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The Dresden Files #0.5
Restoration of Faith
A short story of the Dresden Files which introduced Harry Dresden and his world for the very first time.
(Also included in Side Jobs)
(Also included in Side Jobs)
12 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2004
44 people are currently reading
9889 people want to read
About the author
Jim Butcher
202 books51.5k followersJim Butcher is the author of the Dresden Files, the Codex Alera, and a new steampunk series, the Cinder Spires. His resume includes a laundry list of skills which were useful a couple of centuries ago, and he plays guitar quite badly. An avid gamer, he plays tabletop games in varying systems, a variety of video games on PC and console, and LARPs whenever he can make time for it. Jim currently resides mostly inside his own head, but his head can generally be found in his home town of Independence, Missouri.
Jim goes by the moniker Longshot in a number of online locales. He came by this name in the early 1990′s when he decided he would become a published author. Usually only 3 in 1000 who make such an attempt actually manage to become published; of those, only 1 in 10 make enough money to call it a living. The sale of a second series was the breakthrough that let him beat the long odds against attaining a career as a novelist.
All the same, he refuses to change his nickname.
Jim goes by the moniker Longshot in a number of online locales. He came by this name in the early 1990′s when he decided he would become a published author. Usually only 3 in 1000 who make such an attempt actually manage to become published; of those, only 1 in 10 make enough money to call it a living. The sale of a second series was the breakthrough that let him beat the long odds against attaining a career as a novelist.
All the same, he refuses to change his nickname.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 337 reviews
June 22, 2019
The Unseelie Accords!
Troll and a wizard and a policewoman (Murphy) meet and not greet.
Harry Dresden helping a little girl, named Faith, disappointed in this world to get a bit of faith back into her life.
Q:
I used a little thaumaturgy... (c)
Q:
A lot of people I know aren't really human. (c)
Q:
I'm a wizard. I don't really belong here. (c)
Q:
Magic.... The best kind. A little light in the dark. (c)
Q:
“Whenever it gets too dark, think of the good things you have, the good times you’ve had. It will help. I promise.” (c)
Q:
“There are people who love you, Faith. Or who one day will. Even if you can’t see them beside you, right here, right now, they’re out there. But if you let the dark get into your eyes, you might never find them. So it’s best to keep a little light with you, along the way. Do you think you can remember that?” (c)
Q:
Maybe, if I was lucky, I’d be able to sprint across without the troll being able to stop me.
Yeah. And maybe one day I’d go to an art museum and become well-rounded. (c)
Q:
I heard myself cackling and decided, without a doubt, that I had at least one screw loose. (c)
The troll-thingy - disgusting. But the ending more compensated for it.:
Q:
On the far side, the girl was standing up on her tiptoes, waving. Soft pink light flowed from the ring on her right thumb. I could see the smile on her face. The cop was watching me, too, her expression thoughtful. It turned into a smile.
Modern living might suck. And the world we’ve made can be a dark place. But at least I don’t have to be there alone.
I put an arm around Nick’s shoulders and grinned at him. “It’s like I keep telling you, man. You’ve got to have faith.” (c)
The ending:
Troll and a wizard and a policewoman (Murphy) meet and not greet.
Harry Dresden helping a little girl, named Faith, disappointed in this world to get a bit of faith back into her life.
Q:
I used a little thaumaturgy... (c)
Q:
A lot of people I know aren't really human. (c)
Q:
I'm a wizard. I don't really belong here. (c)
Q:
Magic.... The best kind. A little light in the dark. (c)
Q:
“Whenever it gets too dark, think of the good things you have, the good times you’ve had. It will help. I promise.” (c)
Q:
“There are people who love you, Faith. Or who one day will. Even if you can’t see them beside you, right here, right now, they’re out there. But if you let the dark get into your eyes, you might never find them. So it’s best to keep a little light with you, along the way. Do you think you can remember that?” (c)
Q:
Maybe, if I was lucky, I’d be able to sprint across without the troll being able to stop me.
Yeah. And maybe one day I’d go to an art museum and become well-rounded. (c)
Q:
I heard myself cackling and decided, without a doubt, that I had at least one screw loose. (c)
The troll-thingy - disgusting. But the ending more compensated for it.:
Q:
On the far side, the girl was standing up on her tiptoes, waving. Soft pink light flowed from the ring on her right thumb. I could see the smile on her face. The cop was watching me, too, her expression thoughtful. It turned into a smile.
