Peace Talks

Dresden Files, Book 16

By: Jim Butcher

Narrated by: James Marsters

Length: 12 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

Harry Dresden is back and ready for action, in the new entry in the number-one New York Times best-selling Dresden Files.

When the supernatural nations of the world meet up to negotiate an end to ongoing hostilities, Harry Dresden, Chicago's only professional wizard, joins the White Council's security team to make sure the talks stay civil. But can he succeed, when dark political manipulations threaten the very existence of Chicago - and all he holds dear?

©2020 Jim Butcher (P)2020 Penguin Audio

Glad I stayed up until midnight to start this.

It has been a while for us since we heard from Harry. Listening to James Marsters do Dresden is like talking to that favorite cousin you just don't see often enough. Instantly familiar and comfortable.
The story does not disappoint. I'm already starving for they next one. I sure did miss this guy, bless his heart. He still can't seem to catch a break and I can't stop listening.
WORTH YOUR CREDIT OR FULL LIST PRICE! Don't miss this one. You'll regret it.

Not the best in the series but still enjoyable.

I found the conflict between Harry and a specific character in his family to be one of those "JUST TALK ABOUT IT" manufactured conflicts. It was too easy to solve by just talking to be believable. Definitely a low point in the narrative.

As good as any other Dresden

You really should warn people when they're starting a two-parter. Other than that, it's a great story. As are they all.

Drowsy

Good story but the performance was softer and a bit more drowsy sounding. I had to stop on go back a couple of times because it was easy to tone the narrator out. This whole story was slow because of the tone.

"They're Back"

Butcher did it again! Great story line and Matters reading was spot on as usual. Looking forward to the next book.

Superb

I’ve been following the Dresden Files for while now and I very much enjoy how the author has multiple dimensional characters instead of just cut and dry good and bad guys.

loved it

this is the best one yet cant wait to start the next book in the series

Not as bad as some say, but not perfect either.

I write this review having not read the next book in the series yet, but I have read every copy of the dresden files at least twice and listened to all the audiobooks in the months leading to this audiobook and this review.

Lets start with the GOOD: It is definitely a Dresden files book, in that the characters are here and more or less intact narratively. The story itself is interesting as are several of the interactions between Harry and the surrounding characters. There are a lot of payoffs and partial payoffs to archs from previous books, new mechanics that are explored in the world, and further fleshing out of characters we've only seen in the background. James Marsters is back and does a generally good job... mostly.

Now the BAD: This books is incomplete compared to every other Dresden files book out there and leaves off on a cliff hanger. The pacing of the story is slow by about a factor of 2 meaning that what is explored would generally be covered in 6 - 8 hours in previous books, the editing is poor and in a few spots clunky (we are talking "storm front" clunky or worse, though luckily it isn't very pervasive), the descriptions used are overly long winded and inconsequential. The voices used by James Marsters for several of the characters aren't what was previously used for those same characters which is a little jarring but not overly so.

Overall I understand why some people would be angry given the amount of time fans have waited for the book, and the usual quality that is expected... as well as those who dislike cliff hangers (myself included) being slightly upset at essentially receiving half a book, that was bloated unnecessarily... BUT... It is still adequate as a Dresden Files book and an entertaining if slow listen, I would recommend it if you have read all the main and side stories but with a gentle caveat to not go into it with peak expectations.

Good Part One of (Maybe/at least) Two

Know going in that this is part one of at least 2. understanding that will help you consume the story and know what you're in for at the end of this volume.

Here's my spoiler-y free thought: This story gives us a not much older but approaching wiser Dresden. Less bravado and rushing headlong into every possible conflict. More thoughtful while being practical and still the hero you'd expect. This is a role call of character from past stories, and there are multiple reasons for that. The key focus is really a bit more emotional than I had expected and it's welcome. It is the steady undercurrent that moves the story along.

The writing is good and JB continues to give us the humor as well as the "wink and nod" comments, in jokes and pop culture references.

The only reason I provided less and a 5 star review is for the fact that this all still seems like just a really detailed setup for the next story. It's not a bad thing it's just not as satisfying as you'd like it to be. I'd have like a bit more resolution in the story to make it feel self contained. I know Battle Plans is coming out soon and there was plenty of information that stated these two stories would act as a part 1 and 2. Still... just a bit more payoff for this volume would have elevated this good story.

I'm excited for the next one. I wouldn't be surprised if these two volumes didn't come packaged together sometime in the future.

Here's hoping Harry and the gang can work this all out. I have a feeling nothing is going to ever be the same even if they do.

12 hours?

Very short for the money. really? these are usually 3 to 4 times as long