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Available
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Series
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Collection
Publication
Roc (2010), Edition: Reprint, 576 pages
Description
Fantasy. Fiction. Mystery. HTML:Jim Butcher�??s breakthrough #1 New York Times bestseller starring Chicago�??s only professional wizard, Harry Dresden. When it comes to the magical ruling body known as the White Council, Harry is thought of as either a black sheep or a sacrificial lamb. And none hold him in more disdain than Morgan, a veteran Warden with a grudge against anyone who bends the rules. But now, Morgan is in trouble. He�??s been accused of cold-blooded murder�??a crime with only one, final punishment. He�??s on the run, wanting his name cleared, and he needs someone with a knack for backing the underdog. So it�??s up to Harry to uncover a traitor within the Council, keep Morgan under wraps, and avoid coming under scrutiny himself. And a single mistake may cost someone his head. Som… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member Meredy
Six-word review: Everything depends on whom you trust.
Extended review:
Among the Dresden Files novels I've read so far (this being the eleventh), I'd place Turn Coat toward the "best of" end of the scale.
There are interesting complexities and clashes of character, physical and political conflict,
As usual, the pacing is good, and as usual there are the deft phrases that slip by so easily that they almost seem like throwaway lines. Here's one (page 49): "His abs look like they were added in with CGI." And another (page 311): "Lara and her two sisters walked toward us, and they were good at it." The description that follows is so sensual that it's bound to affect the pulse rate, as does every description of Lara and her kin--without being repetitive; and that's a feat.
Yet somehow Butcher seems to have an absolutely blind eye to repetitions of another sort. For instance, I want to tell him not to use the word "quietly" ever again. It's not just that he uses it a whopping 87 times between the covers of this book (as counted by Amazon's Search Inside feature). It appears five times on one page--368--and three times more on the next two.
And that's not the only word he gets a run on (or the only volume marred by this overuse). People's eyes blink and eyebrows arch, and they chew lips, and they growl and snarl and howl things, as uninhibitedly as if they were auditioning for an operatic version of Charles Darwin's The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals.
I don't like it when people purr things all the time, either. It happens only nine times in this book; it just seems like more.
I do like the sly little allusions he slides in. For instance, he acknowledges just in passing--in a way that no one would notice who hadn't caught the error in the first place--the messed up quasi-German title of a book that appears in Dead Beat, title 7 of the series (so now we know that he does notice some feedback). He tosses in a plug for the authentic, non-Disneyfied versions of folktales. He spares a scornful sidelong glance at the well-known principle voiced by Arthur C. Clarke: "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic."
He also knows how to use "O" as opposed to "oh," says "lent" instead of "loaned," and respects a number of other subtleties of grammar and usage, even if his editor lets a lot of lapses with the subjunctive ("as if he was") pass without remediation.
Another nice aspect is the fact that Harry has helpers, people (and other entities) whom he can trust and who do have his back, people who actually save his life, just as he would do and has done for them. He's not a solo act. The fact that he allows himself to rely on others is not a weakness; it's part of his strength. He tells his apprentice, Molly:
Hell's bells, kid. I choose to trust [her] because that's what people do. You don't ever get to know for sure what someone thinks of you. What they really feel inside.... Even psychomancy doesn't give you everything. We aren't meant to know what's going on in there. That's what talking is for. That's what trust is for. (page 256)
Harry's down-to-earth manner is part of what keeps him from being a Super-duperman that we just can't identify with.
There's also the fact that he habitually tackles things that are a little too big for him, whether they be assignments or foes or forces he taps to fuel his magic. The only assurance we have of a favorable outcome (since we can't even really trust first-person narratives) is that there's still another volume in the series.
So keep them coming, please, Jim Butcher. And don't do it quietly.
Extended review:
Among the Dresden Files novels I've read so far (this being the eleventh), I'd place Turn Coat toward the "best of" end of the scale.
There are interesting complexities and clashes of character, physical and political conflict,
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love and tenderness, compelling displays of treachery and loyalty, and a toweringly nasty adversary. There's a nice depiction of a mystical bond with place, and the development of Dresden's apprentice is turning out to be far less obnoxious than I had feared.As usual, the pacing is good, and as usual there are the deft phrases that slip by so easily that they almost seem like throwaway lines. Here's one (page 49): "His abs look like they were added in with CGI." And another (page 311): "Lara and her two sisters walked toward us, and they were good at it." The description that follows is so sensual that it's bound to affect the pulse rate, as does every description of Lara and her kin--without being repetitive; and that's a feat.
Yet somehow Butcher seems to have an absolutely blind eye to repetitions of another sort. For instance, I want to tell him not to use the word "quietly" ever again. It's not just that he uses it a whopping 87 times between the covers of this book (as counted by Amazon's Search Inside feature). It appears five times on one page--368--and three times more on the next two.
