Summer Knight (The Dresden Files, #4) in Pick-a-Shelf

May 28, 2013 Lauren rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: audiobooks, fae, urban-fantasy, assassins, magic-and-witchcraft

Summer Knight
3.5 Stars

An definite improvement on Grave Peril.

The world building in this installment focuses on the Fae, and more specifically, on the conflict between the Summer and Winter courts. The political machinations and allegiances of the various Fae are complex and it is difficult at times to keep track of the different characters and the factions they belong to. Nevertheless, it all comes together at the end, and the climax and resolution are exciting and satisfying.

The plot revolvin Summer Knight
3.5 Stars

An definite improvement on Grave Peril.

The world building in this installment focuses on the Fae, and more specifically, on the conflict between the Summer and Winter courts. The political machinations and allegiances of the various Fae are complex and it is difficult at times to keep track of the different characters and the factions they belong to. Nevertheless, it all comes together at the end, and the climax and resolution are exciting and satisfying.

The plot revolving around the murder of the Summer Knight and the theft of his Mantle of Magic has potential but is poorly executed. There are numerous suspects, however, their motives are never quite clear and Harry's investigation is overshadowed by unrelated plot points, such as the return of an old girlfriend, his problems with the White Council, the wizards war with the vampires, etc.

Harry is an amalgamation of opposites. On the one hand, he is strong-willed, resourceful, has a good heart and good intentions. On the other, he is sardonic, self-absorbed and not a little chauvinistic. He is also a mediocre wizard despite indications that there is something special about him, and he barely manages to survive his encounters with the various villains and monsters in the book.

The secondary cast are wonderful and contribute to making this a fun read. Harry's friend and police contact, the sharp-witted and kick-ass Karrin Murphy, plays a slight larger role although she still doesn't get enough page time. Bob the Skull, Toot the Fairy and his warrior pixies, as well as Billy and the Alphas, all return to flesh out the character pool alongside some new additions, such as the Changelings and the Gatekeeper, a particularly intriguing wizard on the White Council.

Finally, James Marsters narration improves with each book and his voices for the minor characters are truly excellent. He also manages to convey Harry's sarcastic wit so well and there are many laugh-out-loud moments - so beware when listening in public. ...more

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May 24, 2013 Rebo rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-supernatural

I didn't like this one as much as the last one, but it was good. A nice balance of character development for Harry, action, and the usual hefty dose of imagination. An incredible page turner that kept me on my seat until the end. ...more

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