This book is the most amazing thing I have ever read. So much suspense. If you haven't read it yet, please do. I really need to blog about this book a little bit.

Oh, it gets better and better every single time! Mr Butcher, you are a genius!

OMG awesome! SO AWESOME! surpassed all my expectations, maybe best book yet.

Just finished "Changes" and OMG! So many emotions and ideas running through me at this point. Joy...Anger...Sadness...Excitement.This book could not have been given a better name. What a turning point for everyone. We mere mortals can only wonder where this path will lead us and what lies ahead. Oh Mr Butcher... how we hate the teasing and waiting but we love you for what you give us. Cant wait for the next one!

Westond - I DID cry!

Great book. No spoilers in my comments, promise. But, GOD! Gut wrenching stuff.

Just finished......... I think I may cry. Was total worth the wait but it was over way to soon!!! Whats the deal with the pocket watch as a front cover?

Just downloaded Changes via the Sony book store. Not happy with the $3 increase in price thanks to the apple debacle but Jim's worth another 3 bucks. (even if I could get the hardcover for $9.99 via Amazon) I will be happily reading during breaks and lunch at work. :)

RESERVED MY COPY...

HELL'S BELLS!

I've just read the book. Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. Man, I second what someone already wrote: "Changes" is such an understatement! Hell, I can't even imagine where the next 10 books will take us, because this one already... wow!

Damnit, I shouldn't have read it so fast, now I'll have to wait one more year! That's truly sad, because I've read all the first eleven books in a row last year, and waiting for the next 11 books one a year it's an despairing thought.

Well, anyway, good read for everyone tomorrow!

I'm going to second Christine's comments.

I have bought the kindle version of all Jim's books released since I got my kindle two years ago.

I ALSO bought the hard cover of all those books.

I'm not really happy with who ever made this decision either.

That said, I'll just hop down to the borders during lunch on Tuesday and buy the hardcover. NO KINDLE edition this time.

And the guy that decided not to release the kindle version so that I could download it immediately...genius. You just lost revenue. I'm sure Jim is happy with you, as is your boss.

Jim, if you made this decision...er, I still love your books.

Christine - don't know where you live, but most main line book stores (Borders, Barnes and Noble) will have them in stock. Call Monday and reserve a copy.

Longest weekend of my life...2 more days...

Gah! I'm so mad! I've been looking forward to getting my copy of Changes on my Kindle at midnight on Tuesday (I've had it pre-ordered forever, even at the higher price), but now I suddenly got an e-mail from Amazon tonight saying that the Kindle version is being postponed indefinitely! What gives! Now I have to wait even longer for my book, since it's too late to order it and get it by Tuesday!

Side Jobs cover out now!!! Go to chris mcgrath's website.

I think McCoy is black council. I've been reading through again and that's the conclusion. First he trained Harry's mother and we know she had problems. He tried to keep Harry from helping Morgan, and he's been killing people with magic for years. How is he not affected by that, when it's supposed to change you every time you use black magic. There are other signs too. Another thing to think about is he vouches for Injun Joe. The question is what does he have planned for Harry?

Yesterday, I tried bribing and employee of Barnes and Noble. Evidently he boss has to practically lock the books up. He said almost all the employees at the B & N are "dresden-geeks". But I have my name on one at 9AM Tuesday.

wrong we are introduced to ortega at the end of grave peril after harry kills bianca he appears to him

Totally! And anyway, the only way to prove you're a REAL Dresden Files fan is to compare tattoos!

I have one that says "Polka will never die!"
Beat that!

And Dave-stop. We're all fans of Harry Dresden. Hell, I don't remember every single little detail(even though all of your questions have been easy) but I only know that I'm a fan of Harry Dresden.

We're INTRODUCED TO THE CHARACTER in Death Masks.

Dave - Grave Peril - McCoy mentions destroying Duke Ortega's Central American stronghold.

Round five kiddies. In which book are we first introduced to the late Duke Ortega?

5 fives and counting...five days...

The anticipation burns, ladies and gentlemen!

It burns!

Now, to call in every favor I've earned over time and get someone to take me to the darn signing!

Curse my inability to drive.

Dave - Blood Rites

I agree with you...I'm very frustrated that we still have 6 days to wait for Changes.

Okay this is getting rediculous. Who do I have to bribe to get one of these advanced copies. I can't stand the wait anymore. And Bev I doubt there will be another loup garou from the MacFinn clan. I think that Harry broke the curse, and I have a feeling that MacFinn was with Tara because she couldn't get pregnant. Ok. Round four Dresden fans. This is an easy one. In what book does Harry find Mouse?

