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Available
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Publication
Roc (New York, 2010). 1st edition, 1st printing. 432 pages. $25.95.
Description
Fantasy. Fiction. Short Stories. HTML:With tales ranging from the deadly serious to the absurdly hilarious�including an original story for this volume�Side Jobs is a must-have collection for every devoted Harry Dresden fan.As Chicago�s only professional wizard, Harry Dresden has had cases that have pitted him against insane necromancers, power-hungry faerie queens, enigmatic dark wizards, fallen angels�pretty much a �who�s who� of hell and beyond�with the stakes in each case ranging from a lone human soul to the entire human race. But not every adventure Harry Dresden undertakes is an epic tale of life and death in a world on the edge of annihilation. Here, together for the first time in paperback, are the shorter works of #1 New York Times bestselling author Jim Butcher�a compendium of cases that Harry and his cadre of allies managed to close in record time. �One of the giants of urban fantasy�delivers some great stories in this volume�This is a great collection, featuring a hero who's proven himself over and over again, as well as delving into the odd corners of his fascinating and fantastic world. Highly recommended.��SFRevu.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member booksNyarn
Note: Some spoilers from "Changes" in the following review.
Side Jobs is a collections of stories about Harry Dresden: his world, his work, and the varied characters of friends, family, colleagues and enemies. Highlights include "Restoration of Faith", where readers can first meet Harry, glance at
In the final novella "Aftermath", which begins just after the final scene in "Changes", we find that Murphy may not be carrying her badge anymore, but her cop instincts are tested as she steps up to investigate the disappearance of werewolves in the wake of the decimation of the Red Court, while simultaneously dealing with the increasing evidence of Harry's death.
While I had read most of these stories before in their various anthologies, being able to read them all together and in order gave me a more cohesive view of Harry and the intricate web of secondary characters. Butcher's continuing development of Harry's brother Thomas, his assistant Molly, and "allied enemies" like Gard give Dresden a broader life than limiting him to the supernatural PI role. It is because of this large amount of characters I would not recommend this book to those who have never read any of the Dresden Files before, but is a great refresher for those anxiously awaiting the next book. While "Aftermath" gives no relief to the climactic ending of "Changes", it will make the reader resolve to believe as Murphy does, and keep going "until Dresden gets back."
Side Jobs is a collections of stories about Harry Dresden: his world, his work, and the varied characters of friends, family, colleagues and enemies. Highlights include "Restoration of Faith", where readers can first meet Harry, glance at
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Officer Murphy, and see that Harry has always been protective of children. "Last Call" is one of the stories that brings the ever dour but enjoyable Mac and his bar, and Harry's friends Will, Georgia and the rest of the young werewolves in "Day Off". Not all are told from Harry's perspective, as his brother Thomas' lead in "Backup" shows Harry without the droll internal monologue that is the normal point of view in the novels.In the final novella "Aftermath", which begins just after the final scene in "Changes", we find that Murphy may not be carrying her badge anymore, but her cop instincts are tested as she steps up to investigate the disappearance of werewolves in the wake of the decimation of the Red Court, while simultaneously dealing with the increasing evidence of Harry's death.
While I had read most of these stories before in their various anthologies, being able to read them all together and in order gave me a more cohesive view of Harry and the intricate web of secondary characters. Butcher's continuing development of Harry's brother Thomas, his assistant Molly, and "allied enemies" like Gard give Dresden a broader life than limiting him to the supernatural PI role. It is because of this large amount of characters I would not recommend this book to those who have never read any of the Dresden Files before, but is a great refresher for those anxiously awaiting the next book. While "Aftermath" gives no relief to the climactic ending of "Changes", it will make the reader resolve to believe as Murphy does, and keep going "until Dresden gets back."