And that's not the only word he gets a run on (or the only volume marred by this overuse). People's eyes blink and eyebrows arch, and they chew lips, and they growl and snarl and howl things, as uninhibitedly as if they were auditioning for an operatic version of Charles Darwin's The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals.
I don't like it when people purr things all the time, either. It happens only nine times in this book; it just seems like more.
I do like the sly little allusions he slides in. For instance, he acknowledges just in passing--in a way that no one would notice who hadn't caught the error in the first place--the messed up quasi-German title of a book that appears in Dead Beat, title 7 of the series (so now we know that he does notice some feedback). He tosses in a plug for the authentic, non-Disneyfied versions of folktales. He spares a scornful sidelong glance at the well-known principle voiced by Arthur C. Clarke: "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic."
He also knows how to use "O" as opposed to "oh," says "lent" instead of "loaned," and respects a number of other subtleties of grammar and usage, even if his editor lets a lot of lapses with the subjunctive ("as if he was") pass without remediation.
Another nice aspect is the fact that Harry has helpers, people (and other entities) whom he can trust and who do have his back, people who actually save his life, just as he would do and has done for them. He's not a solo act. The fact that he allows himself to rely on others is not a weakness; it's part of his strength. He tells his apprentice, Molly:
Hell's bells, kid. I choose to trust [her] because that's what people do. You don't ever get to know for sure what someone thinks of you. What they really feel inside.... Even psychomancy doesn't give you everything. We aren't meant to know what's going on in there. That's what talking is for. That's what trust is for. (page 256)
Harry's down-to-earth manner is part of what keeps him from being a Super-duperman that we just can't identify with.
There's also the fact that he habitually tackles things that are a little too big for him, whether they be assignments or foes or forces he taps to fuel his magic. The only assurance we have of a favorable outcome (since we can't even really trust first-person narratives) is that there's still another volume in the series.
So keep them coming, please, Jim Butcher. And don't do it quietly.
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LibraryThing member randirousseau
I loved this book - very complicated, with lots going on and a lot of "pulling together" of different groups who typically have their own stories: The werewolves are all grown up, Murphy gets to act like a detective and not as much like human back-up, Thomas' life takes a turn, the Council has to
I liked that Morgan showed up on Harry's doorstep needing help - interesting twist, like even if nobody in the Wizard's Council (well, except McCoy) likes him, they all know he's very strong on investigation and has a well-developed sense of justice they never have before given him credit for. I'm very sad his love-interest went the way it did, but tragic heroes never do seem to get to find love, do they?
Just a really deep, action-packed rollercoaster ride, where some relationships change, some strengthen, and some shudder under impact. Good stuff!
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re-examine itself, good stuff!I liked that Morgan showed up on Harry's doorstep needing help - interesting twist, like even if nobody in the Wizard's Council (well, except McCoy) likes him, they all know he's very strong on investigation and has a well-developed sense of justice they never have before given him credit for. I'm very sad his love-interest went the way it did, but tragic heroes never do seem to get to find love, do they?
Just a really deep, action-packed rollercoaster ride, where some relationships change, some strengthen, and some shudder under impact. Good stuff!
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LibraryThing member mniday
Chicago's favorite wizard for hire, Harry Dresden, is back in Turn Coat, the eleventh novel of the very popular Dresden Files series. The action begins immediately when Warden Donald Morgan shows up on Harry's doorstep, gravely injured and apparently on the run from the White Council, the very
To make matters worse, Harry finds himself up against an ancient and powerful Skinwalker. The Skinwalker kidnaps Thomas Raith, Harry's vampire half brother, and offers a trade for Warden Morgan. Harry enlists the aid of Molly Carpenter, his "padawan", Toot Toot, the White Court of vampires, a pack of werewolves, another private investigator, and the White Council in an attempt to overcome the Skinwalker, prove Morgan's innocence, uncover the real murderer, and prove the existence of a Black Council. All in a day's work for Harry Dresden.
I believe this is the best book in the series. The story is thrown at you on page one, and it flows flawlessly to the last page of the book. There is plenty of action throughout and the pages flew by for me. I enjoyed getting a closer look at the White Court of vampires and how they operate. I also enjoyed the back story of Harry's involvement with Anastasia Luccio, the Captain of the Wardens.
Being told from Harry's point of view really gives the novels that personal connection with the reader. Harry Dresden is the hero, but he has flaws. Harry has to work hard to save the day. His self-deprecating and sarcastic personality endear him to us even more. Such lines as "Sometimes irony is a lot like a big old kick in the balls" will stick with us long after reading the book.
