Ghost Story/Cold Days/Skin Game Discussion!

My review/discussion of Dresden Files Ghost Stories, Cold Days, and Skin Game!
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[@MrT115]

PARKOUR!!! I'm fascinated that Butcher managed to get a lightsaber into a fantasy story.

[@craniusdominus8234]

Well, this isn't exactly hard, considering that this is a setting where Star Wars is acknowledged to exist, but yeah :D

[@kaseybread5781]

Lol

[@morganrobinson8042]

He had the swords in Codex Alera kick up sparks in heraldic colors too when Metal Crafters clash. Subtle, but salient reference to lightsaber clashes.

[@neisan92]

@@morganrobinson8042 high level crafters also lit their sword on fire, and they burned the color of their house. One character had, blue and red, another green, and another had purple flames.

[@jarock-wh9lj]

Daniel . . . I think a major point you seem to have missed is that the Winter Court and Mab specifically . . . while certainly not 'good' aren't our typical 'bad' guys either. We learn that one of the entire reasons for the Winter Court's existence is protecting our reality from the outsiders. That's actually a 'good' guy job, but it needs creatures and things that are frankly nightmares by our human perspective to do so. The Summer Court isn't 'good' either, but it serves an important function as well. We've also seen multiple people (including a freaking archangel) remind Dresden that just because he's working for Mab doesn't mean he has to surrender his free will. It's an important part and I think it will be interesting to see him proceed in a much more morally gray world.

[@hitandruncommentor]

jarock1974 I agree, it’s one of the reasons why I think butcher’s portrayal of the fey is the best in fiction. They’re not good or evil per say as in Celtic mythology there isn’t such a thing and how butcher makes both sides grey is brilliant.

[@TheRedHaze3]

Wasn't he talking about Nicodemus when he said Dresden was working for the bad guys?

[@SultanFilm]

@@TheRedHaze3 I'm not sure, I think so. But Mab is using this to set up the Denarians, just playing a con with Dresden as an unknowing wrecking ball half the time to get what she wants.

[@jarock-wh9lj]

@@TheRedHaze3 In his Changes video, Daniel states that "Harry's working for the bad guys now." I don't think he's just referring to being forced to work with Nicodemus.

[@lathspell87]

Agreed. That is a point Daniel keeps misrepresenting. Mab is not "Evil". She is cold, calculating, cruel, and everything that Winter is. Winter is not Evil; it is a force of nature. She is what she is, but one of main reasons Dresden chose to throw in with her when looking at his options was because she does not do things needlessly.

[@ianfant8065]

The most emotional moment for me in the whole Dresden series was Harry and Maggie's meeting in Skin game. Not gonna lie, I got teary when she asked if he wants to be her dad and he said yes T_T

[@RecklessFables]

If you heard James Marsters read it, you will be emotionally compromised for a week. *shivers*

[@TheJordanK]

RecklessFables omg james marsters nails that scene so well. Never have I had a narrator tear my heart out like he does with that scene and the Marcone little girl shot scene screaming owie. Holy shit

[@millerpball]

The short where they go to the zoo together was great too.

[@hitandruncommentor]

Yeah me too. Or when he meets mouse after he’s dead. Then there’s meeting his spirit daughter. Mean hell this is why I love skin games so much.

[@Jak-Daxter47]

RecklessFables I cried it was amazing.

[@trevorwingard]

The absolute greatest emotional moment in Skin Game for me was Maggie. Harry finally having what is essentially his first real interaction with her as a father. And finally when Maggie asks him, “do you want to be my dad?” broke me. Jim said he was actually in the studio when James recorded that scene, and apparently it took several takes because James kept crying though the whole thing.

[@regulah2125]

That doesn't surprise me. It's the most emotional scene I've ever come across. The build up to it pays off a hundredfold.

[@francescosirotti8178]

[Spoiler] You forgot that Nicodemus' fall took the coordinated work and plotting of some of the most powerful and influential entities in the whole Dresden files - a God, the Winter Queen and a Freeholding Lord - moreover I think that seeing him displaying human weaknesses and actual sorrow had improved his character. And I really loved the whole "The first word is the answer, forget the rest" ploy between Dresden and Goodman Grey...

[@xelithe3096]

I agree, giving Nick the grief of losing his Daughter, that he'd been with longer than some societies, gives weight to his loss. It shows he really cared for her, and probably some of the other Nickelheads. Though with what is going on in the background might have made him lose faith in some of them. It made him human. An evil, by our standards, human, but a human none the less. Somehow I feel that Nick will somehow be pivotal in Harry's magnum opus on the positive side

[@shawngillogly6873]

Agreed. I thought the manipulation of Niccy was earned. And people hated Butters' lightsaber? Honestly? I hadn't seen that. And I frequent the Dresden sites. I thought it was peak JB. Takes a character who was essentially a throwaway, can't let go of him, and ultimately invests him with nerd power. Because nerd power is pure power in Dresdenverse.

[@wanderbyy]

Completely agree. I appreciated that this epic villain who always seems to not quite lose even when he doesn't attain his primary goal, who is basically untouchable throughout the series and then needs the greatest manipulators Mab and Marcone teaming up to get swindled at the worst possible moment for him...the moment that meant his action might have been for nothing...yeah, someone who has forgotten what emotional pain actually is is gonna be raw as (well) hell when it hits home. Oddly enough, apart from the end of Changes, this was possibly the second emotional stunner for me. And over Nicodemus, Stabby Hair, and even Psycho Mom? How'd Butcher manage that?

[@patricklyons794]

​@Xelithe Because the Fallen, as Evil as they are, are STILL part of OUR universe. The Prince of Darkness has as much reason to want to stop the Outsiders as anyone else.

[@dbillau]

Yeah the Butters thing had been set up since Dead Beat where Dresden was was hoping a Knight would save him from a former Denarian, but a future Knight saves him. Plus the lightsaber joke from the Better Futures Society from Ghost Story.

