Skin game: a novel of the Dresden files

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Series
Dresden files volume 15
Publisher
Varies, see individual formats and editions
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Language
English

Description

Butcher is the dean of contemporary urban fantasy.”—BooklistHarry Dresden, Chicago's only professional wizard, is about to have a very bad day…Because as Winter Knight to the Queen of Air and Darkness, Harry never knows what the scheming Mab might want him to do. Usually, it’s something awful.. He doesn’t know the half of it…Mab has just traded Harry’s skills to pay off one of her debts. And now he must help a group of supernatural villains—led by one of Harry’s most dreaded and despised enemies, Nicodemus Archleone—to break into the highest-security vault in town, so that they can then access the highest-security vault in the Nevernever. It's a smash and grab job to recover the literal Holy Grail from the vaults of the greatest treasure hoard in the supernatural world—which belongs to the one and only Hades, Lord of the freaking Underworld and generally unpleasant character. Worse, Dresden suspects that there is another game afoot that no one is talking about. And he's dead certain that Nicodemus has no intention of allowing any of his crew to survive the experience. Especially Harry.Dresden's always been tricky, but he's going to have to up his backstabbing game to survive this mess—assuming his own allies don’t end up killing him before his enemies get the chance…

More Details

Contributors
Butcher, Jim Author
Marsters, James Narrator
ISBN
9780451464392
9780698157897
9781490630427

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Also in this Series

  • Storm front (Dresden files Volume 1) Cover
  • Fool moon (Dresden files Volume 2) Cover
  • Grave peril (Dresden files Volume 3) Cover
  • Summer knight (Dresden files Volume 4) Cover
  • Death masks: a novel of the Dresden files (Dresden files Volume 5) Cover
  • Blood rites: a novel of the Dresden files (Dresden files Volume 6) Cover
  • Dead beat: a novel of the Dresden files (Dresden files Volume 7) Cover
  • Proven guilty: a novel of the Dresden files (Dresden files Volume 8) Cover
  • White night: a novel of the Dresden files (Dresden files Volume 9) Cover
  • Small favor: a novel of the Dresden files (Dresden files Volume 10) Cover
  • Turn coat: a novel of the Dresden files (Dresden files Volume 11) Cover
  • Changes: a novel of the Dresden files (Dresden files Volume 12) Cover
  • Ghost story: a novel of the Dresden files (Dresden files Volume 13) Cover
  • Cold days: a novel of the Dresden files (Dresden files Volume 14) Cover
  • Skin game: a novel of the Dresden files (Dresden files Volume 15) Cover
  • Peace talks: a novel of the Dresden files (Dresden files Volume 16) Cover
  • Battle ground: a novel of the Dresden files (Dresden files Volume 17) Cover
  • Backup: a story of the Dresden files (Dresden files Volume ) Cover

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Similar Series From Novelist

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for series you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
The heroes of The Dresden Files and the Spenser novels are moral, chivalrous men who make witty quips as they fight bad guys, solve mysteries, and defend the innocent. -- Jessica Zellers
These compelling urban fantasy mysteries feature snarky protagonists who deal in all things magical and paranormal. While the Chicago-set Dresden has a strong sense of place and fast pace, an atmospheric tone and dark humor inhabit Kate Daniels Fantasies. -- Yaika Sabat
Sarcastic, hard-boiled detectives with interesting backstories investigate criminal cases tied to the supernatural in these fantasy mysteries. Both are fast-paced and darkly humorous with a strong sense of place -- Dresden operates in Chicago while Ishmael hunts for clues in England. -- Andrienne Cruz
Both of these engaging urban fantasy series will appeal to readers who enjoy gritty magical tales with plenty of sarcastic wit and a strong sense of place. -- Stephen Ashley
Dresden Files's Chicago setting contrasts the fictional city of the Undetectables mysteries, but both series have plenty of humor and magic as a wizard (Dresden) and a team of witches (Undetectables) dedicate their lives to cracking down on supernatural crime. -- Basia Wilson
Though wizard detective Harry Dresden is more grizzled than Adam Binder, both use their unique abilities to investigate powerful artifacts and dangerous creatures in these action-packed, sometimes witty urban fantasy series. -- Stephen Ashley
Protagonists show off acerbic wit and supernatural sleuthing skills in these fast-paced series that combine elements of fantasy and mystery. Dresden Files's Harry is a detective and wizard based in Chicago; Edinburgh Nights stars a Black Scot who communicates with ghosts. -- Basia Wilson
These series have the genres "hardboiled fiction" and "fantasy mysteries"; the subjects "wizards," "private investigators," and "dresden, harry (fictitious character)"; and characters that are "sarcastic characters" and "likeable characters."
These series have the appeal factors strong sense of place, atmospheric, and intricately plotted, and they have the themes "large cast of characters" and "hidden among us"; the genres "urban fantasy" and "fantasy mysteries"; the subjects "private investigators," "dresden, harry (fictitious character)," and "women private investigators"; and characters that are "flawed characters."

