Well, I must say that while I enjoyed the first one a good deal that this one was even better. Dresden is back in action, and shockingly soon after his last ordeal. While things start off a little hinky, it gets crazy fast to which I'm learning is just the way it goes when Dresden is brought in. Or perhaps it's why he's called in? Either way, stuff gets moving and wow. . . does it move.

There were definitely some darker elements to the fiction in here which is odd to say considering book one wasn't exactly innocent. It's just that this situation is somehow steeped in far worse brutality. I don't know. . . what I do know is that you can see the toll taken from the situation in book 1 especially in regards to Murphy(not that I agree with her behavior in a certain scene; there's no justification for it and Dresden did not do wrong so it bothered me that he blamed himself there but that aside. . .) and Dresden himself. Even Carmichael has changed to some degree. The new cast of characters are interesting as well. I especially like Tera who is fascinating to say the least.

The story in this one made me shake my head a lot, and also go "Dresden, you're a little slow man" as I had a deep suspicion early on about who was at fault, but that didn't make it any less enjoyable. I really enjoyed the different variations in regard to Werewolf lore as well. It didn't just assume that one way was the only way; something that a lot of fiction of this genre does for their own reasons, but that makes this much more interesting as it stands out from the others of its genre. I was almost sad to see the story end, but am excited to pick up the next book in the series and continue my visit with Harry Dresden as I have many questions that need answering after this book.

This was a really enjoyable read. While I was skeptical at first when I saw it was in first person(as 1st person tends to be more miss than hit for me), the author establishes the character's voice quick and hooks you in the process. Dresden is great, he's got an interesting story and he's got flaws. His humor made me laugh and/or crack a smile more than once. His relationship with others in the setting only add to his character, and it's true — he does not know women. Somehow, this is just a little bit endearing. The fact that he can be a little slow on the uptake and doesn't do well at times under the pressure only make him more fun to follow along with as the story progresses. Overall, it hits the notes of a crime/mystery book while also tossing in some fantasy fun; not overwhelming you with the latter somehow which is even more impressive.

I'll probably do a more thorough review later, but for now this will do. I'm glad I finally got around to reading this book and look forward to picking up the next one.

Talk about loaded and hitting you in the feels. . . Better review to come in future.

Whoa, many things. Loved it. Actual review to come in future.