Read time: 4 minutes
🎧 Listened in audio | 📢 Narrated by Jim Butcher
⏱ Duration: 3 hours
🏷️ Publisher: Podium Audio & Imaginary Empire LLC
📅 Published: July 5, 2022
📚 Series: The Dresden Files #17.2
🧙 Genre: Urban Fantasy
Book Blurb:
Set after Battle Ground, The Law drops us back into the chaotic, wonderfully gritty world of Chicago’s only professional wizard-for-hire, Harry Dresden. This time, he’s taking on a more personal threat, one that doesn’t come swinging a sword the size of a building. Hired by an independent tutor under siege from a dangerous client, Dresden quickly finds himself entangled with old frenemies, mob power, and the ever-chilling presence of Queen Mab. It’s a smaller story in scale but still packed with heart, humor, and a reminder of why Dresden remains the reigning king of urban fantasy.
Let’s talk about the book:
The last time I read a Harry Dresden book was back in 2022, during a full-on binge era where James Marsters absolutely ruined my ability to listen to audiobooks normally ever again. When Twelve Months was announced for this year, I panic-booked it on NetGalley and pre-ordered it from my library (because… contingency) but realized something alarming: I couldn’t quite remember why I loved this series so much. I remembered the obsession, not the feeling.
Enter The Law. A short novella, perfectly timed, and somehow exactly what my reading soul needed. Also, So hearing Jim Butcher himself narrate this short novella was … different. But in the best possible way. You can literally hear the affection in his voice, like a creator reviving his favorite dragon. By the time Harry stepped fully into the story, it was over for me. The emotional muscle memory kicked in hard. The snark. The moral grey zones. The weight Harry carries like a badge and a burden. I fell all over again.
This novella is peak Dresden comfort chaos. Of course Harry takes Maya’s case. Of course Mab looms large like an icy corporate nightmare. Of course John Marcone delivers immaculate power-struggle dialogue. Bob’s creepy-funny skull commentary is intact, the Harry–Marcone verbal fencing is chef’s kiss, and the way Harry carefully dances around Mab while still getting what he wants is classic Dresden Files brilliance. The banter is sharp, the stakes personal, and the moral tension delicious. My one quibble? The ending felt a little too quick, like someone hit “speed up” just before the last spell was cast. Still, three hours with Harry is better than none, and now I cannot wait for Twelve Months.
Bonus points for the Harry Potter jokes. Fully unhinged. Fully delightful. Also, was it just me, or did Jim Butcher’s voice for Trip sound a bit like Tony Soprano?
Would I recommend it?
Absolutely, especially if you’re gearing up for Twelve Months or feeling a little disconnected from the series after a break. The Law is the perfect reminder of why Harry Dresden works so well as a character: flawed, stubborn, compassionate, and perpetually in over his head. While the novella format trims some breathing room at the end, the emotional punch and character beats land exactly where they should. This re-ignited my Dresden Files obsession, no question.
If you liked The Law, try these
- Side Jobs by Jim Butcher — Short stories that deepen Dresden lore and character moments
Goodreads | StoryGraph | Pagebound | Fable | Hardcover | OpenLibrary | Litsy - Cold Days by Jim Butcher — Heavy Mab energy and long-term consequences
Goodreads | StoryGraph | Pagebound | Fable | Hardcover | OpenLibrary | Litsy - Storm Front by Jim Butcher — Where it all begins, if you want to relive the obsession
Goodreads | StoryGraph | Pagebound | Fable | Hardcover | OpenLibrary | Litsy - Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch — Urban fantasy with wit and procedural flair
Goodreads | StoryGraph | Pagebound | Fable | Hardcover | OpenLibrary | Litsy - The Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne — Snarky magic, gods, and modern mythology
Goodreads | StoryGraph | Pagebound | Fable | Hardcover | OpenLibrary | Litsy
Ready for more magic?
Are you rereading any Dresden books before Twelve Months lands? Or are you diving in fresh? Let’s talk favorite Harry moments or theories. Drop your thoughts below!
Book Links:
Want to purchase this or any of your favorite books while supporting a local bookstore? Consider purchasing using the sites below. These sites work with independent local bookstore owners to fulfill your book orders.
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Goodreads | StoryGraph | Pagebound | Fable | Hardcover | OpenLibrary | Litsy
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