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LibraryThing member zzshupinga
If you aren't a fan of Harry Dresden (although I'm not sure how that's possible) or have never read him before step away from this book. It's not an introduction to the character and you'll likely be confused about what's going on. If you are a fan of Harry (as you should be) then this book is a
In this book Jim Butcher gives us a brief glimpse into what happens to Harry and the gang in between cases. And its a fascinating insight. Harry isn't always going up against major demons, but little problems and everyday cases with Harry's extraordinary touch. For example, one of the stories shows us what happens to Michael and his family after the events of "Small Favor (The Dresden Files, Book 10)" and the archangel Uriel appears once more to talk with Harry. It's interesting to see how the little things that occur in the story have a larger impact.
The real feature to this book, in my opinion, is the novella at the end that takes place right after the events "Changes." It presents the story from the view of point of Karrin Murphy which provides for a nice change of pace and to see how she views the world. While the story doesn't really give us any clues to what will happen in the next book, we do see that the gang will pick up the slack with Harry not quite in the picture. And as an added bonus we get a short story that shows Harry before he set out on his own.
Overall this book is a great addition to the collection and finally combines all of those pesky short stories in one place
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great addition to the collection.In this book Jim Butcher gives us a brief glimpse into what happens to Harry and the gang in between cases. And its a fascinating insight. Harry isn't always going up against major demons, but little problems and everyday cases with Harry's extraordinary touch. For example, one of the stories shows us what happens to Michael and his family after the events of "Small Favor (The Dresden Files, Book 10)" and the archangel Uriel appears once more to talk with Harry. It's interesting to see how the little things that occur in the story have a larger impact.
The real feature to this book, in my opinion, is the novella at the end that takes place right after the events "Changes." It presents the story from the view of point of Karrin Murphy which provides for a nice change of pace and to see how she views the world. While the story doesn't really give us any clues to what will happen in the next book, we do see that the gang will pick up the slack with Harry not quite in the picture. And as an added bonus we get a short story that shows Harry before he set out on his own.
Overall this book is a great addition to the collection and finally combines all of those pesky short stories in one place
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LibraryThing member bragan
A collection of short stories, most of which were originally published in various themed anthologies, featuring wise-cracking wizard/private investigator Harry Dresden and friends. The earliest few stories here didn't excite me much, being pretty lightweight and not very interesting, but they got
By the way, just in case it happens to be relevant to anyone... If you haven't read anything in this series before and are thinking that a collection of short stories might provide an easy way to dip into it, my advice is: don't. With the possible exception of the last one, these are designed to be readable on their own, but they don't really provide the best introduction to the series, and they give away a few important plot twists from the novels. I definitely recommend starting with Storm Front instead.
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decidedly better as they went on. The best of them either pack a surprising amount of plot into a small number of pages or are just plain fun. Or a little of both. Some of them fill in a few little character gaps rather nicely, too. Particularly notable is the final story, which is set immediately after the end of the most recent novel, and which does an excellent job of giving us a first-time look at Murphy's point of view, as well as making me impatient all over again for the next installment.By the way, just in case it happens to be relevant to anyone... If you haven't read anything in this series before and are thinking that a collection of short stories might provide an easy way to dip into it, my advice is: don't. With the possible exception of the last one, these are designed to be readable on their own, but they don't really provide the best introduction to the series, and they give away a few important plot twists from the novels. I definitely recommend starting with Storm Front instead.
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LibraryThing member reading_fox
Fun, but only for fans of the Dresden series. You need to have read all the books upto and including Changes for this to make any sense. It is a collection of short stories featuring Harry Dresden and various supporting characters. Harry gets most of the glory as ever, but Murphy and Thomas also
Most of the stories take place between Small Favour and Turn Coat, but there are a few either side, including an early tale where Harry meets Murphy for the first time. It's a little clunky but still works well. All of the stories do, long or sometimes very short. The tension, pacing, action and resolution (and continuity) that are highlights of this series (and so lacking in Butcher's Codex series) remain. Of course as short stories they don't do worldbuilding or backstory development - but they borrow heavily enough from the main series to make it work. They have all been published previously bar the last tale whichis original for this book. And of supreme interest to anyone (everyone) in agony from the ending of Changes. It doesn't answer any questions though. None of the tales do - they just fill in some details without contradicting the main plot developments.
Good read, entertaining.
