You are probably already planning something, but: For the next one, please do a full detailed blog. Do as much as you can to bring us along for the ride! I need that vicarious thrill of reading that book for the first time.
Merphy, you might want to consider recording both a reading vlog and a spoiler review video when you are reading Changes. A lot of very important things happen in Changes that I think people would like to see your reaction to as you read it.
Yea, I saw a random sentence like this sometime last year, with someone asking what book it was from. And I didn't recognise the sentence, but also I was absolutely sure it was from a Dresden book. It might even have been this sentence.
@@kryptonianguest1903 I wish I could give this a proper reply, but I don't think I can without spoilers, lol. All I can say is, it was definitely an experience.
Peabody is actually referenced in multiple books. He's the author of Erlking's book from Dead Beat. His first appearance is in Summer Knight, when there's the White Council's gathering. One of my favorite aspects of this book is Lara. We get to see her getting wrecked by Shagnasty, getting back up and being a cold-hearted leader. Butcher manages to find the right line with her, in my opinion, of being a dangerous enemy, that's also a friend. Also, there's a moment at club Zero when Harry is talking about her. Don't know about other readers, but that unprompted monologue let slip a bit of Harry's... Let's just say admiration for Lara.
@@LightningRaven42 Interesting choices. Honestly there are so many good characters sometimes it's hard to choose. I like Dresden but I feel like he's kind of a foil for everyone else as we see them from his perspective so it seems a little unfair to list him as a favourite. I think Michael, Charity, Kincaid, Thomas and Butters might be my favourite at the moment (I might have a thing for monsters who try control their nature and regular people just doing their best) but the list is pretty interchangeable with others like Listens To Wind, Lara, Lasciel and Carlos. In terms of favourite villain/morally grey ally I think it would have to be Nicodemus (Marcone is a close second, you know to fear someone when they are always referred to by last name only but I like Nicodemus's sense of drama even if he doesn't use his nigh-immortality as much as he should). No spoilers but I like a character introduced in Skin Games who relates tangentially to Turncoat.
@@LightningRaven42 That list is pretty similar to mine. Although mine stays pretty consistent in the order. 1. Molly 2. Lara 3. Dresden 4. Mab 5. This is the slot that changes pretty often. Sometimes Charity sometimes Carlos sometimes someone else--Sanya has jumped in here a couple of times. If I had to pick one...Carlos maybe?
I think this book gets overlooked because of the way it's sandwiched in between Small Favor and Changes (oh boy, Changes), but I loved it for both the character moments and Shagnasty. I find that my opinion on Dresden books depends in large part on the villain of the week, and Shagnasty is one of my favorites. It's not just that he's powerful - it's the sheer malice that comes through in every scene he's in. Every one of his lines just drops with malevolence and contempt, and lives up to every single threat he makes. The scene where Harry views him with the Sight and immediately goes into a fugue state was so unnerving to read. If you ever thought about doing a live reading for your channel, Chapters 1, 48, and 49 of Changes are it. I know you've been bombarded with nonstop hype on the book since your first Dresden video (I'm guilty of this, too), but... yeah. There's a reason for it. Have fun.
I agree entirely. I feel it's up in the tier of villains who have the combination of permanently damaging Harry's allies (even killing them) and also not having a motivation which is easy to relate to which cement them as a serious villain. Some of the Villains are misguided or interested in personal profit at the expense of everyone else but the Naagloshii deliberately goes out of it's way to torment people and cause pain. Sure it wants more power but it could have got that by eating Harry while he was recovering, it wanted to get it in the most disruptive way possible. It's also similar to Nicodemus in that it doesn't have any easily exploitable weaknesses unlike the fairies, vampires or wizards (iron, fire and lead respectively).
Personally, I rate Turn Coat a little higher than Small Favorn, but they are so close that I almost can't separate them. To me, books 10-12 are a WILD rollercoaster of the best The Dresden Files has to offer. Which is fitting because it is, in a way, kind of the end of DF as we know it. After Changes, things feel very different from the first 12 books, and that's how it needs to be. The series has been building for the break out into a more epic fantasy.
to be fair I actually would always rate turncoat over small favor, Simply because of the dynamic between Dresden, Molly and Morgan. I love the enemies to freinds trope. Sure Turn Coat isn't quite that. But it gets close and believable. I genuinely believe, Harry at every prior book would have done the same for Morgan. Even Storm Front Harry would have stood up to the Merlin and told him the thought of Morgan as a traitor is insane. Just that Morgan wouldn't have developed enough or learned enough about harry to come to him for help.
Listens To Wind is a great character. I'm trying hard not to spoil the rest of the series but I love how he uses magic so differently from people like Harry and Ebenezer who treat it like a science. It doesn't matter how badass you are, no one expects the orbital drop grizzly.
Mouse IS indeed the best boi. Turn Coat convinced me that Jim could WRITE. I'm fine with loving a fun romp for what it is - but this one? Realizing how deeply I felt about these characters was eye-opening. I never ever thought Morgan would deserve my tears.
The fact that Harry notices attractive women is quite natural from the point of view of a heterosexual man. I've been in pretty harrowing situations and have noticed an attractive woman while defending myself from attack. The way Butcher writes from Harry's perception is pretty accurate to the male experience.
What I've been waiting for. You're not ready for the next book. The next one is going to be so emotional that you're going to have to take a break and process what happened
Club Zero: Dresden's epiphany about how the world would be if the White Court took over the world wasn't about noticing the pain aspects on display. It was how none of the activities involved real love. Which is as dangerous for the White Court as garlic and holy water is for the Black Court. He saw that everything around him was empty. Elaborate forms of masturbation with nothing but desire and base gratification. And once he saw that it stopped being so fascinating to him, and the comparison to all that with Thomas and Justine being actually in love with each other suddenly became the only beautiful thing in Club Zero.
Yep. This is actually pretty consistently how the series deals with sex in general; this scene is just the most explicit example. The temptations of purely hedonistic sex are almost always portrayed as dangerous and de-humanizing.
Love is dangerous specifically for House Raith, who feed on lust. Courage is dangerous for the ones that feed on fear, and hope(?) is dangerous for those who feed on despair.
My favorite scene in this book is when Harry is presenting evidence to the Council, and he calls Mouse to confirm that Peabody is the Peabaddie, and Ancient Mai freaks out that Harry has a Foo Dog.
