I am currently re-listening to the Harry Dresden Files, but took a break to listen to his newest offering, Outlaw, by Jim Butcher. The events in this novel take place after the fall of Chicago and begin when Gentleman John Marcone, Baron of Chicago, calls in a favor owed. He needs Harry to assist an underling who is looking to go straight. Doing so finds Harry in the middle of a battle he wants no part of.
by Jim Butcher
Series: The Dresden Files #18.75
Narrator: James Marsters
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.45x
The past comes back in a big way for Chicago's only professional wizard in this action-packed novella from the #1 New York Times –bestselling Dresden Files.
In a city that's just beginning to recover from the devastation caused by the Battle of Chicago, Harry Dresden is finally pulling himself together as well. He's ensconced in his own personal castle, healing his various wounds, and training an eager new apprentice. The last thing he wants is any trouble. But, as history has consistently—and quite annoyingly—shown, what Harry wants is rarely what Harry gets.
It starts with a visit from Harry's most powerful frenemy, Gentleman John Marcone, Baron of Chicago. He needs Harry to assist in the redemption of an underling who's looking to go straight. And since Harry does kinda sorta owe Marcone for saving his life once (stupid honorable debt!), it's not a request he can refuse. He'll just wish he had.
Because this little favor is going to drag Harry into a fight he doesn't want on behalf of a lowlife he doesn't trust against an enemy more powerful and pestilent than he ever could've an insatiable, demonic foe whom Harry himself may have created when he wiped out the vampires of the Red Court so long ago.
Before, all it wanted was blood. Now it wants the entire world . . .
Harry is pulling himself together, the city is healing, and dare he hint he is feeling good. That is until there is a knock on the door. It’s Marcone. And before Harry can slam the door on John, he reminds Harry that he owes him a debt. If he performs this task, the two will be even. Ugh. So natural Harry reluctantly agrees. While Butcher does a stellar job of bringing readers/listeners up to speed, I strongly recommend listening to the series in the order of its release, novellas included.
Out Law is a moral parable, a story of new beginnings and redemption. The favor Marcone wants is for Harry to help one of his men who has decided to go straight. And mostly he has, but he made a mistake and bet funds meant for a charity, hoping to double it for said charity. As luck would have it, he does. Only the organizer of the bet won’t pay up. Soon Harry discovers it’s a former member of t the Red Court Vampires. Oh Boy!
Naturally, I found myself pulled into the story. I love seeing familiar characters and settings. However, Butcher continues to introduce new characters and expand our knowledge of the world he has created. Even though this is a novella and roughly half the length of a typical novel, it felt complete and unhurried.
James Marsters narrates and is simply brilliant and giving voice to these characters from Harry to Bob. I strongly recommend listening, although I confess to owning them in hardcover, ebook and audio. Another addictive tale in a world I will never grow tired of.
About Jim Butcher
Jim Butcher is the author of the Dresden Files, the Codex Alera, and a new steampunk series, the Cinder Spires. His resume includes a laundry list of skills which were useful a couple of centuries ago, and he plays guitar quite badly. An avid gamer, he plays tabletop games in varying systems, a variety of video games on PC and console, and LARPs whenever he can make time for it. Jim currently resides mostly inside his own head, but his head can generally be found in his home town of Independence, Missouri. Jim goes by the moniker Longshot in a number of online locales. He came by this name in the early 1990′s when he decided he would become a published author. Usually only 3 in 1000 who make such an attempt actually manage to become published; of those, only 1 in 10 make enough money to call it a living. The sale of a second series was the breakthrough that let him beat the long odds against attaining a career as a novelist.
About James Marsters
James Marsters, famous as Spike in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, is a highly acclaimed audiobook narrator, best known for bringing Jim Butcher's The Dresden Files series to life, where he voices multiple characters and is praised for his emotional depth and performance. He also narrates books by other authors like Cassandra Clare and Oscar Wilde, earning an Earphones Award for his work.
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature)
I do love when James Marsters narrates. Great review, glad this was a good one.
Jen Twimom
I miss this series. I couldn’t finish Peace Talks, but maybe someday I’ll get back to it.
Rachel @Waves of Fiction
I read a few of these books several years back but fell behind. I need to catch up!
Anne - Books of My Heart
Great review! I loved this. I’d love to do a Read-along but there are so many now.