by Jesus Ibarra
After the review, there are details on how to enter for a chance to win a copy of Ghost Story.
Having had to wait three extra months for Jim Butcher’s next entry into the Dresden Files was incredibly painful, however if the extra time allowed Jim Butcher to make this book as excellent and almost perfect as it was then all is forgiven, in fact I now hope he takes more time with the next book. 
As the title suggests we are told the story of a ghost, particularly the story of the main character Harry Dresden as a ghost. Set six months after his death, Harry isn’t done saving the world or his friends and has to return to Chicago as a spirit to figure out who killed him, and to possibly save those he loves the most. I won’t spoil any of the story except the set up because this is such a good book, dare I say close to perfect and probably the best book in the series, that it has to be read from start to finish.
Most of the Dresden books have Harry running around Chicago, and sometimes the world, kicking ass and never stopping to breathe. Fortunately this whole book centers on Harry having to stop, because he can’t do anything to affect the mortal world. What we get is a character study of who Harry Dresden is, and how important he is to the people around him, that sometimes in previous books Harry took for granted. Most of the supporting cast in this is book is adversely affected by Harry’s death and it’s sometimes incredibly sad to see how twisted they had to become to protect themselves and the ones they loved with the absence of Harry. But the good thing is we sort of get to see Harry’s legacy, because no matter how dark these characters had to get they did it in the spirit of what’s right.
That’s the thing I loved about this book–it dealt with the incredibly hard choices Harry made in the last book, and the consequences of those actions. The world is different now in the wake of the power vacuum Harry left after obliterating the Red Court vampires, and Harry is forced to realize that maybe he wasn’t right.
There is a scene towards the end of book that is my favorite, because it shows incredible character growth on Harry’s behalf, and essentially gives him much more wisdom than he has ever gathered in any of the previous books. This book is essentially a way for Harry to learn a lesson, which he does, and it is incredibly satisfying to see the journey.
The plot twists, and former villains that show up are amazingly well done, and the way Harry is revived is handled extremely well. I am even more excited to see what happens in the next book, because we get to see how the new Harry Dresden deals with living in the Fae, and whether or not he ever goes back to his friends and loved ones. Jim Butcher has written an amazing book that is well worth the read no matter what genre of books you like.
To enter for a chance to win a copy of Ghost Story, simply email KRL at life@kingsriverlife.com with the subject line “Ghost”, or comment on this article. U.S. entries only please. A winner will be chosen next Saturday, August 20, 2011.
I’ve been wondering why I haven’t seen any new Dresdens in a while … Have to get hold of it … have to, have to, have to!!
Yup, Jim Butcher needed more time with the book, but I think it made the book that much more better. Hope you win in the drawing.
I’m so excited! I can’t wait for the next book!