[@stevemadden3642]

I just can’t fucking stand butters character at this point. Just waiting for him to get kilt

[@kyllikki11]

Speaking of mantles that Harry takes up, you didn't even mention the most important one: Father. I think becoming Maggie's father is one of the more important results of Skin Game.

[@melodie-allynbenezra8956]

He is Maggie's father, and *spoiler that WASN'T mentioned* * * * * * the baby spirit of intellect that he carried to term in his head. He is now the daddy for both his little girls, one who lives with the Carpenters, and one who lives in the skull that Bob made Harry promise to make.

[@kelva1304]

Have you read Brief Cases? There is ashort, Zoo Day, which revolves around their relationship.

[@melodie-allynbenezra8956]

@@kelva1304 Yes, I have. And I enjoyed them greatly.

[@nealhoffman7518]

What I loved best about Skin Game was how Butcher managed to nail the emotional beats. People talked about crying when Harry cut Susan's throat in Changes. (Reading it, I read it as emotionally numb with shock, hearing Marsters later... I got the feels in full). In Skin Game, it's easy to empathize with Dresden when he first shows up at Michael's door, the trepidation and internal fracture. And then to have Michael completely turn the tone by calling him an idiot. The humor of Harry finding out he's pregnant, and then telling Murphy. The sweetness of his interactions with Maggie. The story is good, the progression is great, many things to like, but that Butcher was able to nail the emotional beats is what hooked me on Skin Game. Oh, and for Ghost Story... the flashback was well done.

[@regulah2125]

His meeting with Maggie breaks me every time. Most emotional scene I've ever come across.

[@lathspell87]

When Michael steps out of his house... one of the most epic scenes in the series. "I'm out," Michael said."In Nomine Dei, Nicodemus, I have come to face you." I had to cheer out loud, I was so stoked (may have teared up a bit)! I also thought the twist at the end was very well handled. Especially when you re-read the book and look at all the times he says something by starting with "Wizard". You realize they have been communicating the whole book. It's also interesting to hear Butcher plans a spin-off series with his character I do agree with you on Ghost "Story". My first read-through, I was still so hyped about Changes that I didn't appreciate Ghost Story. My many read throughs since, I have really enjoyed Ghost Story. The ending is probably the most emotional part of the entire series. You also get some great introspection and background to Harry. Seeing the attack of He Who Walks Behind was chilling. Cold Days is in my top 3. I love the potential of Demonreach and this idea of certain wizards bearing those mantles of "Gatekeeper" and "Warden" and "Blackstaff". I thought the weaker parts of Cold Days were actually the reactions to Harry being back by the others; that was a little lack-luster. I also like how Butcher introduces this idea of the supernatural characters wearing their names like Mantles. They could be many different figures (Odin and Santa Clause). It was very brief, but even Mother Winter seems to wear more than one Mantle. You really need to read the short stories. Side Jobs was pretty good but Brief Cases was fantastic. Probably because they were written in the same time frames as Butcher more fully realizing his characters and getting better as a writer. The first story in Brief Cases is from Captain Luccio's perspective where she is hunting down a group of necromancers in the wild west. When that story ended, I raged because I wanted a whole book about it. It was fantastic. All of the bigfoot stories were great and you get a story for Molly and Butters for "A Day in the Life Of" with their new mantles. Been appreciating the reviews and glad these are now on KZbin. Well done Dresden reviews didn't really exist until yours, so I hope it gets more people into these books. Primarily because I would love to see a well done Dresden show on HBO or one of the streaming services. If done correctly, they could be so much fun.

[@CosmicG777]

Dude. Grey was my absolute favorite character. I knew I liked him from the VERY moment we're 1st introduced to him, and that ending...man that ending really sealed it away for me. Gray is with out a dought my favorite Dresdin chater.

[@CosmicG777]

Also. I'm a little surprised that Dan didn't mention anything about Dresdin's newest family members.

[@madscientist2621]

I have to agree with the attack of He Who Walks Behind. Butcher told that story so well, I felt like I was there. I loved that moment!

[@eruantien9932]

I still maintain my favourite Michael moment is when he accidentally smites Kelly; "hands off the Fist of God" indeed.

[@TheJordanK]

I think it’s important to remember that you are learning about all these “larger powers” at the same speed/level as Dresden. You’re his POV. There is ALWAYS something more that Harry learns that makes his understanding of the world bigger. I think it will continue

[@asksalottle220]

It's really great how he layered these characters to become Allys in a way, not forced (somewhat like Steven universe) but gradually we learn they weren't actually the villains we always saw them as through Harry's eyes and we learn of the more gray side of their existence, while meeting truly evil villians.

[@olfchan]

Harry and Michael's friendship makes me cry.

[@revpembroke3082]

There's a short story about Butters's first job as a Knight. He sees video game quest markers when he needs to go a-Knighting. There's also another short story about Dresden and his daughter hanging out at the zoo.

[@wanderbyy]

The Zoo Day also mentions a potential villain that so far only Mouse knows about. I'm highly curious if this will come into play during the full books or be more like the Bigfoot stories where we get several micros from his perspective and it plays out only from there.

[@DanielGreeneReviews]

Still sick so this was recorded a bit ago. Sorry for lack of responses. Resting so I’ll be good for JCon Online.

[@carterelton4972]

How is it that book reviews don't do well for a booktuber? I'm not arguing with the numbers, I see that. I just thinks is a little confusing that we watch Daniel because he reads and talks about fantasy books, but don't like it when he reviews a book?

[@nviz47]

Hope you get better soon. Saw the title - youve read them!

[@deanryanmartin]

Get well, Daniel Greene.

[@TheJordanK]

Carter Elton I would guess it’s cause they get much less views. Probably 90% or more of viewers on these ones are ppl who have read these books. So it cuts down his regular viewership by a big margin. I don’t even touch his videos about books I haven’t read yet. So the percentage of his regular views that he can bring to the specific reviews is quiet low.

