The Dresden Files: SPOILER TALK - Peace Talks By Jim Butcher

[@jarock-wh9lj]

I literally broke down laughing when Murphy said "I'm Catholic.". Sigrid " I can do conflicted. "

[@primafacie5029]

That one sentence speaks volumes

[@blueshard4632]

It wasn't Sigrid though, it was her sister, but yeah

[@erica54]

I scared my kids laughing at that part😂 Murphy is turning heads

[@BlunderMunchkin]

Freydis, not Sigrid.

[@distracted_rogue]

Second best being at the end when Freydis has Murphy as a hostage and when Murphy pulls out 2 grenades all Freydis has to say is "Gods thats hot"

[@jimbutcher5712]

ETH-knee-ooo

[@lathspell87]

lol... love the Jim lurking!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Ha! Thanks.

[@danhenley9495]

Demigod's name sounds like a sneeze. The answer may be Maggie's "god bless you" How's that for misdirection?

[@killbotprime]

@@mikesbookreviews Hey Mike, did you bind JB before you summoned him, or did he materialize of his own free will? Unlike Molls, I bet JB can break a circle with nothing more than a pop-culture reference.

[@dylancox631]

Well then... doesn't get any more official than that!

[@lenonkitchens7727]

Peace talks was good, but I would be *pissed* if Battle Ground wasn't coming out in September, since Peace Talks was only half a Dresden Files book.

[@dresdenwarlock7978]

Agreed, pretty meaty for one of the shortest in the series, though, imo

[@JustPassingThrough98]

The only reason it was half a book is BECAUSE it was broken up to come out in September lol. Otherwise it would’ve been released as one whole book. But ok

[@YosemiteScubaDiver]

It was 2 books so he could earn more money 💰

[@lenonkitchens7727]

@@JustPassingThrough98 That doesn't mean they couldn't have delayed the release of Battle Ground until next year. But ok...

[@Rincewind_The_Wizzard]

@@YosemiteScubaDiver I'm not sure how much it is for his own monetary gain as it is for penguin house's monetary gain (I think that's the publisher if I remember correctly).

[@davidpeacock8276]

"Remember, I had literally a day between Skin Game and this book" oh Mike, we remember. Thanks for rubbing it in. Lol

[@mikesbookreviews]

Ha. I knew I'd have a handful of first time viewers for this one.

[@janusgeminus21]

Best line in the whole book: "Sometimes the best defense is a T-Rex."

[@talonk3]

My favorite line which was Jim Butcher's inner monologue was "I should get drunk and write romance." 😂😂😂

[@Enigmanaut]

I think Thomas wasn't saying "Justine" to ask Harry to look after her, he was trying to tell him Justine is the one that forced him to try and kill Etri. I think she's been Nemesisized, and threatened to kill the baby.

[@nyronf]

Now THAT would be an interesting twist!

[@Book_of_Grudges]

That actually occurred to me as well as Mike mentioned that part. I hope not for Thomas’s sake. The guy needs a break.

[@cnsqonline]

It's a possible twist.

[@PokeTheBear773]

I hadn't thought of this, and that is a good twist. Of course I had to mention this idea to a friend that is a fellow Dresden fan, and found that Nemesisized is a great word and a bit tricky rolling off the tongue.

[@dzhellek]

Try this one. Evenna is one of Thomas's "lovers". Thomas is first leaning towards abortion but Harry unknowingly talks him out of it. He decides he's going to be a dad but before he tells Justine he goes to see Evanna for a little feeding. He tells Evanna that he's going to be a father and tries to break it off. Evanna responds violently, the guards get involved and one of them dies. To save face, Evanna frames him. What you think?

[@Terrorain]

When Murphy puls The pins of The grenades and the valkyrie sais "god that's hot!" Just before jumping I was laughing so hard. Murphy future valk somehow, maybe dies in battleground and she is chosen by the valkyries she's met to stand before odin and then she is remade..

[@snack_happy656]

This would actually be super cool!

[@TomasCyr]

About Eb being angry constantly, I think part of it is how much vampires have cost him through the years. As such he sees Harry constantly sorrounded by them and working with them and he probably thinks about how Maggie(his mom) was killed for those associations. Then he sees new Maggie and he's just projecting his fears and mistakes on Harry. End of the day the Mccoy family is full of angry stained wizards who act on emotions way more than they should.

[@chickenmonger123]

Hatfields, and McCoys type anger.

[@ericrobert9708]

you nailed it

[@markwatson8714]

It probably rankles all the more given it was Lord Raith who killed Maggie, and now Dresden is hanging out with Raith's kids. Given the circumstances of their last meeting it's kind of understanding he's being a bit overprotective of both Harry and Maggie.

[@rfburnsme1380]

@@markwatson8714 I am sure Ebenezer believes Lord Raith killed her, but wasn't it said that she died during or just after giving birth. Of course he couldn't have known that or there wouldn't be a plot point.

[@markwatson8714]

@@rfburnsme1380 It's what Harry originally believed. Ebenezar reveals to him in Blood Rites that she was killed by Lord Raith (and Raith confirms it I think, or at least implies it to be true). It's her death curse that prevents Lord Raith from being able to feed. Of course, Ebenezar may well be misled or lying, and Raith could have been lying to twist the knife. That said, if half of all White Court pregnancies result in the death of the mother it's possible Thomas is actually the younger sibling and Margaret died during his birth. If that were the case both claims would technically be true ...

[@lathspell87]

After reading Peace Talks, I can see how much Jim trolled us with that trailer. rofl

[@DragonLordGabrielBrowncoat]

The problem is Jim claims that some of the scenes are actually from Battle Grounds

[@Awelbeckk]

@@DragonLordGabrielBrowncoat I'm so sad I didn't play the Bingo prediction ... During the table scene, I watched the guy with a smoke on the left and though 'Hey, he could be Ferrovax' and then 'Naw, he would never been shown in the trailer if he really was in the book.' :D

[@fandomdeclassified908]

Yeah I can get how people might be pissed if they saw the trailer.

[@kehrbaer90]

The potion was the same he used way back in fool moon, when he broke into the police station to get to the loup garou before he turns.

[@davidpeacock8276]

The severed head that was thrown by the fomor King was from the short stories, not Summer Knight. There was a lot from the short stories in this one

[@illumstern8831]

Even better, if one considers the supposed "SF happens in 2000" timeline, the Cubs' winning in... I think it was 2016?... is probably BECAUSE his head was removed.

[@sergioaccioly5219]

I got a little brokenhearted with that. I liked that old gnome.

[@blueshard4632]

@@illumstern8831 Them winning was probably why JB wrote it as that character dying

[@nemoonbekend2483]

@@sergioaccioly5219 Yeah me too. That was brutal. Poor dude did not deserve to go out like that.

[@dresden3072]

When you read the short stories you HAVE to do a review, especially on the 3 parts of Zoo Day in Brief Cases. It's great

[@erica54]

I'm so excited for that review. The nods were amazing ❤️

[@Vanillastump]

Road Warrior is my favorite.

