Dead Beat - Review (Dresden Files)

My review of Jim Butchers Dead Beat. A major upswing in quality for Dresden Files. My favorite urban fantasy series.
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[@DanielGreeneReviews]

Boy am I happy the series is on a higher note. World stakes on the rise, plots coming together, legit paying. Jim Butcher returns to form!

[@TheLordofMetroids]

Dead Beat is easily top 3 Dresden books for me, and the two above it are coming later in the series, so yeah I would say this overall marks an upswing in the series. Excited to see you get back into Broken Earth, as it's a series I still have not read despite the fact that I have enjoyed other works by the author.

[@curzon176]

If you haven't done so yet Daniel, make sure one of the next Dresden books you get to you listen to the audiobook. James Marsters is fan-fucking-tastic.

[@Grimscribe732]

Yes! I'll be interested to see what you think of the later books after Small Favor when the greater story really gets traction and Butcher really hits his high-quality stuff consistently. Something that is also displayed in The Aeronaut's Windlass, the first entry in his new Steampunk series. Also, another point on the whole laser wire moment with Murphy: The pulling down of her pants is solely based upon information given out by Kincaid. Yes, Kincaid, who clearly has his own motivations when it comes to Murphy.

[@moistythighs6839]

put some grease or oil on your mic stand. you dont need to spend money on a new one

[@malcomalexander9437]

I gotta ask, who do so many fantasy fans like high stakes? Then again I do prefer Sword and Sorcery over High/Epic Fantasy. Tower of the Elephant is awesome because the stakes are personal, there is no world ending threat, just Conan breaking into a tower with a dude to steal some treasure, and then helping the Lovecraftian elephant god alien that the owner of the tower has been keeping captive and torturing commit suicide to get revenge on his captor.

[@paulwilliams6913]

You forgot to mention the greatest of all battle cries: "Polka will never die!" For shame, sir. For shame!

[@edgardtheknowledgekeeper3119]

Polka will never die!

[@djkoz78]

I own this shirt

[@73Stargazer]

Best line ever

[@kaneo1]

"PWND"

[@Kotiare]

"I do hope that Butters sticks around." Son, just keep reading.

[@stevemadden3642]

Mike Allain I am so fucking tired of Butters to be honest.

[@gagekulland3509]

yes, I am very pleased to where his arc went. Mister, where I come from there is no try.

[@rettthebest]

I LOVE Butters. He has, in my opinion, the best character growth through Dresden. Polka Will NEVER Die!

[@BMR3]

rettthebest he has true Faith in force of polka

[@monferno71]

I really love your....love-hate relationship with the series, whenever there's a Dresden Files video you never know what you're getting. Did he love it? Is he gonna praise it? Did he hate it? Is it going to be ranty or complimentary? We never know

[@mdwesquire]

Just a note. Butters isn't a new character in Dead Beat, he was introduced in book 5 I think. Although, I disagree with you on the extent of issues the Dresden books had before Dead Beat is one of my favorites, so I'm glad you liked it. I will warn you that I liked the next book Proven Guilty less than most of the others, but I really really liked almost everything after Small Favor.

[@melodie-allynbenezra8956]

Everyone else who lets me ride on their dinosaur calls me Carlos.

[@StevenHouse1980]

This Book is so good because... Jim was told that this book was going to be the first of his book's to go Hardback. So Jim pulled out all the stops for new readers.

[@dmitrialexander4606]

Based on the things you liked on this one, I think you'll like the remaining books. Although this was my favourite, generally Changes (book 12) is considered the best. At least by the people I know.

[@shadetreesurgeon]

Stoked you picked it back up!

[@BonoboAxMonkey]

Sue always win's them over in the end. Always! Plus Butter's is epic.

[@73Stargazer]

"He evokes emotions for me" Oh just you wait until Changes.

[@StarstormVGN]

Reference to the spoiler section of the video: Butcher said in a panel that the mechanics behind the dinosaur zombie and the age of a corpse equating its power are probably the idea he's most proud of.

[@Melancholy_Scholar]

I'm glad you enjoyed it, I do really like his books. Personally I prefer Codex Alera out of his works, but I definitely think the Dresden Files are worth reading.

[@joshuaferraiuolo2565]

Polka will never die!

