Backup

Now for a change of pace - a short novelette from my favorite publisher, Subterranean Press. But strangely enough, this is not one I purchased. (And it is sold out as well - so look for it on the secondary market.) As usual, and like three out of the last four books I've read, it came from my local library.

BACKUP is a mere 72 pages long and thus took me only the metro ride in and lunch time to read. It also marks my third foray into the Dresden universe. First was the TV show on SciFi. I rather enjoyed the program and mourned slightly when it was canceled. It had potential. Second (if you don't count the fact that I bought STORM FRONT, the first novel, but gave it to a friend's daughter before I could read it) was the graphic novel WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE I checked out with this book.

And now BACKUP. The novelette isn't a Dresden story per se, but instead focuses on his half-brother and vampire, Thomas Raith. I take it that Thomas is a recurring character in the main books, but here he is the hero. It's nice to see a creator give a supporting player the lead. These stories allow the fleshing out of the universe and a nice departure from the usual. Butcher's style is conventional and readable. I'm tempted to try more Dresden, but as I always complain there are too many books on my plate right now.

Let me add a quick note about Subterranean - they are a wonderful small press who put out a lot of great books from great authors and they provide great customer service as well. Looking at my bookshelves the other day, I saw a lot of their books and wished I had time to read them all. If you enjoy horror, science fiction or fantasy, give Subterranean a try, you'll probably find something you like.