Cold Days

The Dresden Files, Book 14

By: Jim Butcher

Narrated by: James Marsters

Length: 18 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

Harry Dresden lives!

After being murdered by a mystery assailant, navigating his way through the realm between life and death, and being brought back to the mortal world, Harry realizes that maybe death wasn’t all that bad - because he is no longer Harry Dresden, Chicago’s only professional wizard. He is now Harry Dresden, Winter Knight to Mab, the Queen of Air and Darkness.

After Harry had no choice but to swear his fealty, Mab wasn’t about to let something as petty as death steal away the prize she had sought for so long. And now, her word is his command, no matter what she wants him to do, no matter where she wants him to go, and no matter who she wants him to kill. Guess which one Mab wants first?

Of course, it won’t be an ordinary, everyday assassination. Mab wants her newest minion to pull off the impossible: kill an immortal. No problem there, right? And to make matters worse, there exists a growing threat to an unfathomable source of magic that could land Harry in the sort of trouble that will make death look like a holiday.

Beset by enemies new and old, Harry must gather his friends and allies, prevent the annihilation of countless innocents, and find a way out of his eternal subservience before his newfound powers claim the only thing he has left to call his own… his soul.

©2012 Jim Butcher (P)2012 Penguin Audio

Harry ends up beat down to near death again.

Great story. Mr Butcher does indeed have that rare gift of storytelling. Cold Days keeps the pace going in all its glory. I keep thinking the author with finally plateau his storytelling punch but with each book he shatters my expectations. Sorry for all that but I can't say enough how much I enjoy these books.
I do wish Harry didn't have to get beat down to the point he can't even lift his pinky finger. I realize he goes up against antagonists in a completely different weight class and he is vastly underpowered and outmatched when compared to his enemies but cleverness and sharp wit should sometimes win the day. Bah, listen to me... armchair quarterbacking an author of Mr Butcher's caliber...palmsmack.... That doesn't change the fact that is like to see Harry and gang win one without intensive care say the end.
Oh, the narration is insanely fantastic. Mr. Marsters voice is in my head when I read the paper copies now. I can't separate the two any longer. I've heard many, many narrator's and I wouldn't put James Marsters in the top 3. He is number 1, hands down and unequivocally.

good

marsters performance of female characters seems a bit stilted. Pacing is a bit drawn out towards the end

Dresden files rock!!

Best book of the series, but they are all amazing. So that is saying a lot! I read/listen to this series over and over -always catching something different.

Another Amazing Story

I am hooked on the Dresden Files. Using Audible to get me through the drive to work and the lull doing reports for hours makes the days are more tolerable. This is a great story, Cold Days does not fall short of the bar set high by the predecessors in this series.

best series ever

Harry Dresdan, Wizard/Winter Knight. What more is there to say. I have read and listened to these books multiple times and never get sick of them.

Wow

Beyond wow, its really hard to review this one without spoilers, but WOW. I was totally blown away. I loved this one.

Is Harry a Bad ass or not?

Where does Cold Days rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

James is Harry to me, listening to all the books so far. With the exception of Ghost Story. Its a great book. I guess I have to say that this book has been waylaid from urban fantasy to true fantasy. Its a great book and story, don't get me wrong. As for rankings? With James as the lead its a 5 star for me.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Stupid question.... Harry of course.

Which scene was your favorite?

The ending. It was a deep twist that's for sure.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

No

Any additional comments?

I miss detective Dresden!

The best one yet

This book literally is the best one out of the entire series

I can’t wait to see what next book brings

A fun fantasy tale

I admit that this series is my go to when I need light reading. I enjoy the silly banter and well known characters. I especially enjoy the pizza slurping fairies. Mostly the story is predictable with just enough twists to keep it interesting.

Was gasping at the ending

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes! Even though I read often and find most stories predictable, Butcher always surprises me, even 13 books into the series.

What other book might you compare Cold Days to and why?

Perhaps Kim Harrison's series. Lots of sarcastic, lowbrow wit (that I love) and ever-changing characters.

Which character – as performed by James Marsters – was your favorite?

How he does tiny fairy voices has me lol-ing, esp. when picturing 'Spike' doing the voices.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. And I practically did.

Any additional comments?

NSFW listening- lots of fairies, so lots of 'seduction'-type conversations.