Just finished the book, what a ride that was! Over too soon. I don't know if you ever read these Jim, but if there is a better living storyteller out there I hope someone tells me. It'll help pass the time till the next Dresden Files!

Starsfan- I would not dream of posting a spoiler, but it's hard to say anything without a spoil. The title says it all, this is a game changer. So much so that yesterday I was freaking people out on the Tube, making excited little 'oooo' 'oooo' sounds. One word of advice... When you do get the book, call in sick.

Dave - In Fool Moon, Bob said that the curse on the McFinn family would last forever. Do you think Tara was pregnant at the end of book two? If just failing to have children would break the curse, you'd think some else would have thought of that in the last 1600 years.

and WITHOUT SPOILERS, please, do tell more! I'm so hungry for this book I ache. I just finished re-reading every single book/short story in prep.

oh now this is killing me. People are getting to read the book NOW, and I have to WAIT 6 more days? That just is not fair.............I wonder if there are any ecopies..........

Dave - Loup Garou: Harley MacFinn
Girlfriend: Tara West

Okay Dresden fans. Round three. What is the name of the loup garou from Fool Moon and his real wolf fiance?

Picked it up yesterday morning in Waterstone's and read all day. Changes is such an understatement! A damn fine book which made me laugh out loud, cry and at one point shut the book because I was too scared to read what happened!

For those of us who havent been as fortunate to have read the book yet...seven days and counting people...seven days...

I got mine at a waterstones in Canary warf. You may want to wait though, I bought it last night and am half way through already. And the name "changes" is such an understatement!

lachlan or david reply quickly. where in the uk did u get ur books from?! im in luton & havent had a chaance to go to waaterstones yets but hve ordered it from amazon. am planning on bribing my sister to go and get me the book hopefully theres one in my area

I'm the biggest dresden fan, Dave. Kumari

Mia-That is correct. Now round two. What is the name of Cowl's idealistic partner from the same book.

Sadly, I have to wait 6 weeks for the book to arrive here in Brazil.

Dave - Sheila?

Lachlan- thanks for the tip!
I picked up a copy today, sweeeet!

So who on here thinks they are the biggest Dresden fan? First trivia question. What was the name of the girl Lasciel pretended to be in Dead Beat?

I bought a copy in Waterstones in the UK yesterday, and I spent all night reading it. All I can say is, it's going to knock your socks off!

oh my god. jim butcher is a freaking GENIUS!!! I havent even started turn coat yet and i'm in the middle of reading a nightside novel by simon r. green, but i was totally hooked at the first sentence of chapter 1! man i cant wait for this to come out and i cant wait to start the codex alera series and deathstalker series!! congratulations jim butcher, i believe your books r responsible for the my grades dropping, but it's sooo worth it =). thanks

David - Bookshelves. That what every American home used to have before reading became a lost art. Now they're covered with nicnaks, audio equipment and video games.

Thanks to people like Jim, it's in fashion again. People accused J.K. Rowling of trying to corrupt kids with books about wizards. I have to admit that anyone who can get a kid to sitdown and read a 700 page book must be working some magic.

For those of you in the Greater Toronto Area, there is a possibility that you may get a copy of the book early. Chapters in Brampton on the south east corner of Main and Bovaird has 23 copies of changes in stock and on the shelves as of last night. I picked up my copy and I am now on chapter 25. Enjoy!!!!

At least another 10 Dresden Files?!
That's great, but where am I going to put all those hardcovers?

Ian - He's only ever released the first 4 chapters of a book. I think the extra week is intended to cause the fans much time to speculate and gnash their teeth at the fact that the author won't give us another chapter :-). And that much more likely to rush out and buy the book the first day it's available.

Tom - Jim has indicated that there will probably be at least 20 "case books" and at least 3 "wrap up" books.

Does anybody know if there's going to be a book 13?

Why start with the last chapter, I simply reread the book as soon as I've finished it to make sure that I haven't missed anything =)

That is a curtesy only reserved for Butcher-books, I might add!

I wonder what happens in Chapter 5 that is so big he doesnt have up a week 5 preview. Theres still a tuesday before release so theres plenty of room for more....

hmmmmm curioser and curioser

I think Harry's blasts of fire are now silver because he is so angry that he is unintentionally augmenting it with soulfire.

Bev-I am exactly the same way! I read the last chapter first and my boyfriend looks at me like i should be shot on site. He doesnt understand. I read the last chapter first so it gives me something to look forward to and keeps me hooked. Not that its hard for this series to do. I get hooked from the first sentence! Its just that good!

