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The Dresden Files #13
Ghost Story
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Paranormal Fantasy (2011), Nominee for Readers' Favorite Goodreads Author (2011)When we last left the mighty wizard detective Harry Dresden, he wasn't doing well. In fact, he had been murdered by an unknown assassin.
But being dead doesn't stop him when his friends are in danger. Except now he has no body, and no magic to help him. And there are also several dark spirits roaming the Chicago shadows who owe Harry some payback of their own.
To save his friends—and his own soul—Harry will have to pull off the ultimate trick without any magic...
But being dead doesn't stop him when his friends are in danger. Except now he has no body, and no magic to help him. And there are also several dark spirits roaming the Chicago shadows who owe Harry some payback of their own.
To save his friends—and his own soul—Harry will have to pull off the ultimate trick without any magic...
481 pages, Hardcover
First published July 26, 2011
2673 people are currently reading
21305 people want to read
About the author
Jim Butcher
214 books50.5k followersJim Butcher is the author of the Dresden Files, the Codex Alera, and a new steampunk series, the Cinder Spires. His resume includes a laundry list of skills which were useful a couple of centuries ago, and he plays guitar quite badly. An avid gamer, he plays tabletop games in varying systems, a variety of video games on PC and console, and LARPs whenever he can make time for it. Jim currently resides mostly inside his own head, but his head can generally be found in his home town of Independence, Missouri.
Jim goes by the moniker Longshot in a number of online locales. He came by this name in the early 1990′s when he decided he would become a published author. Usually only 3 in 1000 who make such an attempt actually manage to become published; of those, only 1 in 10 make enough money to call it a living. The sale of a second series was the breakthrough that let him beat the long odds against attaining a career as a novelist.
All the same, he refuses to change his nickname.
Jim goes by the moniker Longshot in a number of online locales. He came by this name in the early 1990′s when he decided he would become a published author. Usually only 3 in 1000 who make such an attempt actually manage to become published; of those, only 1 in 10 make enough money to call it a living. The sale of a second series was the breakthrough that let him beat the long odds against attaining a career as a novelist.
All the same, he refuses to change his nickname.
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September 13, 2020
I have a Booktube channel now! Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRjh...
Ghost Story feels like a volume to reboot the series before it enter a new story arc, or the next season, in the life of Harry Dresden.
It is not an easy task to write a follow-up to Changes, and I have a slightly pessimistic outlook on how Butcher will write a single installment for the series that’s as good—or better—as Changes. I’ve heard spectacular things about Skin Game, though, so I’ll be keeping my hopeful heart in check for that one. As for this book, I’ve heard a lot of discouraging things about Ghost Story from fans of the series, some even called it THE worst book of the series, and that terrified me because Fool Moon—the second book in the series—almost pushed me off from continuing with the series. I shudder at the thought of reading a book in the series that’s more inferior than that. But as it turns out, I found that Ghost Story was still pretty good.
I do think it’s understandable, though, why some readers found Ghost Story, the thirteenth book in the series, so disappointing. Although murder mystery and whodunit were still at the essence of the plotline, Ghost Story felt like a different kind of book, whether that’s for good or worse, it’s up to you to decide. After all the destruction that happened at the end of Changes, it’s not a surprise that the focus on this book is targeted towards Molly, Murphy, and the side characters more than Harry. I did enjoy reading Harry’s background with Justin DuMorne very much, but it was Harry’s feelings towards his companions and vice versa that really made the book for me.
Ghost Story featured a lot of introspective moments, and I loved it. As I repeatedly said, more than the action scenes and practically everything else in the series, I love The Dresden Files for the characters and the continuous—though relatively slow—progress in their development. The action scenes in this book, unlike Changes, unfortunately, returned to that “too long for its own good” phase. The revelation behind the murder mystery was done well, in my opinion, but the actions that led up to it became quite boring quickly.
I highly enjoyed reading Ghost Story. Although the tone of the book was the bleakest so far, the narrative was filled with heartfelt, sad, and at the same time, hopeful moments to counter it. Feel free to ignore my criticisms of the longevity of the action scenes; it is a recurring issue for me with this series, and I have a good feeling I’m on a very unpopular opinion side on this notion. Argh, I can’t believe I only have three—soon to be four—published books in the series to read. I am both excited and sad. I will embrace Cold Days within the next two weeks!
Picture: Ghost Story by Vincent Chong
You can order the book from: Book Depository (Free shipping) | Bookshop (Support Local Bookstores!)
You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions
Special thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!
My Patrons: Alfred, Alya, Annabeth, Devin, Diana, Hamad, Jimmy Nutts, Joie, Michelle, Mike, Miracle, Nicholas, Zoe.
Ghost Story feels like a volume to reboot the series before it enter a new story arc, or the next season, in the life of Harry Dresden.
“It was never too late to learn something. The past is unalterable in any event. The future is the only thing we can change. Learning the lessons of the past is the only way to shape the present and the future.”
It is not an easy task to write a follow-up to Changes, and I have a slightly pessimistic outlook on how Butcher will write a single installment for the series that’s as good—or better—as Changes. I’ve heard spectacular things about Skin Game, though, so I’ll be keeping my hopeful heart in check for that one. As for this book, I’ve heard a lot of discouraging things about Ghost Story from fans of the series, some even called it THE worst book of the series, and that terrified me because Fool Moon—the second book in the series—almost pushed me off from continuing with the series. I shudder at the thought of reading a book in the series that’s more inferior than that. But as it turns out, I found that Ghost Story was still pretty good.
“I always considered myself a loner.
I mean, not like a poor-me, Byron-esque, I-should-have-brought-a-swimming-buddy loner. I mean the sort of person who doesn’t feel too upset about the prospect of a weekend spent seeing no one, and reading good books on the couch. It wasn’t like I was a people hater or anything. I enjoyed activities and the company of friends. But they were a side dish. I always thought I would be happy without them.”
I do think it’s understandable, though, why some readers found Ghost Story, the thirteenth book in the series, so disappointing. Although murder mystery and whodunit were still at the essence of the plotline, Ghost Story felt like a different kind of book, whether that’s for good or worse, it’s up to you to decide. After all the destruction that happened at the end of Changes, it’s not a surprise that the focus on this book is targeted towards Molly, Murphy, and the side characters more than Harry. I did enjoy reading Harry’s background with Justin DuMorne very much, but it was Harry’s feelings towards his companions and vice versa that really made the book for me.
“Doing nothing is difficult. Once you aren’t busy, your head starts chewing things over. Dark, bleak thoughts appear. You start to think about what your life means.”
Ghost Story featured a lot of introspective moments, and I loved it. As I repeatedly said, more than the action scenes and practically everything else in the series, I love The Dresden Files for the characters and the continuous—though relatively slow—progress in their development. The action scenes in this book, unlike Changes, unfortunately, returned to that “too long for its own good” phase. The revelation behind the murder mystery was done well, in my opinion, but the actions that led up to it became quite boring quickly.
“Courage is about learning how to function despite the fear, to put aside your instincts to run or give in completely to the anger born from fear. Courage is about using your brain and your heart when every cell of your body is screaming at your to fight or flee - and then following through on what you believe is the right thing to do.”
I highly enjoyed reading Ghost Story. Although the tone of the book was the bleakest so far, the narrative was filled with heartfelt, sad, and at the same time, hopeful moments to counter it. Feel free to ignore my criticisms of the longevity of the action scenes; it is a recurring issue for me with this series, and I have a good feeling I’m on a very unpopular opinion side on this notion. Argh, I can’t believe I only have three—soon to be four—published books in the series to read. I am both excited and sad. I will embrace Cold Days within the next two weeks!
“Pain isn’t a lot of fun, at least not for most folks, but it is utterly unique to life. Pain — physical, emotional, and otherwise — is the shadow cast by everything you want out of life, the alternative to the result you were hoping for, and the inevitable creator of strength. From the pain of our failures we learn to be better, stronger, greater than what we were before. Pain is there to tell us when we’ve done something badly—it’s a teacher, a guide, one that is always there to both warn us of our limitations and challenge us to overcome them.
For something no one likes, pain does us a whole hell of a lot of good.”
