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The Dresden Files #18.75
Out Law
The past comes back in a big way for Chicago’s only professional wizard in this action-packed novella from the Dresden Files.
In a city that’s just beginning to recover from the devastation caused by the Battle of Chicago, Harry Dresden is finally pulling himself together as well. He’s ensconced in his own personal castle, healing his various wounds and training an eager new apprentice. The last thing he wants is any trouble. But, as history has consistently—and quite annoyingly—shown, what Harry wants is rarely what Harry gets.
It starts with a visit from Harry’s most powerful frenemy, Gentleman John Marcone, Baron of Chicago. He needs Harry to assist in the redemption of an underling who’s looking to go straight. And since Harry does kinda sorta owe Marcone for saving his life once (stupid honorable debt!), it’s not a request he can refuse. He’ll just wish he had.
Because this little favor is going to drag Harry into a fight he doesn’t want on behalf of a lowlife he doesn’t trust against an enemy more powerful and pestilent than he ever could’ve an insatiable, demonic foe whom Harry himself may have created when he wiped out the vampires of the Red Court so long ago.
Before, all it wanted was blood. Now it wants the entire world . . .
In a city that’s just beginning to recover from the devastation caused by the Battle of Chicago, Harry Dresden is finally pulling himself together as well. He’s ensconced in his own personal castle, healing his various wounds and training an eager new apprentice. The last thing he wants is any trouble. But, as history has consistently—and quite annoyingly—shown, what Harry wants is rarely what Harry gets.
It starts with a visit from Harry’s most powerful frenemy, Gentleman John Marcone, Baron of Chicago. He needs Harry to assist in the redemption of an underling who’s looking to go straight. And since Harry does kinda sorta owe Marcone for saving his life once (stupid honorable debt!), it’s not a request he can refuse. He’ll just wish he had.
Because this little favor is going to drag Harry into a fight he doesn’t want on behalf of a lowlife he doesn’t trust against an enemy more powerful and pestilent than he ever could’ve an insatiable, demonic foe whom Harry himself may have created when he wiped out the vampires of the Red Court so long ago.
Before, all it wanted was blood. Now it wants the entire world . . .
197 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 5, 2026
About the author
Jim Butcher
200 books51.9k 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 593 reviews
March 8, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
You could read this on its own but it works so much better if you’ve read The Law first! Between the two novellas & 12 Months, it’s like Jim has released 2 full length Dresden books this year!!!! Im thrilled! Also it’s never enough, more Dresden & Bob!!!
This would have been 5⭐️ but the tone shift between 12 Months & The Law/The Outlaw was pretty abrupt. Aside from that, I loved it!
The Law felt simplistic but like typical Dresden. The Outlaw enriched the story & made it more complicated. Our villain from The Law is undergoing a journey of moral growth and Dresden is a more morally grey after the event of books 17/18. I appreciated the theme of working to change your character. That morality is a muscle you exercise and train each day.
The Outlaw does an excellent job of showing the older, more complex and tired Harry in action. Basically all of 12 Months tells us Harry feels this way but here it’s shown through his actions. I really wish 12 moths had a heavy dose of that in it.
I’m left curious & hopeful about what Mirror Mirror has in store for us. I am begging the universe that it doesn’t take 5 years for it to come 😭
You could read this on its own but it works so much better if you’ve read The Law first! Between the two novellas & 12 Months, it’s like Jim has released 2 full length Dresden books this year!!!! Im thrilled! Also it’s never enough, more Dresden & Bob!!!
This would have been 5⭐️ but the tone shift between 12 Months & The Law/The Outlaw was pretty abrupt. Aside from that, I loved it!
The Law felt simplistic but like typical Dresden. The Outlaw enriched the story & made it more complicated. Our villain from The Law is undergoing a journey of moral growth and Dresden is a more morally grey after the event of books 17/18. I appreciated the theme of working to change your character. That morality is a muscle you exercise and train each day.
The Outlaw does an excellent job of showing the older, more complex and tired Harry in action. Basically all of 12 Months tells us Harry feels this way but here it’s shown through his actions. I really wish 12 moths had a heavy dose of that in it.
I’m left curious & hopeful about what Mirror Mirror has in store for us. I am begging the universe that it doesn’t take 5 years for it to come 😭
May 15, 2026
A lot of fun to read and to have Dresden for the second book in one year is a blessing.
This novella brings Dresden Chicago's private eye and reigning wizard together with baron Marcone, Chicago's crimelord. As Dresden owns a favour to the Baron he is caugth between a rock and a Mountain.
