Cold Days | Dresden Files by Jim Butcher

[@LlamaNL]

After Skin Game there's another short story collection that contains a short story about Molly's first day as the winter lady. So you know it's coming :P

[@IsraelClark]

This collection (Brief Cases) contains stories from all over the timeline, up to just before Peace Talks. Highly recommend you read all the stories that happened before Skin Game now, don't wait.

[@ryanclark3559]

Actual book reviews are great and all but there is something really fun about watching someone be excited and talk spoilers about a book you like

[@caffeinedelusions]

The idea of the Winter Knight as failsafe against the corruption of the Queens of Winter is a perspective that I hadn’t considered, but it makes complete sense, and it’s VERY Mab. Thank you for that theorycrafting. That’s GOOD.

[@jmartin4396]

I have one word for you, "PARKOUR"!

[@christianemden7637]

Too soon, but I was going to post the same.

[@dmitrialexander4606]

Just going through a reread and noticed something all the way back in Grave Peril. When Leanansidhe meets Michael she says to Michael something like "and you Sir Knight? Your Eldest Daughter would make a fine offering for my Queen".

[@litlbucky]

glad you are still enjoying the series, you are almost all caught up and have some great books coming up

[@totesmagotes213]

Skin Game and Battle Ground are some of the best in the series in my opinion.

[@Dyrnwynn]

Skin Game is in the top 5 easily in my opinion, and for me it's often in the top 3. Unfortunately, Peace Talks and Battle Ground are a large step down in many ways.

[@kryptonianguest1903]

​@@totesmagotes213Skin Game is my 2nd favourite Dresden. Battle Ground is my 5th.

[@JustPassingThrough98]

The scene on demon reach with the transferring of mantles was absolute cinema. Every time I re-read it I picture watching it in a packed theatre or on the edge of my seat in my living room holding my breath. It's incredible

[@josiahmacfarlane4344]

This is my absolute favorite Dresden Files book. The scene with Mother Winter and Mother Summer is absolutely incredible, and I love the ending. 10/10 book for me

[@TheVaultDescendant]

This is one of those video series that makes me super happy every time a new one gets released. Looking forward to seeing what you think of this one a lot! Starting to be sad about this soon being over tho.

[@Jreadsfantasy]

Boy are you in for a treat with Skin Game

[@peterepeatepete2845]

The conversation with Mother Summer is worth a reread. The subtext of the conversation is done in a subtle way that is really well done. When talking to the Lady and the Queen there is usually subtext and trickery but you can tell. Mother Summer is literally telling Harry three very important things and he had no clue. I didn’t even have a clue till I re read it.

[@LoZfan03]

I had just scrolled down here to say this. extremely well written, one of my favorite things in the series

[@consolescrub4031]

Three things that we noticed so far. There's been a few sneaky hints at things which haven't fully been realised yet through the series. For example "I'm as human as you are" from the man who has no nervous reactions, can smell the different types of chemicals used in antipersonnel mines and see infrared laser to Harry. Point being, if there were extra layers of hidden knowledge we're only supposed to get several books later, I'd expect it with the Queens or with Mac.

[@peterepeatepete2845]

I also appreciate the progression: Maeve tries to manipulate Harry but he can see through it an usually get the better of it. Mab tries to manipulate Harry and he still knows he is being manipulated but still usually can’t get the best of her. With Mother Summer he doesn’t even know he is being manipulated. She gives him the information he is looking for, information he didn’t even realize he needed, and information about himself necessary to win. It’s not confirmed in the series yet but strongly suspected that she also gave him even more information than that. And it just seemed like a relatively normal conversation with a kind elderly woman. It just really hammered home that the Mothers are so far past the other queens in terms of power and skill, and she used literally zero magical power.

[@Metalhammer1993]

@@peterepeatepete2845 I think just the relationship between Mother Summer and Mother Winter shows how far ahead they are. Mab and Titania love and hate each other, but in the end they at bare minimum are counterweights of not enemies. Mother Winter and Mother Summer know they are counterweights to each over, but that does not make them enemies. No they know the counterweights are what makes the scale function. it starts with simple things like that really. And we don't get to see their power because they do not need their powers for what they want to achieve. Mother Summer needed nothing but a stroll with Harry to arm him like she needs him armed.

[@peterepeatepete2845]

Another concept I liked in this book is that knowledge can be deadly. Butcher played with it for people like Karrin and Butters early in the series and it gets played on Harry here. Specifically, when the Mothers tell him if they show Harry the truth he might never know a good nights sleep again. On the surface I remember thinking, how could just Knowing something be that bad for the rest of your life? Then he finds out about the gates and that all reality is under siege and I thought: yup that’d do it.

