Welcome to my weekly feature that focuses on audiobooks. It’s time to…
Audiobook review: Dresden Files Series
Book: Blood Rites
Author: Jim Butcher
Narrator: James Marsters
Audio Speed: 1.25x
Series: Dresden Files #6
Genre: Urban Fantasy / Mystery
Source: purchased
Blood Rites
Listening to Blood Rites, the sixth Dresden Files story, I found myself in a comfortable spot and enjoying Harry Dresden’s adventures. Jim Butcher knows what works, making each story engaging and unique, but familiar and enjoyable. This time around, Harry agrees to help the sometimes friendly, yet always dangerous, White Court Vampire, Thomas Wraith. The fact that it’s a job protecting a producer of pornographic movies and his crew creates all sorts of humorous opportunities. Along the way, Harry also learns that Mauvre and her Black Court goons are in town to kill Harry.
I absolutely enjoyed Blood Rites. Once again, the author pulls together the ideal balance between mystery solving and paranormal hi-jinx and danger. Harry must logically work through the clues to discover who is behind the attacks on his client, as well as employ his magic to protect himself and those around him. There are several new characters added into the mix, but this is balanced by a few familiar characters having significant roles throughout the story.
While each book in the Dresden Files has some great twists and reveals, I feel that the one in Blood Rites is by far the best yet. I. Did. Not. See. It. Coming! And I love that it didn’t come across as contrived or forced. Mr. Butcher created a whole new aspect of Harry that I look forward to exploring in future titles.
If you have been following my reviews of the Dresden Files, you know how much I love the performances by James Marsters. His work as the narrator is utterly sublime. He is able to put me right into Dresden’s head, yet expertly alters his tone and cadence to fit each of the supporting characters. His work on the series is phenomenal.
Blood Rites is another wonderful adventure in the Dresden Files series. Each book builds upon the previous title, allowing Harry to grow personally, professionally, and emotionally. This time around, when Harry could have felt sorry for himself and crawl under a rock, he pushes forward. While each title is a standalone mystery, the author has left open several doors that could spell disaster for or bring joy to my favorite professional wizard.
My Rating: A-
Narration: A
This is the last book that I’ve listened to in this series. I really need to listen to more before your reviews get ahead and I can’t read them. LOL. I really enjoyed this book too. Great review.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Rabid Reads
I have only listened to one more than you (review next week). The next book takes a dark turn and I struggle with it. That’s part of the reason why I took a break. I’ll pick them up again, but I worry about the series getting too dark.
I really like dark stories, so that isn’t something I’m worried about. I haven’t read many reviews of this series recently. I have no idea where the series goes. For series that I know I’m going to read, I like going into the books blind. I usually just check ratings, if that.
I pretty much always try to go into books “blind.” It’s better for me that way. I really don’t know where this series will go, but someone did say to me it does get dark. We’ll have to compare notes. Read the next one so we are together! haha
I’ll do that. I have a single review book I need to listen to first. Then I’ll tackle the next book. I’m sure I can get to it before next week. I’m going through about two books a week right now on audio. 🙂
I did like his fantasy book so hmmmm
The Dresden books are very different from his recent fantasy book, but also very good. If you can grab on audio, I highly recommend it!
Oo I need to get back to these. I read book one but then got distracted by other books. Gonna add the audio to my queue now 🙂
The audios are fabulous! I hope you get back to them soon!
Terrific review.
Last year was all about The Dresden Files for me, so I really enjoy reading your reviews about the books. I enjoyed Blood Rites too. I really agree with you that James Marsters performance adds so much to the books. I had to read a couple in print, but his voice carried on in my head. (That sounds crazy,) Also, I think Jim Butcher is amazing, there are layers upon layers in those books, that I wonder how he manages to keep track of it all. Just when I think an element is just there for no real reason, he weaves it back into the story.
You are making me want to do a re-listen.
Thank Gayle. I know what you mean about hearing the narrators. I have had that happened with Molly Harper’s books. I listened to one series, but read the spinoff. So same thing.
I’ve only read through book 7 (review next week), and I’ll eventually get back to the series. But I’m worried about how low Dresden will fall… It makes me worried.