Side Jobs: Stories From The Dresden Files (2010) - Plot & Excerpts
It was really interesting reading some more short stories that fit into the books but aren't specifically a part of them. I really enjoyed the ones that were more along the lines of 'slice of life' stories because even though it's still awful stuff happening, it gives a bit more of a glimpse into what Harry's life is like outside of the whole saving the world and having the world beat him up thing.Also it has Backup in it. Which is my favorite. Because Thomas is my favorite. And reasons. I suppose it only appropriate that I finished this book on the day I did. That day being Halloween, mind you. It is doubly fitting that, for me, it is the last of the published Dresden Files stories to be read. That makes it a bittersweet moment for me and in some ways an ending of sorts. I've been enjoying each tale, relishing reading them and looking forward to what awaited me next. All the while knowing that another was just a page turn away.Alas, now I have hit the end of the road. At least until the next book comes out. Which means I have joined the countless number of fellow fan's of Butcher's fiction who set in eager anticipation, dying to dive into another of Dresden's (mis)adventures.Side Jobs is a collection of just under a dozen (11 for those who want to get technical)short stories taking place before and in-between the various other books from the Dresden Files. Each one involves some encounter or event that may have only been mentioned in passing or might remain unknown to readers of the series. The first story gives us a glimpse into Harry's early days as well as his initial run in with Karrin Murphy.The stories themselves, as the author admits from the very beginning, start off before he really settled into the style and level of skill he would eventually master. That being said; the earlier of the included works in this anthology do suffer from some clumsiness and less than polished perfection. Even so, the stories progress in complexity almost with each one - becoming a pseudo-timeline of maturing writing.Not every tale is told from Harry's point of view either. Nor are they all as seriously dire (alright, maybe they still are mostly so) as other typical Dresden outings. We get to see some side stories from the vantage of Thomas Wraith and Karrin Murphy too. This all made for some very fascinating alternative views. Which, I do admit was handled nicely; each with a fitting personality and atmosphere.Overall the collection of short stories is a delightful addition to the larger scope of the series. They add an interesting dynamic into the kinds of things that go on in between the bigger events that take place in the books. There were several that I absolutely adored and the only thing that prevented me from rating this one 5 full stars was the feeling that there could have been more stories included. That, and the somewhat low-grade storytelling towards the beginning - a trait that has its own charm by showcasing the development the series has enjoyed.My only caveat for fellow readers would have to be this; don't read this until you finish the series or at the very least only read the stories where they fall. Otherwise you may risk sabotaging yourself with spoilers. There is far too much to enjoy without spoiling things along the way.
What do You think about Side Jobs: Stories From The Dresden Files (2010)?
10/12/2014 - 6/10Hit or miss short stories from the Dresden Files. I think the shorter timeframe prevents me from getting as invested. Some of them were very nice, but some were just there.10/3/14. Restoration of Faith. 4. Very rough around the edges but interesting to see how it all started.10/3.14. Vignette. 4. Too short with some ok repartee. 10/3/14. Something Borrowed. 6. A fast paced adventure.10/5/14. It's My Birthday Too. 6. Decent action. Villains seemed weak.10/5/14. Heorot. 8. Good adventure with Gard and lots of mythology.10/6/14. Day Off. 6. An attempt at comedy. Comes off as a naked Three's Company episode with magic. 10/7/14. Backup. 8. Nice story with Thomas as the first person character and a lot of interesting supernatural background info.10/8/14. The Warrior. 9. Nice story about faith and the impact little things make with the Carpenter family.10/9/14. Last Call. 4. Ok story, a bit boring.10/12/14. Love Hurts. 5. Ok, somewhat interesting, not too deep story.10/12/14. Aftermath. 8. Like the Murphy viewpoint. Short, but lots of action and good characters. The whole Martian thing was a bit forced.
—mirlandekersaint
A fine collection of short Harry Dresden tales collected together in this anthology, previously they have appeared in other collections but thankfully they are now altogether where they belong. They dovetail very nicely between many of the Dresden Files, and often give more emphasis to another character or see things from their viewpoint. The reader is even treated to Harry's very first appearance before he even gained his PIs licence. There is also the storyline about the first few days following on from the end of Changes.I'm not sure how he has managed it but the author makes these short stories fit into the larger stream of things without giving away any spoilers or secrets. My only disappointment is that these stories are just so short, but they are full of the usual dry wit and Harry style mayhem so regular readers of the series will not be disappointed.
—cortex
Fun and insightful off camera bits of Harry Dresden.
—bird
