Marcone. My beloved. HELL KNIGHT MARCONE. Lord Baron of Chicago. Baron of Chicago vs Wizard of Chicago. Hells bells. Where to begin. Him and Harry saved Chicago hand in hand. Marcone made a concrete teacup to try and save Harry. Marcone trusts Harry with the eye of Balor. Oh yeah, I know Harry was like 'oh no Marcone is going to kill me and steal it' and YES maybe Marcone thought about it but!!!! That disgust? Marcone had, when Harry asked 'why not'. Dude. My lovable idiot. He doesn't want to kill you. He trusts you. He wants you around to keep Chicago safe. You absolute imbecile. You can't see past your own arm span and, fair, it's not as short as it could be, but Marcone is looking far ahead. He's looking into the future. He's seeing all the possibilities. Marcone doesn't want you as an enemy. He never wanted Harry as an enemy. Marcone is Harry's enemy because Harry insists they are enemies. My beloved moron. I love him so much.

Harry and Marcone sitting on the beach laughing together. I mean!!!

Harry and Marcone. The mortal version of Summer and Winter. They don't rule the Nevernever they rule Chicago. In balance. Just. Absolute madness. How much has Marcone been doing? Has he taken a moment to breathe? Ever?

Also I'm a moron because I didn't clock it until Marcone was a HELL KNIGHT. But there are knights!! Everywhere! I am usually thinking of them as completely separate entities. Things that don't overlap. You've got the Knights of the Cross and that's not MAGIC, that's religion! And then you've got the Summer Knight and the Winter Knight, and that's magic obviously. But I never thought of the Nickelheads as Knights until Marcone was described BY HARRY as a Hell Knight. Just. Yeesh. Took me a while there. They are all champions for their individual causes! Except Harry was coerced!

Harry never met a fight he isn't willing to take on until someone tells him to do it and then you need to beat him bloody and insensible before you'll get him there. Obsessed with him being the champion for Winter. You'd think he'd be better suited for Summer, with the whole fire thing, and how passionate and loving he is. But Winter. Winter so cold and severe. Unmoving.

And it's hard to say how much of Harry is Harry right now and how much of him is the Winter mantle. Because this happened with Lash too. Harry was always angry. And there were a lot of reasons for him to be angry, and it was a lot earlier in the series so part of me just kind of assumed that this was who Harry was -- but it wasn't. Not like that. Lash made him a lot angrier. And so now Harry has a level of pragmatism to him that I think we should be skeptical of. Particularly with how he's been thinking of injured people.

Harry has been CONSTANTLY described as a wolf in the last couple of books. And it wasn't happening before. And the comparison got dragged out into the open multiple times in Battle Ground. It's not me reading into it too much, it's there. To be dived into. Every time Harry smiles 'wolfishly' or gives a 'wolfish' grin. That's the Knight!! That's the predator in him coming out! And he starts to see everyone else like that too! As another predator or as prey!

And Murphy! Murphy was crippled! And that didn't stop Harry from loving her, obviously, and while you can argue that Harry was trying to protect her, as he always wanted to, I do think a lot of the pragmatism he was leaning on wasn't really him at all. I think he genuinely saw her as a weak member of the pack and knew that meant death. He saw the same thing when he looked at Carlos.

And I think the Mantel bringing the predator out in Harry is a reason why he is currently connecting so well with all the other predators. Lara, Mab, Marcone, Vadderung, the Erlking. He's on a different playing field than before. He's in a different league. He's not prey. He might be one of the smaller predators, but he is a predator, and they all recognize it in him. He's part of the club.

Which brings me to the White Council! Hells bells. Those morons.

Except I can't say that they are truly morons because as was proven by the Redcap situation - things are always being played for appearances and Harry just doesn't clock it. Harry, for better or worse, is a straight forward guy. Hard boiled. He is what he is, and he kind of takes everything at face value. He's also a detective, and that part of him starts clicking and churning once he's got the time to actually think, but if somebody starts acting like a villain he is going to believe that they are a villain. And that is hard for him to ever shake.

Which is honestly an attitude that probably has a lot of roots in growing up around the White Council. Because that's how they act too.

But Harry is no longer a White Council member. And Michael, swearing and cursing up a storm at the news, is our Word of God saying the White Council SUCKS for doing this. This isn't fair for them to do. They are doing it anyway.

Ebenezer being given the order to kill Harry and bring him down as a warlock if they need to. Yeesh. What are they thinking? There's got to be something more at play here. Something that they know that Harry doesn't. Something to this Star Born stuff.

Because who else is a Star Born? Freaking Drakul. Listen of the Frog people. They aren't good guys!! I'm betting Merlin was also a Star Born though. Gah, and Mab knowing Merlin? Mab being cast out by Merlin? And Harry's soul bonded with Merlin Island? And his grandpa is from the lineage of students of Merlin? And now Harry is living in a castle that was probably originally enchanted by Merlin? And Merlin's magic is star related? I'm sure that's got nothing to do with being Star Born. Right.

So what - the White Council probably knows that Harry is some sort of Special Power Thing and has the potential to do Mighty Things and most of the time those Mighty Things are probably Really Really Bad. So they don't want him to know any of his abilities and they don't want to encourage any real aptitude but they still dust him off when the need arises. But each time he actually shows Yeah I Can Do Mighty Things they get freaked out because it's not like they've done a good job making him feel like part of the club and actually he seems to rub shoulders with all the Scary People and so they think Harry is going to do Mighty Bad Things and they should take him out now while they still have the chance. And the only reason it hasn't happened yet is because of Ebenezer. Because he loves Harry. Because he's Harry's grandfather. Because blood is magic and family is blood and family binds us together.