[@ChiIIChief]

My weekend was great. And my day just got a lot better! I’m so happy your sticking with Dresden.

[@rezidentbivrip]

I do a lot of driving, so I listen to audiobooks and the Dresden books are read by James Marsters (Spike from Buffy and Angel) And he does A FANTASTIC job. If ever you thought you couldn't handle audiobooks because they are 'boring'... Give these a try.

[@jparish1987]

Glad to see you continuing the series. This is my favorite series by my favorite author. Lots of people talk about book 12 cause he completely changes the way he writes the books. Was going to suggest you check out Cinder Spires book 1 The Aeronaut's Windlass as one of the last books hes published it's nice to see where his writing goes. You may also be interested in his first fantasy series Codex Alera which is kind of pokemon meets lost roman legion.

[@jeztersdead12]

You need to read Pratchett, really. Jim butcher has taken some inspiration from the Discworld. Start with Guards, Guards and you can thank me later.

[@jomckellan]

remember reading this book over a decade ago. great stuff

[@halfway2hell33383]

this is y i like ur reviews, you r honest, u didnt like the last Dresden book so u tell us, and this one u like so again u tell us, i know im gona get the truth from u and thats nice to hear, keep it up dude, by the way i liked the book, the main thing i like about the Dresden Files is comedy Jim Butcher puts in, the remarks from Harry crack me up. love your the edits by the way, give the channel a somthing dif.

[@aneonfoxtribute]

"We have a new character in Butters" But he was in another book. This isn't his first book.

[@PhilBrillant]

These books are just pure fun. Hope you continue the journey :)

[@09RetsamEdalb]

Always love your editing. Is there a why you should read on Lightbringer coming soon? I uh, haven't read it yet (I'd like to be sold on it by you), but out of all the series I want to read and haven't, lightbringer is the most interesting to me. I also remember it's your favorite series just behind Wheel of Time. Would love to hear about why it's so great!

[@amyexo]

Yes, you will see more of Butters if you keep reading! He develops as a character and is fun to read about.

[@samuelleask1132]

Loved this Dresden entry. I finished it last night and was very interested to know your thoughts on it after being a subscriber for about two years

[@edgardtheknowledgekeeper3119]

You just made my day! If I could like this video twice I would! I'm very very happy you enjoy this book. We all know Zombie Dinosaur was the best! We all love Butters too. I'll actually bring up the conversation Jim had with his editor before starting this book. "What's your plan for this next book?" "Well it's going to be a quieter book about this side character we've seen before." "You know it might not be the time for that story. It might be time for something a little *bigger* a little heavier." "Wait, are you saying I'm going to hard back?!" *"I didn't say that.* But I think you should take my advice." "!!!!!....then I need to do the necromancers and Zombie T Rex, I need a sidekick for Harry who should I do??... The little medical examiner it's perfect! He's thematically appropriate but also almost no help to Harry which is perfect!"

[@devilztower6472]

Codex Alera, also by Jim Butcher. Read/Review Please.

[@Uhlbelk]

Saw an article on GoT talking about the motivation of the white walkers and it sounded exactly the same as one of my favorite series "the Death Gate Cycle" (by the dragonlance authors Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman). It really hits home that there really isn't new ideas, just new applications of them.

[@user-ng9ld7yo4v]

This series is so underated

[@djkoz78]

I have to disagree with your offense to sexualization of any character be it male or female. I'm wondering if you read the Anita Blake series and got offended at the female author Laurell K. Hamilton sexualizing EVERY lycan and vampire character in the series? Or is it just a male author sexualizing female characters? Technically he sexualizes some of the male characters as well like Thomas. But being from heterosexual male pov he's not going to focus on that. There is NOTHING wrong with finding someone sexually attractive. Or creating sexualized characters. It's a sex negative puritanical attitude. That being said glad you kept reading.

[@djkoz78]

@Adam Cosper I'm not talking about him not liking the book that's fine. He can hate the series. Claiming that sexualizing characters is wrong is puritanical. There's nothing wrong with having sexual or sexualized characters. It's feminist ideological sex negative view of male sexuality. There's nothing wrong with sexuality be it male or female. If a writer wants to describe a male or female character with sex appeal that's their perogative. You can hate it but I disagree. Also I'm wondering if he just has a problem when female characters are sexualized but is perfectly happy to go along of with sexualization of a male character? If so it's hypocritical.