[@AtaMindParty]

"Now there are many. First there was one," - in reference to Wardens when Demonreach and Dresden are talking. I think this is one of my favorites because it cashes in on a lot of the build-up of the series up until now. After 13 books lore about wardens, about merlin, about the outer gates being a literal place you can go to, about the gatekeeper, about mac, about the faeries, about dresdens past run ins with outsiders, his old master, the blackstaff, so many things are expanded upon and the world and our understanding of it shifts to widen with it. It's a rare feeling that you can only get when you have a long running series like this where you can pull triggers after building up the pre-requisite weight, so balancing that against still having solid character moments and surprises that make things that were foreshadowing in previous books hit harder now is also incredibly satisfying. It's like blinders coming off.

[@brutalusgaming8809]

These are my favorite things on the channel! I read the books in a binge fashion long ago including all the short stories etc. (Thank the internet for the reading order lists and where to find everything!) These spoiler reviews coming in every month or so are just such a FANTASTIC refresh of a series I loved so much. My 15 year old has now caught up with them also!

[@caffeinedelusions]

The one good thing about Thomas’s upbringing in the White Court, as screwed up as it is… He knows how important love is. He knows how transformative it can be. Especially for the young.

[@Throwaway-l3i]

I've read these books more times than I can say, but I never made the connection that part of Mab's reasoning to pick Harry was his capability to take her out if needed; that's a brilliant deduction. She absolutely would think that way, and she doesn't do anything without a multitude of reasons. I think you're spot on. I'm also beyond excited for you to get to Skin Game. It's tough to beat Changes, but Skin Game may be my favorite book of the entire series.

[@LightningRaven42]

Mab's main reason for having an eye on Harry are more tangible than this idea though. It's discussed a bit more in the next books but the reasons are more "mundane" than it seems. SPOILERS FOR THE WHOLE SERIES. DON'T READ THIS IF YOU AREN'T CAUGHT UP. _______________________________________________________ Maggie LeFay had heavy ties with the Fae Courts, as he name implies, this already makes her children be of interest. Then we have the deal with Lea and how much it must cost to have The Leanansidhe, Mab's right hand, as the fairy godmother for a kid. Then, we have Harry's status as Starborn, something his mother went through great effort to achieve. Mab and Lea know that. Even the White Council knew. Given a Starborn's tendency to become "Destroyers" or "Saviors", but are often prominent figures, of course major players will try to recruit them. Much like Listens (the turtleneck dude allied to the Fomor and Ethniu) is shaping up to become a Destroyer. Harry being rebellious enough to challenge and stop Mab, if needed, is definitely a plus. But Mab must have at least 5 contingencies for that situation.

[@consolescrub4031]

I love Skin Game too personally as it's the introduction of a personal favourite character I hoped to see more of since Turn Coat. I feel like Mab picked a knight who would strongly resist all external corruption yet worked in a manner she could control. However, his lack of considered consequences, temper and sheer ability means that if she gets compromised by the adversary somehow, she likely won't be able to defend herself against him to the same extent.

[@Throwaway-l3i]

@@LightningRaven42 Oh, I'm aware that there's more to why Mab wanted Harry, and both his mother's entanglements and his Starborn status likely played into her motivations as well. I'm not saying that Merphy's connection here is THE reason Mab chose Harry, but I definitely think it was A reason. Like I said, Mab always has many reasons behind her actions, and once Merphy pointed it out I was convinced this was one of them.

[@notednuance]

@@Throwaway-l3i Agree whole-heartedly, it feels like such an obvious piece of her motivation in hindsight. Priority one is stopping outsiders... while the summer court is designed to be the check to winter... so many summer members are newbies right now... how are they gonna be the check to Mab if she gets corrupted by Nemesis? The fae need balance... Mab knows Summer is not up to the task in this scenario... I wouldn't be surprised if finding a knight that can check her was a compulsion of her fae nature she couldn't ignore.

[@tacorrific]

Cold Days is all about the ladies. Harry needs saving by Sarissa, Molly and Murphy. In the end Harry was just the vehicle to get all the ladies to the island. Then it was all up to them to decide how the chips would fall.

[@jasuxi]

I think for me this is the book that really drove the hook in me, that keeps making me come back to the series. All the lore about the outsiders and how they have always been there working in the background. The way you realize the signifigance of harry’s position as the warden of the island. And every time we get to see the fay mothers is gold.

