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Let's get something clear right up front. I'm not Harry Dresden. Harry's a wizard. A genuine, honest-to-goodness wizard. He's Gandalf on crack and an IV of Red Bull, with a big leather coat and a .44 revolver in his pocket. He'll spit in the eye of gods and demons alike if he thinks it needs to be done, and to hell with the consequences--and yet somehow my little brother manages to remain a decent human being. I'll be damned if I know how. But then, I'll be damned regardless. My name is Thomas Raith, and I'm a monster. So begins "Backup" a twelve thousand word novelette set in Jim Butcher's ultra-popular Dresden Files series. This time Harry's in trouble he knows nothing about, and it's up to his big brother Thomas to track him down and solve those little life-threatening difficulties without his little brother even noticing.

Also in Side Jobs.

27 pages, Audible Audio

First published October 31, 2008

27 people are currently reading
11710 people want to read

About the author

Jim Butcher

114 books51k followers
Jim 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.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 525 reviews
Profile Image for Nicole.
887 reviews2,574 followers
August 14, 2020
A very fun novella told from Thomas’ pov. While I do not know if its events will be referenced in future books, I highly recommend it. It was interesting to see things from a POV other than Harry’s. Plus, it’s my beloved Thomas. He's as awesome as ever. We learn about a somewhat important part of his life. I hope he'll be getting more novellas in the future.

Also, better read it in its this order (after book 10).
Profile Image for Jim C.
1,779 reviews35 followers
October 12, 2025
This is a short story that is part of a long running series that includes novels, short stories, and comic collections. I would only read this in order as this has spoilers for the novels. In this one we follow Thomas as he receives information that his brother Harry might be in trouble with his current case.

For me the selling point for this one is the point of view. Like others I enjoy the character of Thomas. Now we get an adventure with just him. I am here for that. We get to see Harry's world but thru the eyes of Thomas. We also get Thomas to interact with other characters from this universe that would never happen if we just stuck with Harry's point of view. This interaction was a delight. What has impressed me about the short stories in this universe is that the author incorporates a lot of substance in a short length. This is no exception as we get some exploration of the main character and the struggle he deals with day after day. We knew about this from the novels but now we receive a first hand look.

This was really enjoyable and a fun look into a character from this universe that is not Harry. There are hints at what is to come from the novels. Besides that it does not go deep into the overall story arc. This is all about Thomas and getting his point of view. After reading this I would not mind at all to have his point of view aspect for a full length novel.
Profile Image for Priscilla.
Author 2 books75 followers
June 11, 2008
In what is easily the best short fiction Butcher has penned for The Dresden Files, "Backup" gives us our first taste of what Harry's world looks like from outside his limited first-person narration. Instead, our guide is Harry's half-brother, the White Court vampire Thomas Raith.

Butcher takes full advantage of the opportunity--in addition to giving us insight into how Thomas sees the world and making us privy to certain supernatural information Thomas must keep secret from his little brother, Butcher uses the new point of view to humorously puncture some of Harry's illusions fans took to be gospel truth.

While the other short stories Butcher has written in this series make an entertaining supplement to the Dresdenverse, "Backup" is the first non-novel that I would classify as a must-read for Dresden fans.
Profile Image for Trish.
2,386 reviews3,744 followers
May 30, 2023
Yessss. A short story from Thomas' POV! Woohoooo!

I seriously loved finding out about Harry's brother. And he's the older one, too, having kept an eye on his little brother for years before Harry found out. Ever since they lived together and are spending quality time as siblings should now, the banter is just delicious. Sadly, we got very little of that and the comments we did get were only in Thomas' mind.