[@melodie-allynbenezra8956]

The "something greater going on" is right out there. There are no short stories (yet) that put Harry and Ebenezer at odds. But we know that Ebenezer HATES the White Court vampires because 1) she was a mortal, Ebenezer's daughter, who was "married," and enslaved to Papa Raith for a time. And, 2) we learned in Blood Rites that King Raith KILLED Maggie, Ebenezer's daughter. Ebenezer's hate for White Court vampires is PERSONAL. Ebenezer is frustrated beyond belief that Harry won't take up his banner about blindly hating White Court vampires. He also doesn't know (until FAR into the book) that Thomas is Harry's half-brother, and Ebenezer's grandson as much as Harry is, himself. Harry grew up without family, after his father died, despite having a living grandfather. There is a LOT to feed Harry and Ebenezer's anger with each other.

[@jeffbyrne5910]

In Changes, it seems like Ebenezer already firmly hated the White Court before Maggie was killed. His story of the dinner she invited him to that had vampires at it kinda demonstrates that. I think he had run-ins before then. Since Maggie's mother is never mentioned, I think she died to vampire shenanigans and THAT sparked his hatred of them.

[@AikenFrost]

Man... Every time Thomas tried to say something and Harry just said "yeah, Justine, I'll take care of her"... I GUARANTEE Thomas wasn't trying to mention her.

[@a_diamond]

Yep. Harry is far too sure he's right XD he must be wrong about that ;)

[@spleeenb4uwere551]

Maybe butters will use the light-saber to kill the demon inside Thomas?

[@RentanerdXD]

You mighta hit on something there - if not the demon in Thomas, what if the dorksaber can harm Nemesis

[@a_diamond]

@@RentanerdXD both of you... oooooohhhhhhhh......!!!

[@isoron]

What demon inside of Thomas?

[@spleeenb4uwere551]

Every white court vampire has a demon in them. Wendigo

[@MrFoghorn111]

You were right about this being a quick read. Took me two sittings to finish. I feel good about where the book left off, given that Battle Ground is on the near horizon. I’m not satisfied with the portion size of this book, but the flavor was compelling.

[@dresdenwarlock7978]

It took me, as a slow reader but avid fan of the series, 3 days. I felt like it was fairly short but meaty.

[@tomlaptain646]

I think we're used to the fact that the books have been getting longer over time for the most part, though I definitely agree that this feels shorter than the earlier ones too, though packed with stuff happening.

[@danielmaher9512]

Yeah I was done in under a day.

[@jessicahiga9870]

I've been complaining about romance in fiction (Specially anime), and maaaan that moment when your Urban fantasy novel gives you the damn cutest, real and wholesome romance. I enjoyed the hell outta Murph and Harry, and OMG how cute can Maggie and Bonnie be?

[@darkrurouni1]

I miss PARKOUR!!!!!

[@Awelbeckk]

I'm pretty sure people are not supposed to yell 'Parkour' when they are doing it.

[@melodie-allynbenezra8956]

The Svartlalfs show up in 2 of the short stories. The one with the axe to grind against Thomas is the one that gave Molly the apartment. It's complicated, but a few of the complications in Peace Talks comes clear when you know everything. I highly recommend that you read all the short stories. So many things are even more connected than they are without them.

[@calliepickering2480]

I think Eb is used to Harry showing him deference and never really being on opposite sides of a situation. Especially in their previous relationship of Mentor/Pupil. The last time they disagreed on a course of action similar to this was in Changes and Eb was about to go full throttle on Harry then too, until he found out about Maggie. That's the only reason he didnt go nuclear like we see in Peace Talks. The relationship dynamic has changed, and Harry has changed in this book a lot too. Eb is old school and doesnt like being disobeyed. That's my read on the situation.

[@alicediamond387]

Molly calliing Bigfoot "Harry": is this not a "Harry and the Hendersons" reference?

[@galactic_socialist]

I'd say yes

[@soulriiser4975]

That is what I got out of it. But if you listen to the follow up. I think she was just clarifying that she wasn't calling him "Hairy".

[@jasonkotas6648]

The joke was that she was calling him "Hairy"

[@chiquitaf16]

That’s what I got from that myself but probably not so 🙁

[@Maverick-7508]

Eh. I still haven't gotten around to reading the side stories for the bigfoot stuff. All the old tales from Europe, Asia, and the native tribes here in the US paint such creatures as man eaters, so the idea of that sect being the minority kinda breaks my immersion a little.

[@FellipeKingGustavo]

The things Harry conjured through sneeze were all related to what he was thinking at the moment. As for Ebenezar... well, from his POV, his daughter, with whom he wasn't on good terms with, spent a few years with the king of date rape vampires. And the deal with Carlos happens in Cold Case, not Bombshells. The latter introduces the Swartalves, IIRC.

[@jeffreygray9317]

What happened to Carlos was a short story from Molly`s point of view. Basically Molly and Carlos start to engage in the wild thing when the winter mantle Molly just got, attacks Carlos injuring him badly. Mab explains to her that the mantle was protecting itself by not allowing Molly the possibility of becoming pregnant.

[@TheRedHaze3]

@@jeffreygray9317 Spoilers, dude.

[@Rincewind_The_Wizzard]

@@TheRedHaze3 generally speaking in the comments of his spoiler reviews it is all goes up to the point of that book. That said, a warning is still appreciated.

[@philiphironsjr.8515]

The potion was the same one he used in Fool Moon to get into the CPD station

[@saldeanfarmgirl7224]

The moment Harry said that his and Molly’s kiss was 99 percent sisterly I knew they would never be a couple .

[@gettingkilt]

Never willingly. But he now owes Molly a big obligation he cannot refuse...

[@calliepickering2480]

They can never be a couple because Molly is the Winter Lady. She cant ever be intimate with him or her mantle will freak out and try to kill him.

[@edwardbaker5373]

Harry is the only one her mantle can't kill silly. She could only sleep with the winter or summer Knight

[@Awelbeckk]

@@edwardbaker5373 No, you are just making that up.

[@inkstainedsword9890]

Never say never, there’s a reason 99% is not 100%. Also based on the short story, @Edward Baker may absolutely be onto something. It could absolutely happen. In truth, the age difference is not that much in grown up people terms (Molly is now late 20s), and becomes less relevant as time goes by, and unless they are killed, they will live much longer than the “humans” in their lives. I’m not saying it WILL happen but it absolutely COULD happen.

[@Hnatko3]

I think most of what was driving Ebenezar this book was the fact that he already lost his daughter to the White Court and now (at least to him) its looking more and more like they might be trying to do it again with his grandson and possibly even his great-granddaughter.

[@sunnysouthpaw]

I thought you would appreciate the line ‘that’ll put marzipan in your pie plate, bingo’ I got the reference and I was happy. I’m such a nerd

[@melodie-allynbenezra8956]

Strength of the River in His Shoulders (River Shoulders, for short) is in three of the short stories. You'll catch them soon.

[@gaitman22]

harry said he had never been inside the building, but he def went to the building at the of skin game.