[@palexanderrice]

I just love that you get to experience these for the first time. They are one of my favorite series and I have read and listened to them like 20 times

[@JayMallow]

One of the things that just enhances the initial 1/4 of the book is pulling up the "soundtrack" Harry mentions. Audibly wedding "Learning to Walk Again" with that montage makes it both funnier and ironically more ominous when you know Mab IS ACTUALLY trying to kill him. Also the character element that was most revealed about Mab is she isn't JUST the "Evil Queen". She's playing 4D chess. Mab we find out is operating one contingencies of contingencies and thinking 100 steps ahead of everyone. Which brings me back to something I don't see many people talking about is Mab way back when said Harry would perform three tasks and then be released. At some point Mab is going to beholden herself to that bargain.

[@kyliecrawfishin]

I love this series so much!! we’re at the same-ish spot so I recently read cold days, and YES I love how the world is expanding, they keep showing you the largest power that you thought was the largest power, is actually just the next rung in a ladder. Also the White Council is looking so weak these days, very thin. Also LOVE my Thomas/Harry sibling interactions, from the moment he drugged him to sleep because he needed it right after they teamed up for the first time. Great dad advice coming from someone who knows him well.

[@hoodwinkiez]

While I agree about the constant repeating of information (and in the same way), he does it so that a reader can just pickup any of the books and go.

[@anniek2007]

Yes! It feels more like a pulp fiction/noir mystery that way too, I think. But I read this series completely out of order when I was young and really appreciate the way Butcher gives you context for everything

[@illiantear]

Cool dynamic: Winter protects reality from the Outsiders, Summer protects the world from Winter.

[@Danheron2]

I haven’t watched one of your videos in a long time I missed it 😌

[@shayLEVSHE]

I love your Dresden recaps.... takes me back to how much I enjoyed reading these....

[@OnlyTheBestFantasyNovels]

Man you made me relive how much I enjoyed this book. Great video!

[@One-Watermelon]

Your reviews are amazing. It's so cool to watch them after i finished a new dresden files book!

[@TheVaultDescendant]

Oh and you should 1000% read Cold Case (the short story) that goes between 14-15 and is from Mollys Perspective

[@7Seraphem7]

It's really hard for me to pick a 'best' out of this one, Changes, and Skin Game, but Cold Days is easily the book that I most enjoy rereading. Also, YES! I fully agree with your idea that Mab wants Harry as a failsafe to take her out if she were to fall to Nemesis! I've been saying that since this book came out! Also, I too so love how much better we are coming to understand Mab and see her not as just some evil being, but someone who, while ruthless and pragmatic, is ultimately on our side.

[@matthewdhewlett]

Way way back, Butcher set up three paths Harry could go: Lasciel's coin, Darkhallow, Winter Knight. He also decided early on that whichever way Harry went, Molly would follow. Winter Knight, and Winter Lady. Imagine the other two: 1. Harry and Molly both diving in to necromancy and warlockery. 2. Harry and Molly both as Denarians, with Michael having to fight his own daughter😮

[@c0barsm]

I always look forward to these videos! Thanks for the spoiler review! I really enjoyed the Outsider backstory and what they can do to people/beings in the Dresden-verse. Skin game is fun too!

[@toddjackson3136]

I think it's important to recognize the conversation Harry had with his godmother in the last book as applied to what you learn about the Winter Court in this book. Often, we think about the summer and winter court as some sort of balance between light and dark as it pertains to religious ideology. Good and Evil. But in truth, the concept of good and evil is so foreign to the natures of each court that they only vaguely understand them. Both courts are the result of growth. One through ridged, controlled, pain and suffering, often seen as cruel and harsh. The other through creativity, whimsy, emotion. Certainly one is more pleasant than the other. But they are not themselves good or evil. But rather what you do with the 2 different experiences. And specifically the motivation and purpose behind what you do with them. Remember, we have seen summer do some despicable things also.

[@BrianBell7]

Love watching your Dresden recap videos! Excited that one of my fave Dresden books, "Skin Game", is up next for you! Cheers!

[@evanflynn4680]

Now you know the role of the Winter Court, and how absolutely vital it is that they succeed in that role. When I read this book I thought that now there's a way for Harry to be the Winter Knight and not lose himself to it. His time with Lash in his head was basically a warm-up for this savage, primal predator he's carrying around on his shoulders now. But he can be more than the brutal monster that the Winter Knight usually is, and Mab will make use of him, because she will use everything she can for any advantage she can get, while playing all the angles so no matter what happens, she still comes out ahead. She's a monster. But she's our monster. I think you're going to love Skin Game. It's one of my favourites.

