Book Review: "Skin Game" by Jim Butcher

Skin Game by Jim Butcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"Skin Game" by Jim Butcher sees Harry Dresden working another assignment as The Winter Knight, only this time Mab wants him to work with Nicodemus Archleone - the head of the Blackened Denarians and one of Harry's personal nemesis.

This novel redefines Dresden's relationships with the people he almost left behind. From Karrin to Butters to Michael, Dresden learns to rely on his friends and trust that he can contain the Winter Mantle. He even begins a real relationship with his daughter, Maggie.

But the real joy in this book is the action. Mr. Butcher packs comedic action, dramatic action, treacherous action, Parkour in Hades, and enough back-stabbing that you almost need a tally sheet to figure out who is sided with whom. And the action is held together with genuine character interactions. I felt Butter's hesitation as he wondered if Dresden succumbed to the Winter Mantle; I laughed when Dresden learns that Bob discovered Internet porn. But mostly I hung on to the edge of my seat because for the vast majority of the book, Dresden is forced to work nicely with his enemies. I delighted in the machinations as Nicodemus and Dresden attempt polite conversation; I wept when Dresden had to leave his daughter for a virtual suicide mission.

From the beginning to the end, I had trouble putting this book down. I give it 5 stars out of 5, and recommend it to fantasy lovers everywhere.

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