Similar Titles From NoveList

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for titles you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
These books have the appeal factors offbeat, banter-filled, and intricately plotted, and they have the theme "large cast of characters"; the subjects "wizards," "magic," and "elves"; and characters that are "sarcastic characters" and "flawed characters."
These books have the genre "adult books for young adults"; and the subjects "wizards," "magic," and "imaginary creatures."
These books have the appeal factors strong sense of place and atmospheric, and they have the genre "urban fantasy"; and the subjects "wizards," "magic," and "dresden, harry (fictitious character)."
NoveList recommends "Bone Street rumba" for fans of "Dresden files". Check out the first book in the series.
NoveList recommends "Edinburgh nights" for fans of "Dresden files". Check out the first book in the series.
These books have the appeal factors strong sense of place and intricately plotted, and they have the themes "large cast of characters" and "hidden among us"; the genre "urban fantasy"; the subjects "wizards," "magic," and "imaginary creatures"; and characters that are "flawed characters" and "well-developed characters."
These books have the appeal factors suspenseful, fast-paced, and intricately plotted, and they have the theme "large cast of characters"; the subjects "wizards," "women rulers," and "magic"; and characters that are "flawed characters."
These books have the appeal factors action-packed, fast-paced, and intricately plotted, and they have the theme "large cast of characters"; the subjects "wizards" and "alliances"; and characters that are "sarcastic characters" and "flawed characters."
NoveList recommends "Ishmael Jones novels" for fans of "Dresden files". Check out the first book in the series.
NoveList recommends "Undetectables mysteries" for fans of "Dresden files". Check out the first book in the series.
NoveList recommends "Adam Binder novels" for fans of "Dresden files". Check out the first book in the series.
NoveList recommends "Kate Daniels fantasies" for fans of "Dresden files". Check out the first book in the series.

