Solar Flare: Science Fiction News

In the fifth Harry Dresden novel, Death Masks, Jim Butcher ratchets up the horror once more, but not at the expense of the trademark humor of the series. This time out Harry Dresden is faced by not only a vampire warlord who wishes to duel him and the return of his ex-girlfriend (now semi-vamp) Elaine, but by a stolen Shroud of Turin and some very very nasty demons.

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This particular brotherhood of demons are humans who have accepted a silver coin (there are thirty if that clues you in) and have become possessed by a demon as a result. Not surprisingly with that background, Harry’s friend Michael is back to help out, and he’s joined by his two brother Knights, one of whom is an atheist!

Death Masks is perhaps a little more adult that previous books in the series. Harry’s relationship with Elaine is very physical in places and the horror is downright gruesome but the book retains its light-hearted tone and Butcher does a great job of balancing the light and dark elements.

One of the nice things about this series is that you really don’t know for certain who will live and who will die. Well okay, you kind of figure that Harry is going to make it, but beyond that…

Its nice to touch base with some of Harry’s friends again and find out how their lives are going. Things happen in Butcher’s version of Earth even when Harry isn’t present to directly witness them. People get older, change and develop. Its a nice touch.

All in all this is another successful outing for Harry Dresden, although I’m starting to wonder how many villains and arch-enemies the wizard can possibly juggle, since most of them seem to be getting away lately. And the villain in this one has got to be plotting a re-match.