And I'm going to hazard a swing and say that Ebenezer still loves Harry and will always love Harry and he is willing to go against the White Council if they ever command him to kill Harry. Ebenezer has been willing to go Grey Council for Harry. Ebenezer has only just learned that he's got a second grandson and that grandson is a White Court vampire. He hasn't even had a full 24 hours to process that information. Harry hates ghouls and they only killed two random kids, imagine if they killed Maggie? Because Eb's Maggie was killed by Daddy Raith. He doesn't need to imagine it. Harry wiped out the entire Red Court for TRYING to kill Maggie. Ebenezer would love an opportunity to kill the White Court in the same way.

Molly. Molly Molly Molly. Obviously she's in love with Harry. Obviously every woman in the series is aware of this and Harry is clueless. Mab is punishing Molly, or tightening a leash on Molly, or something, by making Molly matchmake Lara and Harry (WHICH I AM GOING TO GET TO! HELL! JIM BUTCHER! WHAT ARE YOU DOING! GET OUT OF MY BRAIN!!) Molly and Harry's family being intertwined. Mab wanted Harry to kill Molly if Mab fell. Maybe an act of mercy to Molly and Harry both? To prevent Molly from becoming Mab prematurely? I don't know. Molly being really good at the role of the Winter Lady. Molly not being quite human anymore. Molly still coming home at the end because the Carpenters are flawless loving people. Molly still being human in the same ways Harry is still human. Harry not leaving the Winter Knight role until he can get Molly out too. Harry not planning on leaving Molly here. Harry and Molly Molly and Harry. What are we going to do about these kids? Molly having an affinity for a role in the same Court that Harry hates and has fought against. But Harry's also got an affinity for it. Harry is a better Winter Knight than ever seen. Harry and Molly would make for really good bad guys. Molly has fewer reasons to not go bad than Harry has. Molly burned a lot of bridges as the Rag Lady. Molly has already been cast out by the White Council. Molly was already believed to be a crazy monster by a lot of Harry's friends when he was dead. Molly two steps ahead of Harry when it comes to falling? Will Molly even want to get out? Harry wants out, will Molly follow him if he's able to forge a path for them? What are they going to do?

Lara! Lara aggressively defensive of Thomas in the last two books. Uncharacteristically so. In Blood Rites she was ready to kill Thomas. What's changed? Has Lara changed or have the circumstances? Before she was going to kill Thomas because she didn't think she had a choice, not because she wanted to. Now she still doesn't want to AND she can justify defending him because if she doesn't then she loses standing in the White Court? Lara's desires and her needs aligning.

Mab forcing Lara and Harry together. I've got a thing for forced marriages/marriages of convenience, so I'd like to kindly ask Mr Butcher what the hell he is doing in my head. Get out please. But also, marvelous work my man. Keep it up.

Mab saying this is needed to present a show of unity and strength? But I don't see how this is going to actually work. And Harry's going to hate it. Harry hates it. Harry would hate it if he had the emotional strength for it right now. Harry emotionally just exhausted. Harry. Bleeding from Karrin. Lost. Harry lost Karrin. With Karrin went - poof - the idea of a Normal life.

I don't think Harry sits around and really thinks about wanting a normal life. But I think that's what he wants. He wants what Michael has. He wants something good. He wants to take Maggie to the dentist. He wants to read a good book. He wants to pet his dog. He wants to live his life. He wants to have a good woman to love. Harry wanted to marry Susan. He bought her a ring with a tiny diamond because that was all he could afford and he wanted to give her all that he could give. He hates himself because she would have never been in the path of the Red Court if she hadn't met him. And Karrin - Karrin was also still a normal person. But she was sturdy. She was a cop. She was five foot of kick ass and love and faith. She wielded a Sword of the Cross. Karrin kept up with Harry and Harry could rely on her. And so with Karrin there is this true mingling of the normalcy and the magic and weird. And Harry relied on her and Karrin was hurt and then Karrin died. If Karrin can't survive Harry than what Vanilla person can?

Harry doesn't have any vanilla people around him anymore. They all change or they die. Butters changed. Karrin died. Marcone changed.

But having Harry be with someone like Lara - who does like him. Look I'll be honest I dig their relationship. It's messy and kind of nasty and complicated and she LIKES him in the same way Marcone does, which means she understands him better than he understands her and she admires him for it while still not really ever able to completely change in a way where he can understand her. She'll always be a monster to him. A monster he might care about eventually, a monster he can sympathize with and a monster he can trust in some capacities, but he thinks of her as a monster. He also thinks of himself as a monster. So, maybe it could work. I just don't think it's what he wants. He's not going to want Lara around as a step mom to Maggie. So I just don't see a lot of actual longevity to their relationship. Could be fun though.

Which brings me back to Karrin. Because I do think that Karrin still has a chance at being long term with Harry. Because I don't think Harry is destined for a truly awful ending. I think he's going to have a happy-ish ending in the future. And that future requires something that is Maggie compatible.

DANG IT. That's Molly, isn't it?

Because I was going to say that Karrin can clearly come back. Harry came back. He died and came back. Karrin is in Odin's hall. She can come back, changed, closer to immortal, something that can survive Harry's world. Except Gard seems to think that that way is closed. At least for a very long time. Which doesn't quite work.

But Molly - Molly is normal life adjacent. Molly is a Carpenter. Harry desperately wants a Carpenter life. A Carpenter family. The Carpenters are for Harry Dresden what the Weasleys are to Harry Potter. A real and loving home. And the happy ending involves Harry becoming a REAL member of that family through marriage. Because found families are nice but families of law and blood are better. Real. Magic. And Molly loves Harry. And Molly understands Harry and Molly has been sacrificing things for Harry for a long while now.

Are Molly and Harry really going to be end game? Yecch. I'm not saying it's impossible to make me like it but I will say that Butcher has his work cut out for him. That is an uphill battle my friend.

Let's see..... what haven't I talked about.