Picture: Ghost Story by Vincent Chong
You can order the book from: Book Depository (Free shipping) | Bookshop (Support Local Bookstores!)
You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions
Special thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!
My Patrons: Alfred, Alya, Annabeth, Devin, Diana, Hamad, Jimmy Nutts, Joie, Michelle, Mike, Miracle, Nicholas, Zoe.
July 27, 2011
So. Good.
July 31, 2011
Six months after his death, Harry Dresden returns to Chicago to solve his own murder. Can he keep his friends safe in the process?
I've got a lot to say about this. I'll cover the good points first.
The Good: Having a ghost come back to solve his own murder isn't a new idea but Butcher did a fairly good job with it here. The supporting cast, Molly in particular, developed quite a bit in Harry's absence. The new character of Fitz has potential, as does Mortimer, who I don't particularly remember. The intrigue with the faerie court is always a plus.
The Bad: I just can't stand Harry Dresden any more. He's like that friend you thought was hilarious in the sixth grade but wanted to strangle by the time you got out of high school. He's an unfunny smart ass with a "funny" quip for every situation. Worse yet, 70% of the characters in the series talk just like him. His Star Wars references are really tired and he's had no significant character development since the series began.
The Ugly: There comes a time in many relationships to call it quits. Harry Dresden, for us, that day is today. There was a time when the release of a new Harry Dresden book excited me like a pedophile at a pre-teen beauty pageant. I'd snap up the newest book and go after it like Amy Winehouse and a vial of crack. But those days are long gone. I've been going through the motions for the last couple of books and it just isn't working for me anymore. I keep hoping things will get better but they don't. The tediousness continues and I'm ready to move on.
I've got a lot to say about this. I'll cover the good points first.
The Good: Having a ghost come back to solve his own murder isn't a new idea but Butcher did a fairly good job with it here. The supporting cast, Molly in particular, developed quite a bit in Harry's absence. The new character of Fitz has potential, as does Mortimer, who I don't particularly remember. The intrigue with the faerie court is always a plus.
The Bad: I just can't stand Harry Dresden any more. He's like that friend you thought was hilarious in the sixth grade but wanted to strangle by the time you got out of high school. He's an unfunny smart ass with a "funny" quip for every situation. Worse yet, 70% of the characters in the series talk just like him. His Star Wars references are really tired and he's had no significant character development since the series began.
The Ugly: There comes a time in many relationships to call it quits. Harry Dresden, for us, that day is today. There was a time when the release of a new Harry Dresden book excited me like a pedophile at a pre-teen beauty pageant. I'd snap up the newest book and go after it like Amy Winehouse and a vial of crack. But those days are long gone. I've been going through the motions for the last couple of books and it just isn't working for me anymore. I keep hoping things will get better but they don't. The tediousness continues and I'm ready to move on.
September 1, 2016
Freaking bananas amazing.
Utterly brilliant, perfectly done, with a flawless audiobook narration, the best I've ever heard from James Marsters.
One of the reasons that this book was narrated so flawlessly, I think, is that it was very recently re-done by Marsters after fans revolted when originally another narrator read this story. Marsters brought his A-game, and listening to this book was better than watching any movie. Marsters did an incredible range of voices, read with perfect inflections, and simply RUINED me for other narrators.
It was so good that I listened to almost 18 hours of audiobook in just under 3 days. Picture that, my friends.
The story... I have no words. Just flawless, woven brilliantly, and crafted expertly.
I bow down to you, oh Jim Butcher, for creating something so magical for me to enjoy.
January 26, 2023
Honestly.. it did feel like a filler book. I didn't know what to expect from this book except for the major spoiler I learned a couple of books before starting this one. Sure stuff happens but barely any progress takes place. My main issue was
June 13, 2020
I love Harry. I love Bob. I love Molly. I love the new and improved Butters. I loved seeing Daniel Carpenter. I love this series. It just is such a comfort read for me. I had forgotten how much I love this series until I started to read this book. The mystery and quest were interesting and unlike much urban fantasy, it was unique – nothing I have read before. Maybe a little of Harry Potter, but I am okay with that. One of the things that is so fantastic about this series is that there are consequences. Consequences to dying, consequences to losing loved ones, and consequences to killing. Harry is self reflective and looks back on his actions – he considers what he should have done and questions his own actions. He has regret.
This is such a rich, beautiful story. Action – of course there is action, but now too much. Some of the Dresden books have too much action in my opinion, but this one has a great balance. Some of the characters reactions to situations frustrated me, but they were reacting in a very human way. I also enjoy how Butcher revisits past baddies. In most books, the baddies die and everything is solved and the heroes move on to their next quest. Not in this world. In this world, it isn’t that the baddies don’t die, but there are reverberations – so that past decisions to take out the bad guys or remove them have caused new problems to arise.
Butcher has gotten better at describing Chicago, but I still saw some factual inaccuracies that drive my crazy. For example, when he was examining a priest’s night table he notes that one of the only earthly goods the priest owns is a King James bible, but Catholics don’t read the King James bible and in fact the Catholic bible is slightly different than the protestant bible. Minor, but I am shocked an editor or Butcher didn’t catch this. I just like being immersed in a story but when there is a glaring factual error, it takes me out of the story. However, I loved this story so much I am still giving it 5 stars.
*****
More New Updates:!!!! woohooo!!!!!!
Our GHOST STORY preview continues with Chapter 3!
http://www.jim-butcher.com/books/dres...
If you missed last week's post, you can check them out here:
http://www.jim-butcher.com/books/dres...
http://www.jim-butcher.com/books/dres...
We'll be posting 5 chapters in all over the coming weeks, plus video of Jim reading chapters 1-4 at the NYCC Fan Dinner last October!
**
With a little over a month remaining until GHOST STORY's release, it's time for some sample chapters!
Chapter 1: http://www.jim-butcher.com/books/dres...
Chapter 2: http://www.jim-butcher.com/books/dres...
In all, we’ll be posting five sample chapters, plus bonus audio of Jim reading the first four chapters at the NY Comic Con Fan Dinner! (NOTE: You should definitely read the text version before listening to Jim read. He was reading from an earlier draft, and some aspects have changed slightly.) They will be posted on the following schedule:
June 28th: Chapter 3
July 5th: Chapter 4, plus the audio for 1 and 2.
July 12th: Chapter 5, plus the audio for 3 and 4.
July 26th: Release day!
You can pre-order GHOST STORY from our store or through the Virtual Signing, which now also includes the DFRPG!
Our Store: http://www.jim-butcher.com/store
The Virtual Signing: http://www.jim-butcher.com/posts/2011...
Also, don't forget that the Virtual Signing for Codex Alera map posters ends on June 28th, just over a week away! If you want a map signed by Jim and Priscilla, the artist, get your pre-order in soon.
http://priscellie.com/store/
http://us.penguingroup.com/static/pag...
You can also download GHOST STORY desktop wallpaper here:
http://www.jim-butcher.com/posts/2011...
In the month leading up to the July 26th release, we'll have even more GHOST STORY goodies for you, here at Jim-Butcher.com. In all, we'll be posting five sample chapters, plus bonus audio of Jim reading the first four chapters at the NY Comic Con Fan Dinner! It will be posted on the following schedule:
June 21: Chapter 2
June 28: Chapter 3
July 5th: Chapter 4, plus the audio for 1 and 2.
July 12th: Chapter 5, plus the audio for 3 and 4.
July 26th: Release day!
*********************New release date -- July 26, 2011
Following an in-interview announcement by Jim at MarsCon over the weekend, we’ve updated the site to reflect the new release date for Ghost Story: July 26, 2011.
Said Jim (paraphrased): “It came down to, readers could either get a half-assed story in April, or a full-assed one in July!”
This is such a rich, beautiful story. Action – of course there is action, but now too much. Some of the Dresden books have too much action in my opinion, but this one has a great balance. Some of the characters reactions to situations frustrated me, but they were reacting in a very human way. I also enjoy how Butcher revisits past baddies. In most books, the baddies die and everything is solved and the heroes move on to their next quest. Not in this world. In this world, it isn’t that the baddies don’t die, but there are reverberations – so that past decisions to take out the bad guys or remove them have caused new problems to arise.