Harry is going to help a former employee of Marcone going straight in life. As it turns out this means that Harry is going to save a man from a dark danger that once belonged to the Red Court Vampires, which Harry destroyed, and now wants to kill the Marcone former employee. Ond the other side there is the IRS and the courts who are looking at the same person. And it is up to Harry to keep this man on the straight and narrow.
A hilarious and well paced Dresden adventure that balances magic and wittism very well and delivers a good story. Mr. Butcher really treats his fan very well this year by releasing a 2nd story with our favorite Wizard.
This novella brings Dresden Chicago's private eye and reigning wizard together with baron Marcone, Chicago's crimelord. As Dresden owns a favour to the Baron he is caugth between a rock and a Mountain.
Harry is going to help a former employee of Marcone going straight in life. As it turns out this means that Harry is going to save a man from a dark danger that once belonged to the Red Court Vampires, which Harry destroyed, and now wants to kill the Marcone former employee. Ond the other side there is the IRS and the courts who are looking at the same person. And it is up to Harry to keep this man on the straight and narrow.
A hilarious and well paced Dresden adventure that balances magic and wittism very well and delivers a good story. Mr. Butcher really treats his fan very well this year by releasing a 2nd story with our favorite Wizard.
May 11, 2026
In which Harry defends stupidity from itself.
Really fun, Jim writes well, really cool lore.
8.8/10
Really fun, Jim writes well, really cool lore.
8.8/10
May 15, 2026
This was great. Butcher packed a lot of goodness into 200 pages. Action, lore, great character moments, and an outstanding climax. Compared to other novellas I've read this is easily 5 stars.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It's been a while since Jim Butcher's last book - he's had some personal stuff to deal with, I understand - and honestly, this one refers back to some people and events that I don't remember well or, in some cases, at all, including one of the central characters. This is a lowlife associated with Gentleman Johnnie Marcone, who, thanks to a narrow escape from death, wants to reform, and Marcone, claiming that Dresden owes him a debt for saving his life, brings the guy to Dresden to be taught Decent Human Being 101. Of course, Marcone also has an angle that benefits him.
If anyone is qualified to be Professor of Being a Decent Human Being Under Difficult Circumstances and Making the Hard Choices, it's Harry Dresden, and he does a good job, imparting the wisdom he's picked up throughout his tough life. Sample dialog:
"But what do you get out of it?"
"I get to be me. I get to be the guy who helps people who need it."
(Note: I had a pre-publication version from Netgalley, and there may be changes made before publication. There are a few minor copy editing errors, for example, which I hope will be corrected, but very few.)
It's not just an extended preachment, of course. It's a Harry Dresden story, which means dire supernatural threats, action sequences that mean something, and difficult problems cleverly solved using Dresden's now extensive resources when his default initial approach of "kill it with fire" turns out not to be effective. It's wryly funny, with great banter, the fights feel like Harry and his allies are barely escaping death (and not without injury), and for all Harry's wisecracking he's deadly serious when the situation calls for it. He's even learned when not to run his mouth. And the issues include legal trouble and the IRS, not just the supernatural, so there's a variety of threats to deal with in different ways.
Solidly written, and with that extra layer of reflection on the human condition that raises it into the Gold tier of my Best of the Year list, this is Jim Butcher fully on form and in firm command of his craft.
If anyone is qualified to be Professor of Being a Decent Human Being Under Difficult Circumstances and Making the Hard Choices, it's Harry Dresden, and he does a good job, imparting the wisdom he's picked up throughout his tough life. Sample dialog:
"But what do you get out of it?"
"I get to be me. I get to be the guy who helps people who need it."
(Note: I had a pre-publication version from Netgalley, and there may be changes made before publication. There are a few minor copy editing errors, for example, which I hope will be corrected, but very few.)
It's not just an extended preachment, of course. It's a Harry Dresden story, which means dire supernatural threats, action sequences that mean something, and difficult problems cleverly solved using Dresden's now extensive resources when his default initial approach of "kill it with fire" turns out not to be effective. It's wryly funny, with great banter, the fights feel like Harry and his allies are barely escaping death (and not without injury), and for all Harry's wisecracking he's deadly serious when the situation calls for it. He's even learned when not to run his mouth. And the issues include legal trouble and the IRS, not just the supernatural, so there's a variety of threats to deal with in different ways.
Solidly written, and with that extra layer of reflection on the human condition that raises it into the Gold tier of my Best of the Year list, this is Jim Butcher fully on form and in firm command of his craft.