We also got Thomas' struggle. Poor dear. He might have a demon inside him but that doesn't mean he isn't a cool guy and he certainly doesn't deserve being tortured the way he is. :/
Harry is making an appearance as well, but seeing him through his brother's eyes (through the eyes of another species, practically) was really cool.
Best of all, however, was Thomas' convo with Bob. *chuckles*

Oh and no, Thomas didn't tell us the audiobook version of this story in a fake French accent. Though we DID get a little of that too. *lol*
Profile Image for Michael.
1,297 reviews152 followers
March 9, 2009
Told from the persepctive of Harry's brother, Thomas, this short novella is a nice chance of pace for "The Dresden Files." While it won't be essential to read it to enjoy the on-going storylines about Dresden, it does give readers some new insight into Thomas. Also, the concept of having a story in the universe told from a different point of view is interestind and Jim Butcher really runs with the concept.

Now I'd love to see a novella told by Karin Murphy.
Profile Image for Mark.
1,654 reviews236 followers
July 12, 2014
I did read this story before in the "Side Jobs" short story collection that was released by Mr Butcher.

While this tale fits into Harry Dresdens universe it is not about him but his brother who wants to protect his wizard brother who walks into a matter that is not his conflict. So Thomas has to save him and that sounds easier said than done.

It is a god thing Robert Downey Jr. is not really Iron man otherwise Thomas might be in trouble with one of his comparisons.

It is a well written short story with some nice illustrations by Mike Mignolia.

A nice booklet for the fans of Jim Butcher.
Profile Image for Sandi.
510 reviews317 followers
July 15, 2009
40 minutes. 40 minutes is how long it took me to read this "book". It's supposedly a novella, but it's barely a short story. The last page of the book is #70, but it starts on page 7 and has blank pages and pictures. I spent 1.5 minutes counting the number of pages with text. There were 56 pages with words. I still had time leftover on my 45 minute recumbent bike ride at the gym when I was done reading the story and counting pages.

I did enjoy the short story, but I would have really felt ripped off if I had purchased this book rather than checking it out at the library. As a short story, I'd give it 3 stars. It's good if you're a Dresden Files fan and you've read at least through Blood Rites. It you haven't read that far in the series, do not read this book.
Profile Image for lynne fireheart.
267 reviews23 followers
December 29, 2008
I thought this would be a great read. I was mistaken.

This novella/short story is based in the Dresden universe, but it narrated, and is focused on, Harry's vampire half-brother, Thomas Raith.

Sure, you get an insight into how Thomas thinks and feels. However, his description of the demon within? Just too Buffy-like for my tastes. And the entire story? Kinda lame.

The worst offence, however, was on the last page: three times in two sentences, "altar", as in sacrificial altar, was misspelled "alter". Shoddy editing. Shameful.

I did like the comment about the likelihood of ever electing a libertarian president. I wonder where Jim Butcher stands, politically? LoL!

So anyway... this is a book that's useful to have read, just to know all that's been written about the Dresden-verse. But it's really not worth buying. Just borrow it form your local library instead.
Profile Image for Amber.
1,193 reviews
February 20, 2015
Harry Dresden's brother Thomas is a Vampire with a demon inside him. When he gets wind of a mission from his evil sister with Harry's life in danger, Thomas goes to try to warn him of the danger. But will he succeed? Find out and see for yourself.

This was a pretty good novella that introduced me to the Harry Dresden files series and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. Definitely check this book out. You'll enjoy this 70 page read. It also featured some well done illustrations from the comic book artist who did the Hellboy comics which was cool.
Profile Image for Jana.
269 reviews83 followers
December 4, 2008
Anyone who loves Harry Dresden has to read this. It's not about Harry, it's all about his brother Thomas, but Butcher has set up a brilliant Gaiman-esque premise here. What happens to the old gods if they are not remembered? What if there was a war to make people forget, thus render powerless, the bad guys? And who wouldn't love a pseudo-gay vampiric hairdresser anyway?
Profile Image for Katy.
1,293 reviews307 followers
April 9, 2014
Please note: This novelette is also part of the anthology Side Jobs, which is where I read it.