Butcher has gotten better at describing Chicago, but I still saw some factual inaccuracies that drive my crazy. For example, when he was examining a priest’s night table he notes that one of the only earthly goods the priest owns is a King James bible, but Catholics don’t read the King James bible and in fact the Catholic bible is slightly different than the protestant bible. Minor, but I am shocked an editor or Butcher didn’t catch this. I just like being immersed in a story but when there is a glaring factual error, it takes me out of the story. However, I loved this story so much I am still giving it 5 stars.
*****
More New Updates:!!!! woohooo!!!!!!
Our GHOST STORY preview continues with Chapter 3!
http://www.jim-butcher.com/books/dres...
If you missed last week's post, you can check them out here:
http://www.jim-butcher.com/books/dres...
http://www.jim-butcher.com/books/dres...
We'll be posting 5 chapters in all over the coming weeks, plus video of Jim reading chapters 1-4 at the NYCC Fan Dinner last October!
**
With a little over a month remaining until GHOST STORY's release, it's time for some sample chapters!
Chapter 1: http://www.jim-butcher.com/books/dres...
Chapter 2: http://www.jim-butcher.com/books/dres...
In all, we’ll be posting five sample chapters, plus bonus audio of Jim reading the first four chapters at the NY Comic Con Fan Dinner! (NOTE: You should definitely read the text version before listening to Jim read. He was reading from an earlier draft, and some aspects have changed slightly.) They will be posted on the following schedule:
June 28th: Chapter 3
July 5th: Chapter 4, plus the audio for 1 and 2.
July 12th: Chapter 5, plus the audio for 3 and 4.
July 26th: Release day!
You can pre-order GHOST STORY from our store or through the Virtual Signing, which now also includes the DFRPG!
Our Store: http://www.jim-butcher.com/store
The Virtual Signing: http://www.jim-butcher.com/posts/2011...
Also, don't forget that the Virtual Signing for Codex Alera map posters ends on June 28th, just over a week away! If you want a map signed by Jim and Priscilla, the artist, get your pre-order in soon.
http://priscellie.com/store/
http://us.penguingroup.com/static/pag...
You can also download GHOST STORY desktop wallpaper here:
http://www.jim-butcher.com/posts/2011...
In the month leading up to the July 26th release, we'll have even more GHOST STORY goodies for you, here at Jim-Butcher.com. In all, we'll be posting five sample chapters, plus bonus audio of Jim reading the first four chapters at the NY Comic Con Fan Dinner! It will be posted on the following schedule:
June 21: Chapter 2
June 28: Chapter 3
July 5th: Chapter 4, plus the audio for 1 and 2.
July 12th: Chapter 5, plus the audio for 3 and 4.
July 26th: Release day!
*********************New release date -- July 26, 2011
Following an in-interview announcement by Jim at MarsCon over the weekend, we’ve updated the site to reflect the new release date for Ghost Story: July 26, 2011.
Said Jim (paraphrased): “It came down to, readers could either get a half-assed story in April, or a full-assed one in July!”
January 13, 2016
This was a very uneven book, with lots of filler material. Harry lives to fight again. It's as if he never left. It's as if we're back to square one. Shoot, Jim Butcher has officially exhausted any permutations of wisdom that used to guarantee 5 stars from me. This book... such a bland book with a sugary end tacked on. One piece of advice to demanding readers; you'll enjoy the rest of this series only if you lower your expectations as much as you can.
August 10, 2023
Ghost Story was the most intimate, introspective, and personal installment of the Dresden Files yet and I completely loved every second of it. So many emotional gut-punches, big reveals, and epic action scenes had me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire book and managed to both highlight what I love about this series, but also give it a fresh new start in so many ways and I am excited to see where the story goes from here.
9/10
9/10
February 21, 2020
Even though writing is a singular task, with an author slaving away (bleeding if we listen to Hemingway) in front of a keyboard, it is also very much a collaboration – besides assistants, the writer may likely gain insight and critical input from editors, publishers, agents, fans, friends, and family. Besides his or her own personal muse there is also the influence of peers, critics and the audience. There is also the nebulous and sundry inspirations from literature, art and pop culture.
Somewhere between the publication of the eleventh book on the Dresden Files, Turn Coat in 2009 and Butcher’s twelfth book, Changes, in 2010, there must have been a very important, persuasive, series changing discussion or dialogue. What had been a fun but somewhat formulaic series up to Turn Coat became a thought provoking and bold, genre defining series in Changes and those paradigm shifts continue in spades in Butcher’s LUCKY thirteen novel in the Dresden Files – Ghost Story.
There is such a distinction between this work and those that precede it, a reviewer will have a difficult time appraising without laying down mines of spoilers for unwary but interested readers.
Let’s just say that Harry’s perspective is wildly altered and he’s operating with radically different magic rules.
I had, after reading Changes, opined that it was the best Dresden novel to date. And I stand by that declaration, until you read Ghost Story, which I now see as the best.
Butcher has Harry confront a panoply of complications largely without the aid of his magic. Dresden is a man of action and has frequently been able to fix problems with the brute force of his will and spells. In Ghost Story we see Harry operating from the shadows, very much out of his element and Butcher rises to the narrative challenge by laying down a tight, well written paranormal thriller.
Dresden fans will get lots of action and will see many of the recurring characters of the series. Most noteworthy is Butcher’s dynamic portrayal of Molly Carpenter and a fresh look at Butters and Morty Lindquist.
So good I want to watch old Patrick Swayze films and start the next one.
Somewhere between the publication of the eleventh book on the Dresden Files, Turn Coat in 2009 and Butcher’s twelfth book, Changes, in 2010, there must have been a very important, persuasive, series changing discussion or dialogue. What had been a fun but somewhat formulaic series up to Turn Coat became a thought provoking and bold, genre defining series in Changes and those paradigm shifts continue in spades in Butcher’s LUCKY thirteen novel in the Dresden Files – Ghost Story.
There is such a distinction between this work and those that precede it, a reviewer will have a difficult time appraising without laying down mines of spoilers for unwary but interested readers.
Let’s just say that Harry’s perspective is wildly altered and he’s operating with radically different magic rules.
I had, after reading Changes, opined that it was the best Dresden novel to date. And I stand by that declaration, until you read Ghost Story, which I now see as the best.
Butcher has Harry confront a panoply of complications largely without the aid of his magic. Dresden is a man of action and has frequently been able to fix problems with the brute force of his will and spells. In Ghost Story we see Harry operating from the shadows, very much out of his element and Butcher rises to the narrative challenge by laying down a tight, well written paranormal thriller.
Dresden fans will get lots of action and will see many of the recurring characters of the series. Most noteworthy is Butcher’s dynamic portrayal of Molly Carpenter and a fresh look at Butters and Morty Lindquist.
So good I want to watch old Patrick Swayze films and start the next one.
January 31, 2012
Okay...so I'm a Dresden junkie. I got the book yesterday and finished it (this time LOL) at 1:30 this morning.
The book picks up pretty much as the last book ends and.....****************** NOTE: THIS REVIEW WILL CONTAIN SPOILERS FOR THE LAST BOOK, CHANGES. I WILL BE ASSUMING THAT IF YOU ARE READING GHOST STORY YOU HAVE READ CHANGES...........
Okay, as I was saying, the book picks up pretty much as the last book (Changes) ends, though time doesn't run in death as it does here.
Don't ask me, I don't know why.
Harry having died is probably a little relieved that he might get to lay back and "rest in peace" (though his ultimate after-life disposition does concern him a bit). He's still a little preoccupied about leading everyone who cares/cared about him on what seemed pretty much a suicide mission...oh and murdering his child's mother. But hey everyone has a bad day now and then right?
Unfortunately upon arriving at "Between" (that's apparently "between life and death" though Harry never really gets a straight answer to that either.), Harry finds that he's not moving on to anything as simple and restful as hell, no there were..."irregularities" about his death.
So what else is new for Harry? Should he (or for that matter we) have been surprised or expected anything else?