May 6, 2026
What a treat this was! Us Dresden fanatics are getting spoiled this year between Twelve Months and now this delectable morsel of a novella. These novella-length stories are just the perfect size for Jim to deliver a meaty case file story that doesn't need to involve the wider series plot arcs, and they work so much better for me than his Dresden-focused short stories did. I'm betting he has a lot of fun with them too at this point with how the series has sprawled outward to encompass so much, so I hope he keeps them coming between the novels.
Out Law feels like something of a morality parable that focuses on Harry helping an established crook turn his life around and begin his journey of redemption and re-oriented self-discovery. We haven't hit these particular beats before in the series so it felt quite fresh, and spending time with some of the newer side characters in the cast was a joy.
Unlike with the almost entirely mundane non-magical plot of The Law, we also get a new frightening magical threat to go up against to raise the stakes and amp up the dread, and I think the small mix of intersecting plot elements worked like a charm here to provide a suspenseful page-turner.
On top of being entertained by Dresden I find the books truly help me reflect on ways I can be a better human being, and I feel thankful that Jim and James Marsters have been at this so long together to bring Harry and co to such vivid and meaningful life.
Out Law feels like something of a morality parable that focuses on Harry helping an established crook turn his life around and begin his journey of redemption and re-oriented self-discovery. We haven't hit these particular beats before in the series so it felt quite fresh, and spending time with some of the newer side characters in the cast was a joy.
Unlike with the almost entirely mundane non-magical plot of The Law, we also get a new frightening magical threat to go up against to raise the stakes and amp up the dread, and I think the small mix of intersecting plot elements worked like a charm here to provide a suspenseful page-turner.
On top of being entertained by Dresden I find the books truly help me reflect on ways I can be a better human being, and I feel thankful that Jim and James Marsters have been at this so long together to bring Harry and co to such vivid and meaningful life.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐ 5 out of 5 stars
Jumping back into the Dresden Files with Outlaw just felt good. This one picks right up after the Battle of Chicago and the heavier moments in Twelve Months. Harry’s healing, getting settled in his castle, and maybe even able to breathe for a second… yeah, you know that doesn’t last. Things go sideways quick. And somehow the IRS is still one of the scariest parts. Figures.
Harry’s still Harry. Tired, stubborn, but he keeps trying to do the right thing. His back-and-forth with Gentleman John Marcone is always a highlight. I really liked the redemption angle here too, especially watching someone try to be good when they don’t even fully understand what that means. The new apprentice is coming along and already feels like part of the world.
I was able to get the ALC, and James Marsters nailed it again. Like always. He just is Dresden at this point.
Book alone is great, but with this narration? Easy 5.
Thank you to Podium Entertainment for the chance to jump back into one of my favorite book worlds.
Jumping back into the Dresden Files with Outlaw just felt good. This one picks right up after the Battle of Chicago and the heavier moments in Twelve Months. Harry’s healing, getting settled in his castle, and maybe even able to breathe for a second… yeah, you know that doesn’t last. Things go sideways quick. And somehow the IRS is still one of the scariest parts. Figures.
Harry’s still Harry. Tired, stubborn, but he keeps trying to do the right thing. His back-and-forth with Gentleman John Marcone is always a highlight. I really liked the redemption angle here too, especially watching someone try to be good when they don’t even fully understand what that means. The new apprentice is coming along and already feels like part of the world.
I was able to get the ALC, and James Marsters nailed it again. Like always. He just is Dresden at this point.
Book alone is great, but with this narration? Easy 5.
Thank you to Podium Entertainment for the chance to jump back into one of my favorite book worlds.
May 8, 2026
OUT LAW
was such a fun little return to the world of the The Dresden Files.
Honestly, I’ve really enjoyed these shorter Dresden novellas while waiting (impatiently) for the next full-length book. They feel like these nice little check-ins with Harry and the aftermath of everything that happened in BATTLE GROUND and this one especially continues to show both Harry and the city Chicago itself trying to heal and move forward after all that devastation.
I also liked that this followed up on events and characters from THE LAW . It made the two novellas feel nicely connected, especially when it came to Tripp’s storyline. I really loved seeing his character arc develop across both stories. There’s something satisfying about watching Dresden, despite all his grumbling and questionable decision making, continue to impact people’s lives in meaningful ways.
And of course, I listened to the audiobook narrated by James Marsters, who continues to absolutely own this series. At this point, I genuinely cannot separate his voice from Harry Dresden in my brain. The man IS Dresden.