I recommend this book to those who enjoy fantasy/dark fantasy/urban fantasy novels. It's hard to lump the Dresden Files series into just one genre. Since this is the eleventh book in the series, you might be able to follow the story without having read the previous ten books, but you will get so much more out of it if you have. Now that I'm finished, I can't wait for the next installment tentatively set for April of 2010.
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organization that tasked Morgan to keep a watchful eye on Harry. Not able to help himself, Harry agrees to help Morgan find the real killer of councilman LaFortier and clear his name.To make matters worse, Harry finds himself up against an ancient and powerful Skinwalker. The Skinwalker kidnaps Thomas Raith, Harry's vampire half brother, and offers a trade for Warden Morgan. Harry enlists the aid of Molly Carpenter, his "padawan", Toot Toot, the White Court of vampires, a pack of werewolves, another private investigator, and the White Council in an attempt to overcome the Skinwalker, prove Morgan's innocence, uncover the real murderer, and prove the existence of a Black Council. All in a day's work for Harry Dresden.
I believe this is the best book in the series. The story is thrown at you on page one, and it flows flawlessly to the last page of the book. There is plenty of action throughout and the pages flew by for me. I enjoyed getting a closer look at the White Court of vampires and how they operate. I also enjoyed the back story of Harry's involvement with Anastasia Luccio, the Captain of the Wardens.
Being told from Harry's point of view really gives the novels that personal connection with the reader. Harry Dresden is the hero, but he has flaws. Harry has to work hard to save the day. His self-deprecating and sarcastic personality endear him to us even more. Such lines as "Sometimes irony is a lot like a big old kick in the balls" will stick with us long after reading the book.
I recommend this book to those who enjoy fantasy/dark fantasy/urban fantasy novels. It's hard to lump the Dresden Files series into just one genre. Since this is the eleventh book in the series, you might be able to follow the story without having read the previous ten books, but you will get so much more out of it if you have. Now that I'm finished, I can't wait for the next installment tentatively set for April of 2010.
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LibraryThing member usagi
Best book of the series. Butcher's writing really matured in this volume. Fast paced with the usual wicked sense of humor. High stakes, and Harry's perpetual underdog status is artfully balanced against his growing power. Not the place to come into the series though. Check out at least FOOL MOON,
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SUMMER KNIGHT, and DEAD BEAT before jumping in here (but really you'll probably either not care for the series or you'll engage with the characters and want to read and reread the whole thing). Show Less
LibraryThing member edstan76
Read the book straight through. Not quite as good as small favor but damm he knows how to write a book. We found out a little info on the possible Black Council and a bit about his Mother. Now just have to wait a year for the next one.
LibraryThing member timothyl33
Book 11. Just think of it. Jim Butcher has written eleven books in The Dresden Files, and according to him, this is only halfway. Not too many authors are skilled enough to create a series that's so immersive, much as less be lucky enough to keep the series going on strong up to its tenth release.
I was getting worried for awhile as I felt that the series peaked with Dead Beat, as the following three novels were not as dense, nor quite as engaging, as the seventh book (come on! he rode a freaking Tyrannosaurs Rex!) but I'm happy to say that Turn Coat was a long page turner that kept me up past midnight until I reached the last page.
What can I say? After reaching the halfway mark it seems that Butcher is finally hitting us with full force (Fozare!) and definitely not pulling any of his punches on his characters as the series reaches a point of consequence with so much change happening to several of the principle characters. In addition, we're finally given something concrete that has always been treated as a shadowy side note until now, The Black Council.
My only frustration is that I'll probably have to wait another year for the next book in the series to be released. Ugh... I can't wait that long!
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It's hard to believe sometimes that The Dresden Files is his first series, with Book One being his debut title. I was getting worried for awhile as I felt that the series peaked with Dead Beat, as the following three novels were not as dense, nor quite as engaging, as the seventh book (come on! he rode a freaking Tyrannosaurs Rex!) but I'm happy to say that Turn Coat was a long page turner that kept me up past midnight until I reached the last page.
What can I say? After reaching the halfway mark it seems that Butcher is finally hitting us with full force (Fozare!) and definitely not pulling any of his punches on his characters as the series reaches a point of consequence with so much change happening to several of the principle characters. In addition, we're finally given something concrete that has always been treated as a shadowy side note until now, The Black Council.
My only frustration is that I'll probably have to wait another year for the next book in the series to be released. Ugh... I can't wait that long!
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LibraryThing member jshillingford
I was disappointed in the last book because I felt as though Harry was no longer a step ahead of his enemies through ingenuity and perseverance, he was getting his butt kicked. I was disappointed in the last book because I felt as though Harry was no longer a step ahead of his enemies through
Morgan shows up on Harry's doorstep gravely wounded and on the run. He's been accused of murdering a senior council member. Harry knows it's a frame, and reluctantly agrees to help (it's hell to have a conscience). But, he only has 36 hours to discover the traitor before Morgan is caught and executed.