Modern living might suck. And the world we’ve made can be a dark place. But at least I don’t have to be there alone.
I put an arm around Nick’s shoulders and grinned at him. “It’s like I keep telling you, man. You’ve got to have faith.” (c)
The ending:
August 10, 2023
A good start to a new series that I’m both excited about and intimidated by the vastness of. I like the humor of the author; he seems clever and witty. He points out that this was a very rough attempt, so it makes me feel as if they will only get better and better.
January 12, 2022
Short. A small girl and a bridge troll🙂
January 24, 2014
People keep telling me, "Read the Dresden Files. Read the Dresden Files."
Well, I can tell you that after reading this very short story for the series, I have bumped the series much further up on my to-read list.
I have always said that an author that can make you care about their characters in a short amount of time is probably better than the author that needs a whole book to do so. And care I did. Little Faith was such a strong character in this 12 page story that she brought tears to my eyes. My biggest hope now is that we run into her again in some of the books in the series.
Well, I can tell you that after reading this very short story for the series, I have bumped the series much further up on my to-read list.
I have always said that an author that can make you care about their characters in a short amount of time is probably better than the author that needs a whole book to do so. And care I did. Little Faith was such a strong character in this 12 page story that she brought tears to my eyes. My biggest hope now is that we run into her again in some of the books in the series.
January 21, 2022
This is a short story that is the beginning of a series. I would say it is more of a prequel and I recommend reading the first novel before this short story. In this one, Harry rescues a runaway girl but he finds trouble with his client. They have reported that the girl is kidnapped instead of running away.
I just started this series where I have read the first book Storm Front and now this short story. I am already hooked on this series. I was really impressed with this short story and I wish it was a full length novel. Within a short amount of pages the reader gets a sense of this world and gets to know the characters. We get to see Harry with his humor while being good at heart. We also see his introduction to a relevant character. We also get a moral to this story. I had no idea I would get all this in a short story. And not to sell the story short (no pun intended) we get a battle with a troll for a little bit of action. It seems like a lot for a short story but it is not.
Going into this story I thought it would be more of an introduction. I had no idea it would have an impact. The author said in a foreword that this isn't the best story. If this isn't the best story I cannot wait to see what is the best story. I have a feeling I might start binging this series because Harry is becoming a favorite of mine.
I just started this series where I have read the first book Storm Front and now this short story. I am already hooked on this series. I was really impressed with this short story and I wish it was a full length novel. Within a short amount of pages the reader gets a sense of this world and gets to know the characters. We get to see Harry with his humor while being good at heart. We also see his introduction to a relevant character. We also get a moral to this story. I had no idea I would get all this in a short story. And not to sell the story short (no pun intended) we get a battle with a troll for a little bit of action. It seems like a lot for a short story but it is not.
Going into this story I thought it would be more of an introduction. I had no idea it would have an impact. The author said in a foreword that this isn't the best story. If this isn't the best story I cannot wait to see what is the best story. I have a feeling I might start binging this series because Harry is becoming a favorite of mine.
May 26, 2022
Thank you Jim Butcher for the freebie! You too can read it on his website: https://www.jim-butcher.com/books/dre...
This is a great intro to Harry Dresden. It is filled to the brim with action while also showing a good amount of what Harry can do and what kind of world he lives in. There's a slight amount of humor, which works very well in setting the tone for the series. Naturally, you would assume that this is the first Dresden thing ever written, but in fact, real life time-wise, it falls somewhere between book 5 and 6. You can tell that just by the quality of the writing. Book 1 is super awkward in comparison. If I read this then immediately dove into Book 1, I would have a serious "Huh!?" moment.
This is a great intro to Harry Dresden. It is filled to the brim with action while also showing a good amount of what Harry can do and what kind of world he lives in. There's a slight amount of humor, which works very well in setting the tone for the series. Naturally, you would assume that this is the first Dresden thing ever written, but in fact, real life time-wise, it falls somewhere between book 5 and 6. You can tell that just by the quality of the writing. Book 1 is super awkward in comparison. If I read this then immediately dove into Book 1, I would have a serious "Huh!?" moment.
January 7, 2023
OK, so this is indeed taking place before the first novel. Thus, no disorientation / confusion like with the other. ;)
Harry is working for a PI firm*, biding his time before he can get his own license. The story is that Harry is supposed to find the daughter of a rich Chicago family and indeed manages to. The problem? It turns out that the kid had simply run away and her parents, in order to not loose face, are now trying to frame Harry.
