Small Favor By Jim Butcher [SPOILER REVIEW] | The Dresden Files

[@ghjong001]

WARNING: Jim Butcher can taste your tears from afar. Every time you cry, he smiles and grows more powerful.

[@jellevanbreugel325]

true story, that man is pure evil incarnate...

[@Blezner]

It is known, The Butcher is fueled by the tears of his readers. Happy, sad, in triumph, or despair, they all feed him.

[@shawngillogly6873]

Indeed. The Butcher loves the pain he causes Harry. And you through him.

[@contramundi02]

“Likest thou jelly within thy doughnut?" "Nay, but prithee, with sprinkles 'pon it instead," I said solemnly, "and frosting of white.”

[@Dunybrook]

Possibly best lines in the series so far.

[@Sure0Foot]

and then when he's eating it and Thomas asked "where did you get the donut??" Harry just waggles his eyebrows. "You love your mysteries, don't you?" "It's like crack for wizards."

[@lordshavron]

The line "No. Family stays," absolutely broke me. I vividly remember sitting in my living room reading the book while my daughter, who was three at the time, was watching Sesame Street and I broke down crying. It was hard articulating to her that her lumberjack looking, father wasn't hurt or sad, but I just had an emotional gut punch. I love this book so much.

[@merphynapierreviews]

I was crying while cooking dinner. We're a mess out here 😫

[@lweismann]

I've read the series at least a half a dozen times. It Doesn’t lessen with repetition. Especially with James marsters reading.

[@philliptivis3082]

It's right up there with "You bow to no one."

[@soanthegreat]

"Harry has thing thing about protecting kids" Oh boy.....

[@timcook770]

oh boy, and oh no. so much oh no.

[@pauloid76]

He will definitely save a child

[@ashikurrahman5359]

I can't wait to see Merphy Napier to understand your comment here.

[@sunhound817]

Harry was an abused child. He needed a hero and no one came to save him. No way, now that he's an adult, that he'll allow a kid to be hurt if he can intervene.

[@robertwaldron0870]

I was about to say "just wait"

[@happyninja42]

My favorite part of this book is when Harry writes the note to Ivy, and then you get the payoff later that she got the message. Because just think of that situation for her. Naked, freezing, terrified, trapped, knowing full well all of the horrible things that the Denarians could do to her, and WILL do to her. And all the while that damn susurrus of voices in her head, of all the information of human society, constantly pumping into her head. She doesn't know if the VERY small number of people who know she exists, and actually care for her, are even alive or not. And all pumping through the mind of a child, hopped up on terror and misery......and then...."Ivy, it's Harry, Kincaid is alive, I'm ok, we're coming for you. Hold on! WE'RE COMING FOR YOU!" To just have that direct message sort of pierce through the noise of the Archive magic, to give her a sliver of hope. And then, when they wake her up after rescuing her, her first words were "....I got your message....thank you." And then proceeds to cry in relief. Just, I dunno, something about that always hits me the hardest out of that whole book. Love that bit.

[@Sure0Foot]

I find that a very strong characteristic of "positive masculinity." It's similar to Hicks in Aliens when he sits Newt up on the table she's trying to look at--a strong, in-charge guy sees (knows) a weaker person has needs, and he goes out of his way to see to them.

[@critica77y77]

I just want to note how impressive it is that Butcher wrote Michael so well that he’s universally loved by both Christian and Non-Christian readers.

[@madscientist2621]

Agreed. I would say it's because he wrote Michael in way that he walks the walks and not just talks the talk. He's genuine. People tend to gravitate to genuine people

[@telynns8490]

The scene where Harry is teaching Molly to shield using snowballs? And where Charity asks him how he learned (baseballs not snowballs)? Remember thinking how great it is that Harry is teaching Molly in such a different way then he was taught? Yeah, keep that in the back of your head.