Butters. What a guy! Sometimes I get a little 'eh' about Butters because he seems too OP. He's just this little guy and then he gets to keep Bob? He gets to become Chicago Batman? He gets to be a Knight? He's just a guy! But!!! That's the beauty of Butters. And the real beauty of Butters is that he believes in Harry Dresden. And knowing that Butters is a Knight?? And way back in eegghhh whichever book was the Necromancy book - White Night? maybe - when Harry was praying for a Knight and he doesn't get it! But he got Butters! God loves Harry Dresden! Michael keeps saying it and Harry never believes it! But there is a plan for Harry Dresden! Or Harry is the plan! Harry is something! Harry is a good man! And Harry was sent Butters! Butters believes in Harry! Butters might be Batman but Harry is Superman!

Butters is also in a weird werewolf poly relationship and? I don't know what to do with that one. I feel like Butcher kind of like -- learned about gay people or something while writing these last two books and so we had Harry and the Summer Queen talking about gay rights and Molly got an androgynous fae driver and Butters's girlfriend got a girlfriend. And Marcone asked Harry if he was doing sexual reconnaissance while they changed next to each other in a locker room. Absolute madness.

Back to Marcone! Marcone!!!! HOW LONG HAS HE HAD THORN IN HIS HEAD! Was the torture on Demonreach a farce? Was it a ploy! WAS ANY OF IT REAL. Marcone!! I want to shake him.

Marcone being the one to give Harry the strength he needed to actually do the final stuff? Like when Marcone charged in like a rider of Rohan and shot the Titan and Harry was like 'yeah Butters cut me a path'? Or Marcone trash talking the Titan like Harry to give Harry more time? Or Marcone SLAPPING HARRY and telling him that he KNOWS Harry is tired and hurting! He KNOWS what Harry has lost and what it means! But is Harry going to lay down and die? NO! AND MARCONE SMILES! Marcone has seen into Harry's soul and he did not flinch. Marcone saw Harry's soul and has planned around it for years. For more than a decade. Nearly two decades now. Marcone knows Harry better than Harry knows himself. Harry doesn't know what his soul looks like, all he knows is that he feared that Karrin would leave if she saw it. Harry relied on Karrin so much and he didn't trust the truth of himself to not be too ugly for her.

Harry soul gazed with a kracken and the kracken was afraid. Harry soul gazed with that cop and the cop was a good man, sturdy and reliable, and that man didn't want Harry to even touch him afterwards. Harry soul gazed with Susan and she vomited. Harry soul gazed with Susan and she kept their child from him.

Marcone soul gazed with Harry and he built a castle on the footprint of Harry's house. Marcone soul gazed with Harry and used his free will to spit in the eye of destiny. Marcone soul gazed with Harry and trusted him with a weapon that can kill gods.

I bet Harry would trust Marcone to babysit Maggie, if it really needed to happen.

Harry standing at the circle with all the Big Bads and wrangling himself a place! Harry arguing in defense of the people of Chicago! Marcone sees the fear and the danger and Harry sees the beauty and the possibility and the love! Harry still sees the good! Harry and Marcone are the two sides of the same Chicago coin! Marcone is who Harry would be if Harry embraced his power and used his brain! HARRY BEING INSPIRED BY MARCONE IN THIS BOOK! Harry deciding to be THE WIZARD OF CHICAGO because of Marcone! Harry growing up! Harry rising to the occasion!

We haven't had Marcone in absolute ages and it's because he was being saved for Battle Ground.

Harry trash talking Marcone's magic abilities? Marcone trash talking Harry back? They are insane. Why are they like this. What am I supposed to do with this. They keep talking about how they are going to take each other down one day and I DON'T WANT THEM TO! I want them to be friends! I want them to be frenemies! I want this to make sense!!!!!!!!

I want to read Death Masks again

Marcone once again saving Harry from drowning. Marcone pulling Harry out of the water. Marcone could do anything and he saves Harry. He's got the soul of a tiger and he saves Harry. And Harry looks at him and doesn't understand why Marcone isn't killing him to get the Eye. And Marcone is just. Disgusted and frustrated.

Harry looked into Marcone's soul and saw who he was and he always expects Marcone to kill him as a result. Oblivious to the fact that Marcone has already balanced the scales and knows that he's better off with Harry around. Harry knows it's not sentimental he just doesn't realize he's a good bet.

I'm talking a lot about Marcone. I feel justified in talking a lot about Marcone.

Ummmmmmm.......... honestly a lot happened. A lot is happening. Thomas is still stuck on Demonreach. The Walkers. I don't understand them. I don't understand most of the Plotty Plot Stuff. I need to read everything again and try to understand the Walkers and the Outsiders. And Molly. Those are my big questions right now. Walkers, Outsiders, Molly, and Margaret. Why was Margaret with Daddy Raith? Everybody is like 'Margaret was a real terror' and she was tight with the fae. But she loved her sons and connected them together. And she was with Malcolm. Who was a good man.

HARRY SON OF MALCOLM HARRY SON OF MALCOLM. Just! Screaming.

I need to read 12 Months now. But then I'm all caught up, except for the short stories, which I am slowly working my way through. Honestly I'm kind of wanting to reread everything already. Maybe less fast. Kind of chew through things. Take notes.

“She seized him by the throat, lifted him with no noticeable effort, gave her arm a little bob, a little twist, and broke his neck.

I watched Marcone jerk and go limp.” pg. 441  AAAHHH!!!

“and threw the corpse away like an empty beer can.

The Baron of Chicago landed on the rocks, boneless and broken.” pg. 442 Sobbing no Marcone

“I staggered over to Marcone’s body. Broken neck didn’t kill you right away.

Nobody ought to die alone.” pg. 442 Yes and I love that Harry is going to be there with Marcone.

“And when I got there, he sat up.” pg. 442 Eh? What the? What just happened? Didn’t Marcone die? What’s going on? Is Marcone ok? Ahhhh what did I just read? What’s even real anymore? I’m going to need a couple of minutes.

