Death Masks by Jim Butcher Series: The Dresden Files, #5
Published by Roc on August 5th 2003
Genres: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal
Pages: 378
Format: Paperback
Source: Bought
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Harry Dresden, Chicago's only practicing professional wizard, should be happy that business is pretty good for a change. But now he's getting more than he bargained for:
A duel with the Red Court of Vampires' champion, who must kill Harry to end the war between vampires and wizards...
Professional hit men using Harry for target practice...
The missing Shroud of Turin...
A handless and headless corpse the Chicago police need identified...
Not to mention the return of Harry's ex-girlfriend Susan, who's still struggling with her semi-vampiric nature. And who seems to have a new man in her life.
Some days, it just doesn't pay to get out of bed. No matter how much you're charging.
Harry is back in the fifth installment of The Dresden Files and the stake seem higher than ever. He is commissioned by a priest to recover the missing Shroud of Turin, but on top of that, he is in a battle with the Red Court. The vampires still want to see him dead after what he did to the Red Court and a vampire named Ortega has challenged him to a duel to the death.
This was an interesting installment. I really enjoy Jim Butchers work and when I am in a slump reading I always find myself gravitating towards The Dresden Files. There is just something about the series that captivates me. Let it be the fast paced style of the book, the noir style, or the one liners that make me smirk - there is always some form of trust that I will walk away enjoying what I got.
I love Harry and his development is progressing within the series. I also enjoy the repeat appearance of the Knights of the Cross and Murphy. We seemed to have missed out on Bob in this book, which breaks my heart a little, but no big deal.
I love Harry and I love his approach to his world with his humor. I also adore the way he seems to care about the people close to him, even if it gets him almost killed like all the time.
The book has a familiar motion that seems to follow Jim Butcher’s style of writing, but I don’t hate it. There is a lot going on, a lot. Storylines intertwine, old characters come out to play, new characters reveal themselves, and the world continues to build on quite nicely.
I was a bit confused by the ending and how Harry found out who the bad guy is, but that can stem from the fact that I picked up the book in the middle after months of it just sitting on my shelf. Also, this one felt a bit more darker. Harry was dealing with demons and sacrifices and there was a bit of gruesomeness that left me cringing. Despite all that, i really had a fun ride and I continue my love and enjoyment of this series.
Memorable Quotes
“It came charging toward me, several hundred pounds of angry-looking monster, and I did the only thing any reasonable wizard could have done.
I turned around and ran like hell.”
“How long have you been a Wiccan?’
‘A what?’
‘A pagan. A witch.’
‘I’m not a witch,’ I said, glancing out the door. ‘I’m a wizard.’
Sanya frowned. ‘What is the difference?’
‘Wizard has a Z’
He looked at me blankly.
‘No one appreciates me.’ I muttered.”
“Michael, are you wearing the armor?”
“I am wearing the armor,” Michael said. “And the cloak.”
“Hello, Michael. We’re going to an airport. The Kind with metal detectors.
I read the first book in this series and liked it, I really should read book two and see if I like it more. So glad you loved this one!
I really liked the second book a lot, I thought they got stronger after the first.
I agree, Lily, I love Harry, there definitely is something about him, and he always draws me in and makes me go on strange adventures with him 🙂 Great review!
I kinda like that it’s action packed and doesn’t really drag, his personality amuses me.
I have never tried thi´s series by him, but I like another one
heh I have not tried the other one
Always nice when you still love a series 5 books in! I haven’t read any Jim Butcher but my brother enjoys him. I really enjoyed the teasers/quotes you shared! Lovely review (:
me too, I know there is still quite a few books to go so I am looking forward to exploring them 😀
I have long wanted to read this series. I think I will try it on audio. I think I will love it.
I have not tried it but I heard from other people that the audio is really good
I’ve been meaning to get back into this series, I just haven’t had time. Thanks for reminding me how amazing it is.
Also, welcome back to blogging!
thank you angela! Me too I need to make more time for the next book
I have the first book in his new series that I can’t wait to dive into. I’ve been wanting to read or listen to his Dresden Files series as well. Glad this worked for you.
I heard the audio is good! I hope if you read it or listen to it you enjoy it. I do like the follow up books better than the first
I need to get back into this series!
I need to find time to read it more heh
I plan on doing reread of this series.
thats awesome Kim!
Still on the distant to read list as I’m determined to finish a few other series first. I have a feeling I’ll get into this series, too. I like the idea of a fast paced noir style with a hero who cracks one liners.
Nice review, Lily!
yeah i feel bad I read them in-between my slumps, but they seem to help recover heh
I have yet to start this series but I want to start it! 🙂 I’m glad you are enjoying it and I really need to get to them sooner than later. Hm… I wonder how they are on audio?
I personally never tried the audio but I heard great things
I’ve wanted to start this series for a long time. Harry sounds like a fun character!
he is! 😀 so is Bob, Bob is awesome
Haven’t read this series yet, but I heard so many good things! I hope to give the first books a try soon 🙂
i hope if you do, you enjoy it. I did like the follow up books a bit better
Just heard of this series, but reading this review, I think I’ll be adding another books from my overcrowded reading list, yay!
its def a bit different!
I have such a weird relationship with this series. I loved it once but now I go back and forth on it. Your review did make me think I should look into the series again though 🙂
aww i wonder why? i hope i continue to enjoy it, helps me get out of slumps
Great review! I love this series. It’s one of my all time favorite series. I’m highly anticipating the newest one, Peace Talks. 😀
i’m so glad to hear that 😀
Looks like this one made quite the impact. I must admit, I haven’t read Jim Butcher before… And it seems there is a lot going on in this book! Fab review!
I’ve heard of this author, but haven’t read any of his books so far. It sounds like a good series and Harry seems to be an interesting and fun character to read about with his humor.
I need to get back into this series. I read book one maybe 5 years ago? Then got distracted by other pretties. lol