Blood Rites

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Entertaining - Rated
The story arc looks promising and Butcher finishes the book in a way that leaves interesting options for the future books. However, he definitely has difficulty keeping his timelines and 'canon' in check and because he's focused on his story arc, the main plot of this book is somewhat cursory. It's still an entertaining way to pass a few hours, but because of the complicated arc, I suspect it will be difficult for readers entirely new to the series to dive in and start with the later books.

Greater than the sum of its parts - Rated
I have had the luck to discover the Dresden files series after Mr. Butcher was well underway with it, which means I got to read five of them in a row.

The series is characterised by workmanlike prose, a terrific protagonist, and complex plots. Best of all, Mr. Butcher is master of the backstory. Each of the books further unwinds the history of the main character, while not burdening the reader with much repetition. And he is adept at restraining himself from too much explanation; he gives the reader credit for being able to put the pieces together.

Very enjoyable reads, very inventive, fast paced, and well constructed. Note to Mr. Butcher: Write more!

Interesting addition to the series - Rated
I am a big fan of the Dresden Files but I have to say that this book left me a bit flat.
First a lot of family information gets revealed - but its just too easy. If you've read the rest of the books you understand that Harry has been trying directly and indirectly to find out about his parents for years and suddenly it given to him on a platter; its just not satisfying.
Second, the stakes in this novel are much lower than Summer Night and Death Mask. I just didn't get the same level of urgency from this novel. I have feeling that this book is a launching point for another story arc.
That said it was still much better the dross that LK Hamilton has descended to.

another big hitter from Butcher - Rated
Another fantastic book in the Dresden file. Blood Lines delves much deeper into Harry's family past, which is something i have been waiting for since book 1, and it does it with style. Vampires, Blood Pacts, surprising twists, all the staples of the fantastic series are present!

fantastic! - Rated
Harry's back for the sixth book in the series along with the familiar faces of Murphy, Ebenezer, Bob and a very cute new puppy! If you're new to Jim Butcher's books, do yourself a favour and buy Storm Front first(and the rest too!) as they follow on from each other and it does help to have the history as you're reading. This series is simply class though and is one of the few I've read that gets better with each book. All I can say is Write faster Mr Butcher and give us more Dresden!!