Some Dresden Files ruminations...

Here be spoilers.

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So Proven Guilty isn't my favorite entry in the series (I think that honor still goes to Blood Rites), but it was nonetheless a good read. I don't know how many volumes Butcher is planning on before wrapping the whole thing up, but it's becoming pretty clear that he's building up to something. That's sad and scary and exciting. Sad because I don't want it to be over. Scary because I'm sure people--characters I've come to love--will die before it's over. And exciting because I'm sure that, whatever happens, it's gonna be good.

This reading was a little weird for me, because the footage and pictures I've seen of the upcoming TV series were interfering with my mental cast of characters. I still mainly hear James Marsters narrating in my head as I read, but my image of a James-like Harry kept morphing into Paul Blackthorne. I figure my perceptions of these characters will be completely screwed with by the time I read the next book. Hopefully in a good way.

Some specifics, starting, of course, with the 'shippy stuff, because that's how I roll: I don't for a minute buy that Murphy believes in her heart that she and Harry are wrong for each other. I absolutely buy that she's convinced her head of this, and managed to almost convince Harry's head to agree, but I have faith that their hearts will eventually win out. And that when they do it will be messy and complicated and wonderful, like all the best love stories are. Stupid Murphy.

It's interesting that she's essentially lost her job just as it's becoming imperative for Harry to find a weilder for his own personal Excalibur. And I did not intend the phalic punnery that took over that last sentence, but I guess it works either way. Job/relationship hindrance issues aside, I guessed from the moment Shiro gave his sword to Harry for safekeeping that it would end up in Murphy's hands. Maybe that's too obvious, but it's obvious because it seems so right, and it fits with the guardian angel imagery Harry sees whenever he looks at Karrin with his Sight. And if she does indeed lose her job--if she can't not just not be in command anymore, but can't even be a cop--what else will she do? She's seen too much to sit idly by, and she's too much of a warrior to give up the good fight. She loves the law--but I think it's not the law itself so much as the principles behind it. What better promotion than to protect and serve on behalf of a higher authority--a Cop for God, in essence? 'Twould be awesome. I hope that's where Butcher's going with this.

Speaking of, I was very pleased to see Michael again, even if his appearance was limited. And of course he knew all along about Lasciel. And Michael? You're not allowed to die, so just stop that nonsense right now.

As for his family, I have a new liking for Charity. Molly, I'm not so sure about, and I'm a little apprehensive about her becoming Harry's apprentice. Although I'm sure that as long as her story continues to be told through Harry's eyes, it will be entertaining.

Finally, Thomas. Thomas, Thomas, Thomas. I'm disappointed that he's feeding again, and wondering what he's up to, but I'm not really too worried. I have a suspiscion that the build-up around his mysterious activities are aiming more for a punchline than a punch in the gut, and it will turn out that he's found gainful employment as a male stripper. Really, that's the perfect job for a hot incubus--he'd get to suck up all of the sexual energy as his "prey" stuffs money in his knickers. And it's just embarrassing enough for him to want to keep it a secret from Harry. I'm not sure how the Wild Hunt fits into that theory, but I'm working on it.

Love Mouse. Love Mister. Still love Bob. Love that Leanansidhe is even crazier, and I'm intrigued by what's going on with Queen Mab. Also loving the movie monster shoutouts, and Harry's bewilderment and tired acceptance of the fan convention phenomenon. Liking Rawlins, and won't mind if he's a recurring character.

I love these books. And I love Harry Dresden. I sure hope television will be good to him.

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/spoilers