Book Review: White Night (Dresden Files, #9)

Author: Jim Butcher

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Edition: UK Paperback

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Related Reviews: Dead Beat, Proven Guilty

Rating: 4 Stars 

It's been almost a year since I read a book in the Dresden Files!  What is wrong with me?  I love this series so much, and have no excuses except that there is not enough time in the day for me to read all the books I would like to.

It's always hard to summarize these books, especially at this point in the series, because I don't want to spoil anything.  Quickly: Harry helps out a group of magically talented women who are being picked off one by one and may be pawns in the White Court vampires' game.

This was not my favorite book in the series.  The first half was very good and the second half was very good.  All of it was very good.  It just felt disconnected in the middle, like there were two acts and the cord that tied them together was stretched thin.  Normally, Butcher delivers a novel where everything fits together like a perfect puzzle, and while things did make a bunch of sense and it wasn't really disappointing, I'm used to much better connective tissue in this series.

As always, Thomas was my favorite character outside of Harry (because I adore their relationship; and there are some great scenes between them in this one).  We finally discover what he's been keeping secret from Harry for a bit (and it well worth waiting for, if you ask me).  The character that surprised me the most was Lash, who, up to this point, has been interesting but not really a character I could connect with.  I was pleasantly surprised where her character ended up going, too.  Another surprise: Carlos Ramirez!  I forgot how much I actually really like his character; plus, hinting at a Molly X Carlos relationship? I'm pretty interested to see where that goes or if it's dismissed.

The ending broke me a bit.  I can't say which part, but if you've read it, I think you'll be able to figure it out (hint: it's the same reason Harry cries; my eyes teared up quite a bit).  It was all wrapped up beautifully, and save for that little bit of disconnect, I liked this book quite a bit.  Unfortunately, the next book in the series is the only one I don't actually own, so I need to get it before I can read it.

December TBR

Wow, it's December already!  That's so crazy, it only feels like January.  Okay, maybe it doesn't feel like January, but I still can't believe how quickly the year has passed.  Well, now I'm on break for a month (yay for me!) and it's really great to be in my own bed, surrounded by all (or at least most) of my books.  And the food.  Man, I missed the food so much.  The books on my TBR shouldn't change too much this month, but the order might.

1. Cress

Okay, quick confession.  When I wrote up my TBR on a list, and started the month early this morning, this book was totally part of my TBR pile.  And, well, I had already started it last month, but still.  Well, I finished it.  So it's not really to-be-read anymore.  But guys, it was so good!  Why did it take me so long to read this one!!  I'm absolutely breathless!!!  I just thought I would include it on this list in case you were wondering where it disappeared to in between my November Wrap-Up and this post.

2. Soundless

Surprised to see this one on here?  I actually am a little.  But it was black Friday, and while I hadn't exactly planned to pick this one up for a while, I just couldn't prevent my fingers from clicking buy when I was perusing Barnes and Noble.  But I used a coupon, so hey, not a bad choice.  This should arrive tomorrow (fingers crossed) and I'll be starting it ASAP.  I know it's a bit of a shorter book so I don't think it will take me very long to read at all.

3. The Golden Braid

Yes, this is another Rapunzel retelling.  I'm behind on the ARCs I need to read, and I thought this would be a good fit for the month.  This is another shorter one, so I'm hoping it doesn't take long at all to get through.  I'm looking forward to reading it, since when I requested it I was super stoked.

4. Shadow's Edge

This is the biggest book on my TBR, but if it's half as good as the first in this series (which I read last month) I should be able to fly through it.  I've had plenty of time to read, and that won't be changing.  My roommate, who recommended the series, promises it's even better, though, which makes me unbelievably excited to start it.

5. White Night

Harry, I have missed you so much.  Can you believe it's been since June when I picked up a book in this series?  I can't!  I don't really know why I haven't picked it up sooner, since I've probably had it since then as well.  The Dresden Files are one of my favorite series and every book is just so enjoyable.  This one won't take me long to read at all- they never do.

6. Bentwhistle the Dragon in a Threat from the Past

I received copies of the first three books in this series from the author, Paul Cude, and I plan to get to at least the first one this month.  I'm really excited to explore these!  I peeked at some reviews on Goodreads (which I rarely do, since I try to stay unbiased in my reading and bad reviews can really screw with my mind) and found mostly positive reviews.  It sounds like a fun ride, and is a rather moderate size, so it shouldn't take me super long.

I have a few other books I might read if I finish all of these (which actually seems sort of likely right now), including Iron Warrior, The Retribution of Mara Dyer, and The Death of Dulgath.

Manga's I'm looking to read: Noragami volumes 8 and 9 (which releases later this month) and Noragami: Stray Stories.  I also want to read volumes 4 and 5 of Hawkeye.  If there's still time, I'll be picking up the first two volumes of Pandora Hearts and the first two volumes of Blue Exorcist.  I'm eager to read them all, but I must pace myself.

TV wise, I need to catch up on Flash and watch the crossover events for both Flash and Arrow.  I also want to catch up on SHIELD, Once Upon a Time, and Doctor Who.  Besides these shows I don't know what I'll be watching.

What books are you guys planning to read this month?  Any the same as me?  Let me know in the comments and thanks for stopping by!