[@robinmoore7202]

Brandon Thornhill It stated that he’d been is it as a mostly-dead ghost, I believe.

[@josephnicholson2593]

Oh yeah, are you talking about the confrontation with Harry, Molly at his back, between Marcone, Mab at his front, when Harry settled the issues with the Hades strike team? I'll have to re-read that chapter to be sure but I think you're right

[@josephnicholson2593]

Just re-read the final chapter from Skin Game and you're absolutely right Brandon, Harry and Molly confront Marcone and Mab in the conference room in the castle headquarters, Mab at the head of the table with the Baron seated to her right, aka the grounds of Harry's former boarding house. It's surprising that no one on Mr. Buther's team didn't catch this simple mistake.

[@josephnicholson2593]

Just re-read chapter 19 of Peace Talks as well, Harry says how it's not his first visit to BFS headquarters but it is his first in the physical form

[@CrapSandviche]

Guess who’s back.... Mikes back with another great book review. Way to go Mike!!! Beers at the Fox on me!!

[@jellevanbreugel325]

Good review! Great book! think that Harry introducing Lara to Etri was favor #2, the breaking free of Thomas is #3 It is indeed the first time we hear about conjuritis. Appears to be something wizards usually get at younger age like measles? Anyone want to speculate why Mavra was pointed out at the reception? Murphy is badass! So is Marcone! Ebenezer seems a bit unhinged indeed, don't know why either. Also Ebenezer on a floating rock, Discworld reference?

[@mattroxursoul]

There was only 2 favors owed.

[@UltaFlame]

@@mattroxursoul 3. But Mab was personally dealing with the 1st

[@taejaskudva2543]

18:10 Harry had always had off page adventures that get referenced since Butcher's always done the books as a worst weekend of the year schtick. The Nightmare was a case where we only see the consequence, not the adventure. So while the 3 (?) Bigfoot shortstories would give you more concrete understanding, I think everything you need to know about them you get from the interactions in Peace Talks. I mean, people have been all about making your own head canon for years now, right? As an aside, I can't remember what book review you mentioned it, but I am shocked that your idea for The Misadventures of Mister and Mouse (featuring Bob the Skull) never occurred to me, and more over had not been optioned as a cartoon by some channel or streaming service. If be down for either a kid friendly version of hijinks or a for the fans, alternate lens on the Dresdenverse.

[@tonypoole1430]

Okay....spoilerish theory for Battle Ground... Coming into Peace Talks I had a passage from Changes in the back of my mind. After the destruction of the Red Court we read the following.... “But everyone with a smidge of talent who was sleeping at the time was troubled by dreams. The general theme was always the same: dead children. The world in flames. Terror and death spreading across the globe in an unstoppable wave, destroying anything resembling order or civilization.” I had thought this wave was either directly referencing the Fomor attack or the "apocalyptic trilogy" that Jim Butcher says will cap off the series. That still may be the case. The Fomor and their Titan leader are aquatic based and at the end of Peace Talks it's revealed that they are going to be launch their attack from the lake. So "wave" fits. But what if they are talking about something else? Harry always said getting “vanilla” mortals involved (beyond a few allies) was the nuclear option. If the upcoming battle is too large, then the rest of the world won't be able to ignore the magical side of things any more, the “unstoppable wave” could be the vanilla world's response. Inquisitions, witch trials, persecution and the magical community being hounded and eradicated could also be the wave. I might be off base, but it's something Butcher references regularly. He's not an author that sets up plot points without using them. It could just be his way to establish why the supernatural keeps their head down, but the more I read of Dresden, and that quote from changes, makes me think we're due for an inquisition. Thoughts?

[@blueshard4632]

That "Humans ARE the Apocalypse" theory is a good one really

[@ltrigga219]

Bombshells has more Fomorian shenanigans, the Ramirez backstory is in Cold Case, but the anthology is all amazing. Brief Cases is on Audible...and James Marsters at 1.3x speed still sounds normal, so you can get caught up pretty quickly. I was actually a little surprised how much content in Peace Talks leaned on the short stories. Happily surprised :)

[@MetalGildarts]

I finished Peace Talks at work tonight and I’m finally all caught up. I’m ready for Battle Ground.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I finished the review copy yesterday. I don’t know if anyone is truly ready.

[@sergioaccioly5219]

So, you don't know what monster hurt Carlos? Boy, get ready to have your heart broken into fine powder...

[@brandontaylor3252]

We know that using a being's True Name he gives you power. I'm thinking the placard that named Jesus gives you access to a being's True Name. That might come in really handy when trapping a demi-god.

[@gettingkilt]

I was thinking that the placard was a mockery of Christ, and now it was a weapon of mockery. It gives Harry, more than ever, the power to give a baddie the most annoying possible nickname and to mouth off to them in the most grating possible way. But yours is good too. They could even be combined.

[@jimgowen9386]

My thought exactly. True name for sure.

[@StevenHouse1980]

Now Harry has the name of the Grendel

[@ltrigga219]

gettingkilt Oh my God, Harry having a holy trolling relic would be the greatest thing ever.

[@Juanpa_SC]

I don`t know if this theory allready is out there, but I think Thomas, if he makes it, will be the next Amoraccius knight. He the "love, or rather, antilove" vampire, he loves Justine and Harry, he has a thing for knives, never backs out when his family is in danger... Idk man, seems like a second Michael. And besides, he just payed his pennitence en Deamonreach. He payed for all the evil he has done to others. What do you guys think?

[@djkoz78]

Good theory. Be cool to see where the story could go from there.

[@katokhaelan4881]

I just finished it and it’s awesome to watch this. You have very insightful content

[@Stewart000]

Butters! I'm thrilled that he's taken on one of the swords. Worried now he won't see the end of the series. The line that is stuck in my head: "Home is where you embrace the present & plan the future; its where the books are" I knew Harry is considered tall but there is an emphasis in this story that he is 6 ft 9 in. Maybe I missed this in previous books?

[@nemoonbekend2483]

That is a really good line.

[@Klickor]

It is mentioned more than once that he is more than 6 and a half foot tall. So 198cm+. I am 195cm and living in Sweden and thought he was just 200cm since even taller should have given even more of a reaction from his surroundings I feel. At 205cm or 206cm you make huge guys look short. That is 2 inches/5cm taller than the average NBA player. He would be tall even in that freak category. Bit weird that he is almost a foot taller than his brother and a foot and a half taller than his grand pa.

[@JessiJackson13]

Great review! Had a lot of the same feelings and thoughts when reading, lol.

[@michaelf3920]

Did anyone else catch the bit about Thomas being able to interact with the one other prisoner who is suffering the same kind of imprisonment in Demonreach? I think it's the one who Harry briefly interacts with at the beginning of Skin Game who tells Harry to "Piss off" and just "sounds British" to Harry rather than like a monster. I've seen speculation that this is Merlyn (the original) who was supposed to live his life backwards, future to past, and perhaps imprisoning himself there was the way to get "back to the future" as it were. If Thomas, while he's inside can interact with him, perhaps waking him up can give Harry some valuable insight or information at a key time - especially since, for the first time, Butcher mentions Thomas has a tiny bit of magical ability (this coming up for the first time is the one thing I didn't like so much, feels a bit shoehorned in for the future - but whatever, nbd). Anyway, not to brag, but I saw the Harry/Ebenezer fight coming in #16 years ago (though under extremely different circumstances and for different reasons, and results).