[@westmanpl]

One thing to remember about Harry is that he is an orphan. And when he was finally taken in by someone, he turned out to be a monster. That is why he is so protective of children. He never wants another child to suffer in the same way that he did. As for the friction between Harry and Michael, it is actually very reasonable. One sign to look for when dealing with these types of manipulation is a change of behavior. When Harry was being influenced by Lash, certain areas of his personality were enhanced, but it was subtle, and not extreme. After Mab, Harry immediately stopped using a major type of magic that could have been very helpful in several battles. That is a sudden and distinct change that indicates tampering with his personality. Have fun with Turn Coat. I thought it was a small step down from Small Favor, but would still give it 4 stars.

[@cody7855]

I came to the comments to say basically this. He is protective over children because of his past. And it’s a part of his past he doesn’t dive very deep into. Sure he mentions how Justin was mean and used pain to teach but he never goes any deeper. Even talking about the night of their big fight he doesn’t say much about it. I think it’s so painful to him he never dwells much on his motivation for protecting children because it would require acknowledging how messed up he still is from his childhood. I also believe much of the same about his “old fashionedness” with protecting women. To Harry, he failed to save and subsequently lost the first love of his life. She was controlled, used by and died because of the one of the biggest monsters in Harry’s life. There have been stronger, more dangerous monsters in his life but in Harry’s subconscious I have no doubt that Justin is the worst of them all. Justin also serves as his biggest motivation to do the right thing and protect those that can’t protect themselves.

[@Danne1886]

My favorite part of the doughnut thing is Thomas having no clue how it appeared in his car and Harry refusing to elaborate. You just touched on so many things that are going to be paid off in the next few books. It's gonna be fun.

[@caffeinedelusions]

"He will move heaven and earth to protect a CHILD that is being HARMED." I want you to remember that line. I want you to remember that you said that. You'll know why.

[@mikemcquarrie4113]

I was thinking the same thing. She sets herself up for so many things to come.

[@slow5089]

Probably in the minority but loved that Murphy turns down the offer here. Absolutely 100% in character. "I already have a job".

[@fenris5932]

I think most people who actually care about character would agree. The role of long-term knight never quite fit Murphy.

[@collecter343]

@@fenris5932 The whole mindset of forgiveness was never really Murphy's thing

[@fenris5932]

@collecter343 as much as Sanya pushed for both of them to take up swords, Murphy and Harry never had the pure good boy/girl aura that long term knights seem to always have to one degree or another

[@litlbucky]

Dresden series was a wild ride, can not wait for you to read the next few in series

[@ShadowTaiga]

these are so fun to watch as some one who read through all of Dresden really fast and didnt talk about it with anyone. nice to see so many other share the joy.

[@Juanpa_SC]

That's exactly how I feel. Especially now that I'm about to finish my rearead of the entire series, again. I need book 18 ASAP.

[@camilolozano6654]

I can't wait for you to read Turn Coat and Changes those are my favorite books on the whole Dresden files

[@tomdeboerio3639]

For the swords, the "ch" is pronounced "k". As a french, the meaning of the sword is super easy, barely an inconvenience: - fidelachius (from fidèle = loyal = sword of faith) - amorachius (from amour = love = sword of love) - esperachius (from espoir = hope = sword of hope)

[@tomdeboerio3639]

Actually a better translation that resonates with sword of faith for "fidele" would be faithful!

[@thepoetesskhansaa]

Wow wow wow wow wow Wow

[@kryptonianguest1903]

Pronouncing ch with a k sound is tight!

[@nazimelmardi]

Merph emotional rollercoaster book review. 👏Had to smile when you realized, you probably recorded enough, turned to fast forward, closed the video. 😀 Jim Butcher knows how to add new cards to the table. The series never gets old. Of course the family scene. 10 books to build it up.

