Backup ~Jim Butcher
–published 2008
–72 pages, Subterranean Press
–3.85/5 stars
My name is Thomas Raith, and I’m a monster.
Thus begins Jim Butcher’s twelve thousand word novelette, a companion story to his popular Harry Dresden series, written for small publishing phenom, Subterranean Press.
I must confess to being entirely ignorant of the world created by Jim Butcher. I have not read any of his previously released novels nor did I watch a minute of the failed television series based on his characters. To be honest it has been a personal source of embarrassment since the day I learned that Mr. Butcher calls home the same town that I go to work in every day, Independence, Missouri. I am quite pleased to be able to say that I have now read a work by Jim Butcher and more than that, I really enjoyed his storytelling abilities.
In theory there is not a lot that one can do with a novelette, at least when compared to a full length novel. By writing a story about a secondary character in the Dresden universe, this time Harry’s brother Thomas Raith, Butcher is able to touch on aspects of that world in an introductory way without spending pages setting the story up for new readers like myself. In that sense I find the writing of this story quite masterful. I never once found myself thinking, “I wish I knew what was going on”. In its 72 pages, Butcher uses the “show” rather that “tell” method of bringing readers into his world. I have no doubt that I would have gotten even more out of this story had I been familiar with the Dresden universe through Butcher’s other works and yet he manages to tell a page-turning, entertaining story that stands alone quite well and manages to whet the appetite for his other books. Well done Jim Butcher.
Backup is a quick read, I enjoyed it during a lazy Sunday afternoon, but despite being quick I found myself really liking and getting a good handle on the character of Thomas Raith. The story was told from his point of view and the way that Butcher tells this story makes me more inclined to believe that his entries into this glutted dark, urban fantasy market might be a step above the cliched norms.
If you are looking for a book fitting in with the mood of the season that you can just sit down and get lost in briefly then I highly recommend Backup. In addition to the entertaining story this particular volume has cover and interior illustrations by Mike Mignola (creator of Hellboy) that fit the mood of this story perfectly.
I adore butchers Harry Dresden Universe. It is a fun romp. I was disappointed with the short-lived series, but mostly because I had a picture in my head of what the characters were and were not. I’m not sure if I would have changed my mind given a little more time, but they pulled the plug and now I’ll never know ;p
Thomas Raith is a great character and I would love to know a little more about him. I hope I’ll get a chance to read this story. Hopefully it will come out in some sort of paperback or anthology at some point.
I haven’t read any of Butcher’s other series, maybe someday when my TBR pile is a little smaller………
sorry, haven’t read any of the Dresden books..
so.. are you dressing up for Halloween??? Is Mary??
I read his first book, Storm Front, and was not impressed (http://never-travelled.blogspot.com/2008/05/book-storm-front.html). However, I have heard that the books got better as Butcher got a little more comfortable writing…
Daphne: It certainly is not true that one can judge things by their success, because we all know that a lot of crap gets published and lauded by the public, but Butcher certainly is popular and I would like to think it is because of what you mentioned, that his writing gets better and better with each book.
Deslily: probably not dressing up. I am hosting two Halloween parties but I usually just wear my Zombie Hunting shirt and call it done.
Astaryth: I imagine this will come out in a paperback format at some point, or be included in some collection of Butcher’s work. Probably will make its way to the library as well. If you like Thomas Raith then I definitely suggest checking this out as it really is all about him.
That is so funny, I just requested the first book in the Dresden files. Backup is one more book I’m putting on my TBR list. Thanks for the review, Carl.
I’ve really been wanting to give Butcher’s books a try myself…they sound like something I’d love. But like so many other things, I just haven’t gotten around to it. Never heard of this little one, and with your assurance that I won’t “be lost” I might just have to start with it.
Jim Butcher is fantastic!! I love Harry Dresden! The books are fun, quick-witted and very engaging. I haven’t heard of this one though!
Love the cover. I just love the cover what more can I say.
Wait I can say more. What is 3.85? Not 3.75 or 4.0 but 3.85. Is this the first time you broken away from your quarters pattern. These are the kinds of things I notice not them big fangual college words you throw into your reviews ie. ” companion “? You never said who his companion was.
I luuuuuuurrrrve Harry Dresden – I even liked the show – although the books were better. Still working my way through the series.
this looks very cool. in the right hands novelette’s can work so well, because there is so much room for manouevre.
ooh, and the cover alone is worth it! 😀
haha! i can so SO relate to the 3.85. because sometimes 3.75 just nags… it just doesn’t, quite, feel enough. you know its not a 4, it just falls short, but 3.75 doesn’t seem right either…
JP: You hit my scoring dilemma right square on the head. That is exactly why I scored it that way.
Sally: Then you definitely need to check this one out.
Jeff: Its a novellette, I can’t give everything away! 😉 This is the first time I’ve given the 3.85, although I did want to give Ghost in Love that same number and for some reason didn’t when I typed it up. And yes, the cover is cool…but obviously not enough to stop you from saying anything else. 😉
Stephanie: As I said to Sally, I think you’ll really enjoy this one then.
Debi: I understand. The ‘so many other things’ reason is the same one I have for not having given the books a try yet. I still don’t know when I’ll get to trying a Dresden novel, but at least now I am a little more inclined to believe that I’ll enjoy them.
Vasilly: That is a fun coincidence. I look forward to seeing your thoughts on the first book.
This sounds good. I really like the Harry Dresden books, and I love getting “back story” from another point of view.
😀
Thaks for the review of this. I loved the show of the Dresden files and have read Storm Front so far. I didn’t know this was related to the series so will add it to my list.
You might enjoy this Mr. Media Radio interview with Jim Butcher, author of The Dresden Files!