Red-Haired Ash Reads

A Restoration of Faith
Dresden Files #0.2
3 stars – I liked it

This was a short introduction to Harry Dresden and this world. Harry is working to get his license so he can open his own business. He is working a missing persons case with Nick and while he finds the girl, her parents have turned on them. I really enjoyed this brief introduction to this world because it introduces us to Nick and Officer Murphy. I really like that we get to see how Murphy and Harry met. 

Vignette
Dresden Files #5.5
3 stars – I liked it

A very short scene with Harry and Bob arguing about what his advertisement in the yellow pages should say.

Something Borrowed
Dresden Files #7.5
3 stars – I liked it

This was a short story focusing on Billy and Georgia, the werewolves. They are attempting to get married but of course the fae decides it’s time to use them to get back at Dresden. I enjoyed this one because I like the wolves and am glad we got more stories focused on them. Another thing about this story that I enjoyed is just seeing Harry actually make time for his friends and be there for them. He has a bad habit of pushing people away sometimes. 

It’s My Birthday, Too
Dresden Files #9.1
4 stars – It was really good

This was an action packed little story that featured Harry just wanting to celebrate his brother’s birthday but ended up dealing with Black Court Vampires, in a mall of all places too. I enjoyed this one. It was nice seeing Harry and Thomas work together to fight enemies. Also I like seeing how their relationship has progressed since they both struggle sometimes with actually opening up to each other. 

Heorot
Dresden Files #9.2
3 stars – I liked it

This was an interesting short story featuring Harry working with Gard, Marcone’s security guard, to bring down a descendant of Grendel. Honestly, I don’t remember Miss Gard at all, but she ended up being really cool in this. Also it’s cool to learn about more kinds of warriors and the creatures they fight in this universe. 

Day Off
Dresden Files #10.1
4 stars – It was really good

Harry finally has a day off and plans to spend it with Anastasia but instead he ends up taking care of his friends. This was an enjoyable one because it showed more of everyday life for Harry. Also I loved that Harry is playing DND and arguing semantics about magic. 

Backup
Dresden Files #10.4
3 stars – I liked it

I love that we finally got a story from Thomas’ POV. This really changed my perspective on him because it shows how hard he hides his demon and how often he is probably helping Harry behind the scenes. I want more Thomas stories now. 

The Warrior
The Dresden Files #10.3
4 stars – It was really good

This was a great little story that shows how Michael and the Carpenter family are after Michael was injured a year ago. I enjoyed this because it shows a different side of Michael – the Dad. I liked how protective he was of his children and that he was the one who had to be talked down from violence. Overall a very good short story that brought a different perspective to the world. Also I love Harry’s interaction with the angel at the end. 

TW: gun and bomb violence; attempted murder; child abduction; 

Last Call
Dresden Files #10.4
3 stars – I liked it

In this Harry just wants to get a beer but ends up hunting down caskets of enchanted beer. It was a short and interesting story. 

Love Hurts
Dresden Files #11.5
3 stars – I liked it

This was an interesting story because it involved love magic being done on people and it unfortunately led to three cases of death. Harry ends up working with Murphy to track down who is behind it which leads to a carnival. I enjoyed this and how they eventually found the culprit and stopped them. I am also glad that Harry and Murphy didn’t end up together because of the magic because it probably would have ruined their friendship. 

Aftermath
Dresden Files #12.1
4 stars – It was really good

Takes place about two hours after the end of Changes. 

This story is told from Karen Murphy pov. She is looking into what happened to Dresden but ends up helping Will locate his kidnapped wife. This leads to a string of paranormals being taken and Murphy and Will taking on a fomor group without the help of magic.

It’s great getting another story from Murphy’s pov. I love that we are seeing his friends band together to take care of his city, even if they don’t have magic. I am still really interested in finding out what is happening with Harry. 

TW: grief; PTSD and nightmares; kidnapping; trafficking 

---

Goodreads | The StoryGraph | Amazon | Bookshop

---

Previous books and reviews for the series:

#1. Storm Front
#2. Fool Moon
#3. Grave Peril
#4. Summer Knight
#5. Death Masks
#6. Blood Rites
#7. Dead Beat
#8. Proven Guilty
#9. White Night
#10. Small Favor
#11. Turn Coat
#12. Changes