Shenanigans ensue, which include but are not limited to a troll and Karrin's first taste of the supernatural.
I think the first notable thing about this was that "Spike" from Buffy fame is reading this. Which I knew, of course, but hearing him indeed reading the story was something else. :D
*It gets even funnier when we take into consideration that the PI firm Harry is working for in this story, is called (Ragged) Angel Investigations. Muhahahahahahaha!
So yes, this tickled me in all the right places.
Harry is working for a PI firm*, biding his time before he can get his own license. The story is that Harry is supposed to find the daughter of a rich Chicago family and indeed manages to. The problem? It turns out that the kid had simply run away and her parents, in order to not loose face, are now trying to frame Harry.
Shenanigans ensue, which include but are not limited to a troll and Karrin's first taste of the supernatural.
I think the first notable thing about this was that "Spike" from Buffy fame is reading this. Which I knew, of course, but hearing him indeed reading the story was something else. :D
*It gets even funnier when we take into consideration that the PI firm Harry is working for in this story, is called (Ragged) Angel Investigations. Muhahahahahahaha!
So yes, this tickled me in all the right places.
January 8, 2023
A little story that's just right for us Dresden fans, getting us a solid reason WHY he'd be in the business of Wizard for Hire.
It's nothing too special, but it's great to see him meet Murphy for the first time.
It's nothing too special, but it's great to see him meet Murphy for the first time.
February 14, 2024
5 stars
Nice to know how Harry met Murphy. Hope Faith got home okay. Can't wait to read more books with Harry Dresden!!!
Nice to know how Harry met Murphy. Hope Faith got home okay. Can't wait to read more books with Harry Dresden!!!
October 19, 2020
Retrospective thoughts re-reading after seven years after finishing the latest 'Battle Ground' (19.10.2020):
Ah, Harry Dresden... there was once a time when the biggest problem of your day was a runaway kid and a bridge troll. This was the very first story written by Butcher about Dresden in his ever magical Chicago, and it really is a sweet, warm little story that made me excitedly begin on the path I'm now at the end seventeen books (!!) ago seven years ago. And I loved every minute and every page of all of it! And it is also the very first time Harry met Karrin Murphy when she was just a patrolwoman, yet a true fearless badass all the time! ()
Just a wondering, did the kid in this story Faith appeared later in any story or novel? Can't remember.
Original review (14.08.2013):
A good, very quick introduction to Harry Dresden and his world. Butcher said he wrote it when he was in university, and was the third or fourth short story he ever written at that point, including his school projects! He or his publisher didn't think it was worthy of publishing at the beginning, but I didn't find any problem with the story or the writing-quality and quite enjoyed a quick, short and fun read. I'm already reading Storm Front (Dresden Files-1), but thought I read the short story first to get how Butcher truly created the Harry Dresden character from the very beginning.... As it turned out, I wasn't disappointed. It makes me even MORE excited to read through the novels, as I always hear how the "quality of the series only increased with each successive book". Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden, here I come!
Ah, Harry Dresden... there was once a time when the biggest problem of your day was a runaway kid and a bridge troll. This was the very first story written by Butcher about Dresden in his ever magical Chicago, and it really is a sweet, warm little story that made me excitedly begin on the path I'm now at the end seventeen books (!!) ago seven years ago. And I loved every minute and every page of all of it! And it is also the very first time Harry met Karrin Murphy when she was just a patrolwoman, yet a true fearless badass all the time! ()
Just a wondering, did the kid in this story Faith appeared later in any story or novel? Can't remember.
Original review (14.08.2013):
A good, very quick introduction to Harry Dresden and his world. Butcher said he wrote it when he was in university, and was the third or fourth short story he ever written at that point, including his school projects! He or his publisher didn't think it was worthy of publishing at the beginning, but I didn't find any problem with the story or the writing-quality and quite enjoyed a quick, short and fun read. I'm already reading Storm Front (Dresden Files-1), but thought I read the short story first to get how Butcher truly created the Harry Dresden character from the very beginning.... As it turned out, I wasn't disappointed. It makes me even MORE excited to read through the novels, as I always hear how the "quality of the series only increased with each successive book". Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden, here I come!