[@UltaFlame]

In Thomas's short story from the first compilation, he performs a tracking spell

[@ahkkha4560]

I always thought that the prisoner being Merlin would be too easy and it was just a misdirection.... but this is the first time we find out about Mab's mortal life... apparently The Merlin and Mab were a thing... Cord uses present tense hen he refers to Merlin when he asks Mab whether she thinks he still loves her... So yeah the prisoner could be Merlin

[@michaelf3920]

@@UltaFlame Been a minute since I read that one, good call.

[@blackjackbarron5315]

I had a bunch of theories about that prisoner - but now I bet it's a titan. One who voluntarily surrendered.

[@cnsqonline]

I'm already speculating that the British prisoner was the original Merlin

[@renalexander3653]

My theory is Ebenezer being more problematic/hostile/unhinged, is a hint/related to something that was dropped in a later conversation -something about old-timers (don't want to say any more). Bonnie, Bonae is a play on the word bone (or boney), as in bone skull (even though her skull is wood if i'm not mistaken).

[@talonk3]

Ebenezer is a piece of shit. Harry was dead on right about him. Especially with the almost kill on harry. Ebenezer owed harry everything for saving his life from the blood line curse. He is more upset with Harry not doing what he said.

[@fernf7063]

mike brown that was insane. I had to keep rereading before knowing the twist “and out of my spine”

[@erica54]

River Shoulders and the Native gentleman from the White Council, there was something there. An Ebenezer hint, older type thing. Why else two offers for training?

[@TheRedHaze3]

@@talonk3 He lost his daughter to the White Court. He thinks the same thing is happening with Harry.

[@leehowell329]

@@talonk3 Thank you!!! I’ve felt so alone in, for years, thinking Ebenezer is a pos. Bad father to Margaret, bad grandfather to Harry and crazy to boot.

[@melodie-allynbenezra8956]

Harry gave the Island spirit the name Demonreach in Turn Coat. Near the start of Skin Game, Harry threw out the name Alfred, intending it to be a throw-away line, because he seemed to be like Batman's Alfred, with Harry in the role of Batman. Demonreach doesn't understand humor, and asked, "Is that my name now?" Harry thought about it, and said, "Sure. Now you have a first and last name. Alfred Demonreach."

[@sjkrum320]

My husband and I agree with you 100% about Ebenezer. We were like dang, what's his problem? So hopefully we'll get answers soon. I'm sure Butcher did that to make us wonder. I was really surprised how much from the short stories was brought up in this book. I always thought of the short stories as something to salke my thirst between books. Now I see how important they are. Although your Stephen King reference was right on point here.

[@distracted_rogue]

5:35 we havent seen Ebenezer since changes, its even mentioned by Harry along the lines of " Havent seen you since Chichen Iztla and your suddenly mad at me?"

[@melodie-allynbenezra8956]

@@BrianPacini Knock it off with the John Katko thing.

[@fortunatus1]

Ramirez was injured in one of the short stories. I believe it was in Brief Cases. It was a story not about Harry but about Molly. Seriously, everyone should read the short stories before reading Peace Talks. Lots of stories in there that directly affect the people in this book. PS. The potions Harry made for them harkens all the way back to book 2: Fool Moon.

[@some_guy9366]

I loved the Molly stuff and the Murphy stuff in this book

[@HandlesAreStupid2025]

Anyone else laugh out loud at the "All your base are belong to us" reference ?

[@nelspaulson3099]

Predictions -Placard new Accords will be written on it. binding the accords with an object that powerful would mean mab would not need to be the power behind the Accords. And the lightsaber- it can kill monsters but not humans. White court vampires are possessed, so kill the demon without hurting the human. in theory.

[@channamorlan1882]

Hmmm...nice!

[@blueshard4632]

I would agree with that theory if it weren't for one thing. Harry touched the blade and it didn't do anything to the winter knight mantle. I would bet it would work on a denarian though, on a hunch I have.

[@nelspaulson3099]

@@blueshard4632 it gets to the specifics of the person entity. A mantel is not a demon. Harry might have been able to heal Susan this way which would totally mind job Harry. It depends on the specifics of those involved. A possessed might need to have the demon attacked not the person so the targets might be the heart or mind. Still details that might not be answered until it happens, if it does. Remember Thomas as a white court vamp is special in that he actually loves and is loved. That might change things as well.

[@lenonkitchens7727]

@@blueshard4632 The mantles aren't entities, just "objects of power". One of the themes in these books is that power is inherently neither good nor evil. I can definitely see it killing or banishing a denarian while leaving the host untouched, and maybe even killing the Hunger of a white court vamp. That is actually a most excellent prediction.

[@galactic_socialist]

But if you kill the demon and that demon happens to be inhabiting a body that is say hundreds of years old bad things will happen

[@DPS31762]

Some great stuff in here, but no Bob. That's the thing I like the least about the changes wrought by Changes--we don't get the great Harry/Bob interaction much anymore. I think this is the first book that Bob hasn't been in. I stated before that aside from Harry himself, only Murphy, Mister and Bob had been in all of the first 15 books, but maybe Mac was too? He wasn't in this one either. Both of them were mentioned, but didn't actually appear "on-screen".

[@karenthomas1456]

I miss Bob. I have the actor from the tv show in my head and I wish he was around more.

[@hanneshaasbroek6607]

Imagine Lara's 3 favors if Thomas was not in a life threatening situasion.

[@pantasticlaire3966]

I think she likes Harry, at least in a real recognises real sort of way, and would probably found a way to more or less ensure that their interests synch up. Even if she didn’t, she is savvy enough to know that she shouldn’t make an enemy out of him.

[@willreed4692]

So, in the beginning of Skin Game we are shown a rather British inmate in Demonreach. Then at the end of Peace Talks it's mentioned that one prisoner is in a sort of contemplation type state. I think this is the same prisoner, and I'm pretty sure it's the original Merlin. And since Butcher is so good at connecting major characters to different mythologies, I also think Merlin might be Longinus, the roman soldier that pierced the side of Jesus and was subsequently cursed to walk the earth until the second coming. It's just a hunch, but I'm pretty sure Harry will be releasing Merlin at some point. Probably not in Battle Grounds, but eventually...

[@biomerl]

It's very possible that the line where dresden says "can only mentally consult with others in this type of imprisonment" is a very big tell that Thomas is going to be speaking with something big.

[@fandomdeclassified908]

Yes, it isn't up to the standard we're used to. But at least it doesn't end like Changes did and we have to wait 15 months for the next book. You want to talk about painful cliffhangers, try reading Changes when it came out and then having to wait until Ghost Story came out.