My Thoughts: Like the fun short story "Even Hand", this story is not told from Harry's point of view. Instead, we hear from Thomas. This is a very important story. In it we learn more about Thomas and the White Court, and about the existence of the Venatori and the Oblivion War. We also get a glimpse into Justine, which provides a bit more information about the reactions she had to Marcone, and why Marcone called her Agent in "Even Hand." Don't miss it!

Synopsis: Let's get something clear right up front. I'm not Harry Dresden. Harry's a wizard. A genuine, honest-to-goodness wizard. He's Gandalf on crack and an IV of Red Bull, with a big leather coat and a .44 revolver in his pocket. He'll spit in the eye of gods and demons alike if he thinks it needs to be done, and to hell with the consequences--and yet somehow my little brother manages to remain a decent human being. I'll be damned if I know how. But then, I'll be damned regardless. My name is Thomas Raith, and I'm a monster. So begins "Backup" a twelve thousand word novelette set in Jim Butcher's ultra-popular Dresden Files series. This time Harry's in trouble he knows nothing about, and it's up to his big brother Thomas to track him down and solve those little life-threatening difficulties without his little brother even noticing.
Profile Image for D.
Author 2 books51 followers
July 6, 2015
A shift in POV from Harry to Thomas takes us on a short journey into Thomas' world and an ancient evil that threatens to be woken up.

I'm not saying I didn't enjoy it, but rather,
it just wasn't my Dresden cup of tea. I've been spoiled with Harry's POV for more than ten books now and to be honest, I'm not sure I want another :)

I appreciate what the idea was here, and I appreciate a glimpse into the Sisters and the Oblivion War, but I most appreciate the original storyline.
Profile Image for Kathy.
3,265 reviews56 followers
December 5, 2019
Story is told by Thomas Wraith and we see another side of the supernatural world and learn about secrets that must be kept. Nice change of pace.
Profile Image for Liliana.
507 reviews30 followers
March 13, 2023
Ok, first story I read from the Dresden Files that is not told from Harry's perspective. And I really like that! Though Harry will always be my fave. I have to find the version with the illustrations though, because I listened to it as an audio...
Profile Image for Joan.
2,472 reviews
April 22, 2023
This is a novella. Or at least I'd call it such. 70 pages. This is told from the POV of Thomas, Harry's older half brother. It is an interesting insight since it allows Butcher a chance to show how ever present the Hunger is. There is a some humor in it but not a lot. Thomas seems intensely lonely, even lonelier than Harry in many ways. He can't have access to the woman he loves without personal harm, he can't trust his older sister Lara, he can't hang around Harry as much as either would like for fear of the Wardens and he always has his Hunger haunting him. Nonetheless, he tries to protect Harry, in this story. Will he succeed in protecting Harry? Read and find out!

This is why you should read the books in order. Reading this out of order means I know something that makes this book seem even sadder than it does.

We also get introduced to Oblivion and Venators. Not a huge amount of explanation of Venators but I rather think we will see more of both Oblivion and Venators in the future.
Profile Image for Diana.
1,553 reviews86 followers
September 9, 2015
A short story in the Dresden Files series that while has the main character in it, is told from his half brother's point of view. I enjoyed having a story with the main character being Thomas. It's a really quick read, great for someone who has read the series but doesn't have much time to delve back into it. I loved it, but I am a huge fan of the series. If you're just starting out read book one, but if you are familiar with the series definitely look this one up.
Profile Image for James Biser.
3,764 reviews20 followers
May 14, 2025
This is a good short story. It is a Harry Dresden tale told from the point of view of Thomas, his vampire half brother. It is a great read. It is hilarious that Thomas is as much of a smartass as his wizard half brother.
Profile Image for Dr Rashmit Mishra.
907 reviews93 followers
February 21, 2025
It's absolutely amazing , a short story and yet it feels like if the author had just started describing the various surroundings and went on some philosophical diatribe along with a few needless but entertaining family/friends bonding moment , this could have been an easy 300 page read , and it would have been a good read.

