Brief Cases and Side Jobs - Dresden Files Ramble

My rambling thoughts on the Dresden Files short stories from Side Jobs and Brief Case.
The Podcast (A Fictional Conversation): afictionalconversation.podbea...
Merch: teespring.com/stores/fantasy-...
Patreon: / danielbgreene
Amazon: www.amazon.com/shop/danielgreene
Discord Server: / discord
Twitter: DanielBGreene?lan...
Twitch: / fantasynews
Instagram: / dgreene101
GoodReads: / daniel-greene
Subreddit: / danielgreene

[@DanielGreeneReviews]

Recorded that after midnight on line 4 hours sleep, so please forgive the ramble 😅

[@shannonvermeulen9111]

Your very enthusiastic considering the late hour

[@ThatOneGuyOverThere]

Is it not on Apple podcasts?

[@MrZ0r0]

I think Tibetan Mastiff Fits better regionally, for a guardian foo dog. Bigger bark and HUGE. Plus the litter was from a Monk right? not a german guy

[@bfdavis1972]

Daniel Greene I’m surprised you didn’t talk about “Aftermath” for the introduction of the Fomor and Murphy’s description of how she sees Harry (kind of a geek trying to contain himself sometimes and at other times a terrifying force of nature).

[@jamesfrederick.]

One day I will read the entire Dresden files

[@stevenbridges5981]

"I don't think Jim is cruel enough to kill off Murph" Thanks Daniel, you jinxed it, and now Jim in laughing maniacally.

[@turkeyherder9456]

He definitely jinxed it! 💀

[@fullmetalathlete]

Things that aged poorly for $1000

[@jakebrous2742]

Yeah that aged like milk lol

[@ilesalmo7724]

One thing about the Thomas story will never be revealed in any of the books so Jim revealed it in a Q&A: The leader of the Venatori is Ivy and it is also her true purpose and how Lara&Thomas learned about the book they were after. The Archive keeps track of any written info on almost forgotten supernatural entities for a couple of hundred years and then deletes any knowledge of them from her memories after making sure that nothing else remains of the being.

[@peterepeatepete2845]

Two quick things: one, the Michael story was very meaningful to me because of the time it was released. When it came out you didn’t really understand Michaels fate, you knew he lived and was injured but not how debilitating his injuries were. That story was such an incredible ride of feelings of you read it in direct order because you start out by learning “omg he is crippled for life and retired I hate that and feel awful and he is the best and he deserved a better fate etc” to the end of the story realizing this is the happiest ending for him. Happily retired happily spending time with his family it’s a great capstone for his character. (Remember at the end of small favor for several books all you knew was he survived, you didn’t even know the extent of his injuries if you only read the mainline stories) Secondly, the Aftermath story from Murphy’s POV. This was one of my faves but not for the reason you might think. Firstly, it came out before Ghost Story, so we really thought Dresden was dead and didn’t know about the future of the series (except that there would be more books). But most importantly, it gave the best outside look at Dresden. I hadn’t put it together how others saw him till murph explains: he never looks you in the face, he is so tall that he appears gangly and awkward, he tries to never touch anything and keeps his hands close to his sides or in pockets all the time, he wears a heavy black coat even in the summer. We knew all this but hearing Murphy describe him really makes you see why the average person would find him off putting and even scary. The of course when something actually gets his attention and he stats to go real wizard on things he goes straight to terrifying to normal people. I loved that outside look at Harry and thought it was one of the most important parts of any part of the Dresden files period. Which is even more amazing when you thing that happens literally 12 books in, it almost reframes the character more clearly than ever. The rest of Aftermath was ok.

[@dylancox631]

Even Hand does a great job of opening the reader’s eyes to what Marcone IS. He knows he can be a good man, but he doesn’t want to. He has CHOSEN to be a monster, and he doesn’t do anything half assed. He isn’t frienemies with Dresden, but Harry has told him a dozen times “I’m coming for you”, so he’s ready for him. And The Warrior I think is some of Butcher’s best writing. After Small Favor I was angry what happened to Michael. It wasn’t fair for that to happen to such a good man. You had the benefit of reading the other books before reading this, but it came out just after Small Favor. We knew he’d make it but was seriously screwed up. I needed that story to show me 1) Michael was still there for his kids and his wife 2) Michael was still able to enjoy life. It also gave us a glimpse into Uriel’s reasonings and limitations. Michael chose to face the enemy, and Uriel can not undo the consequences of free will. Also how Harry’s choice changed everything. “... you would have died in the harness and Michael would have died on that island”. Also i loved Uriel “setting up” Harry to do a shit ton of good without any fighting or slaying of demons. “Do you still think you haven’t struck a blow for the light, Warrior?” Genius.

[@millerpball]

I think one of my favorite things from the Marcone short story is that Hendricks is actually well educated. Marcone says something along the lines that Hendricks is working on his thesis. It's just a one off sentence that isn't explored further but adds something cool to what we thought was just a big dumb attack dog. I just realized the parallel between Hendricks and Dresden while typing this. Everyone underestimates Dresden and calls him a big dumb attack dog too.