[@HandlesAreStupid2024]

Can't wait for Skin Game. There were a couple parts in it that absolutely wrecked me. That was before I was a dad too. I can't imagine going back and reading it now, having a daughter, and how I would feel.

[@Danne1886]

I highly recommend reading Cold Case asap. It's easily the most plot relevant short story of the series. Almost criminal that it's not part of the main novels, even though that can't be helped since it's not Harry's POV.

[@ShadowTaiga]

ah these are so great. its awesome listing to some one else who enjoyed these books so much. I have tried to get a number of friends to read them to no avail.

[@veerakuusela5005]

There is a short story that shows Molly's introduction into the role of the winter lady. It's worth the read. ;) And many of the short stories are recommended to be read before Peace Talks.

[@danlyman2336]

Cold Days is the Empire Strikes Back of the Dresden Files in a lot of ways... and yes, you WILL get the answers you are waiting for about Molly and the courts and what is really going on. And you will learn about why and how Maeve was impacted by Nemesis... Oceans 11 coming up next!

[@dresdenwarlock7978]

CAN NOT wait for your Skin Game review!

[@slow5089]

I like Cold Days. I wouldn't say it's one of my favourites but it's very good. I know it's not original but Cat Sith's and Harry's relationship had me in stitches throughout the book. Skin Game actually is one of my favourites and in my opinion the best one of the ones you have left to be all caught up, so looking forward to that review!

[@soanthegreat]

I am ssssooo excited to hear your thoughts about the next book, I think think you’re gonna have a lot of fun with it

[@MasterHigure]

8:15 For instance, I'm a bit tired of him mentioning that white court vampire blood is a little too pale to be human. I think that exact phrase is used in every single book that features said blood. And I'm sure there are lots of others, but that's the one I noticed.

[@UNIDiver]

In regards to the repetitive comment. I've read another series that was like that. Every new book in the series (at 15 books now) re introduced you to all the people and concepts that had been on going since the very begining. Like the reader was reading book 10 as a first time reader. Mostly likely not an issue if you are reading each book as they are released 1 or 2 years apart, and probably a nice refresher, but gosh dang annoying as you are binge reading it.

[@karensamuel5616]

This is one of my top books, mostly because of the scene with Harry and the Wild Hunt. So fun. But the next book is even better. I can't wait til your October Dresden read!

[@danielchristopher880]

The idea that you mentioned of Mab seeing Harry as a fail safe if she is turned was a fascinating take thanks for this review.

[@nathaliescherrer1488]

If I remember correctly, Harry sees Winter Lady Molly when he first soul-gazes her as one of her possible paths.

[@werewulf7]

I have been really enjoying your spoiler reviews of this series. The next book is Skin Game and is my favorite book in the series. Definitely looking forward to your reaction then. Skin Game has my favorite villains and my favorite characters. Hope you enjoy.

[@judah5037]

One insight I had on one of my endless repeats of this series: Molly's fate as the new Winter Lady was sealed in book 4. Once Lily took over, there needed to be balance in the Winter court of a mortal lady. I don't want to follow this train of reasoning to it's conclusion...

[@judah5037]

I commented that before I actually watched the video. After watching the video I'll say this: This book is one of my top 5, but you're about to start my all time FAVORITE book of the series. Skin Game is the BEST book of the series by FAR. For some reason I really love the multiples of 5 in this series...

[@Ryne91]

Always love seeing your thoughts on these books. Going to be interested to see if you can bring yourself to actually wait a month between the last two books (so far) of the series though. More than any others, they feel like two halves of one much larger book. Personally, Cold Days isn't my favorite of the books but it's definitely up there. Personally, I normally rank them as Skin Game, Peace Talks/Battle Ground, Changes, and then Dead Beat. Cold Days probably falls a place or two below Dead Beat.

[@LightningRaven42]

Something you didn't touch upon is that this book kinda recontextualizes the whole series. MASSIVE SPOILERS UP TO COLD DAYS --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Now with the Adversary revealed, we have information on things Butcher cleverly skipped over in the first three books. In Storm Front, Who gave Victor Sells, the Shadowman, those books and a drug capable of warping people's minds and making them crazy? In Fool Moon, Who gave the FBI agents their insanity-inducing hexenwulf belts? In Grave Peril, why Cowl and Kumori were present in Bianca's ascension party and why they gave Leanansidhe a corrupted Athame that forced Mab to restrain her (Proven Guilty)? The answer is Black Council agents. Which we can only surmise are aligned with Nemesis, since bringing in Outsiders (like Nemesis) to the mortal realm can only be done by a Mortal. When you couple all of the above with Mab's last scene and her showing the first "crack" in her facade. This is what makes Cold Days one of my favorite books. Also, the short story "Cold Case" gives us more information about Molly's situation and Butcher even throws in there some lore information that he only glossed over in previous books about the Outsiders.