[@christianmanning309]

I feel like Kincaid should have shot Dresden in the head. It didn't make sense to me that this supernatural assassin wasn't able to actually kill Dresden like he wanted. I mean Kincaid even says earlier in the series that he would shoot Dresden in the head from a couple miles away and there would be nothing that Dresden could do to stop it. My biggest criticism of Skin Game was the Parkour stuff at the end. The parkour kind of became a minor macguffin and I found that really annoying...Don't get me wrong, I love the Dresden Files and it is by far my favorite fantasy series.

[@craniusdominus8234]

Daniel, don't feel bad about your reviews being different than the fan base. A lot of the fans' opinions are biased by... WAIT FOR IT... The time it took Jim to release the next book. Take Ghost Story, for example. You're in a position where you read that a few days after you finished Changes, and you had a couple more books waiting for you. Someone who finished Changes the month it came up and had to wait a year and a half for Ghost Story will be outright disappointed that the plot doesn't move forward. Never mind that Jim took the time and effort to make the entire book about the consequences of Harry's actions in Changes. Those people spent an entire year building their own expectations and waiting to see "Harry smash!" as usual. And it's exactly those false expectations that they've built for themselves that are being disappointed by Ghost Story.

[@nathanliteroy9835]

I've read the series all at once when Cold Days has already came out

[@CritterKeeper01]

I agree. I saw something similar when TNG aired part one of "The Best of Both Worlds" and then fans had to wait months for part two. Some fans came up with elaborate theories or novel-length fanfic, and then were offended that the show didn't go in exactly the direction they'd predicted. Harry Potter has a similar problem with fans who were shipping Harry/Hermione and then couldn't accept that they'd mis-read all the indications that it was Ron and Hermione who were developing a relationship all along. ("I dropped *anvil* sized hints!" -JKR) Some people go beyond just coming up with theories as a game, and wind up so proud of their cleverness that they lose their love of a series when the series goes in a different direction.

[@FantasyNerd365]

I think Ghost Story was still fairly new when I started the series.

[@Jon_Browne]

Your re-read must be with the audiobooks done by James Marsters. It’s just...incredible.

[@trevorwingard]

Jon Browne alot of his initial read was audio format, including these 3 books.

[@pwidmer]

James Marsters is Dresden. 😂😂

[@Jak-Daxter47]

I just finished all the audiobooks out and holy shit I love James Marsters he’s amazing.

[@mikemcquarrie4113]

Yes the changes scene read br marsters is one of the most gut wrenching scenes ever

[@boomgoon_7563]

I've listened to books 1-8 in about 3 weeks.... I also have like 150 audio books under my belt. So I have a lot of experience with them. I love the job James does for the mosy part. Once he stopped chewing on the mic around boom three. However I am constantly annoyed with how often he changes the accents of important side characters between books. I am on White Knight but I accidently listened 2 about 15 minutes of Small Favor and Michael sound British all of a sudden. Which would be the third time his voice has changed. I have never experienced this in any other established book series.

[@gavinmorrison1229]

Daniel, keep in mind Butcher isn’t doing “lovecraftian beings” he’s doing *his spin* on them. Like he has for so much else.

[@Dagon391]

Daniel likes to keep things in neat boxes and resists when they break the mold but eventually comes around.

[@rattslayer]

yea, i think the goal of the outsiders are in the name. they are OUTsiders, they want IN! besides, if there are lovecraftian beings, these aren't them, these are their foot troops, the smallest of the small, which are still scary as hell.

[@seb24789]

Harry blew up a shoggoth in the comics once.

[@nikkisweezea2388]

Also, been doing them since Storm Front. He Who Walks Behind is mentioned in the first half of the first book. There have been other allusions throughout.

[@ectofrost]

@@rattslayer the molly alaska short was lovecraftian right? or was that just a riff on a lovecraft story.

[@avichaid6021]

You missed one of the biggest reasons that Molly's the way she is in Ghost Story. She was an accomplise in Dresden's death. She knew what he was going to do, didn't stop him, and even erased it from his memory

[@edgardtheknowledgekeeper3119]

Y'all can dislike Ghost Story but let the man like what he likes. And for that matter what I like. Ghost Story is probably in my top five or near it.

[@AuroraXA]

Agreed! It is so important to the character and it shows all the consequences of Harry's choices. Definitely top 5 for me.

[@EveryDayALittleDeath]

Skin Game is actually my favorite Dresden book, with Changes and Ghost Story tied for second place. My reddit username is a Ghost Story reference - bewarethelemurs. Skin Game sort of feels like it was written for me, with a ton of story elements I love packed into one book. I actually love that Butters becomes a Knight of the Cross because a Jewish KotC honestly makes perfect sense for this series. And Harry's scene with Maggie makes my heart melt every time. And Ghost Story is just a wonderful character study, and honestly I really liked that we slowed down a bit after the crazy ride that was Changes.

[@signaltome]

Problems with Butters, really? He's just adorable as a Jed... I mean Knight of the Sword. ;-) If he can continue to do his Batman impression with the help of Bob the skull I think he can be formidable. I mean, considering how he looks like who would think the guy can fight if he needs to? Love Butters. Hope he is not gone from Peace Talks, I mean, I don't need a two hundred page POV or anything but I want to know how he is doing. Was not too much a fan of Side Jobs, there were a few gems in there but I dunno. Brief Cases though have almost nothing BUT gems, even the not-Dresden POV ones. Worried for Molly even though I suspected the matle would take her there. Mouse is just adorable though, love his POV. And Dresden bein a dad. I love Zoo Days, three POVs in one, each pulling back a new layer of the story. Not sure I would like that in the main Dresden books but the short stories allow some experimentation. :-)

[@Ramsus32]

I got into The Dresden Files right before Skin Game came out and when I finally caught up I figured I would only have to wait a year and a half or 2 years at most for the next book since that was the release timings of the entire series. Six years later and the wait is down to 3 months! Found your channel through the Dresden subreddit and have been enjoying all the content you put out. Keep up the great work!