Tom - a select few people got "advanced" copies. I asked who I had to kneecap to get one, but by then Butcher had taken care of all of his enemies. The rest of us just-plain-folk will have to wait two weeks.

I'll make a confession that usually garneshes me looks reserved for pediphiles. I read the last chapter first. It helps me focus so I don't get to the end as say, 'now when did that happen?'.

Damn, they are getting into it fast this time round. Chapter four, and we already have our first burnt building.

Can't wait for the full book. I am curious about how much more powerful harry is, and what those headaches in the last book were about.

Tom - um, no...it doesn't release until April 6th.

The inference of the Outsiders being at least somewhat from HPL is because of the 7th Law of Magic: Thou shalt not seek beyond the Outer Gates.

Does anybody have the book yet?

Um wow first a super cool new veil and now evocation magic that is precise and contolled? How much better has harry gotten since the last book? Makes you think about how much better Molly has gotten too!

Another great chapter! Can't wait to read the rest. Chapters just shipped it out to me!

The one thing I love about this series it that everyone plays for keeps. Where else would vampires take the forethought to wire explosives into the office of the unaare adversary

Hey, why use so much inference? I just know that he starts in his mid-twenties, and just add 10-12 to that.

I have a new favorite Dresden quote to go with the many, many others:

[spoiler]The man once wrote: Do not meddle in the affairs of wizards, for they are subtle and quick to anger. Tolkien had that one mostly right.

I stepped forward, let the door bang closed, and snarled, "Fuck subtle."[/spoiler]

Woooo, you go, Harry!

I wonder why that vampire is so scared. Was it becuase it was a wizard of the white council showed up, Harry Dresden the wizard who took out Bianca and a whole scourge of vampires... 3 times, the father of the child they kidnapped, or all of the above.

A Dresden File just isn't a Dresden File without a building on fire.

Spoiler

"They're all around your office." That was great. I laughed till I cried. The only the thing better was, "I mailed my rent in this morning."

That's far from the first time he's used the word. It's sparing, but it's there, in the series. (It's used at least once in each of the first five books, and that's just me looking quickly. He tells Nicodemus to "F*ck off" in book 5, for example.)

I don't know if this really needs a spoiler alert, but just to be safe:

Spoiler alert!

Since when does Harry use hard-core profanity? In chapter four he says: "F*ck subtle". I can't remember him using that word before!?
Not that I'm complaining or anything, since I'm absolutely loving what I've seen of Changes so far. It just caught my eye. Maybe that's why the book's called changes? Harry experiences a whole new world of cussing. :-)

Harry's age can be inferred from his backstory. He left Ebenezer's care at 19, spent "a few years" traveling across the USA, and then another set of "a few years" in Chicago until he started working for Nicholas Christian as a trainee PI. This in turn lasted for three years before he got his own license, which has been open for two years by Storm Front. So he has to be at least 19+3+2 = 24, plus two sets of "a few years" - call it 27 years total. Assuming Storm Front takes place in spring 2000 (the year of publication), that puts Harry's birthday in 1972 or earlier (since he was born on Halloween, meaning he hadn't yet had his 2000 birthday).

On the other hand, David Seth Kotkin didn't start using the stage name "David Copperfield" until he was 18, which was in 1974. Which makes it a little strange that Harry's father would name him that...

I just refreshed the samples chapters page 5 times before realizing that it was midnight EST, not MST. COME ON!!!

I just found out my baby was a boy! We are going to name him Thomas Michael. :) Really love dresden, but it is a biblical name after st. thomas and the arch angel. Cool coinsidence though.

That would be about right. The series is about 10 years old with Storm Front taking place in March 2000. (There is the mention of the 'new mellenium' and that daylight savings time hadn't started, it was April 2 that year).

Dresden should be...uh...34-36 years old. The Welcome to the Jungle graphic novel has notes by Butcher. He says that the series begins with Harry being in his mid-twenties(most likely 24-26).

I do think there is more to Mac than meets the eye, but not a member of the white council or even a wizard. I think maybe he has some fey blood, whatever he is it's something rare. It's kind of nice not knowing though, a little mystery is not bad.

I love the idea of Mac as a powerful Wizard, just not Merlin, maybe he is an ex council member...(maybe even held the post as the Merlin)....all the stuff in his bar may be there to hid his power, not just the customers energies...

Mia, HPL - Dresden files crossover? Geek-gasm!

Luccio makes a comment in Turn Coat that Harry isnt even forty yet so im asuming somewhere is his mid-thirties. Not old at all.