Anyone who's read many of my posts knows that I am a Jim Butcher fan. And while there could be said to be some "issues" with the books it says something that none of them are "deal-breakers" for me. (For example, don't get your theology from novels...) I have read all these books (and most of the Codex Alera books, a few of those still to go). I snap up the Dresden books as soon as I can, and I recommend them. There will always be a matter of taste with any book or series of books. I enjoy Mr. Butcher's turn of phrase, I enjoy his sense of humor and I enjoy his story telling. This book has all those things and moves our main character into a situation (or set of situations) that is (are) not typical of what we've seen before.
What's good and what's not so good here? Well, on the "not so good" side there may be a bit of a feeling that things are moving a bit slowly. By that I don't mean there's a lack of action, anything but. I mean that for those of us who see the Story moving or trying to move forward there may be times that it starts to feel that we're sort of taking a couple of steps back before we move forward. (And I'm not really talking about the flashback sequences there.)Personally I thought Harry himself moved forward a bit slowly here. There were for me a few times I felt a little like I was circling, but be aware, it didn't really gripe me. The story flowed and the gaps were/are getting filled in. There is obviously a saga building. As one character says (I won't say who as that might be spoilerish) "it's one of those "it's about the journey not the destination" things".
You are going to find out a bit more about Harry's background here, get a look at a couple of things we've only seen mentioned in passing before and also begin considering things from a totally different perspective.
So...good book. Highly recommended, as a matter of fact, my highest "brain candy" recommendation.I'll list it among my favorites along with the rest of the series. I'm now awaiting the announcement of the release date for Cold Days. Pathetic huh? LOL
The book picks up pretty much as the last book ends and.....****************** NOTE: THIS REVIEW WILL CONTAIN SPOILERS FOR THE LAST BOOK, CHANGES. I WILL BE ASSUMING THAT IF YOU ARE READING GHOST STORY YOU HAVE READ CHANGES...........
Okay, as I was saying, the book picks up pretty much as the last book (Changes) ends, though time doesn't run in death as it does here.
Don't ask me, I don't know why.
Harry having died is probably a little relieved that he might get to lay back and "rest in peace" (though his ultimate after-life disposition does concern him a bit). He's still a little preoccupied about leading everyone who cares/cared about him on what seemed pretty much a suicide mission...oh and murdering his child's mother. But hey everyone has a bad day now and then right?
Unfortunately upon arriving at "Between" (that's apparently "between life and death" though Harry never really gets a straight answer to that either.), Harry finds that he's not moving on to anything as simple and restful as hell, no there were..."irregularities" about his death.
So what else is new for Harry? Should he (or for that matter we) have been surprised or expected anything else?
Anyone who's read many of my posts knows that I am a Jim Butcher fan. And while there could be said to be some "issues" with the books it says something that none of them are "deal-breakers" for me. (For example, don't get your theology from novels...) I have read all these books (and most of the Codex Alera books, a few of those still to go). I snap up the Dresden books as soon as I can, and I recommend them. There will always be a matter of taste with any book or series of books. I enjoy Mr. Butcher's turn of phrase, I enjoy his sense of humor and I enjoy his story telling. This book has all those things and moves our main character into a situation (or set of situations) that is (are) not typical of what we've seen before.
What's good and what's not so good here? Well, on the "not so good" side there may be a bit of a feeling that things are moving a bit slowly. By that I don't mean there's a lack of action, anything but. I mean that for those of us who see the Story moving or trying to move forward there may be times that it starts to feel that we're sort of taking a couple of steps back before we move forward. (And I'm not really talking about the flashback sequences there.)Personally I thought Harry himself moved forward a bit slowly here. There were for me a few times I felt a little like I was circling, but be aware, it didn't really gripe me. The story flowed and the gaps were/are getting filled in. There is obviously a saga building. As one character says (I won't say who as that might be spoilerish) "it's one of those "it's about the journey not the destination" things".
You are going to find out a bit more about Harry's background here, get a look at a couple of things we've only seen mentioned in passing before and also begin considering things from a totally different perspective.
So...good book. Highly recommended, as a matter of fact, my highest "brain candy" recommendation.I'll list it among my favorites along with the rest of the series. I'm now awaiting the announcement of the release date for Cold Days. Pathetic huh? LOL
May 7, 2025
This is part of a series which must be read in order. In this one we pick up from the ending of the last book. Harry's friends are in trouble as they are dealing with the repercussions with the events of the last novel.
I was wondering how we were going to continue the tale of Harry considering he is not with us any more. I got my answer and I was here for it. This is a different type of Dresden book and I enjoyed it immensely. The distinctions of a Dresden book are here in this book but not to the degree that we are use to from the author. Yes we have Harry going as far as he can go to help others while quipping as he goes. We have the support characters along for the adventure. But this book is about Harry as he deals with the consequences of his actions. This book is a character driven book for the main character. It is heavy into the introspective. I never thought I needed that from this series but I did. This might be the most serious book of the series so far. Don't get me wrong. There is still some light hearted ridiculous moments of action that readers love from this series. But this book is all about having the character grow emotionally while heading in a different direction.
I have said in some of my reviews in other books from this series that particular book would make a great summer popcorn flick. This is not that book at all. This book is all about the main character having his It's A Wonderful Life moment and seeing from the outside how he affects the ones around him. While not being the most action oriented read from this series I enjoyed this different type of book. Once again the author provides another terrific read from this series and I will know I will be jumping into the next one sooner than later.
I was wondering how we were going to continue the tale of Harry considering he is not with us any more. I got my answer and I was here for it. This is a different type of Dresden book and I enjoyed it immensely. The distinctions of a Dresden book are here in this book but not to the degree that we are use to from the author. Yes we have Harry going as far as he can go to help others while quipping as he goes. We have the support characters along for the adventure. But this book is about Harry as he deals with the consequences of his actions. This book is a character driven book for the main character. It is heavy into the introspective. I never thought I needed that from this series but I did. This might be the most serious book of the series so far. Don't get me wrong. There is still some light hearted ridiculous moments of action that readers love from this series. But this book is all about having the character grow emotionally while heading in a different direction.
I have said in some of my reviews in other books from this series that particular book would make a great summer popcorn flick. This is not that book at all. This book is all about the main character having his It's A Wonderful Life moment and seeing from the outside how he affects the ones around him. While not being the most action oriented read from this series I enjoyed this different type of book. Once again the author provides another terrific read from this series and I will know I will be jumping into the next one sooner than later.
December 3, 2018
Harry Dresden, wizard for hire, is dead. And he still has to save the world by discovering his killer. How is that fair?
Maybe I was dead, but I was sure as hell not ready to go. I had to make sure the people who'd helped me take on the Red King were taken care of. pgs 32-33
He quickly discovers that magic and dead people don't mix. Now, instead of taking on god-like enemies with the backing of the Winter Queen, he can't even pass through thresholds without permission.
It's frustrating for both Harry and the reader. I didn't realize how much I enjoyed reading about Harry blowing stuff up until he couldn't do it anymore.
One of the things a lot of people don't understand about magic is that the rules of how it works aren't hard-and-fast; they're fluid, changing with time, with the seasons, with location, and with the intent of a practitioner. pg 179. And if you're alive or dead.
We spend a lot of time in Harry's mind and memory in Ghost Story and less time in action. Frankly, it's not as much fun as the other books in the series.
"You have entered a new world. Your old life is no more. You cannot be a part of it any longer. The wide universe stretches before you." pg 185
I also didn't realize how much I enjoyed the give-and-take of the characters in this series until the main character couldn't interact with most of them anymore.
Ghosts who weren't supermighty manifested all the time. It wasn't a question of raw power, and it never had been — it was a matter of desire. You just had to be crazy enough to make it happen." pg 550
That being said, the ending of this book was strangely satisfying. And I cried at the part with Mouse. Overall, I'm glad I read it, but I'm not of the opinion that it was the best in the series.
I would have already started on the next book but there's a wait list for the digital copy. Library user problems, sigh.
Maybe I was dead, but I was sure as hell not ready to go. I had to make sure the people who'd helped me take on the Red King were taken care of. pgs 32-33
He quickly discovers that magic and dead people don't mix. Now, instead of taking on god-like enemies with the backing of the Winter Queen, he can't even pass through thresholds without permission.