I appreciate how that's the only moment in the book she seems genuinely flustered. Not even when she and Listens are preparing to delay an unknown force outnumbering them about 20:1 or when she's facing down the power behind the White Court who is fully prepared for battle. (It's also interesting how other characters interact with Mouse like how Kincaid and Nicodemus have both seemed uncomfortable watching Mouse. Really sells just how stacked Dresden's lineup actually is with one of the strongest vampires of the White Court, the only current Knight of the Cross, some werewolves, 2-3 powerful wizards, expert markswoman and martial artist Murphy, his guard of pixies and Mouse.)
In my opinion, Turn Coat is the most underrated book in the series so far. Mostly because Changes is so good that people forget how good Turn Coat is. Like you said, there is a lot of good stuff in this book that you didn't mention. The courtroom scene is one of my favorite moments in the series. When Harry calls Mouse to the stand it is amazing.
"Mai looked as if someone had hit her between the eyes with a sledgehammer. “That,” she said, in a breathless tone, “is a Foo dog.” She stared at me. “Where did you get such a thing? And why were you allowed to keep it?” “He sort of picked me,” I said."
I concur. It's not Buffy (or another individual) with a rocket launcher but I appreciate how there's a theme in these books of mortals standing up to the supernatural by sheer power of overkill. Sure, Nicodemus can likely survive anything short of maybe a Sword of the Cross or given an angel an excuse to smite him but I can't imagine he'll feel great after a nuke. It was also cool knowing Morgan was kind of a badass in his time before he burned out dealing with too many warlocks.
Merphy, do your future self a favor and double book (pun intended) Dresden books next month so you don't mess up your planned schedule. If you react to Changes like most of us, you will likely be DESPERATE to read the next book ASAP. I very much look forward to seeing your reaction and thoughts on this one. :)
@@pauloid76 I didn't HATE Ghost Story the first time I read it - but I definitely didn't like it. After a number of re-reads (and a few listens of Marster's reading), it's probably one of my favorites of the series now.
Some of us had to wait a year. And Ghost Story got a bad rap mainly because it was so different AND we waited a year. Upon re-read I can see people who can dive right into Ghost Story wouldn't have the same issues with it. I like it so much better now then I did when I first read it.
@@telynns8490 I was one of those who had to wait the year, and the wait was pure agony! I think that having to switch the audiobook narrator also really didn't help the reception. I quite enjoy the book, regardless of the flaws.
Love the rambling, little snippets reviews as much as the more structured ones. At this point you're fully immersed in the Dresden universe and I think it is inevitable to sometimes care more about scenes that focus on character development than the plot of the specific book. I'm so happy that you seem to be enjoying the ride so much.
Great review again, Listens to Wind and Naagloshi fight is one of the greatest fight scenes of all time, such great pacing and with all the Native connotations it's just incredibly cool. Also yep you guessed it, please please please just have your phone/camera ready to hit record as soon as you start reading Changes. There are so many points right from the beginning where we'd all love to see your real-time reactions, as well as the full review. You could really just make a series all about that book!
Idr if I've commented on these reviews before, but super happy you're enjoying the series. It's my favorite, and seeing the perspectives on it from others is cathartic. The complex character dynamics in this one is such a highlight for me. [Insert obligatory "prepare yourself" comment about Changes here.] :P
As an audio book listener you said Luccio correctly. You are saying Lara like the name Laura. Took me a minute to figure that one out. I was sitting here wondering why I couldn't recall a Laura. Great review!
Loved this review!! Totally with you on how amusing it was for Harry to find a new tableau of Morgan/Molly/Mouse every time he returned to the house. The Morgan stuff had so much depth and got me quite emotional by the end, and on reread it hit even harder. Loved the inner looks we got into the White Council too. Can’t wait to see your Changes thoughts!
8:56 "If an alligator charges at you, run away as quickly as you can. Alligators may be fast swimmers, but their top land speed is only 10 mph, which humans can surpass over short distances. It's also best to ignore the old myth that you should run away in a zig-zag pattern to escape." 16:08 That was just wind blowing.
Don’t know where you got 10 mph, gators can reach 35mph for short bursts on land and average around 20. They are faster than most humans. However they won’t ever try to chase you unless you give them a very good reason, they are ambush predators and if the initial Ambush fails they will rarely if ever pursue. I visited some swamp land park in Georgia when I was a kid and learned all this from the park ranger when my older brother (who was a track athletes) confidently told the guide he could outrun a gator and was flatly told no chance. Coincidentally, that trip has inspired a life long phobia I have of crocodilians. I mean come On, they hiss AND growl at the same time it’s the most terrifying noise I’ve ever heard.
I'm really looking forward to Changes. A couple of "check in" VLOGS at good stopping points in the book would be great along with the full review. Can't wait for next month!
I liked your comments on this book! Turn Coat is such an interesting book. It makes you really feel for Morgan in a way that was never expected. Also the increasingly ridiculous scenes that Harry walks in on in his apartment are so funny! Peabody is in the background of a couple books but he's very much a non-entity to me that I also was surprised when it was him. I also really liked your comments about Zero. It really shows that while Harry may look, he finds the levels of hedonism and debauchery, especially with the White Court, disgusting. It's a really good way of showing how dark the White Court really is. What happens with Thomas is so horrible :( Excited to see your thoughts on the next book!
The worst thing about the White Court is that they don't even need to be that way. Lord Raith made it so. Before Blood Rites, Lord Raith had been in power for centuries. His influence and views on humanity are entrenched in the very fabric of the court. From the way they manipulate the young whampires in order to awaken their hunger (which doesn't need much help), to what he did with his closest family and the broader moves he made that we know little of, but that is very telling (siding with Outsiders and using media to manipulate culture, both with Bram Stoker and Silverlight Pictures). I don't know what Butcher is going for after the developments of Battle Ground, but I wonder if their trajectory will change.
I love Turn Coat. It's easily one of my favorites. I actually enjoyed the Peabody ending. While it's true that it didn't feel satisfying, I think that's intentional. It left me with the feeling that Peabody wasn't really the big fish. Like there was some deeper layer. And I think that was the point. It doesn't wrap up the council intrigue. Rather, it increases it. And for that, I'm very pleased with this book. But that's just my opinion.
Morgan is a tired, beat down, disillusioned cop. I think Harry comments on that specifically in this book (I wrote this comment before the review finished - so it may have been mentioned). That realization explains Morgan through and through.