Has anyone figured out how old Harry is? I estimate Thomas is at least 7 years older then him.

@ Weston - I don't remember the exact description, but from the sounds of it they sound a lot like the Outsiders from the HPLovecraft mythos. And my boyfriend and I are kinda hoping that is the case.

The book says little is known of the Outsiders. Google "Dresden files 'Outsiders'" and pick the Wikipedia definition of that. It's a little involved to go into detail here.

OK am I missing something beause for the life of meI can't remember what or who the Outsiders are???

I really hope they go into the outsider thing in this book. I have been dying to see what Harry can do.

here is a thought: at the end of turn coat injun joe offers to teach harry, and with that cool new veil i wonder what else he has learned, and how awesome was joes defensive magic against the skinwalker, and the shapeshifting! one problem harry has had is going up against foes with more experience but less power. Harry is as powerful as they come, but he gets his ass handed to him by douchebags like cowl and peabody.I think the mantle ebenezar was talking about was the gatekeeper, i think rashid is going to die, probably not in this book but in the future for sure, harry is the next in line, there are hints of harry's uncanny ability against the outsiders, and he has someone pulling for him upstairs, i like the direction things are going!

Can't wait for chap 4, I can't figure how this fights gonna go down but It would be so awesome if somehow Harry slaughters all the vamps and Susan and Martin don't know its happening. They open the door to make there getaway and the hallway is littered with vamp corpses surrounding Harry. They'd be like holy fu**. THAT would be sweet. Would make Susan reconsider some of the stories shes heard about Harry and take Martin and his self-righteous ego down a peg or 3.
Prediction:
Susan lives, Martin Kamikazes red king; kills both
The kid lives and it depends on whether her adoptive parents are dead what happens to her.

Hmmm... Harry destroys his PI office in his personal war against the reds.
Hey Jim, foreshadow much?

Ok the first thing to get destroyed in the building is the elevator, kind of deja vu. Murphy and probably Ramirez will show up once its destroyed just to check in oh i dont think it will be martin that dies in chapter for but SUSAN, add that to Harry's rage....

I can totally see this building going up in flames. I can't wait.

How did that song go?
BURN BABY BURN!!!

What I love best about the red court owning the building, is now Harry can finally rationalize to himself a "good" reason to destroy a building.

He may be hurting the other tennents in the building by destroying the work space, but hey, he's saving them from evil vampire owners.

Gee, and Harry thought the rent went up because he trashed the elevator system. Probably no red court members have been in the building or Harry, the werewolves, Kincaid or Queen Mab would have noticed.

I couldnt stop laughing when I read that the Red Court owns the building that Harry's office is in. I thought that was perfect!

I was really hoping for a little violence in this chapter. Alas I have to wait another seven days to see Harry let loose. And I was starting to wonder about whether or not Harry still had his office. Great spin having Harry's building owned by the red court. Genius. But I would expect nothing less from Mr. Butcher.

Ah yes, that building. I was getting a bit confused, having been watching the TV show lately. I've been re-reading the series backwards, so I haven't seen the office building recently.

While I am looking forward to chapter 4, I was hoping that Harry would hold off the rage a bit longer, especially considering the delicate material Susan and Martin and looking for. However, I think this is just part of who I am, kind of like how some people yell at the victims of horror movies, trying to save them from their fate.

He's referring to Harry's own office building.
Now we'll hopefully get to see Harry really begin to cut loose, to bad it's another seven days till the next chapter ---- GRRRR - must wait, anyone know how to shorten the time till next week ;)

Shmugen,
Dont forget that Harry is a Private Investigator and has an office that he runs his business out of. We havent heard much about that part of his life lately since there have been bigger story plots but he still has a day job.

I also agree that chapter three was short but at least we know a fight is coming and Harry gets to take his first REAL punch at some Red Court Vamps. Cant wait to read it and im pretty sure the building is going to take some major damage.

The office building where Harry's had his business as Wizard for Hire.

Chapter 3 was short, but excellent. Great humor, character development, etc. Suspense at the end is worse than last week, I won't get to sleep now.
Maybe I'm just confused and lost, but what office building is Harry talking about?

the cake is a lie!!!

Mac could well be a half blood but probably not from the darker side of things like Kincaid, however awesome Jared is.

yes practitioners can sense anothers talent, unless its been out of use for years, such as that of Charity Carpenter. Kincaid had no talent sparks either and it stands to reason that the uber powerful could mask their energies, the way Ferrovax looked perfectly normal before he wished to display his power, despite venting smoke.

