The previous book, Changes, was the catalyst for the series to become something else entirely to what it began life as. It was insane, a little, towards the end. Dresden was almost transformed into something we, as readers, were unsure of... shocked at this direction the novel was taking. Afraid that the character we veterans of the series know and love.
I’ve seen some people’s reactions to the book, and then the response from other readers who were telling them that the narrator does not equal the author. Because there was obviously something about the book which made them so upset.
It was probably the cold-blooded murder of Dresden’s once-lover, mother of his child, the love of his life. That kind of thing can shake people a little bit. Dresden took the time to rationalise his decision, give himself a way out of being a murderer. After all, it took care of the huge problem they’d been dealing with for years on end. What some didn’t realise was that the author can write about something and present it in a way in which they don’t necessarily agree. I’m damn sure Mr Butcher doesn’t stand around advocating the use of murder to get what you want.
Now, enter Ghost Story. In this novel we see the culminating effects of this earth-shattering event, the results of leaving people behind without protection, the outcome of a war ended with a single curse, the direction some characters have been forced to go because of this vacuum left in Dresden’s wake.
It has almost destroyed them. These people, who were once good, unspoiled, unsullied by the darkness that populates the Dresden universe, have been turned and thrust into a world where the weak are assimilated into the ever-growing shadow streaking across the world. They have to be strong; they have to throw a facade into everyone’s face. Show them that they aren’t weak; they can’t be shoved around and told what to do. Otherwise, they’ll fall by the way side, and never get up again. The Dresden world has taken another turn towards “damned”, and Dresden can’t sit by and watch as the people he loves go down with it.
Dresden is in a unique position to see these events occur, and he’s powerless to stop them. His character was put through so much turmoil in the last book, and he can see now what that did to him and his judgement. He realises that his decisions weren’t made in the best frame of mind, but were still inherently wrong.
Throughout most of the novel, the initial premise stands loud and clear: Dresden is finding out who his killer is, so that he can rest in peace. Go through to the Beyond. He’s also tasked with protecting three of his friends who will be hurt if he doesn’t. The twist comes when he remembers his killer. When he remembers what happened to him. The knife is plunged in deeper when we realise that Harry’s apprentice, Molly, is so much more vulnerable than she lets on – and his Faerie godmother has taken on her training, and particularly not in ways Harry is comfortable with.
Harry connects with Molly like never before. It’s brutal, but honest. This novel sheds light on so many things from the last book. Characters have changed throughout this series; there is no doubt of that. Some changed in ways that might be non-refundable when they get to the checkout. They’ve paid the boatman, and they’re on the way to the other side of that river dividing “good” from “bad”, and there is no turning back; they are stuck in a fast flowing current of events; spiralling ever downwards, ever onwards. They will not like what is on the other side.
Threads which began in other novels, I know I forgot about them and probably many others did too, were picked up and thrown into the mix. Not to mention how the book ends. These threads go almost all of the way back to the beginning.
Butcher has, once again, done an amazing job. He has provided us with a story gripping from beginning to end – action, humour, magic and awesome-packed for good measure. If you’re not a fan yet, why the hell not? Pick up a book, read it, and join with us – the legion of fans Butcher has at his command. Be sucked into the vortex of his creation as fully as I, and revel in the joys of the characters, the sorrows, the revelations and the obscurities. Be prepared for a heart-stopping, heart-warming and heart-wrenching story of love, hate, betrayal and titanic struggle against enemies that seem almost impossible to overcome.
It’s one hell of a ride, and I promise you’ll never look back.
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