This wasn’t some huge, earth-shattering installment in the series, but it wasn’t trying to be. It was just really enjoyable “bite-sized” Dresden with familiar characters, great narration, and enough action and supernatural chaos to keep me entertained while I wait for the next major disaster Harry inevitably causes or gets blamed for.
Probably both.
Honestly, I’ve really enjoyed these shorter Dresden novellas while waiting (impatiently) for the next full-length book. They feel like these nice little check-ins with Harry and the aftermath of everything that happened in BATTLE GROUND and this one especially continues to show both Harry and the city Chicago itself trying to heal and move forward after all that devastation.
I also liked that this followed up on events and characters from THE LAW . It made the two novellas feel nicely connected, especially when it came to Tripp’s storyline. I really loved seeing his character arc develop across both stories. There’s something satisfying about watching Dresden, despite all his grumbling and questionable decision making, continue to impact people’s lives in meaningful ways.
And of course, I listened to the audiobook narrated by James Marsters, who continues to absolutely own this series. At this point, I genuinely cannot separate his voice from Harry Dresden in my brain. The man IS Dresden.
This wasn’t some huge, earth-shattering installment in the series, but it wasn’t trying to be. It was just really enjoyable “bite-sized” Dresden with familiar characters, great narration, and enough action and supernatural chaos to keep me entertained while I wait for the next major disaster Harry inevitably causes or gets blamed for.
Probably both.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is technically a 4.5☆ for me. I love the idea of Dresden being tasked with helping a bad guy go good but some of the events were more silly than I was hoping for. But once again the author's writing style is truly one of my top favorites! 💕
🌟Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!🌟
🌟Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!🌟
May 8, 2026
Thank you Podium and Netgalley for providing the e-arc in exchange of an honest review.
An incredible little nugget, and what can I say besides that it has been a delight seeing the process Dresden is going through on these past novellas and Twelve Months. So incredibly human, really highlighting Butcher's mastery on his craft. Can't wait to see what he has for us on the next installment!
An incredible little nugget, and what can I say besides that it has been a delight seeing the process Dresden is going through on these past novellas and Twelve Months. So incredibly human, really highlighting Butcher's mastery on his craft. Can't wait to see what he has for us on the next installment!
May 15, 2026
Another Dresden novella has Marcone coming to claim the favor owed by Harry. Not a continuation, but rather a sequel to The Law.
May 5, 2026
Out Law is book number 18.75 in Dresden Files series, an odd number considering there isn’t a book n:o 18.5 and it’s a long novella of almost 200 pages. I hadn’t read book 18, Twelve Months, which came out this January (2026), or the novella The Law (2022), which apparently set the stage for this one, and it’s been ages since I read the previous full book, Battle Ground, which came out in 2020. There were a lot I didn’t remember and a lot that had happened in Harry’s life since then, but I was able to read this perfectly fine without knowing all the details. Though now I’m spoiled for some of them, should I go and read the books I skipped.
Harry owes the crime boss Marcone a favour. Marcone decides to collect. A goon of his, Tripp Gregory, wants to get out of the life of crime by starting a charity to help children. But he’s gone about it in a very gangster way, which has landed him in trouble with the IRS, and a bookie who won’t pay up his winnings. Marcone wants Harry to help. Harry is reluctant, because he doesn’t like Tripp. But Marcone appeals to his moral core: you don’t always only get to help the people you like or who deserve your help.
What starts as a straightforward case gets a supernatural twist when someone sends a demonic entity to try and kill Tripp. It turns out, Harry has battled the entity before, and it’s kind of his fault that it’s on the loose. So, now it’s personal.
This was a good and compact, but full story with proper three acts and a good story arc. The old Harry was back, a bit grumpy but one that isn’t crushed with grief, guilt and PTSD. There were funny moments, and good banter. There were many life lessons delivered to Tripp who took them like a five-year-old who has never considered moral questions before. The enemy was powerful, but not overly so; Harry was powerful, but not overly so. I liked this. It returned my love for the series and I might continue with it again.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Harry owes the crime boss Marcone a favour. Marcone decides to collect. A goon of his, Tripp Gregory, wants to get out of the life of crime by starting a charity to help children. But he’s gone about it in a very gangster way, which has landed him in trouble with the IRS, and a bookie who won’t pay up his winnings. Marcone wants Harry to help. Harry is reluctant, because he doesn’t like Tripp. But Marcone appeals to his moral core: you don’t always only get to help the people you like or who deserve your help.