It's frustrating for both Harry and the reader. I didn't realize how much I enjoyed reading about Harry blowing stuff up until he couldn't do it anymore.
One of the things a lot of people don't understand about magic is that the rules of how it works aren't hard-and-fast; they're fluid, changing with time, with the seasons, with location, and with the intent of a practitioner. pg 179. And if you're alive or dead.
We spend a lot of time in Harry's mind and memory in Ghost Story and less time in action. Frankly, it's not as much fun as the other books in the series.
"You have entered a new world. Your old life is no more. You cannot be a part of it any longer. The wide universe stretches before you." pg 185
I also didn't realize how much I enjoyed the give-and-take of the characters in this series until the main character couldn't interact with most of them anymore.
Ghosts who weren't supermighty manifested all the time. It wasn't a question of raw power, and it never had been — it was a matter of desire. You just had to be crazy enough to make it happen." pg 550
That being said, the ending of this book was strangely satisfying. And I cried at the part with Mouse. Overall, I'm glad I read it, but I'm not of the opinion that it was the best in the series.
I would have already started on the next book but there's a wait list for the digital copy. Library user problems, sigh.
January 21, 2022
I can understand why Ghost Story may not have been the book that fans wanted immediately after the sucker-punch that was Changes, but I firmly believe that this is what was needed - for the fans, for the story, and for Harry. This is undoubtedly Butcher's most introspective book and with a character as fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants as Harry Dresden, the scenario we're given in Ghost Story was really the only way to force the kind of decompression needed after the emotional fallout of the last instalment.
Along with being the change of pace that was needed, I just genuinely enjoyed the character development we're given in this book. We get a more intimate glimpse into Harry's past and we can see how his presence has impacted those around him. There were some beautiful, emotional scenes that stand out in a series filled with epic moments. Bring on the next!
Along with being the change of pace that was needed, I just genuinely enjoyed the character development we're given in this book. We get a more intimate glimpse into Harry's past and we can see how his presence has impacted those around him. There were some beautiful, emotional scenes that stand out in a series filled with epic moments. Bring on the next!
October 23, 2011
If I wasn't married, I'd take this character home to meet mama and her sister.
Course, they might scare him off...
Course, they might scare him off...
November 10, 2019
Holey Moley! At the end of Changes when wizard Harry Dresden is shot, I thought No, Harry can't be dead - surely Jim Butcher will find some clever way to bring him back to life. But I was very wrong, Harry is dead and in this book his ghost is sent back to Chicago to prevent the death of three of his closest friends and to find out who killed him.
The Chicago Harry is sent back to is a very different one to the one he left six months before. The vacuum he created by destroying the Red Court of vampires has been filled by malicious paranormal entities and the city has become a battleground. His friend Murphy and apprentice Molly are both riddled with guild over his death and not in a good place. As a ghost Harry has none of the powers he had in life as a wizard and has to learn how to use his spirit form to communicate with his mortal friends and to prevent being devoured by other spirits. Harry being Harry comes up with various inventive ways of helping his friends in their fight against the forces trying to control their world.
This book feels like a bridge to whatever is to come next in the series. There is less action and more introspection and reminiscing on Harry's part than in previous episodes where the action was pretty much non stop. I think in some ways that was to give Harry a sense of closure of the important things in his previous life as the end of the book suggests that the next chapter in Harry's story will be very different - but hopefully no less exciting.
The Chicago Harry is sent back to is a very different one to the one he left six months before. The vacuum he created by destroying the Red Court of vampires has been filled by malicious paranormal entities and the city has become a battleground. His friend Murphy and apprentice Molly are both riddled with guild over his death and not in a good place. As a ghost Harry has none of the powers he had in life as a wizard and has to learn how to use his spirit form to communicate with his mortal friends and to prevent being devoured by other spirits. Harry being Harry comes up with various inventive ways of helping his friends in their fight against the forces trying to control their world.
This book feels like a bridge to whatever is to come next in the series. There is less action and more introspection and reminiscing on Harry's part than in previous episodes where the action was pretty much non stop. I think in some ways that was to give Harry a sense of closure of the important things in his previous life as the end of the book suggests that the next chapter in Harry's story will be very different - but hopefully no less exciting.
July 8, 2023
After Changes, Ghost Story is one hell of a change of pace. The previous one was a war filled with tragedy. This one was... well... someone(ahem) was nearly powerless.
That being said, I had an immensely good time reading this. The scale was as small as the previous one was big, and the very structure of it made me chortle with glee.
That's not to say it was all humor. I hated seeing the aftermath of Changes. Molly was heartbreaking. Mort was a rather nice character to get to know. Butters puts the deathless in polka.
Frankly, this is ALSO one of my favorites in the series. I love a great power-down, making due with so much less. Superman lost his sun.
So, yeah, Dresden is still fantastic, first read or re-read, as it is for me now.
That being said, I had an immensely good time reading this. The scale was as small as the previous one was big, and the very structure of it made me chortle with glee.
That's not to say it was all humor. I hated seeing the aftermath of Changes. Molly was heartbreaking. Mort was a rather nice character to get to know. Butters puts the deathless in polka.
Frankly, this is ALSO one of my favorites in the series. I love a great power-down, making due with so much less. Superman lost his sun.
So, yeah, Dresden is still fantastic, first read or re-read, as it is for me now.
June 15, 2020
When I read this the first time in 2014, it was one of my least favorite of the series.
When I read this the second time in 2020, my opinion didn't change... still not one of my favorites.
When I read this the second time in 2020, my opinion didn't change... still not one of my favorites.
July 31, 2021
Is it too much to say I loved this? Because I loved this book. I'm not going to spoil anything here but as different of a Dresden book as that was, it was every bit as engaging and awesome as any other since Dead Beat. This book kicked ass and gave me so much to think about post-Changes. It was a much needed breath after that insane book and while this is a little bit more of an intimate plot, it was great.
February 18, 2022
Another solid Dresden book! I am so invested in this series by now that I am going into withdrawals when it ends.
I have noticed in the last two novels that Butcher is starting to mix up the plot nicely. I think it is just what the storyline needed. There is always a certain pace and flow you expect, and that has begun to evolve.
The characters in Ghost Story were like a whos who of past books. Not all of them where in there. But, the way they were presented was different. I can't go into detail for spoiler sake. Just take my word for it.
This installment is definitely in my top 5 of the series right now. Starting the next book, Cold Days, immediately. I hesitated on starting The Dresden Files for so long. I urge you all that are doing that now to strongly reconsider. You won't regret it!
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
I have noticed in the last two novels that Butcher is starting to mix up the plot nicely. I think it is just what the storyline needed. There is always a certain pace and flow you expect, and that has begun to evolve.
"I've said before that only the dead feel no pain, but I'd never spoken from experience before. Pain used as a weapon is one thing. Personal pain, the kind that comes from just living our lives, is something else."
The characters in Ghost Story were like a whos who of past books. Not all of them where in there. But, the way they were presented was different. I can't go into detail for spoiler sake. Just take my word for it.
"Don't be so simple. People adore monsters. They fill their songs and stories with them. The define themselves in relation to them.....even as we curse monsters, we admire them. Seek to become them in some ways.....There are far, far worse things to be than a monster."
This installment is definitely in my top 5 of the series right now. Starting the next book, Cold Days, immediately. I hesitated on starting The Dresden Files for so long. I urge you all that are doing that now to strongly reconsider. You won't regret it!
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
December 12, 2011
I enjoyed Ghost Story and found it to be a decent progression in the series. Butcher continues to improve and Dresden continues to evolve. The idea of being a ghost was genius; it's interesting to see Dresden powerless, and forced to use other skills. It switches up the dynamic of the normal conflict in the series. I especially appreciated Harry taking responsibility for his decisions to involve Molly in his fanatical fight against the Red Court. Still too many red herrings, but it's a relief to have a few major points resolved.
I'm sure I have more for a review, but just don't feel I can give it justice at the moment. Quite honestly, Butcher and his alter-ego Dresden irritate me part of the time and I can't put my finger on why.