[@edgardtheknowledgekeeper3119]

@Adam Cosper There's purely your opinion. Does he hit some stumbles? you can most definitely say so. Is he bad at it? I'm going to say no. That's my opinion, nothing is absolutely set, it has to do with one's opinion and from what I can tell yours is pretty bias.

[@djkoz78]

@Adam Cosper then why are you here on a review of a Jim Butcher book?

[@djkoz78]

@Adam Cosper ok so I'm wondering why he's a NYT best seller and you're not?

[@djkoz78]

@Adam Cosper thank you for being so much smarter than the millions who love the series. Thank you for being everyone's savior. Jesus Christ your ego.

[@Mn-yh2bp]

Butters was actually introduced in death masks

[@OlgaSPN]

I hoped you'd like it, but some people find it too crazy with too many different things thrown at you. That's actually my favorite thing about it. I love it when a Dresden book is full of insane stuff crammed into one world/story. The world/Harry's place in it expands a lot from here, so keep reading ;) #PolkaWillNeverDie

[@signaltome]

First Daniel, thank you for giving it another chance, you seem to have changed your mind. Looking forward to further reviews i nthe future. :-) Also DINOSAURS! And Butters. Yes, he will return often. And have a character arc of preportions. In fact I believe that this might not be the first time we have seen him? Might be wrong on that point though. Recurring supporting character anyway. Also DINOSAUR! And zombies, one of my personal favorite that. I love Murphy but the absence of her in this book does not detract from the overall picture. She will be back, good as new and cooler than ever though. By all means, take a break for a while. We have WoT to cover! :-P But seriously, whenever you want to take a trip back to Chicago I am all in. :-D

[@amongtheruins]

"Life is a journey. Time is a river. The door is ajar."

[@diversaml]

Daniel have you read any of Jim Butcher’s Codex Alera series? I’m not a Dresden fan but I really enjoyed this fantasy series of his.

[@danpifko]

Me reading this book: "Well its not THAT different from the rest. Oh, he's actually calling the Wardens in. Oh, shit. OH SHIIIIIT"

[@Merlijn1994]

And that was even before he called Sue in!

[@bobdick815]

Love these books! I think dead beat onward they are great and better than some of the previous entries. The world building, the stakes, everything goes up a notch from here.

[@renehouse2015]

Glad you stuck with the series, Butcher gets much better in his writing and the stories get bigger and better. Stay with them, you'll enjoy them.

[@rosscause]

Make it to Changes... just make it there.

[@rezidentbivrip]

I love the Dresden Files! Favorite Urban fantasy series.

[@revpembroke3082]

I don't think there's anybody who dislikes Dead Beat. What did you think of the climax, when Harry actually shoots somebody? 8 starts in an interesting direction, as Harry is brought into being a Warden. He gets to see some... unpleasant things that definitely shape the book that follows.

[@Andrea_of_AtLastCrochet]

How can a fight to the death get anymore exciting and hilarious except when a zombie T-Rex controlled by Bob the Skull?!? Oh, I know. Polka Will Never Die! You were on the mark with the review. The Dresden Files are not perfect in their P.C.ness or in using cliches but I still love them all. Even the bad ones. So far I have not wanted to jump ship, even after Blood Rites. I keep wanting to know what happens next. Harry is my favorite soap opera! Yep. I said it. It's so over the top sometimes that it creates a new point from which things must be judged as over the top. I do enjoy your take on the books. Have a better one. Bye.

[@djkoz78]

Changes is the best book imo

[@CancelledPhilosopher]

I love Dead Beat! It's the third book in the Dresden Files that I've given 5 stara so far.

[@AshtheViking]

I'm so glad you read this book- I wanted you to at least get to the TRex. I'd say take a break and whenever you need an easy book to break up other reading Dresden Files will be there. It's not a bingeworthy series.

[@fairytalesforunwantedchild4031]

"At my other desk." Damn, that's a very specific stealth brag. :)

[@highmarshalbalian680]

I’ll Have to go watch your review but I liked Blood Rites

[@neriumsuitedher]

It's a fun little series. Very fun.

[@RotaFury]

Dead beat was amazing and well not every book going forward is better I felt they do get better and some books spike it up even higher.

