Proven Guilty (The Dresden Files, Book 8) by Jim Butcher Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Proven Guilty (The Dresden Files, Book 8)
Book Review: JUST TERRIFIC
Summary: 5 Stars
I just recently discovered Jim Butcher and Harry Dresden. Similar too, but not exactly like, Glen Cook's Garrett series-these books are very good.I love the Garrett books and I love these even more. The twist of having fantasy in the contemporary world makes it even better. I sometimes have trouble understanding the geography of fantasy books-especially if there is no map.Or the politics. That is eliminated here. Harry is a wonderfully likeable protagonist, and his supporting cast is just as cool. Can't wait for the next one!Book Review: A little lazy and unsatisfying
Summary: 3 Stars
Unlike the previous books, this one is very much part of a serial rather than a series. I know that the there has always been an underlying story, but the other books have also contained a storyline that concludes, on top of the overall theme. This one doesn't even identify the villain. It's also becoming a bit crowded with various supernatural entities from all types of mythologies getting a mention; and is becoming slightly silly in its scope. No mummies yet, but I think that's just an oversight. The biggest failure though, is the lack of wit on Dresden's part when overcoming opponents. Instead of outsmarting more powerful enemies he either just manages to summon up a bit more power or a superior ally of his pops up and saves the day. Lazy. Bit like Star Trek Next Generation and its reliance on techo gibberish to finish an episode. You know, when Geordie says, with five minutes to go, if we just adjust the navigational array to emit a pulsed tachyon beam to disrupt their subspace field....etc. Lazy, lazy, lazy. Less magic, more intelligence would be nice. It's certainly a good time filler but I don't hold out much hope for the next book as the plot is just over the top and out of control now. Oh well, the first six were very good and seven was okay. I'll have to try his other series, perhaps it shows a little more restraint.Book Review: Another gem
Summary: 5 Stars
Harry Dresden seems to be a combination of Indiana Jones, Sam Spade and Harry Potter. I've been hooked on this series from the first novel, and can't wait for the next release.
This particular installment brings us a new view of Harry as a council mage. He is given two unofficial assignments right after the execution of a wizard who has broken the council's laws of magic. True to himself, and his particular view of right and wrong, Harry does his best to save the world, and his friend's daughter. The ending seems to give hints of what we can expect in the next book.
Book Review: Would have been better if...
Summary: 2 Stars
1) If the author's own philosphies wasn't seeped throughout the entire novel.
2) If the author did some more actual research and stopped putting so much stock on black and white concepts such as Winter being 'good' and Summer as being 'evil.'
3) Actually spent some time studying mythology and other religions other than the book he reads day and night which limits his knowledge in a very big way.
4) Last but certianly not least made the characters more likable. I couldn't STAND Charity a so holier than though character that she made me grit my teath in annoyance. I also found Murphy and even the main character rather annoying. It's funny that the author states that Harry Dresdan is not a Christian but everything he does seeps Christianity. I find this extremely annoying and why is it that the whole "Holier than thou," mentality that the book obviously preaches. Why not actually make demons good and angels evil? What's wrong with making Harry more interesting instead of so rightious all the time? Also shouldn't have Michael been killed off since the first book he was in?
Book Review: Another Winner
Summary: 4 Stars
I love the Dresden Files -- I feel like Harry is really right down the road in Chicago (I admit I actually looked for his ad in the Yellow Pages!), he's that real. I've been with this series since Book #1 Storm Front and it keeps going strong.
Proven Guilty might not be the best of the series but it's still good. It's obviously a transitional piece; the plot itself isn't as important as the developments elsewhere. But Harry stays true to form, wise-cracking, hopelessly idealistic and getting the cr*p beat out of him regularly. All part of the job, apparently!
My concern is the addition of his new apprentice... Will this spoil the series? We're used to seeing Harry as a lone gun -- mostly -- or, as he puts it, a spellslinger. Is he going to go respectable on us? Let's hope not!
All-in-all, Proven Guilty did what it was supposed to do: set the scene for future Big Happenings. Although I missed Billy and the Werewolves (it does sound like a rock band!) and Johnny Marcone wasn't even mentioned (!!) hopefully the gang will be back for Book #9. Write faster, Jim!