[@carsonraysnaychuk]

Counter point to dresden having some extra pull with nicodemus he did dam near strangle him to death and he left him for dead. Also it was literally like minutes ago there is a reason we say too soon. Finally I think jim is paving the way for Nic to sacrifice himself to defeate the outsiders but that is speculation. Speaking of speculation is the council's black staff mother winters missing walking stick? Thoughts. Edit (Spelling)

[@jamiemahoney2446]

I have had a similar view after the scene in the aquarium. Ever since I have had the view that he will do some VERY bad things that will actually be of benefit. St. Nick indeed.

[@telynns8490]

"Who's a good dog? Spots a good dog!" I laughed so hard. And it really wasn't that funny of a line. But so unexpected.

[@saberstrike000]

On a book by book basis: I too was alone in my friends in liking Ghost Story. For me, it was the fact that without his body and capacity to go around "Fuego"ing all his problems, he has no choice but to actually be introspective. Dresden with time and opportunity to actually consider the ramifications of his choices (and that he is not the only one paying the price) was something that was long overdue in my mind. Using the ghostly memories as ways to show us what exactly happened with Justin and the Walker was a good way to add a flashback in a 1st person narration. Also, my understanding was that Lea was splitting time with Molly as the Rag Lady and that she was the one spree killing, while Molly was mostly going in for acts of illusion based terror. I'm not saying you're wrong about the villain (or the climax, really) but I felt it was a case of "not being an amazing villain" rather than "a bad villain." Cold Days gave us some long overdue explanations about the background cosmology and while I'm not as worried as you are about the Lovecraftian elements, I find Nemesis to be a far more chilling threat than "immune to magic" monsters. The idea "unmake yourself" is a particularly tempting and horrifying invasion, even beyond the "anyone could be infected" angle. Its also a very interesting circle for most of Harry's allies who have gone from arguing with him when they met to blindly following him into Changes, to now that they've all established themselves in a post-Harry world, everyone is calling him out on his shit. In general, I enjoyed it a little less than Ghost Story because it felt a little too much like Butcher was overcompensating for the lack of action in Ghost Story. So, there are two real complaints I hear from people about Skin Game: Butters becoming a Knight and the Goodman Grey twist. For the latter, I felt that it was Butcher leaning into the tropes of the heist genre Skin Game dallies with. Was it smooth? Not really, but its not entirely out of left field either. At best, you can say its a "dishonest" use of the 1st person perspective. As for Butters, I feel its not a criticism necessarily of the man himself, but the collective fan belief that he "stole" this path from Murphy. But, I realized as early as Ghost Story that it wasn't her path. The knights are about faith...and frankly, Murphy is fresh out. Despite her catholic roots, that has always been firmly entrenched in her role as a law enforcement officer, but we've seen that slowly erode...actually pretty much throughout the series, but it takes some heavy body-blows during Blood Ties and Proven Guilty. Changes not only finishes the job, but also robs her of the other moral marker she's been using: Dresden. Even when he comes back, not only is he clearly not as good a man as he once was, but she herself has been compromised. Face it, if Murphy still had her badge, she never would have attempted to execute a surrendering criminal. I think that either Butcher never intended that to be her path, or changed his mind at some point. My only kind-of issue with Butters is the fact that he's at least in his late forties by now (which I felt was something odd about him living with Angie, considering she has to be around twenty years younger, but considering she also dated Kirby, maybe she has a thing for GMs) which isn't necessarily a mark against him as Knighthood is as much spiritual as it is physical. I'll express my disapproval if he starts cutting through vampire hordes during Peace Talks. Actually for that matter, Murphy has to be around forty which means she's unlikely to recover fully from her injury and the "she won't live fractionally as long as Dresden could" element is going to have to be addressed in their relationship. I know a lot of fans are expecting her to get some kind of supernatural upgrade and are just pissed that it wasn't the one they anticipated. (Me, I wonder what's Monoc's hiring policy for Valkyries.) Then again, as you frequently point out, the series excels at the unexpected and maybe Butcher has an elegant way to keep her vanilla and still relevant. One comment about your belief that Nicodemus was fooled too easily. One, I'm going to argue that both he and Dresden were fully aware the other was sizing up a double cross, and spent the entire course of the novel trying to do two things: see which side the various crew-members would come down on and trying to goad the other into violating the conditions of their oath. (The entire chase scene with Butters is more or less a longer version of Nicodemus trying the same tactic on Dresden as worked on Murphy, trying to trigger an emotional reaction that would break the deal.) The only two factors that Nicodemus missed are Goodman Grey and the fact that Dresden would get to him first. And that's my second point: Nicodemus also failed (not just in the heist, but the much greater con that Marcone, Mab and Hades were running) because Dresden touched a nerve he didn't think he was vulnerable to. A great deal of Skin Game is about paternity in particular, but from Changes on, there's a heavy element of the emotional vulnerabilities and obligations of parenthood (and the surrogate parenthood of being a mentor.) Even if Grey hadn't been on Dresden's side, Nicodemus was functionally done once he broke his oath. Maybe he made it out of there with all the artifacts, but assuming he still reacted emotionally and went to go attack Michael's family, there's no guarantee that things would have gone any better there. All in all, I guess my point is that a reoccurring refrain is that what makes Nicodemus dangerous is that under it all, he's human and it's about time the flip side of that came around. Actually, my biggest issue with Nicodemus was a different take on him possibly acting out of character. I'd been operating under the assumption that some combination of Thorned Namshiel, Tessa and Rosanna had been involved in the assault on Arctis Tor, possibly because of Nemesis. We know from the Aquarium that Nicodemus was unaware of their involvement and as I read Skin Game, I assumed that Tessa's opposition was related to that. However, once it was clear that it was because she knew/suspected Dierdre's fate, its likely that it was a genuinely maternal action. However, Nicodemus, who up to this point has always acted in a calculated, long-term, Xanatos gambit manner, suddenly decides to go all in. Even if he succeeds and outmaneuvers Dresden, he's still lost his daughter, any chance of Tessa ever working with him again and his standing in the Accords (I mean, he's not an oathbreaker in this scenario, but both Marcone and Hades are out for him and while some may applaud his daring, he's not getting back to the party) all for whatever doomsday he can unleash with holy artifacts and to embarrass Mab. Maybe whatever he plans is worth the cost, but its a VERY extreme move for a guy who has been playing "Armageddon Lotto" for a millennia or two. I'm not saying that he's the one infected, but something must have happened or be about to happen to trigger such an extreme reaction...