Protagonist needing to team up with antagonist against mutual enemy is one of my personal favorite tropes, so I was already predisposed to like this book, but I really love it and i think it would probably be more widely discusses/praised if it wasnt kind of overshadowed by the next one in the series (sorry to pile on to the hyping up of Changes, i bet it's getting old to hear from everyone)
This book had one of my favorite introductions of a character. The Naagloshii (Yeah, I'll say it), a creature so dark and evil that just looking upon it's true form nearly drives Harry insane.
This was the first Dresden book I ever read and it remains my favorite. The classic shapeshifting duel, the silly scenes Harry keeps coming back too, and even the mild critique on society looking towards zero fulfilment in favor of short-term pleasure... Also, Binder's name is Ernest Armald Tinwhistle
Okay I have to ask, how is book 11 the first book from a series u read? I'm not judging but it's so crazy to me that I have to know more 😂 was it a gift? Are u an anarchist? Do u do it regularly? Did anything in the book even make sense? The people demand answers revpembroke!
Morgans' character and backstory are actually pretty cool! General Toot Toot kicks ass!!! Hail the Za-Lord!!! Mouse is the best!!! As others have suggested, do read the short stories sidejobs after changes, worth it!
So excited when I see a Dresden Review from you! Happy you enjoyed Turn Coat. Now on to Changes. Do yourself a favor, listen to the audiobook for Changes; at least the back half of the book. Marsters' acting chops make that book so much more impactful, in my opinion. I cannot wait to hear your review of THE Dresden book. It's what every Dresden fan is always waiting for when anyone starts to read the series. You have no idea what's coming your way.
It is also funny that apparently the whole supernatural world knows about Harry using his favor from Summer on a donut as Morgan mentions it when they talk about how he has been able to stay off the wardens' radar while on the run. 🍩
I've seen it once already but let me just repeat this sentiment: You should REALLY consider doing a reading vlog for Changes. VERY much so. Do not even read the first paragraph or the synopsis before hitting record. Promise you. We will watch.
Merphy, I've been following your reviews of The Dresden Files and I'm glad you're on book 11. It's been an interesting journey. Just a heads up: there are about to be some Changes.
If you thought this one had a strong cold opening, wait until you see the one in Changes. But as always loved hesring your thoughts on the book. It was one of my favorites personally.
So...Peabody's been in every book that has Council politicking. He's been the Council's chief bureaucrat forever. Though I'm honestly not terribly surprised it didn't work well for you- it works better with hindsight, because up until now, he's just a minor name in the sea of names of Council members, very easily dismissed. Perhaps too easily, if his presence in the book that dives deep into council politics is jarring enough to be the obvious bad guy. I'm honestly not sure if I saw him in a book before this or not - I read most of the series very out of order (whichever books I could find at the used book store) since they're all just labeled "a novel of the Dresden Files" so I can't say for sure how this hit for me the first time. Though I'm pretty sure I saw him as a joke bureaucrat character rather than a potential big bad for the book. (Though it's worth noting my first read was before I read the Malazan Book of the Fallen, which is the series that taught me to really enjoy analyzing books on more than just the basic enjoy-the-story level)
Peabody is one of the little things that hits you upon a re-read. There are so many things like that, as you read along you think "Oh yeah we never found out about that yet..." or "Oh this was set up WAY back!".
I am going to hype Changes, but I also really like Turn Coat. One of my favorite things about The Dresden Files is that because it's such a long series you get some books that are plot driven roller coasters and others that are love tunnel character journeys, and maybe they are more like rapids, they move fast but they focus on characters and digging down to what makes them tick and present interesting moral dilemmas. I'm so stoked for the Changes review though. Changes is one of those wild rides. It's so, so good and everything is quite a bit different after it, as the name obviously implies.
Your reviews make me want to re-read the series! I binge-read it in its entirety 4 years ago and while I remember some books for their monster of the week themes, they ended up blurring together quite a bit in my mind. Especially the overarching character development, which is stellar. Dresden Files doesn’t top the Cosmere or One Piece for me, but it’s definitely in the tier just below those series, that’s how good the characters and character arcs are.
Yassssssssssssss!!! I love this book. Its top 2 in my favourites until i hit Changes then i have to reassess lol - Dude the Nagloshi (shag-nasty) is the reason, I love him so much as a villain, almost, yes almost as much as Nic. maybe more. I dont know BAH!!
Honestly, I love so much of this book. It has great moments, it has terrible moments. The skinwalker is genuinely among the most terrifying things that I've seen in fiction, and I love that Morgan has a story: "Oh yeah, I got one of those things, it was chasing me and I tricked it into being at a nuclear test site back in the 50s." The running gag with Molly, Morgan and Mouse. The Council politicking. Everything on Demonreach, especially the shapeshifter fight. Lara being on peak form at various points in *very* different ways. Ancient Mai going from "if you don't stop toying with the Council right now, I will destroy you" to "He is part of the Council we are all ONE!" in the blink of an eye when someone else shows up....There's so much. And I love who the double agent turns out to be, he's one of those characters who just feels like set dressing on the first read, but on a reread he's consistently there doing his thing, seeing everything.... One suggestion I'd make for the sake of clarity with these reviews - I was a bit confused at first when you talked about Merlin's coldblooded pragmatism, until I realized you meant Langtry. Merlin is his title...but the mythical Merlin also actually does exist in this world's history. I think he actually figures into this book a bit, though I could be mistaken...it can be tough to remember which book drops which bits of lore. Point being, it might be better to refer to the current Merlin of the Council by name (Langtry) rather than by his title. (Then again, I did figure it out, so maybe it's fine)
To my mind, Turn Coat is one of the most important books, thematically. Shagnasty is the extermity of failing your duty to a higher cause, and Morgan is the extremity of a Pyric victory. Luccio is the best case scenario presented (in terms of adherence to the system), and she's a wreck in multiple ways. The narrative supports Harry as the best and most moral person involved with the White Council, a first for him. There's something about Harry's relative ignorance being constantly brought up, while wiser and more informed characters make morally compromised decisions.
Dresden Files has so many great little scenes, but one of my favorites is here when the wardens come to the island and Harry, just being harry is intimidating to them. In his mind he barely escapes this events by the skin of his teeth, but they jsut hear the stories, the legends. In my mind it's a long list, but truthly only like 3. Also when the Gatekeeper talks to him earlier... need mid book updates next time.
Just a note, Shagnasty isn't dead, he/it just flies off at the end to fight another day. Great review, I really like this book, and in my opinion you are just starting the best part of the series. Everything gets cranked up to 11 after this. Have fun!
