Proven Guilty: The Dresden Files, Book 8

First, let me say that I was turned on to the hard copy books initially and loved the series from the start. Then I started travelling more for work and was nervous about having them in audio format starting with this book, #8. No need to worry, it was even better than I could have hoped for. James Marsters does a GREAT job of bringing the story and people to life. His intonations, laughs and accents really help to make this an exciting listen. I have actually found myself driving around the block of my customers locations a few times just to get to the end of a chapter for a stopping point. Just like a book you can't put down. I strongly suggest you start with the books in order, now that they are available, to help understand the story development fully. It is good to watch Harry Dresden grow from the beginning and know where the other players come in at and get the background foundation. I am now up to book #11 and they just keep getting better. I rate these books as 5 stars due to the story line and the excellent narration. Well done!

Dresden emerges as a great man in this (what I think is the best so far), the eight book of the series. Before Harry has chosen to do what was needed against the greatest odds, to protect the innocent and right the wrong. In this book, he puts his soul as well as his life on the line to bring about reconciliation, and to some extent redemption for those around him deserving or just plain needing it.

In this book Jim Butcher gives us deeper glimpses of the greater mystery and moves us to a better view of the higher meaning of Harry's struggles. He does so honestly, and convincingly.

This is not the Dresden story to jump into the series with (personally I recommend starting at the beginning). There are two many important character developments that take place in earlier books needed to grasp the scope of this book. If you are following the series though, you will find this story poignant and moving. A transition of young and fragmented Harry to Harry the man.

I've not read any of the Dresden Files books previously and was worried about starting at book 8 (the first 7 not available in audio). I needn't have worried. Butcher does a great job with catching up new readers without making it sound like exposition. The characters are marvelous and brought stunningly to life by James Marsters. I'll certainly be getting all the other Dresden Files available!

Fabulous book with an intriguing cast of characters and a convoluted unpredictable story that kept me guessing. Molly Carpenter is the daughter of Harry's good friend and she has gotten herself in a bad situation that only magic can solve. Horror movie monsters are slaughtering the innocent and black magic is staining Chicago. Something must be done and Harry is the man for the job. Jim Marster's narration is perfect. I will never read a Dresden book because Marster's voice will always be Harry to me.

The publisher's summary leaves much to be desired. This particular installment of The Dresden Files should not be missed.

Harry gets a call from the oldest daughter of one his closest friends, Michael Carpenter. Molly is in more trouble than she knows, and Harry "An Innocent Bystander" at SplatterCon!!! gets in it up to his neck.
Jim Butcher as always is a master at developing these wonderful characters. You get more information about the Carpenters, and awesome Charity development. You kinda forgive her for treating Harry like trash until now.

In the end Harry comes face to face with some of the demons of his past, resurrected at the sight of watching an untrained wizard sentenced to a miserable end by the White Council. He'll have to pull a rabbit out of his hat to prevent the same fate befalling someone he's driven to protect they way he himself was protected at the same age.

As always, awesome writing by Butcher, and awesome performance by Marsters.

Books 6 and 7 aren't published in audiobooks until April 2010. I've heard 1 thru 5 - I'll just skip to book 8. Skipping ahead didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story, but it's clear that things have happened in Harry's live that would have increased my enjoyment of the story. There are a number of references to previous adventures (that I hope will be covered in 6 and 7) that would have helped me understand, not necessarily what was going on, but why it was happening the way it was happening. All that aside, I needed a Dresden fix. This is a thoroughly entertaining story, and I'll get to listen to it again after I've heard 6 and 7.

The story is gripping and the James Marsters is brilliant!!

The narrator did an excellent job and was very enjoyable.

Harry

Nope, I wanted to space it out and make it last longer.

The book moves the series along and starts more plot threads for the future...a very enjoyable read if you are into this series.

Not recommended if you have not had previous experience with this series...start with Storm Front and work your way towards this great adventure.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the series so far and I think this particular book might be one of my favourites.
I particularly like the novels involving the Carpenter family and this one does not disappoint.
Great plot and lots of twists and turns to keep the story from becoming boring.
From the city to Winter Fairly land, favourite characters are brought back into the story and as always, James Marsters's wonderful narration just adds to the quality, emotion and suspence of the story.
I recommend this series of books to anyone who loves fantasy or sci fi fiction.
Only four more books to go...and I know I will be waiting on tenderhooks for book 13!

Jim Butcher is awesome. One of the best series Ever. However, I wish he could give Dresden a little down time occasionally... poor guy never even gets to sleep, much less Sleep With someone... seriously a terrific book... love the reintroduction of characters.