What I didn't like: The last book frustrated me because Harry has so many insurmountable enemies (Fallen, Vampires, Winter/Summer and Black Council) now that it seems ridiculous that he's still alive. And within the first few chapters, Harry gets another one! A Native American skinwalker (read evil demigod) wants Morgan too. The "demon of the week" plotlines worked in the first several books, but we now have multiple, powerful, political factions with developed conspiracies that I felt this was just one more thing to beat up Harry. I like the high level of action in the books, but battle after battle of Harry getting slammed and friends dead or wounded is not fun - especially when it doesn't advance the plot. Butcher is known for the trademark humor in these novels, but it has become eclipsed by the downright depressing story. The only real purpose I could see for this new enemy impacted characters, not plot, and I didn't like how (Thomas is my favorite character and I do not like where he ended here). One tiny redeeming bit - Butcher does hint that all of these factions could be orchestrated by one villain.
What I did Enjoy: The second half of the book is high adrenaline, and Harry makes some smart moves and fights courageously. Harry also earns respect from some of the senior council members! Though politics trumps the truth in the end, readers and the council see just how intelligent, innovative and gifted Harry is. Butcher drops some cool hints about the island in the middle of the lake (where the battle for the archive took place) and the spirit that resides there. Though the plots have been depressing, Harry's humor and smart mouth is still there and he carries his torch for justice just as high. The action took on a new dimension as senior council members were directly involved. Harry has talked about how powerful they are, but we get to see the evidence firsthand right alongside him. One redeeming point for the skinwalker was the throwdown with him at the end - that alone made the book worth reading! Also, Harry forges an alliance at the end that will certainly impact the story and provide him some support.
Overall, the book was better than the last, and enough progress made to set Harry up in a productive way vis a vis the mystery. I'm eager for the next book.
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ingenuity and perseverance, he was getting his butt kicked. When I saw that the plot of Turn Coat would focus on the White Council traitor, I was excited. Finally! One of his enemies would be revealed and maybe a plotline resolved. Sadly, it wasn't so. However, enough progress was made that the book was an improvement on the last one but not as good as "Dead Beat" or "Proven Guilty." Morgan shows up on Harry's doorstep gravely wounded and on the run. He's been accused of murdering a senior council member. Harry knows it's a frame, and reluctantly agrees to help (it's hell to have a conscience). But, he only has 36 hours to discover the traitor before Morgan is caught and executed.
What I didn't like: The last book frustrated me because Harry has so many insurmountable enemies (Fallen, Vampires, Winter/Summer and Black Council) now that it seems ridiculous that he's still alive. And within the first few chapters, Harry gets another one! A Native American skinwalker (read evil demigod) wants Morgan too. The "demon of the week" plotlines worked in the first several books, but we now have multiple, powerful, political factions with developed conspiracies that I felt this was just one more thing to beat up Harry. I like the high level of action in the books, but battle after battle of Harry getting slammed and friends dead or wounded is not fun - especially when it doesn't advance the plot. Butcher is known for the trademark humor in these novels, but it has become eclipsed by the downright depressing story. The only real purpose I could see for this new enemy impacted characters, not plot, and I didn't like how (Thomas is my favorite character and I do not like where he ended here). One tiny redeeming bit - Butcher does hint that all of these factions could be orchestrated by one villain.
What I did Enjoy: The second half of the book is high adrenaline, and Harry makes some smart moves and fights courageously. Harry also earns respect from some of the senior council members! Though politics trumps the truth in the end, readers and the council see just how intelligent, innovative and gifted Harry is. Butcher drops some cool hints about the island in the middle of the lake (where the battle for the archive took place) and the spirit that resides there. Though the plots have been depressing, Harry's humor and smart mouth is still there and he carries his torch for justice just as high. The action took on a new dimension as senior council members were directly involved. Harry has talked about how powerful they are, but we get to see the evidence firsthand right alongside him. One redeeming point for the skinwalker was the throwdown with him at the end - that alone made the book worth reading! Also, Harry forges an alliance at the end that will certainly impact the story and provide him some support.
Overall, the book was better than the last, and enough progress made to set Harry up in a productive way vis a vis the mystery. I'm eager for the next book.
