Twelve Months

The Dresden Files Book 18

By: Jim Butcher

Harry Dresden, Chicago's only professional wizard, has always managed to save the day - but, in this powerful entry in the #1 New York Times bestselling Dresden Files, can he save himself?

One year. 365 days. Twelve months.

Harry Dresden has been through a lot, and so has his city. After Harry and his allies narrowly managed to save Chicago from being razed to the ground, everything is different-and it's not just the current lack of electricity.
In the battle, Harry lost people he cared about. And that's the kind of loss that takes a toll. Harry being Harry, he's doing his level best to help the city and his friends recover and rebuild. But it's a heavy load, and he needs time.

But time is one thing Harry doesn't have. Ghouls are prowling Chicago and taking out innocent civilians. Harry's brother is dying, and Harry doesn't know how to help him. And last but certainly not least, the Winter Queen of the Fae has allied with the White Court of vampires-and Harry's been betrothed to the seductive, deadly vampire Lara Raith to seal the deal.

It's been a tough year. More than ever, the city needs Harry Dresden the wizard-but after loss and grief, is there enough left of Harry Dresden the man to rise to the challenge?©2026 Berkley Books Penguin Random House LLC

A stunning return to form and commentary on loss and recovery

Harry starts this novel in understandably low spirits.

Beaten, broken, grieving.

In dire need of time to rest and heal in spite of a world which seems determined to refuse to give it to him.

This tale differs from the usual Dresden fair, spreading out over the course of a full “twelve months” instead of the usually frantic deadlines we’ve seen in previous books.

And yet, as the text came to a close I don’t think I could have asked for any more than what we received.

To those have yet to read it, I implore you, go in blind.

You’ll be doing yourself a disservice otherwise.

Much like the text itself, the journey to get to the ending is often more important than the end itself.

The good, the bad and the ugly - all beautifully crafted

Jim has a way with words. Each book seems to grow in leaps and bounds, exploring each interaction, each spell, each character in wonderful detail. Thank you for remaining true to the story and keeping it real. If I could describe the entire series with a word, that word would be: Family.

pure perfection

story, performance, everything perfect. As for Basil and his kin... a brilliant, adorable new addition. plus, im starting to like Lara a bit too much...

I wish the book had been longer!

I really enjoyed listening to James Marsters read the latest book in the Dresden Files. After waiting so long since the last one I had been looking forward to this. I wasn’t disappointed. Twelve Months had me in tears several times, both of sadness and of joy. I won’t give any spoilers but it was wonderful when some favourite characters appeared, and nice to get to know some new ones.

A serious contender for my favourite Dresden Files

It has been worth the wait. Returning to Dresden, as read by James Marsters, was like reuniting with an old friend. This is a moving novel. I teared up numerous times. Jim Butcher continues to show off his talent, alongside James Marsters.