“I fell back with a manly high-pitched scream.” pg. 442 Ha

“Marcone’s head was twisted way too far around to one side. He rolled his neck as if stretching out. There was series of hideous little pops in his neck and then he shook his head back and forth as if easing a cramp, and his neck just . . . unbroken.” pg. 442 Ew

“Marcone gave me a bland look and held up his knife.” pg. 442 Don’t give Harry that look he watched you die

“What the actual fuck?” I asked.” pg. 442 Thank you Harry my thoughts exactly

“Or infernal.” pg. 442 Thorned Namshiel! I forgot he had the coin. This is how we find out?!

“Marcone’s eyes wrinkled at the corners in genuine amusement. “Honestly, Dresden. Did you think I’d stop with the title?” pg. 443 I love that Marcone’s amused by Harry.

“And with a little ripple, black thorns that would have been at home on a particularly wild rose bush begin to emerge from his skin, in a pattern on his face and stirring beneath his shirt.” pg. 442 So cool

“Sir Gentleman Johnnie Marcone, Baron of Chicago, Knight of the Blackened Denarius, the bearer of the Mastery of Sorcery, Thorned Namsheil, calmly rose and divested himself of the pirate bandoliers. He reached up to undo the tie and tossed it to the side. Then he loosened his collar so that the thorns in his shirt, evidently to make himself more comfortable there too.” pg. 443 I’m looking respectfully 

“The coin of Thorned Namsheil, one of a set of thirty, rested on an almost unbearably fine silver chain against Marcone’s chest.” pg. 443 I continue to look respectfully I see Harry eyeing Marcone’s chest I’m calling this Bi Harry 58

“Marcone turned and slapped me.” pg. 443 Ah!

“Focus,” he snarled. “I know it hurts. I know what you’ve lost. I know you’re tired. But you and I are all that stands between that creature and this city.” pg. 444 I love how expressive Marcone is being. And that he knows about what Harry is going through.

“Dresden,” Marcone hissed, giving my chest a little push. “Are you going to sit there while that happens?” pg. 444  Marcone keeps touching Harry I love it and of course Harry isn’t going to let that happen

“Then I met the eyes of tiger-souled John Marcone and said, “No,” pg. 444 Yes!

“He bared his teeth. And the weird purple eyes . . . smiled.” pg. 444 Well that’s concerning

“Double Dragon boss fight beside Hell Knight Marcone now?” pg. 445 Let’s go!

“and there was a cracking sound in the air, like . . . broken wind chimes, maybe.” pg. 446  So cool

“Direct point-to-point translocation was something that the White Council kept in a section called “Highly Theological and Dangerous Magic” in the wizard’s library at the complex in Edinburgh. I knew, because years ago when I’d asked about it, I’d been put on the no-access list for the entire section.

Which . . . well to be fair, probably wasn’t entirely unwise.” pg. 447 Ha and so cool that Marcone can teleport

“And while Marcone kept her busy, I got to work.” pg. 447 Yep they make such a good team

“Fuck that!” the skull sputtered. “I’m going to Utah! stuff like this never happens in Utah!” pg. 448 Ha

Marcone’s really good at magic

“You haven’t changed much, either, darling.” pg. 449 Darling?!?

“Magic is awesome, but physics are still physics.” pg. 450 Yep

“Bob screamed in agony.” pg. 452 Oh no Bob

“Charity and the carpenter kids all lay between Maggie and the door.” pg. 454 But where’s Mouse?

“Dresden!” Marcone screamed from the water. “We’ll never get another chance at this!” pg. 456 Yep

“Hey Bubbles,” I said. “You forgot the dog.” pg. 457 Yes!

“ETHNIU, DAUGHTER OF BALOR, I BIND THEE!” pg. 457 Yes!

“Bound, bound, bound!” I called. “Thrice said and done! Begone!” pg. 458 Yes!

“Alfred!” pg. 458 Yes!

“But it pushed a bow wave ahead of it. A huge one.” pg. 459 Oh no

“In the water, Marcone snapped his head toward the wave, then calmly murmured something. He abruptly zipped through the water as through being pulled by a friendly dolphin and attained the shore.” pg. 459 So cool and why are you paying attention to Marcone, Harry? Shouldn’t you focus on the wave?

“Dresden!”

“Go!” I said. “I’ve got to hold her here!”

Marcone gave me a look and said, “Of course you do.” He eyed the incoming wave, gold and green and across the entire horizon. Then he muttered something in a language I didn’t know, answered himself in the same language and a different voice, and then said, in English, “No, I don’t have any gopher wood. No one has any gopher wood. I’m not sure even if it exists anymore.” Then he shook his head, looked at the ground, and started muttering and drawing in power.” pg. 461 Ha Marcone and Namshiel arguing. And I love that Harry tells Marcone to go and to save him. I wonder what look he gave? Exasperated fondness? Especially with his ‘of course you do’

“Then there were three points of violet light that resolved into the eye and the rune of Thorned Namshiel. I felt Marcone thump my shoulder. Then he fumbled at my hand. I took it, and the Baron of Chicago led me through the darkness, to an opening in the solid barrier surrounding us. I lost some skin but I scraped through, kicked weakly at the water, and eventually got my head above it again.

Marcone broke the surface at the same time. He started dragging me toward the shore.” pg. 461 Ah I love all of this! They held hands! Marcone saves Harry from drowning. I love that Marcone is dragging Harry to the shore. Bi Harry 59

“Marcone slogged onto the shore and made sure I was able to get out of the water.” pg. 462 That’s nice of Marcone to make sure Harry doesn’t drown

“Yeah, well,” I panted, gasping sweet, sweet air. “That’s because you suck . And you’re an amateur. Who sucks.”

“I didn’t see you doing anything about it.”

“Yeah, because I was holding the freaking Titan!” I shot back. “I was doing the grown-up stuff.” pg. 462 Ha

“You just almost killed us both as an unintended side effect of that binding,” Marcone snapped. “And you call me an amateur.”

