Dead Beat, Book Seven of the Dresden Files

Dead Beat

Book Seven of the Dresden Files

Publisher: Penguin Books USA as Roc (2005)

Author: Jim Butcher

Genre: Fantasy, Urban

Pages: 448

Price: $9.99

Dead Beat puts more enemies into Harry's path than ever before, as he battles a cadre of necromancers, and the undead hordes that they can call to their sides. It's a fast paced, fun book that continues to add depth Harry's world, bringing in new faces and making sure that the setting feels real. Unlike some series it's not the same cast of supporting characters book after book, the characters are introduced, play their part, and then fade away until it makes sense for them to be back.

One gripe I have with this story is the inhuman amount of punishment Harry takes during his struggle to oppose his enemies. I know he has the wizard-healing factor thing going for him, but here it seems a little hard to believe that after all that's done to Harry he's still conscious and mobile. Other than that there are some great moments in there, and one stands out above the rest. Harry briefly adds to the menagerie in a truly epic fashion and, although it's just a tiny bit silly, it works.

Perhaps the most important part of this story seems to be mentioned in passing, but never really broached in a serious way. There are threats lurking behind the scenes that seem as though they could strike a blow, not just against Harry but against everyone on the White Council of Wizards, should the opportunity present itself. It's clear that there are machinations that Harry, and thus we, have hardly an inkling, occurring in some truly dangerous places.

Conclusion: Aside from a quibble here and there this is a solid entry into the Dresden Files. What it's most important for is setting up more hints and clues as to what the bigger threat is going to be as we go forward,

Rating: 7.75/10