I didn't want to empathize with Morgan after he has hounded Dresden for all these years, but Butcher does a great job of making him an understandable character. The idea of having your own tendencies subtly tweaked to help someone else's agenda is so devious and scary. Not knowing which actions were truly yours or if you were pushed into it. Really messes with one's head.
I think it's okay that Peabody's reveal as Black Council was obvious when you have bigger reveals being legitimately surprising, like Luccio's mind control and her false romance with Harry.
I always feel bad for this book. It's such a great character-building book, and Butcher's political plotting in this book is exceptional, and just his plot overall is some of his strongest. However, this comes between a pretty heavy Fae and Nicodemous book (Small Favor) and Changes, which, no spoilers, changes the dynamic of the overall story to a more lore heavy story. Turn Coat, even through the current book: Battle Ground, is the last true Harry as a detective book. And I love it. And even though it's a smaller scale Dresden novel compared to what's coming, there are great lore building, especially with the island. I'm so excited for you to go into the next phase of this story.
I was on a long car trip with my brother and his fiancee. We had talked out everything to talk about and we were desperate for a boredom killer. "Well, I think I have a Dresden Files audio book in the player. I'm not sure which book or where I left it, but it's entertaining noise?" So I turned it on and bang! right in the middle of the club zero scene. Way to make in impression past me.
I just finished this book. I'm horrified at what was done to Tommy (old Power Ranger fan, so any cool character with the name Thomas is instantly changed in my head to Tommy, haha). I'm so angry that this could be the end of their brotherhood.
I agree that Peabody wasn't the most interesting villain, but keep in mind that this book implies that he's likely not the only Black Council traitor in the White Council. The new guy (forget his name) that joins the Inner Circle at the end is suspected of being Black Council himself, and *someone* had to know about the location of the fortress that the Red Court attacked way back in book 4, and I don't think Peabody had that knowledge
I'm pretty sure Peabody did know about the fortress, because he was one of the main record keepers for the Council, so he'd have access to a lot of administrative details like that. Having said that, though. He's definitely not a villain, just a henchman. He really comes across as more of a mindless cultist than a mastermind if you pay attention. Even down to screaming "the end is nigh"... like, how more obvious does it need to be that he's not in charge here? And that's fine. I think a few things in the book makes a lot more sense when you realize that he was just a henchman. Such as Morgan taking the blame at the end to cover for Anastasia. I mean, sure, he still loved her. BUT. It also allows Morgan to make Peabody's master think that their plan worked, and that they still have Anastasia as a sleeper agent in the Council, when they don't. In fact, I suspect we might see Anastasia pull another "Lasciel doesn't live here anymore" moment in one of the later books
@@craniusdominus8234 it’s possible, but it really sounded like only a select few people knew about the fortress’s defenses, which is why Harry ended up under suspicion, so idk if Peabody would be one of them. Personally, I like the theory that Simon Petrovitch is the traitor and he’s actually Cowl
Like your review but on the island there were two Wizards that came through the never never that because of the spiders and the fact Harry went to get Thomas instead of getting behind them it was never discovered one of them was assumed to be Peabody because of the pictures of him coming to Chicago. You think Harry could Just ask Deamonreach, once they steped on the island it would know who the are.
![Proven Guilty [SPOILER] Review | The Dresden Files By Jim Butcher](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/nL1MA7jyoVw/mqdefault.jpg)
Thank you all for your patience. I’ve learned my lesson: when I leave for vacation, PREFILM! don’t trust vacation internet 😂
You are probably already planning something, but: For the next one, please do a full detailed blog. Do as much as you can to bring us along for the ride! I need that vicarious thrill of reading that book for the first time.
Girl take you vacation ...
Merphy, you might want to consider recording both a reading vlog and a spoiler review video when you are reading Changes. A lot of very important things happen in Changes that I think people would like to see your reaction to as you read it.
Definitely!!!! I can't wait for your initial reaction to the beginning of this one!
please god this
I also agree with this line of thinking. More documentation for Changes would be much appreciated!
I agree with this entirely!!
Seconded!!
"The building was on fire and it wasn't my fault." Is probably the all time best cold open
yup! Still cracks me up!!!
I don't generally remember opening lines but that is one I'll never forget.
@@Ryne91 I remember the next one
I'm on the final book and it is in fact my favorite cold open
Yea, I saw a random sentence like this sometime last year, with someone asking what book it was from.
And I didn't recognise the sentence, but also I was absolutely sure it was from a Dresden book. It might even have been this sentence.
After Changes, read Side Jobs. The short stories in that collection are important, and the last takes between Changes and Ghost Story.
I had such a hard time getting through side jobs.
@@ShadowTaiga I actually really enjoyed it.
I can't imagine not following up Small Favor with The Warrior.
@@kryptonianguest1903 I wish I could give this a proper reply, but I don't think I can without spoilers, lol. All I can say is, it was definitely an experience.
@@kryptonianguest1903OMG, YES! I was hoping to read a comment like this. Such an amazing and emotional short story.
Peabody is actually referenced in multiple books. He's the author of Erlking's book from Dead Beat.
His first appearance is in Summer Knight, when there's the White Council's gathering.
One of my favorite aspects of this book is Lara. We get to see her getting wrecked by Shagnasty, getting back up and being a cold-hearted leader. Butcher manages to find the right line with her, in my opinion, of being a dangerous enemy, that's also a friend.
Also, there's a moment at club Zero when Harry is talking about her. Don't know about other readers, but that unprompted monologue let slip a bit of Harry's... Let's just say admiration for Lara.
Lara has slowly become one of my favorite characters in the series.
@@jeffreymeehan3567 my top 5 is pretty much the interchangeable list bellow:
1. Mab
2. Lara
3. Molly
4. Michael
5. Dresden
@@LightningRaven42 Interesting choices. Honestly there are so many good characters sometimes it's hard to choose. I like Dresden but I feel like he's kind of a foil for everyone else as we see them from his perspective so it seems a little unfair to list him as a favourite. I think Michael, Charity, Kincaid, Thomas and Butters might be my favourite at the moment (I might have a thing for monsters who try control their nature and regular people just doing their best) but the list is pretty interchangeable with others like Listens To Wind, Lara, Lasciel and Carlos.
In terms of favourite villain/morally grey ally I think it would have to be Nicodemus (Marcone is a close second, you know to fear someone when they are always referred to by last name only but I like Nicodemus's sense of drama even if he doesn't use his nigh-immortality as much as he should). No spoilers but I like a character introduced in Skin Games who relates tangentially to Turncoat.
