It's been a year, more or less, since the big battle in Chicago and a year is nothing when you're grieving. Harry Dresden knows all about it, as he stews in his sorrow and guilt over the death of Murphy. He's driving himself pretty hard and trying to take care of those people he feels responsible for. But life doesn't quit happening just because he doesn't want to deal with it.
Winter Queen Mab has betrothed him to Lara Raith of the White Court vampires. His brother Thomas is in stasis on Daemonreach Island. A pregnant Justine, Thomas' partner, is missing. Separately, they could maybe be dealt with, but combined? It's going to be one helluva task. Will the pressure make or break Wizard Dresden?
Butcher is allowing Harry to grow as a person. He gets acknowledged for his kindness frequently in this volume. He navigates his relationships with Mab and Lara with more grace than before. He and Lara seem to have forged a partnership that bodes well for their marriage. Harry is spending more time with his daughter and it is doing them both good. Many of Harry's old friends are present and being supportive. He is learning to accept help.
There are plenty of problems to be solved and Harry uses his brain as much as his powers. His adulting is getting much better. Nevertheless, there are still narrative strands left to dangle at the book's conclusion. The next book is supposed to be published next year, a pleasant prospect as we've waited six years for this one.
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