Side Jobs: Stories from the Dresden Files
Jim Butcher
Roc, Oct 26 2010, $25.95
ISBN 9780451463654
Although the quality of the eleven entries varies to an incredible degree, fans of Dresden will want to read the anthology that is a sort of history of the author. No question, the audience will want to read the novella “Aftermath”, which occurs a few hours after the end of the stunning Changes. Many of the tales fill the gaps between the novels especially with a close look at support cast in entries like “Backup” focuses on Thomas and “Warrior” on Michael. Some like the first Dresden unpublished tale, A Restoration of Faith, displays Jim Butcher’s talent, but not experience as the contribution is a bit confusing; that might be caused by knowing so much about the only wizard in the Chicago phone book. Clearly this compilation is for fans of the series; newcomers would be better off watching the TV show or starting with the novels as that is Mr. Butcher’s forte.
Harriet Klausner
