Ghost Story Book Reveiw
by June K. Williams
I must admit that when I began Ghost Story I had some serious misgivings. The ending of the previous Dresden Files novel, Changes, left us with some very somber if not downright grim consequences. The only way around them would seem to negate the meaning of the story. It would be sort of like having Spock return from the Genesis planet after laying down his life to save the crew of the Enterprise. Is it still a sacrifice if he is back on the bridge of the Enterprise? Happily this proved not to be the case in Ghost Story. It just goes to show that you must trust the author if the author is Jim Butcher. Ghost Story not only deals with those consequences head on, it does so with style, sensibility and the ability to ask the Big questions without being preachy or pushy.
One thing that sets this story apart is that Harry can’t act in the way he has in the past. He can’t go in with all magical guns blazing, asking questions later. He has been forced to reflect and not just plunge ahead regardless of potential consequences. In Changes, Harry came to the realization that he could not win the day on his own. He needed everyone in his life to help save Maggie. Ghost Story brings him to a greater understanding of the full depth of devotion that people in addition to himself are willing to lay on the line. Lessons abound and one he has trouble learning is that while he is responsible for his actions he is not responsible for every failure. Harry has his proverbial hands tied for much of the book and he has to call upon other reserves to make a difference. As a wizard Harry has always stressed the importance for planning in order to win the day but he has never before been so sidelined. Even so, Harry will never be marginalized and it is fascinating to see just how much he has grown in the aftermath of an assassination. Talk about eating your vegetables to grow strong. Harry has had to down his share of metaphorical kale and Brussel sprouts in this story and he has grown up as well as grown strong.
You can always count on a Dresden Files novel to have monumental battle scenes. You may ask yourself can Jim Butcher manage to push the envelope any further? Apparently the answer is yes. Once again Dresden has fight scenes that leave me almost as out of breath as the characters that are participants. Monsters and villains always provide reasons to drive action in an urban fantasy and Ghost Story has some really creepy ones. Heck, even many individuals fighting on the side of right are scarier than my worst nightmares but they are not what this or any other Dresden Files novel is all about. They just provide scenery, some insights and rip-roaring action. Another reason to love this book is the care and attention given to characters other than Harry Dresden. We get so much more than ever before of Butters, Bob, Molly, Daniel, Mort, Uriel, Mab, and other longstanding characters in the Dresden-verse while not neglecting new blood. I always loved Butters and this book gives him a real chance to stand shoulder to shoulder with monsters and supermen and not come up short. There is even a brief and poignant appearance of Thomas and Justine that made me sniffle. Mouse and Mister not only show up, they made me want to squeeze my kitty and long for my dog that long ago crossed the Rainbow Bridge.
Harry Dresden has always been a bit of an observer and commentator on the human condition. This book is no exception. Due to the extreme situations that are being confronted on both a physical and spiritual nature it is natural that some Big Issues would be addressed. Not to worry, the book is not all about philosophical dilemmas. Despite dire circumstances or maybe because of them, the humor that is so characteristic of the series is always at hand and a delight.
What amazes me is that although this is the 13th book in the series, if someone were to stumble across this book before any of the others I do believe they would not be lost as to what make the Dresden Files both accessible and fresh. If you have not gotten your hands on a copy of Ghost Story then do your best to do so now.
by June K. Williams
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