Harry Dresden, Chicago's only professional wizard, takes on a case as a favor to his friend Thomas - a vampire of dubious integrity - only to become the prime suspect in a series of ghastly murders.
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©2004 Jim Butcher (P)2010 Penguin
"Filled with sizzling magic and intrigue as well as important developments for Harry, the latest of his adventures will have fans rapidly turning the pages." (Booklist)
"another terrific installment in the series..."
...and another excellent audiobook performance by James Marsters, who really brings the series to life.
When Harry's incubus friend Thomas calls in a favor, Harry finds himself working on the set of a porn movie, trying to figure out who...or what...is trying to close down the production by killing off the film's female stars. Of course, there are many, many complications, high danger, White Court vampire intrigues, and of course, Jim Butcher's trademark witty dialogue.
A thoroughly entertaining audiobook!
"Worth the wait!"
I was determined to listen to the Dresden series in order, so it was a pleasant surprise when books 6 & 7 became available months earlier than expected! Blood Rites features a fairly new and interesting character, Kincaid the bodyguard of the Archive. I'm looking forward to hearing more of his story in future books. Love the addition of Mouse!
James Marsters sounds more polished and "edited" than in the earlier books, but the books are becoming more complex and polished as well. It's still a fine matching of narrator and author.
"I LOVE this series!"
Jim Butcher is a great writer, I've enjoyed all of his books thus far.
And James Marsters who reads the books is equally as fantastic. It took me a while to get used to the sighing and deep breaths, etc, but after I did and realized it is just part of the main character Harry's persona I loved it.
It is hard for me to stick to only buying one book per month and not zooming through the whole series as fast as I can!
"What a great series this is!!"
This is my first taste of the Harry Dresden series, and why haven't I tried it earlier. I missed the first 5 books, but this one has enough catch up material, that going on to number 7 will be easy. It's jam packed with action, mystery, magic, vampires and humor. What a great combination for a good novel. The narration is perfect, as he hits the nail right on the head, with his witticism.
Harry is a wizard for hire, that seems to get himself in some very sticky situations inside a serious story. The cast of side characters are a very interesting group that I can see grow and change with each book. Looking forward to more of these books, and almost scared to read any of them, as this was so much fun listening to.
"James Marsters and Jim Butcher: A perfect match!!"
I'm very glad all of the Dresden Files novels finally have been published in audio!! James Marsters is better than ever in Blood Rites, very funny and quite convincing with all of the various characterizations. Blood Rites features some very satisfying character revelations; and I've come to really care about Harry and those he cares about.
Sci-Fi & Fantasy Reader
"Still Going Strong"
To be honest, Blood Rites is not my favorite of the Dresden Files, but, given that, it's still very good and still worthy of 5 stars. I guess I just enjoy this series that much.
Considering the awesomeness of books 3-5, it was going to take a hell of a lot for Butcher to top himself again. Truthfully, Butcher gave it a good shot. As usual, there's a twisty plot, well-written action scenes, and black humor. On top of that Blood Rites was chocked full of solid character development, and not just for Harry; there are a lot of really powerful scenes involving Thomas.
I really like that Butcher's characters are not flawless and they are forced to live with the consequences of their decisions. They are also not invincible (although some are pretty close). Okay, Butcher isn't going to kill off his protagonist, but Harry never gets through a novel unscathed.
My only real complaint about Blood Rites is that part of the central plot surrounds an adult film. It did lead to some humorous moments on occasion, but it just didn't work that well for me. The characters were kind of dull and it just didn't compare to some of the other parts of the plot.
Blood Rites is the second book in the series to be produced by Penguin Audio, which means that the narration and production quality are outstanding. James Marsters makes an excellent Harry Dresden and he has done a superb job since Penguin took over.
Without question, if you enjoyed the first five books, you'll love Blood Rites as well.
"Marsters brings to life another Dresden adventure"
Blood Rites is one of the best audiobook versions of a fantasy novel that I've heard. Jim Butcher's fantastic novel melds gritty detective story with fairy courts, secret societies, vampires and wizards in contemporary Chicago. It's crime drama and fantasy adventure in one. James Marsters has indelibly molded the voice of the hero, Harry Dresden, in my mind, even when I'm reading the novels instead of listening to them. His performance is top notch, though from time to time I think that I would have read some lines differently.
This novel of the Dresden files sees Harry Dresden taking on a sinister curse that is dropping beautiful women left and right... women involved in a rebel and revolutionary adult film industry! The story also reveals a stomach dropping twist about Harry's past that you can't pass up if you're a fan of the series. Harry's life is forever changed. Read (Listen) On!
"kick-ass series!"
I NEVER write in about anything but I've been enjoying these books so much I buy them one right after the other! The stories are sarcastic and an excellent ride and the narrator, James Marsters is right up there with the best, no phony stupid female voices for him! If you enjoy fantasy and often dark and dry humor give these books a try!
Avid fan of sci-fi and James Marsters, I use audio books to inspire me to exercise, taking them on morning walks. It's a perfect combo!
"Heartbreaking moments masterful by Marsters"
James Marsters performs every book brilliantly. He is the most talented of narrators, putting his entire heart and soul into the reading. I have not found any that I enjoy more or who can pull you into a story as well as JM. He is enthralling, entertaining, and masterful.
The normal smart-ass-ness of Harry Dresden is punctuated in this book by a revelation that brings tears to the listener's eyes and rips at our hearts. James Marsters is always wonderful, but he performs this scene masterfully! His voice cracks,his throat tighetens, you can *feel* the tears in his eyes, and it makes the moment all the more pungent and heart-wrenching. As good as the writing is, James Marsters performance *always* brings this flawed character to life. He makes you ache for him, laugh with and at him, and cheer for him as he tries so hard to do the right thing. Bravo!
I am easily amused!
"Harry Rocks!"
Awesome, I love everything Butcher writes. Each story has been action packed and cleverly written and this was no exception.