[@DPS31762]

A new tier list suggestion: rank recurring Dresden Files characters.

[@qliphalpuzzle5453]

Number 1: Harry Dresden Number 2: Id Dresden

[@ianlandseadel9989]

I would love to have sit down, back-and-forth discussion with you about these books. I very much enjoy picking through potential clues and foreshadowing in the dresden-verse, as well as the potential future ramifications of major plot points. It's also very nice to find someone who feels the same way about Ghost Story as I do. I think that story is under appreciated, and I feel that too many people think that just because it isn't as easy a read as other Dresden books that it isn't as good as them. I would also recommend reading the short stories. Some of them just flesh out the characters, some of them are just fun, but others flesh out the world and ideas in important ways.

[@Dawnphyre]

anyone elses heart break in that scene with Maggie and reads her a bedtime story

[@brianlewolfhunt]

I would recommend the collections of short stories, Side Jobs and Brief Cases, because there are some excellent character moments for Dresden and many of the side characters. It's fun seeing Molly handle missions by herself, or Murphy's reactions right after Changes, and a few other things that kinda flesh out the world a bit.

[@ReallyGoodandKind]

Brian Le Wolfhunt aftermath is amazing.

[@markhiller904]

I really felt like the stories post Changes really filled in some blanks, and too be fair I was reading the books. His relationship with the Bigfoot, how Molly got her apartment, meeting Murphy on the bridge while fighting a troll as well as his work with his former boss, all of these situations have a story as.

[@bobburris4445]

I really enjoyed Murphy's description of Harry in Aftermath. You get to see him as others do instead of how he sees himself

[@TakeWalker]

oh hi, fancy seeing you here :)

[@brianlewolfhunt]

@@TakeWalker Hey Take!

[@nofacej1]

Jim has been seeding the Lovecraftian stuff since the beginning. At this point I'm confident enough in him that I have no doubt he'll pull it off. Dresden being star born might be an allusion to the Elder Sign (which in Lovecraft's work wasn't a star, but in more recent interpretations is) and the Venatori, the Oblivion War and the Archive (whose entire purpose is to remove any record knowledge of the Outsiders and Old Ones from existence) have cropped up numerous times throughout the series. The apocalypse trilogy (Stars and Stones, Hell's Bells, and Empty Night) also hint at cosmic events unfolding. I wouldn't be surprised if the series ultimately ramps up to a confrontation where the stakes for failing are Azatoth waking up and devouring the universe.

[@SultanFilm]

He Who Walks Behind first was mentioned in Storm Front and was even seen in Blood Rites, as well as mentioned a couple books outside of it.

[@mattroxursoul]

Michael is my favorite. Even though he is crippled now that does not matter. The advice and warmth of his character are what was most needed here. Opening his home to Harry while he was in self doubt and crisis was a touching scene. Michael has always been a favorite.

[@graceanderson8553]

I also vary much enjoyed ghost story. Much more then my mom(she introduced the series to me)

[@DocHoody]

Not even one mention of Dresden being PREGNANT!?

[@turma8eac]

I actually really liked the lovecraftian element specially he who walks behind, who we thought was beaten by Dresden but apparently only manipulated him for some reason

[@robinmoore7202]

I’m curious what you thought about the “parasite” in Skin Game. I’m just about done with my re-read of the series in preparation for Peace Talks. One thing I noticed, especially in Skin Game, is just HOW much gets piled on Dresden. Part of me would like to see a time of calm for him. Yeah, I know. It’s be boring to read. ☺️

[@Grimscribe732]

Very much recommend reading the two short story collections Brief Cases and Side Jobs. They fill out the world, especially some POVs from other perspectives are very interesting and provide context. Butcher does a magnificent job of making his world feel even more alive and vibrant through these shorts. Also, I like this kind of review. I don't really get why book reviews don't do so well, I'm always interested in new books and find it rather interesting to hear someone else's take on books I already have read.

[@KJAkk]

My take on the Outsiders is that they existed in the chaotic primordial realm that predated what we know of as reality in the Dresden Files. When reality was given form and natural and supernatural life was created those ancient beings were pushed away from and isolated "outside" this new multiverse with everything that was created being protected inside. The Outsiders from my perspective want to wreck the structure of the reality that has been created and reclaim the volume of the multiverse that they lost 13.8 billion years ago. The fact that they predate the rules that reality runs on would play a role in why they are so difficult for most mortal beings to fight directly. Given this I don't know if the Lovecraftian unknowability is really an issue for the story.

[@lathspell87]

I am in the same boat as Daniel regarding being a little nervous about how he will handle this. I loved the Codex Alera series, but felt the very end was a bit of a let down.

[@AzenHawke1995]

Don't doubt Jim on delivering these Lovecraftian things. He will deliver even beyond our and his expectations

[@BrassRobotPhoto]

Found Your channel because of Dresden and I must say, you are one of the most level headed and thought out reviewers I have seen. Fantastic job. Keep it up

[@pinkhornet8737]

I like your Dresden reviews and I loved the cat cameo.

[@billyalarie929]

big fan of this, i love your in-depth meditations on these kinds of things. ESPECIALLY when you combine books for 1 video. for me the length of the video is the big ol' draw. the benefits to you are also icing, and i'm here for anything that benefits you. i've said it before, i'll say it again, your discussions on books is what's gonna get me fully into fantasy.

[@kohiek]

I love Ghost Stories, but I think it really shines in a binge situation.

