One of the big trends with today's occult writers is contributing to various anthologies of short stories. Jim Butcher, the author of the TOTALLY awesome Dresden Files series has done his share of stories for these books. This work pulls together all of the short stories he has written to date, starting with a story he wrote while still in college to a new, unreleased story that picks off where the last book concluded.

Each of the stories allows for some character development for Harry Dresdone, Chicago's only sorceror/detective, or for some of the various members of his cast of supporters. This includes Harry's werewolf friends, Billy/Will and Georgia, a number of chances to shine.

Each story is nicely introduced with an explanation of what anthology it was part of and what the focus of said anthology was (everything from humor to love). He also takes a few moments to place the story in the Dresden Files book timeline. As with most of Butcher's books, there is no shortage of snarkery and humor.

Harry and the gang take on everything from vampires (both of the Black and Red Courts), faeries, and the usual variety of paranormal villains. As you can guess, there is no shortage of action. Because of the format, the tales are more character driven then plot-driven, but that doesn't make them any less fun.

The final story provides a different perspective as Karrin Murpphy, a sergeant in the Chicago PD Special Investigations division, is working a case without Harry, who seems to have died at the end of the previous book, Changes. She definitely can carry a story on her own.

This is definitely a must for fans of the Dresden Files, and it is probably a nice introduction to the characters for people looking to give it a try.