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make starring roles, and Billy the werewolf has a good go. I would have liked a tale from Molly's perspective, but no such luck. Most of the stories take place between Small Favour and Turn Coat, but there are a few either side, including an early tale where Harry meets Murphy for the first time. It's a little clunky but still works well. All of the stories do, long or sometimes very short. The tension, pacing, action and resolution (and continuity) that are highlights of this series (and so lacking in Butcher's Codex series) remain. Of course as short stories they don't do worldbuilding or backstory development - but they borrow heavily enough from the main series to make it work. They have all been published previously bar the last tale whichis original for this book. And of supreme interest to anyone (everyone) in agony from the ending of Changes. It doesn't answer any questions though. None of the tales do - they just fill in some details without contradicting the main plot developments.
Good read, entertaining.
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LibraryThing member EvaElisabeth
I was sadly disappointed by Butcher's last book but this one is a return to the less doomy/gloomy/gory style that he seems to be sinking into. I enjoyed the stories thoroughly some were obviously more mature than others but that's to be expected with an anthology such as this.
LibraryThing member DonnerLibrary
Side Jobs by Jim Butcher is a book of short stories from The Dresden Files series. Most of these stories were originally published in other anthologies but Butcher pulled them all together into one book. I love having short stories by one author in a book instead of having to search for them in
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multiple anthologies! Butcher also gave a little introductory information for each story including some information about his inspiration, what anthology the story was originally in, and where it fits in the timeline of the books. I enjoyed every one of these stories, especially the last one because it takes place after Changes and before Ghost Story which isn't out yet. If you are a fan of the Harry Dresden books, Side Jobs is a must have for your collection. Show Less
LibraryThing member GothicGuru13
A fine solid collection of stories. I am much more excited about the next Dresden book after the final story - even though Dresden wasn't in it, or maybe because he wasn't in it, the author seemed much more engaged in writing this story with Murphy as lead character. I hope the new book will either
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bring Dresden back with an equal enthusiasm or let Murphy take lead for a while as in this story. Good stuff - not a stinker in the group. Show Less
LibraryThing member saramllr
Collection of the Dresden Files short stories. I particularly enjoyed "Love Hurts" and "Aftermath," which takes place after Changes and is written from Karen Murphy's point of view. I was hoping it would answer some of my questions about the ending of the last novel. Guess I will have to wait for
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Ghost Story this spring! Show Less
LibraryThing member les121
Finally, all the Dresden Files short stories in one collection! Even though I'd already read most of them, I got this book for Love Hurts and the all new novella Aftermath, both of which were excellent. Aftermath picks up where Changes leaves off and is the first story written from Murphy’s
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perspective. It’s without a doubt one of the best in the collection. It was also interesting to reread some of the older stories because Butcher has added a short introduction to each one. Overall, Side Jobs is a must read for any Dresden Files fan. Show Less
LibraryThing member TheDivineOomba
A nice collection of Harry Dresdan Short Stories - includes an introduction by the author, Jim Butcher.
1- A Restoration of Faith - First Dresden Files ever. As the introduction states, this is a novice effort, not the polished stories that come later.
2- Something Borrowed - Werewolf Wedding with
3- Its My Birthday, Too - Crazy vampire takes over a mall. Harry is confused by a bunch of gamers playing a LARP. Liked the mall, I'm always happy when Thomas shows up.
4- Heorot - Love Gard she's so cool. I want to see a whole series based on her. Great story.
5 - Day Off - another great story. Poor Harry, even on his day off, he can't get a break :)
6- Backup - I read this story in the Subeterranean Press. I like the story then, but thought it to short to be published individually. I'm happy to see it in this collection. Again, I've always liked Thomas - I especially like to see him in a leading role in this story, keeping Harry safe and disarming an ancient cult all at the same time.
7- The Warrior - Test of faith, stolen swords, good vs evil. I nice story. I liked it.
8- Last Call - Bewitched Ale causes problems for Harry's favorite drinking place.
9- Love Hurts - Someone is putting love-spells on Chicago residents - Murphy and Harry get involved, get affected. Great story.
