Status
Available
Call number
Series
Genres
Publication
Roc (New York, 2003). 1st edition, 1st printing. 378 pages. $6.99.
Description
Fantasy. Fiction. HTML: Harry Dresden, Chicago's only practicing professional wizard, should be happy that business is pretty good for a change. But he also knows that whenever things are going good, the only way left for them to go is bad. Way bad. Recent examples: A duel with the lethal champion of the Red Court, who must kill Harry to end the war between vampires and wizards...Hit men using Harry for target practice...The missing Shroud of Turin�??and the possible involvement of Chicago's most feared mob boss...A handless and headless corpse the Chicago police need identified...Not to mention the return of Harry's ex-girlfriend Susan, who's still struggling with her semi-vampiric nature�??and who seems to have a new man in her life. Some days, it just doesn't pay to get out of bed. No matter how much you're charging… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member Jenson_AKA_DL
This fifth Dresden tale has our intrepid hero hot on the trail of the stolen Shroud of Turin. However, Harry being Harry there are a few bumps along the way in the form of a challenge from the leading Red Court warrior/vampire, the return of his half-vampire sometime girlfriend, and goons galore.
It has been quite a while since I read my last Dresden story so some of the details are a little hazy. Luckily this book does a good job of re-capping without seeming too redundant all the while moving forward with the well paced plot. There were a few different things going on in the book and I have to say I completely forgot about one plot thread (the duel) in the midst of the other so, I was surprised when it came up again in the middle of everything. It was nice to have the unexpected twists and turns. I was also happy with the appearance of White Court vampire, Thomas Raith, who I have a particular interest in after reading (completely out of order) the novelette, Backup, in which Thomas featured.
I really do enjoy this urban fantasy series. It is a lot of fun, very exciting and Harry is a very catchy character with his mixture of humility, confidence, bad jokes and kick-butt supernatural powers. A very highly recommended set of books thus far.
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That's not even taking into consideration all the other super-charged demons that are also intent on getting the Shroud.It has been quite a while since I read my last Dresden story so some of the details are a little hazy. Luckily this book does a good job of re-capping without seeming too redundant all the while moving forward with the well paced plot. There were a few different things going on in the book and I have to say I completely forgot about one plot thread (the duel) in the midst of the other so, I was surprised when it came up again in the middle of everything. It was nice to have the unexpected twists and turns. I was also happy with the appearance of White Court vampire, Thomas Raith, who I have a particular interest in after reading (completely out of order) the novelette, Backup, in which Thomas featured.
I really do enjoy this urban fantasy series. It is a lot of fun, very exciting and Harry is a very catchy character with his mixture of humility, confidence, bad jokes and kick-butt supernatural powers. A very highly recommended set of books thus far.
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LibraryThing member miyurose
I liked this a bit more than the last Dresden book. The plot felt more solid and easier to follow, though there still wasn’t enough Murphy or Bob. I really like Murphy and Bob. I’m not as big a fan of the Knights of the Cross and that whole side to the story. And I’m hoping this whole
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vampires vs. wizards war ends soon, because it’s really being dragged out. I like Harry best when he’s trying to figure out a mystery rather than running for his life. I’ll continue with the series, but I’m definitely hoping for a sea change. Show Less
LibraryThing member Meredy
Six-word review: Magical monster chase featuring religious McGuffin.
Extended review:
I went straight from the preceding book of the Dresden Files series to this one with nary a pause for breath.
Death Masks launches Harry Dresden on yet another dependably fast-moving, action-packed investigative
Evil forces notwithstanding, this Dresden yarn is not quite on the epic scale of Summer Knight. Still, the plot is layered deep in the fallout from that conflict while introducing new villains and enlarging the dimensions of Harry's life. Harry remains likeable in a naughty-boy-but-charming sort of way, making us shake our heads even as we consistently root for him. He's not so different from us, especially on our off days: He wears old clothes. He skips showers. He eats junk food. Another character, an ambiguously bad guy fighting by his side, suggests that they disregard knightly standards of combat and shoot a really, really bad guy in the back, and he says, "Okay" (page 321).