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LibraryThing member DonnerLibrary
In Turn Coat, the eleventh book of The Dresden Files, Harry Dresden, wizard, is once again battling dark forces to save the lives of innocents... and his own. Donald Morgan, Warden of the White Council, stands accused of murdering a senior member of the Council. Despite his long standing distrust
Turn Coat keeps the action moving and increases the political intrigue while providing some comic moments via Dresden's inability to control his smart remarks as people repeatedly threaten him. Harry is again surrounded by familiar friends and allies - Murphy, Thomas, Molly, and Mouse all take center stage at various points in the book. Although Harry has been hardened by the events over the years covered in the books, he has grown considerably. He is now able to connect seemingly isolated events together to form a larger picture and he has realized that, as much as he hates putting his friends in danger, he does need help to prevent the crazies from killing more people.
Each book in The Dresden Files keeps getting better as the reader is able to see the development in the larger situation and the growth in Harry's character. The relationships between characters grow stronger as well as they learn more about each other and face deadly situations together where they are forced to rely on each other for survival. I can't wait to read the next book in the series, Changes, which is due out in April of 2010.
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of Dresden, Morgan feels forced to turn to Dresden for help in proving his innocence and exposing a traitor within the White Council. As with the previous books in this series, nothing is exactly as it appears and Harri is generally struggling to fit all the pieces together while keeping at least one step ahead of those trying to kill him.Turn Coat keeps the action moving and increases the political intrigue while providing some comic moments via Dresden's inability to control his smart remarks as people repeatedly threaten him. Harry is again surrounded by familiar friends and allies - Murphy, Thomas, Molly, and Mouse all take center stage at various points in the book. Although Harry has been hardened by the events over the years covered in the books, he has grown considerably. He is now able to connect seemingly isolated events together to form a larger picture and he has realized that, as much as he hates putting his friends in danger, he does need help to prevent the crazies from killing more people.
Each book in The Dresden Files keeps getting better as the reader is able to see the development in the larger situation and the growth in Harry's character. The relationships between characters grow stronger as well as they learn more about each other and face deadly situations together where they are forced to rely on each other for survival. I can't wait to read the next book in the series, Changes, which is due out in April of 2010.
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LibraryThing member MrsLee
Harry is getting closer to the truth of who is behind the Black Council. This book is full of suspense, along with heartwarming moments and spine tingling chills. I stayed up until 3am reading it, on a night when I had to go to work the next day. This is not cool Mr. Butcher, I will refer my
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manager to you when my performance lacks coherency. Show Less
LibraryThing member etimme
This book fell flat for me. There has been incredible momentum building since Book 3, and Butcher left SO MANY threads open following Book 10 that getting essentially a monster-of-the-week story felt both inappropriate and out of place. I expect that when the 12th book comes out next April we'll be
For all the plot threads opened in Book 10 (Michael retiring his sword, Nicodemus possibly dead, Denarians getting on the bad side of Ivy + Kincaid, Thorned Namshiel presumably Black Council AND his coin going missing, Tessa absconding with a bag of Denari, Marcone alive and maybe angry) all we get are more questions (meaning of the island and Demonreach, Thomas evil again, Harry's headaches - Lash returning?) and Butcher closing down Harry's romance and killing the annoyingly righteous Warden Morgan. Oh, and basically one measly use of soulfire to strangle a skinwalker.
Also, after being out of the action in Book 10 Mouse is relegated to being a babysitter in Book 11, with a small gig as an infallible witness in a White Council hearing - I want to the Foo dog out of the house and mauling baddies!
11 months to go until book 12 =(
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able to appreciate this as a book that did the difficult job of bringing the Black Council plot into the open for the Wizarding world, but for now I'm just frustrated!For all the plot threads opened in Book 10 (Michael retiring his sword, Nicodemus possibly dead, Denarians getting on the bad side of Ivy + Kincaid, Thorned Namshiel presumably Black Council AND his coin going missing, Tessa absconding with a bag of Denari, Marcone alive and maybe angry) all we get are more questions (meaning of the island and Demonreach, Thomas evil again, Harry's headaches - Lash returning?) and Butcher closing down Harry's romance and killing the annoyingly righteous Warden Morgan. Oh, and basically one measly use of soulfire to strangle a skinwalker.
Also, after being out of the action in Book 10 Mouse is relegated to being a babysitter in Book 11, with a small gig as an infallible witness in a White Council hearing - I want to the Foo dog out of the house and mauling baddies!
11 months to go until book 12 =(
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LibraryThing member quiBee
Morgan, the enforcer for the White Council, comes to Harry to ask for help to find whoever has accused him of being responsible for murder a senior wizard of the Council. This gives Harry the chance to investigate the machinations of the 'Black Council', which is not supposed to exist.
A very
A very
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powerful supernatural creature gets involved in this battle, as well as White Court renegades, and Harry is tested to the limit. Show Less
LibraryThing member Jenson_AKA_DL
In round 11 of the Harry Dresden series we get Dresden vs. Skinwalker...the crowd goes wild! he, he.