10- Aftermath - Well, its the aftermath of Changes (which you should read, if you haven't already). Murphy deals with the supernatural without Harry. I sad, melencholy story. Can't wait for the next Harry Dresden Book!
1- A Restoration of Faith - First Dresden Files ever. As the introduction states, this is a novice effort, not the polished stories that come later.
2- Something Borrowed - Werewolf Wedding with
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missing bride. Interesting story. A bit unremembered.3- Its My Birthday, Too - Crazy vampire takes over a mall. Harry is confused by a bunch of gamers playing a LARP. Liked the mall, I'm always happy when Thomas shows up.
4- Heorot - Love Gard she's so cool. I want to see a whole series based on her. Great story.
5 - Day Off - another great story. Poor Harry, even on his day off, he can't get a break :)
6- Backup - I read this story in the Subeterranean Press. I like the story then, but thought it to short to be published individually. I'm happy to see it in this collection. Again, I've always liked Thomas - I especially like to see him in a leading role in this story, keeping Harry safe and disarming an ancient cult all at the same time.
7- The Warrior - Test of faith, stolen swords, good vs evil. I nice story. I liked it.
8- Last Call - Bewitched Ale causes problems for Harry's favorite drinking place.
9- Love Hurts - Someone is putting love-spells on Chicago residents - Murphy and Harry get involved, get affected. Great story.
10- Aftermath - Well, its the aftermath of Changes (which you should read, if you haven't already). Murphy deals with the supernatural without Harry. I sad, melencholy story. Can't wait for the next Harry Dresden Book!
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LibraryThing member Jenson_AKA_DL
A great collection of all the Dresden shorts from the various and sundry anthologies. Having them all in one place makes it much easier to enjoy. There were a few in here that I had missed and I was glad to have the chance to read them.
The one new short, Aftermath, which comes from Murphy's POV
This is a collection I'd like to own for myself in the future and would highly recommend it to any fan of the Dresden series.
The one new short, Aftermath, which comes from Murphy's POV
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after Changes was quite interesting and sets a curious scene for what may be coming in the future. This is a collection I'd like to own for myself in the future and would highly recommend it to any fan of the Dresden series.
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LibraryThing member KaeJay
A wonderful addition to the Dresden files series. The addition of point-of-view from Thomas and Murphy was an interesting take on the Harry's world.
It was great to read all of these stories in one place as I've read most of them in previously published anthologies but before I was bitten by the
It was great to read all of these stories in one place as I've read most of them in previously published anthologies but before I was bitten by the
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Dresden Files addiction. Reading them again all in one volume once I'd read the series gave me greater insight into some of the characters and the Dresden Universe. A great read to tide us over until the next installment of the series. If you haven't listened to the audio version of the books, I STRONGLY recommend them - James Marsters' exceptional performances in the audio books and adds an another dimension to the Dresden Files that I'm certain you'll be delighted with. Show Less
LibraryThing member dcoward
Disappointing in that only one of the stories, the final one, is new. All of the others have been previously published.
LibraryThing member dswaddell
A very good selection of Dresden short stories that are very entertaining.
LibraryThing member krau0098
This was a great collection of stories all set in the Dresden Files world. The majority of these stories have appeared in other anthologies, that's part of the reason I got this from the library...I had read half of the stories before. Still there are some great ones I hadn't read. The last novella
My favorites were Aftermath (which describes events after Changes), Heorot (where Norse mythology mixes with Dresden's world), Last Call, and Love Hurts. Butcher does little intros to each story that give some interesting background that was fun to read.
All of the stories (except for A Restoration of Faith and Vignette) were very professional, well-written, and incredibly fun to read. There isn't a lot more to say about this collection.
Overall a great collection of stories; if you are a big fan you should read it. You might want to check to make sure you don't own the stories in other anthologies first before you buy the book. I am not going to talk about the timing of each story because that is listed in the book itself along with the details of each anthology the stories are pulled from. Stories were pulled from the following anthologies: Blood Lite, Big Fat Supernatural Wedding, Big Fat Supernatural Honeymoon, Many Bloody Returns, Mean Streets, Strange Brew, and the Novella Backup is included too.
See below for a brief description of the stories included.