[@sergioaccioly5219]

Hendrick's edfucation had been alluded before. I don't remember the book, but it was when he was tending to a wounded Gard, and mentioned his many diplomas (two or three) to Dresden.

[@millerpball]

Sergio Accioly oh no, another reason to reread the series. If I keep rereading Dresden files I won’t ever get to read wheel of time. Oh well, I guess there’s nothing to do but start. *opens storm front*

[@DPS31762]

@@sergioaccioly5219 And in Small Favor, he was the first besides Dresden to realize that Nick didn't have any coins left to give Ivy or Marcone.

[@calebmauer1751]

Repeatedly in that story Marcone thinks about how Hendricks doesn't like killing and kind of implies that Hendricks acts as Marcone's conscience. "Hendricks looked at me sharply. He didn't say anything. He didn't have to. I already knew the tone of whatever he would say. _Are there no prisons?_ perhaps. Or, _No man is an island, entire of itself. It tolls for thee._ On and on." I loved that short story. I think it'd be cool if Butcher did a main book in the future with multiple POV characters.

[@sergioaccioly5219]

@@calebmauer1751 That passage didn't register when I read that story. Guess I'll have to reread it. Oh the horror! :-)

[@nealhoffman7518]

Favorite bits.... Thomas's opening description of Harry. Harry trying to charge Uriel for his services. The opening conversation in Bigfoot on Campus Day Off in general

[@bobburris4445]

Darth Wannabe Bwahahahaha

[@georgelarkin7297]

I have never found a Dresden Files book that I have regretted picking up. The worst of them is merely good, and a fun read. Also a big fan of the James Marsters narrated audio book versions.

[@najeebhq]

I think the reason why you got the vibe that Dresden would die from Zoo day is because Maggie seems to be getting a solid backstory in preparation for her becoming a protagonist in her own story. So you are queueing into the "heroine/hero is an orphan with a dark past" trope

[@TheBlackstaff]

She is getting her own series. Jim and his sister are working on some YA novels starring Maggie.

[@oliviawilliams6204]

On a side note i do think Dresden will die... but not in Peace Talk, i think in the closure of the Apocalypse Trilogy

[@najeebhq]

@@TheBlackstaff yes I am aware of that, I think the micro fiction Job placement is also setting up the premise for the YA

[@jimbutcher5712]

I done killed him once already. Seems repetitive to do it again. I mean, unless that was foreshadowing. >:)

[@WinnetouiriVamp1]

Now... is that the truth or just what you want us to think... head full

[@alexk6624]

I’d love to see you do it again and get away with it )) I’m sure you can ) Sorry, everyone )

[@perrimadden6964]

I’d really like it if you didn’t do that to Maggie. I’m pretty hyped about Grey getting his own series. I wasn’t expecting his return so quickly, but I was happy to see him. Can’t wait till Sept.

[@warder369]

The one thing I'll say on the "Butters Thing" - It was totally foreshadowed at the end of Dead Beat when Harry was rescued.

[@aldieb07]

There was a sneakier one in ghost stories. Spoiler Skaldi: "when you are going to get in this ring and train like a man?" Mr. You know who: " about 5 minutes after I get a functional light saber" 😀🤣 " I will come spar with you when I have effing light saber

[@warder369]

@@aldieb07 YES!

[@neriumsuitedher]

It was foreshadowed but I just don't buy it. It's totally nerd wish fulfillment on Butcher's part.

[@ibrahimx28]

@@neriumsuitedher Yeah, Butters was used in Dead Beat as the "reader stand-in" since Dead Beat in the first in the series to get a Hard Cover, so there needed a character that is unaware of the supernatural that Harry can infodump for the new readers. Won't make any sense to use the other characters that are already aware of the supernatural, so Butters, a side character that was only used once or twice in a minor way before, got the stand-in role. I'd say it is a happy accident that his placement in Dead Beat made him perfect for the Knight of the Cross role, where a potential KotC stopped a former Denarian.

[@TheMysticLemur]

I love it. I think it was a great character arc, from coward to hero. And it's totally nerd wish fulfillment, with Andi and the Batman thing and finally the Jedi moment. But it's so well done, I just love it.

[@zollieberdy4405]

Personally, I love how these short stories are commonly referenced in the main series and have a real impact. Also: I loved that last short story with the 3 POVs. That was brilliant.

[@sergioaccioly5219]

Four PoVs. Butter's story was interwined with the other three, since Dresden took his call (about the japanese spirit) just before going to the zoo, IIRC.

[@dylancox631]

“My name is Mouse... and I am good boy.” Lol

[@danielleoliver1734]

Mouse’s view point was the one I didn’t know I needed but love so much, getting all the Animals to show off to make the zoo trip the best ever

[@DavidScotton]

@@danielleoliver1734 The Mouse part made me smile so much. "Maggie says my vest is red. I don't know what that means, but it is her favorite, and that makes me happy."

