rhythius's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
luminary's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
duncan_mcguire's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
colin_s's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Quote:
“I'm pretty sure lurking in a dark alley to mug me with your apology isn't the usual way to go about saying you're sorry. But I didn't read that Mars-Venus book, so who knows.”
Setting:
Summer Knight is set a few months after the events of Grave Peril. We are still in the fictional Chicago where faeries are real, but don't call them that.
Plot:
With the events of the last book causing a war in the wizarding world, the council of wizards gives Dresden a trial to prove he isn't a traitor. He must now somehow solve a murder with little evidence all while trying to keep those around him safe as well.
Writing:
I enjoyed the writing in the last novel, but this one really felt like true form Butcher I remember. The start had weight, impact and a purpose. Once the action started it never let up long enough to catch your breath and I found myself not wanting to put it down.
Characters:
Most characters are back for this book, with deeper dives into who they are, several even start to feel more real after we learn more about them. No longer are they just set pieces to keep a story moving along. Dresden himself goes through a lot this novel and has clearly grown alot from his past adventures as well.
Pros:
Very compelling story
Continues to build on existing world
Cons:
The bad guy is obvious
Ending once again leaves alot open ended
Recommendation:
If you read to this book, you likely don't need much to convince you to continue this now that you are three books in. But if you do, this book tackles what happened in the last book and expands it, not diminishing what happened. The events of this book I know go on to impact others down the line and I definitely recommend you continue at this point.
“I'm pretty sure lurking in a dark alley to mug me with your apology isn't the usual way to go about saying you're sorry. But I didn't read that Mars-Venus book, so who knows.”
Setting:
Summer Knight is set a few months after the events of Grave Peril. We are still in the fictional Chicago where faeries are real, but don't call them that.
Plot:
With the events of the last book causing a war in the wizarding world, the council of wizards gives Dresden a trial to prove he isn't a traitor. He must now somehow solve a murder with little evidence all while trying to keep those around him safe as well.
Writing:
I enjoyed the writing in the last novel, but this one really felt like true form Butcher I remember. The start had weight, impact and a purpose. Once the action started it never let up long enough to catch your breath and I found myself not wanting to put it down.
Characters:
Most characters are back for this book, with deeper dives into who they are, several even start to feel more real after we learn more about them. No longer are they just set pieces to keep a story moving along. Dresden himself goes through a lot this novel and has clearly grown alot from his past adventures as well.
Pros:
Very compelling story
Continues to build on existing world
Cons:
The bad guy is obvious
Ending once again leaves alot open ended
Recommendation:
If you read to this book, you likely don't need much to convince you to continue this now that you are three books in. But if you do, this book tackles what happened in the last book and expands it, not diminishing what happened. The events of this book I know go on to impact others down the line and I definitely recommend you continue at this point.
altoid's review
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
laurenjodi's review against another edition
4.0
Summer Knight
3.5 Stars
An definite improvement on Grave Peril.
The world building in this installment focuses on the Fae, and more specifically, on the conflict between the Summer and Winter courts. The political machinations and allegiances of the various Fae are complex and it is difficult at times to keep track of the different characters and the factions they belong to. Nevertheless, it all comes together at the end, and the climax and resolution are exciting and satisfying.
The plot revolving around the murder of the Summer Knight and the theft of his Mantle of Magic has potential but is poorly executed. There are numerous suspects, however, their motives are never quite clear and Harry's investigation is overshadowed by unrelated plot points, such as the return of an old girlfriend, his problems with the White Council, the wizards war with the vampires, etc.
Harry is an amalgamation of opposites. On the one hand, he is strong-willed, resourceful, has a good heart and good intentions. On the other, he is sardonic, self-absorbed and not a little chauvinistic. He is also a mediocre wizard despite indications that there is something special about him, and he barely manages to survive his encounters with the various villains and monsters in the book.
The secondary cast are wonderful and contribute to making this a fun read. Harry's friend and police contact, the sharp-witted and kick-ass Karrin Murphy, plays a slight larger role although she still doesn't get enough page time. Bob the Skull, Toot the Fairy and his warrior pixies, as well as Billy and the Alphas, all return to flesh out the character pool alongside some new additions, such as the Changelings and the Gatekeeper, a particularly intriguing wizard on the White Council.
Finally, James Marsters narration improves with each book and his voices for the minor characters are truly excellent. He also manages to convey Harry's sarcastic wit so well and there are many laugh-out-loud moments - so beware when listening in public.
3.5 Stars
An definite improvement on Grave Peril.
The world building in this installment focuses on the Fae, and more specifically, on the conflict between the Summer and Winter courts. The political machinations and allegiances of the various Fae are complex and it is difficult at times to keep track of the different characters and the factions they belong to. Nevertheless, it all comes together at the end, and the climax and resolution are exciting and satisfying.
The plot revolving around the murder of the Summer Knight and the theft of his Mantle of Magic has potential but is poorly executed. There are numerous suspects, however, their motives are never quite clear and Harry's investigation is overshadowed by unrelated plot points, such as the return of an old girlfriend, his problems with the White Council, the wizards war with the vampires, etc.
Harry is an amalgamation of opposites. On the one hand, he is strong-willed, resourceful, has a good heart and good intentions. On the other, he is sardonic, self-absorbed and not a little chauvinistic. He is also a mediocre wizard despite indications that there is something special about him, and he barely manages to survive his encounters with the various villains and monsters in the book.
The secondary cast are wonderful and contribute to making this a fun read. Harry's friend and police contact, the sharp-witted and kick-ass Karrin Murphy, plays a slight larger role although she still doesn't get enough page time. Bob the Skull, Toot the Fairy and his warrior pixies, as well as Billy and the Alphas, all return to flesh out the character pool alongside some new additions, such as the Changelings and the Gatekeeper, a particularly intriguing wizard on the White Council.
Finally, James Marsters narration improves with each book and his voices for the minor characters are truly excellent. He also manages to convey Harry's sarcastic wit so well and there are many laugh-out-loud moments - so beware when listening in public.
aliciadreaming's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
3.5