So might we, right? We can identify.
And that's part of what makes Butcher's handling of his material so appealing.
The same character who wants to shoot true villains in the back also says this of our hero: "Mister Dresden is a diplomatically challenged individual. He should be in a shelter for the tactless" (page 309). Just because there are times when we don't feel like upholding the standards of Miss Manners, never mind turning the other cheek, we cheer silently for Harry when he tells it like it is.
Invited to imagine that we might speak and behave (or want to speak and behave) in Harry's characteristic down-to-earth, take-no-shit fashion, we find it easy to forget that he is a formidable foe even to powerful supernatural beings. He has a strong code of honor, short on tact though it may be: he lays his life on the line almost routinely and offhandedly, both to defend a principle and to protect someone he cares about--or even just someone he's sworn to protect, whether he likes her or not. And when he goes all out--well, we know he's going to make it through at least fifteen books.
So there's a nice thrill of vicarious power in relating to Harry, letting the surge of magic that courses through him roar through us as well, delivering well-deserved thrashings right where they're needed most.
Good job, Jim Butcher.
One of the things I liked most about this novel was seeing Gentleman Johnny Marcone--a rather interesting foil for Dresden--move into a moral gray area. The shift might have been a little heavy on the sentimental side, but it does set us up for some potential dramatic conflicts as the series progresses.
I noted some of the usual defects, such as word repetition and little failures of fact checking (it's Joseph of Arimathea, not Aramathea), alongside choice bits such as the Wagner allusion and various inventive explanations of how magic works. I think they pretty much balance out, so I won't enumerate instances. When it comes to entertainment that doesn't insult our intelligence, the score is still well up on the plus side.
That's five. Time for a breather. But I will be back for more.
Extended review:
I went straight from the preceding book of the Dresden Files series to this one with nary a pause for breath.
Death Masks launches Harry Dresden on yet another dependably fast-moving, action-packed investigative
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adventure in the realm of magical and mythical beings, this time on the trail of a stolen religious relic. Some of those beings are agents of evil, and not just ordinary human Adolf-Hitler-type evil but capital-E Evil right out of the bowels of Hell.Evil forces notwithstanding, this Dresden yarn is not quite on the epic scale of Summer Knight. Still, the plot is layered deep in the fallout from that conflict while introducing new villains and enlarging the dimensions of Harry's life. Harry remains likeable in a naughty-boy-but-charming sort of way, making us shake our heads even as we consistently root for him. He's not so different from us, especially on our off days: He wears old clothes. He skips showers. He eats junk food. Another character, an ambiguously bad guy fighting by his side, suggests that they disregard knightly standards of combat and shoot a really, really bad guy in the back, and he says, "Okay" (page 321).
So might we, right? We can identify.
And that's part of what makes Butcher's handling of his material so appealing.
The same character who wants to shoot true villains in the back also says this of our hero: "Mister Dresden is a diplomatically challenged individual. He should be in a shelter for the tactless" (page 309). Just because there are times when we don't feel like upholding the standards of Miss Manners, never mind turning the other cheek, we cheer silently for Harry when he tells it like it is.
Invited to imagine that we might speak and behave (or want to speak and behave) in Harry's characteristic down-to-earth, take-no-shit fashion, we find it easy to forget that he is a formidable foe even to powerful supernatural beings. He has a strong code of honor, short on tact though it may be: he lays his life on the line almost routinely and offhandedly, both to defend a principle and to protect someone he cares about--or even just someone he's sworn to protect, whether he likes her or not. And when he goes all out--well, we know he's going to make it through at least fifteen books.
So there's a nice thrill of vicarious power in relating to Harry, letting the surge of magic that courses through him roar through us as well, delivering well-deserved thrashings right where they're needed most.
Good job, Jim Butcher.
One of the things I liked most about this novel was seeing Gentleman Johnny Marcone--a rather interesting foil for Dresden--move into a moral gray area. The shift might have been a little heavy on the sentimental side, but it does set us up for some potential dramatic conflicts as the series progresses.