[@andreamiller3578]

I know some have complained about the open-endedness of the story, but, really, what did they expect??? It's a two-parter. I don't think Jim Butcher has mislead anybody about that at all. Also, Jim has earned our trust at this point in the series. I expect that trust to be fulfilled in Battle Ground. It's going to be so good. Peace Talks is a wonderful appetizer. I haven't had a chance to finish the Audible book yet, and I'm going to pick up a copy of the book tomorrow so I can digest it again at a slower pace. There's so much to take in. I'm listening as I drive to work and while I'm working, so I can't exactly stop and write my thoughts. Gah. Anyway, I know I'll probably comment again after I finish the audiobook.

[@ameliaminecart547]

The problem is it is very obviously a money grab on the publishers part. That's the complaint. This wasn't long at all, contained not much of anything and just ends. It's Storm Front levels of boring in my opinion.

[@IamROSO]

I loved it. I don't read anymore don't have time but I listen to audiobooks and Marsters is awesome as always. Conversation between Maggie and Bonnie, Harry and Karin and than with Molly and his fights with Ebenezer. This few scenes made my day i want mooore ;-). It's solid 7/10 for me can't wait for October.

[@talonk3]

Only marsters voice i didnt like was mabs voice in this book.

[@AuroraXA]

I agree, I kept hearing a malk. And I have always loved James' narration but this book he felt like he spoke slower than other books. As soon as I sped it up to 1.25 on audible, it felt like the pacing fit much better.

[@corylambeth9883]

Just finished the book is now my all time favorite

[@sterlingdupre9565]

Yes Rudolph is from Fool Moon. No Ebenezar has not appeared in any of the short stories of microfictions that I'm aware of

[@Awelbeckk]

Rudolf the brown nosed reindeer.

[@nemoonbekend2483]

Just finished a quick re-read of Peace Talks (which I liked quite a lot), and it seems to me that the whole theme of this book is The Misdirection of the Illusionist. The Last Titan, Eye of Balor, the attack on Chicago; it's all just to draw everyone's attention away from the real enemy/threat, which is something else entirely (probably has something to do with the Svartalves).

[@xlaststarfighterx1711]

Is it just me or does anyone else think the traitor is Justine? Something about the way Thomas keeps calling her name, like he is trying to say "Its Justine"

[@blackjackbarron5315]

YES. The whole time. Thomas' reactions sealed it for me. He's weeping because he knows that women are Harry's giant blind spot.

[@talonk3]

I dont think so. I think he did it to preserve her life. Some sort of magical deal. I think it was a lea deal.... maybe the only way to get all the accorded nations to fight together. Mab and lea have both mentioned using thomas as the replacement knight.

[@blueshard4632]

Good catch! I didn't think of that, but with this originally supposed to be one big book (peace talks+battleground) I can absolutely se that being what is going on here.

[@blueshard4632]

Stealing from someone else here in the comments, but what if the leverage she used to make Thomas do it was threatening to kill their unborn child?

[@epbrown01]

My take is that he's NOT SAYING JUSTINE. Harry won't let him finish, just *assuming* what he's trying to say rather than listening. The "stuttered warning" is one of the lamest tropes in fiction, and (like a lot of tropes used in this book) made it a frustrating read.

[@leadingblind1629]

I only read Cold Case two days ago. I was wondering if you had yet? Cuz I did NOT see the last couple of pages coming and I am in SHOCK.

[@Enigmanaut]

I swear, some people on the Internet Thingies don't know the value of a Two-Parter with a proper cliffhanger. Ok, this wasn't "Mr Worf... fire", but it was absolutely a Sisko meets up with the fleet and is heading to kick some Dominion ass cliffhanger. And it's not *That* short. It's longer than Summer Knight.

[@WinterLady87]

Really, they don't. "Why are there so many loose ends, nothing is concluded...?" Well...it's a two part book...like a two part episode. NowI want to watch Star Trek, lol

[@mythicphilosoph]

This is also an ACTUAL cliffhanger!!!!!

[@Gatesealer89]

i would understand people saying that if we didn't know when the next book was coming out, but it's coming out in just a few months.

[@danielmaher9512]

I like that in Jim's SSCC video he talks about the fact that if the fans had to wait a while year for the resolution of the cliffhangers, he would be "Misery'd" by Christmas.

[@cnsqonline]

I'm gonna take my time reading as I want to have Battlegrounds ready before I finish this.

[@nerdaspirations5048]

"Put that marzipan in your pie pan " 🤣🤣🤣

[@awatson5111]

Waited so long for this book and really looking forward to the next installment. To me, the Outsiders are the most creepy scary adversaries than any other supernatural. Having them in the mix again with the Titan is like being in a maze with no visible way out. I really love the Harry/Karrin relationship finally gelling together. And I do mean finally! What a wait! Eb McCoy and Harry....I had tears in my eyes. I guess in all it is a very fine beginning to be followed up with Part 2 soon. Except silly me I thought this was going to be a beginning-middle-end kind of book. This reads like a comic series. Gotta go spend my moolah on the next installment. Definitely.😎

[@cnealon817]

Please tell me you read "Brief Cases" so you can find out why Molly got such a cool apartment AND why it is so unbelievable that ANYONE would trust the Fomar! There really is a lot you will understand better when you've read the short stories that will answer questions you didn't't realize you had. Enjoy!

[@MrThierryFournier]

Short stories and comic books that would help understand elements of Peace Talks: Brief Cases- B is for Bigfoot Brief Cases- I was a teenage Bigfoot Side Jobs- Heorot Brief cases- Curses Brief Cases- Bigfoot on Campus Side Jobs- Aftermaths Brief Cases- Bombshells Brief Cases- Cold Cases Dresden Files Comic Ghoul Goblin series

[@PokeTheBear773]

There is, of course, a lot of discussion about how incomplete this book is. Have you thought about reading the first half of any of the other books Jim has written? Things don't really start picking up until about 2/3 to 3/4 of the way through the book. Take Skin Game as an example. Karrin was giggling because Harry was pregnant, Butters is contemplating about whether Harry is okay or not, and they were JUST finding out they would have to go through Marcone's place to get where they need to go. Most of the defining moments in the book, the ones that are really remembered, are in the second half. The chase and the resolution of that, all of the time doing the heist, all of the big moments that haunt Harry in the future, second half. Same with the rest of the books. We got a taste. A good taste of what is to come, but just the beginning of this story. With so many people pulling strings, there is a lot going on that we don't see. Harry spent a lot of time isolated over several books. Not only is Harry out of practice with the machinations of characters, so are we as readers. Turn Coast was the last time he had to think about a lot of positions. Changes, focus on one thing "Protect the offspring". Ghost Story, limited exposure to mortals at all. Cold Days, a little bit, but rocked on his heels with knowledge dump for most of the book. Skin Game, Heist crew only. He is only now coming back to reengage with the rest of the supernatural world. Us as readers need to remember what it is to see sly, nefarious deeds in action. Ebenezer is point in case. Just because he is older doesn't mean he can't be manipulated. Like Thomas. There is a lot going on, and I think we will look back, reread Peace Talks again and see how much was set up here. Realize too, JB has said that this book has the potential to be as big as Changes going forward into the future. That is huge. I want to see all that happen now. And I hope that Mouse gets in on the action. The Fuzzball can tear it up.