@@LightningRaven42 That list is pretty similar to mine. Although mine stays pretty consistent in the order.
1. Molly
2. Lara
3. Dresden
4. Mab
5. This is the slot that changes pretty often. Sometimes Charity sometimes Carlos sometimes someone else--Sanya has jumped in here a couple of times. If I had to pick one...Carlos maybe?
Yeah, I really love Harry and Lara's relation, that can only be described as "Best Frenemies"
Merphy, please consider doing a recording of you reading the first chapter and the two last chapters of Changes.
Rad glasses Merphy! also "Book Review Under Risk of Alligators" is really something you should cross off your bingo card
Mouse throughout the entire Dresden series develops into one of the most fascinating characters. Cause he's not JUST a dog. And he's also just a dog.
a good boy
The zoo short story really hammers this home. And it is so good to see his POV
I think this book gets overlooked because of the way it's sandwiched in between Small Favor and Changes (oh boy, Changes), but I loved it for both the character moments and Shagnasty. I find that my opinion on Dresden books depends in large part on the villain of the week, and Shagnasty is one of my favorites. It's not just that he's powerful - it's the sheer malice that comes through in every scene he's in. Every one of his lines just drops with malevolence and contempt, and lives up to every single threat he makes. The scene where Harry views him with the Sight and immediately goes into a fugue state was so unnerving to read.
If you ever thought about doing a live reading for your channel, Chapters 1, 48, and 49 of Changes are it. I know you've been bombarded with nonstop hype on the book since your first Dresden video (I'm guilty of this, too), but... yeah. There's a reason for it. Have fun.
I agree entirely. I feel it's up in the tier of villains who have the combination of permanently damaging Harry's allies (even killing them) and also not having a motivation which is easy to relate to which cement them as a serious villain. Some of the Villains are misguided or interested in personal profit at the expense of everyone else but the Naagloshii deliberately goes out of it's way to torment people and cause pain. Sure it wants more power but it could have got that by eating Harry while he was recovering, it wanted to get it in the most disruptive way possible. It's also similar to Nicodemus in that it doesn't have any easily exploitable weaknesses unlike the fairies, vampires or wizards (iron, fire and lead respectively).
Personally, I rate Turn Coat a little higher than Small Favorn, but they are so close that I almost can't separate them. To me, books 10-12 are a WILD rollercoaster of the best The Dresden Files has to offer. Which is fitting because it is, in a way, kind of the end of DF as we know it. After Changes, things feel very different from the first 12 books, and that's how it needs to be. The series has been building for the break out into a more epic fantasy.
to be fair I actually would always rate turncoat over small favor, Simply because of the dynamic between Dresden, Molly and Morgan. I love the enemies to freinds trope. Sure Turn Coat isn't quite that. But it gets close and believable. I genuinely believe, Harry at every prior book would have done the same for Morgan. Even Storm Front Harry would have stood up to the Merlin and told him the thought of Morgan as a traitor is insane. Just that Morgan wouldn't have developed enough or learned enough about harry to come to him for help.
15:45 - "Not gonna bind or banish you, old ghost. Just gonna kick your ass up between your ears a while." love that.
Listens To Wind is a great character. I'm trying hard not to spoil the rest of the series but I love how he uses magic so differently from people like Harry and Ebenezer who treat it like a science. It doesn't matter how badass you are, no one expects the orbital drop grizzly.
"I mean, I'm proud of you, you should... but also - HARRY..."
The entire series in a nutshell 😂
Mouse IS indeed the best boi.
Turn Coat convinced me that Jim could WRITE. I'm fine with loving a fun romp for what it is - but this one? Realizing how deeply I felt about these characters was eye-opening. I never ever thought Morgan would deserve my tears.
The fact that Harry notices attractive women is quite natural from the point of view of a heterosexual man. I've been in pretty harrowing situations and have noticed an attractive woman while defending myself from attack. The way Butcher writes from Harry's perception is pretty accurate to the male experience.
What I've been waiting for. You're not ready for the next book. The next one is going to be so emotional that you're going to have to take a break and process what happened
It's going to be fun to see her reaction.
Club Zero:
Dresden's epiphany about how the world would be if the White Court took over the world wasn't about noticing the pain aspects on display. It was how none of the activities involved real love. Which is as dangerous for the White Court as garlic and holy water is for the Black Court. He saw that everything around him was empty. Elaborate forms of masturbation with nothing but desire and base gratification. And once he saw that it stopped being so fascinating to him, and the comparison to all that with Thomas and Justine being actually in love with each other suddenly became the only beautiful thing in Club Zero.
Yep. This is actually pretty consistently how the series deals with sex in general; this scene is just the most explicit example. The temptations of purely hedonistic sex are almost always portrayed as dangerous and de-humanizing.
Love is dangerous specifically for House Raith, who feed on lust.
Courage is dangerous for the ones that feed on fear, and hope(?) is dangerous for those who feed on despair.
My favorite scene in this book is when Harry is presenting evidence to the Council, and he calls Mouse to confirm that Peabody is the Peabaddie, and Ancient Mai freaks out that Harry has a Foo Dog.
I appreciate how that's the only moment in the book she seems genuinely flustered. Not even when she and Listens are preparing to delay an unknown force outnumbering them about 20:1 or when she's facing down the power behind the White Court who is fully prepared for battle. (It's also interesting how other characters interact with Mouse like how Kincaid and Nicodemus have both seemed uncomfortable watching Mouse. Really sells just how stacked Dresden's lineup actually is with one of the strongest vampires of the White Court, the only current Knight of the Cross, some werewolves, 2-3 powerful wizards, expert markswoman and martial artist Murphy, his guard of pixies and Mouse.)
"the Peabaddie" is the best thing I have heard all day.
Your reaction to THE VERY FIRST SENTENCE of Changes is one I would pay to see live. It’s an absolute game changer.
In my opinion, Turn Coat is the most underrated book in the series so far. Mostly because Changes is so good that people forget how good Turn Coat is. Like you said, there is a lot of good stuff in this book that you didn't mention. The courtroom scene is one of my favorite moments in the series. When Harry calls Mouse to the stand it is amazing.
"Mai looked as if someone had hit her between the eyes with a sledgehammer. “That,” she said, in a breathless tone, “is a Foo dog.” She stared at me. “Where did you get such a thing? And why were you allowed to keep it?”
