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: unique and spellbinding Dresden tale
Summary: 5 Stars
Although Harry Dresden, the only wizard who outed himself, has been at odds with the White Council of Wizards, he finds himself in the position of being a regional Warden. The war with the Red Court vampires has decimated the ranks of the wizards and every full powered one is needed to protect mortals from the supernatural. Harry, like every other wizard, is wondering why Faerie hasn't gone to war with the Red Court since they entered the land of the Faerie without permission.
Harry has contacts in both courts of Faerie and is asked by his superior to find out why at least the Winter Court hasn't gone to war. Harry eventually learns that the White Court wants to go to war against the vampires but has to protect its borders from the Winter Court. Harry also has to find out why supernatural entities from Nevernever wearing the faces of monsters from horror films are entering the mortal realm and feeding off the fear of humans. When one of the entities take someone Harry cares for into the Winter Court, he and his allies risk their lives to bring her back.
Mix elements of fantasy, mystery and horror and readers will have an idea how unique and spellbinding the Dresden novels really are. PROVEN GUILTY is one of the best books in the series because as much action as there is in the book, the protagonist with his vulnerability makes the audience care about him and want him to find happiness in his personal life and peace in his professional one. Jim Butcher is one of the best authors writing urban fantasy today with his refreshingly original tales.
Harriet Klausner
Book Review: couldn't put it down
Summary: 5 Stars
This novel packs a lot. There're the spirit monsters being let loose at a local horror flick convention, there's drama within Michael's family (Harry's friend, the Knight of the Cross), there's a wee bit of romance for Harry, and there's a ton of political intrigue with the White Council and Faerie courts. Everything is tied together quite smoothly from early on in the novel, so it doesn't seem like too much, but the book does move very quickly.
As others have said, this book seems much more grim than some of the earlier novels. Bad things happen, and Harry just can't stop all of them. The problems are just too big. But there are still plenty of jokes and wryly drawn characters.
The major difference between this book and the last is that there are more loose ends and unsolved mysteries. The author appears to be shifting gears and starting to tell the beginning of a multi-novel struggle. Kind of reminds me of the X-files - big dark undercurrents are out there and you have no idea if or when the good guys are going to figure out what's going on.
I read the book in about six hours. Taking out an hour out to eat. It was engrossing, tight, dramatic, and fun.
Book Review: Coming of Age
Summary: 5 Stars
Once again I am impressed with Jim Butcher's work on the Dresden Files. I have enjoyed the odd adventures and creative detective work of Harry Dresden since "Storm Front." Always jumping from the frying pan to the fire, Harry attracts enemies with his actions and maintains the loyalty of his friends while trying to do what is right above all.
In "Proven Guilty" we see the results of Harry's chivalric actions. He is a man weighed down with guilt over causing a war, killing real humans and possibly causing harm to those he loves. Not to mention the sexual tension between him and Murphy is stressful beyond belief. There is also that demon in the back of his mind...
This is not to say it is a depressing book. It is not. Harry is still quick with a quip and a come back. He still does his best to deal with each situation in the manner to which he is famous. We see his decision process become more mature, however, and it doesn't detract from the book in the slightest. Harry seems to be dealing with the pressure like an adult while keeping his cynical wit.
Overall this is an enjoyable book. At the end it seemed to stretch a bit but we see that it was all necessary to set Harry up for something larger. You could even say Harry is coming full circle. I look forward to the next installment.
Book Review: Terrific Fast Read
Summary: 4 Stars
What a great storyline! This is a terrific, fast read for Butcher fans. Right away, you're overwhelmed with action and lots of info. Pay attention--every detail means something!