Amazingly Butcher has managed to turn out another fresh story of this wonderful urban fantasy series. Here we get to see Harry return a bit to his investigative roots, using them to find a traitor on
I thought that this book dealt out an even darker plot and resolution than the rest of the series. This led an edge that had me worrying that some of my favorite characters might not come out of it alive. It certainly makes for suspenseful reading! Now that I've caught up on the series I'm now doomed to wait around with everyone else for the next epic Dresden tale, I hope it doesn't take too long :-)
Amazingly Butcher has managed to turn out another fresh story of this wonderful urban fantasy series. Here we get to see Harry return a bit to his investigative roots, using them to find a traitor on
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the White Counsel who has framed Morgan for the murder of a fellow wizard. The problem is that this turn coat has managed to enlist some really heavy hitting supernatural power, primarily in the form of the legendary Skinwalker.I thought that this book dealt out an even darker plot and resolution than the rest of the series. This led an edge that had me worrying that some of my favorite characters might not come out of it alive. It certainly makes for suspenseful reading! Now that I've caught up on the series I'm now doomed to wait around with everyone else for the next epic Dresden tale, I hope it doesn't take too long :-)
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LibraryThing member krau0098
Wow I can't believe this is already the 11th book in the Dresden Files series. It's amazing how great these books are and this one doesn't disappoint.
When Morgan turns up almost dead on Harry's doorstep, Harry doesn't know what to think. I mean of all the people to come to for help, why would
This book was excellent and is on par with all the other books of the Dresden series. Action is non-stop, Harry has the stuffing kicked out of him (like usual), and things come to a head with mysterious unacknowledged Black Council. The characters are awesome, the fight scenes fantastic, and the plot complex and interesting. The overall aspects of this story are nicely wrapped up but the mystery around the overall story arc involving the Black Council are still developing at the end of the book. The biting sense of humor that these books are famous for is still there and help to make the books amusing and break up the tension a bit.
Thomas and Molly are in this book quite a bit as are the rest of the White Vampires. You learn quite a bit more about Thomas's family. Michael is conspicuously absent as are the Fallen.
This is a great book and I am disappointed I am finished with it; I am already looking forward to the next book. The next book is supposed to be entitled "Changes" and is scheduled to release April 2010. So far I know Orbit has purchased Dresden books 12 and 13; whether there will be more books after that point I don't know.
When Morgan turns up almost dead on Harry's doorstep, Harry doesn't know what to think. I mean of all the people to come to for help, why would
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Morgan chose him? Morgan has been accused of murdering a member of the White Council and Harry knows Morgan didn't do it. Morgan has been able to lead the White Council on a wild goose chase but that will only last for another 48 hours. So Harry has 48 hours to find out who did frame Morgan; after all if Morgan can be wrongly accused how long will it take someone to accuse Harry of murder given his shady past with the Council? Things get more difficult when Harry is attacked by an ancient and evil shapeshifter. All you can do is hold your breath and go along for the ride as questions spin through your head: Will Harry clear Morgan? Will the Black Council finally be recognized as an entity and the Wizards Council torn apart?This book was excellent and is on par with all the other books of the Dresden series. Action is non-stop, Harry has the stuffing kicked out of him (like usual), and things come to a head with mysterious unacknowledged Black Council. The characters are awesome, the fight scenes fantastic, and the plot complex and interesting. The overall aspects of this story are nicely wrapped up but the mystery around the overall story arc involving the Black Council are still developing at the end of the book. The biting sense of humor that these books are famous for is still there and help to make the books amusing and break up the tension a bit.
Thomas and Molly are in this book quite a bit as are the rest of the White Vampires. You learn quite a bit more about Thomas's family. Michael is conspicuously absent as are the Fallen.
This is a great book and I am disappointed I am finished with it; I am already looking forward to the next book. The next book is supposed to be entitled "Changes" and is scheduled to release April 2010. So far I know Orbit has purchased Dresden books 12 and 13; whether there will be more books after that point I don't know.