“He sort of picked me,” I said."
You know the tropes of Bury Your Gays, or Fridging The Girlfriend? Butcher might 've come up with a new one: Torture Your Brother. Poor Thomas.
Hyping Changes
>.>
One of my favourite moments in this one is when Morgan reveals that he previously defeated a naagaloshi (spelling??) by freaking _nuking_ it!
I concur. It's not Buffy (or another individual) with a rocket launcher but I appreciate how there's a theme in these books of mortals standing up to the supernatural by sheer power of overkill. Sure, Nicodemus can likely survive anything short of maybe a Sword of the Cross or given an angel an excuse to smite him but I can't imagine he'll feel great after a nuke. It was also cool knowing Morgan was kind of a badass in his time before he burned out dealing with too many warlocks.
Prescription sunglasses? I just thought you were banging out a video in style 😂
Merphy, do your future self a favor and double book (pun intended) Dresden books next month so you don't mess up your planned schedule. If you react to Changes like most of us, you will likely be DESPERATE to read the next book ASAP. I very much look forward to seeing your reaction and thoughts on this one. :)
This is also true. And, honestly, Ghost Story is one of my favorites too. I know this is a minority opinion but I have always loved it
@@pauloid76 I didn't HATE Ghost Story the first time I read it - but I definitely didn't like it. After a number of re-reads (and a few listens of Marster's reading), it's probably one of my favorites of the series now.
Some of us had to wait a year. And Ghost Story got a bad rap mainly because it was so different AND we waited a year. Upon re-read I can see people who can dive right into Ghost Story wouldn't have the same issues with it. I like it so much better now then I did when I first read it.
@@telynns8490 I was one of those who had to wait the year, and the wait was pure agony! I think that having to switch the audiobook narrator also really didn't help the reception. I quite enjoy the book, regardless of the flaws.
@@telynns8490 Heh. Rothfus and GRRM fans weep...
Love the rambling, little snippets reviews as much as the more structured ones. At this point you're fully immersed in the Dresden universe and I think it is inevitable to sometimes care more about scenes that focus on character development than the plot of the specific book. I'm so happy that you seem to be enjoying the ride so much.
Great review again, Listens to Wind and Naagloshi fight is one of the greatest fight scenes of all time, such great pacing and with all the Native connotations it's just incredibly cool. Also yep you guessed it, please please please just have your phone/camera ready to hit record as soon as you start reading Changes. There are so many points right from the beginning where we'd all love to see your real-time reactions, as well as the full review. You could really just make a series all about that book!
Idr if I've commented on these reviews before, but super happy you're enjoying the series. It's my favorite, and seeing the perspectives on it from others is cathartic. The complex character dynamics in this one is such a highlight for me.
[Insert obligatory "prepare yourself" comment about Changes here.] :P
As an audio book listener you said Luccio correctly.
You are saying Lara like the name Laura. Took me a minute to figure that one out.
I was sitting here wondering why I couldn't recall a Laura.
Great review!
Butcher frequently states in interviews and talks that when he starts a new Dresden book his first thought is "How can I ruin Harry's life this time?"
Loved this review!! Totally with you on how amusing it was for Harry to find a new tableau of Morgan/Molly/Mouse every time he returned to the house. The Morgan stuff had so much depth and got me quite emotional by the end, and on reread it hit even harder. Loved the inner looks we got into the White Council too.
Can’t wait to see your Changes thoughts!
I really loved the idea of genius loci of the island and that is always my favorite part of this book
Still my favorite scene in the whole series
@@matthewdhewlett my favorite scene in the whole series is the conversation with **SPOILER** in skin game.
"I've got nothing going on up here!"
The Gatekeeper's reaction when Harry steps off the dock. "What have you done????"
8:56 "If an alligator charges at you, run away as quickly as you can. Alligators may be fast swimmers, but their top land speed is only 10 mph, which humans can surpass over short distances. It's also best to ignore the old myth that you should run away in a zig-zag pattern to escape."
16:08 That was just wind blowing.
Don’t know where you got 10 mph, gators can reach 35mph for short bursts on land and average around 20. They are faster than most humans. However they won’t ever try to chase you unless you give them a very good reason, they are ambush predators and if the initial
Ambush fails they will rarely if ever pursue.
I visited some swamp land park in Georgia when I was a kid and learned all this from the park ranger when my older brother (who was a track athletes) confidently told the guide he could outrun a gator and was flatly told no chance. Coincidentally, that trip has inspired a life long phobia I have of crocodilians. I mean come On, they hiss AND growl at the same time it’s the most terrifying noise I’ve ever heard.
Changes video will be great
She needs to record reading the opening
@@shelfman727 And the climax.
I'm really looking forward to Changes. A couple of "check in" VLOGS at good stopping points in the book would be great along with the full review. Can't wait for next month!
Mouse MVP- bestest boy ever
Need to read his short story in Instinct anthology
Those sunglasses give you the Doflamingo swag.
The Dresden Files is my favorite series. Thank you for your thoughts, I really enjoy hearing you speak about these books!
I liked your comments on this book! Turn Coat is such an interesting book. It makes you really feel for Morgan in a way that was never expected. Also the increasingly ridiculous scenes that Harry walks in on in his apartment are so funny! Peabody is in the background of a couple books but he's very much a non-entity to me that I also was surprised when it was him. I also really liked your comments about Zero. It really shows that while Harry may look, he finds the levels of hedonism and debauchery, especially with the White Court, disgusting. It's a really good way of showing how dark the White Court really is. What happens with Thomas is so horrible :(
Excited to see your thoughts on the next book!
The worst thing about the White Court is that they don't even need to be that way. Lord Raith made it so.
Before Blood Rites, Lord Raith had been in power for centuries. His influence and views on humanity are entrenched in the very fabric of the court. From the way they manipulate the young whampires in order to awaken their hunger (which doesn't need much help), to what he did with his closest family and the broader moves he made that we know little of, but that is very telling (siding with Outsiders and using media to manipulate culture, both with Bram Stoker and Silverlight Pictures).
I don't know what Butcher is going for after the developments of Battle Ground, but I wonder if their trajectory will change.
Hey Merph, make sure you read the microfiction Journal before moving on further!
I love Turn Coat. It's easily one of my favorites.
I actually enjoyed the Peabody ending. While it's true that it didn't feel satisfying, I think that's intentional. It left me with the feeling that Peabody wasn't really the big fish. Like there was some deeper layer. And I think that was the point. It doesn't wrap up the council intrigue. Rather, it increases it. And for that, I'm very pleased with this book. But that's just my opinion.