[@FVIIFrost]

You say Marcone disdains Dresden? Alternatively, I would consider the extreme effort and countermeasures in place to be more of a mark of respect. Acknowledging him as a threat and reacting purely defensively rather than proactively going after him suggests to me that Marcone recognizes the nearly inevitable confrontation while also wanting Dresden to be out there, doing his thing. They may not be friends, certainly, though i think the relationship is as close to friendship as a broken person like Marcone can allow himself to have with an opponent.

[@Priscellie]

Yeah, I didn't get "hate" from Even Hand at all. More a recognition that someday, the tenuous alliance between them would end and Dresden would come after him, and Marcone would be a fool not to prepare himself for that. It's less a matter of how he sees Dresden and more an acceptance of how Dresden sees him.

[@jakalair]

I think the disdain comes from the fact that Marcone loves order and wants things to flow smoothly and go as he plans. While Dresden often does make plans, they often look like utter chaos to Marcone. And having a chaos wizard running around randomly helping/ruining his plans makes him unsettled.

[@0StarGirl5000]

I think Marcone disdains Dresden in the same way Marcone disdains everything he doesn't control. Honestly, Marcone is my favorite character besides Dresden himself. I think the two of them are on parallel yet opposing paths of morta choice/destiny. Marcone is the very first villain introduced in the series and I think that's significant. Jim didn't begin the DF when Harry first got his power or when Harry met Murphy or with any other major enemy. He began the files on the day Harry met Marcone. If Daniel is right and Dresden dies, I sort of hope Marcone is the "big bad" to take him down, rather than a supernatural enemy. It'd hammer in the theme of mortal choice/power that is very strong in the DF and it would frame the start and end of the DF nicely. I think it's even possible Marcone saw a prophecy of Dresden's death, or at least a show down when he first soul gazed with him.

[@stevespain6445]

Personally I think he's a fairly stereotyped mobster....Dresden is bad for business, so eventually, he has to go.

[@christianemden7637]

Marcone just accepts the inevitable, whenever Dresden and Marcone Talk with each other, Harry promises that he will go after Marcone, as soon as there is no bigger threat around.

[@Grimmers]

One of my favorite things about this series how all the side characters feel like they're the main character in their own series. They all have shit going on in their lives that Dresden has no idea about, and he's just the side character in their story. They definitely don't just exist to be static plot devices for Dresden's story. It's easy to imagine any of the characters having their own Murphy Files, Molly Files, or Thomas Files series, and them all being as full-featured reads as the Dresden Files is.

[@christianemden7637]

If it wasn’t for „my name is mouse, I’m a good dog, everybody says so...“ even Hand would be my absolute favorite in briefcases. Getting a in depth view into gentleman Johnny Marcone is so wonderfully wicked.

[@lathspell87]

The Luccio short story is my favorite. I want a full book about that; so good.

[@DetectiveLance]

There's no real interconnection between the stories, Daniel. They're just a bunch of short stories Jim wrote for different Anthology books he was invited to or he wanted to look at less world saving days in Harry's life. No big theme to tie them all together.

[@destinyblade1167]

the only common theme is fuck bigfoot. (͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

[@kath4240]

Yep, the deciding factor was literally "all short stories published before ghost story" and "all short stories published after ghost story except like 4" 😂

[@jasontankable]

Yep, they only make sense If you catch them when they are written. Like, there's the whole story about the wedding with the Alphas, and the first I heard of it was a throwaway mention in a main-series book. It made me wonder if I accidentally skipped a book!

[@calebmauer1751]

It's nice that they put them all together though. If I had to buy all those other anthologies I'd probably just never read most of them

[@gabrieljean906]

There's something to take into account concerning these short stories anthologies: Side Jobs was an amalgamation of short stories that were published all over the place and just were Jim having fun during crunch time, while others were planned out as much as a book would be in a way, especially when it's about things he wouldn't get a chance to explore with Dresden himself in the primary series. Brief Cases, on the other hand, benefited from having stories set earlier in the series but they were written with a lot more of the series already in place and with a lot more to draw upon for their realizations. Also, since most of the stories in these two anthologies were published in other anthologies that had a particular theme to follow, the author does ask you to indulge the fact that he was given a challenge to rise up to in how he could approach the stories. The fact that they are part of the overall history, if not directly contributing to the primary mythos, is just icing on the cake.

[@seidmadr2024]

I have a completely different read on Marcone; He's a guy who has a very specific idea of "order", and believes he is the only one who can enforce it properly. Plug him into a fantasy setting and he'd be a perfect protagonist.

[@DarkestShadow22]

Yea I think Jim said he would make a great mid-evil baron in a Q/A.

[@leopardeye1654]

Jim not cruel enough to kill Murphy!? You met the guy in video chat. He is DEFINITELY cruel enough to do that.

[@stevecooper1824]

Right?! It's one of my guesses that I'm most sure of. No way Murphy makes it through the whole series.