I'm sure I have more for a review, but just don't feel I can give it justice at the moment. Quite honestly, Butcher and his alter-ego Dresden irritate me part of the time and I can't put my finger on why.
July 15, 2023
This volume ... beware of massive spoilers for the series so far! Only read this review if you're caught up or don't mind.
I thought Harry dying was the most shocking thing in this series ... boy, was I wrong!
Yes, Harry has been killed at the end of the previous installment. But for some reason, he's back. Not alive, but a ghost. Sorta. And he's given a choice: due to some irregularity, he can find his murderer and save 3 of his friends from death (), or he can move on. Not hard to guess which one he chose.
So he haunts Chicago and BOY, has that city changed in the 6 months since his passing!
Several factions are fighting for control worldwide after Harry wiped out almost all (or as good as all) Red Court vamps. Ooops. And yes, some of these factions have started turning their eyes towards Chicago as well. Who would have thought that a wizard in the Yellow Pages had made such a difference, ey? Well, we did, of course.
Anyway, Murphy had to team up with Marcone (kinda) and everyone's scared shitlless of Molly.
Not a good situation in which to drop the info that good old Harry is still around of sorts.
I loved seeing more about Mort and him getting a chance to redeem himself since I've always been a fan of his magic. Sir Stewart took the cake though. Hence me being so .
Worst of all, emotionally, was realizing what had happened to Molly. I mean, that was a kick in the nuts! I sure hope she can get better with time. And yes, I'm also hoping that Harry now has two apprentices. *grins*
No, it's not a spoiler that Harry ISN'T moving on at the end of this book since the series continues so duh! However, it was insanely gratifying to put the puzzle pieces together and get that old noir feel instead of one big boss battle after another. And let me tell you: this was even more riveting than the other installments so far, despite Harry not having been a big bad mover and shaker in the magical world.
So many threads came together, so many encounters and events from the previous 12 books played an important role and I'm proud to report that I figured it out before the book gave the two big reveals. *beams*
I've always loved puzzling so knowing (more or less) what had happened and how/why didn't dampen my enjoyment of folllowing the story one bit.
Fantastic worldbuilding, an emotional look at most characters, a formidable baddie and deeper look at a hitherto almost unexplored part of this universe turned this into my favorite installment so far!
P.S.: It only took me this long to finish this book because I was in Italy for a wedding, am helping to organize a bachelorette's party, organized and then went to my company's summer party and am preparing for a cello concert. So, busy month. It was hard staying away from this book, make no mistake.
I thought Harry dying was the most shocking thing in this series ... boy, was I wrong!
Yes, Harry has been killed at the end of the previous installment. But for some reason, he's back. Not alive, but a ghost. Sorta. And he's given a choice: due to some irregularity, he can find his murderer and save 3 of his friends from death (), or he can move on. Not hard to guess which one he chose.
So he haunts Chicago and BOY, has that city changed in the 6 months since his passing!
Several factions are fighting for control worldwide after Harry wiped out almost all (or as good as all) Red Court vamps. Ooops. And yes, some of these factions have started turning their eyes towards Chicago as well. Who would have thought that a wizard in the Yellow Pages had made such a difference, ey? Well, we did, of course.
Anyway, Murphy had to team up with Marcone (kinda) and everyone's scared shitlless of Molly.
Not a good situation in which to drop the info that good old Harry is still around of sorts.
I loved seeing more about Mort and him getting a chance to redeem himself since I've always been a fan of his magic. Sir Stewart took the cake though. Hence me being so .
Worst of all, emotionally, was realizing what had happened to Molly. I mean, that was a kick in the nuts! I sure hope she can get better with time. And yes, I'm also hoping that Harry now has two apprentices. *grins*
No, it's not a spoiler that Harry ISN'T moving on at the end of this book since the series continues so duh! However, it was insanely gratifying to put the puzzle pieces together and get that old noir feel instead of one big boss battle after another. And let me tell you: this was even more riveting than the other installments so far, despite Harry not having been a big bad mover and shaker in the magical world.
So many threads came together, so many encounters and events from the previous 12 books played an important role and I'm proud to report that I figured it out before the book gave the two big reveals. *beams*
I've always loved puzzling so knowing (more or less) what had happened and how/why didn't dampen my enjoyment of folllowing the story one bit.
Fantastic worldbuilding, an emotional look at most characters, a formidable baddie and deeper look at a hitherto almost unexplored part of this universe turned this into my favorite installment so far!
P.S.: It only took me this long to finish this book because I was in Italy for a wedding, am helping to organize a bachelorette's party, organized and then went to my company's summer party and am preparing for a cello concert. So, busy month. It was hard staying away from this book, make no mistake.
July 15, 2023
4.4 stars. Maybe my favorite book in the series so far. After Changes finally broke status quo so we no longer have the same tried and true formula. Circumstances changed, relationships changed. Nearly nothing is as before and in brought much needed breath of fresh air to Dresden files and Harry being ghost and all he didn't even drool over the women entire book. He only had one misogynous comment for nearly 500 pages! Hopefully he will keep this up.
What stayed the same is that we still have that good action, mystery and fun character interactions. So basically this book is all the good things about the series without, or severely toned down, flaws. Yes, book gets bit convoluted and starts bit slow but that is something I can easily overlook.
What stayed the same is that we still have that good action, mystery and fun character interactions. So basically this book is all the good things about the series without, or severely toned down, flaws. Yes, book gets bit convoluted and starts bit slow but that is something I can easily overlook.
April 25, 2023
Es muy difícil que después de doce libros en una saga que sigue la vida de un mismo protagonista el autor consiga traer algo nuevo al lector y sorprenderle. (Dejo a un lado la saga de Mundodisco porque cada libro son historias distintas con personajes que van cambiando. Y porque Pratchett es un Maestro con mayúsculas. Sir Maestro.)
Pero con Harry Dresden estaba pasando lo de siempre, mismos protagonistas, cambias como antagonista a un vampiro de la Corte Blanca por un vampiro de la Corte Roja y ya tenemos una novela nueva. Y últimamente me estaba cansando.
De hecho, he estado casi tres años sin volver a Dresden porque estaba saturado. Ojo, no digo que hubiera caído el nivel. Butcher siempre entrega novelas entretenidas, con humor, mucha acción y muchos diálogos. Pero ya me imaginaba lo que iba a encontrar.
Sin embargo, con esta entrega Butcher le ha dado una vuelta a todo. No puedo comentar nada porque serían spoilers del anterior libro y de este pero lo que ha conseguido ha sido reiniciar la saga. Mantiene los mismos personajes pero su entorno ha cambiado por completo y eso aporta nueva frescura que hace que quiera seguir leyendo. No todo el mundo lo consigue después de trece libros.
Si te encuentras en este punto y has leído los 12 primeros en castellano y estás esperando la traducción de este, anímate a leerlo en inglés. No tiene un nivel muy complicado, salvo algunos chistes marca de la casa de Dresden, y así descubrirás qué le pasa a Dresden después del final del anterior libro.
Porque si esperas la traducción ya puedes esperar sentado en la misma silla que esperas a Rothfuss y George Martin.
Pero con Harry Dresden estaba pasando lo de siempre, mismos protagonistas, cambias como antagonista a un vampiro de la Corte Blanca por un vampiro de la Corte Roja y ya tenemos una novela nueva. Y últimamente me estaba cansando.
De hecho, he estado casi tres años sin volver a Dresden porque estaba saturado. Ojo, no digo que hubiera caído el nivel. Butcher siempre entrega novelas entretenidas, con humor, mucha acción y muchos diálogos. Pero ya me imaginaba lo que iba a encontrar.
Sin embargo, con esta entrega Butcher le ha dado una vuelta a todo. No puedo comentar nada porque serían spoilers del anterior libro y de este pero lo que ha conseguido ha sido reiniciar la saga. Mantiene los mismos personajes pero su entorno ha cambiado por completo y eso aporta nueva frescura que hace que quiera seguir leyendo. No todo el mundo lo consigue después de trece libros.
Si te encuentras en este punto y has leído los 12 primeros en castellano y estás esperando la traducción de este, anímate a leerlo en inglés. No tiene un nivel muy complicado, salvo algunos chistes marca de la casa de Dresden, y así descubrirás qué le pasa a Dresden después del final del anterior libro.