“I saved your life from a Titan,” I panted, exhausted. And I think I had picked up a couple of cracked ribs, despite the last-second shield of concrete that had risen to stop most of the force of the wave. “You almost drowned us. Fake wizard.” pg. 462 Ha

“I just broke down the molecular structure of concrete and then chemically re-formed it inside a mold of pure will, saving both of our lives from that wave in the process.”

“Fake,” I said. “Sad.” pg. 462 Ha and I love them arguing/bantering like an old married couple :)

“Marcone let out a low, weary chuckle.

My stomach twitched a lot while breaths went in and out of my exhausted body.

We did not laugh together.

And he was no less an asshole.

But we won.” pg. 463 Ha and I love that they’re laughing together no matter how much Harry denies it. They did win together. Bi Harry 60

“I returned the look. I knew what Marcone was. I’d taken his measure, and he hadn’t changed. He was, above all things, a dangerous predator. It was simply his nature. And you don’t let predators know when you’re scared.” pg. 465 They stare at each other so much

“And one of these days, he and I would settle things between us.” pg. 453 Sure Harry you keep telling yourself that. It might end up in a fight like you think it will ;)

“I’d seen his small sharklike smile before,” pg. 466 Aw Marcone’s smiling at Harry

“His smile for a second turned almost human, and he said, “Not today.” pg. 466 I love this! I love that Marcone keeps smiling and that he won’t fight Harry Bi harry 61

“For a second, a look of contempt touched his face-but then he looked pensive.” pg. 466 Why a look of contempt? 

“To the Wizard of Chicago” pg. 466 I love this! I love that Marcone gave Harry a title! And now we have the Baron of Chicago and the Wizard of Chicago!

Ow

I did it again

I really need to either be strapped to a chair or sit on the floor when I read.

Guess who fell off the bed again. 

In my defense look at this!

“We did it together,” I objected warily.

Marcone’s smile sharpened.

“Prove it,” he purred, “hero.” pg. 467 Purred PURRED! And he calls Harry ‘hero’ and he smiled at him! Bi Harry 62

Harry and Marcone should have kissed at while they were at the beach. A beach kiss like in “From here to eternity” (kidding Murphy just died)

“Will and Georgia had through okay.” pg. 469 I’m glad they’re ok

“Where’d you hide them? Our family?” pg. 471  Aw :)

“Sometimes I frighted the Winter Lady.” pg. 472 That’s not good

“The honored dead will be cared for, she said. “You have my word on the that.” pg. 474 That’s nice of Mab

Justine!

“It’s Justine” pg. 481 Oh no

“How long ago did you possess the girl?” pg. 482 Oh no

“I think the problem is, you just don’t sound all that bright, wizard.” pg. 482 Yes Harry is smart

“I am He Who Walks Beside.” pg. 484 Oh no a Outsider

“You conceived my brother’s child intentionally.”

“Obviously,” pg. 485 Ew

“Apocalypse isn’t an event,” Nemesis murmured. “It is a frame of mind.” pg. 485 Wait isn’t that what Nick said?

“Empty Night,” pg. 485 Oh no

“Must suck,” I panted, “to get whipped by some stupid punk from Chicago. ‘Cause it looks to me like I beat you.” pg. 486 Ha

“She’s gone. She isn’t coming back.” pg. 490 Yes she is let me live in my denial

“It’s the same,” Gard slurred. “Where Nathan died.” pg. 490 Poor Gard :(

“He hated that name,” she said. “His mother . . .” pg. 491 Hendricks lore

I love that Harry threatening Odin about Murphy

“We had a funeral followed by a wake at Mac’s a few days later, the Paranet crew and me.” Aw :(

“Ethniu had been even harder on Chicago’s real estate values than me. Wakka Wakka.” pg. 493 Ha

“We filled a coffin with pictures.” pg. 494 Aw

“Except for a few friends, no one came within arms reach of me.” pg. 496 Aw :(

“When he spoke, his voice was ragged, as if he’d been shouting a lot.” pg. 498 Why was Carlos yelling a lot? Was he defending Harry from the White Council?

“Not Warden Dresden, I noted. Not even Wizard Dresden.

So.” pg. 497 Poor Harry I feel a rant incoming

Rant begin

“The vote,” I said. “Forgot all about it. Guess it didn’t go my way.” pg. 499 They seriously still had a vote after everything that just went down?

“You’re out,” he said. “You are no longer to associate yourself with the White Council or harass its members. You will refrain from the public practice of magic to standards of discretion determined by the Council or face the consequences. Wardens will periodically inspect you and your residence for residual black magic. You know the drill.” He shook his head and reached into his coat. “There are some documents. They list all the terms.”

“Terms,” I said. “Pretty bold for the Council to boot me out, then dictate terms to me.” pg. 499 This makes me so mad >:( How dare they kick Harry out after all of this. What does Carlos and the White Council mean ‘associate’ and ‘harass’ do he can’t talk to Carlos, Ebenezar,  Listen-to-Wind, and Luccio anymore? And what do they be by harass who gets to decide what harass means? Can they really force Harry to stop practicing magic and advertising as a wizard? He’s still a wizard even if he’s not a part of the White Council. He’s no longer a member of the White Council they can’t still tell him what he can and can’t do. They can’t just dictate his life. Do they do this to the Paranet too? They going to surveillance him like Merlin wanted to do? They’re treating him like a criminal. And who gets to declare the “standard of discretion” the senior council? Merlin? How vague are these terms? How can they be abused? And what consequences? Head chopping? That seems to be their only form of punishment. I’m going to need to see a fucking warrant if the council wants to inspect Harry and his house. What kind of search and seizure rules are these? Harry has a right of privacy. Which he still at this point Harry still doesn’t have his own house. Did the White Council wonder why when Harry was homeless he didn’t go to the heads quarters? I agree with Harry on the terms bit. I’ll probably have problems with the terms.

“Ramirez stared at me for a second. Then he said, his voice low, “You had to know this was coming. It’s need coming for a long time. We’ve given you chance after chance, and you keep-“ He broke off and looked away. “You never should have gotten mixed up with Mab, Harry. That changed everything.”