[@najeebhq]

Murphy might die and come back as a Valkyrie

[@chasm9557]

He has the balls to kill whoever he wants to and the skill to continue the series and have you grudgingly still love it.

[@harmonygibbs7904]

agree he is cruel enough but.... Harry is his fave whipping boy. so either he is going to die 'Doing the Right Thing'(tm) or he is going to almost not live but have the ruins of his life laid before him as everyone he love dies.

[@leopardeye1654]

@@harmonygibbs7904 That last bit sounds more like Gorge RR Martin's brand of cruelty. Jim is often a bit more subtle than that.

[@evanflynn4680]

Michael's story, Warrior, was explained by JB in the introduction. It wasn't really about the events explicitly in the story, it was the butterfly effect for all the little interactions Dresden had with random people that he barely even noticed and had enormous effects on.

[@Karakondjou]

I imagine Mouse as a Tibetan Mastiff because of the whole temple dog thing, but I guess the Leonberger is close enough too.

[@EthelredHardrede-nz8yv]

I still don't imagine Mouse that way BUT Butcher says that IS what Mouse looks like. I suppose the main reason I don't imagine him that way is manes don't belong on dogs AND my mother had a golden retriever that weighed 120 pounds.

[@montydaniels8253]

So, I am just coming on your videos after being a 12+ year fan of The Dresden Files (Who actually found the books as a result of the TV series, which intrigued me at first but never seemed to quite find its footing). In the time after “Battle Ground“ I have discovered the Marsters audiobooks and am using them for my latest “annual reread“. I have enjoyed the short story collections, mainly as they fill in the gaps, so to speak, and give us different perspectives. As the books are all first person from Harry’s perspective, it’s nice to see into aspects of other peoples lives (or even aspects of Harry’s life) from different perspectives. BTW, I like your videos because you are very well spoken and explain your perspectives (and you do not have an annoying voice, which is a big deal for me). Once I get through all of your Dresden vids, I need to go find out what other sci-fi/Fantasy/whatever properties/series you are into that I am either into or thinking about getting into. All of that said… I chuckled and literally said aloud “Too soon!“ when you predicted in this video (before “Peace Talks“) that a certain character would probably not get killed (while Jimbo cackled maniacally in the background…)

[@TomasCyr]

Nah story is going to end as almost a family sitcom, with Dresden and Murphy living together with Maggie and mouse and mister and the "parasite". Dresden will punch a clock at demon reach and because of his abilities with the ways be able to do the jobs Maab needs doing. DRESDEN GETS A WHITE PICKET FENCE GOD DAMN IT!!!!

[@margaretwordnerd5210]

The zoo story was a delicious triple treat! I didn't get a feeling from it that Harry might die at the end of the series, but I often don't see things like that. Perhaps because I don't want to. If Harry really dies, Butcher's home might be flooded in a lake created by weeping fans, which would be hazardous to his electronics and what I'm sure is a massive book collection. I hope he won't kill Harry (at least not completely or permanently). One thing I see foreshadowed that worries me: everyone says of Demonsreach that these creatures must NEVER EVER be let out of their cages. This makes me think Harry is going to let them out to use as cannon fodder, perhaps in the war against the Others. When multiple characters say "never never never do this" in a Dresden novel...if Harry has a good enough reason, he'll do it. The Big Bads are getting bigger and badder at such a pace that one day the prisoners on Demonsreach may be the only weapon Harry's got that can do the job.

[@Priscellie]

The "logic" behind which story went into which anthology is purely a function of time. The anthologies were released 8 years apart. All the stories Jim had the rights to publish at the time of Side Jobs went into that, and 8 years later, all the stories that didn't make it into Side Jobs and everything he wrote since were included in Brief Cases. :D

[@bobburris4445]

And Ms. Spencer would definitely know this. . . for she is an industrious little gnome!😜😄

[@jenniferpulley6039]

Daniel, Mouse is a Temple Foo Dog. Also known as a Tibetan Mastiff, one of the Oldest dog breeds there is. Also Ancient Mai is outraged when Dresden shows up at the White Council with Mouse as a witness for the defense of Morgan in "Proven Innocent".

[@DougTurley]

One thing I'll say about Michael is how close he came to violating his own ethics when he got pushed and Harry was able to pull him back. That for me fleshed him out and made him more human. That was one of the things I didn't like about Michael at first. He just seemed too good to be true. Some of that I've now realized is how Harry sees him. Another thing I like about these stories are when we see Harry through someone else's eyes. I think Harry might suspect some of these things but I don't think he fully realizes how scary he and his world can be for some of those around him, and that's before he took up the mantel.

[@PsychologyandChillwMichi]

Definitely a fan of the podcast episode so far. Bobby is hilarious!