Porque si esperas la traducción ya puedes esperar sentado en la misma silla que esperas a Rothfuss y George Martin.
August 18, 2022
“Pain isn’t a lot of fun, at least not for most folks, but it is utterly unique to life. Pain — physical, emotional, and otherwise — is the shadow cast by everything you want out of life, the alternative to the result you were hoping for, and the inevitable creator of strength. From the pain of our failures we learn to be better, stronger, greater than what we were before. Pain is there to tell us when we’ve done something badly—it’s a teacher, a guide, one that is always there to both warn us of our limitations and challenge us to overcome them.
For something no one likes, pain does us a whole hell of a lot of good.”
“Courage is about learning how to function despite the fear, to put aside your instincts to run or give in completely to the anger born from fear. Courage is about using your brain and your heart when every cell of your body is screaming at your to fight or flee - and then following through on what you believe is the right thing to do.”
Ghost Story is a novel that I truly loved. How it deals with the ramifications of actions. It's thematically the richest in the series & ironically the deepest. It’s tough to articulate the strengths without spoiling, but to brief the character work on display, is the best in the series. All the major characters are shown in a vulnerable light and seeing how some characters overcome their demons is truly rewarding. It's not an easy process, it takes time. I really adore the relationships in this entry more than others. It’s the one that Dresden realizes the impact he has upon people and not having a certain blind to everything. The introspective examination of many of the cast are wonderful, it’s the highlight of the book. There is a central theme that is at the core of this novel. I won’t state it, but everything surrounding this novel is exploring that subject.
This Novel has the reputation of being the most flawed late Dresden (except Peace Talks) entry. Many people dislike the main plot, which makes sense. It isn't great but is more there as a backdrop to facilitate more interesting exploration. It's more of a slow burn than usual Dresden and a significant contrast to Changes which had a breakneck pace. It was a needed shift in tone. it's like going from A Storm of Swords to A Feast for Crows. Though this is a better execution of that shift in narrative. Another common criticism is the weak antagonist, which I agree with that statement. That antagonist exists solely for the plot and is not interesting whatsoever. Not sure about general reception but I dislike how the action is communicated. I understand what Butcher was attempting but it didn’t click. So, when the chapter revolved around the action, it was not good especially compared to the set-pieces from prior instalments in particular Changes. Despite some of these cons, this is my favourite or second favourite Dresden Novel (still haven’t decided).
I stated above why but in nutshell the exploration of certain ideas, the themes it tackles, character revelation seeing a completely new perspective of characters that we love delving into those consequences. I am generally a theme and character-driven reader so this is best in Dresden Files regarding those two aspects it just clicks. Furthermore, it's best to approach this novel as a coda to Changes rather than a full sequel. Once you have that in mind, I don’t think the plot will bother you. Changes-Ghost Story is better as one big story than separate, as they both compliment each other and enhance each other plot-wise and thematically what it intends to communicate.
Spoilers
In Conclusion, this is a novel I adored. I was interested to see why the receptions were so polarizing it makes sense why, but I adore that aspect. It was a very necessary sequel and very keen to continue the series. To me reading this back-to-back to Changes I would highly recommend, as it feels like a perfect extension to that story, and both complement each other immensely.
9.5/10
Update: after being caught up with the series, this is my favourite.
August 23, 2025
Outstanding follow up to Changes. Apparently they're all amazing from here on out.
February 27, 2016
First read: 26-30 July, 2011.
Re-read: November, 2012
Obviously, someone who's read this far in the series is a fan. For anyone unfamiliar with Dresden, this is not the book to start with. There are lots of fascinating, cool, poignant, and funny things about this book I could go on and on about, but if you've read the book, you already know about them. I've put a spoiler-cloak on this because of the one major plot point I am going to mention, just in case someone who isn't up to speed yet is surfing reviews.
Butcher didn't disappoint me. While the "mostly dead" plot can drive me crazy at times, it's crafted well here. I kept turning the pages, eager to see how it would all turn out and sometimes wondering if Butcher really was going to sucker punch us, after all. As I (and, no doubt, tons of other fans) always suspected, Butcher could not let the plotline of Harry becoming Winter Knight go to waste. I figured either Lea or Mab would save Harry, and it turned out to be Mab. The why of Harry's shooting, however, turned out to be much more amazing than the who or the how.
It was great to see so many recurring characters again, interacting in new ways. In particular, Molly, Murphy, and Butters had me both impressed and worried.
Butcher has such a way with the narrative voice. After 13 novels, 1 book of short stories, and a graphic novel, it's almost as if Harry is someone I know, talking to me. He is one of my all-time favourite fictional characters now--flawed, noble, sweet, goofy, damaged, angry, funny, clever, complex. I really enjoyed the backstory in this one, about Harry's childhood and teenage years. All the humour and pop culture references are so much fun for us SFF geeks, too, on top of Butcher's clever use of various aspects of legend and myth.
The Dresdenverse has become a much different place since the events of Changes, and there is a lot of potential for fascinating new plots. I look forward to continuing the journey.
I'm also going to re-read Changes and Ghost Story back-to-back to look closely at how they fit together before the release of the next book.
On the second reading (6-21 November, 2012), I do think Changes and Ghost Story flow together well.
Re-read: November, 2012
Obviously, someone who's read this far in the series is a fan. For anyone unfamiliar with Dresden, this is not the book to start with. There are lots of fascinating, cool, poignant, and funny things about this book I could go on and on about, but if you've read the book, you already know about them. I've put a spoiler-cloak on this because of the one major plot point I am going to mention, just in case someone who isn't up to speed yet is surfing reviews.
Butcher didn't disappoint me. While the "mostly dead" plot can drive me crazy at times, it's crafted well here. I kept turning the pages, eager to see how it would all turn out and sometimes wondering if Butcher really was going to sucker punch us, after all. As I (and, no doubt, tons of other fans) always suspected, Butcher could not let the plotline of Harry becoming Winter Knight go to waste. I figured either Lea or Mab would save Harry, and it turned out to be Mab. The why of Harry's shooting, however, turned out to be much more amazing than the who or the how.
It was great to see so many recurring characters again, interacting in new ways. In particular, Molly, Murphy, and Butters had me both impressed and worried.
Butcher has such a way with the narrative voice. After 13 novels, 1 book of short stories, and a graphic novel, it's almost as if Harry is someone I know, talking to me. He is one of my all-time favourite fictional characters now--flawed, noble, sweet, goofy, damaged, angry, funny, clever, complex. I really enjoyed the backstory in this one, about Harry's childhood and teenage years. All the humour and pop culture references are so much fun for us SFF geeks, too, on top of Butcher's clever use of various aspects of legend and myth.
The Dresdenverse has become a much different place since the events of Changes, and there is a lot of potential for fascinating new plots. I look forward to continuing the journey.
I'm also going to re-read Changes and Ghost Story back-to-back to look closely at how they fit together before the release of the next book.
On the second reading (6-21 November, 2012), I do think Changes and Ghost Story flow together well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2019
This is the first Dresden book not narrated by James Marsters. I don’t mind the new guy (I think he even went out of his way to match Marsters’s character voices), but by this point James Marsters IS Harry Dresden. Farewell, dear performer.
For much of this book, it felt like it would be the last Dresden book. But now I see there are at least two more. So the last book ended with Harry in quite a pickle. Despite his “condition,” he’s given a quest.
Harry neglects the quest for most of the book, focusing more on a grand search-and-rescue mission. There are also a lot of flashback memories for Harry, and so a lot of the book felt slow to me. But it’s a must-read in the Dresden Files and sheds more light on the events of the previous book.
Despite the book’s overall somber tone, I got some nerdy chuckles out of it:
“There are two kinds of people in the universe, Molly,” I said. “Star Trek fans and Star Wars fans. This is shocking.”
She sniffed. “This is the post-nerd-closet world, Harry. It’s okay to like both.”
“Blasphemy and lies,” I said.
I guessed the Corpsetaker had never read Tolkien. Tasteless bitch.
“What kind of idiot are you?” Butters replied. “I might as well put on a red shirt and volunteer for the away team.”