April 9, 2014
I read this as part of the Side Jobs anthology. It is the book in which Harry finds a missing girl, but it’s never as simple as it seems. Butcher complains about the lack of quality in this story, but I think it’s really awesome. It’s also where Harry meets Murphy, plus a troll, so bonus!
July 7, 2018
The first Dresden story written while Butcher was in high school according to his foreword. He said it wasn't good enough to publish, but didn't mention rewriting it extensively. It was a little rough, but not bad. It was fun to see how Harry got started in the private detective business & met Murphy. It's short & should be read by any fan of the series.
It's a free ebook, but I got it as an audio from the library. Very well narrated.
It's a free ebook, but I got it as an audio from the library. Very well narrated.
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November 15, 2015
11/15/2015 -- Read this short to get me started in this series. I need something different and I think this will do the trick.
March 20, 2023
This was a short intro to the series. I enjoyed it and I am glad I finally started reading this series. I like our main protagonist. He seems very realistic and his sense of humor is magnificent.
I will continue with the series. It is a series I would recommend to other urban fantasy readers but I'm sure I am late to the party anyway.
I will continue with the series. It is a series I would recommend to other urban fantasy readers but I'm sure I am late to the party anyway.
November 15, 2020
Short & quick and pretty fun.
A very interesting - and a bit disgusting - run-in with a troll and lots of characters briefly introduced. I can’t wait to see who else is going to be in the main series, apart from Harry Dresden.
As a side note, Santa Claus exists and I couldn’t be happier 🥳
A very interesting - and a bit disgusting - run-in with a troll and lots of characters briefly introduced. I can’t wait to see who else is going to be in the main series, apart from Harry Dresden.
As a side note, Santa Claus exists and I couldn’t be happier 🥳
October 11, 2018
What an interesting first meet for Harry and Karrin! A spunky 12 year old tweenie, grumpy troll, and jaded partner..Harry’s life is never boring.
January 11, 2024
2.5 stars
Felt like the author was trying to hard to convey an inspirational message with the vehicle being the story.
Felt like the author was trying to hard to convey an inspirational message with the vehicle being the story.
April 21, 2019
3 Stars
Oh, how I miss Harry. I needed this fix :)
Oh, how I miss Harry. I needed this fix :)
May 4, 2020
This is a re-read in anticipation of the most wanted "peace talks".
I read this short story years ago and my initial rating was 3 stars so I'm bumping that shit to 4, back then i was immature and i was used to harry the badass who flips cars when angered not to this pathetic weakling who couldn't handle a lil troll properly smh... But now : reading this with a new perspective and a much improved set of eyes i can clearly appreciate it , you can say my faith is restored.
I read this short story years ago and my initial rating was 3 stars so I'm bumping that shit to 4, back then i was immature and i was used to harry the badass who flips cars when angered not to this pathetic weakling who couldn't handle a lil troll properly smh... But now : reading this with a new perspective and a much improved set of eyes i can clearly appreciate it , you can say my faith is restored.
May 1, 2020
Just a little extra that shows the beginning of Dresden, his first meeting with Murphy and the need for Faith. Cute simple little story but nice enough for a free extra.
January 11, 2023
Excited to get into a full length novel
Read
April 11, 2024oh! pre murphy and dresden. this was fun! - loved it
October 16, 2025
Jim Butcher is een schrijver die mijn aandacht recent getrokken heeft en zodoende wilde ik eerst dit boek eens lezen. Een kort verhaal voordat de Dresden Files echt begint. Best een leuk begin, ik ben benieuwd naar de rest van de serie.
March 28, 2022
“Whenever it gets too dark, think of the good things you have, the good times you've had. It will help. I promise.”
Absolutely five stars. The fact that the author is able to provide a form of plot development and character development into a 12 page short story is amazing. This is essentially a prequel to the first book in the Dresden Files. I would recommend reading Stormfront, the first novel, first.
Absolutely five stars. The fact that the author is able to provide a form of plot development and character development into a 12 page short story is amazing. This is essentially a prequel to the first book in the Dresden Files. I would recommend reading Stormfront, the first novel, first.