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LibraryThing member damsel58
This is a return to an older style of Harry--a little more investigative, and little less non-stop action. This story entagles Harry a little more firmly in the wizarding world than he has been up to this point. Until now, other wizards were side characters who were generally used to make Harry
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sneakier about whatever it is he needs to do. While the same case can definately be made in the book, it also started to flesh them out a bit more in their own right and instead of being the main foils, politics actually are, and by the end of the book, it looks like Harry has finally decided that his responsibilities extend beyond Chicago. Show Less
LibraryThing member Alera
The one person in the entire world who has always treated you with absolute disdain shows up at your door broken, bleeding, and begging for help. For most, a day isn't going to get much worse than that. For Harry Dresden, it is just the beginning. This novel, like the others in the series, is full
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of twists and turns, unexpected betrayals, even more unexpected alliances, with more than a touch of the supernatural thrown in. Old favorites return, and finally we get an actual glance at the Black Council. Excellent read. I cannot praise Jim Butcher enough. He never fails to make me both laugh and cry. Show Less
LibraryThing member AnnieMod
Turn Coat by Jim Butcher is the 11th book in the Fantasy series The Dresden Files. Somehow this series remains strong even after so many volumes. Which is not a bad thing considering that this is one of my favorite series. But back to the book. Harry manages to get himself in the middle of the
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biggest possible mess (again) when Morgan (yes, the same Morgan that was always around to chop Harry's head if he missteps) shows up on his door, hiding from he White Council. In case you had not read the novels or cannot make the connection - Morgan IS the White Council in some ways. But this time he is convicted for killing another member of the White Council - and not just any one of them but a Senior member. And Harry decides to help (which is not surprising - this is Harry after all). The White Court shows up a lot, working with Harry for a change and almost everyone tries to figure out who had framed Morgan. the rest just want to find and execute him. By the end of the book, the Black Council is still a secret (and most of the big guys still claim that there is no such thing as a Black Council... so some other ones start thinking about a Grey one...), a major character in the book dies, another one is so changed that in some ways is better to be dead and the Blue Beetle is still up and running - even if it spends most of the book towed by the police. So now starts the big waiting for the next book.... Show Less
LibraryThing member reigners
I love Harry Dresden. Really I do. I thought I would just warn you.
Jim Butcher is one of my favorite authors. I'm really glad he writes in the genre I prefer, because without him it would all seem the same. Each character he writes seems truly different, and not like the same voice repeatedly.
In this Dresden outing, I will admit to feeling a bit confused at times. All the politics of all the courts and councils can get overwhelming. I also felt conflicted about how I should feel about Morgan, but that could have very well been the point. I want Molly to have more of a presence in the stories. I want Harry to truly find someone. But then if I got everything I wanted, there wouldn't be much else to write about.
Jim Butcher is one of my favorite authors. I'm really glad he writes in the genre I prefer, because without him it would all seem the same. Each character he writes seems truly different, and not like the same voice repeatedly.
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They have their own personalities, their own language, their own quirks. I find this exceedingly rare. In this Dresden outing, I will admit to feeling a bit confused at times. All the politics of all the courts and councils can get overwhelming. I also felt conflicted about how I should feel about Morgan, but that could have very well been the point. I want Molly to have more of a presence in the stories. I want Harry to truly find someone. But then if I got everything I wanted, there wouldn't be much else to write about.
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LibraryThing member TadAD
In Turn Coat I get exactly what I asked for after reading Small Favors: the sense of marking time while the characters change directions is gone as Harry & Company start to deal with the Black Council. For those familiar with the series, it starts with an interesting hook: Morgan shows up at
It was fairly easy to pick out both the Who of the traitor (and even some of the How) early in the book but it didn't really matter. The story has plenty of action as Harry tries to fight the usual passel of minor bad guys plus a nightmare from Native American mythology while trying to stay ahead of the Wardens and keep Morgan alive. Harry's love life heads for the shoals again but I'm becoming resigned to this...I guess it's just part of the whole hard-boiled detective thing along with the trenchcoat and smart mouth.
Unlike his Codex Alera series, which definitely feels like there is an end in sight, the Dresden books feel like they will be around for many episodes. I think this is a good thing.
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Harry's door claiming Wardens are hunting him down for something he didn't do. For those not familiar with the series, let's just say this is complete role reversal. I also got my wish of seeing more of Thomas and less of Murphy for a while (did Mr. Butcher somehow read my comments?).It was fairly easy to pick out both the Who of the traitor (and even some of the How) early in the book but it didn't really matter. The story has plenty of action as Harry tries to fight the usual passel of minor bad guys plus a nightmare from Native American mythology while trying to stay ahead of the Wardens and keep Morgan alive. Harry's love life heads for the shoals again but I'm becoming resigned to this...I guess it's just part of the whole hard-boiled detective thing along with the trenchcoat and smart mouth.
Unlike his Codex Alera series, which definitely feels like there is an end in sight, the Dresden books feel like they will be around for many episodes. I think this is a good thing.