Similar Authors From NoveList

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for other authors you might want to read if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
Steven Brust's opportunistic sorcerer/sometime-assassin Vlad Taltos may appeal to readers of both Jim Butcher's Dresden and Codex Alera series. For the former, Brust's Taltos is a sympathetic-but-flawed protagonist caught up in dangerous intrigues and corruption around him; for the latter, Brust vividly realizes a quasi-medieval fantasy setting. -- Kim Burton
Jim Butcher and Charles de Lint write bleakly evocative depictions of their dark urban fantasy worlds. Butcher's Chicago and de Lint's imaginary Newford each harbor portals to magical realms where danger lurks and from which it may emerge. Readers of each author will find much to appreciate in the other. -- Katherine Johnson
Jim Butcher and Lois McMaster Bujold write fantasy and science fiction filled with nuanced characters, political intrigues, and seemingly impossible moral dilemmas, though honor and integrity always prevail. Both write epic, long-form storytelling where seemingly trivial details in one book reveal themselves as part of a grand story arc several books later. -- Jessica Zellers
Like F. Paul Wilson, Jim Butcher sets his dark fantasy Harry Dresden series in an urban setting where supernatural evil lurks just under the radar of the average citizen. Readers of Wilson will love how Butcher convincingly intermingles the real and the fantastic, his well-developed characters, and his well-plotted storylines. -- Becky Spratford
Laurell K. Hamilton and Jim Butcher write about likeable characters in fast-moving plots with zippy dialogue, melding mystery and horror elements. Readers will find the romantic element often present in Hamilton's work to be rarer in Butcher's. -- Krista Biggs
The (mis)adventures of Glen Cook's beleaguered private eye, Garrett - who ekes out his living among orcs, vampires, and more - strike a charmingly depreciating, laconic, and hardboiled tone that may please fans of Jim Butcher's Dresden novels. Both writers' more traditional fantasy works feature multi-faceted protagonists and unusual worldviews. -- Kim Burton
Carrie Vaughn's werewolf late-night radio talk show host, Kitty Norville, is another series protagonist with appeal for Harry Dresden fans. Recounting her adventures in a wry, sometimes whiny, first-person voice, Kitty gradually comes to grips with life as a quasi-celebrity (and target). -- Kim Burton
These authors' works have the genres "urban fantasy" and "hardboiled fiction"; and the subjects "wizards," "private investigators," and "dresden, harry (fictitious character)."
These authors' works have the genres "urban fantasy" and "fantasy mysteries"; the subjects "wizards," "warriors," and "rulers"; and characters that are "likeable characters."
These authors' works have the genres "urban fantasy" and "fantasy mysteries"; the subjects "wizards," "private investigators," and "dresden, harry (fictitious character)"; and characters that are "flawed characters" and "sarcastic characters."
These authors' works have the appeal factors strong sense of place and world-building, and they have the genre "epic fantasy"; and the subjects "wizards," "supernatural," and "warriors."
These authors' works have the appeal factors haunting, bleak, and world-building, and they have the subjects "wizards," "supernatural," and "warriors."

Published Reviews

Booklist Review

Harry Dresden, having finally succumbed to Mab and become the Winter Knight, is hiding out. The spirit of the island can help keep his debilitating headaches at bay, and keep Mab off his back. She shows up with a job for him help Nicodemus Archleone steal the Holy Grail from Hades. As if that wasn't enough, it's Mab, so nothing is straightforward. Harry, having a good sense for survival, is quite sure Nicodemus is going to do his best to prevent anyone from surviving the experience and that Mab has motives she's not mentioning. Harry brings in Murphy as backup, Michael Carpenter plays his usual stabilizing role, and the rest of Nicodemus' team is, though reprehensible, quite an entertaining bunch of supernatural criminals. Harry is incredibly well suited to the heist, especially the back-stabbing, convoluted, conspiratorial heist that Skin Game turns into and it's clear that all of this plotting is leading to another, even more epic confrontation. To top it off, a few loose ends including a surprising solution to Harry's headaches get tied back into the story. This should be just what fans of the Dresden Files series would hope for. HIgh Demand Backstory: Butcher is generally regarded as the reigning king of urban fantasy, so librarians will find it impossible to keep fans away from his latest novel.--Schroeder, Regina Copyright 2014 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
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Publisher's Weekly Review

Even fans of Butcher's long-running urban fantasy series may find this 15th outing (after Cold Days) does little to advance the overall story. The setup is different, but, once again, wizard turned Winter Knight Harry Dresden must team up with some brave friends and unexpected allies to combat the forces of evil while undertaking an impossible quest. Dresden is forced by his boss, Mab, the Queen of Air and Darkness, to partner with longtime foe Nicodemus Archleone and break into the vault of Hades. An almost literal deus ex machina saves the duo, and a surprising revelation about the parasite that Dresden has inside him, rather than inspiring awe, feels like a gimmick aimed at altering the series' status quo without significantly changing the essence of the lead's character or personality. Series admirers can only hope for a shot of adrenaline next time out to restore the wonder and imagination of the first Dresden books. (June) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
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Library Journal Review