“Carlos,” I began.” pg. 499 Need I bring up the quote from Summer Knight? What changes? The council has wanted to get rid of Harry for years. The only reason Harry “gotten mixed up with Mab” was because he was desperate and the White Council wasn’t helping.

“You solid out to the monsters, Dresden,” Ramirez spat, his voice harsh. “Don’t you see that? Can’t you see it even now? As beaten as you are, you shouldn’t even be able to stand up. Sixty degrees, windy, and raining and you’re standing there soaking wet and enjoying it.”

“What did you say?” I asked low and hard.” pg. 500 What monsters exactly? Thomas? Molly? Mab? Lara? What or who do the White Council consider monsters? Everyone who isn’t human? Is Harry now inhuman in the White Council’s eyes?

“You heard me,” he said. He wasn’t budging, either. “I don’t know, Dresden, if what happened here could have been avoided. But I know you were mixed up in it in ways you aren’t saying.” He stared at me beseechingly, shaking his head. “You should have trusted me, man. And you pull that stupid hex on me instead?” Something in his face broke. “Chandler’s gone. Bill and Yukie are gone. And maybe if you’d been willing to talk, that wouldn’t have happened. Maybe it would have made things different.” pg. 500 No Ethnui couldn’t have been avoided. Maybe there’s a reason why Harry’s not telling you about the ways he’s mixed up in. No Carlos you should have trusted Harry first. You’re the one who didn’t trust Harry first. You’re the one who lead the “intervention” when there shouldn’t have been one to begin with. What would you have done if Harry let you in on the plan? Would you have helped or turned Harry in to the White Council? How dare Carlos say that if Harry had been more willing to talk then Chandler, Bill, and Yukie would still be here when those things have nothing to do with each other. You know what would if the Black court hadn’t killed them and disappeared Chandler.

“I had to,” I said. “I didn’t have a choice,”

“Yeah,” he said, his voice weary. “I know you think that. And that’s the problem.” He took his hand out of his coat and tossed a thick legal envelope at me. I caught it. “Read that. Believe it. Because as far as the White Council is concerned, you’re one of the monsters now, Dresden. Push us and we’ll push back. Hard.” pg. 500 Why wouldn’t Carlos believe that Harry had no choice. Who decided that Harry was one of the monsters now? Who says what push back entails?

“Who’s going to do the pushing, Los?” I asked. “You?”

“No,” he said quietly. “McCoy.” He cleared his throat. “We were friends once, Dresden. So I’ll  tell you this last bit of gossip. The Senior Council voted in emergency session, while Listens-to-Wind and McCoy were in surgery. They found witnesses who saw you directly murder human servants of the Former by means of pyromancy.” pg. 500 They’re really going to send Eb after Harry? And they’re having Carlos Harry’s friend deliver the news. Even if the White Council doesn’t know about the familiar connection between them Eb was Harry’s mentor. Of course they voted when both of Harry’s biggest supporters were out of commission. And with them out of commission Merlin has there vote. Oh really what witness exactly did they get? A mortal? A Black court vampire? Carlos himself? Oh you mean the Renfields servants how are for all purposes died already. Those human servants? The White Council certainly didn’t can about them back in Blood rites when Harry, Murphy, and Kincaid killed some. They’re grasping at straws for a reason to expel Harry. And they didn’t have Harry there to plead his case.

“Which was true. “You’ve seen what those guys have done,” I told him. “Would you call them human, strictly speaking?”

“Doesn’t matter what I think,” Ramirez said. “You know how broadly they interpret the First Law. And why it has to be that way. By unanimous vote, they have already given Blackstaff the order to execute your death warrant, and suspended it. If you cross the line, they’ll send him. And if he won’t do it, he’ll be charged with treason. So for your sake-and his-don’t make us take action.”

“You son of a bitch,” I said quietly.

“We don’t fight monsters fair.” he said. “I learned that from you.” pg. 501  The White Council only seems to interpret the law when it benefits them. First with this First Law interpretation of Redids as both alive and human and with the T-Rex and necromancy.  Or really charge Eb the Blackstaff and senior council member with treason I’d love to see how that plays out and how it’ll make the council look weak if the Formor captain of the wardens, current senior council member, and Blackstaff is charged with treason. Who will be safe if they do that? It’ll sow discord and fear. And don’t give me that “ So for your sake-and his-don’t make us take action.” nonsense. That’s just something people say to guilt people into not doing the right thing. I highly doubt Eb would actually agree to execute Harry. And don’t use Harry’s teachings against him. This is a different situation.

“It doesn’t have to be like this,” I said.

“It does,” Ramirez replied. “You made that call when you didn’t talk to me. And sixty thousand people died.” pg. 501 How would talking to Ramirez have helped? And don’t you fucking dare insinuate that Harry not talking to you had anything to do with the people who died fighting. They had a choice to follow Harry and fight. Their deaths aren’t on Harry’s hands.

“One of these days,” I said, “you’re going to look back at today and feel really stupid.”

“Is that a threat?” he asked.

“No, you knob.” I sighed weary. “Just a fact.” pg. 501 Interesting that Carlos jumps to thinking Harry’s making a threat

“The White Council has spoken,” he said, just as tiredly, and turned to go

“No,” I said.

He paused. “What?”

“No,” I said again, a little firmer. “The White Council has gotten to bully wizards for a long time, and they think they have the right. I say they don’t.”

Ramirez tilted his head. “Don’t talk yourself into something I can’t ignore, Dresden.”

I grimaced. “Carlos. I mean to live my life. You’ve cast me out, and you think that means I’m vulnerable. Maybe you ought to rethink that.”

“Meaning what?” pg. 501 Yes Harry you tell him! The White Council doesn’t seem to care about wizards of a lower power level unless they think they’re breaking one of the Laws. They have a low opinion on nonhumans and weaker wizards. They have not checks and balances. Must don’t deal with mortals. They’re insular and isolating. And they float the mortal laws. They can and do use their magic for personal gain.

