This book has an awesome opening. Harry informs the reader that a building is on fire and it isn't his fault. The line is both hilarious and makes the reader want to...well...read. Our bumbling genius of a character really likes using fire. That might be one of the reasons I like him.
In this book we learn a lot more about the White Court. We get a first hand glimpse of how they handle power struggles and also their weaknesses. The power struggle within the Raith family becomes a big part of the book. I'm glad that the power struggle is not decided easily and has some nasty consequences for a few characters.
Harry starts to wonder about why people react to family matters differently than others. Which means this book also focuses on his mother. We find out more about who she was and the circumstances around her death. She becomes less of a clean figure but still a heroic woman.
Mouse is introduced in Blood Rites, though he isn't given a name until the very end of the book. I couldn't remember when he appeared and was really anticipating his appearance. Of course he had to be the only puppy that Harry identified with a unique physical feature. Mouse is very protective of Harry and made the decision to stay with him.
Karrin Murphy finds out her sister is dating one of her ex-husbands. He didn't like when she did better than him. He wanted a wife who stayed at home, probably because of his need to 'feel like a man'. While it's good he found himself a future wife that satisfies him, it's really messed up that her sister decided to get with him. It's messed up that her sister mocks her for not being a stereotypical woman. It's messed up that no one told Karrin about her sister's engagement. It's messed up that we're supposed to like Karrin's mother who did nothing on her daughter's behalf. Mothers and fathers are perfectly capable of being villains. Trust me.
Speaking of Murphy...Harry clearly shows he wants to be more than just friends with her. She is even opening up more to him like a friend instead of a co-worker. I really want her to get with Harry.
Remember Lasciel's coin? Well it has an affect on the story while not actually appearing. Again I can't help but think how poorly Lasciel was set up as a villain. Harry never told Micheal Carpenter about the coin which doesn't make sense. Unless we look at the series as wanting to slowly build up tension until her reveal. Because good drama is accomplished when nothing makes sense.
I would recommend Blood Rites by Jim Butcher to fans of The Dresden Files series and lovers of urban fantasy.
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