The latest in this long-running series gets back to its crime fiction roots when series hero Harry Dresden is trapped into helping with a heist. Butcher finds a way for readers to root for Harry and the crew of criminals he is working with to get away with their caper, as that success seems to be the only way forward for Harry, who has been struggling to adapt to the many recent changes in his life. (LJ 4/15/14) (c) Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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Booklist Reviews

Harry Dresden, having finally succumbed to Mab and become the Winter Knight, is hiding out. The spirit of the island can help keep his debilitating headaches at bay, and keep Mab off his back. She shows up with a job for him—help Nicodemus Archleone steal the Holy Grail from Hades. As if that wasn't enough, it's Mab, so nothing is straightforward. Harry, having a good sense for survival, is quite sure Nicodemus is going to do his best to prevent anyone from surviving the experience and that Mab has motives she's not mentioning. Harry brings in Murphy as backup, Michael Carpenter plays his usual stabilizing role, and the rest of Nicodemus' team is, though reprehensible, quite an entertaining bunch of supernatural criminals. Harry is incredibly well suited to the heist, especially the back-stabbing, convoluted, conspiratorial heist that Skin Game turns into—and it's clear that all of this plotting is leading to another, even more epic confrontation. To top it off, a few loose ends—including a surprising solution to Harry's headaches—get tied back into the story. This should be just what fans of the Dresden Files series would hope for. HIgh Demand Backstory: Butcher is generally regarded as the reigning king of urban fantasy, so librarians will find it impossible to keep fans away from his latest novel. Copyright 2014 Booklist Reviews.

Copyright 2014 Booklist Reviews.
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Library Journal Reviews

Butcher (Cold Days) brings back wizard Harry Dresden for his 15th adventure fighting a rogue's gallery of supernatural villains, but this time in a caper story. Harry has recently taken on the mantle of the Winter Knight, servant to Mab, the Faerie Queen of Air and Darkness, and she has a job for Harry. Mab has a debt to pay to Nicodemus Archleone, Knight of the Blackened Denarius, so she is loaning him Harry's assistance. As holders of one of Judas's pieces of silver imbued with a fallen angel, the Knights are very bad news. Worse for Harry is that the job Nicodemus plans is a raid on the vault of Hades, Lord of the Underworld. Dresden is no cream puff himself, but something of an amalgam of his own intelligence and cunning mixed with Harry Potter-like devotion to his friends and the cause of good. VERDICT This is urban fantasy par excellence, with magical action, moral dilemmas, and a wonderful cast. Series fans will love this, and there is enough backstory for newcomers.—Eric Norton, McMillan Memorial Lib., Wisconsin Rapids

[Page 62]. (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Powered by Content Cafe

Library Journal Reviews

The latest in this long-running series gets back to its crime fiction roots when series hero Harry Dresden is trapped into helping with a heist. Butcher finds a way for readers to root for Harry and the crew of criminals he is working with to get away with their caper, as that success seems to be the only way forward for Harry, who has been struggling to adapt to the many recent changes in his life. (LJ 4/15/14)

[Page 55]. (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Powered by Content Cafe

Publishers Weekly Reviews

Even fans of Butcher's long-running urban fantasy series may find this 15th outing (after Cold Days) does little to advance the overall story. The setup is different, but, once again, wizard turned Winter Knight Harry Dresden must team up with some brave friends and unexpected allies to combat the forces of evil while undertaking an impossible quest. Dresden is forced by his boss, Mab, the Queen of Air and Darkness, to partner with longtime foe Nicodemus Archleone and break into the vault of Hades. An almost literal deus ex machina saves the duo, and a surprising revelation about the parasite that Dresden has inside him, rather than inspiring awe, feels like a gimmick aimed at altering the series' status quo without significantly changing the essence of the lead's character or personality. Series admirers can only hope for a shot of adrenaline next time out to restore the wonder and imagination of the first Dresden books. (June)

[Page ]. Copyright 2014 PWxyz LLC

Copyright 2014 PWxyz LLC
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