What starts as a straightforward case gets a supernatural twist when someone sends a demonic entity to try and kill Tripp. It turns out, Harry has battled the entity before, and it’s kind of his fault that it’s on the loose. So, now it’s personal.
This was a good and compact, but full story with proper three acts and a good story arc. The old Harry was back, a bit grumpy but one that isn’t crushed with grief, guilt and PTSD. There were funny moments, and good banter. There were many life lessons delivered to Tripp who took them like a five-year-old who has never considered moral questions before. The enemy was powerful, but not overly so; Harry was powerful, but not overly so. I liked this. It returned my love for the series and I might continue with it again.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 24, 2026
Very sad to be giving this one 3 stars. Not nearly enough character development for me (no, Tripp doesn't count, he's way too annoying and flat).
I see how this works thematically. It's exploring redemption, healing, and optimism in the face of consequences of your mistakes. In that way, it fits very well with the rest of the Dresden Files.
However, it's boring. Overly wordy. I didn't care about the plot (which took way too long to get to the point, especially for a novella).
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I see how this works thematically. It's exploring redemption, healing, and optimism in the face of consequences of your mistakes. In that way, it fits very well with the rest of the Dresden Files.
However, it's boring. Overly wordy. I didn't care about the plot (which took way too long to get to the point, especially for a novella).
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
May 30, 2026
Fab novella!
Really enjoyed this Dresden story.
Bear was immaculate as always (girl indeed knows how to party), loved Baron Marcone pop up once again, and eek the connection to the Red Court was scary good.
Shoutout to Peppermint being the goodest boy!!!!!!
Really enjoyed this Dresden story.
Bear was immaculate as always (girl indeed knows how to party), loved Baron Marcone pop up once again, and eek the connection to the Red Court was scary good.
Shoutout to Peppermint being the goodest boy!!!!!!
June 7, 2026
When I thought the Dresden files had been closed off, along comes this novella of the days following the big battle of Chicago. Harry is asked by Marcon, main mobster with supernatural allies, to do him a favor to even the scales between them. Harry agrees, but not without misgivings. He is asked to help Tripp, who Harry has battled in the past, go straight. It was a fun quick read, and it was good to have Harry, Bear his Valkyrie bodyguard, and his apprentice back in my life even if it was only for the weekend. We even get a short taste of Bob. The novella is basically a morality tale, on why does one do good? Why should one do good? It's pretty explicit in the dialogue between Tripp and Harry, with Tripp trying to understand why he does what he does. A great story with a moral, how can you lose?
May 8, 2026
Welp! Reading a new TDF book is like going back to your comfort zone. No matter where you were, what you were doing- suddenly you are taken back to the most comfortable, wisecracked, fun and familiar place as soon as you open page one.
A classic Dresden. This is not a world-changing fight, world-ending enemy filled plot, but a good read for any Dresden Fan out there.
BTW,
RELEASE MIRROR MIRROR, NOW! I WANT IT NOW! 😛
A classic Dresden. This is not a world-changing fight, world-ending enemy filled plot, but a good read for any Dresden Fan out there.
BTW,
RELEASE MIRROR MIRROR, NOW! I WANT IT NOW! 😛
June 3, 2026
Harry is pulling himself together, the city is healing, and dare he hint he is feeling good. That is until there is a knock on the door. It’s Marcone. And before Harry can slam the door on John, he reminds Harry that he owes him a debt. If he performs this task, the two will be even. Ugh. So natural Harry reluctantly agrees. While Butcher does a stellar job of bringing readers/listeners up to speed, I strongly recommend listening to the series in the order of its release, novellas included.
Out Law is a moral parable, a story of new beginnings and redemption. The favor Marcone wants is for Harry to help one of his men who has decided to go straight. And mostly he has, but he made a mistake and bet funds meant for a charity, hoping to double it for said charity. As luck would have it, he does. Only the organizer of the bet won’t pay up. Soon Harry discovers it’s a former member of t the Red Court Vampires. Oh Boy!
Naturally, I found myself pulled into the story. I love seeing familiar characters and settings. However, Butcher continues to introduce new characters and expand our knowledge of the world he has created. Even though this is a novella and roughly half the length of a typical novel, it felt complete and unhurried.