[@westmanpl]

To add on to this point, we do get a direct connection between Cowl and the Outsiders in White Night. Lash directly says that Vittorio Malvora's psychic attack was from an Outsider. And Vitto was working directly with Cowl.

[@dassadec]

Yrssssss dresden is Back!!!!

[@Jack_of_Hearts4]

One of the short stories reveals a lot more about what the winter lady mantle entails and it's not good. You'll understand why Maeve was crazy even before she was possessed. Also, I don't think Mab would go out of her way to heal Mac if he was an outsider. Just a thought....

[@JD2Castro]

This is for sure in my top 3. But I think the next one, Skin Game, is my favorite

[@cybergeek11235]

9:35 you're super right - if i have to read "the tips of her breasts" one more *freakin'* time.... c'mon, jim. get it together already. (says the non-author to the NYT best seller 😂)

[@morningchaps]

Looking forward to seeing what you think of Skin Game, it’s my favourite book of the series (even more so after reading Peace Talks & Battle Ground, which I found hugely disappointing).

[@scantor8648]

Cold Days is my favorite Dresden book!

[@jeffreymeehan3567]

I felt like Cold Days was a return to form for the Dresden series after Changes and Ghist Story. It's definitely one of my favorites, though not my top favorite I think. That said, the next book, Skin Game, IS, I think, a major contender for my favorite Dresden novel. I mean, it's Oceans 11/The Italian Job, but Dresden. What's not to love?

[@jordanlovell7433]

I know you probably get some version of this comment every time but I'm excited for your next review! Skin game is my favorite Dresden book by a country mile.

[@jonrosenberg4324]

I do like Cold Days, I particularly enjoy the Harry-Fix conversation, it's heart-breaking.

[@walter274]

It might be my favorite dresden book.

[@SilentEternal1]

Cold Days isnt my favorite Dresden book, but Harry's conversation with the Mothers is absolutely my favorite scene in the series. The Mothers are masterfully done to me.

[@Danne1886]

I have a tin foil hat theory about Molly after this book. All the way back in book 3 Harry's godmother Lea tried to make a deal with Micheal for his first born. That girl turns out to be talented in all the kinds of magic that Sidhe are known for. It was never fully explained why creatures from the Winter Court were being summoned by her fear spell in Proven Guilty. She got a full body tattoo of a snake coiling around her, and now years later that turns out to be exactly what the Winter Lady mantle looks like. And the way Mab threw the accusation back at Harry at the end. As if he was the one manipulating Molly from a young age. I think she wants him to be defensive and insist their relationship is not like that at all. Instead of putting the dots together that maybe something like that really did happen, except it was Lea or Mab orchestrating.

[@consolescrub4031]

Tin foil hat party and spoilers for up to Skin Game but we still haven't seen all the players yet. There have been unexplained moments in a lot of the books like the attack on Arctis Tor by the Black Council (and Thorned Namshiel whose coin is missing), the random car crashing into the Blue Beetle with no identified culprit and most recently the actions of He Who Walks Behind who deliberately provoked Harry as a child, gathered a massive grudge, returned and seemingly did nothing with it. The board was set a long time ago, possibly before most of our characters were born and we're only starting to see the players now. Regarding Molly, I would note Mab said that she thought Molly would have made a better Summer Lady and Mab can't lie. I have a theory she would have preferred this as it traps Harry in his role as the Winter Knight much more securely because he wouldn't want any replacement Winter Knight possibly harming Molly even if she's immortal now. She encouraged a caring relationship between Sarissa and Harry likely to further secure his loyalty to the Winter Court (and possibly also to benefit her daughter who was constantly wary of threats and predators). We know that the Sidhe thrive off misdirection. It has been used almost exactly like the way you described both in this book and Summer Days as a way of throwing off Harry's perceptive nature and intuition by distracting him with emotional manipulation. It would not at all surprise me if Mab has been engaging in that whenever Harry gets too close to a sensitive subject by pointing out all the harm he did to his friends. The concern now is that Molly might start partaking in it too which is much more insidious (we also know her moral compass is a little bit more in line with Winter than say Murphy with Molly demonstrating some "might makes right" philosophy and acting as judge, jury and executioner in Harry's absence. Here's the moment I put a second tin foil hat over the first. We know the person who previously held Harry's position broke the laws of magic by messing with time to build the prison. We know there is a wizard allowed to break this law who is particularly close to Harry (and might for instance, pass him the position in the event of his demise) and who also has the personal journals of the original time traveller. I expect at least one character is likely going to have to Terminator back and make sure all the good guys stay alive and are in position to defeat the Adversary. We know He Who Walks Behind and by extension all the Outsiders had ulterior motives in not just killing Harry years ago so it stands to reason they still have something they want him to do which could decide things. It's possible a "ends justify the means" good guy orchestrated Molly's kidnapping in order to get Karrin demoted, Molly involved with magic and Harry to meet the Adversary so he can make the connection later.