[@EthelredHardrede-nz8yv]

Butters, MORTICIAN? No. He is an MD. A medical doctor, he does forensic autopsies. AKA medical examiner, a person that looks at the dead to figure out how they got that way.

[@kaneo1]

He was waiting years to do 'zombie T-rex'. He's still waiting to do 'the aircraft carrier with the kaiju'... Can't Wait!

[@mattroxursoul]

Butters was introduced earlier. He called Harry and talked to him before, although that was the only interaction. Not even sure which book that was now....Think Grave Peril maybe

[@notblessed6060]

Please review Senlin Ascends next

[@brianwillson7373]

Just finished this book. Best so far in the series.

[@caveman7608]

I agree this book is the best book I haven’t read in a series that I haven’t read.

[@inkstainedsword9890]

Butters is a Medical Examiner/Coroner not a Mortician. Jim patterned him directly on the Medical Examiner from the movie "The Prophecy" not South Park. Also Lash's illusionary persona is a clerk from the occult bookstore, not a librarian. I bring this up, not to nitpick, but to express that salient details are important and misstating things such as character occupations basically call the core of the review into question. Butters becomes an extremely important character. If you missed how his exposure to the supernatural has impacted his career you're reading too fast.

[@Shmity46]

I was today days old when i learned this. Thanks for the knowledge drop.

[@dresdenwarlock7978]

"I do hope butters sticks around" OHHH Boy

[@jellevanbreugel325]

Polka will never die!!!

[@johnchafin3817]

Yeah... Butters sticks around... LOL Keep reading to find out where he ends up.

[@73Stargazer]

❤

[@Aethernaut755]

I'm gonna start wheel of time soon. Should I start with new spring or eye of the world?

[@TheCasualTrippy]

Eye of the world does a fantastic job of setting up the series, New Spring can almost be seen as a "how did they meet, stand-alone" book for two established characters at the beginning of the Wheel of Time series. New Spring is worth a read but I'd recommend starting with the eye of the world and fitting New Spring in when you need a break from the main series.

[@Aethernaut755]

Scotakiss Trippy ok thanks

[@andreamiller3578]

I think Butcher just grew as an author. He was a fairly new writer for those first six books.

[@Shmity46]

Omg the series gets so much better too. Butters stays just like south park butters but he may make a reappearance at two.

[@MrT115]

I'm surprised that you didn't mention Mouse. I never knew that you hated dogs. 😜

[@DanielGreeneReviews]

Pips was in the room!

[@mikemcquarrie4113]

Deadbeats the start of the awsome. Next 3 books will really please your detective stuff. Butter. Cackles you will love his arc. When you get back to it.

[@illiantear]

I forgot this was the one with the dinosaur.

[@uglydayfif]

My favorite non Sanderson/Jordan series. Starts slow, has a couple bumps and becomes amazing. I’ve listened to it twice, you really shouldn’t “read” this series since James Marsters is perfect for giving voice to Harry and cements this series is one of my favorites.

[@6543dann]

Best pacing of any author

[@TheCanadianLord]

everyone loves Sue. (the T-Rex's name)

[@p.s.5863]

Don't stop now. Changes is even better. Dead Beat is a close 2nd and for me I really enjoyed Ghost Story. I did have to fight through first part of Ghost Story but worth it.

[@wesleyhudson2779]

Dead Beat is the reason I will keep reading Dresden Files. A “quiche cliche”, just wholesome and delicious.

[@chelleyroberts]

Of all the Dresden Files, I think Grave Peril and Ghost Story are the two I revisit the least. The others I re-listen/re-read often, but those two just never grabbed me. Dead Beat is probably my fave. Zombie T-Rex for the win. And “why settle for wieners when you can have steak?”

[@Dunybrook]

Only complaint I have about this book is that it's pushing a romance between Murphy and Harry which I'm not in favor of.

[@letsplaysquire3257]

Had to duck out of the spoilers, a family member got me 7 of the Dresden files one birthday, that's 7 of the first 8 Dead Beat was not one of them haha

[@scrandy882]

I don't get the sexualisation issues. I think that is an american thing. All female characters are quite diverse and they will get a lot of development over the next 8 books. Of couse fairies are sexy dangerous and vampires too. That is simply part of the fantasy world but there are quite a lot of great chatacters and you have to keep in mind that Harry is the viewpoint character. So we got his perception of women.