James Marsters narrates and is simply brilliant and giving voice to these characters from Harry to Bob. I strongly recommend listening, although I confess to owning them in hardcover, ebook and audio. Another addictive tale in a world I will never grow tired of.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Out Law is a moral parable, a story of new beginnings and redemption. The favor Marcone wants is for Harry to help one of his men who has decided to go straight. And mostly he has, but he made a mistake and bet funds meant for a charity, hoping to double it for said charity. As luck would have it, he does. Only the organizer of the bet won’t pay up. Soon Harry discovers it’s a former member of t the Red Court Vampires. Oh Boy!
Naturally, I found myself pulled into the story. I love seeing familiar characters and settings. However, Butcher continues to introduce new characters and expand our knowledge of the world he has created. Even though this is a novella and roughly half the length of a typical novel, it felt complete and unhurried.
James Marsters narrates and is simply brilliant and giving voice to these characters from Harry to Bob. I strongly recommend listening, although I confess to owning them in hardcover, ebook and audio. Another addictive tale in a world I will never grow tired of.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
May 7, 2026
I enjoyed this and read it in one sitting. We have a more philosophical Harry who is working with a new apprentice and Marcone calls in a favor. He wants someone in his organization get started on the right path and he wants Harry to help him get started. If some of you are muttering this doesn’t make sense, let me add that Marcone isn’t happy about this but respects his employee’s decision to go onto the right side of civilization. Naturally, there is more to this and Harry finds out that his personal background is involved, and I’m guessing that the Lurker might come back again. Things seem wrapped up, but we all know they never stay wrapped up with Harry! I’m going to need to read this again and hope that “The Law” comes available somehow since clearly I missed some stuff. This was fun but I’d rather have a novel than a novella. I hope we move on to the next big novel in fewer than five years. Butcher is pushing his luck with his fans’ patience if he doesn’t get back to the main story pretty quickly, as in a pub date of a year or two for the next book, please! I reread this. It is not as philosophical as 12 Months but it is definitely philosophical. It sounds like Harry is beginning to accept limitations to his power. Like the IRS! I repeat, Butcher has an obligation to readers that he has been neglecting. I realize this life has been busy in recent years, and that I may not know the half of it. I accept that taking longer than a year might make a better book. But 4-6 years apart isn’t fair to readers either!
May 16, 2026
https://beforewegoblog.com/review-out...
Jim Butcher went through the wringer for about six years of time and a couple of years before that as well. It massively threw off the schedule for one of the most consistent writers of the past twenty years and one that certainly was on my list of all-time-favorites. The Dresden Files is not fine dining but it is definitely restaurant quality for me. However, the massive delays have caused a lot of trouble for the series’ momentum and many people have dropped what remains a fantastic world up there with the old White Wolf World of Darkness.
But Jim Butcher has the cure, or at least he’s trying to do the cure, and that is THE LAW and now OUT LAW. Basically, they’re novellas that are some of Harry Dresden’s cases that are closer to the Earth than his typical ones. I’ve always felt that Jim Butcher really preferred short form works (the Dresden Files feeling like collections of vignettes at their best) and his comic books are excellent at proving this.
Here, these feel more like the original Dresden Files books like STORM FRONT and FOOL MOON, which may not be a recommendation but also are far easier to get into than some of the later continuity-heavy novels. In simple terms, though, it feels like Jim is providing us some of the content that he might have spread through his books if he’d had less of a personal struggle.
OUT LAW is a loose sequel to THE LAW and probably will end up being put together into a single novel when he does the inevitable third book. It’s not difficult to read this book on its own, though. Basically, Harry is contacted by Gentleman Johnny Marcone, Chicago’s answer to the Kingpin, and is forced via a supernatural debt to help him with an underling’s wish: to go straight. The irony is said underling was the villain of the previous novella.
Tripp Gregory is a somewhat comical SOPRANOS-esque character that contrasts heavily against Johnny Marcone in that he is an idiot but smart enough to get into trouble. Deciding to go legit after a near-death encounter with other mobsters, he starts swindling old ladies for money to help children. Except it’s not a swindle. Sort of. It was to get a stake together to win ten million dollars in a boxing match so he can help a lot of orphans. Harry is stunned when Tripp reveals his plan actually worked and he won his bet–it’s just the cartel won’t pay up. Which is where Harry comes in. Oh and the IRS wants Tripp’s head.
This being the Dresden Files, the cartel is connected to the now-destroyed Red Court and has its own supernatural monsters at its beck and call. I’m not happy about once more incorporating that element of the Dresden Files but aside from some Latin names, the characters aren’t really stereotypes. Harry must do his usual arguing, threatening, fireballs (even though he’s the Winter Knight), and so on to make sure everyone lives.
