Jim Butcher, Proven Guilty

Proven Guilty

Jim Butcher

Roc, May 2006, $23.95, 416 pp.

ISBN 0451460855

Although Harry Dresden, the only wizard who outed himself, has been at odds with the White Council of Wizards, he finds himself in the position of being a regional Warden. The war with the Red Court vampires has decimated the ranks of the wizards, and every full powered one is needed to protect mortals from the supernatural. Harry, like every other wizard, is wondering why Faerie hasn't gone to war with the Red Court since they entered the land of the Faerie without permission.

Harry has contacts in both courts of Faerie, and he is asked by his superior to find out why at least the Winter Court hasn't gone to war. Harry eventually learns that the White Court wants to go to war against the vampires, but has to protect its borders from the Winter Court. Harry also has to find out why supernatural entities from Nevernever wearing the faces of monsters from horror films are entering the mortal realm and feeding off the fear of humans. When one of the entities takes someone Harry cares for into the Winter Court, he and his allies risk their lives to bring her back.

Mix elements of fantasy, mystery and horror, and readers will have an idea how unique and spellbinding the Dresden novels really are. PROVEN GUILTY is one of the best books in the series, because as much action as there is in the book, the protagonist with his vulnerability makes the audience care about him and want him to find happiness in his personal life and peace in his professional one. Jim Butcher is one of the best authors writing urban fantasy today with his refreshingly original tales.