Changes (Mini-Review)

Changes is the twelfth book in Jim Butcher's The Dresden Files series. Harry Dresden is shocked to find out that he had a child with Susan Rodriquez. He is then horrified to learn that his daughter has been captured by the vampires of the Red Court. So he has no other choice than to rescue her. But what cost will Harry end up paying?

Harry Dresden gets three women to choose from. I mean...he's sexy but having three women that want him in one book just seems excessive for this series. The first is Susan Rodriquez who he had a great relationship with and is the mother of his child. But she has to keep in constant control of her emotions or else she runs the risk of turning into a full fledged member of the Red Court. So being involved with someone isn't something she can do and Harry knows that. Then there is Molly Carpenter who still has feelings for her mentor. In past books while Harry has denied interest in being with her, there have been some descriptions and dialogue that show otherwise. But he's known her since she was little. Finally there is Karrin Murphy who is both age appropriate and without any supernatural issues. And while she has denied a relationship with him in the past, they sure have chemistry with each other. So what pairing was I rooting for? All of them.

Each book in this series seems to be competing for the saddest ending ever. This one has another revelation about Harry's family tree and the fact he does have another relative still alive. Then there is what happens to Harry and Susan's relationship in this book. Oh, and this book ends on a killer cliffhanger.

In the previous book Thomas Raith realized that he could no longer deny what he was. For so many books he had been trying to live more as a human than a vampire. Due to that he was disowned by House Raith. It was heartbreaking as it felt like he had given up and yet isn't it worse to deny what you are? Isn't it worse to live a lie? This book shows how he is adapting to living life fully as a White Court vampire. He is still the same old cocky Thomas and even seems to be much happier than before.

One of the most shocking parts of this book was when Harry's apartment is destroyed. A pair of vampires had been sent to kill him, hence targeting his apartment. Since he is the hero of the story, he of course makes sure that no one else in the vicinity is killed. This is actually interesting as we've never seen exactly who he rents from or who else lives by him. The interactions are really amusing so even with all the destruction happening, I was never too overwhelmed by what was going on.

Have you ever wondered why no one has teleported in Harry's basement? This book answers that question. Turns out the Nevernever in his basement is more than a little deadly. Why does he decide to risk opening a portal to the Nevernever? Times have gotten rough and he has to hide weapons from mortal authorities. And it isn't like the FBI knows magic.

I would recommend Changes by Jim Butcher to fans of The Dresden Files series. I would also recommend Changes to fans of urban fantasy and mystery.