Character-wise, we have a large amount of focus on Fitz AKA Harry’s new apprentice. Fitz doesn’t have much of a personality and doesn’t really add much to the story. We do have a brief appearance by Bob the Skull but that reminds me how much I miss him from the main series. The absence of Murphy is also a big one as the substitution of a new policeman proves that her shoes are not easily filled.
Overall, I appreciate this story and am really hoping that Jim will incorporate both this and the Bigfoot stories into extra novels in the series to make up for the “gap years.” It’s a weird solution to the absences but I’m glad we’re getting more Harry and having it in bite-sized chunks isn’t bad. Still, this is not going to be the kind of novel that many fans are wanting. It’s much more subdued and lower stakes than the epic confrontations with Titans or the entire Red Court.
Jim Butcher went through the wringer for about six years of time and a couple of years before that as well. It massively threw off the schedule for one of the most consistent writers of the past twenty years and one that certainly was on my list of all-time-favorites. The Dresden Files is not fine dining but it is definitely restaurant quality for me. However, the massive delays have caused a lot of trouble for the series’ momentum and many people have dropped what remains a fantastic world up there with the old White Wolf World of Darkness.
But Jim Butcher has the cure, or at least he’s trying to do the cure, and that is THE LAW and now OUT LAW. Basically, they’re novellas that are some of Harry Dresden’s cases that are closer to the Earth than his typical ones. I’ve always felt that Jim Butcher really preferred short form works (the Dresden Files feeling like collections of vignettes at their best) and his comic books are excellent at proving this.
Here, these feel more like the original Dresden Files books like STORM FRONT and FOOL MOON, which may not be a recommendation but also are far easier to get into than some of the later continuity-heavy novels. In simple terms, though, it feels like Jim is providing us some of the content that he might have spread through his books if he’d had less of a personal struggle.
OUT LAW is a loose sequel to THE LAW and probably will end up being put together into a single novel when he does the inevitable third book. It’s not difficult to read this book on its own, though. Basically, Harry is contacted by Gentleman Johnny Marcone, Chicago’s answer to the Kingpin, and is forced via a supernatural debt to help him with an underling’s wish: to go straight. The irony is said underling was the villain of the previous novella.
Tripp Gregory is a somewhat comical SOPRANOS-esque character that contrasts heavily against Johnny Marcone in that he is an idiot but smart enough to get into trouble. Deciding to go legit after a near-death encounter with other mobsters, he starts swindling old ladies for money to help children. Except it’s not a swindle. Sort of. It was to get a stake together to win ten million dollars in a boxing match so he can help a lot of orphans. Harry is stunned when Tripp reveals his plan actually worked and he won his bet–it’s just the cartel won’t pay up. Which is where Harry comes in. Oh and the IRS wants Tripp’s head.
This being the Dresden Files, the cartel is connected to the now-destroyed Red Court and has its own supernatural monsters at its beck and call. I’m not happy about once more incorporating that element of the Dresden Files but aside from some Latin names, the characters aren’t really stereotypes. Harry must do his usual arguing, threatening, fireballs (even though he’s the Winter Knight), and so on to make sure everyone lives.
Character-wise, we have a large amount of focus on Fitz AKA Harry’s new apprentice. Fitz doesn’t have much of a personality and doesn’t really add much to the story. We do have a brief appearance by Bob the Skull but that reminds me how much I miss him from the main series. The absence of Murphy is also a big one as the substitution of a new policeman proves that her shoes are not easily filled.
Overall, I appreciate this story and am really hoping that Jim will incorporate both this and the Bigfoot stories into extra novels in the series to make up for the “gap years.” It’s a weird solution to the absences but I’m glad we’re getting more Harry and having it in bite-sized chunks isn’t bad. Still, this is not going to be the kind of novel that many fans are wanting. It’s much more subdued and lower stakes than the epic confrontations with Titans or the entire Red Court.
May 22, 2026
A jolly fun Dresden adventure, full of action, comedy, and dark magic, the perfect followup to Twelve Months. I was a little surprised at how close Harry came to getting killed, given that this is a small-fry problem compared to his usual fare, but given his tendency to put himself in harm's way and stupid situations, not to mention Butcher's insistence on beating the shit out of Harry, it makes sense. I like seeing Harry in a "moral teacher" role here, and the story has some simple but undeniable commentary on redemption. Also, I'm not sure if Butcher was intentionally making a nod to the BTAS Joker quote, "I'll tangle with Batman, but the I.R.S.? No thank you!" but hearing essentially the same line from Harry made me laugh.
