Science Fiction and Fantasy Association of New Zealand

Small Favour Small Favour
by Jim Butcher
Orbit

Supplied for review by Hachette New Zealand

Reviewed By: Jacqui Smith

There is a lot of urban fantasy around these days, and like most things that are popular and fashionable, it is mostly rather poor in quality. Such is far from the case with Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files. This is a solidly and cleverly written series, with a hearty mix of action and mystery, spiced with a wicked sense of humour. Sure it’s set in modern day Chicago, and there are wizards, vampires, werewolves and fairies, but Butcher is good enough to make it work, even for an old fusspot like me. Small Favour is no exception to this.

The action begins right on page one, when an innocent snowball fight is hijacked by a bunch of especially vicious fairies. Which sets the tone for another merry romp in and out of Chicago, with one absolutely brilliant fight in the Oceanarium and culminating in another cracker of a battle in Union Station. Basically it’s all about Mab calling in a tab on Dresden, and demanding that he find out who has abducted crime boss Marcone. Of course it’s never a simple kidnapping, and a lot more is involved that a simple spat between the Summer and Winter Courts. The pace barely lets up in this one, and Butcher breaks the special effects budget several times over. So, as long as you’re familiar with the Dresden Files, you will be doing yourself a favour by picking up a copy of this one.

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