In the book 'Summer Knight' by Jim Butcher, Harry Dresden, a Chicago wizard, is thrust into the middle of a war between the Summer and Winter Sidhe Courts as he is tasked with solving the murder of the Summer Knight within a tight deadline. With intricate faerie politics, dangerous adversaries, and personal stakes, Harry must navigate a complex web of alliances and betrayals to save himself and prevent a potential apocalypse. The writing style of the book combines elements of high fantasy with urban mystery, featuring a witty and likable protagonist facing intense challenges while maintaining a sense of humor.

Characters:

The characters, particularly Harry Dresden, are complex and relatable, with well-developed supporting roles that enhance the story and contribute to Harry's evolution.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by wit and humor, effectively intertwining dark themes with engaging character interactions and fast-paced action.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot follows Harry Dresden, who, amidst personal turmoil from his girlfriend's transformation, is drawn into solving a murder that could ignite a war between the Faerie Courts, showcasing intricate political dynamics.

Setting:

The setting is primarily in Chicago, contrasting the urban environment with the mystical realms of Faerie, enhancing the story's complexity.

Pacing:

The pacing is fast and engaging, filled with continuous action and unexpected twists that maintain reader interest.

I got out of the Blue Beetle, my beat-up old Volkswagen bug, and squinted against the midsummer sunlight. Lake Meadow Park lies a bit south of Chicago 's Loop, a long sprint from Lake Michigan 's shor...

Notes:

Harry Dresden is the only wizard in Chicago, working as a private investigator.

He's been living in depression since his girlfriend, Susan, became partially a vampire.

Mab, the Winter Queen, buys Harry's godmother's debt to compel Harry to solve a murder.

The murder of the Summer Knight disrupts the balance between the Summer and Winter Courts.

Harry faces threats from both the Faerie world and the White Council of Wizards.

The story includes various adventures like battling a plant monster at a Walmart.

Harry's relationships with characters like Karen Murphy and the werewolves deepen in this book.

The narrative explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the complexity of Faerie politics.

New characters are introduced, including Harry's long-lost love, adding tension and intrigue to the plot.

Butcher's writing combines humor and action, creating an engaging urban fantasy experience.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

There are content warnings related to violence, mild themes of grief and loss, and the portrayal of treacherous faerie politics.

Has Romance?

While romance is not the primary focus, there is a notable romantic subplot involving Harry's past relationship with Elaine and its implications.

From The Publisher:

In the fourth novel in the #1 New York Times bestselling series featuring everyone's favorite wizard for hire, Harry Dresden is suckered into the tangled-and dangerous-affairs of Faerie…

Ever since his girlfriend left town to deal with her newly acquired taste for blood, Harry Dresden has been down and out in Chicago. He can't pay his rent. He's alienating his friends. He can't even recall the last time he took a shower. The only professional wizard in the phone book has become a desperate man.

And just when it seems things can't get any worse, in saunters the Winter Queen of Faerie. She has an offer Harry can't refuse if he wants to free himself of the supernatural hold his faerie godmother has over him-and hopefully end his run of bad luck. All he has to do is find out who murdered the Summer Queen's right-hand man, the Summer Knight, and clear the Winter Queen's name.

It seems simple enough, but Harry knows better than to get caught in the middle of faerie politics. Until he finds out that the fate of the entire world rests on his solving this case. No pressure or anything…

Ratings (83)

Incredible (22)
Loved It (40)
Liked It (10)
It Was OK (9)
Did Not Like (2)

Reader Stats (96):

Read It (86)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (5)
Not Interested (4)

3 comment(s)

Woxreads

Loved It

1 month

Great story with an interesting twist.

Cargide

Incredible

2 months

Empiezan las historias con más peso, y con ello mejora el ritmo al que se mueven.

Rachelguy72

It Was OK

5 months

I weirdly had a hard time staying engaged with this one... The story, plot, and character arcs were good but I feel like I stumbled blindly through each twist that was suppose to pull me in.

Disappointed but onto the next.

What can you read after
Summer Knight?

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About the Author:

A martial arts enthusiast whose résumé includes a long list of skills rendered obsolete at least two hundred years ago, #1 New York Times bestselling author Jim Butcher turned to writing as a career because anything else probably would have…

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Summer Knight

Jim Butcher

Book 4 in the series:The Dresden Files