[@blackthornpc718]

Spoiler alert: If molly isn’t the next series, I’m down for a monster hunter Maggie trilogy partnered with mouse

[@gougeleopard501]

Jim's official word is Maggie is going to be in a spinoff where she is in St. Mark's Academy for the Gifted and Talented boarding school. He will help plot but it will be written by Jim's sister

[@DocHoody]

Blackthorn PC don’t forget Maggie’s half sister! I’d love to see her as a companion for Maggie and Mouse as well!

[@DraculDraconis]

@@DocHoody Maggies halfsister team up with Bob could be funny too

[@jameshannum5641]

@@gougeleopard501 This would explain the short on the Jim Butcher website involving Big Foot's son and the vampire.

[@RequisitionMeABeat]

No thoughts on the Murphy POV story? I was also surprised on how lackluster you found The Warrior. It is probably my favorite of all the short stories.

[@thomasedwards6641]

Love both of these one of my favourite stories is the one where he teams up with Gard get to know her more and expanded the norse lore of the universe. Also I really liked their dynamic together.

[@TheLordofMetroids]

I think Jim has said post Dresden Files, he wants to write a series staring Goodman Gray.

[@rettthebest]

he's also planning on a YA series staring Mouse and Maggie. I think he is going to co-write that with his sister.

[@jakalair]

I would love a Goodman Gray novel series! Almost a supernatural MI or Bourne series.

[@pantasticlaire3966]

Goodman Gray is honestly one of my favoueite side characters, I’d really love that!

[@titianlordsoren]

I love seeing Dresden from other characters perspective. The switch from the internal, self aware, almost casual perspective of Harry to how others see him; a giant, unstoppable, all knowing, magical protector that can face anything, and everything. To look into the insane things Harry does, and wins, from the point of view of a regular person.

[@TheLordofMetroids]

The Warrior and Zoo Day are legit some of my favorite Dresden Files pieces.

[@oliviawilliams6204]

The short story Bombshell was my first introduction to Dresden Files. stumbled unto it while reading Dangerous Women collection of short stories. It spoiled quite a bit for me lol

[@peterlarson233]

Yeah... They're short story collections. The first one was just the short stories he had written at the point the book was published, then he released the other a few years later when he had enough for another collection.

[@johnnywrightsman3959]

Molly's short story in Brief Cases called Cold Case, her mantle as the Winter Lady reminds me of a video game. Molly is the main character who has awesome powers and is sent on a quest. She has "choices" until the end when she hits a cut scene, and then her "character" acts in ways that the game says.

[@revpembroke3082]

Now have you read the microfictions Jim has released before Peace Talks?

[@mayasixtus1573]

Thank you for your content creation. Watching your vids is like getting to chat with a friend. Even if the book didn't work for me (Harry Dreasden is too much like Anita Blake who's series I got into first. However Anita Blake series went downhill, while Dreasden is flourishing) I love hearing you talk about the books.

[@AndrewsWizardlyReads]

What about the short story set in the Wild West. I’d read a series set during them at time following the wardens

[@lathspell87]

Regarding Marcone; he is definitely a bad guy with a certain code he follows. I believe he has prepared himself for the possibility of Dresden coming after him because Dresden is probably the only human in Chicago with the power to do so. However, I believe Marcone would never interfere with Dresden because he knows how important Dresden is for keeping worse things out of the city. This is what you see happens after Changes, when Marcone has to step in and handle it because Dresden is no longer around.

[@jakalair]

Wow, am I thinking of the wrong Butters story? The one that comes to mind for me is post Skin Game, "Day One". I completely lost it when he called Dresden and they talked about who is "help" now. I loved the Molly story because you see how far she had gone, but also there is that moment of two where you see Grasshopper poking through. I am also sure if Ramirez ever says what happened, the people in charge will know where he went wrong.

[@bp92221]

Sorry this has been bugging me for 2 dresden videos now White Court = Vampires White Council = Wizards Sorry I don't mean to be a dick but it's just bugging me

[@stevespain6445]

You're not being a dick, he gets paid to do this, he'll appreciate it like any professional would.

[@kennpeters1973]

Also, Winter Court = Fae I know what he means, but it pulls me a bit out of what he's talking about when it happens.

[@TG-ob5fn]

For newbies it’s good to know 👍 thanks!

[@arbiterprime2145]

in a previous review hes acknowledged that he makes this mistake frequently and apologised for it

[@bp92221]

@@arbiterprime2145 ah I must have missed that. I remember it bugging me in the factions at play video and assumed it was a slip. Then watching this exhausted just before bed it bugged me again lol

[@gavinspammed]

When you review Peace Talks, could you please mention how bad the cliffhanger is in the pre-spoiler section. Love your channel. Keep up the good work.

[@illumstern8831]

This makes me glad that I decided to not read the uploaded chapters and instead just wait for the full book. Screw cliffhangers. :D

[@mrejj04]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but hasn't Butcher said in the past that he's considered/planned out a series following Maggie and the Carpenter children dealing with a particular brand of monsters that only children are aware of?

[@stevecooper1824]

He's said that he would love to write a YA series following Maggie, but nothing is actually planned at the moment.

