Small Favor (The Dresden Files, Book 10)
by Jim Butcher
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Book Reviews of Small Favor (The Dresden Files, Book 10)
Book Review: Great Book, no matter what other people say.
Summary: 5 Stars
Overall, this was a great book, one I would recommend to anyone.
Some reviewers have implied that this book is just filler, that there wasn't enough magic, or that Harry just wasn't Harry in this book. I say this just isn't true.
Several things were resolved. First, he now owes Mab one less favor, and along the way we learned quite a bit about Mab's current state of mind (and, more subtly, about Titania's too). Second, Harry learned something very important about the swords of the Knights of the Cross; well about the Knights themselves anyway. Then, of course, there's Harry's personal life. A lot of people have commented on this, saying it's way out of character, but it really isn't. It shows some growth and patience on Harry's part, and was foreshadowed in the last book. Just because he doesn't seem to be planning a long term relationship doesn't mean he's being casual about it.
Some people have complained that the way Harry used magic in this book wasn't consistent with other books. Again, they are mistaken. Harry uses several brilliant spells in this book that played to his strengths as a wizard. He has stated, consistently throughout the series, that his strength as a wizard tended more to thaumaturgy than evocation. Just because he didn't go around blowing things up doesn't mean he didn't use much magic.
Book Review: Middle of the Road Harry
Summary: 3 Stars
Jim Butcher has said he had enough material to write 20 Dresden File books. This novel would be the halfway point. I am not sure I like the direction that Harry is heading in. Butcher has improved as a writer over the years, no question. It just seems that I can see the series going in a wrong direction over the past two books.
This books flaws are self evident. There are way too many characters on the pages. As I was reading this book, I wondered who everyone was. You sometimes need a score card to keep track. I understand some other reviewers concerns as well. Sgt. Murphy is a former shadow of herself from previous books. I missed the sexual tension between her and Harry. Now that Dresden has seemed to find a new love in Luccio, that is all missing. What happened to the plot line about the Black Council? There seemed to be a build up to this over a few books and now that seems to be on the back burner. Yes, this story was a bit preachy as far as The Carpenter family was concerned. These characters need to take a back seat for awhile and let the general flow of the plotlines continue.
To me the previous book, The White Knight, was disappointing. A Small Favor was better, but don't you miss reading a plotline like going into battle on the back of a dinosaur? I know I do. 3 and 1/2 stars for the witty banter in the book.
Book Review: Harry, the Billy Goats Gruff and other nasty creatures
Summary: 4 Stars
SMALL FAVOR (Para/PI, Harry Dresden, Chicago, Fan) - VG
Butcher, Jim - 10th in series
ROC, 2008, US Hardcover - ISBN: 9780451461896
First Sentence: Winter came early that year; it should have been a tip-off.
Wizard Harry Dresden is having an enjoyable snowball fight with his apprentice and her siblings. It comes to an abrupt, and violent, end when they are attacked by three Billy Goats Gruff. These are no mild fairytale creatures and Queen Mab is calling in one of the favor's Harry owes her.
With a missing mobster, creatures galore and even his friends not quite trusting him, Harry has to fight to save himself and those important to him.
Once you get past the oozy, gory descriptions, these are great books. The character of Harry is a wonderful one--he's tough, loyal, brave, dedicated and has a wicked, wry humor. Even though this is part of a series, there is always enough back story so you understand the relationships.
This book was a real page-turner. It is, sometimes, hard to keep track, among the fantasy creatures, of who is whom, and on whose side, but the action just keep you going.
The story is not cliché and some of the more real characters have a strong moral code. For me, these books are always a treat to read.
Book Review: An amazing novel
Summary: 5 Stars
Small Favor is the tenth book in the Dresden Files and follows White Night. In White Night, families in the White Court plan to usurp power from Lord Raith by culling female wizards from several cities. Thomas becomes involved in the case and draws his brother into it as well. Many intersting developments occurred in White Night, including the reappearance of Elaine (who operates as a wizard in LA), the conversion of Lasciel and her death, the elevation of Marcone to the Accords, and Helen Beckitt's return (villain in Storm Front).
That said, Small Favor is the best novel of the series. The plot is more powerful than other novels because of the inclusion of so many characters of past novels. Kincaid and the Archive reappear, and Jim Butcher describes the Archive more fully. Warden Luccio is drawn to Chicago by Dresden's plea. Nicodemus returns to Chicago with the entire crew of denarians. Michael and Sanya see an opportunity to finish them. Additionally, my favortite plot line returned as Mab appears and gives Dresden a task, which also means summer is around trying to harm him.
Small Favor was exciting and exhilarating. When I began the series, I wasn't sure if I liked it too much, but now, I can't wait for the next novel to come out.
Book Review: a favorite
Summary: 5 Stars
This book, like all the other Dresden Files novels, was excellent. For those not familiar with the series, think of it as a film noir detective story and make that detective a wizard. Granted it's an over simplification, but it's a frame of reference for you.
The refreshing thing about these novels is that it doesn't digress into what so many fantasy novels do. Namely, the sub-genere of "supernatural romances" which seem to be of ever increasing popularity. They have their place but in the end are just romance novels with vampires and werewolves added in.
I really like the modern fantasy sub-genre. The Dresden Files are some of the best in the genre. I have a hard time putting the books down when I get them. You really care about the characters and feel the pain and triumphs they go through.
This review's a little disjointed, I'll admit. Probably not even a true review. But the best thing I can say about books is that I would read them again. I would definitely read all of these books again. The only other series I have read through multiple times is Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth series.
If you like modern fantasy, you might check out Mercedes Lackey's SERRAted Edge novels as well.