[@Stitch53]

Kyle Norton I always liked Ghost Story but, in listening to discussions across various social media sites, it seems to be something that people appreciate more on subsequent reads rather that loving immediately.

[@elizabethrcrandall6877]

I love the reviews, keep them coming! I’ve read/listened to the series multiple times over the last 5 years and Zoo Day is my favorite of them all. I love the father viewpoint, Maggie’s voice, and most of all MOUSE! Brief cases has lots of foreshadowing: read it before Peace talks gets here! Thanks for recognizing Michael, Paladins do rule!

[@B00STERG01D]

Just finished Storm Front!

[@nealhoffman7518]

Going through rewatching your Dresden content... and getting curious about how deeply you've peered into the short stories.

[@pkrdy3]

I love this video and this format! It feels a lot more personal and like a real chat about some fantastic books- or maybe that's just my quarantine isolation talking? I also really like hearing your thoughts with spoilers included. Sucks that these don't do better for the channel, but I for one REALLY enjoy them!

[@ChocolatierRob]

Winter are not the bad guys but a place where bad guys may gravitate to. They are ruthless and pragmatic but necessarily so.

[@amandaofhouserobinson6707]

Im loving the new format that you did with this review!! Thanks Daniel! Love it!!

[@greencertifiedweb]

One of the best parts, in Skin Game... Michael noticing the Winter Lady statue is Molly! LMAO

[@kylewood2715]

Daniel Greene, I love that you mentioned your concern for the Outsiders. That has been my biggest worry for awhile; especially because of how much they are starting to remind me of the Voidbringers in Codex Alera, which were the worst major element in that series for me.

[@trevorwingard]

Don’t mean to be nit picky, but I think you mean the Vord. Voidbringers is Stormlight Archive.

[@kylewood2715]

@@trevorwingard You got me there lol. I knew I should have double-checked...it's been a minute since I last read Codex Alera

[@bonniefahy6339]

Yes waiting for peace talks has been excruciating. Five years we’ve waited and not happy about it. But yes we can get it to fit body.

[@red_hobbit3323]

Can we take a minute to appreciate The GateKeeper?! I'd love to see a POV short story about him!

[@lincolnnoronha4128]

I agree with Daniel’s assesment of the Lovecraftian elements. Still love them in the stories, so I am glad Butcher is bringing them. You wanna see the perfect usage of Lovecraft in an amazing funny story? The Laundry Files first book. Love it.

[@nathanliteroy9835]

Yep, it's great!

[@cullencase3114]

I would really like to see you do a character-by-character breakdown of the Dresden series. What are your rankings for Harry and all his companions, enemies, and associates?

[@aescleahs]

Just started the series because of your reviews

[@handofphate]

You should read Brief Cases and Side Jobs the collections of Shorts that fit in between the other main books.

[@vicentemunozcalahorro8616]

Both are great: Day Off, Bigfoot on the Campus and Zoo Day..

[@2moreonsvine985]

I'm not going to read Dresden for a while. Still excited for the dresden review. With every dresden review you put out I feel more excited to begin this wizard journey

[@kurtisspeer3202]

Cold days is going to be, probably, the most important novel in the series moving forward. IMO. Butcher introduces sooooo much lore. Harry going to the outer gates is a total game changer. At the risk of sounding melodramatic, it's the beginning of the end. There are only a few more novels before his BAT, and this single event it really going to get the ball rolling.

[@pamb.3312]

Daniel, have so enjoyed your reactions to the Dresden Files! When I first read Ghost Story I was disappointed. But when I went back and re-read, I appreciated it so much more. That said, please, please, listen to Side Jobs and Brief Cases. Marsters. Wow. All of the characters come to life in a new way and I never fail to be delighted with his reading of the Bigfoot stories. You will not be sorry! Keep up the good work.

[@Nasser851000]

I really want to check out dresden now since Daniel treats it like a drug addiction XD

[@The_Ogier]

It is so good I burned through the series so quickly.

[@aescleahs]

They are really good I'm burning through the first one its been a while since I've enjoyed a book this much

[@nealhoffman7518]

It is an addiction lol. What's more, there are two collections of short stories. Most are from Harry's perspective, but you have them from the POV of other characters also, filling in gaps between books, and referenced in the books.

[@demonicgrub1025]

Legitimately one of the best and easiest to read fantasy series. Reviews don't really reflect this, but Dresden is such a fantastic protagonist that his wit, descriptions, and combat all just drag you from one page to another. When I first was going through the series I started dead beat in the early afternoon, and finished small favor at 4am. I had 2 exams that upcoming day, but I couldn't put the books down, so I took both of them completely sleep deprived.

[@lytalo]

Dresden is one of the few series I have re read. It is such fun. The characters are great.

[@Sam-vr9wg]

Hey Daniel, do you have any plans to read the short stories before peace talks? A lot of them flesh out events from post-changes and give a lot of insight into both that transitionary period between changes and cold days. Additionally they dive into a lot of plot points that feel like they are being set up for future books.

[@maxcerna8374]

There I was in jbad Afghanistan in 2013..I picked up cold days from the USO and started reading it. Having never read any Dresden Files... boooooy what a mistake! I read the first chapter and IMMEDIATELY put it down thinking..no it cant start like this and ordered every book that same day. I have been looked ever since. Thanks Jim you got me through a rough time! Cant wait for Peace Talks!!

[@Drkpassenger19]

In regards to people's Butter's complaint. The seeds of him doing what he does can be seen as early as Dead Beat. When Harry is at the mercy of Casius the snakeboy, he says that all he can do is have faith. And at these moments a knight of the cross would normally show up. And who shows up? Waldo Butters, who up until this point has been a self claimed coward. And yet he had what it took even then to continue the mission of the Knights.

[@houserivain]

Subbed because of all of the Dresden stuff, but I have really been enjoying going through your older videos. Keep up the great work!