Bonus points for a basset hound action hero.
Bonus points for a basset hound action hero.
May 5, 2026
4.5 - Oh wow, I didn’t think I’d enjoy it this much :D
It was definitely the right decision to make this a tie-in to The Law and even to continue in the spirit of Twelve Months, with all the lessons Harry has learnt.
You can also tell how much the long break has done Butcher good. The writing is noticeably better than in The Law and it’s the funniest book he’s written in a long time :D
It was definitely the right decision to make this a tie-in to The Law and even to continue in the spirit of Twelve Months, with all the lessons Harry has learnt.
You can also tell how much the long break has done Butcher good. The writing is noticeably better than in The Law and it’s the funniest book he’s written in a long time :D
May 9, 2026
Two Harry Dresden releases within a few months, what luxury!
This one, of course, is a standalone novella (though an enjoyably long one) rather than a full novel that propels the overall narrative towards forward. A quick read, and as expected with anything from this series, an entertaining one. (Bonus points for a brief appearance from my favourite character, who was absent from the previous book, much to my dismay.)
This one, of course, is a standalone novella (though an enjoyably long one) rather than a full novel that propels the overall narrative towards forward. A quick read, and as expected with anything from this series, an entertaining one. (Bonus points for a brief appearance from my favourite character, who was absent from the previous book, much to my dismay.)
May 21, 2026
Neat sidequest
Obviously (and unfairly, of course) I'd prefer Mirror Mirror by now but I'll happily take this. Entertaining romp. Some questions and minor nit-picks aside, nice to read Harry again, and some more development of Fitz was quite welcome.
Obviously (and unfairly, of course) I'd prefer Mirror Mirror by now but I'll happily take this. Entertaining romp. Some questions and minor nit-picks aside, nice to read Harry again, and some more development of Fitz was quite welcome.
June 3, 2026
A really great, lower stakes novella entry in the series that doesn’t quite go as deep and dark into Harry’s PTSD while still telling a fun and exciting story about what makes Harry Harry.
June 14, 2026
Short but excellent.
Thank you Jim for the short(not so short). As it always is with good writing you get to the end and it's never enough. This will be enough... for now. Great story and thank you.
Thank you Jim for the short(not so short). As it always is with good writing you get to the end and it's never enough. This will be enough... for now. Great story and thank you.
May 11, 2026
Out Law is an Urban Fantasy novella by Jim Butcher. This book was a fun, fast read set in the world of Harry Dresden, Wizard of Chicago. It was enough to whet my appetite until the next full-length Dresden novel.
June 8, 2026
4.5 Stars 💫
Thank you so much to Podium for the physical ARC and ALC! 💙
Before now, I have never read any books in The Dresden Files series. However, if the rest of this series is as good as this one, I'll have to check it out in the future! Getting to discover Dresden, Tripp, and everyone else in between interact as the chaos unfolded was entertaining. I really enjoyed it! It was a short, magical, adventurous, action-packed read that I had tons of fun diving into!
And well done to James Marsters for the narration of this novella! He did a wonderful job of bringing each character to life in a way that set each one apart uniquely.
Thank you so much to Podium for the physical ARC and ALC! 💙
Before now, I have never read any books in The Dresden Files series. However, if the rest of this series is as good as this one, I'll have to check it out in the future! Getting to discover Dresden, Tripp, and everyone else in between interact as the chaos unfolded was entertaining. I really enjoyed it! It was a short, magical, adventurous, action-packed read that I had tons of fun diving into!
And well done to James Marsters for the narration of this novella! He did a wonderful job of bringing each character to life in a way that set each one apart uniquely.
Read
June 14, 2026A fun side story from the Dresden universe. I like these little novella extras because they are a breather from the intensity of the full-length books.
May 10, 2026
Like all of Jim Butcher’s books this is a winner!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Podium Publishing for providing me with an ARC.
I love Jim Butcher. I love The Dresden Files. Once again Harry Dresden has had an insane adventure and made the world a little bit lighter by the end of it. With how heavy the main books have been getting its nice to have a good novella to take a step away from it. Jim Butcher delivers yet again and I am so very keen for the next book!
I love Jim Butcher. I love The Dresden Files. Once again Harry Dresden has had an insane adventure and made the world a little bit lighter by the end of it. With how heavy the main books have been getting its nice to have a good novella to take a step away from it. Jim Butcher delivers yet again and I am so very keen for the next book!
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