I noted some of the usual defects, such as word repetition and little failures of fact checking (it's Joseph of Arimathea, not Aramathea), alongside choice bits such as the Wagner allusion and various inventive explanations of how magic works. I think they pretty much balance out, so I won't enumerate instances. When it comes to entertainment that doesn't insult our intelligence, the score is still well up on the plus side.
That's five. Time for a breather. But I will be back for more.
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LibraryThing member edstan76
This is were things start really getting interesting for Harry Dresden. Susan is back in town and wants to talk. Michael shows up trying to protect Harry and with not one more but the two other Knights of the Cross Shiro and Sanya. And the Vatican wants Harry to find the missing Shroud of Turin.
All the while Harry has to deal with the Duel from Duke Palo Ortega of the Red Court. And deal with some fallen demons called the Order of the Blackened Denarius. There are 30 of them to co-inside with 30 pieces of silver Judas was paid. Their goal is to bring about destruction by tempting human's to join them. Nicodemus is the leader of this plot to use a spell that brings about every disease. He needs the Shroud to do it. Also John Marcone wants the Shroud of Turin and no one knows why!
This is a more straight forward plot. There are a few twists and turns but not as many as Fool Moon or Summer Knight. Harry is really starting to work better as a team and rely on other people aside from himself. Butcher also really turns up the humor on this one. Even in the most serious battles Harry and company are making jokes. Marcone even has one or two 1-liners.
By now the series is really starting to come together. Though the reader and Harry still don't see the over reaching arch yet. Soon though! Keep reading and enjoy this. Nicodemus is probably one of the best villains in the series. And he will be back.
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All the while Harry has to deal with the Duel from Duke Palo Ortega of the Red Court. And deal with some fallen demons called the Order of the Blackened Denarius. There are 30 of them to co-inside with 30 pieces of silver Judas was paid. Their goal is to bring about destruction by tempting human's to join them. Nicodemus is the leader of this plot to use a spell that brings about every disease. He needs the Shroud to do it. Also John Marcone wants the Shroud of Turin and no one knows why!
This is a more straight forward plot. There are a few twists and turns but not as many as Fool Moon or Summer Knight. Harry is really starting to work better as a team and rely on other people aside from himself. Butcher also really turns up the humor on this one. Even in the most serious battles Harry and company are making jokes. Marcone even has one or two 1-liners.
By now the series is really starting to come together. Though the reader and Harry still don't see the over reaching arch yet. Soon though! Keep reading and enjoy this. Nicodemus is probably one of the best villains in the series. And he will be back.
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LibraryThing member MrsLee
Harry is up against some very bad demons, but he's not alone. He has the Knights of the Cross working with him. Again, I am so pleased with the way the author has written the character of these men. Thank you, Mr. Butcher. There were several points in this reading where I found it impossible to put
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down the book, even though I really should have been getting my sleep instead. I appreciate the pains the author is taking to round out the characters, and even though our credibility is stretched to the limit, it's O.K., because Harry is right there with us questioning some of the things we would question like the strength of the two thousand year old fabric. Very fun reading. Show Less
LibraryThing member Bogeysmama
This is my personal favorite of the Dresden books. The secondary characters are much more developed, the action is non-stop, and it's mixed with a bit of tragic romance (not to mention some hot sex...). Harry is his usual snarky self caught up in things way over his head.
LibraryThing member Elphaba71
Typical of most of the Dresden Files this book is a non-stop page turner, They just keep getting better!!
LibraryThing member EowynA
This Dresden Files book is the one I have enjoyed the most so far. The poor wizard never seems to get any sleep. This pulls several strands of stories together, with the search for the Shroud of Turin, nasty demons, powerful good guys who get side-swiped, and a duel to the death with a vampire.
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Also some resolution on the love front, and a fairly large cast of characters expertly juggled. Show Less
LibraryThing member hoosgracie
Harry has to duel a vampire, find the Shroud of Turin, deal with relationship issues, and that's just to start. Well rounded addition to the series, one of the best so far.