Ebenezars journal referenced "that particular cloak" and the Gatekeeper has a bad history with Demonreach. since he Gatekeeps Demonreach could be where the Outsiders got kicked out of our universe. An Outer Gate? Rashid could have been born under the same set of conditions as Harry. he and Merlin Langtry stopped and army of vamps, Demons, and Outsiders with ONE ward in Dead Beat.

Thomas probably won't overtly help Harry, Jim almost always waits one two books before returning to a set of villains.

Ramirez is owed an appearance and he is probably going to be Harry's right hand on this Grey Council gig. he's a great vampire killer and him and Harry have those strings of fangs collected from their kills. he was hinted that he wouldnt mind unofficial ass kickery at the end of white night, so that could satisfy the council not wanting to break the truce

Brandon, martin dies? good thought, very plausible.

Mal: Maggie not Harry's but Martin's daughter- very macchiavelli- who knows? Lois Mcmaster Bujold said she writes a plot thinking along the lines: what is the worst thing that could happen to him/ her- and then she let's it happen. So keep your fingers crossed that Jim Butcher is cut from a different cloth. Although being responsible suddenly for the wellbeing of your preadolescent daughter in the middle of a war against parties unknown sounds even worse to me.

Audio book of Changes, Blood Rites and Dead Beat are not available for pre-order to ship April 15.

I wonder if Mavra is going to make an appearance in this book. She has been out of the picture for a while. I really want to see Harry wipe her off the face of the planet. Why isn't it Tuesday already. I need to read this next chapter.

I don't think it's very plausible that Susan's lying about Harry being the father. She knows Harry well enough to realize that no deception is needed to persuade Harry to come to the rescue of a little girl, no matter whose daughter she is.

Here's a scary thought. What if the picture that Susan shows Harry is not out of date? What if Maggie is younger than Harry realizes and is actually Susan's daughter with her half blood boyfriend. She's been stolen and Susan is willing to do anything (even lie to a powerful ex boyfriend) to get her back. That might be a nasty twist for the end, having Harry cut loose and sacrifice and then realize that it's not even his daughter. I don't actually think this is the twist but i thought I'd see if anybody else finds it plausible.

I don't see the white council as an allie in this book since they're in a truce at the moment. Marcone has a soft spot for litle girls caught in the fray, Kincaid owes him for saving Ivy and Ivy isn't keen on the Red court even if she is supposed to be neutral. Summer lady and Knight also still owes him a little and toot toot will die for Harry (and a pizza). I'm sure Thomas will help and this may be where Murphy get's fired for leaving her job and going out of the country, but she may take up Shiro's sword.

PS No reincarnations or Merlins please! It would be too... trite and deus-ex-machina imho. :)

heh, love the Dresden files, I hope Jim Butcher continues to deliver. So far every book has been as good as the previous or better and that is an amazing achievement for such a long series.

One thing I really would like to see is Harry really kicking some ass. He always does, but it's always the underdog triumphing against adversity. It's a simple formula and it works for a great read, but Butcher has pushed the story and characters far enough to really try something different. I'm not saying to make a 180 degree turn, but obviously Harry has gathered quite a lot of power and it would be interesting to see him struggle not just to survive but with the moral dilemma whether to unleash his power or withhold it. The addition of a child in the mix can make for a very intense character development and internal struggle. Perhaps even link with his mother who may or may not have faced a similar situation.

Anyway, Butcher hasn't disappointed in the slightest so far and I just can't wait to enjoy the new book as well. Jim, thumbs up from a grateful reader! :)

here is a crazy thought just from reading chapter 1 and 2, what if there is no child, its all a trick to unleash Harry on the red court. but who would do that,
the white council?
the black court?
maybe just susan?
i think jim is a good enough author to write something that we will be unable to predict just from the first few chaptors, or even the first 11 books

i met jim when he was on tour for his last new release, and he had some interesting things to say about mac. apparently he is going to be playing a much larger roll in the latter books.

i loved the previews, i cant wait for the book!

Claudia, just read yours after I posted. Good thoughts. I don't think theirs anything special about his father, hope not. I bet Susan's gonna try and sacrifice herself to save her daughter, Harry will stop her and Martin will sacrifice himself. That's how I see it playing out.

Jessi, I hope your dead on about Harry plowing through his enemies in this book

Been reading what everyone wrote about Mac and...
Don't think hes Merlin and hope hes not in Chicago just to help or watch over Harry, takes away some of Harry's thunder. I bet hes unique in his own way but nothing as famous as Merlin.