[@telynns8490]

@@consolescrub4031 I think it was Butcher who said (long ago) that by the end of the books Harry will have broken all the laws of magic. He's already broken some of them.

[@Danne1886]

@@consolescrub4031 That line about Molly and summer is one of the things that made me sus. It's dodging the actual question. We know that cannot be a lie, but it doesn't mean she wouldn't prefer this outcome for purely strategic reasons. Now her daughter is a Summer queen and like you said she has another deep hook into Dresden. Just like Lea wasn't lying about training Molly out of obligation to Harry, but she omitted the fact that it was also preparing her as a vessel for the Winter Lady. What I worry about is that Lea somehow noticed Molly's potential before she even developed her magic. That's why she tried to trade Michaels sword for his first born. Maybe even Molly's crush on Dresden was her doing too. Butcher has already done that with Lucio, but still I can't stop thinking about it. I definitely think by the time Molly got her tattoo either Lea or Mab herself was subtly influencing her. Maybe it's just foreshadowing but it seems like too big of a coincidence imo. Molly's POV in the short stories makes me think they got more than they bargained for with her. I also think Micheal meant what he said in GP, that he would set things in motion to destroy Lea if she messed with his daughter.

[@consolescrub4031]

@@telynns8490 He's already broken close to half I think. My concern is if he decides to break the one about the Outer Gates.

[@consolescrub4031]

@@Danne1886 I mean you inherently have a point. Whether Mab would rather have Molly as the Summer or Winter Lady, we can definitely say that she considers her acceptable for the mantle more so than any random Wyld fae. While this likely speaks to Molly's capabilities it also speaks to that Mab views the situation as to her benefit regardless. It will be interesting if she starts training Molly up to take the role of Mab in the event something happens to her. It would not surprise me if people knew about Molly's potential long before she came into her magic. That certainly seemed liked the case for Harry growing up. If you wanted to really tinfoil it up, Charity meet Michael when she was a practitioner about to be sacrificed as part of a cult. It would not surprise me if Winter, possibly scheming with Uriel, arranged for Michael to be there at that moment even if they didn't manipulate it further. Part of me wonders if it's a fae thing but unless I'm crazy, I feel like a child would be a hugely cheap trade for one of the Swords unless you had a specific purpose in mind for the child. I don't think they directly manipulated Molly though. They might have arranged circumstances to make it more likely such as with getting Molly kidnapped and needing Harry to rescue her. Beyond mental manipulation compromising the potential, I feel like it would have shown up on the Soul Gaze like when Harry Gazed the accountant lady in Turn Coat. It's possible there was subtle influence going on but if you might allow me to play devil's advocate for a moment, what if there wasn't? It could be entirely possible that Harry was left to gather individuals of power to himself and then a recruitment could be made among the more promising candidates there like Molly or Thomas. Molly's temperament and philosophy just happens to already align quite closely with Winter's more so than her father's. Self-sufficiency, ambition and a strong sense of justice are all things Winter does in spades. That said, she wasn't a perfect fit due to her lack of violent ability so there may have been a bit of plan changing or they figured that could be learned. I think I agree that Molly seems capable of meeting some very high expectations or even exceeding them. This may not come as a surprise to all of Winter but it's probably more than most expected. I don't think Michael has ever lied in the series so far. If he told Lea he would destroy her for messing with his family, that's what he intends to do and while Lea is up there as one of the most powerful individuals my money is on Michael (and Charity) if someone threatens his family.

[@thesandersreview]

The next book, Skin Game, is probably my favorite of the entire series. Looking forward to seeing what you think about it!

[@manzanogianni4935]

Cold Days was much better for me than Ghost Story. I found that Ghost Story dragged. As for my favorite? I won't give the popular answer of Changes even though it is a close second. My favorite was Skin Game because of the Michael Carpenter/Knights of the Cross/Denarians arch. Michael is simply my favorite character in all of fantasy.