LibraryThing member Unreachableshelf
This series just keeps getting better and better. Harry Dresden, professional wizard, is hired to locate the stolen Shroud of Turin. At the same time a vampire approaches him with a proposal to end the war between the White and Red Courts- a duel to the death. Things go from bad to worse when it
The Dresden Files are a fine example of a series which manages to include both absolute good and evil and a realistic amount of moral ambiguity in between them.
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turns out that not only Harry and the human buyer want the Shroud from the thieves; a gang of the nastiest demons are after it as well. Michael and the other knights would prefer it if he could leave the business to them. Complicating matters further Susan, Harry's ex and a partially-turned vampire, is back in town.The Dresden Files are a fine example of a series which manages to include both absolute good and evil and a realistic amount of moral ambiguity in between them.
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LibraryThing member lewispike
If we continue the paradigm of the catalogue of nasty supernatural critters, this time it is demons and fallen angels that come under the spotlight. However, that would be somewhat unfair as we also look more closely at the Knights of the Cross and faith in general, and events from earlier books
We meet Butters for the first time, but little of Murphy this time.
The story is strong, and mixes some detective work with the supernatural goings-on in a stronger way than some of the recent ones as Harry tries to find the Turin Shroud.
Harry works much better with a girlfriend it turns out - even at times when it's being pointed out just how inhuman he might be, that touch of the feminine and the relationship serves to make him much more three dimensional.
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(particularly the on-going war between the Wizard's Council and the Red Court Vampires, and a sort of resolution of the Susan situation) weave through this strongly. There are a couple of other bits that are (I know because I've read the later books already) setting the stage for future books too.We meet Butters for the first time, but little of Murphy this time.
The story is strong, and mixes some detective work with the supernatural goings-on in a stronger way than some of the recent ones as Harry tries to find the Turin Shroud.
Harry works much better with a girlfriend it turns out - even at times when it's being pointed out just how inhuman he might be, that touch of the feminine and the relationship serves to make him much more three dimensional.
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LibraryThing member Shrike58
This is the first of the books in the series which for me suffered from "middle of the series" syndrome, as Harry finds himself caught up in the battles of other secret orders while at the same time coping with the ongoing war between the White Council and the Red Court. When you know that there
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are multiple books to go in the series it becomes a little harder to become too wrapped up in a given crisis. At least there is a certain resolution of Dresden's relationship with Susan Rodriguez. As for the part the Shroud of Turin plays in this plot it's almost an afterthought, though how it's finally used will come as a surprise. Show Less
LibraryThing member leahsimone
Ok. These are just fun. Nonstop action, a witty imperfect do-whatever-it-takes hero with integrity and a knight-in-shinning armor complex, all kinds of magic and nasty nasty monsters. What's not to like? The plot is involving enough so it doesn't matter if there are convenient escapes now and again
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because there is always another crazy situation around the corner. Butcher gives his characters unique voices and motivations so you can't help but like Harry, Susan, Bob, Murphy, Thomas even Marcone. I highly recommend this series if you're looking for an action-packed, often humorous thrill-ride. Show Less
LibraryThing member teharhynn
WHAT! The ending makes me sad. How could you be so naive Dreseden?! Haha. I loved it. It was great.
LibraryThing member kayceel
Love, love this series!
Harry must fight a duel with a vampire, find the Shroud of Turin, break a spell causing people to catch the Black Death, and face a possible new boyfriend of Susan's.
Entertaining and a fast-read.
Recommended!
Harry must fight a duel with a vampire, find the Shroud of Turin, break a spell causing people to catch the Black Death, and face a possible new boyfriend of Susan's.
Entertaining and a fast-read.
Recommended!
LibraryThing member readermom
Another Dresden Files book, but I must admit, as much as I like these books, when the Shroud of Turin showed up I almost quit. The only reason I kept going was because the silliness of it was not lost to the characters involved. If he had written it 100% straight it would have been too corny and I
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would have had to stop. As it was, not too bad, followed up the previous one quite nicely. I like the ideas of extended consequences that Butcher is working with in this series. That some things have more repercussions that just the next book. Show Less
LibraryThing member Aeyan
Something big happens. So much gets crammed into this book that I marvel it hasn't exploded gore across its fellows. And I do mean gore. Harry sure gets dirty: dealing with an impending duel with the Red Court Champion whose gentile surface has to be masking more than just his nasty vampire form, a
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contract to remove him from the playing field, and Susan coming back. And those are just the minor events. The major big bad is much more sinister and scary, and it really wants Harry to play with it Show Less
LibraryThing member dswaddell
The three swords on the Knights are in town pursuing the Denarians...oh and they mean to start bringing about the apocolypse. On top of the the vamps are bringing in their best to kill Harry and the mob also wants the stolen shroud of turrin.