I'll bet money Martin gets killed, any takers?

Read chapter's 1 and 2 about 3 times and can't wait, this books gonna be good! Jim Butcher's the MAN!

I am not so sure about Harry being Merlin reincarnated.
For me, all books combined sound more as if his mother was trying to create someone new and supremely powerful in magical terms. Something beyond what there is now. Think about his- Harry's- bond with demonreach or choosing a fairy as a godmother. And this godmother was punished by Mab for trying to reach too far, very telling all in all. Something going on there or my imagination??? This is as well why Thomas was the son of a mighty vampire and born on the 14th of february and Harry as a wizard - by a stage magician by the way- on helloween. The only question is what she was trying to achieve through this accumulation of power in her kids. Did she know something about the black court? Is she maybe one of the good guys all in all? And what about Harry's father- is there more to him then being intrinsically good- or is this his unique gift to Harry to balance all this power she was trying to bestow her son with?
My guesses so far are as well that Susan dies, and the kid lives -but has to be hidden somehow, Demonrach as a new safe haven for Harry? Very good idea! Susan is already playing with this idea of moving in the second chapter- when she states that nothing has changed- a big hint?

"I burn things to ash and smash holes in buildings when I'm angry," I said. "I'm a couple of steps past that point right now." This is the best line so far. I can only imagine Harry's expression when he said this to Susan...chills...

As much as I would want Mac to be the original Merlin, its more likely that he is a half-blood like Kincaid. Speaking of the Hellhound, I REALLY hope that we hear from him soon. I think he is an awesome character.

I agree that Harry isn't a reincarnated Merlin. Mac isn't either. I think Mac is more along the lines of what Kincaid is. Some kind of half-blood. He is probably powerful in some respect though.

No, Harry's not Merlin, or even a reincarnated Merlin. That would be way to disappointing and cliche`. While recognizing and remembering the existence of wizards out of western legend and lore, I just don't think Jim would appropriate one as the main charactar.
And yes, I noticed the title pattern change when I first heard the name of the new book. W/o having read anything other than the first two chapters (Oh how I envy those who got to read the advance copies. My son who works in a bookstore received one of the advance copies of Turn Coat and I got to read it a month before the release date) my guess as to the changes are as follows:
Susan dies, Maggie comes to live w/ Harry and Harry moves to Demonreach.

I can see Mac as someone magical. His apron is always spotless; his décor, while dissipating grumpy-wizard energy, might also serve to protect Mac from detection.
Could he be the original Merlin? A previous comment reads, "Also, it's hard for me to imagine Merlin as a bartender or even a brewer." We had the angel, Uriel, as an airport janitor... I and others have suspected that Harry, himself, is the original Merlin, which is what connects his memories with Demon Reach.

Anyone else pick up on Mr. Butcher's 'change' in titles? All the other Dresden books have the same number of letters in the first word as in the second word. It may become tedious at some point to find new, appropriate titles using that pattern. But I think the change runs deeper. This new, succinct, single word, "Changes", speaks like a door slamming shut on the Old Dresden. Hey, where's the light switch?? It's cold and dark. And there's somethin' movin' around in here...

I love the theories about Mac / Merlin. I just have one question. Don't most magical practitioners have the ability to 'sense' magical energy/ability in one another? If it is Merlin, is it likely that he has learned to mask his abilities?

If you thought "Turn Coat"'s epicness can't be beaten...think again.

Since Harry's back to fighting the Red court, wonder if there will be any further background on Shiro's Jade court reference from Death Masks. Ever since Jim threw that in I've been wondering what type of vampire would be in their court and when they would make an appearance in the series. Possible outside hit person for the Red court during a truce with the White Council or ??????

Yeah, some red court vamps are about to have a REALLY bad day.

The question is: how much will this change Harry?
What if he can't save his daughter?

The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere
The ceremony of innocence is drowned;

Patrick, I completely agree. I have been waiting and wanting to see Harry "cut loose" so many times and now he has the perfect excuse to do so. I cant wait for the can of whoop-ass he will oepn up on the Red Court.

As for Mac...I love all the theories that are being thrown out aout him. I also agree, and think it plainly obvious, that Mac is more then we know him to be. I hope Jim reveals more about who he is.

I know it isn't Jim's style, or rather the style he has set up for Harry, but for some time now I have wanted a book where from the beginning Harry goes through his enemies like a tornado through a trailer park. I get a little tired of the nearly killed, barely coming back from the brink endings. I'm hoping that this book will be that book. It's been established how important family is to Harry, so his child being in trouble is the perfect reason/excuse for him to be an ass-kicker from start to finish. I guess we'll see.

