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Book Review of Backup (Dresden Files, Bk 10.4)

Backup (Dresden Files, Bk 10.4)
BaileysBooks avatar reviewed on + 491 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6


This is a small, 70-page supplement to The Dresden Files.

Chronologically, it falls in line after Book 10 (Small Favor). At the very least, do not read this book (or this review) until you have read through Book 6 (Blood Rites).

Compared to a full-length Dresden book, this is a short story. The conflict is relatively straight-forward, suspense is minimal, and resolution comes quickly. But that really isn't the point.

The point is that you are given a 70-page window into Thomas's life and emotions. You know that Harry and Thomas care for each other and take their bond of brotherhood very seriously. But they also keep their emotions in check. Harry's perspective in the books allows for a glimpse of his own feelings, but Thomas's have always been more elusive.

This book finally gives you a chance to spend some time in Thomas's head. You get a sense of how he feels about and deals with his own family in the White Court. You get a better sense of the self-control required to manage his Hunger. You get a glimpse of the lengths he must go to in order to project the image of Toe-moss, the homosexual salon owner, in order to cover up his true identity as a life-force-devouring White Court Vampire and part-time demon slayer. And you get to see, from his own perspective, the fierce sense of loyalty and pride that he feels for his brother Harry.

This book is expensive considering the small amount of content, but it is more than worth it for the opportunity to spend more time with a character that I am always wanting to learn more about.