Title: Changes
Author: Jim Butcher
Release: April 6, 2010
Purchase this book: Amazon | Book Depository | No Kindle Version
Goodreads Entry: here
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Rating: 5 Stars

Let’s get down to business *rubbing hands together*. First note… if you have not read The Dresden Files series yet…. do not read past this first paragraph of this review. In fact, get your bum off the computer and go read book 1, Storm Front. Urban Fantasy lovers have no excuse to not read this series and you should be ashamed of yourself. Harry Dresden is a professional wizard…. a smart ass, witty, smirking, sexy as hell professional wizard. And he has a staff. I’m just saying. Changes is book 12 in the series and may be the best one yet. I have no idea how Jim Butcher has managed to keep such a long running series so freaking fantastic, but I am beginning to suspect magic or a deal with a demon. I am going to need Butcher to send me copies of all works in progress so I can work out how he is doing it, k, thanks.

Now, all you Dresden virgins move along…. tho you can read the quotes below if you want. Those are probably safe. Dresden fans, have no fear, I think I have kept it relatively spoiler free.

To say that this book has been anticipated is like saying I like twitter… gross understatement. When the blurb first came out I stuttered and was left speechless for almost an entire minute. Harry has a secret baby?? Susan is coming back and there is a child?? Whaaaa???? My speechlessness was immediately followed by cursing and vile names being thrown at Susan, who I just don’t like (if you say I’m jealous – you could be right, but be warned I will glare at you).

Changes starts out with a life changing phone call between Harry and former lover, current half vampire *cough*bitch*cough* Susan. Turns out that super hot kitchen sex scene almost 10 years ago did more than just make me pant, Susan and Harry have a daughter. As if that isn’t shocking enough for poor Harry, his daughter Maggie has been abducted by the Red Court Vampires. Harry has to call in all the friends he can find and make new ones in order to save the life of a little girl he has never met, a little girl who has been raised without knowing he exists.

Butcher brings back the familiar gang of do-gooders for Changes. Molly is still apprenticing under Harry and is showing signs of growth and maturity in her character. Murphy is Murphy, she is there for Harry no matter what – even if it means all she has worked for and cares about will be turned upside down. Thomas, Sanya, Mac, Bob, and Butters all make appearances and contribute to the cause and the story with their quips and sayings. Mouse reveals himself to be the coolest pet ever. Some of my favorite quotes (I couldn’t choose just one!):

“Your weapons, grasshopper,” I said in my Yoda voice. “You will not need them.”
She [Molly] frowned at me in annoyance and said, “You know, I believe it is possible to reference something other than Star Wars, boss.”
I narrowed my eyes in Muppetly wisdom. “That is why you fail.”

I let out a short bark of geniune laughter. “I thought I was supposed to be the one with one thing on his mind.”
“Oh, when we were younger certainly,” she replied. “Now, though, our roles have reversed.”
“Meaning you want it fast and hard, too?”

“Are you kidding?” Thomas said. “I’m obviously Legolas. You’re . . .” He squinted thoughtfully at Sanya and then at Martin. “Well. He’s Boromir and you’re clearly Aragorn.”
“Martin is so dour, he is more like Gimli.” Sanya pointed at Susan. “Her sword is much more like Aragorn’s.”
“Aragorn wishes he looked that good,” countered Thomas.
“What about Karrin?” Sanya asked.
“What–for Gimli?” Thomas mused. “She is fairly –”
“Finish that sentence, Raith, and we throw down,” said Murphy in a calm, level voice.

But Changes also gives us a much darker Harry Dresden. He is still witty and quick with the self-depreciating moments … but he is also angry and on the edge. His daughter is out there, alone, waiting for someone to save her. Harry has to chose between one painful choice after another. He is tested to his limits and pushed to re-evaluate his moral core over and over again. How far will he go to save her and what will it cost him? Every move he makes, every battle he fights in this book is of dire importance and emotionally exhausting. Finishing this book left me in utter shock, looking for a support group and chatting up people at all hours of the the night.

Honestly, this book should be titled HOLY HELL I AM AN EVIL AUTHOR AND I TURNING YOUR WORLD ON IT’S SIDE. Changes is a high speed freight train of a read and just when you think you can see the light at the end of the tunnel and a smile starts to spread across your face Butcher hits you upside the head with a can of WTF JUST HAPPENED. Jim Butcher has exceeded my expectations with this installment, easily making Changes the best book of the series so far, and what will be without a doubt one of my top 10 books of 2010.

FTC Disclaimer: Book was purchased by me (hardcover even!)