I doubt Mac is a relative of Harry's. Or at least I hope not. The familyless lone hero ideal loses something if he has extended family everywhere. A brother and a child seem to be about right, no more.

As always, I'm sure I'll love this book. One sentence in the preview struck me as an epitome of American prejudice: ""You don't know what it's like down there. Central America, all the way down to Brazil. There's a reason so many of those nations limp along in a state of near-anarchy".

I'm Brazilian, and though we have LOADS of problems, "a state of near-anarchy" seems way too strong. I guess many others from others nations would also be bothered by such statement. Of course I know it's a fictional world, things could be way worse down here in Dresden's world than in the real one - but that's not the underlining sense of this passage.

That said, I'll surely keep reading and enjoying Dresden's adventures.

I dont think susan is going to survie this book, or at least with her Humanity intact.

and mac is definately something other than a bartender, lets say Harry's grandfather or uncle

And hey Nate keep in mind that in the origional king arthurs stories merlin did make wine and mead

Wow. If possible, I like the second chapter even more. The exchange between Susan and Harry was wonderful. Well, more appropriately it was painful.

I really hope Jim goes into the whole Harry having power over outsiders thing is this book. I have been dying for some huge scene where he saves the council's butt.

McCoy is the guy behind the black court. McCoy is Bad.

Half-vampire chicks can have kids? This is going to be a very creepy kid.

wow, there is no way that kid survives this book.

I agree that Harry will be offered blackstaff. he'll most likely turn it down though. And what about demonreach? THAT WAS THE BEST PART IN THE LAST BOOK I HOPE THEY GO MORE IN DEPTH...Soulfires always good too. i love reading about him learning or discovering new powers, abilities, or spells...UHHH SOO EXCITED!

@Mia

I agree, Butcher seems to have foreshadowed that for awhile. Particularly with the whole journal thing. I'm hoping that the Blackstaff title comes with an actual black staff. That would be awesome.

I don't really agree about Mac being Merlin. For one thing his name, according to Morgan in Dead Beat, is McAnally. That's at least a Scottish name, and probably Irish, not exactly ancient Gaelic or Briton. Also, it's hard for me to imagine Merlin as a bartender or even a brewer.

It's pretty safe to say that Mac is a Freeholding Lord in the Unseelie Accords, and since Harry has said that Marcone is the first total human to sign on that makes Mac something else. I'm leaning toward something from Celtic mythology, maybe a servant of Gofannon. I guess we'll just have to RAFO

No, you aren't the only one who thinks Mac might be the original Merlin.

I was also thinking that Harry may end up "inherting" the Blackstaff role from McCoy.

am i the only who thinks Mac might actually be Merlin? or at the very least actually related to Harry through his Mother?

I think this book is going to be "interesting" in the Chinese sense of the word.
Mind you if he keeps his head in this one he gets my vote to be the next Black Staff.
And Mac speaks a full sentance...Cool.

MAC TALKED!!!!!!

It would be nice if they started making movies about the stories. i wonder what murphy is going to say

Hmm. Awkward start, but I'm still excited. I wish he's stop doing these "throw you straight into the main plot action" beginnings that have been appearing recently. I'm going to get the book on release day anyway, of course.

I would make a comment about satan spawn authors putting up tasty bits of stories to torment us readers, but Jim would like that. EVIL MAN.

Time needs a fast forward button so that I can have this book today.

Nice one Mr. Butcher.

Tom

Mac is always referred to as between 30 and 50. He's probably more like between 1 and 2 thousand. I think there's way more to Mac than Dresden knows.

Unbelievable. I was hooked after the first paragraph. Do I really have to wait till April 6th? I need my fix NOW.

A brilliant start to the book. I am on pre order with Amazon too and this has just made the wait that little bit harder. Naughty boy, Mr Butcher. One might almost think you had done it on purpose!
Rae

While I'm as shocked as everyone else that Mac used grammar (and that the opening line referenced the child), I'm not so shocked as to wonder what drink this is that Mac finished after speaking a few full sentences. Anyone else catch that?

Empty Night! Why susan Why!?!?! Jim you are the best author I have ever read! Ever year after I get the new book I restart the series!

Bad Susan. Very bad Susan.

I wonder if the daughter is going to have magic and what will her specialty be? Big boom magic? Mind Magic? I can't wait!!!!! I hope one of the swords gets given away too.