- A Restoration of Faith: Definitely an amateur story, but Butcher says this himself. It was interesting to read the first story Butcher ever wrote about Harry.
- Vignette: Not one of the strongest stories in the book. A very short peice about Harry creating the ad for his investigation agency.
- Something Borrowed: Nice filler story about Georgia and Billy's wedding; these are the two werewolves Harry works with off and on in the series.
- It's My Birthday Too: I originally read this in Many Bloody Returns. It's a fun addition to the Dresden Files series. I enjoyed a story in which Thomas played a main role. I especially enjoyed the role-playing; being a DnD player I thought it was hilarious.
- Heorot: Very strong story with some interesting supernatural aspects too it. Ties in some Norse mythology with Harry's world.
- Day Off: Funny and cute story about what happens when Harry tries to take a day off of work.
- Backup: This is a small novella told from Thomas's point of view, Harry's brother, it takes place in the same time/place as the Dresden Files. It was an okay story.
- The Warrior: I originally read this story in Mean Streets. This story was about Michael and Harry trying to keep Michael's family safe from someone who wants to steal the two Holy Swords that Harry has been keeping hidden. Overall the story was okay, but seemed a bit tired to me. It was interesting to hear a bit more about why Harry has the holy swords. I didn't think this was the best Dresden story I've read but it was kind of interesting.
- Last Call: I originally read this in the Strange Brew anthology. This is an entertaining story about Murphy and Harry tracking down the source of some tainted beer that Mac accidentally served in his bar. Tons of action, very entertaining!
- Love Hurts: Bittersweet story where Dresden and Murphy track down rogue love spells and are caught up the spells themselves. Nice addition and further fills out the story between Dresden and Murphy.
- Aftermath: Best story of the bunch and a must read for fans for the series. Harry is presumed dead and is missing. Murphy is trying to figure out what is going on when Will comes to her for help; Georgia's been kidnapped and she is very pregnant. Now it is up to Murphy to step in to aid the paranormals in Dresden's place and what she finds is a plot bigger than she could have imagined.
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"Aftermath" is a definite must read for everyone who wants to know more about what happened after the cliffhanger ending of Changes.My favorites were Aftermath (which describes events after Changes), Heorot (where Norse mythology mixes with Dresden's world), Last Call, and Love Hurts. Butcher does little intros to each story that give some interesting background that was fun to read.
All of the stories (except for A Restoration of Faith and Vignette) were very professional, well-written, and incredibly fun to read. There isn't a lot more to say about this collection.
Overall a great collection of stories; if you are a big fan you should read it. You might want to check to make sure you don't own the stories in other anthologies first before you buy the book. I am not going to talk about the timing of each story because that is listed in the book itself along with the details of each anthology the stories are pulled from. Stories were pulled from the following anthologies: Blood Lite, Big Fat Supernatural Wedding, Big Fat Supernatural Honeymoon, Many Bloody Returns, Mean Streets, Strange Brew, and the Novella Backup is included too.
See below for a brief description of the stories included.
- A Restoration of Faith: Definitely an amateur story, but Butcher says this himself. It was interesting to read the first story Butcher ever wrote about Harry.
- Vignette: Not one of the strongest stories in the book. A very short peice about Harry creating the ad for his investigation agency.
- Something Borrowed: Nice filler story about Georgia and Billy's wedding; these are the two werewolves Harry works with off and on in the series.
- It's My Birthday Too: I originally read this in Many Bloody Returns. It's a fun addition to the Dresden Files series. I enjoyed a story in which Thomas played a main role. I especially enjoyed the role-playing; being a DnD player I thought it was hilarious.
- Heorot: Very strong story with some interesting supernatural aspects too it. Ties in some Norse mythology with Harry's world.
- Day Off: Funny and cute story about what happens when Harry tries to take a day off of work.
- Backup: This is a small novella told from Thomas's point of view, Harry's brother, it takes place in the same time/place as the Dresden Files. It was an okay story.