[@humphrysmurray6453]

"He will move heaven and earth, to protect a child" she said. Interesting insight, is all I'll say

[@rodneylopez5073]

I know you didn't respond well to the Gruffs, but there were two scenes that I really enjoyed with them which really showcased other characters besides, Dresden. First was the scene in Mac's when Murphy stops one of them from fighting with Harry due to the legal issues of her being a cop. For someone who is usually shown to be out of the loop with the magical world, that was a great win for Murphy. Second was the train station attack where Harry and Michael run into the woman protecting the tourists. Harry noted that she had placed herself between the door (a.k.a. the threat) and the tourists and thinking she would be someone he would like. And then his response to her praying and saying that Michael is the answer to her prayers not him. Just a couple of great moments that all these years later (since I've read this book) still resonate in my head. And I am with everyone else here. "No. Family stays", destroyed me. The first of several times when this series sucker punched me in the soul.

[@Danne1886]

The whole thing about having royal blood is just a theory Harry has come up with since he was tasked with passing on one of the swords 5 books ago. Even if that is actually a requirement, almost everyone who can trace their family tree back far enough hits some kind of king eventually. But not everyone who draws one of the swords gets the kind of reaction Murphy got. Like Dresden said, that was basically God offering her the job. However she doesn't want to commit to that, and needless to say I'm not about to spoil what comes later. I was actually mad when she turned it down tbh. As soon as Shiro died and left his sword to Harry I was like Murphy is the obvious choice. She has been training in Japanese martial arts her whole life, and frankly she needs a power up at some point. I get her decision at the end of the day. Still can someone get this woman a magic weapon that doesn't come with so many strings attached.

[@peterepeatepete2845]

I cannot recommend enough the short story that takes place after Small Favor but before the next book. It is called “The Warrior” and it doesn’t have any spoilers or anything, and it’s only like 40 pages I think. It is in the anthology series Side Jobs and probably elsewhere online, but make sure you don’t read past where you are in the mainline story for spoiler reasons (it is well marked before each story when it takes place.) Also, minor note that the book is “Small Favor” not “Favors”. This is only important because all the books are titled with two words that are always the exact same number of letters.(“Small” and “favor” both being 5 letters long in this case but every book is like that) It’s not actually important for any reason it is just kinda a neat naming convention.

[@CodexPotter]

Somehow as a Dresden files fan of nearly 20 years I never noticed all the titles are two words of the same length.

[@peterepeatepete2845]

@@CodexPotterI didn’t notice till I went to a signing for Brief Cases where he answered questions and mentioned that the original title of Storm Front was going to be “Semi-auto Magic.” Before he decided on this naming convention. He noticeably didn’t say why.

[@tacorrific]

Harry trading in hellfire for soulfire is so cool. Consequences from those final moments of defiance to Lasciel at the end of White Knight. Uriel makes a big impact in such a Small scene.

[@moellerchen93]

The Denarians are fantastic antagonist, always intense when they show up! Cannot wait for the next few books as they are my favourites in the series!

[@aldan7812]

I love how much you are loving this series Merph - Also here u go - Fid - A - La - Ke - uus 🙂

[@pauloid76]

I can only confirm because that's how the audio books say it

[@btand]

Having to pause and compose yourself at the thought of Michael being dead is relatable. What I remember about that is so many things meant to protect Micheal some how made it worse. Dresden made him go first, keeping the promise to Molly to watch out for her dad. Then he got shot with Sanya's gun, taken right out of Harry's hands. The bullets penetrated and then ricochetted inside of the armor Charity makes for him. It was like the evil aura on that island jinxed him so everything that's normally good was bad. I can't wait for you to read the first line of the next book. I doubt you will be having a slow start with TC, much less Changes.

[@nealhoffman7518]

This book was my introduction to the Dresden Files. I picked it up randomly. The end of the week I bought the rest of the series and plowed through it

[@pauloid76]

I have a similar experience. Road trip with my brother in law and he was listening to Cold Days on audiobook.