US Marshalls was told to us at a book signing for Small Favors by Jim himself. He said its a story of a Marshall out in space on a United Starship so he could call it US Marshalls. No other details then that given. been awhile since then. hope its still coming. He said it was coming after Codex Alera finished.

I wonder if Mac has lost a kid?

Yes! I didnt know that you released the chapters ahead of time. I'm already ready to go buy this the day it comes out! It looks like its gonna be another great book in my favorite series ever. P.S. mac can talk!

Mac is official an amazing friend.
And Harry's life is still full of troubles. YEAH!!!!! Well, bad for him but great for his fans.
One chapter is good for me. But 4... wow. Hope there's some action in one of them.

I have no doubt that the girl is his. If it isn't, there are no changes. Shocked isn't the word for Harry's reaction. And Mac does know complete sentences.

Great begining Jim, Love your books. Can't wait to read the next installment, Susan is one of my favorites,and a little girl,WOW. I also love Mouse. Eagerly waiting for Changes to come out.

WHEW! what a start! is it the 9th yet?

This is one of the best advertising strategy any author can use. Mr. Butcher, you have me hooked. I have already ordered the book but living in Sweden we might not get it on the release date. But we are hoping to get it afew days after the release. I can not wait till next tuesday for my next fix. Thank you Jim.

Mr. Butcher..... thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou!!!! another great start to what will undoubtedly be another UNFORGETTABLE BOOK! Keep pushing your literary crack, sir, I will never cease being addicted to it!

Holy freaking fairy crap! Mac spoke!

He didn't waste any time starting this one off!

Literary crack, that's what Jim sells.
I need another hit baby!

Ooooooh, I want more..
Great start, love these abrupt, crash-headlong-into-a-story starts!

loved the preview but was toooo short! and wot U.S. marshall series is he writing? and how do you know there even is one? details please!

Harry reacted just like your average Joe. He freaked out and went to get a drink. LOL
Loved it. Can't wait for the next update.

Its too short! I wanted sooo much more. But I will hand it to Mr Butcher...he sure knows how to reel us in! Cant wait for next Tuesday and the next installment.

It is bold beginning. I expected much slower course of events.
ps: its already noon at Russia:)

IT. IS .

T I M E

Sigh. Was hoping I would get to read it before my husband who is working midnight, but being on the east coast with two kids to get ready for school in the morning, he will win and get to ready it first....so not fair. At least I know I will get the book for my birthday..

I'm so excited it's almost here. I'm finishing his Codex Alera series now. with the Dresden short stories book being his Nov book this year. I guess his new series US Marshalls isn't ready yet. I'll read everything he writes. He's even better in person, great story teller.

2 am eastern time
1 am central time
midnight mountain time (like the post says)
11pm pacific

man how long will we have to wait i want to read it at least 6 times befor i go to bed

8t88...serious trooper...lol to Hicks

Wasn't aware that Germany was in America's Mountain Standard time zone. You learn something new every day! ;)

Just pre-ordered... I started w/ Dresden and just finished the Codex series. Wasn't going to read The Codex series but a friend I turned on to the Dresden Files started it and sold me. AWESOME! I hope there is nothing Jim Butcher can do wrong.

meh... here in Germany it's about 5am 2nd March and still no preview ;)

I'm to old to be this into wizards ....but I know im going to read it atleast a dozen time as soon as it posts...totally psyched.

This book is going to be epic!

Oh nooooooooooooo!!!! gotta grab it in the morning..can't stay up..WAAAAHHHH!

I discovered this series only two years ago, but I've become an avid fan. I've got the book on an Amazon pre-order... and I'm hoping I get it the day after my test and not the day before. Butcher is marvelous and completely engrossing. I guarantee I won't put the book down until I'm done with it.

I am very excited! today I sent in my vacation request for the day the book comes out! Now I'll go crazy with anticipation by reading the first four chapters! And now is the time to start re-reading the other books as a pre-cursor for Changes. Can't wait!

Huzaaah!!
I have been awaiting and am anxious to read the next book. My friends wait for the book to come out, then wait their turn in the library request que... I DON'T UNDERSTAND THESE PEOPLE. I have to buy the book the day it hits the shelves. I am a fan, and cant wait to "infect" my friends with the dresden RPG (though I will have to wait, as the GM recently got the Dr Who RPG box, and is going to run that next)

Can't wait! Since reading Turncoat I reread the entire series from the beginning. Novels are like fine wine, they get better the second time!

At last. I'll set my alarm. I'm on central time today.

Counting down the hours until midnight and it will be a VERY long day. No sleeping tonight! I am going to read this first chapter over and over until i memorize it.