LibraryThing member Rhinoa
Wizard for hire Harry Dresden is back and things are as chaotic as ever. Firstly it seems someone has hired some goons to kill Harry of the human variety. He also has a noble from the Red Court of vampires to deal with who has issued him a challenge. He wants a duel to the death (preferably
With the arrival of his ex girlfriend Susan, Harry is torn in even more directions than usual. He gets help from Michael and some new Knights of the Cross as they encounter some of the Fallen. These are fallen angels who are working in tandem with humans that have been tempted by the 30 pieces of silver paid to Judas for betraying Christ. There is a lot of Christian symbolism, but Butcher still maintains that faith is the way rather than following a strict religion. Plus Detective Murphy is still on the scene, although in a diminished capacity in this book.
Fast-paced and witty as always, this is a great addition to the series. I really enjoyed the story and meeting some new characters. The ending was particualrly interesting and I am looking forward to see where the series goes next.
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Harry's) to stop the war between the wizards White Council and the vampires Red Court. On the side Harry is also hired by a representative of the Vatican to retrieve the stolen Shroud of Turin which they believe is in California.With the arrival of his ex girlfriend Susan, Harry is torn in even more directions than usual. He gets help from Michael and some new Knights of the Cross as they encounter some of the Fallen. These are fallen angels who are working in tandem with humans that have been tempted by the 30 pieces of silver paid to Judas for betraying Christ. There is a lot of Christian symbolism, but Butcher still maintains that faith is the way rather than following a strict religion. Plus Detective Murphy is still on the scene, although in a diminished capacity in this book.
Fast-paced and witty as always, this is a great addition to the series. I really enjoyed the story and meeting some new characters. The ending was particualrly interesting and I am looking forward to see where the series goes next.
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LibraryThing member lithicbee
This series just keeps getting better and better. In book five, the war between the Red Court vampires and the White Council wizards continues. Harry has to fight a duel and stave off the apocalypse. Susan's back, there are three Knights of the Cross to help Harry, and some truly bad-ass bad guys
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called the Denarians. This book rocked. Show Less
LibraryThing member 391
Harry's got a lot to deal with in this one - The Red Court has sent a pretty nasty vampire named Ortega after him, the Shroud (THAT Shroud) has gone missing, and The Order of the Blackened Denarius are in Chicago, torturing and mutilating everything that crosses their path. The plot and pacing are
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pretty good, though the ending was a little bit anticlimatic. This is, so far, one of the better Dresden books. Show Less
LibraryThing member tinLizzy
See review of book #1 the series - Storm Front.
LibraryThing member MaryWJ
Love reading about Harry Dresden! I've been hopping all around the series, so know different things, but am always surprised by what happens. Harry seems like a good person to know
LibraryThing member vanbrusage
I really liked the plot of this book in The Dresden Files series. The new characters that were introduced in this installment were quite intriguing and I cannot wait to see what happens when Harry must face them once again. I also really liked the interaction between Susan and Harry but to be
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honest, I wish they were still an item. We shall see what happens in the rest of the series! Show Less
LibraryThing member redderik
fifth book- Dresden Files, series.
One of my all time favorite series.
I can't believe he makes it past the dreaded 3rd book syndrome where most series dies off, and his are just as strong, and you wonder why he isn't in a wheel chair yet? This book explains!
One of my all time favorite series.
I can't believe he makes it past the dreaded 3rd book syndrome where most series dies off, and his are just as strong, and you wonder why he isn't in a wheel chair yet? This book explains!
Subjects
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2003-08-05
Physical description
378 p.; 4.13 inches
ISBN
0451459407 / 9780451459404