"I'll be back...in the woods." Says the Merphinator as she heads out the door to film the video.
Morgan is a tired, beat down, disillusioned cop. I think Harry comments on that specifically in this book (I wrote this comment before the review finished - so it may have been mentioned). That realization explains Morgan through and through.
There is an amazing micro fiction story on Butcher's website from Morgan's POV that was basically one page and one of the best things I read last year
I love the standoffs Harry walks into every time he comes home
Protagonist needing to team up with antagonist against mutual enemy is one of my personal favorite tropes, so I was already predisposed to like this book, but I really love it and i think it would probably be more widely discusses/praised if it wasnt kind of overshadowed by the next one in the series (sorry to pile on to the hyping up of Changes, i bet it's getting old to hear from everyone)
Easily one of the top Dresden books! Love your channel and energy
This book had one of my favorite introductions of a character. The Naagloshii (Yeah, I'll say it), a creature so dark and evil that just looking upon it's true form nearly drives Harry insane.
This was the first Dresden book I ever read and it remains my favorite.
The classic shapeshifting duel, the silly scenes Harry keeps coming back too, and even the mild critique on society looking towards zero fulfilment in favor of short-term pleasure...
Also, Binder's name is Ernest Armald Tinwhistle
Okay I have to ask, how is book 11 the first book from a series u read? I'm not judging but it's so crazy to me that I have to know more 😂 was it a gift? Are u an anarchist? Do u do it regularly? Did anything in the book even make sense?
The people demand answers revpembroke!
Hope you had a great vacation @ the beach, glad you are back and great video for return
Always interested to hear your thoughts on another Dresden book. Very excited for next month!
Morgans' character and backstory are actually pretty cool!
General Toot Toot kicks ass!!! Hail the Za-Lord!!!
Mouse is the best!!!
As others have suggested, do read the short stories sidejobs after changes, worth it!
Im so happy youre reading this series
So excited when I see a Dresden Review from you! Happy you enjoyed Turn Coat. Now on to Changes. Do yourself a favor, listen to the audiobook for Changes; at least the back half of the book. Marsters' acting chops make that book so much more impactful, in my opinion. I cannot wait to hear your review of THE Dresden book. It's what every Dresden fan is always waiting for when anyone starts to read the series. You have no idea what's coming your way.
Cool sunglasses and avoiding getting eaten by alligators?
Great video.
It is also funny that apparently the whole supernatural world knows about Harry using his favor from Summer on a donut as Morgan mentions it when they talk about how he has been able to stay off the wardens' radar while on the run. 🍩
As obnoxious as ive found my experience with these books so far i cannot deny Jim's cold opens and how exciting these books feel to read.
I am very anxiously awaiting your changes review
Let's just say Changes is appropriately named. Prepare yourself! Glad you're enjoying these!
Cool glasses, Merph!
Dresden videos are always a vibe. 😂
I've seen it once already but let me just repeat this sentiment: You should REALLY consider doing a reading vlog for Changes. VERY much so. Do not even read the first paragraph or the synopsis before hitting record. Promise you. We will watch.
Shagnasty and Demonreach are what I remember this book for. I honestly forgot that Peabody was the actual main villain lol.
Merphy, I've been following your reviews of The Dresden Files and I'm glad you're on book 11. It's been an interesting journey. Just a heads up: there are about to be some Changes.
If you thought this one had a strong cold opening, wait until you see the one in Changes.
But as always loved hesring your thoughts on the book. It was one of my favorites personally.
So...Peabody's been in every book that has Council politicking. He's been the Council's chief bureaucrat forever. Though I'm honestly not terribly surprised it didn't work well for you- it works better with hindsight, because up until now, he's just a minor name in the sea of names of Council members, very easily dismissed. Perhaps too easily, if his presence in the book that dives deep into council politics is jarring enough to be the obvious bad guy.
I'm honestly not sure if I saw him in a book before this or not - I read most of the series very out of order (whichever books I could find at the used book store) since they're all just labeled "a novel of the Dresden Files" so I can't say for sure how this hit for me the first time. Though I'm pretty sure I saw him as a joke bureaucrat character rather than a potential big bad for the book. (Though it's worth noting my first read was before I read the Malazan Book of the Fallen, which is the series that taught me to really enjoy analyzing books on more than just the basic enjoy-the-story level)
Peabody is one of the little things that hits you upon a re-read. There are so many things like that, as you read along you think "Oh yeah we never found out about that yet..." or "Oh this was set up WAY back!".
I am going to hype Changes, but I also really like Turn Coat. One of my favorite things about The Dresden Files is that because it's such a long series you get some books that are plot driven roller coasters and others that are love tunnel character journeys, and maybe they are more like rapids, they move fast but they focus on characters and digging down to what makes them tick and present interesting moral dilemmas.
I'm so stoked for the Changes review though. Changes is one of those wild rides. It's so, so good and everything is quite a bit different after it, as the name obviously implies.
Let me be one of the 50%. Changes!!! I am so hyped for you.
Your reviews make me want to re-read the series! I binge-read it in its entirety 4 years ago and while I remember some books for their monster of the week themes, they ended up blurring together quite a bit in my mind. Especially the overarching character development, which is stellar.
Dresden Files doesn’t top the Cosmere or One Piece for me, but it’s definitely in the tier just below those series, that’s how good the characters and character arcs are.
Turn Coat is my favorite in the series, glad to see your reaction
Yassssssssssssss!!! I love this book. Its top 2 in my favourites until i hit Changes then i have to reassess lol - Dude the Nagloshi (shag-nasty) is the reason, I love him so much as a villain, almost, yes almost as much as Nic. maybe more. I dont know BAH!!
Honestly, I love so much of this book. It has great moments, it has terrible moments. The skinwalker is genuinely among the most terrifying things that I've seen in fiction, and I love that Morgan has a story: "Oh yeah, I got one of those things, it was chasing me and I tricked it into being at a nuclear test site back in the 50s." The running gag with Molly, Morgan and Mouse. The Council politicking. Everything on Demonreach, especially the shapeshifter fight. Lara being on peak form at various points in *very* different ways. Ancient Mai going from "if you don't stop toying with the Council right now, I will destroy you" to "He is part of the Council we are all ONE!" in the blink of an eye when someone else shows up....There's so much. And I love who the double agent turns out to be, he's one of those characters who just feels like set dressing on the first read, but on a reread he's consistently there doing his thing, seeing everything....