[@some_guy9366]

Munster mobile is endearing to me because my parents drove an old used hearse as a commuter vehicle when I was a kid

[@pacejunkie]

Love the theories about Justine here. Very plausible.

[@galactic_socialist]

I almost cried during the parenting section 😃 t think the white council is even more scared of Harry now because he's in control of a prison for supernatural brings that includes gods. He could cut deals and release them or imprison the senior council and there isn't one damned thing they can do about it. My one bitch about this book (and I'm kinda pissed about this) Is after 6 years we deserved a complete story not a urban fantasy thirst trap.

[@nyronf]

This book is a set up for battle grounds. THAT'S when the shit is going to hit the fan!

[@blueshard4632]

It was going to be one book, the publisher told Jim it would have to be at a 50$ selling price to do a book that size, so he split it into 2 books. Personally I wouldn't have minded them being one 50$ book, but thats probably not great for sales from a marketing plan. Then again the final three in the series are supposed to be double length of an average book in the series, so i dont know how that ties into the thinking behind the decision

[@tdnekkrad3246]

The council doesn't know exactly what the island is they would about die if they found that out lol

[@galactic_socialist]

@@tdnekkrad3246 not exactly true. The senior council knows especially the Merlin and the Black Staff. The senior council is obviously afraid of it because it doesn't seem like there has been a Warden in living memory

[@tdnekkrad3246]

They know that its a genius loci or something like that they do not know minus rashid and his grandfather knows it is a jail

[@tylercoats1416]

Why does the spirit of intellect that Harry considered to be a child only get like two scenes!?

[@randy11748]

Mike, I loved the book and your insightful review, so I just subscribed. I was curious if you had read and/or reviewed any of Brust’s Taltos series? Great stuff!

[@gettingkilt]

Seconding that!

[@mndrew1]

I was surprised that the knife wasn't the spear blade; but some kind of famous athame. Be interesting to find out its history.

[@roylandrum863]

Finally finished and ready to watch this

[@shibatron5392]

Not read this book yet but still wanted to watch the video lol, Great thing about these books I will be caught up in no time, on book 5 and started reading 6 days ago haha

[@greghorne8996]

Try the audio its even better

[@willn703]

Jim Butcher has stated that his next novel is the 2nd Cinderspires Novel which is supposed to be called The Olympian Affair.

[@josephnicholson2593]

Nope

[@willn703]

@@josephnicholson2593 I meant after Battle Ground.

[@jimsackmanbusinesscoaching1344]

I would strongly urge you to read the short story collections. A lot of info about things that happen in Peace Talks. They are also pretty good stories in general and have a number of stories from other people's perspectives (Murphy, Marcone, Thomas, Maggie, Mouse, Molly). Bonnie is a nickname for the spirit - Bonea is her name (short of like Jim for James in my name). Ebeneezer has always been a hot head. Think about when he ran into Kincaid. I have a theory that being the Blackstaff helps cause this. Harry compares this anger to the way he treated the ghouls at Camp Kaboom. Remember Lash was still around back then. It may be affecting Ebeneezer's personality. Bombshells will be really important here and will help explain the reaction to Harry. As to Thomas, I have had a theory that he takes up Amoracchius to cure his hunger. The question is going to be how does Thomas get out of his hunger eating him from the inside out.

[@jimsackmanbusinesscoaching1344]

One other thing. I think the point that really makes Eb grumpy is when Maggie is in the apartment. From that point forward to the end of the novel, Harry is telling Ebeneezer that he has made some really bad choices in his life. Harry's actions in the entire novel is a critique of Ebeneezer and how he conducts himself. I think of it as having your two year old telling you that every decision in your life was wrong and that was the reason that your spouse was dead.

[@Maverick-7508]

The lance is a weapon that defeated a scion of a god and bears his blood, the placard bears his Name. Used together as ritual athame along with soulfire and the power of winter, it might be enough to seal a god in Demonreach.

[@melodie-allynbenezra8956]

Believe it or not, we actually have a hint of this special entity that King Corb does obeisance before in one of the short stories.

[@Hunter1836]

I agree it part 1 of 2 and it was good but the satisfaction comes on BG!

[@gregbergerson9380]

I had a couple of thoughts after finishing Peace Talks. Take a look at the cover of Battle Ground, you can clearly see a blade on the top of Harry's staff, pretty sure it is the blade from the Vault. Alfred mentioned that harry could bind the Titan from the far shore of the lake if he used the 'athema' in the armory and that turned out to be the blade. I think he needs the power of the blade in order to bind the Titan without having to lure her to the island. He may have figured other stuff about it out, but it seemed like the main reason he is taking it is because Alfred told him he needed to. The short story that Ramerez got hurt in was Cold Case (falls just before Skin Game in the timeline) I also caught references to Jury Duty, Day One, Zoo Day, and of course the 3 Bigfoot shorts. With Mirror Mirror, I believe that the book is going to be one of those books where Harry is looking back at all the 'damage' and 'pain' he has caused those around him (especially if Karen dies in Battle Ground) and some other power lets him spectate, in some way, what the world would look like if he had either never been born or had been executed by the White Council when he was a kid. I am picturing a world on fire, evil over running everything. It will be a way for Harry to move past the pain and conflict of his past decisions and prepare for what is to come.

[@blueshard4632]

I just hope Mirror Mirror isn't a "hero fights their evil copy" kind of book. It has so much more potential than that, along the lines of what your comment stated

[@TYBOBREED]