It would require a singularly stupid man to go hang around in narrow tunnels and cramped spaces alongside a threat like that. “And I, Harry Dresden, am that man,” I stated.
I mean, go figure. You prepare your home for an assault and you don’t take zombies into consideration. I’d fallen victim to one of the other classic blunders, along with not getting involved in a land war in Asia and never going in against a Sicilian when death was on the line.
What the hell kind of Hell was this supposed to be?
Thank you, Jim Butcher, for this one:
The screen came up to light again, showing a devastated section of the city grid. No, not decimated. Had that part of the city been decimated, one out of every ten buildings would be destroyed. That’s what decimated means. Personally, I think some early-years, respected television personality got decimated and devastated confused at some point, and no one wanted to point it out to him, so everyone started using them interchangeably. But dammit, words mean what they mean, even if everyone thinks they ought to mean something else.
For much of this book, it felt like it would be the last Dresden book. But now I see there are at least two more. So the last book ended with Harry in quite a pickle. Despite his “condition,” he’s given a quest.
Harry neglects the quest for most of the book, focusing more on a grand search-and-rescue mission. There are also a lot of flashback memories for Harry, and so a lot of the book felt slow to me. But it’s a must-read in the Dresden Files and sheds more light on the events of the previous book.
Despite the book’s overall somber tone, I got some nerdy chuckles out of it:
“There are two kinds of people in the universe, Molly,” I said. “Star Trek fans and Star Wars fans. This is shocking.”
She sniffed. “This is the post-nerd-closet world, Harry. It’s okay to like both.”
“Blasphemy and lies,” I said.
I guessed the Corpsetaker had never read Tolkien. Tasteless bitch.
“What kind of idiot are you?” Butters replied. “I might as well put on a red shirt and volunteer for the away team.”
It would require a singularly stupid man to go hang around in narrow tunnels and cramped spaces alongside a threat like that. “And I, Harry Dresden, am that man,” I stated.
I mean, go figure. You prepare your home for an assault and you don’t take zombies into consideration. I’d fallen victim to one of the other classic blunders, along with not getting involved in a land war in Asia and never going in against a Sicilian when death was on the line.
What the hell kind of Hell was this supposed to be?
Thank you, Jim Butcher, for this one:
The screen came up to light again, showing a devastated section of the city grid. No, not decimated. Had that part of the city been decimated, one out of every ten buildings would be destroyed. That’s what decimated means. Personally, I think some early-years, respected television personality got decimated and devastated confused at some point, and no one wanted to point it out to him, so everyone started using them interchangeably. But dammit, words mean what they mean, even if everyone thinks they ought to mean something else.
June 29, 2023
This is probably an unpopular opinion, but I think I liked this even more than changes. Maybe that's because I had relatively low expectations going in, thinking it was going to be a filler book, dealing with the consequences of changes. It was, to a degree, but it was also so much more than that.
“Souls," I said. "I mean, you always wonder if they're real. Even if you believe in them, you still have to wonder: Is my existence just this body? Is there really something more? Do I really have a soul?"
Uriel's smile blossomed again. "You've got it backward, Harry," he said. "You are a soul. You have a body.” 👻
Molly was probably my favorite character in this story. I can't wait to see where it goes from here.
“Souls," I said. "I mean, you always wonder if they're real. Even if you believe in them, you still have to wonder: Is my existence just this body? Is there really something more? Do I really have a soul?"
Uriel's smile blossomed again. "You've got it backward, Harry," he said. "You are a soul. You have a body.” 👻
Molly was probably my favorite character in this story. I can't wait to see where it goes from here.
December 10, 2013
I struggled to rate this book, finally deciding on 3 out of 5 stars.
I gave it three stars mainly because Ghost Story does what the other books do well. I like reading about Harry's world and the characters in it. Jim Butcher has really brought them to life in a plausible, believable world. Moreover, the action is good, and there is always a unique twist. I also liked the way Mort's character developed into a really sympathetic good guy. I also liked Molly's changes.
Unfortunately, I think my enchantment with Harry Dresden may be coming to a close. This book seemed to manifest almost everything that I've really started to dislike about the series. The author seems determined to make Harry "The One" and in this book, wow. Harry dies, fights the bad guys as a ghost, and ends up returning to life. Jeez! (Pun intended). Divine intervention by one of the main archangels is required to move the story. I was struggling to buy the line the author was selling. Outside of that, what ever happened to the Fommor? Maybe I missed it, but wasn't there a group of modified humans led by a mysterious supernatural community that was moving in on the Red Court's former territory? The Corpsetaker was allied with them. Harry & company dealt with the Corpsetaker (thanks to Mort and Molly!) but whatever happened to the Fommor? (To be fair, I may have missed it as I struggled at points in the book).
Long story short, if you like Harry, you'll probably be okay with the book. If not, it might be too much. Just my two cents.
I gave it three stars mainly because Ghost Story does what the other books do well. I like reading about Harry's world and the characters in it. Jim Butcher has really brought them to life in a plausible, believable world. Moreover, the action is good, and there is always a unique twist. I also liked the way Mort's character developed into a really sympathetic good guy. I also liked Molly's changes.
Unfortunately, I think my enchantment with Harry Dresden may be coming to a close. This book seemed to manifest almost everything that I've really started to dislike about the series. The author seems determined to make Harry "The One" and in this book, wow. Harry dies, fights the bad guys as a ghost, and ends up returning to life. Jeez! (Pun intended). Divine intervention by one of the main archangels is required to move the story. I was struggling to buy the line the author was selling. Outside of that, what ever happened to the Fommor? Maybe I missed it, but wasn't there a group of modified humans led by a mysterious supernatural community that was moving in on the Red Court's former territory? The Corpsetaker was allied with them. Harry & company dealt with the Corpsetaker (thanks to Mort and Molly!) but whatever happened to the Fommor? (To be fair, I may have missed it as I struggled at points in the book).
Long story short, if you like Harry, you'll probably be okay with the book. If not, it might be too much. Just my two cents.
October 13, 2021
Hey, I have a new booktube (youtube for book reviews) channel and mentioned the Dresden Files in my Top 10 Spooky Reads Not Stephen King here. I hope you enjoy! Please subscribe if you do, thanks!
As usual, these later installments are really great, up the ante, and clearly show some great plotting/writing/everything you want to see in a wizard PI urban fantasy. The only exception this time is that it didn't have everything I wanted to see.
I've never been a huge fan of the trope where the protagonist loses all his powers and this was one of those. While I acknowledge Spiderman 2 was the best of the original trilogy, it still frustrated me that SM didn't have his powers most of the movie. That's what I come for!
I guess at book 13 plus novellas and short stories will make you turn to this eventually, but I still prefer my wizards to have their powers dangit!
As with SM 2, I acknowledge this was still a great installment with a pretty dang good twist at the end. It loses a little star-wise with the lack of wizard powers because that's why I keep coming back, but I also have to admit it made for a surprising ending to Changes, book 12.
It's always great to come back to Harry, I'm getting a little sad now that I'm so close to catching up with the author. It's been nice knowing I have this well of great books to turn to whenever I need a sold trustworthy standby.
4 out of 5 stars (highly recommended)
As usual, these later installments are really great, up the ante, and clearly show some great plotting/writing/everything you want to see in a wizard PI urban fantasy. The only exception this time is that it didn't have everything I wanted to see.
I've never been a huge fan of the trope where the protagonist loses all his powers and this was one of those. While I acknowledge Spiderman 2 was the best of the original trilogy, it still frustrated me that SM didn't have his powers most of the movie. That's what I come for!
I guess at book 13 plus novellas and short stories will make you turn to this eventually, but I still prefer my wizards to have their powers dangit!
As with SM 2, I acknowledge this was still a great installment with a pretty dang good twist at the end. It loses a little star-wise with the lack of wizard powers because that's why I keep coming back, but I also have to admit it made for a surprising ending to Changes, book 12.
It's always great to come back to Harry, I'm getting a little sad now that I'm so close to catching up with the author. It's been nice knowing I have this well of great books to turn to whenever I need a sold trustworthy standby.
4 out of 5 stars (highly recommended)
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