“Why don’t you ask Ethniu how vulnerable I am? I said quietly. “We can. If you’d like.”

I let that one hang there while he stared at me.

“To say nothing about how Mab would react to the death of the Winter Knight,” I continued. “The Winter Lady might not take it kindly, either, and you saw what she’s capable of doing.”

Carlos’s cheek twitched. Yes. I did.”

I paused and said, “That was a threat, Carlos. I’m going to live here and do what I’ve always done. I want you to leave me in peace. And I’ll do the same in return. The way things are in the world, I don’t think the Council can afford to push things that far. Not for little old me.” pg. 502 Yeah did the Council really think through tossing out the Warden of Deamonreach and Winter Knight? Now Harry doesn’t have loyalty to them anymore.

“Ramirez exhaled. “You’re talking one hell of a risk, Harry.”

“I don't like being told what to do,” I said. “I let you push me around, who the hell am I?”

“Yeah,” Ramirez said. “Who the hell are you?”pg. 502 Harry’s been the same person he’s always been. If you cared you would see that Carlos.

Rant end

“Those fuckers.” pg. 502 Micheal swore :0

“I took my friend’s hand.

There was rain in my eyes.” pg. 503 Aw :)

“The Library of Congress, Special Collections Division,” Lara provided. “Also known as the Librium Bellum. Men in Black.” pg. 511 Like those officers in Dog Men?

“Humanity.

A foe.” pg. 512 Oh no

“Ramirez hadn’t been wrong.

I was working with monsters.

But I wasn’t one of them.” pg. 512 No Ramirez was wrong about a lot of what he said. Do you consider Marcone a monster? Or what about Ivy? Or Vandderung?

“Marcone suddenly looked more alert.” pg. 513 Oh I wonder why?

“I gave him a little smile. I didn’t blow him a kiss. But I let him know it was coming.” pg. 513 Ah! I love this and Bi Harry 63

“Don’t fight all of them, Harry. I thought. Fight one of them.

And I turned to Marcone.” I love that Harry turns to Marcone out of everyone in the room.

“Lara and Marcone took careful note of that.” pg. 513 Oh what are they thinking?

“I met Marcone’s eyes. “Our world isn’t supposed to cross with theirs, for the most part. And in return, they mostly ignore us. Now you say that the morals are going to be sending eyes and ears in. Well, maybe it’d be smart for them to see some things.”

“What do you suggest?” Marcone asked

“The Accorded nations provide humanitarian aid and assistance,” pg. 514 Harry keeps looking into Marcone’s eyes. And yes show humanity that the supernatural isn’t all terrible and scary like Harry does with his P.I. business and going on the Larry Fowler show.

“I met Marcone’s eyes. “I called, and men and women of this city answered. They followed me. They fought. And I felt them die.”

Something flickered in Marcone’s face.

His chin moved in the faintest vertical tilt of acknowledgment.

I dropped my voice to something that was just between me and Marcone. “We owe them more than just washing our hands of this mess. And you’re going to make a fortune rebuilding things anyway.”

Marcone’s eyes flickered with amusement, acknowledgement the truth of my point.

“The Accords,” he said, carefully, “are not a charitable organization.” pg. 515 They keep looking each other in the eyes. Longing looks perhaps? :) Is Marcone thinking about feeling Hendricks dying? I love that Harry lowers his voice so that it’s just between them in a room full of people looking at them. Glad that Harry amusing Marcone. And Marcone keeps saying things aren’t charitable organizations but then keeps doing them. Especially when Harry is involved.

“The Eye seems ample reward for such a deed,” Marcone noted

“Do you have it?” I asked Marcone innocently

He stood there, suddenly very wary.” pg. 516 Ha

“I assumed you claimed it from Ethniu,” Marcone said

“I don’t know what to tell you,” I said

“Are we to believe that you just left a weapon like the Eye lying upon the ground?” Marcone asked

“Dude, there was an apocalypse on,” I said, in a very reasonable tone. “The earth shaking. Giant waves. I almost drowned, you know, in this giant stupid concrete teacup some fool made. It’s all kind of blurry.”

Marcone narrowed his eyes.” pg. 517 Ha

“Marcone eyed me and then Mab, and then Lara. “Surely you don’t believe him.”

A little smile played on the corners of Lara’s mouth. “The last I saw,” she said, “you were the one running off with the Eye, Baron.”

“Queen Mab,” Marcone said in protest.

“He has given me no reason to disbelieve him, Baron.”

Mab said. She knew all about technically true things, too.

Marcone turned to me with his eyes narrowed. He regarded me and said,  “I know you have it.” Ha

~Vacation over~

“Marcone had put me on a pedestal by telling people I’d taken out Ethniu. That act alone had probably scared enough members of the White Council to get me voted out. But if he was going to put me up there, he shouldn’t be too terribly surprised if I kicked him in the face.” Ha

“Prove it,” I said. “Sir Baron”

Marcone eyed me. Then glanced past me to the Queen of Air and Darkness.

Mab’s eyebrow went up so far that it threatened the line of her skull. Then she said, as if to Marcone, “Much is explained.” pg. 518 Oh did Harry out Marcone as a denarian?

“Marcone’s gaze slid around the faces of the Ministry, weighing what he saw there. He yielded with reluctant grace. “Very well, Sir Dresden.” Marcone sighed. “What is it you wish of me?”

I leaned down to look him in the face.

“I want my lab back,” I said. “Move your stuff.” pg. 518 I love that Harry leans down to look at Marcone. I love how Harry gets the castle.

“Wait. Did you come down here with me to distract me?”