[@evanflynn4680]

You're going to love Turn Coat. You'll get to see Dresden at his most devious, with big stakes and principles on the line. Well, big stakes and principles are on the line in pretty much every book, but you rarely get to see Dresden being devious, so that's something to look forward to.

[@ghjong001]

Wile E. Coyote. Suuuuper Genius.

[@wanderingshade8383]

Dresden finally getting to have the final fight happen on *his* terms is my favorite thing about Turn Coat. Wile E. Coyote. Suuuuuper Genius.

[@toneloak]

Turn Coat is one of the most humorous books in the series, I think. They were just some iconic moments that made you laugh.

[@peterepeatepete2845]

Being overly trusting of women has bitten him in the ass, he knows it’s a blind spot for him so he feels the need to justify it. Harry would never bother to consider whether he Should help a child or not, he simply will. No reason for him to discuss it.

[@dudeguy8686]

For as fantastical as this world is, Jim's characters are so real. Dude's up there with Oda for that juxtaposition, for being able to ground such wild events into the most relatable and powerful moments. Lot of good interviews with Jim here on YT as well, though many have spoilers for the Dresden Files. Definitely worth checking out for anyone at least mostly through the books (and while being careful of dates, if not fully caught up).

[@spencercorpuz]

Dang Merphy you had me tearing up and it's been like a year since I've re-read this one 😂

[@A1990MusicMan]

So happy that you have continued to read these! I definitely agree that there are parts of these books that I could do without, but the sum total of butchers work is amazing, and definitely makes it worth it. I think you will love the next few books as well!

[@SilasRNold]

After rereading the series, Small Favor is still my favourite so far. I love it when the Denarians show up because sometimes it's nice to have a simple, utterly evil, villain to root against. It also means we get the Knights in force, as well. I like how Butcher started to give you a sense of how wide Harry's world is becoming. The introduction of Demonreach is a lot of fun. Have fun figuring out the Turn Coat.

[@pauloid76]

My favorite is still the heist one. No need to name it and spoil.

[@The0uts1der-1]

I have a hard time picking a favorite, but as a 3 book arc, Small Favor, Turn Coat, and Changes are jus the peek Dresden so far. I think all 3 are very very close in quality.

[@mndrew1]

Harry going thru the Babylon Five "There's a hole in your mind!" thing was so cool. :)

[@gaitman22]

That ferocity for protecting children is really touched on in changes I can’t wait until your review of that book.

[@nathanburkland677]

James Marsters does the audio books and is amazing. Helps with the pronunciation of certain proper nouns too.

[@ghjong001]

Too much happens in this book to condense into one comment, but there's one small scene that really stands out to me: Harry lashing out at Michael when he's scared, then immediately regrets it, feels ashamed, and apologizes. Michael is understandably angry and wants to revisit it, but lets it go in the moment, and they both move on to more important things. It's just so natural and human, and true to both characters. Harry's not perfect, and neither is Michael; they have emotions, and they say & do things they regret in the heat of the moment, but they deal with it like human beings instead of padding out a bunch of unnecessary drama. Another small one: Kincaid, laying down with Ivy right at the end. Just... aww.

[@compiling]

You're spot on with Dresden's feelings about protecting kids. With women, he knows that his actions are a bit out of line so he feels the need to justify them to himself. With kids, it's a fundamental part of who he is and he doesn't justify it because he doesn't even consider doing anything different. The emotional scenes in Small Favor hit me really hard as well. The way Harry's relationship with Charity developed over the last 3 books is fantastic. Small Favor through to Changes is probably my favourite 3 books in the series, so you should have a lot to look forward to. I think the next 2 have stronger openings.

[@drkprcnglit]

We all know what Harry would do for a child. Good catch Merphy!

[@destro6971]

If it wasn’t only 3 books out, Ghost Stories would be a great Halloween read…but don’t torture yourself waiting 6 months to get to it ☠️☠️☠️ Just a reminder that Mouse is a Good Dog. Everybody says so.