- The Warrior: I originally read this story in Mean Streets. This story was about Michael and Harry trying to keep Michael's family safe from someone who wants to steal the two Holy Swords that Harry has been keeping hidden. Overall the story was okay, but seemed a bit tired to me. It was interesting to hear a bit more about why Harry has the holy swords. I didn't think this was the best Dresden story I've read but it was kind of interesting.
- Last Call: I originally read this in the Strange Brew anthology. This is an entertaining story about Murphy and Harry tracking down the source of some tainted beer that Mac accidentally served in his bar. Tons of action, very entertaining!
- Love Hurts: Bittersweet story where Dresden and Murphy track down rogue love spells and are caught up the spells themselves. Nice addition and further fills out the story between Dresden and Murphy.
- Aftermath: Best story of the bunch and a must read for fans for the series. Harry is presumed dead and is missing. Murphy is trying to figure out what is going on when Will comes to her for help; Georgia's been kidnapped and she is very pregnant. Now it is up to Murphy to step in to aid the paranormals in Dresden's place and what she finds is a plot bigger than she could have imagined.
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LibraryThing member slothman
Jim Butcher has written short stories and novelettes in the continuity of his Dresden Files series, and this collects together all of the ones that have appeared in other works (other than the one in the Dresden Files RPG), along with a previously-unpublished novelette showing what some of the
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other characters get involved in after the events of Changes. Other than that latter, these are asides from the plot arc of the novels; they’re fun to read for a visit to the universe, but there isn’t any crucial long-term exposition in here. But it’s nice to see how Michael, the former Knight of the Cross, is dealing with his forced retirement from adventuring, and to see a story told from the perspective of Harry’s brother Thomas. This is a good way to get your Dresden Files fix while waiting for Ghost Story to come off the presses. Show Less
LibraryThing member momma2
Although I was really hoping for this to be a sequel to Changes, I was not at all disappointed with this book. This compilation accompanied by the author's brief introductions was a wonderful and fun read. And the previously unpublished novella was perfect. I am still waiting anxiously for the next
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book but the novella really was a perfect fit for in the meantime. Show Less
LibraryThing member stefferoo
Side Jobs reminded me why I don't usually do anthologies. Short stories generally aren't my preferred format, but also because I don't often find the stories coming across naturally. Many of the ones in this book were written to form around a theme, not to really further the characters or the
The exception of course is "Aftermath", which alone made reading this worth it. Take note that you should only read this story after Changes, since it takes place immediately after the book's events, and gives major spoilers.
Not only does "Aftermath" provide a little closure to the end of Changes, it still manages to push the story forward but at the same time also gives the reader insight into one of the more beloved characters of the Dresden Files universe. I didn't start off liking Karrin Murphy, but over the series she has become Harry's best friend and one of my favorite characters.
In a way, I felt "Aftermath" was a culmination of all that the books have established and built up of Harry and Murphy's complicated relationship. One of the best things about the story was being able to see Murphy put to use all that she had learned during her years of working with him.
I realize I am quickly becoming too focused only on one story in this review, but the truth is, most of the other stories were pretty bland and it was "Aftermath" that really stood out. It made me realize how much I enjoyed Murphy's "voice", and I was surprised how well Jim Butcher wrote the character from her point of view.
This is totally making me want a Murphy spinoff. How cool would it be if she took up one of the swords now during her suspension from the police force, fighting supernatural baddies in Chicago as an avenging angel-type heroine with her sidekick Sanya and her on-again-off-again love interest Kincaid? This story just writes itself!
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overall story.The exception of course is "Aftermath", which alone made reading this worth it. Take note that you should only read this story after Changes, since it takes place immediately after the book's events, and gives major spoilers.
Not only does "Aftermath" provide a little closure to the end of Changes, it still manages to push the story forward but at the same time also gives the reader insight into one of the more beloved characters of the Dresden Files universe. I didn't start off liking Karrin Murphy, but over the series she has become Harry's best friend and one of my favorite characters.
In a way, I felt "Aftermath" was a culmination of all that the books have established and built up of Harry and Murphy's complicated relationship. One of the best things about the story was being able to see Murphy put to use all that she had learned during her years of working with him.