[@vicentemunozcalahorro8616]

I enjoyed Ghost Story more than I thought I would, in fact is one of my favourites

[@DREWSBOOKREVIEWS]

haha, I started watching this one, you said spoilers and I thought, meh, spoilers don't bother me, but then I realized I don't want to know what will happen lol I love your videos on Dresden and am Loving your channel, I am going to try to remember to come back and watch this one later, but the ghost story, skin game, cold days are a bit a of a ways down my TBR pile right now but I have them and will get to them keep up the good work!

[@GenocidePhoenix]

Ghost story was absolutely more important than a lot of people give it credit for. I personally thought it was necessary, especially after the detonation that is the end of changes. The series needed a break from all the intensity and needed to focus on making you familiar with the new paradigm and the consequences of Changes for everyone. Cold Days was also great because you got to see Harry become The Winter Knight. You got to see him start to feel the real impact that wearing that mantle is going to have. It was very interesting seeing all the ferocity he normally pushes aside easily and shuts down starting to gain ground and really test his resolve. Skin Game is still to this day one of my favorites of the whole series. I really loved the heist, I love Nicodemus as a villain he's just wonderful and menacing. I also enjoyed that they started to show the humanity of Nicodemus start to bleed through and even start to show that he doesn't always agree with his fallen angel. The conversation with Hades, much like all his conversations with Vadderung, was thoroughly entertaining. I always enjoy when he deals with gods and beings so far above his level that he has no idea what to do but to just be himself and hope they don't squash him like a bug. One thing I always have to keep in mind is Butcher has stated numerous times that he plans to end it with an "Apocalyptic Trilogy" so I have this feeling that whatever the Outsiders are planning is going to be devastating and it really feels like they're going to win. That being said, every time I think Butcher is going to do something he always surprises me and ends up doing something I never would have predicted. With that thought running through my mind it makes me think something far more terrible and catastrophic than the Outsiders is looming on the horizon and they are basically the first wave to soften Dresden up before the real "Big bad" comes to stomp the world into submission. All that being out there I am desperately waiting for Peace Talks and Battlegrounds. I fully expect them to be the best he's written and Jim Butcher hasn't disappointed me yet

[@silverfang312]

Great format! Thoroughly enjoyed it!

[@seiryu78]

Won't you read/review the shorts? (at least Side Jobs and Brief Cases)

[@rettthebest]

Now you have to read the two short story anthologies, Side Jobs and Brief Cases. One of my favorites is when Harry takes Maggie and Mouse to the zoo. and the entire Bigfoot Trilogy. Bigfoot on campus has one of the funniest lines in the series. I won't quote it because of spoilers, but it's great!

[@LeonMatthews]

The title is Ghost Story (singular). You kept saying Ghost Stories, and it was driving me crazy! :-P I like the book reviews. They were what brought me to your channel, and it's still the part what I find the most interesting. Cheers!

[@xDeFModEx]

I honestly wonder if I would love Dresden Files as much as I do, if I read them and didn’t listen to the audiobooks with James Marsters. He does such a great job.

[@FastrThanYou77]

The flashback in SKin Game is fantastic. Its a heist book and its done perfectly!

[@DavidScotton]

I agree with you about Ghost Story, I think it's one of the best books in the series because of the emotional punch, especially at the end when he's basically saying his goodbyes to his friends and to Mouse. I haven't really been involved in much discussion about these books so I didn't realize there were people who disliked what happened with Butters in Skin Game - personally I thought that moment was absolutely awesome, one of my favorite moments in the entire series.

[@AikiraBeats]

I haven't read the series yet but I am tempted to do so now after watching your reviews about each book

[@AAAAAAAAAA225]

just climbed to top of my tbr , reading the great hunt and its amazing.thanks for recommending wot

[@countespire6385]

On my first read through of Ghost stories, I hated it. My second time through it, I felt very much how you did; with so much taking place in Changes, this was a welcome slam on the brakes to somewhat reset the unknown. In regards to Cold Days, interesting that you are worried about how Lovecraft is weaved, yet we only now really find out about it in book 14 of 25 (If Butcher sticks to his 25 book idea). If anything I think it was teased enough early on (he who walks behind) that this would officially come out to be something on this level (hell, i wouldn't be surprised to see his uncle was patient 0 of the infected and started this whole chain reaction). While I can understand you're worry, again 14 books in, and considering the world already weaved, I'll give Jim a bit of faith on this one. A few things to point out, is the tidbits of information that is given very subtly: The Gatekeeper advises Dresden that he knows what it feels like to be in his shoes....was he a previous winter knight that took on a different role for Winter? Is the winter knight the entry level gig for something bigger? Kringle talking to Dresden tells him that Halloween has the ability to dispose of mantles; Dresden says masks and Kringle says what's the difference....So there is a way out of being the Winter Knight. Skin Game....this one really only raises one question for me. What involvement does the whole holy war/crusade have in this world of Fae? Followup, why can Dresden get under Nikky's skin so easily. More food for thought in this one Thanks for the reviews. I do appreciate the insight.

[@creach34]

I like your book reviews that is why I watch your channel.

[@homeisadream]

I listen to you ramble almost every day while making breakfast and lunch for my kids. Stay rambly Breowulf. #dadlife

[@theworldofleticia_creates1318]

Reiterating was some folks have said here. Side Jobs and Brief Cases will answer some of those "Ramifications" questions that you had and are worth a duel review. And they are nostalgic in the way Storm Front is upon reread because you get a younger Dresden, but also there are a lot of blanks that get filled in as far as character work and development.

[@wesleyhudson2779]

I liked the change of pace for ghost story and seeing from a distance the effects of his decisions without the ability to fix it

[@jparish1987]

Ghost Stories has definitely gotten better for me with each reread. Love all the books Changes being my favorite. Molly's arc is one of my favorites, interested to see where that goes. I do hope you take a look at Side Jobs and Brief Cases if you have not. Jim does an amazing job of putting you into these other characters perspective. I'm a big fan of Marcones story in Briefcases and both of Molly's stories. Would also like to hear your predictions for where you think the story will go in Peace Talks and Battle Ground.

[@deanryanmartin]

13:36 Pips becomes the star of the video.