[@techsoul5590]

Cold Days is actually set on Halloween, but once again, no reason to delay. Edit: this may be a mixed up memory.

[@andreamiller3578]

@@techsoul5590 I think you're right because his birthday party takes place and it's on Halloween. I think.

[@The0uts1der-1]

@@andreamiller3578 Yes the entire book is 1 day for very important reasons discussed partially in Dead Beat.

[@Joemanji]

So glad you liked this! This is what works about Dresden Files, that the stakes and relationships keep building and developing. Btw, when you finish the main series the short story collection is very much worth reading too.

[@jasuxi]

I just finished my latest relisten of dresden files, and kept tearing up way more than on the previous times. I am so here for these reviews.

[@palexanderrice]

Also I freaking love the gruffs. Especially the reveal of the eldest and how Harry knew this was a heavy hitter because of the belts. Also his staff bellowing green thuds was so much fun. Harry aims, thuds, aims a little higher, thud. Braces for a monster!!!!! 5ft goat man

[@LightningRaven42]

7:30 this part right here. Remember it once Merphy reviews book 12.

[@shelfman727]

🤫 haha

[@Book_of_Grudges]

As someone currently in the middle of my umteenth reread of the Dresden Files myself, I love seeing your Dresden journey unfolding and you enjoying it. P.S. Just one more book...

[@TheVaultDescendant]

Only thing making me more happy than you releasing this video is how happy you where about it! Its such a great book and I love it!

[@notrixamoris3318]

2 VIDEOS IN ONE DAY THANKS MERPHY!!!

[@bethanygreenwood8259]

I can't tell you how happy I am that you're reading these and we get to discuss them with you! I just love living a re-read/first time read with you! This book got me 😢

[@Cyriax71]

Soooo many of your comments in this review have me excited to see your reaction to future events.

[@moby517839]

Im glad to hear merph is listening to the audio books because james marsters performance is second to none. I really hope she does the ending of changes as an audiobook because spoilery reasons

[@pauloid76]

Wanted to like this two times!

[@RetroRaconteur]

Clicked immediately when I saw this one get posted. So glad to hear you enjoyed this one so much! Definitely one of my favorites as well.

[@c0barsm]

YES! I love this book, second favorite in the entire series for me. So many emotional ties and moments. The action is great too!

[@pauloid76]

I'm scared to ask.... but what's your first?

[@ghjong001]

@@pauloid76 almost certainly Changes. It's pretty near unanimous from DF fans.

[@evanflynn4680]

I'm watching this and absolutely loving it. The foreshadowing! Just. Delicious. You'll know when you get there. It's when your brain stops working from the shock.

[@shawngillogly6873]

I would say Harry doesn't feel the need to justify how he protects kids b/c society doesn't push back at that the way it does his "chauvanism" (I'd say chivalry, oh well).

[@meris8486]

Yeah great book, there are plenty now. Dead Beat through to Changes are all banger books for this series, I like em all for different reasons. The Denarians are my favourite of the series big bads, Nicodemus in particular. Marcone, Gard, intro to the island, and of course Michael all awesome. Has a wonderful pace as most Dresden Books it just fly's by.

[@TheVaultDescendant]

Yay I am so happy to see this video in my feed! I think the reason he does not reflect in that way about being protective to children is because that is not something that could be said to have gone out of fashion. Just my initial thought tho idk?

[@telynns8490]

Exactly. In today's society a man feels he has to apologize if he wants to protect women. But children are still fair game.

