While it does mirror the regular Chicago, Butcher's Chicago takes in account the magic that permeates all of Dresden's life. And he does a good job of it. He makes it very believable and especially because its written in the first person, we see it all in Harry's view.

Overall I greatly enjoy the series and look forward to the next. There's only three more so far to go so I'll have to make sure to savor each.

Small Favor
Copyright 2008
541 pages

Review By M. Reynard 2010 (less)

· see review

Dec 17, 2010

William Bentrim rated it

Small Favor by Jim Butcher

Beware of small favors. Harry Dresden discover how true that homily really turns out to be when Mab (Winter Queen) calls in a small favor. Harry must rescue someone he despises while facing not one but two sets of implacable foes.

Once again Harry surrounds himself with his stalwart co-horts. Michaels with his blessed sword, Murphy with her tiny but feisty will, Thomas his secret vampire brother and Luccio his superior in the Wardens all s...more

· see review

Nov 06, 2010

Johnny rated it

Shelves: fantasy

Small Favor by Jim Butcher follows the author’s typical path of placing Chicago wizard/police consultant Harry Dresden in a myriad of simultaneous situations in which Harry has to balance the need for direct action, indirect action, mortal allies, and supernatural allies against his chance for a) survival and b) accomplishing at least one (and sometimes several overlapping) mission(s). Don’t get me wrong, the formula works. The mixture of allies, each with their own strengths, weaknesses, and pr...moreSmall Favor by Jim Butcher follows the author’s typical path of placing Chicago wizard/police consultant Harry Dresden in a myriad of simultaneous situations in which Harry has to balance the need for direct action, indirect action, mortal allies, and supernatural allies against his chance for a) survival and b) accomplishing at least one (and sometimes several overlapping) mission(s). Don’t get me wrong, the formula works. The mixture of allies, each with their own strengths, weaknesses, and prejudices leads to subtle pleas for tolerance and appreciation of differences in the real world as well as great story opportunities for forcing Harry to choose to trust or not to trust certain allies.

In this series of novels, Harry doesn’t always get to rescue the princess as in the classic fairy tales and early computer games. Harry sometimes has to rescue objects or people that normally wouldn’t “deserve” being saved. Butcher does a great job of allowing Dresden to consider whether to keep advancing on a given quest or walk away, offering good reasons on both sides of very clear moral ambiguities (there’s an oxymoron for you—I actually mean that you can clearly see the ambiguity since it obviously (clearly?) wouldn’t be an ambiguity if the solution was clear). Most of all, I like the fact that while Harry accomplishes heroic deeds, his decisions don’t always lead to heroic consequences. There is plenty of collateral damage in these novels and decisions made to minimize the damage and casualties sometimes end up maximizing same. In Small Favor, Dresden has to deal with the guilt regarding a decision where he intended to save an individual and sent them into a more lethal situation than the one he thought he was saving them from. As a result, there is a short, but honest, consideration of theodicy without copping out from either the theistic or non-theistic side of the controversy. Harry isn’t convinced by the theistic arguments he gets (not always from the most expected messengers), but he takes them under advisement. I find this refreshing.

Small Favor, if I can summarize the plot without spoilers, has Dresden investigating a powerful supernatural ambush. In the course of his investigation, he discovers that he is the target (or has caused himself to become the target) of a group of supernatural hit “men” who seem to be related. There is a fairy tale conceit used here that I liked a lot. To complicate matters, Harry seems to owe more than one favor to a powerful supernatural being that would normally want to kill him (or, at least, torture him for a few millennia). By cooperating with this entity (a delightful mythological character who has appeared in other “installments,” sometimes on the receiving end), Harry not only buys time but receives a modicum of support. In addition, we get a little bit more insight on Harry’s sword that he hasn’t seemed to deliver to a champion of the cross as of yet (it almost happens as I thought it would in this novel, but Butcher backs off and probably for good reason—not to worry, I have another theory) and something interesting happens (is learned) about the Hellfire that Harry is subverting for purposes of good (or, at least, for benign neutrality).

I hesitate to reduce the rating to three stars, even though I don’t think this book is evenly as good as some of the others, but I must keep it at my usual four stars or above for this series because I think there are a few five star moments in the book, particularly when Harry is struggling with decisions or dealing with guilt. I am so glad I’m reading this series.
(less)

· see review

Jun 04, 2010

Paul rated it

· review of another edition

Butcher’s Dresden novels are all about plot so it’s difficult talking about one of these novels without spoiling it for others. In Small Favor, Butcher again uses some irony in the naming of the book since Harry needs to complete a task for Mab, Queen of the Winter Sidhe. Readers of the series know that this will obviously not be any “small” favor.

Butcher seems to be taking more time on the character development aspect of his writing. Small Favor is still a fun, exciting page turner,...more

· see review

May 17, 2010

Becky rated it

Harry Dresden owes Mab, the Winter Queen, two favors. She's here to collect one, but it's only a small favor that she needs and, as she assures him, baring "her delicately pointed canines. 'I am going to help you.'" "Yeah," as Harry notes, " This couldn't be good." And with little further ado they're off. The small favor requested of Wizard Dresden is that he find and rescue "Gentleman" Johnny Marcone, local hoodlum, dabbler in the supernatural, nemes...more

· see review

Apr 12, 2010

Sheila rated it

Shelves: paranormal, mystery, suspense

Small Favor is tenth in the Dresden Files series, and the story’s really ramping up. There are inevitable references to previous events, but they’re not essential to understanding the tale. I wasn’t always sure what I’d forgotten or which book things took place in. But it was more frustration at my husband’s remembering than a need to know, that made me look up Arctis Tor on the internet. Much to my delight, the search led me to the short story where Harry Dresden first met Karrin Murphy. Readin...more

· see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 650 651 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
Dresden Files Specific Discussion- favorite secondary characters and villains (avoid spoilers please)	52	122	Jan 22, 2012 05:53pm

combine
Other Editions (17)

More editions...

Genres

Fantasy

734 users

Fantasy > Urban Fantasy

570 users

Mystery

169 users

Fantasy > Paranormal

122 users

Fantasy > Supernatural

70 users

Fantasy > Magic

57 users

Paranormal > Vampires

56 users

Paranormal > Wizards

51 users

Science Fiction Fantasy

51 users

Science Fiction

36 users

See top shelves...

Readers Also Enjoyed

Sharper Than a Serpent's Tooth
by Simon R. Green
Unfallen Dead
by Mark Del Franco
Hexed
by Kevin Hearne
Deathwish
by Rob Thurman
Dead Men's Boots
by Mike Carey

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.

More about Jim Butcher...

Books by Jim Butcher

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Pin It

Trivia About Small Favor

4 trivia questions

More quizzes & trivia...

Quotes from Small Favor

“Caring about someone isn't complicated. It isn't easy. But it isn't complicated, either. Kinda like lifting the engine block out of a car.” — 112 people liked it

“Nay, but prithee, with sprinkles 'pon it instead," I said solemnly, "and frosting of white.” — 97 people liked it

More quotes…

Groups That Shelved Small Favor

Romance Readers Reading C...

4393 members

last activity 1 hour, 43 min ago

shelf: read

Urban Fantasy

3149 members

last activity 5 hours, 53 min ago

shelf: read

SOS: Serious Overload of ...

1116 members

last activity 4 minutes ago

shelf: read

title link	preview: Small Favor
avg rating	preview: Small Favor Goodreads rating: 4.38 (14274 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/927979.Small_Favor?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1298085176m/927979.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/927979.Small_Favor?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Small Favor by Jim Butcher[/url]

Small Favor (The Dresden Files #10)

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Readers Also Enjoyed

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website