Even if I hadn't liked the first book in this series, I probably would have read this one regardless. If only because of these lines on the back of the book: "A brutally mutilated corpse. Strange-looking paw prints. A full moon. Take three guesses—and the first two don't count...". AND THE FIRST TWO DON'T COUNT. I don't know why I loved that so much, but I do. (I am lame, I know, sorry).

This was a very good sequel to Storm Front! And it actually fulfills a wish I have long had: MORE WEREWOLVES. Props to Jim Butcher for writing a book with just that in it, and even more props for pointing out the many different types of wolves one can come across in the world of magic.

If Storm Front was full speed ahead, this one doesn't slow down. It's a thrilling, exciting and rather surprising ride all the way through. Jim Butcher is a bit more sure of himself (and his book-universe) now, and actually does something rather daring (that I can't talk too much about, because spoilers), but it has to do with Dresden and his nature, and also humanity vs. our animalistic nature. It's a very interesting theme, one I don't see talked about in many other werewolf books or movies, and I think he handles it very well. Other than that it has Murphy being less annoying, and some cool helpers for Dresden. And Harry himself being a proper BAMF.

I really like Harry Dresden as a character, and that's part of the reason I fell in love with these books. If you don't like Dresden, you will loathe these stories, that's just the way it is. He's the heart and soul of it, and it's through his eyes we see everything unfold. I think he's marvellous, if sometimes a bit annoying and reckless, and it's clear he has a lot of potential, both in terms of developing his magic, but also character-wise. He might be good now, but he could be great. And I can't wait for that to happen (although it will definitely come at a price, and that price will probably be pain, sigh).