[@dragonpoetsociety5981]

Glad you loved it! This is one of my favorites as well. If you want more follow up from this story, consider checking out the side stories in butcher’s anthologies: Side Jobs and Brief Cases. They add a lot to the series! “The Warrior” might be by favorite thing Butcher has written. Navigate with caution though because the anthologies include side stories between books you’ve not yet read. Spoilers within

[@darkfangevilbad]

The youtube coding brought me here. And I am glad it did. I LOVE hearing peoples thoughts on these books, since it is my favorite book series (Cause it was what really got me into books). And on top of it, audibles narrator James Marsters is forever imprinted in my head as the voice of Harry. When you finish these books, I recommend the audio books cause they are a chefs kiss. Edit: I had to edit cause I felt your pain as I continued to watch your video on the hospital scene...damn.

[@thewheelweave]

So glad you liked this one better than the last. I think this bodes very well for the future books as well. I said this before on one of these videos, i will say it again now, and it probably won't be the last time; The Carpenters are just the absolute best little grouping of side characters ever. All of them, but especially Michael. Butcher sure loves to torture Dresden, and by extension us the readers, but damn did he ever give him a solid friend in Michael.

[@thewheelweave]

oh sidenote, i cannot recommend checking out the audiobooks enough. Maybe not even as the main way to consume the series, perhaps just to go back in to listen to a favourite scene again or something like that. It's impossible to overstate how good of a performance James Marsters gives, at least after he's had a couple of books to find his stride. And especially the emotional scenes he just elevates to a whole new level. (and i mean come on, freakin Spike from Buffy? perfect casting. 10/10. Chef's kiss. No notes)

[@tr_vmi4844]

I love the fact that you're loving The Dresden Files!!

[@revpembroke3082]

The next book was the first book in the series I read. My mother had bought it from the library, started reading it, and I then took it from her and finished it overnight. It's probably my favorite.

[@deanchristie7723]

Wen Charity said family stays.....I bawled

[@hasltisl]

One of your best reviews ever! Thank you.❤

[@ryanb3254]

I love witnessing your Dresden Files journey. Please make sure to add the 2 Short story compilations into your readings. Side Jobs can be read without any spoilers once you finish Changes. Then Brief Cases can be read after Skin Game.

[@breakevenmonkey]

I started going through the series again via audible partially because of your reviews. I'm so glad I did. There are so many nuances and even connecting threads that pay off on a reread when you know what happens later. The world-building in this series is so good. I can't wait for you to get through Turn Coat one of my less favorite books, but much more enjoyable on my second read. Of course Changes isn't far away. I'm really looking forward to that.

[@taylorfromSC]

I'm so excited that you're still enjoying this series, and look forward to your reviews, ESPECIALLY when you push through your well founded criticism of Harry sometimes and see the greater good. I live a flawed character, even when the flaw is pretty cringe-worthy. Your Dresden (and most videos, but definitely Dresden) reviews are something I specifically look for every day when I get my coffee poured!

[@Kellen81]

Glad this one worked for you. They pretty much keep getting better from here

[@arenkai]

I read this one a year ago, and I still cried when you did the retelling of the hospital scene. That one hit deep...

[@jenb7780]

The scene at the end of Small Favor makes me cry too.❤

[@kmechwarrior1684]

One of my favorite scenes in the series is when Harry takes Michael to the garage to talk to him... that scene was just so powerful to me

[@ashikurrahman5359]

I can't wait to see your review once you're done with Changes. Tips: Keep a box of tissues with you.

[@One-Watermelon]

I'm just 1-2 books ahead and listens to you is so cool. Feels like I have a friend to talk about the books! :) Can't wait for the next one!

[@joelrandall2348]

I am so incredibly excited to see what you think of what comes! You're approaching what I consider the best of an already amazing series. I also think you're approaching a book or two that are quite unlikely to be a slow start for you.

[@DefalconZero]

Loving your reviews and glad you’re enjoying! It is a wild ride from here on out, Small Favor marks the start of the most epic journey imo I also second another comment here; you should record yourself reacting to reading the first page/chapter/section of Changes

[@telynns8490]

And the ending.