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LibraryThing member TheDivineOomba
I love Dresdan Files, and this is an excellent addition to the series. We finally get to see some White Council action, and the start of a hunt for the traitors in the white council, the ones who are setting all the evil plots in Chicago since the pretty much beginning. I liked the plot, it wasn't
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overdone as it has been in some of the books, Dresdan was up to Par, and Morgan was a perfect character. Show Less
LibraryThing member riverwillow
Another great addition to to the Dresden Files. Morgan arrives on Harry's doorstep asking for help as the White Council are after him and relunctantly Harry agrees to help. One of the things that I love is that where another author would use this as an opportunity for a sentimental new friendship
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Butcher continues the very believable antagonism between these two characters as they try and find the traitor in the White Council. This series just keeps getting better and better. Show Less
LibraryThing member shadiphoenix
Though I know that everyone and their mother's uncle will be reviewing this, I thought I'd give it a whirl. I think this might be one of my favorites in terms of the development and maturation of the characters and the unraveling plot. And I love anything to do with Toot-Toot and the Za-Lord's
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Army. We see more of Molly and Harry's trials with her and her control (you have to wonder at times if he thinks about what Ebenezer went through with him, when faced with Molly's insecurities and flaming temper. We also learn more about Harry mother and truly get to see some of the larger fight that Harry is a part of. This is definitely a book all grown-up and understanding of what the world can do to a person. Three cheers for Jim Butcher!!! Show Less
LibraryThing member Artur
This book is a strong entry into the Dresden series, with an involving plot and a great deal of action to satisfy readers. However, much of the book seemed to be taken up in laying foundation for future stories, rather than focusing on this one. There is a great deal of material in this book that
If one can get past this seeding for the future of the series, and the lack of satisfaction in answering many questions brought up in the book, it is a generally good read.
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will be used for other episodes in the series, but that interferes somewhat with the enjoyment of this one.If one can get past this seeding for the future of the series, and the lack of satisfaction in answering many questions brought up in the book, it is a generally good read.
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LibraryThing member Queensowntalia
Another outstanding Harry Dresden novel from Mr. Butcher.
In it, Warden Morgan staggers to Harry's doorstep, on the lam and terribly wounded. The White council thinks he's a criminal ... but he claims otherwise, and Harry believes him.
Like most of the Dresden books, this is a super-quick read. At
'Turn Coat' provides readers with a bit more insight into the drama unfolding in the White council, which offers some hints as to how the series might shape itself over the next nine books. In addition to that, Harry has to deal with a big, bad, megamonster straight out of Native American mythology. And it's got half a brain! The conflicts with that one are fun to read about.
The end offers high drama as well, with a deliciously climactic scene of the type Butcher is so handly adept at. A satisfying ending, I felt, and a reasonable wrapping up (as much as possible) of events.
Kudos to Butcher for another fine job done
In it, Warden Morgan staggers to Harry's doorstep, on the lam and terribly wounded. The White council thinks he's a criminal ... but he claims otherwise, and Harry believes him.
Like most of the Dresden books, this is a super-quick read. At
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first I found myself annoyed with it, tired of certain tropes which Butcher repeatedly abuses in the series. His characters tend to be a bit too cutesy, answers a bit too pat. After a few pages, however, I found myself caught up in the adventure and my objections flew out the window. 'Turn Coat' provides readers with a bit more insight into the drama unfolding in the White council, which offers some hints as to how the series might shape itself over the next nine books. In addition to that, Harry has to deal with a big, bad, megamonster straight out of Native American mythology. And it's got half a brain! The conflicts with that one are fun to read about.
The end offers high drama as well, with a deliciously climactic scene of the type Butcher is so handly adept at. A satisfying ending, I felt, and a reasonable wrapping up (as much as possible) of events.
Kudos to Butcher for another fine job done
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LibraryThing member dswaddell
Dresden is once again dragged into the intriques of the white council with the his own life as well of the the lives of most of his friends in the balance. A very quick and enjoyable read and as always hard to put down.
LibraryThing member EowynA
Book 11 of the Harry Dresden series. Lots of good action, I figured out the turn coat fairly early on, but he does a masterful job of keeping the characters and situations piling up.
Harry Dresden, wizard and Warden, opens the door one morning to find his Warden nemesis, Morgan, half dead on the
An enjoyable book - but not one of the top members of this series, which sets the bar very high, indeed. I give it 4 stars out of 5.
Harry Dresden, wizard and Warden, opens the door one morning to find his Warden nemesis, Morgan, half dead on the
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doorstep, asking for his help. This is the person who has hounded Harry most of his life - and he's asking for help. He's clearly in bad shape, and the White Council of wizards is looking for him in connection with the death of one of the Council members. Harry gets help from his apprentice, Molly, his dog Mouse, the police detective Murphy, the pixie Toot, and misc. other friends. An enjoyable book - but not one of the top members of this series, which sets the bar very high, indeed. I give it 4 stars out of 5.
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Awards
RUSA CODES Reading List (Shortlist — Fantasy — 2010)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2009-04-07
Physical description
576 p.; 4.25 inches
ISBN
0451462815 / 9780451462817