Book Review: Turn Coat

Author: Jim Butcher

Title: Turn Coat (The Dresden Files #11)
Genre: Mystery, Action, Sci-Fi, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal
Pages: 420

First Published: April 7th, 2009
Where I Got It: my shelf (Christmas gift from Boyfriend)

"When it comes to the magical ruling body known as the White Council, Harry keeps his nose clean and his head down. For years, the Council has held a death mark over Harry's head. He's still thought of as a black sheep by some;and as a sacrificial lamb by others. But none regard him with more suspicion and disdain than Morgan, a veteran Warden with a grudge against anyone who bends the rules.

Like Harry.

So when Morgan turns up asking for help, Harry isn't exactly eager to leap into action. Morgan has been accused of treason against the White Council;and there's only one final punishment for that crime. he's on the run, he wants his name cleared, and he needs someone with a knack for backing the underdog.

Like Harry.

Now Harry must uncover a traitor within the Council, keep a less than agreeable Morgan under wraps, and avoid coming under scrutiny himself. And a single mistake may cost someone his head.

Like Harry..."

This is the 11th installment of the Dresden Files. However, this is the first book I've read in Jim Butler's series. It seemed to stand well as a stand-alone. There were a few inside jokes and a few back-stories that went WAY over my head, but kuddos to Jim Butler for keeping newbies on the same page as veterans of the series. 

First of all....I love Harry. God, Harry was an amazing character. Though I'm not big into wizards and that side of the supernatural, but man....he is my favorite wizard. He reminds me a lot of male, wizard version of Anita Blake. Kick-ass, witty, funny, honorable, and sassy-to-boot. I wish Harry was real because I would want to be his friend. 

Honestly...I liked nearly all the characters that joined in on the fun. Even Morgan...Harry's arch-nemesis. From what I know, I know I should not like Morgan and whatnot. Morgan was not a nice guy to Harry in the past and was generally an ass, but I liked him. He was just doing his job and he can't help it that he feels Harry is a lose cannon. Morgan has been alive for many years and has experienced much. So I can his doubt that Harry can be an exception and be "changed". I don't know the whole story on what Harry supposedly did. But again...many veteran fans probably wanted Harry to turn in Morgan, but again...Harry is awesome and got over his hatred for Morgan and decided to help an innocent man. 

It was a fun book and I enjoyed the ride. It took me a while to finish, but there was a lot going on (in the book) and like a sweet wine, you need to just sip on it. Also, life got in the way...oh well. I also give kuddos to the author for keeping me unsure how the book would end and I was rather surprised and left agasp. I did NOT see the ending ending the way it did. Nope. I had my theories and my guesses, but none of them were even close. Meh. 

I was happy that there was much more supernatural beings running around then just wizards and warlocks and etc. There are demons, shifters, werewolves, vampires, and more. I'm not huge on wizards and witches, so the including of other beings kept my attention. I especially loved how Harry is buddies with a small group of were-wolves. That made me smile. ^.^

In the end, it was a fun ride. Though it is book 11, I felt like I had a good handle on what was going on. There is a lot of back-story I am missing, but I still enjoyed what I read. Harry was freakin' amazing and I wish he really existed because I would MAKE him be my friend. hahaha. I also loved the interplay with the other characters. Though every single person seemed to be "perfect" and "lovely", it didn't bug me. Oh well. Perhaps I'll backtrack and read some of the other books of this series. We shall see. 

I would recommend this to those that love fantasy and paranormal books. There was a touch of romance in there, but mainly the book was a mystery, action-ie, and magically inclined book with a kick-ass hero. Haha. I grant this book 4 stars. In all reality it is more like 3.5, but I rounded.

Favorite Character(s): Harry, Morgan, Butters, all the wolves, Mouse (Harry's faithful dog), Molly (don't know why, but I like her), Thomas, and Justine.

Not-so Favorite Character(s): Ana (>.>)

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<3CaroleRae