Point by point feedback, basically typing while you talk: #1: Svartalf, is the Norse for Dark Elf (Svart = Dark + alf = Elf) #2: Bonea, is pronounced "Bonnie" -Think of the Irish saying, a "Bonnie Lass" meaning beautiful or delightful girl #3: I LOVED the writing about the girls together and I agree that I want to see so much more of this. I have a daughter and boy does the Harry and Maggie (and now Bonea) just JUMPS off the page for me #4: Ebenezer McCoy being pissed off about the White Court seems WAY turned up for me. I feel like Jim is turning up the heat on this character and introducing an end to this character. The parallel death of Obi Wan seems to be getting setup. The unspoken details and loose ends of Harry and Ebenezer being tied up rapidly (almost hastily) #5: The scene with Murphy was more of what I expected, but was happy with what was said and what was left hinted about. I'm not squeamish about love scenes in my fantasy fiction, but I also don't take a lot of joy in reading through them either. Like: I get it, Harry is horny and is into some light BDSM, that seems very mild to me, so the blow by blow details I'm happy to skip over. Jim writes the lead up and foreplay bits better anyway, and that sort of playful character interaction is always better so I'm happy to see the love scene writing focus more on that stuff. #6: Rudolph: Screw that guy and this character. So tired of the Rudolph story-lines. I thought we were done with this guy in Changes. The new cop introduced is basically a Murphy and Carmichael composite, so he'll obviously find out the stuff that implicates Harry and Murphy in legal matters, but if I had to guess this will get taken care of by Lara Raith. Sidenote: This is the first detail that I find is upsetting about the story being split between Peace Talks and Battle Ground, as the investigation is initiated and then vanishes for the rest of the book. Once Harry has the talk with Lara on Demonreach she basically outlines that for her to help Tomas, she needs to help Harry, and that "Happy Accident" will likely be the reason the case is taken care of without Harry and Murphy having to get their hands dirty in order to get out of legal trouble. #6: The Lara/Mab/Harry interaction in the Munstermobile seems more of the same, and I like your "because Stone Cold said so" remark. #7: The Tomas being the assassin detail seemed like it was thrown in out of left field, and I had high hopes that the investigation of that would make this book have more of the case feel like earlier books. I miss that. As much as I like seeing Harry leveled up and saving the world, the "Harry must win, or the world ends" aspect is getting older than the fact Harry has to figure out a case detail. Sidenote: This is the next details that I found upsetting as Tomas is introduced as the assassin and then is turned into scenery that sheds no light on motive the rest of the book. We can't even get more than two syllables out of Tomas the rest of the book, and those two are always Justine (we get it, he's in love, and has been since the character has been introduced). #8: Ebenezer and Harry fighting together while bickering was neat, but it was also a bit of a compressed way of confirming details about Harry being Star-born. It seemed kinda forced. #9: Conjuritius seems dumb. I personally expect that this is some sort of time travel backlash where Harry kinda sorta changes something and we won't understand it until it plays out. #10: Harry asking Butters about Conjuritus, and Butters and Harry not thinking to GO GET BOB and ask him is such a HUGE glaring oversight for those characters that I can only think that this is Jim purposefully trying to hide details because the detail will play out to be more important later (this is the main reason why I think its backlash from some sort of other story action, and I think it's time travel related because it just feels like the scenes in Bill and Ted's Excellent adventure where Ted says "Remember the Trash can" and it just all of the sudden appears), it's either that or a make up problem for the fact Harry's murphyonic field doesn't seem to be hexing things as much anymore. So annoyed that this detail wasn't wrapped up by the end of this book. We were given so little that actually got tied up by the end of the book, that it just seems withholding. #11: The Warden stand-off was a typical Harry buts heads with the White Council thing. I think Harry being a crybaby about not fessing up that he had sex with his girlfriend seems like a stretch. These are Harry's friends, and telling your friends you have a girlfriend you are sexually active with isn't a big deal. I mean, he get's hope carpenter to babysit while he goes to see Murphy. It's not a secret. This just seemed like a forced detail to put Harry at odds with the White Council. #12: Harry summoning Molly was a neat aspect. Loved this bit. #13: The Michael/Harry bit was more of the same. We get it. #14: The Butters lightsaber and Sanya stuff was entertaining, and the depowering of the Faith blade was important, and the Angels living in the blades was a nice touch that I am positive will play out later, with Harry talking to the Angels in the swords at some point. BUT: what is Sanya's lastname? why can't we get just a little more completion of this character. #15: The who's who of people at the Peace Talks was neat, but also, seemed like it was missing a number of players that had signed on to the accords... #16: The Harry/Lara team up by use of the favor was so predictable that I cringed. meh. meh. meh. x100 #17: The Goodman Grey bit was neat #18: Freydis being bi and the Butters 3some details just makes me thing Jim Butcher is experimenting with polyamory so he's putting it in his books (joking) #19: Ramirez walks with a cane AND staff? that seems weird. #20: Lara getting burned by Harry seems more of Jim just making sure that Lara and Tomas can't feed on Harry or Murphy on the boat later. Just seems like another contrived plot point to make sure that Harry can't figure out the Tomas assassin angle until the final chapter of the STORY (not book, as we don't get the end of the story until the next book). #21: The intro of the last Titan seemed thrown in. Guess what everybody? There's a mcguffin that is so big that it seems like we should know more about it before now. #22: Gwyn Ap Nup getting killed seems like a nod to a detail that characters are going to start getting killed and multiple characters are gonna start dying. #23: Marcone being a leader was pretty badass. For the limited screen time in the book, this was great. I think that Harry is eventually going to end up on Marcone's team. #24: Ebenezer fighting Harry was super predictable all the way down to the doppleganger and the reveal of Tomas as another grandson. That said, it was still enjoyable to see it play out. This is the ONE deliverable of the book where the reader actually gets an event contained in the book that pays off and we get something for purchasing the book. #25: The island stasis was also real predictable and the hint that Tomas is going to be talking to the British inmate will finally be the detail that brings the British inmate foreshadowed in Cold Days into the storyline. I'm guessing it is King Arthur because Excaliber/Amoracchius is currently without a wielder and Harry will play the Merlin to Knights of the Sword being the Knights of the Round Table. Placard: initialism INRI represents the Latin inscription IESVS NAZARENVS REX IVDÆORVM (Iesus Nazarenus, Rex Iudaeorum), which in English translates to "Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews" All in all, the book was a nice start to a story, BUT was upset there was very little tied up by the end.

[@TYBOBREED]

Working my way thru another listen/read thru, and Maggie asks Harry if Grandpa will come for Christmas. We know from the Christmas Eve short story that Ebenezer doesn't appear to be expected to attend. Harry is living with the Carpenter's by that point, which makes me think that Molly's apartment is no longer available, and likely neither is Murphy's. Infer what you will, but I'm thinking Harry isn't welcome with the Svartalfs and that for some reason he doesn't live with Murphy...

[@illumstern8831]

Conjuritis: It did seem a bit odd at first, and I will probably cringe just as hard as everyone else when it inevitably is used to comedically save someone's butt(like the turkey from Blood Rites). But, I suspect it was a way to hint at Maggie having magic. It is pretty common, after all, for parents to catch stuff from their kids. Gwyn's head being tossed into the peace talks was actually a really nice touch if the "Storm Front happens in 2000" timeline is still relevant. He was responsible for the Billygoat Curse, and the Cubs won in 2016.

[@robinmoore7202]

I just finished the book and I enjoyed it, as I do all of Butcher’s books. I’m glad I knew beforehand that this was part one of two, though I would have preferred a larger book as a whole story. The thing I have a minor gripe about is simply a personal opinion, in that there’s never just one or two issues facing Dresden. At the end of chapter six, when the embassy was on fire, I thought, “Of course it is.” I know it’s how all of these stories are set up, it’s just a minor annoyance. ☺️ Like Harry, I’d love to see him get an actual home again. I miss his interactions with Mouse and Bob. I’m not sure that’s ever going to be in Harry’s future, sadly.