I realize I am quickly becoming too focused only on one story in this review, but the truth is, most of the other stories were pretty bland and it was "Aftermath" that really stood out. It made me realize how much I enjoyed Murphy's "voice", and I was surprised how well Jim Butcher wrote the character from her point of view.
This is totally making me want a Murphy spinoff. How cool would it be if she took up one of the swords now during her suspension from the police force, fighting supernatural baddies in Chicago as an avenging angel-type heroine with her sidekick Sanya and her on-again-off-again love interest Kincaid? This story just writes itself!
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LibraryThing member Dianekeenoy
Very good. Getting ready to read the Dresden File books that I bought at library sale for 80 cents (for 6 books!) so these stories got me acquainted with Harry and his world.
LibraryThing member Bodagirl
Loved it! Buthcer is able to combine humor and emotion in such a way that keeps readers coming back for more. Which is exactly what this collection is for, those who want more adventures with Harry without waiting for another full-length novel!
LibraryThing member EowynA
This is a series of short stories written over several years, and a novella that tells what happens after the "Changes" book. The short stories have been published elsewhere, and are introduced by a few paragraphs that explain how that particular story came to be written. It opens with an early
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story of Harry Dresden as a junior partner in a private investigation firm, tracking down a lost child. There are humorous stories and dramatic stories, and the very poignant response to the last page of the "Changes" book. Show Less
LibraryThing member MrsLee
A great collection of short stories for the Dresden series. Several stories give perspectives from other characters in the series, some are a lighthearted break from the somberness of the series, and a couple of them made me weep. I enjoyed the snippets at the beginning of each telling why and when
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the author wrote it. Show Less
LibraryThing member manadabomb
A nice little series of short stories featuring Harry Dresden. The new Dresden book comes out Tuesday so this made an excellent bridge between now and Tuesday.
All of the stories were good, some even told from Thomas' point of view, but the last novella, Aftermath, was the best. Told from Murphy's
Short review, short stories. It was all good.
All of the stories were good, some even told from Thomas' point of view, but the last novella, Aftermath, was the best. Told from Murphy's
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point of view, it takes place a few hours after the ending in Changes, where Harry died. It was a fitting story of the troops soldiering on despite the loss of their friend.Short review, short stories. It was all good.
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LibraryThing member SunnySD
A collection of previously published short stories featuring the adventures of Harry Dresden, Chicago's wizard for hire. Spanning Harry's career, these would make a great introduction to the alternate world Butcher's created.
LibraryThing member Pheonix
Side Jobs, was a nice change of pace. A collections of story compilations of various other stories slotted between the main Dresden File novels. It's nice to learn more about the characters that I already enjoy following so much.
It added some nice flavour and diversity to the series having input
I would really encourage Mr. Butcher to take part in these projects more in the future as it's not very often that I have seen many authours work together on a series already in motion. The genres of Sci-Fi and Fantasy have so much to offer a reader given the write story lines and characters in a talented writer's hands.
I also found the introduction to each short story and novella by Mr. Butcher a really effective way to connect with the writer and gave it some insight into the writer's frame of mind and take on the story to you were about to read. It was a nice little something extra for the reader.
I would have liked to see more stories fitted into this book, but it was very interesting and a different take on a novel.
It added some nice flavour and diversity to the series having input
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and themes that Mr. Butcher and other writers worked on together. I really enjoyed hearing some of the other tales that happened between the main Dresden File books I have previously read.I would really encourage Mr. Butcher to take part in these projects more in the future as it's not very often that I have seen many authours work together on a series already in motion. The genres of Sci-Fi and Fantasy have so much to offer a reader given the write story lines and characters in a talented writer's hands.
I also found the introduction to each short story and novella by Mr. Butcher a really effective way to connect with the writer and gave it some insight into the writer's frame of mind and take on the story to you were about to read. It was a nice little something extra for the reader.
I would have liked to see more stories fitted into this book, but it was very interesting and a different take on a novel.
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Awards
Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year (Science Fiction and Fantasy — 2010)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2010-10-26
Physical description
432 p.; 9.19 inches
ISBN
9780451463654