One suggestion I'd make for the sake of clarity with these reviews - I was a bit confused at first when you talked about Merlin's coldblooded pragmatism, until I realized you meant Langtry. Merlin is his title...but the mythical Merlin also actually does exist in this world's history. I think he actually figures into this book a bit, though I could be mistaken...it can be tough to remember which book drops which bits of lore. Point being, it might be better to refer to the current Merlin of the Council by name (Langtry) rather than by his title. (Then again, I did figure it out, so maybe it's fine)
To my mind, Turn Coat is one of the most important books, thematically. Shagnasty is the extermity of failing your duty to a higher cause, and Morgan is the extremity of a Pyric victory. Luccio is the best case scenario presented (in terms of adherence to the system), and she's a wreck in multiple ways.
The narrative supports Harry as the best and most moral person involved with the White Council, a first for him.
There's something about Harry's relative ignorance being constantly brought up, while wiser and more informed characters make morally compromised decisions.
Hey, cool sunglasses Merphy. When are we getting regular Merphy back?
Dresden Files has so many great little scenes, but one of my favorites is here when the wardens come to the island and Harry, just being harry is intimidating to them. In his mind he barely escapes this events by the skin of his teeth, but they jsut hear the stories, the legends. In my mind it's a long list, but truthly only like 3. Also when the Gatekeeper talks to him earlier...
need mid book updates next time.
Just a note, Shagnasty isn't dead, he/it just flies off at the end to fight another day. Great review, I really like this book, and in my opinion you are just starting the best part of the series. Everything gets cranked up to 11 after this. Have fun!
WOO! ANOTHER DRESDEN REVIEW!! ❤❤❤
Merphy giving them Doflamingo vibes with those prescription sunglasses 😎
I didn't want to empathize with Morgan after he has hounded Dresden for all these years, but Butcher does a great job of making him an understandable character.
The idea of having your own tendencies subtly tweaked to help someone else's agenda is so devious and scary. Not knowing which actions were truly yours or if you were pushed into it. Really messes with one's head.
Can you do a poll for whether you should do next book review chapter by chapter? I'd watch every video.
I think it's okay that Peabody's reveal as Black Council was obvious when you have bigger reveals being legitimately surprising, like Luccio's mind control and her false romance with Harry.
fairly sure Shagnasty doesn't die, just gets driven off. Thats how powerful he is
I always feel bad for this book. It's such a great character-building book, and Butcher's political plotting in this book is exceptional, and just his plot overall is some of his strongest. However, this comes between a pretty heavy Fae and Nicodemous book (Small Favor) and Changes, which, no spoilers, changes the dynamic of the overall story to a more lore heavy story. Turn Coat, even through the current book: Battle Ground, is the last true Harry as a detective book. And I love it. And even though it's a smaller scale Dresden novel compared to what's coming, there are great lore building, especially with the island. I'm so excited for you to go into the next phase of this story.
How 'bout then Gators! Good review, and I won't say anything about how completely and totally worthwhile a read Changes is!
I was on a long car trip with my brother and his fiancee. We had talked out everything to talk about and we were desperate for a boredom killer. "Well, I think I have a Dresden Files audio book in the player. I'm not sure which book or where I left it, but it's entertaining noise?" So I turned it on and bang! right in the middle of the club zero scene. Way to make in impression past me.
I enjoyed turn coat. I agree the little things are what made the book. Changes is… well you’ll see.
MERPH LOOK OUT THERE'S A GATOR BEHIND YOU
wait, my bad, i think it was a plant
sorry, got overexcited
You know what happens in bird sanctuaries, right? No?
She needs to return to this location for Cold Days.
Also, she'll be reading and reviewing Cold Days in the hottest month of the year, ironically.
Record yourself reading changes please. And do it from the first page!😁😁😁
I shattered my glasses so I'm OBLIGATED to look cool af!
Hurry up and get to "Changes"...I can't wait to see what you think
I mean absolutely no offense, but why do you think Thomas drinks blood?
Please vlog Changes! I'm sure a lot of fans are waiting to hear your thoughts
16:07the start of every horror movie ever. 😅
I just finished this book. I'm horrified at what was done to Tommy (old Power Ranger fan, so any cool character with the name Thomas is instantly changed in my head to Tommy, haha). I'm so angry that this could be the end of their brotherhood.
I agree that Peabody wasn't the most interesting villain, but keep in mind that this book implies that he's likely not the only Black Council traitor in the White Council. The new guy (forget his name) that joins the Inner Circle at the end is suspected of being Black Council himself, and *someone* had to know about the location of the fortress that the Red Court attacked way back in book 4, and I don't think Peabody had that knowledge
I'm pretty sure Peabody did know about the fortress, because he was one of the main record keepers for the Council, so he'd have access to a lot of administrative details like that.
Having said that, though. He's definitely not a villain, just a henchman. He really comes across as more of a mindless cultist than a mastermind if you pay attention. Even down to screaming "the end is nigh"... like, how more obvious does it need to be that he's not in charge here?
And that's fine. I think a few things in the book makes a lot more sense when you realize that he was just a henchman. Such as Morgan taking the blame at the end to cover for Anastasia. I mean, sure, he still loved her. BUT. It also allows Morgan to make Peabody's master think that their plan worked, and that they still have Anastasia as a sleeper agent in the Council, when they don't. In fact, I suspect we might see Anastasia pull another "Lasciel doesn't live here anymore" moment in one of the later books
@@craniusdominus8234 it’s possible, but it really sounded like only a select few people knew about the fortress’s defenses, which is why Harry ended up under suspicion, so idk if Peabody would be one of them.
Personally, I like the theory that Simon Petrovitch is the traitor and he’s actually Cowl
This book is in my top 3 Dresden books.
Yeah, use caution when starting the next one. Treat it as its own thing.
Do you use glass lenses? I'm curious as to how you shattered your glasses.
You were pronouncing Lucio correctly... I had a lot of fun with this video, but next month is Changes... squeeeeee!
I can't help but see the Doflomingo glasses
Did I miss the part where she mentions bonding the island?
Like your review but on the island there were two Wizards that came through the never never that because of the spiders and the fact Harry went to get Thomas instead of getting behind them it was never discovered one of them was assumed to be Peabody because of the pictures of him coming to Chicago. You think Harry could Just ask Deamonreach, once they steped on the island it would know who the are.