[@ianperez7668]

I generally would agree with you, but at least Butcher has a perfectly rational in-universe reason for all of it. All of the problems stem from the same general sources: the Fomor are making a move (that we know to be false) at the peace talks that they called; the White Council is sending delegates to the talks so; anti-Harry council members are moving against Harry while most of his political allies are at the talks because they are being manipulated by; the Black Council (a covert cabal) who are working for; the Outsiders, whose only goal is the obliteration of our reality, and so are moving on the Outer Gates while; Mab is partially distracted by; the peace talks. The Fomor are either allied with or being manipulated by factions who are working for the Outsiders. Everything else is in response to that. Everyone’s actions can be explained by the actions of a fairly competent political operative who is trying to manipulate all the factions to best benefit the Outsiders, whose specific goal (in Peace Talks) seems to be two- or threefold (I can think of three with a bonus objective, but I may be less crafty than Butcher) 1: Defeat Mab with war against Fomor/Ethniu, make war easier by alienating her allies (Thomas+ other side missions, explained later), but either way: Mab loses, win at Outer Gates, Profit! 2: Mab beats Ethniu, but is physically, meta-physically, and/or politically weakened sufficiently that: a bigger push against the Outer Gates succeeds, Profit! 3: Worst case scenario (their POV), Man is weakened sufficiently that Gambits four-infinity work, win at Outer Gates, Profit! Bonus: Kill, capture, compromise, or in any other way get Harry Pain-in-our-ass Dresden out of the way. (Ill explain why they care about Harry, and how that explains other factions actions in another comment, as my publisher says I have 5/3rds of a comment and it needs to be edited to two 😉)

[@ianperez7668]

I wrote up a longer thing on Reddit: www.reddit.com/r/dresdenfiles/comments/ht7ivf/thoughts_on_factional_movements_in_peace_talks/

[@melodie-allynbenezra8956]

Peace Talks IS Part I of a two-part story. Battle Grounds, which is coming out in September, is Part II.

[@Kwolfx]

Demonreach liked the name. The island's spirit didn't realize that Alfred was a joke name. That scene was near the beginning of Skin Game. Freydis said that Murphy wasn't fated to die, "in this battle." That was even heavier foreshadowing. It's pretty much saying that Murphy is fated to die in a battle, sometime in the future. How far in the future is anyone's guess. The one problem I have with Murphy being in the next battle is that she really isn't capable of doing more than planting some explosives; or more likely have someone else plant them for her, and remote detonate them at the appropriate time. She can shoot a gun, sure, but she can't shoot and scoot. Once she takes a position, she's going to be pretty much stuck there.

[@sifolden]

I have no idea how Valkyries are made/born/transformed .. but what if Murf becomes one?

[@willreed4692]

The head that is thrown is from a character in another short story in Brief Cases. You'll need to read Curses to find out about that character.

[@TheAzieran]

I just think Ebenezer has a blinding hatred of the vampires especially after he lost his daughter more or less to them. Now with them thinking he's "with" Lara I'm thinking he sees history repeating

[@willreed4692]

I attribute Harry's grandfather's anger partly to vampires, but probably the stress of dealing with White Council politics and playing shadowy games off camera. That type of stress was something he had been avoiding as much as he could until recently by his terms.

[@safinan8008]

I have not read this series... but it must be good if few of the KZbin channel mention this series...

[@nyronf]

Start reading it. I promise you will not be disappointed.

[@Awelbeckk]

yup, it is good

[@safinan8008]

Nyron Franklin thank u for the replay enjoy ur read

[@safinan8008]

Awelbeckk thank u!! 😊

[@zeenarah]

As a father you will enjoy Zoo Days, the short story, enjoy and be terrified.

[@erica54]

Zoo Day was my favorite.

[@james35124]

Great news, i remembered Amazon prime includes audible So i was able to listen to the book for free... well not free but with my prime sub

[@melodie-allynbenezra8956]

The tracking spell in the ink isn't the same as what Peabody did. But it is the same MO: non-consensual use of magic against another via ink. THAT is what makes Harry so angry, and even Ramirez, who did it, realizes how bad it was.

[@roems6396]

I disagree with people who are saying that this book is meaty. It is busy, but very shallow. It’s like Jim thought that he should include every character in this book, but NONE of them get any actual development. It simply flits from one scene to the next trying include everyone that it can, but none of them actually matter or add to the story. Sure, it’s still interesting, and the formor story moves forward, but everything else is just haphazard and weak. For instance, adding conjuritis into this world, even though we have seen teenaged wizards many times and there was never any mention of it. It’s stupid and lazy. I was disappointed when the book ended like it did. If it was going to be a two-parter, then Butcher could have taken more time to add some depth to the story. It just isn’t very good in my opinion.

[@mikec3955]

Regarding Ebenezar, I agree he seems intensely angry every time he interacts with Harry. However, given that wizards spend their entire lives mastering their emotions, I think perhaps he's showing it on purpose... Probably to push Harry to the emotional point that he can accomplish whatever it is that he's supposed to do (I think The BlackStaff knows EXACTLY what's coming)

[@blackjackbarron5315]

So the revelation that the older wizards are all... fading? Worried about dying soon? Know some terrible secret about Starborn that causes major endings? That's a big thing I'm looking forward to. The big thing in my mind - and I saw just one comment down below on the similar vein - is that Justine is neck deep in setting Thomas up. Thomas is trying to WARN Harry, and Harry's ignoring it.

[@mythicphilosoph]

I don't think the older wizards are fading. I think Listens to Wind is the last Starborn.

[@walterdavis8132]

@@mythicphilosoph I don't think he's old enough. Wasn't there something about the Starborn every 666 years? I need to go back and read again...

[@mythicphilosoph]

@@walterdavis8132 I was thinking that but then why would they specifically mention Listens to Wind when they talk about Starborn?

[@walterdavis8132]

@@mythicphilosoph dunno. Maybe he knew the last Starborn? Maybe he was apprenticed to the last Starborn. I'm going to get my second read in this weekend, lol. I kind of wolfed it down the first time. Gonna savor it this time.

[@DeadChaosss]

anyone else get the feeling that there were a lot of callbacks to small favor? the doughnut was brought up specifically, but for the first half of the books it waved the question of why Tomas did it in our faces, but harry never came close to looking for that answer. he never put on the figurative detective hat. I think this is supposed to be a parallel to small favor where he forgot his fire. I think there is something up with that.

[@illumstern8831]

YES! I've been contemplating this exact same thing. We even get Mab and Lara vanishing in a similar way to Small Favor after the discussion in the car, too.

[@edwardflores6604]

I think Ebenezer is Cowl and Martha liberty is Kumori. The GC we see in changes is actually the BC, and they were actually saving Cowl. Kumori was the 2nd person with Peabody in turn coat. I also think Elaine and Dracul are BC, maybe Ramirez, Sonya and Lea

[@jeffbyrne5910]

I don't think Ebenezar is Cowl, I think The Blackstaff is Cowl. During Changes it was described as being almost alive and wanting to be used. This wouldn't be the first time an artifact either gained sentience or was discovered to have an entity within, like the Coins or maybe(probably) the Swords. I think Ebenezar isn't even aware that his body is being borrowed from time to time, like most versions of Venom taking Spider-Man's body out to fight crime while Parker is asleep.