Cold Days

The Dresden Files, Book 14

By: Jim Butcher

Narrated by: James Marsters

Length: 18 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

Harry Dresden lives!

After being murdered by a mystery assailant, navigating his way through the realm between life and death, and being brought back to the mortal world, Harry realizes that maybe death wasn’t all that bad - because he is no longer Harry Dresden, Chicago’s only professional wizard. He is now Harry Dresden, Winter Knight to Mab, the Queen of Air and Darkness.

After Harry had no choice but to swear his fealty, Mab wasn’t about to let something as petty as death steal away the prize she had sought for so long. And now, her word is his command, no matter what she wants him to do, no matter where she wants him to go, and no matter who she wants him to kill. Guess which one Mab wants first?

Of course, it won’t be an ordinary, everyday assassination. Mab wants her newest minion to pull off the impossible: kill an immortal. No problem there, right? And to make matters worse, there exists a growing threat to an unfathomable source of magic that could land Harry in the sort of trouble that will make death look like a holiday.

Beset by enemies new and old, Harry must gather his friends and allies, prevent the annihilation of countless innocents, and find a way out of his eternal subservience before his newfound powers claim the only thing he has left to call his own… his soul.

©2012 Jim Butcher (P)2012 Penguin Audio

Harry is back!

What did you love best about Cold Days?

A living, breathing Dresden. I love how Dresden reacts to his new role as Winter Knight and the first mission he is given by Mab. I enjoyed seeing the crew, Thomas, Karen, Molly, Butters and Mouse joining in and interacting with Dresden as he takes us through the murky world of Winter and Summer.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Cold Days?

The reunion of Harry and Thomas. I really enjoy these two together.

What about James Marsters’s performance did you like?

James Marsters is Harry.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, unfortunately I could not. The only thing I hate is that it eventually had to end and I have to wait a whole year for the next installment!

Dresden really denies becoming Evil!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. It is definitly a story with many twists and turns in it. Loved the suspense.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked it all! I liked the story and all the angles thrown into it. Didn't know what was going to happen next.

Which scene was your favorite?

I liked it when he and Karen connected briefly on a personal note. Also, the bond between he and Thomas. Also, his moral character to not pursue Molly for many reasons.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There were several moments that made me laugh out loud.

Any additional comments?

When I start a Dresden book, I want to listen to it constantly. If I have to stop the story for awhile, I am constantly thinking about it. Really keeps my interest.

Back, fit and ready for the fight...

Any additional comments?

James Marsters delivers a spot on performance. The story will satisfy existing fans and entice new followers.
A living, often naked?, Harry Dresden is far more satisfying than the lip chewing, commiserating, angst filled pseudo-ghost. Although another character transition book, this one, unlike Ghost Story, feels like a Dresden book. Twists, turns, insurmountable odds and a cast of characters that is familiar and still interesting and exciting.

Very satisfying

Would you listen to Cold Days again? Why?

I actually did listen to Cold Days twice. Jim Butcher always has those tiny details that you might miss on the first go that turn out to be significant later. Listening it the second time was even better than the first!

Any additional comments?

I literally couldn't stop the recording until the end. I had to finish it. This is a great addition to the series. The ending sets up nicely for the next book, which I'll be anxiously waiting for. I just hope it doesn’t take too long. James Marsters, as always, does a fantastic job with the character voices. I nearly spit my soda out when I heard him do a female pixie voice, but he pulled it off.

Whirlwind of events

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes - because you learn so much about the island and the Fae

What was one of the most memorable moments of Cold Days?

Mother Winter. That is all

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Winter has a heart. Who knew?

Any additional comments?

Seriously this story was non-stop from the first line to the end. Thier were some twists in the story I did not see coming but Mab is an impressive character. Butcher has created an impressive complex Winter Queen who is a very powerful ally and scary freaking enemy. She plans for everything. I really am curious as to what her plans were for Molly

One of the strongest titles in the series

If you could sum up Cold Days in three words, what would they be?

Fast. Nuanced. Compelling.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Cold Days?

No spoilers here, but this book allows Dresden to come into his own at moments instead of just on the defensive end of things. Some character growth a long time coming, and worth the wait.

What about James Marsters’s performance did you like?

Marsters is Dresden. I listen to these books because the marriage of Dresden and Marsters brings things to a new level. It is a performance without being overwhelming, and the moments that need that extra punch, it is always delivered. I wish Marsters had more audio books under his belt!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Definitely laugh out loud moments in this book, some from the dialogue, some from the great performance.

Any additional comments?

Worth the wait, and probably one of the top three titles in the series if not top. Glad I spent the credit on the book, it was long enough to keep me entertained for a few days, and some great closure at the end.

Best Dresden book so far.

i enjoy the way harry is developing. i can wait to see where his story is heading next.

Cold Days

Still waiting for the next full length novel in the Dresden Files. Love Harry Dresden

Oh my GOSH WHAT THE FRICK

FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS GOOD AND HOLY I JUST NEED MURPHY AND DRESDEN TOGETHER.

I love me some Harry

Pretty good book but I think all of the Dresden books are great. I do prefer reading them as opposed to listening to them. James Marsden did an awesome job with all the different characters.