Jim Butcher puts pen to paper to bring us PEACE TALKS, the 16th installment in his ever-popular Dresden Files series, and the first of two Dresden novels to be released over the next few months.

PEACE TALKS picks up not long after the events of the previous book, SKIN GAME. Chicago-based wizard Harry Dresden has been tasked with leading security for, well, peace talks between the varied and sundry supernatural forces that have been at odds all through time. It doesn’t help that he’s not excited for this role, which is made more precarious by his connections to certain sects, including a vampire half-brother, Thomas, who has gotten himself into some trouble by attempting to assassinate one of the leaders in attendance at the summit. Harry, with a little help from his friends, frees his brother from prison and along the way uncovers new information about a threat that could pose major problems for the normal world and the supernatural alike.

"Butcher has crafted another exceptional Harry Dresden outing, which is fast-paced, fun and even touching at times. It is a world that is always enjoyable to sink back into and spend a few days with old friends."

Like much of Butcher’s work, PEACE TALKS kicks into a frenetic pace pretty much from the get-go. And, as always, his worldbuilding is engaging. Harry is typical Harry, though he has grown over the years, and much of the book deals with his relationships with those around him. However, he isn’t a “big picture” type of guy, and his decisions often focus on the here and now, which usually have terrible ramifications.

The side characters who are the bones of the book shine, especially Ebenezer. His interactions with, and importance to, Harry really shape a good portion of the events that unfold. Lara also has an impressive outing here.

It definitely helps if you’ve devoured the previous installments of the series, though PEACE TALKS catches newcomers up to speed. While longtime readers might find this element of Butcher’s style tedious, it actually does serve as a nice reminder instead of having to read a handful of books again just to revisit storylines. Butcher throws out information quickly and moves things along steadily. By the time the second half starts, he is pulling all the strings together toward an ending that is...unsatisfying?

Okay, perhaps that is too strong a word. Still, the resolution is open, and I’m guessing we won’t get to enjoy that aspect of the tale until the release of BATTLE GROUND this fall. Yes, the ending works as a lead-in to the next volume, which leaves it unsatisfying in the here and now. Let’s face it, we want answers!

Nevertheless, Butcher has crafted another exceptional Harry Dresden outing, which is fast-paced, fun and even touching at times. It is a world that is always enjoyable to sink back into and spend a few days with old friends.