[@danielfwilliams8898]

I enjoyed them and liked how they fit in between the novels. The Tomas one is interesting because it show a side of the world Dresden knows nothing about and others forces are keeping the world safe in their own way.

[@nicademous6396]

The short stories just flesh out the other characters in the Dresden world for me. Totally worth reading. Mouse is a good dog. Word of Jim: Mouse and Cerberus have a story together.

[@genghisgalahad8465]

Welp, a future TBV video for when I've read up to latest Dresden Files! Liked! Hope the conversation podcast finds its way into google podcast version or KZbin audio video-title podcast listings. In any case the online Podbean works just as well. Kudos!

[@nalutheskatingbully]

Listening to this retrospectively after reading Battle Ground is very satisfying considering everything that goes down...

[@ravenwashere13]

Brief Cases*********** Marcone is great. He's so calculating. He's the epitome of a bad guy. He's been my favorite since the beginning.

[@sergioaccioly5219]

My jury is still out on Marcone, until we learn of his previous life. My best guess is that he was a good two shoes, real-american patriot, worked in the military, black ops, and got into one that went south real bad(fault of his bosses, I think). He survived, but got disillusioned with the institutions he'd served since then and is now exploiting them life he feels he was exploited before. Mind you, that's wild speculation from me, but it fits.

[@ravenwashere13]

@@sergioaccioly5219 Wild speculation is the only kind of speculation! I would love to see his past too, to create a man so calculating and cruel yet so balanced? I don't know why I love him as much as I do. I know his daughter is a huge motivating factor in everything he does, but I don't think she is wholly the reason he is the way he is. Honestly, who knows. It's all up to Jim, and his brain scares me haha

[@jessicahiga9870]

Zoo Day was my fav!! Mouse POV? :P I'm sold! xD He is a good boy o-o everybody says so!

[@polywannakraken8839]

Some bad guys you love to hate. They often get a lot of attention. I'm glad Jim has written Marcone in such a way that you actually want him to be good. Really well written. I think that you wanting him to be good isn't only on you and your optimism. I think it's somewhat in Harry too, and that's what comes across as we read. We constantly read that he's bad and that Harry is going to butt heads with him some day, yada yada. But I think he's only saying that as a formality at this point because he too wants to believe that Marcone is better than he is. Perhaps he knows in his head that Marcone is bad, but he hasn't experienced it yet or seen it in full view.

[@tnegras99]

Zoo day from Mouse's perspective has got to be one of the best things ever put to paper. Mouse is best boy. If you ever do a tier list of "companions to the main character" (not necessarily a Dresden specific list but could be) and Mouse isn't SSS+ tier, I don't know what I'll do yet, lol.

[@evanflynn4680]

"He won't kill Murph. I don't think he'd be cruel enough to kill Murph" *sits while reading Battle Ground

[@kylejde]

About Marcone - (to quote Sondheim)"Nice is different than good" As butcher has always said, Marcone has his moral center and while it might not be the one most people have , he is way more commiteed to his then 98% of the world is to therir own! \

[@jellevanbreugel325]

They're entertaining stories. I'll give them my official seal of approval :D

[@ElrohirGuitar]

I enjoyed the two books and really enjoyed some of the stories. I'm with you in wanting more Molly. I also enjoy appearances by Mouse. These stories fill in that desire to know what these other characters are going through while Dresden is fighting his battles through life. By the way, where did you get your bookcase lights. I've been wanting something like that.

[@chaneafs]

I believe that both books are just collections of the majority of short stories that existed at the time the compilation was put together and published.

[@DraculDraconis]

First of all: Mouse is a Tibetean Mastiff Even Hand was my Introduction to the Dresdenverse but I realized that only after reading Ghost Story... so that's a thing

[@Boxingjedi]

came here for this! Tibetan Mastiff

[@shawngillogly6873]

If Dresden dies, it'll be at the end. I can see a "Take You With Me," finale. In fact, the only argument I have against it is Butcher has pulled that already. But not killing Karen? Oh, that's been predicted for so long it won't even surprise the fans. That, rather than whether Jim is cruel to his fans, is why it might not happen. Jim Butcher may like hope shots too much to ever write true Grimdark. But he is plenty cruel enough to put down any character.

[@rettthebest]

I heard in an interview that Jim hasn't decided if Harry will survive the last book or not.

[@jameshannum5641]

Thinking about it, what is a bit concerning to me about Karen is that she and Dresden are shown together (what appears, to me, to be Together) in the preview for Peace Talks / Battle Ground. But in the short story Christmas Eve, which takes place after Peace Talks -- probably now after Battle Ground -- she does not make an appearance. I realize that Jim was leaving it as open as he could in his foreshadowing about What Is About To Take Place (I too can capitalize as I see fit), but "Thousands Dead" and "Tens-of-Thousands" injured. And, "Six months was not a long time in which to say so many goodbyes." We are about to loose a lot of friends.