[@tnegras99]

Skin Game is so fun and def my top 3. I don't know exactly where I put CD, but its definitely in that upper tier.

[@westmanpl]

Cold Days is a great book, and in my upper half for the series. But now you are on Skin Game, which is my favorite non-Changes book. And from what you have said in the past, I think it will easily be a favorite for you as well.

[@sergioaccioly5219]

Watching your reaction, I was struck by a thought. Harry would like to get rid of his mantle as Winter Knight, we know that. What if Mab also would like to get rid of hers, and plans to use Harry for that?

[@LightningRaven42]

Nice thought... It just isn't Mab. Battle Ground illustrates that beautifully.

[@aldan7812]

This is the book with Harrys meeting with Mother Winter and Mother Summer right? That's the best dresden scene so far imo, absolutely front and centre that cleaver scraping across the ice lol... 'Mab, she's too dramatic' hahahaha

[@Fiurgeist]

just finished it yesterday and the walk with Mother Summer was the best part I've an edition where the first few pages of the next book are printed at the end... and I made the mistake of having a quick glance at it I only read the first sentence and I was immediately pissed, it basically starts with him saying: "so I was alone on the island now for a whole year and haven't spoken to anyone" and I was like: dafuq did you do... no one... so, no supporting Molly at all with the whole Winter Lady shit... I'm so pissed, I can't even :D

[@chriswhinery925]

For me not a top tier Dresden book but one that I've appreciated more on subsequent reads. It does a lot of heavy lifting for setting up the important conflicts and story arcs to come. It's a very necessary book even though story wise it's only mid tier for me. Looking forward to your review of the next one though. Skin Game is one of my absolute favorites of the entire series.

[@andreasauder2855]

I think Mab may also be realizing the benefits of a winter knight who can and will resist her and his mantle, he has had so much power, starting so young and put the work in to be a good moral person anyway. And he is familiar with keeping himself and his head. It feels like while they said Lloyd Slate wasn't always as creepy and evil as he is when we meet him, that people looking to be or feel powerful tend to become the winter knight. It would be interesting how the winter court reacts to having a more positive role model.

[@guardiantwotw1]

As you're approaching the end now, are you planning on sticking to one a month? Peace Talks and Battle Ground are basically one book... Just wondering what the plan is... Because I'm loving watching you read and review these books. I finished them at the end of 2022 and this has been so much for me. :)

[@thewheelweave]

Fully agree that its a bit light in the first half and amazing in the second half. And yeah, for most of this book series I'm right there with Dresden. Thinking, "yeah, that seems like the right call, consequences be what they may" but then the few times where i disagree with him i really disagree with him. And this book has a few of those. I don't think that's a fact that needs to be either good or bad, it's just interesting. Will be interested to see if you choose to treat Peace Talks and Battle Ground as 2 books like they were released, or as 1, as they were kind of written to be read. But first there's Skin Game and o boy am i interested to hear what you think about that.

[@ayidas]

This book was really fun. I will say the first half just felt like piling on problem after problem. First Harry has to live and also deal with his new sexy teacher at Mab’s place. Then we find out he has an impossible mission from Mab. Then we find out he has a parasite. Then we find out Chicago will end in 3 days if he doesn’t deal with demon reach. Then you have to deal with Maeve. I know I am missing things, but yea, it was a lot. I did enjoy the lore.

[@ghjong001]

Let's be honest here: this was an amazing book filled with incredible action and character development sequences to talk about, but Cat Sith pretty much steal the entire book. Because KITTEH!

[@cybergeek11235]

Hey, weren't there seven of you guys a minute ago?

[@lathspell87]

Oh, Merphy.... I cannot wait for you to experience Skin Game. It is a top tier book with some "cheer out loud" moments. Now I have to wait a month to hear your thoughts on it...😮‍💨

[@Starlesslight]

Hoping you read RA Salvatore Forgotten Realms books about Drizzt someday.

[@gregorystanley1358]

I recommend you read the short story Cold Case in the Brief Cases short story collection set in the Dresdenverse. It directly relates to some of the subjects in this review.

[@mndrew1]

I really want to see the big screen version of Harry's running tour of Demon's Reach. Parkour!!!

[@TexasBlade]

Pisst… that’s next book!

[@mndrew1]

What? You mean there's an entire book between the time he gets shot near to death and the time he starts rehab where he's up and about having adventures? Impossible! :)

[@OrcaneVault]

Summer Knight and Cold days both I think are high on people’s list. I know you mentioned being tired of fae stuff so I get it. But I can’t get enough of it at least when it comes to Butcher. Haven’t read much of it outside his interpretation and Kevin Hearne’s Iron Druid series.