[@stevemadden3642]

Andreas P I mean, yeah, they kind of have to be sexy because they are predators. They have to entice prey.

[@corradoalamanni179]

Lash best girl

[@fluffypenguins]

Butters was in death masks

[@sandorfalusi3486]

POLKA! WILL! NEVER! DIE!

[@jasonritner9662]

Late to the party here... Dead Beat is my favorite book in the series. I've been reading since 2003 and it is very much my favorite fantasy series. My least favorite entries in the series are, in order; Fool Moon, Ghost Story, and Blood Rites. Everything else is far... FAR... superior. Full disclosure, I like those 3 books, but they are solidly my least favorite of them all. Keep with it because the series picks up in every aspect from Dead Beat on and I don't know anyone I've recommended the series to who put it down after making it to Dead Beat. Sue kinda sells everyone on this series...

[@jasonritner9662]

Separate note: Butters has one of the best character arcs in fiction. Polka will never die!

[@Nimaes45173]

I always viewed the repetition of the earlier books as setting the foundation and getting the reader too comfortable so he can pull the rug underneither us.

[@jaysemitchells497]

Oh no

[@ahmadfarhan6306]

Glad you moved on from the last one

[@gildartswinters4984]

Who could be a non Dresden Files fan? Indifferent sure. but, come now, people!

[@amalaspina]

If you like Butters, don't give up on the series.

[@hitzkooler15]

I hated all the lenghty exposition info dump with Butters

[@djkoz78]

Fun fact Butters was originally supposed to die in this book.

[@melodie-allynbenezra8956]

For a series that hits cliches that are obvious but SO obvious that it is hysterical... it's clear that Jim Butcher is at least familiar with Jack Benny.

[@gildartswinters4984]

Boy, you are going to feel stupid, when you pick up book eight next year. Or, whenever you do. The Wardens, the war, the attacks, and, well...you got what the Fallen Angel plot was. So, good for you! For that you get a biscuit, and, an ear scratch. However, you're still in the dog house for not mentioning what's going on with the council nad, the wardens. That becomes massively important during the events of book eight. lol! You even missed the short bus on that one.

[@jackinthebox1993]

Weren't you standing for a good chunk of your videos though? Ijs

[@rubenbylovandersen160]

my thoughts on dead beat... one word:... Sue...

[@Mn-yh2bp]

I will have to say that the next book (proven guilty) isn’t as good as dead beat or of the book that comes after it (White knight). But it is better than blood rights.

[@codychavez9839]

I’m a big fan of how Jim Butcher‘s Dresden handles women. he at his core is a man with flaws and he thinks with his dick half the time, much like the old noir detectives did. There’s a reason they were called femme fatale‘s... often being the inevitable crutch or downfall of the detective and in a sense while Harry can take a licking and a half he has a weakness at his core for women both romantically and in a protective sense. So I think it’s really well done. Plus there’s nothing wrong with being a horn dog.

[@Alatoic01]

you forgot Mouse

[@orrinscott-stewart3641]

You aint seen nothing yet. The series just gets better after this

[@bigmeandaddy]

Your channel just popped up in my recommended playlist and the first thing I saw was a poster of Obama. I'm very interested in hearing about sci-fi and fantasy books, and I'm very interested in hearing about politics - but not in the same channel. Just food for thought, man. It's like game theory. Put a picture of Obama in your background, alienate a large portion of your audience. Put a picture of Trump in your background, also alienate a large portion of your audience. Put a picture of a Map of Roshar or something in the background and alienate no one.

[@djkoz78]

Zombie Dinosaur T-Rex

[@KamiRecca]

Librarian Love interest? Are you calling Lash a love interest? Oh man, you know, every woman a character meets is not a love interest, and i realy never got that vibe from her at all at that stage.

[@jaysemitchells497]

She literally kisses Harry and gives him her number

[@FreakazoidDK33]

Was it really a review of the book? You had very little to say about the book, and you concentrated too much on the previous book if you ask me. This "review" did not give me any impression of the book at all. Also for me I would say that the weakest book in the series is book 13. The best is book 12 and after that book 7, then book 15 and after that book 14.

[@wolfdragonhorse]

Wow, you are so far behind on this series!

[@pranav12333]

This review is actually v bad