[@happllo]

Dont forget the "micro" stories on Jim's Website.

[@michaeltabaka2224]

I loved the one about Kincaid and Ivy! It was so depressing. The whole thing was great.

[@jameshannum5641]

For as short as they are, they do offer significant insight into several characters.

[@Juanpa_SC]

I loved Christmas Eve! What a better inspiration to learn being a dad than remembering his own dad?

[@bobburris4445]

Christmas eve was as much a kick in the feels as a certain scene in Skin Game. . .

[@IanDoesMagic]

The final trilogy being about Maggie, maybe having her dad's case files on a shelf somewhere, would be pretty decent.

[@fishsohorny]

I could see Harry not making it through the series. But I hope the epilogue is him teaching Maggie the sunshine in a hanky trick

[@Demonreached]

Subscribed to your podcast on spotify.

[@rjf5790]

Harry Dresden from the covers looks scary as hell. I expected a stereo typical cold and silent type vibe character but oh boy how wrong I am. Harry is the most hilarious protagonist in fantasy genre ever.

[@delphy2478]

we don't even know about if Maggie will end up having magic or not. However, we have heard from Jim Butcher that he is planning to make a YA series about Maggie going to SMAGT (where the bigfoot son will be working) and being all about a set of monsters that only affect children, and that children forget and cannot interact with once they become adults. are you going to read the microfictions jim has been putting out on his website?

[@renalexander3653]

Personally, I think Dresden will end up replacing Hades, basically disappearing from the mortal world (so ending his series), but not dead. I figure that Dresden will have to get rid of the winter knight mantle at some point. For him to survive that, he will need to take up a new one...

[@illumstern8831]

It's not really a mantle(as far as we know), but someone I was talking to the other day brought up the idea of Harry becoming the Gatekeeper. Though, not until near the end of the series. Might be interesting, especially if the theory that humanity is next to defend the Wall is correct. PURE SPECULATION: Maybe Marcone ends up doing Mab's job and commanding the fight at the Gates?

[@danielcrosby1254]

i think that Dresden will pick up the mantle of Merlin

[@AnEvilBastard]

Shot in the dark, he upgrades from Winter Knight to Winter King and goes on to spend thousands of years giving Mab shit.

[@jameshannum5641]

@@AnEvilBastard Working beside Molly as Winter Queen.

[@davidhumphries9323]

Yeah, you might want to go back later after PT and BG for a deep dive into them. They make more sense when you know how they relate to the series timeline.

[@melodie-allynbenezra8956]

I loved the short stories. The fact is that most of the content in the stories eventually gets mentioned in a novel, somewhere or other. Reread "Curses," and that will be very rewarding. Every story was enjoyable. I will come back to give a deeper description, but I just needed to share that at first glance.

[@EdBurke37]

Mouse is ABSOLUTELY a Leonberger

[@ronniemaclaine5234]

I thought he looked more like a Caucasian cuz that's what charity thought he was

[@PrincessMeggala0913]

Your Wheel of Time books are awesome.

[@michaelmcintyre3871]

The vast majority of the short stories were originally written for other short story anthologies and then when he had enough, he put them together into this collected format. Although each one has an original story only published in that collection.

[@RotaFury]

So personally after reading brief cases and side jobs. A few months later I went back, organized how all the books and side stories should be read and did so and it is fun to have that experience I feel. You get to understand how the character feels at that moment and how they evolved threw out the series.

[@jamesfrederick.]

This was a great vid

[@barrydias8637]

According to a few interviews around 20 planned novels in the Dresden Files. Also Macone is based off of Al Capone. Who is not entirely evil, and some people could say was a decent person during prohibition. He thought of business, and unless you directly interfered with it, left you alone. This was the inspiration of Marcone

[@mikemcquarrie4113]

side jobs was the collection of short stories written before Changes including after math. brief cases is everything written after Changed to Peace Talks. it's easy chronologically they jump all over the place.

[@seanlittle588]

To use a tabletop RPG analogy, the main casebooks of the Files are the major arcs of a tabletop game campaign. The shortstories are the side-missions you run when your full group can't show up to the game.

[@ChocolatierRob]

Having now read Thomas' story and learning about the Oblivion War you can be told a big 'Word of God' from Jim. He said that this bit of information would not be covered in the books as it is not relevant to Dresden's story so it's not really a spoiler so much as an off the books lore dump but I'll put it below the line anyway - According to the books no one truly knows what the purpose of The Archive is, the prevailing belief is that she is a backup repository of knowledge in case of the fall of mankind. Jim has revealed however that she is in fact the hidden commander in chief of the Venatori, she leads the oblivion war by directing the hidden sect that seeks to erase all knowledge of the old gods. Once she is certain that there are no more copies of the texts that give them a foothold on this plane, that the very last copy is the one in her Archive she will erase that book from her own memory thereby casting it into true oblivion. It certainly gives more context to the danger of her falling to the Denarians.