“Not distract, precisely,” Molly hedged. “But . . . perhaps it’s better if you don’t butt heads with Marcone just now, Harry.” pg. 520 Oh come on don’t deny me Harry and Marcone moments

“Oh, Marcone is furious with you, in his own way,” Lara said. “I’d say you won the round.” pg. 521 I do wonder what Lara’s and Marcone’s conversations was like

“Or start making out with each other,” Lara volleyed back. “The two of you were looking very looking very Warrior-bro chummy, I thought.” pg. 521 I love that Lara is a Harry/Marcone shipper

“The wedding will commence at sundown.” pg. 523 This is how the wedding gets announced?!

“Yes. You defy me. Obviously. You always do. In the interests of efficiency, let us assume you have uttered some mystifying reference to mortal popular culture nonsense, I have over glared at you, and reminded you of the power I hold over you, you have confirmed that you continue to understand the circumstances that require me to tolerate your insouciance, and we have both agreed to continue this ridiculous dance in the future, presumably for the remainder of time.”

Which made me blink.

Mab didn’t usually get into meta-discussion about the nature of our relationship.” pg. 528 Ha

“I wanted the people of Chicago kept safe. So I fought it. With everything I had.”

“Yes,” Mab said.

“So did Marcone,” I said. “End of the day, when push came to shove, he gave people who were in trouble shelter behind his walls. And he fought to defend the city,”

“He did,” Mab said.

“I won’t forget it.” pg. 529 Yep you both did

“Thank you.” I said, for the third time

Three repetitions separate the random from the intentional. Repeat something three times, and you make it more real.” pg. 530 Aw I’m glad Harry thanked Mab.

“Then he enfolded her in a slow, gentle hug.” pg. 538 Aw :)

“I hugged her back, as gently as I knew how.” pg. 539 Aw :)

Christmas Eve

“Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring except me and Mouse.” pg. 547 Ha

“She insisted that the red ones go faster.” pg. 547 Of course clearly it’s correct

“Nobody likes a wiseass,” pg. 548 Ha

“Harry, I wouldn’t dream of taking this joy away from you. This is what being a father is all about.” pg. 549 Yep

“Spoilers,” pg. 550 Ha

“It was no match for the intelligent of the Wizard of Chicago.” pg. 550 I love that this is Harry’s title and he’s embracing it.

“She her head rather more deeply to Mouse.

I get no respect, no respect at all.” pg. 551 Ha

“I shut the box on the sound and eyed her. It was just possible that I’d already heard that song enough to make my teeth itch.” pg. 553 Ha

“Leave me!” I called quietly to the empty air where she’d been. “Take me back! Haunt me no longer!” pg. 553 Ha

Molly!

“I bowed my head.

I counted my breaths.” pg. 555 Aw and I’m glad the bills got paid

“You can forgive yourself, Harry.” she said gently. “The world won’t end. And it would be good for your daughter.”

“That . . . is something I never learned to do,” pg. 556 Aw poor Harry

Santa!

“And because you’re on my list, lad”

I snorted. “Please.”

“Call Kris Kringle a liar on Christmas Eve one more time.” pg. 560 Ha and come on Harry of course is on the nice list

“I love you, Dad.” pg. 561 Aw :)

“Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!” pg. 562  Yay!

Final thoughts

Oh boy this book was a lot. Several people died. I believe that Murphy and Hendricks will come back. (Let me live in my denial) I enjoyed the fights and even with all the death and sorrow I thought the book was funny. Rudolph is on my list and he got off too easy. We had several Bi Harry moments and were up to 63! I fell off a bed twice because of it. The banners were interesting. Mab knows Harry well. I’m still sad about Murphy and Hendricks. I loved Marcone in this. That was a long rant. I liked the short story. Needed it after the book. I love that Harry kept the Wizard of Chicago. I’m glad that Harry isn’t part of the White Council anymore. I hope Harry and Eb can make up. I still want to punch Carlos he can fuck right off with his entire “talk”. I do worry about Carlso and how he seems to be moving toward more of an Anakin Skywalker or Morgan attitude. This book gave me more fuel for my “White Council cult lite” post and my “Why the White Council is terrible” post. I can’t wait to see unmasqued Chicago. 

Marcone*

Oh boy Marcone I have thoughts about you. Why did you become a partner with Thorned Namshiel? When did it happen? Was this always the plan since he nabbed the coin in Small Favor? Surely if Marcone wanted magic power there were/are better ways to get it rather than partnering with a fallen angel? What's the Thorned Namshiel deal? Is he against Nicky? How much of a partnership is it really? Is Thorned Namshiel manipulating Marcone? If so, how much? If Marcone gives up the coin what would the consequences be? Harry would have to give up his magic but would Marcone give up? If anything? Why did Hendricks throw himself in front of Marcone if Marcone can survive a neck snap? How much magic does Marcone know? Can he use hellfire? Teleportation: how does it work? The aesthetic with the wind chimes and rose thorns is cool. We’ll definitely see what Marcone and Thorned Namshiel can do now. I’m worried about Marcone because Hendricks is dead. Hendricks seemed to be the voice of reason in Even Hand and now all he has is Gard and Thorned Namshiel. 

Hendricks and Murphy

 There’s no way they stay dead. I don’t see Hendricks swearing fealty to Odin; he's loyal to Marcone and I don’t see Murphy swearing fealty either; she's too independent. With Marcone’s connection to Odin, he seems to like Harry. Or one of them could make people forget them and then they can come back. Marcone could do it and may or may not be charged with breaking the I’m sure Marcone has a plan. They know where Odin’s place is. They might pull a raid or Hendricks and Murphy break out. Or Hendricks and Murphy break out. Murphy is Catholic and this isn’t her afterlife is another reason. 

Harry 

I don't see him marrying Lara. The deal was between Lara and winter. Maybe Harry stops being the Winter Knight. Now that Harry's out of the White Council he could get more into Paranet or make the Wizard of Chicago a real tangible thing with the unseelie accords. I don’t see Eb going after Harry. Harry now has a magic castle and I can’t wait to see what he does with it. I’m glad Harry has his lab and Bob back.

*These got lost in the transition between being on a plane and coming home oops