Changes: The Dresden Files, Book 12

Butcher's latest Dresden File is OUTSTANDING. Yes, totally worthy of All Caps OUTSTANDING. If you think that because you've read his past Dresden novels, you know how this one is going to end... prepare to be shocked. "Changes" is definitely an appropriate title for this book. I won't go into the plot, because anything beyond what the publishers already described would be far too spoilerish.

I also have to say something about James Marsters- the narrator. Holy Cheese Doodles is this guy good. He can make a shout sound like a shout without it hurting your eardrums, he can meld his voice so it sounds, very believably, like a female whisper. He can produce the crack of dry humor and the choke in his throat when deep sorrow is called for. He did an excellent job of narrating this book and I was left wishing he had been hired to narrate the Codex Allera books that Butcher has also written. (but that is another review.)

Can't say enough good things about this one. Definitely worth the buy.

I was hooked on Harry Dresden practically from the first moment of Storm Front. While early books were a little shaky - and James Marsters took a while to reach his stride as a reader - by the time I listened to White Knight, I was convinced that Butcher & Marsters were at the top of their games. Yet over the course of the next several books, Harry and the cast of supporting characters became even more complex, more interesting, more human. And Butcher kept revealing surprises and "Aha!" moments that kept me engrossed.

From the opening moments of Changes, I knew that Butcher had trumped himself with this one. Everything - and I do mean everything - comes together here in a deeply satisfying way (despite a cliffhanger conclusion). Plots that have been unfolding for several books are finally resolved and new ones introduced.

Changes reminded me a lot of the final chapter of The Lord of the Rings - a series referenced by Harry as he and his friends (and even former foes) form a fellowship in order to complete the ultimate quest. The book culminates in a battle of good vs. evil of epic proportions and has a valedictory feel to it. But according to Butcher, there are several more books planned for the series - good news for his devoted fans.

I urge anyone who has not read previous Dresden Files not to begin with this. The impact of this book is meant for devoted fans - it is a payoff 12 books in the making - as well as a glimpse of new directions for Dresden and Company.

Any criticism I have seems petty by comparison to the towering achievement Butcher has realized in Changes. There are a few moments where I felt the editing should have been tighter - which is perhaps why Butcher has pushed back the release of his next outing - Ghost Story - from April to July, 2011. The worst part of being a Dresden Files fan is figuring out how to feed our addiction between fix.

Bravo, Mr. Butcher! A tour de force.

I couldn't stop listening to this amazing story. James Marsters has read it perfectly. He is the voice of Harry Dresden and I hope he will read all the upcoming books.

This is easily the best of the Dresden series thus far. The book is aptly named and aptly written along those lines. The character development is phenomenal and many questions are answered. Those who are saying this is a Finale? Nope. I ain't buying that one. I highly recommend this to Dresden fans but STRONGLY DISCOURAGE this being your FIRST book to introduce Dresden.

I am so pleased that Audible now has the complete series now and I recommend you start at the beginning and have the sweet experience of going through all twelve books.

James Marsters does his very best in this audiobook. It's almost more of a dramatized version than an unabridged audiobook! Thanks, James for such an excellent performance.

This is probably the most fast moving of the books in terms of action, but it doesn't reduce the rich drama and character development along the way that is the hallmark of Butcher's writing.. The only problem I had with the story was the ending, but don't let that keep you from buying it. For any fan of modern/urban fantasy, this book is at the top of the pile.

The combination of Jim Butchers fertile mind and delightful storytelling is once again paired with the unparalleled talent of James Marsters. This is again a win-win combination. True this story has left me just dying in anticipation for the next book. But that is the sign of a fabulously well written tale. And James Marsters brings Harry, Bob the Skull, Murphy and everyone else to life with a skill that is just flat out God Given. The Dresden Files are my #1 go to books to listen to when I am driving. I laugh and get so involved in the stories I forget how long a drive is. I no longer dread the commute and can't wait to get back to the car to hear some more of the story.
In "Changes" we get another well crafted story and see Harry stretch himself to his limits to save not only himself and the White Council from the Red Court Vampires and their lastest plots, but he saves someone unexpectedly close to him also. And in the crafting of this story we finally get to know more of Harry's own history and get a glimmer of new posibilities for his future. The Winter Queen and his Godmother have unexpected roles in this story too.
Three cheers for Jim Butcher and I can't wait for more Dresden stories in the future.

I'll admit it: I fell in love with Harry Dresden in "Storm Front." It's an affection that just keeps growing and this novel may push me the farthest yet. I was entertained, surprised, tickled and I finished listening to the last 3 chapters with tears streaming down my face. Harry Dresden will always speak to me with James Marsters' voice and this novel reminds me how well he does all the many voices.

I give it my highest possible recommendation.

What a writer! What a narrator!

What a book!

If you haven't yet listened to the Dresden files, go and start at book 1. You will only appreciate everything that happens here with the full background. If you have read all the Dresden files except this you do not need me to encourage you to purchase Changes. Dresden is addiction more than fiction. And this hit of the Harry Copperfield Blackstone Dresden adventure pipe is ripe with humor, dense with anticipation and emotion, and will leave you suffering from serious heart wrenching withdrawl, fiending for the next installment....if there is one.

Consider "Changes" to just be a pivot point in a extremely well told story. When you go through it you get to see Harry make his usual hard choices even his hardest. There is also some interesting character development with some of the bit part characters. One of the major characters dies and Jim fleshes out a good portion of the rest of the major players. Uriel makes an appearance as well as a unexpected god (note the lower case for you religious nutters). And Thomas is by Harry's side through most of it. Excellent read for the Dresden Crack addicts we all are.

This book is by far the best in the series. If your reading this review and haven't heard of the Dresden Files yet then I envy you. You get to have an 11 book thrill ride with one of the most memerable heroes I have ever read about and THEN you get to listen to 'Changes'....you lucky bastard.

And as for the performance....i would give a monthes salary if i could experience Marsters' potrail of Harry at the Climax of this book one more time. Bravo.