[@calebmauer1751]

Explains why she has to remain neutral, because she can't do anything that will turn the Venatori (who are all supernatural) against her.

[@applejackjk18]

I think there are some micro-fiction stories on Jim's website. Most notably is a Christmas special he put up that takes place post-Peace Talks.

[@AuroraXA]

post battle ground now

[@Hallirocker]

I've just finished Turn Coat. When would you reccomend i slot these into the series? Don't want to spoil anything but also don't want to miss out on anything either! :D ty x

[@nakedrat5000]

Jim Butcher’s future series is going to be based around Goodmen Grey - Monsters for hire

[@christianloveland9194]

Had same feeling for a while :(

[@DavidScotton]

I'm not so worried about Harry dying at this point. Been there, done that. It could still happen, but my biggest worry is that Molly will end up going bad. It's been there as a possibility ever since Proven Guilty and she keeps getting put through worse and worse stuff.

[@calebmauer1751]

Yeah, and there's Merlin parallels in this story. Merlin's apprentice in some stories is Morgan LeFey, who goes evil.

[@claudiawesterfield6491]

Hi Daniel, Dresden is awesome, but you really need to listen the books read by James Marsters (Spike from Buffy) he does an amazing job. We know that there will be a Young Adult series with Maggie and Mouse. I enjoyed your videos and you have given me a few series to check out. BTW... The 1st and 2nd chapters of Peace Talks are in Jim's website. Enjoy!!!

[@ronin3025]

The dresden files are likely Harry's journals. The foreshadowing is the journals that his Master McCoy hold of their magical predecessors.

[@jakalair]

So, Harry becomes Blackstaff and then dies at some point? That would mean all the "files" we are reading are post mortem?

[@ronin3025]

@@jakalair Maybe. But I think that Harry writes them post series completion. If the authorial voice of the Big Apocholiptic Trilogy changes it will be a clue that Harry won't make it through.

[@kennpeters1973]

Interesting idea, I've had that kind of feeling myself from time to time. Not to be spoilery, but this might be spoilery, so I'll make a long introduction to my theory so people can avoid it. I'm beginning to think these *are* his journals or memoirs. And I think they are being told to the intellect spirit he "birthed", Bonea (I think I read the name somewhere). She is young and hasn't acquired a lot of knowledge yet, so I suspect this is Harry's way of both educating her and preserving the memories of his life experiences. There are times in the stories where we get comments from Harry that seem like he's telling someone what happened as opposed to what *is happening* . Its like he's storytelling instead of narrating.

[@CelticCrossGC]

We have been told that there will be a spin off series with Maggie and Mouse, I think it is gonna be more kid friendly stories in the Dresdenverse.

[@neriumsuitedher]

I don't even care about these 2 Dresden books we're getting. I want, no, I NEED "Mirror, Mirror" and I need it now!

[@mubbywub]

HAHA nice prediction on Dresden and Murph

[@aspetty]

The first Side Jobs was in chronological order and publication order. Brief Case was I believe publication order

[@harmonygibbs7904]

I liked them both as well and i gotta say....I saw Marcone very similar to how you did. I thought he was a bad guy with a moral code that was better than some and could possibly be counted on in the clutch. That story, showing his defenses.... blew my silly notions out of the water. There is no frenemies here (are no? phrasing is strange...), and even worse, i worry Dresden doesnt see how SERIOUSLY Marcone takes him. I have a feeling we will get that from PT/BG but it may be a wakeup call for Harry.

[@lenzielenski3276]

Actually, Tibetan Mastiff is a better fit for the description of Mouse though Charity pegs him as a Caucasian Shepherd.

[@sparkinstarfall_FD]

I am going to listen to the podcast, but can you review Chronicles of Amber?

[@TheBlackstaff]

Those are my all time favorite books.

[@Kotiare]

There is a good argument for a Leonberger, but I am more convinced Mouse is a Tibetan Mastiff.

[@lawrencebarber8583]

Mike Allain pretty sure that Jim said the closest is a Russian Ovcharka/Caucasian Mountain Dog lookswise.

[@Kotiare]

@@lawrencebarber8583 I recall Charity mentioned that in Proven Guilty or Small Favor. Or was it Luccio. I can't recall, but you make a good point. Thanks for the reminder. That being said, the Tibetan Mastiff and the Caucasian Mountain Dog look very similar.

[@andrewbreadholm5715]

Just highjacking here, is daniel planning to finish codex alera?

[@jessicahiga9870]

Also the Harry dying idea? Maybe. But my anxiety does not like it >,

[@litobellini2802]

I’m audio booking the whole set leading up to the next releases

[@andrewhanson405]

The Invitation "is" a great film

[@AndrewWatsonChangingWay]

I wouldn't go that far, but it did grab me

[@dhagar1121]

I haven't really gotten into the fandom side of things. Is it the common understanding that Marcone is basically David Xanatos from Gargoyles? I mean, he even had a damned castle transported stone-by-stone and reassembled in an American city! No shade, I love Dresden and Gargoyles.