[@mindmaster323]

My two favorite parts of the book was the boat fight with Nicodemus and when Harry was in the chapel at the hospital. He's feeling guilty and angry about Michael being on deaths door and he knows the Denarians by themselves couldn't muster up the power needed to run those massive pentagrams for so long and just starts yelling at the podium. Especially since I've been listening to the audiobooks while I'm at work and James Marsters delivery of the line "The Prince of fucking Darkness gets to cheat and unload his power on the earth-twice!-and You just sit there being holy while my friend, who has fought for You his whole life, is dying! What the hell is wrong with You?” along with the following conversations with Uriel and Mab.

[@ajnebula6622]

It's been years since I've read this book and yet that donut lives rent free in my head

[@311Phillies]

Turn Coat and Changes are 2 of the best books in the series so I can't wait to hear your thoughts on them after you read them

[@lathspell87]

Also, you mentioned "Angel" in this review, but Mab specifically identifies him as the archangel, Uriel. That's some major firepower making a quick cameo in this book.

[@amosfamous7327]

One of the best for sure. I live about 50 miles from Chicago and the area where the Shedd Aquarium is (next to the Field Museum from Book 7) I know very well and part of the reason I love this series so much.

[@lathspell87]

Yay! Been looking forward to your reaction on this one. Small Favor is definitely a top 5 Dresden book. There are several books in the series I consider "culminations" of the Dresdenverse. Those are books where you get a huge cast of beloved characters, great villains, and great worldbuilding payoffs. This is one of those books and is a highlight as to why so many of us love this series. Yes, the first books have some weaker entries, but they are all necessary to allow a book like Small Favor to hit the way it does. I am happy to say, you still have more books ahead where you will feel that excitement and joy from the same kinds of factors you experienced in this book. Also, these are not the last emotional moments you will experience with this series. Lastly, what would you have said, before you started reading the series, if someone had told you one of the best lines from the entire series was, "Nay, but prithee, with sprinkles 'pon it instead," I said solemnly, "and frosting of white."

[@TheJordanK]

Your videos are a great way to go re live the series. Love them.

[@booksandtropes]

wooo! Small favor is one of my favorites!!!! so happy you liked it!

[@full-timehuman]

Small Favor is such a great book. The books starting with Small Favor and ending with Skin Game are some of my absolute favorite books ever.

[@pauloid76]

Changes through Skin Game will all be 6* on this scale imo

[@totesmagotes213]

Yes Small Favor through Skin Game are peak Dresden!

[@totesmagotes213]

My second favorite book in the series, only after Changes. Absolutely love the Carpenters, and the Denarians are such amazing villains. The gruffs might be the coolest monster of the book villains in the whole series too!

[@spencercorpuz]

Oh man it just ramps up from here I'm so excited for you!

[@pauloid76]

Yah. She's going to need a new ranking system imo

[@spencercorpuz]

@@pauloid76 what do you mean

[@pauloid76]

@@spencercorpuz I think some of the upcoming books are too good to be in the same star level as this one. She's going to need to add a sixth star imo

[@daviddarlingauthor]

I love reliving these novels as you review them. Keep it up! I can't wait for your head to explode with what's coming up...

[@pauloid76]

So glad you loved this one. It really is good. But, honestly, it's not even in my top 5. You're going to need a 6* level soon. The next one is a very different kind of book. To me, it's more important than good. But then you'll be to Changes. I'm sure you've heard enough hints to know Changes will change you! You are absolutely right, the hospital scene hits me in the feels EVERY TIME. One of the points I thought you'd talk about is why Nicodemis wanted the archive. There are so many reasons. But wanting to delete records is the biggest. And his noose! Thought that was brilliant.

[@jeffreymeehan3567]

Mab really is the gateway into liking the fae in Dresden. She is SUCH an interesting character, and perhaps one of my favorite antagonists (and I choose that word deliberately) in fiction, with Nichodemus being close behind. And yeah, _Small Favor_ is definitely up there, and truly where the series just goes up and doesn't seem to miss. However, _Turn Coat_ has probably my favorite creature baddie in the series. It also has the strongest hooks that grabs you the earliest in all of Dresden ... until _Changes_.