[@nanotyrannus5435]

Watched this right after finishing Skin Game and I completely agree. Well done.

[@derriklest2161]

Many Miss the real reason behind ghost story...its to show us how many people really depend on Dresden not just his friends, but with Dresden not around the world starts to fall apart and it shows you he plays a MUCH bigger role in a fight that has yet to be fully revealed but it is hinted at by Mr.Sunshine....Dresden is a focus for keeping the balance and not just against the Denarians and please do not forget Dresden is "Starborn" as made known by the Erlking in Cold Days

[@davidkang5708]

This is an older video but I LOVE this kind of review!

[@adrianstrider4960]

Nicodemeus is up there, for me, with Molly, Dresden himself, and of course, the amazing Johnny Marcone, whom I have loved since the beginning of the dresden files. Having read all that are available for a good six years now, since I got introduced to the series, I can definitely say that its been a rollercoaster. The only reason that the whole Nicodemeus thing landed for me in skin game, personally, is that throughout the series, Harry Dresden seems to be one of the very, very few people that Nico has seemed to relate to is Dresden. As to the whole 'he's actually my ally' bit? It seemed to be Harry coming more into the WInter knight gig

[@RationalOrc]

Nicodemus: gets pissed off when someones jokes about his dead daughter Daniel: you're too easy to manipulate bro

[@arbiterprime2145]

not just jokes about it, but hits him with emotional sucker-punches that only a father would know to hit after hes been forced to kill her himself, in a place where shes going to get a personal punishment. that whole scene, where Nicodemus gets beaten while hes down, first emotionally then physically, then shows the true madness he has, is one of my favourites.

[@fangthedergon1863]

I cant wait for peacetalks it releases 5 days before my birthday so thats gonna be my birthday present to myself

Always enjoy your videos, Daniel. I am an old kid (70 years old) that refuses to completely grow up. I can't quite get in to the Dresden books. Maybe some day. I've followed your channel for quite some time. You rekindled my interest in the Wheel of Time, got me going in to the world of Brandon Sanderson, and several other authors. Thank you. P.S. What happened to Maddie? She is such a doll. If you two are still together, have her on again. Just a thought.

[@cathsaigh2197]

I fully agree on your comments on how giving lovecraftian entities motivations that can be conveyed to the reader is an issue. Though even if Butcher doesn't stick that landing Dresden will remain one of my absolute favourite series. I'll echo the other comments in saying that you should definitely read the short stories.

[@chaneafs]

Personnaly I love how far back Butcher started laying the groundwork for Butters to reach this point. Seriously... go back and read Dead Beat.

[@XcapeArtist1111]

Definitely check out the Alex Verus series and the Iron Druid series now.

[@wanderbyy]

I *absolutely agree on Ghost Stories. For all of those reasons you stated. Changes was SUCH a wave crashing climax to the first act of the Dresden series as a whole that Ghost Stories needed to be a resetting point. And having that sight into the ramifications of him being gone without the reunion relief of "yay, it can all go back to normal now. We are better now" aspect that most other stories would have had...I was down for Ghost Stories.

[@wanderbyy]

Disagreeing on the manipulation. I actually had a greater appreciation of what all it took when I read it over again. And an appreciation of the twist since I was then "in on it" with the players.

[@lupaecainis]

Thanks for doing this review. Loved hearing your thoughtful analysis and the personal impact these books had on you. Reviews are more long tail content and you've chosen the best possible time and year to cover Dresden files with 2 books coming out. If you want to improve the SEO of this video, you could considee including words Dresden Files in the title. And why use word discussion instead of review? You could also add some tags like #DresdenFiles, #JimButcher, #UrbanFantasy and #review

[@somethingnotidiotic1629]

I disagree that Lovecraftian gods or entities need to have nebulous goals. Cthulhu wants to wake up, destroy humanity and leave Earth. Nyarlathotep actively plays with humans and is sort of a Loki figure. Yog-Sothoth seems to be most like Nemesis from Dresden, as it is locked outside of the universe and wants to get in by corrupting people and having them perform rituals to allow some of their being or servants in. There are a few Lovecraftian entities that are mysterious, such as Hastur. But the only real being that fits your ideal of what a Lovecraftian entity should be is Azathoth.

[@daranthered]

Isn't the Lovecraftian element the overarching plot of the series? Since DuMorne "conjured" He Who Walks Behind, and Harry banished him, we know the Outsiders have taken an interest in him. It's in Ghost Story that Bob posits that much of Justin's life (and possibly Harry's) had been manipulated by the Outsiders. This is because Harry has power over them? The direction seems to be that Dresden is a possible threat to them. It often feels like a Chosen One narrative with the Outsiders.

[@joshw2079]

Harry understands Nicodemus in a way that no knight or anyone else b4 him has b/c they are in essence the same character. One has left his humanity behind and will sacrifice everything the other clings to his and refuses to sacrifice his principles

[@colinjones5379]

I loved Ghost Story. It did such a great job of exploring Dresden's character and his past in such an elegant way. The whole concept of shades being memories was such a unique way of doing flashbacks. Also, He Who Walks Behind is also a really unique and well-executed lovecraftian threat on a smaller scale. He's a villain who exactly operates on the fear of the unknown. How is he always behind you? It makes no sense and it's utterly terrifying. It feels a bit like The Weeping Angels or the Silence from Dr Who in the way he plays with your perception, really exploiting the fear of the unknown in such a visceral, everyday way.

[@drejd9351]

Jarock has it right about the courts. I think the reveal of the fae Courts true nature and place in things was one of the best elements of the series. They are elementally opposites and people might prefer summer in general, but they are fundamentally positive forces of creation. And Mab is what she is by necessity. She is a dark and terrible hero. Did not like her at first, but I am team Mab now. And I think Harry is too. Grumblingly and with hesitation, but without the need for compulsion.

[@PirateZ1]

I loved Skin Game it seemed like a return to form in terms of a tighter plot internally with the heist genre