[@ChocolatierRob]

In becoming the Winter Lady Molly gains both power and knowledge but it comes with inherent control problems. Originally it was an imbalance of power and knowledge that caused her to taint herself (not knowing the consequences of sending her friends nightmares 'for their own good') and the taint caused the lack of control. Hopefully having the Winter Lady's mantle is a more balanced triumvirate between knowledge, power and control.

[@SybilWard]

Merphy Napier!! I just tripped over your review, so now I have to go back to the beginning and see how you got here. The first time I saw you ages ago, you HATED Harry. Seems like that's changed and I can't wait to see how that happened. I'll admit, I didn't love Harry when I read Storm Front, but once I heard James Marsters, I was hooked. This was so much fun, and I'm looking forward to watching the rest of your reactions.

[@consolescrub4031]

Harry's love of routine has transcended to the narrative level and how he describes things the same way over and over. No mention of my favourite character Cat Sith? (Random trivia, the name apparently translates to cat fairy with the same root word as sidhe. Unfortunately, it means the Star Wars jokes only work in text.)

[@collecter343]

Huh, should’ve figured Sith came from Sidhe. Cool to know it translates roughly to fairy.

[@consolescrub4031]

@@collecter343 I'd love if someone more familiar with Celtic myth and pronunciation could correct me but my understanding is they're both typically pronounced as "shee". This also comes up with the mythological Cu Sith (dog fairy, cu being the term for dog) and the more famous banshee (fairy lady).

[@caffeinedelusions]

So! About the scene where Harry fights to take control of the Wild Hunt… there’s a mythology nod in there you may or may not have noticed. Y’know how Kringle is (except on paper) Donar Vaderrung? Odin? Odin’s spear, Gungnir, has a unique quality. In the mythology, immediately before a battle, Odin would cast the spear over one side or the other, and whichever side Gungnir flew over, that’s the side that would win the battle. Right before the challenge between Harry and the Erlking, Kringle throws his spear… and it arcs high, passing right over Harry’s head. Odin literally FATED Harry to win that duel. You’re absolutely right that the fight was rigged in his favor.

[@TheAthens619]

PARKOUR!!!

[@daviddarlingauthor]

I had begun writing a fan-fiction novel, called The Winter King. When Harry stumbles across two fairies kept in a cell, after a parkour move gone wrong... The Winter and Summer King. I was 100% scared off by legal issues after talking with other writers. Love the idea though!

[@TexasBlade]

Next book is in my top 3. Probably just under Small Favorite and above Death Masks.

[@telynns8490]

This is the book where re-reads of the series mean more. The information you get here makes you see certain things in a much different light. Makes me wonder what book in the future will cause me to see even more upon re-reads?

[@ragoodvin44]

"Unseen Force Lashed Out!" I think if I had a shirt that said this. It would be immediately recognizable. So yeah, I know what you mean by the repetition. I'm still a huge Dresden fan though.

[@christianemden7637]

The short stories Bombshells and cold case, would be appropriate to be read now.

[@Marpaws]

Great review

[@-6ix559]

Molly, Maggie, Murphy, Mortimer, Marcone, Mouse. Quite a bit of M names

[@dylanbeazer2506]

I think Mac is an exiled angel. Don’t have anything to back that up.

[@garhom13]

Skin Game is my favorite Dresden Files book so far. Like you, I like Cold Days, but I don't think it would be in my absolute top tier of Dresden books.

[@StarvingArtist600]

They call Mack the Watcher. There is a choir of Angels called I'm ed watchers. Mack may be one who wants out. I'll never find out sadly, as I won't be reading anything after Battle Grounds. That book killed my love of the entire series.

[@LG-jn5fx]

Really good addition to the series but some parts in this book drive me mad. Harry constantly walking into haymakers and being tricked again and again is very frustrating. Fortunately he does learn his lesson and Harry is far more forewardi thinking after this book. Molly is my favourite character in the series and her character arc is incredible. The short stories really expand on what it means to be the Winter Lady. Mab was great in this book and you get to see so much more of her in upcoming books and to understand she is not evil. Enjoy Skin Game which is my favourite book in the series.

[@crushgoil]

I think Cold Days was the last Dresden book I read. It’s too late for me now to go back and finish the series, so I might just keep watching your spoiler videos to get a sense of how it all ends up

[@manofmartin]

Could you make a playlist out of the dresden files? It's hard to follow your reviews of them. They go back over a year.

[@richardadcock5450]

I hope we see more of Demon Reach and the Guardian.