[@Ryne91]

Definitely looking forward to your videos on the next couple books in the series.

[@danielchristopher880]

Your voice going up in speed and pitch as you discuss the book is exactly why we read lol.

[@gorklives]

That scene when Michael asked Harry where his blasting rod was SO amazing to me.

[@TexasBlade]

Oops. I’m late. Finally a Dresden video! Can’t wait for more!

[@ThatOneGuyOverThere]

The actual requirements of holding one of the swords is still unknown, but hopefully we learn something in these next few books

[@Book_of_Grudges]

I don't necessarily recommend getting into the Dresden short stories until after book 12, but when/if you do the story "Warrior" is a great little follow up to this book that I think you'd enjoy.

[@timcook770]

It's still maybe my favorite short story. Such a meaningful one, and I'm also a theology nerd so I love it when Jim dips his toes in the Christianity well for a bit.

[@pauloid76]

Maybe this one. But in general, the short stories are only good for "I read all the books and I want more Dresden content!" I don't know that reach the level of reading the books

[@Danne1886]

​@@pauloid76 I feel at this point there are a handful of shorts that are must reads to get the whole story. Like some things seem to come out of nowhere in PT and BG if you haven't read them.

[@pauloid76]

@@Danne1886 I suppose so. Like River Shoulders

[@Danne1886]

@@pauloid76 And Molly's POV after Cold Days.

[@maxjburman]

Really hope you read the short story called Warrior, its from Michaels POV some time after this book (I dont remember if its another book between or not). I really liked it.

[@Teeklin]

I'd love if you took a little time to give us a sort of "head casting" or "fan casting" for who you're picturing when you're reading some of these characters. You're deep enough in and have encountered enough characters that I think it would be fun to hear what you're picturing in your mind's eye for some of them or who you would cast in a movie for the characters. Keep up the great content! I love that you are connecting with the emotional core of the series as that's what really shines IMO and why it's so highly recommended. It's not flawless writing by a long shot, but it's the best at getting to the emotional core of a character or a scene that I've literally ever read. And I read a LOT. It only gets better from here. I also really love that you recognize that moral compass is the central theme of the series that Butcher is always going back to. Harry, in every book, is always faced with crazy choices and impossible situations and the reason we love his character so much (aside from his Spider-Man smart-assery) is that no matter what the odds are, he'll always flip the bird to the bad guys and make the right choice and let the chips fall where they may. Even when he thinks that he's making the choice to die right then and there, he still makes it rather than choosing what he personally considers evil. Hope you keep the tissues around and give some of the future books your undivided attention cause they are a fun ride!

[@ashikurrahman5359]

I could watch this all day!

[@AlexanderMcdowell-q3h]

I know i'm late to the party and someone else may have already recommended this to you buy if you want to see more of the aftermath surrounding the carpenters from this book look up the short story "The Warrior" from Side Jobs. It does an amazing job of showing harry and the carpenters dynamic and has some of the best "god works in mysterious ways" story telling i've ever read

[@lweismann]

7:35 it’s because he was helpless and Doesn’t want any other children to suffer that way.

[@angelicaboudreau8739]

Can't really chat about the sword and Murphy because of spoilers in future books so you should just be patient and wait. Another way to put it would be rafo. Lol

[@sergioaccioly5219]

Merphy, I hope you weren't spoiled on who is going to be the Winter Knight? That's an important plot point in the series as a whole. Also, I have a nasty suspicion (finally! An idea on that department!) on which knight will yield Amoraccius. If I'm right, this is going to be HUGE. (shame I can't discuss it until much later - after Changes plus some other books). Don't forget to read theshort stories set in the Dresdenverse. They'll start to affect the main books a lot from here on.

[@Ashtonyss]

I can't wait to hear your take on the next two books.