January 22, 2013
Reviewed for THC Reviews
Restoration of Faith is a short prequel novella in the Dresden Files series. It's only about the length of a chapter and tells the story of a case Harry worked before becoming a full-fledged private investigator. At the time he and his partner, Nick, ran Ragged Angel Investigations, an agency that searched for missing children. This was an aspect of the story that I really enjoyed, and I thought Harry was very good with the girl he rescued. He seemed to have a kind, gentle side that I hope to see more of in the full-length novels of the series. There wasn't much in the way of magic in this novella, so I'm not sure precisely how Harry's powers work. The battle with the troll was fun, but Harry defeated him using his wits more than anything else. I'm not certain whether he hadn't come into his full powers yet or if his powers simply have limits, but I'm definitely interested in finding out more about this intriguing character. I also don't know if any of the secondary characters in this short story show up again in future books, but I wouldn't mind seeing more of them if they did. Restoration of Faith was my first read by Jim Butcher. It may have been brief, but it gave me enough of a taste of his writing style to know that I like it and look forward to reading more. Restoration of Faith can be read for free on Jim Butcher's website and is also available in print as part of the anthology Side Jobs.
Restoration of Faith is a short prequel novella in the Dresden Files series. It's only about the length of a chapter and tells the story of a case Harry worked before becoming a full-fledged private investigator. At the time he and his partner, Nick, ran Ragged Angel Investigations, an agency that searched for missing children. This was an aspect of the story that I really enjoyed, and I thought Harry was very good with the girl he rescued. He seemed to have a kind, gentle side that I hope to see more of in the full-length novels of the series. There wasn't much in the way of magic in this novella, so I'm not sure precisely how Harry's powers work. The battle with the troll was fun, but Harry defeated him using his wits more than anything else. I'm not certain whether he hadn't come into his full powers yet or if his powers simply have limits, but I'm definitely interested in finding out more about this intriguing character. I also don't know if any of the secondary characters in this short story show up again in future books, but I wouldn't mind seeing more of them if they did. Restoration of Faith was my first read by Jim Butcher. It may have been brief, but it gave me enough of a taste of his writing style to know that I like it and look forward to reading more. Restoration of Faith can be read for free on Jim Butcher's website and is also available in print as part of the anthology Side Jobs.
November 9, 2014
Pretty decent short story, there is lack of action but that wasn't the main point anyways.
The story emerges I think just to offer a glimpse onto the world of Harry Dresden. And considering this was the first piece of writing on the Magician Detective I guess Jim himself was trying to visit the idea of such a being.
I liked the cute little kid and his matured talking as well as honest view on the matters, I liked Harry's point of view on the things as the story progressed. Finally I was glad to see the young and thoughtful Murphy. :)
What else? Get yourself to read this nice little story if you have liked the series itself. If you have not started the series, then you might want to start it first, or you may miss the charm of this story. (at least that's what I think!)
Happy Reading.
The story emerges I think just to offer a glimpse onto the world of Harry Dresden. And considering this was the first piece of writing on the Magician Detective I guess Jim himself was trying to visit the idea of such a being.
I liked the cute little kid and his matured talking as well as honest view on the matters, I liked Harry's point of view on the things as the story progressed. Finally I was glad to see the young and thoughtful Murphy. :)
What else? Get yourself to read this nice little story if you have liked the series itself. If you have not started the series, then you might want to start it first, or you may miss the charm of this story. (at least that's what I think!)
Happy Reading.
July 2, 2012
Restoration of Faith is book 0.5 in the Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher. I'd love to tell you what it's about, but I wrote the review in February 2012, after I read it, but due to a Goodreads Glitch, my review was deleted and I no longer remember what its about. I'm peeved. My stats dropped by one and I had to look through every single book until I found which one was missing. Grrrrrrrr. I do know that I loved every Jim Butcher book I've read, so I know the rating is a 5/5.
March 25, 2020
4 stars
This was the first Dresden story and Butcher wrote it while he was still in school. You can tell it's an early work but the feel is definitely what you'd expect from a Dresden story and you get to see the first meeting between Harry and Murphy. I enjoyed it very much. :)
3-23-20 - This was a reread as I reread the whole series before the next book comes out. This is still a very good starter Dresden story. :)
This was the first Dresden story and Butcher wrote it while he was still in school. You can tell it's an early work but the feel is definitely what you'd expect from a Dresden story and you get to see the first meeting between Harry and Murphy. I enjoyed it very much. :)
3-23-20 - This was a reread as I reread the whole series before the next book comes out. This is still a very good starter Dresden story. :)
December 13, 2015
I'm embarking on a read-a-thon journey of the "The Dresden Files", and this short story is an excellent introduction into what has been recommended to me as an excellent urban fantasy series. I'm stoked!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 337 reviews