Changes: The Dresden Files, Book 12

By: Jim Butcher

Narrated by: James Marsters

The new novel in the #1 New York Times best-selling Dresden Files series. Long ago, Susan Rodriguez was Harry Dresden's lover - until she was attacked by his enemies, leaving her torn between her own humanity and the bloodlust of the vampiric Red Court. Susan then disappeared to South America, where she could fight both her savage gift and those who cursed her with it.

Now Arianna Ortega, Duchess of the Red Court, has discovered a secret Susan has long kept, and she plans to use it - against Harry. To prevail this time, he may have no choice but to embrace the raging fury of his own untapped dark power. Because Harry's not fighting to save the world...He's fighting to save his child.

Check out more Dresden Files.©2010 Jim Butcher (P)2010 Penguin

6 stars - How could it get any better?

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.

Haunting

It's been really hard for me to write a review for this book, for a lot of reasons. I feel like I have been on a long journey and this is the part of the story that changes everything. This is the defining book of this series. I don't know if I can really describe how I feel about this story effectively. Other than to say, listen to it. The title is pretty indicative of the story's path, and the choices Dresden makes will have ramifications far beyond this part of his story.

James Marsters is a master at this point. He is Harry Dresden, every time I picture Harry I see and hear James Marsters. His voice is so perfect. It fits like a well worn glove. I feel as if I am really in Harry's mind as if I really am a part of the story. His tone is soothing, and his wit is perfect.

This is not a standalone story, not something you can listen to as an aside, you owe it to yourselves to read/listen to the entire series so worth it. This is by far one of the best written series, I have read/listened to.

Thanks to Jim Butcher for creating such a great character and thanks to James Marsters for voicing him to perfection.

how far will Harry go to do what is right?

What a kick in the gut. Harry fans, book twelve is a real emotional roller coaster ride. Butcher digs deep in this one, and we find out where people stand and what they will do when it comes down to the wire. This is really revealing all the setup that Butcher did early in the series, and shows how well crafted this series is. I LOVE THIS SERIES!

love it

great as always. keeps me occupied on my daily commute. i like the vocalization by James

Twists and Turns

This Dresden story seemed to have more unexpected twists and turns than some of the others I've listened to. Very entertaining. Nothing predictable in this story.

Great story

The narrator really helps bring the story to life. I am never board, can't wait for the next adventure to come.

Awesome!

What does James Marsters bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

James Marsters is Harry Dresdan. I won't listen to any book in this series that he isn't narrating.

Holy Cow!!!!!!!!!

Best in the series so far. Laughed, cried, yelled, and still want more!!!! So much happens in this book. So good!!

GREAT BOOK, Awesomeness

buy it...One of Dresden's best. It has the best of everything. A challenging and engaging book.

I love this series!

By the end I am left saying, 'it can't be true, I have to read the next to make sure'. I love it when you can't tell where a book is leading you or how it will get to where it is going. This is one of those books. And Harry, I don't do hats either.