As it is , we had glimpses of Michael and his friends and family and some quick short action sequences that were fairly entertaining and of course Harry got hurt big time .

There was one issue / possible plot hole involving father doughlas picking up the sword , which in future book results in a whole different outcome , which had me confused , but as a whole this read like a short story that could easily be turned into a bulky Dresden files adventure had Jim Butcher wanted to . He didnt , and we have a quick read with very interesting results
Profile Image for Andrew.
2,539 reviews
August 24, 2024
This is an intriguing addition to the Harry Dresden files - as its told from the point of view from his brother - who I have to say has an interesting relationship to both Harry and the world they both live in.

This is rally just a standalone story - yes there are some events that help ground the book in the series but it does not really give anything away or have any relevance to the story rather it allows for things to be assumed without going in to great detail which as you can imagine helps keep the book within the 80 odd pages it is.

That all said it has the same fun and wit to it as the others from the series and if anything help lift the tone of the story - which I think is one of the strengths of this series - it does not take itself too seriously.
Profile Image for Julianna.
Author 5 books1,343 followers
November 4, 2018
Reviewed for THC Reviews
“Backup” is a novellette that falls between Small Favor and Turn Coat in the Dresden Files series chronology. It’s unique to the series in that it’s told entirely from the POV of Thomas, Harry’s vampire half-brother. In this one, Thomas is contacted by his sister, Lara, and asked to rendezvous with her representative to receive important information. That representative ends up being Justine, the only woman Thomas has ever loved, but the one woman he can’t be with, because to do so would kill her. The information she brings is that Harry is in danger from an ancient evil known as the Stygian Sisterhood who want to unleash demonic forces. One of the sisters has tricked Harry into helping her, so Thomas must ride to the rescue. But he cannot reveal his presence, because that would also reveal his involvement in the centuries-old Oblivion War, a secret that no one must know.

I’ve loved Thomas as a secondary character in the Dresden Files since he showed up on the page. It was really fun and interesting to get a peek inside his life while he’s not helping Harry with cases. Needless to say, Thomas is keeping a few secrets. I also loved his brief but bittersweet reunion with Justine. I’m still rooting for something to happen that will make it possible for these two to be together one day. I think that “Backup” proves that Thomas is an interesting enough character to carry his own story, and although there don’t appear to be any more stories from his POV in the series to date, I would definitely be up for more. This one barely whetted my appetite. I don’t know if the events depicted in this novellette will have any bearing on the larger books of the series, but I kind of hope so. I’m very eager to learn more about the Oblivion War and Thomas’s involvement in it. “Backup” was originally published as a stand-alone novellette with illustrations (though not a graphic novel) by Subterranean Press, but was later republished, sans illustrations, in the anthology, Side Jobs.
Profile Image for Morris Nelms.
487 reviews10 followers
January 29, 2015
If you like the Dresden Files then you'll enjoy this. I did. It's short. Takes no time to read. Some fans have said they would have felt ripped off if they'd paid full price for it. Strange criticism. It's easy to find out how long the book is, whether you buy it at a bookstore or online.
Butcher is a vivid writer, who wants to keep you interested and the tale moving. He does so consistently, and that's all in evidence here. His trademark humor is present as well.
One complaint I read was that the voice wasn't that different from Harry Dresden. That thought never crossed my mind while reading this.
Another complaint was that Thomas worships his brother. I didn't get that either. He does admire him and considers him more noble than he is. In other words, he wishes he could be more like him. But he's got a problem. He's a vampire, and that sort of gets in the way of being a full blown hero.
I found it clever and entertaining. I'm glad I read it.
Profile Image for Anne.
4,738 reviews71.2k followers
April 30, 2009
It was a lot of fun to read, but extremely short! I think it only took about 45 minutes read it, and that is saying a lot when you have four little kids running under your feet.
Thomas is the one telling this story, and I really enjoyed seeing everything from his perspective.
Very entertaining! Keep 'em coming!
Profile Image for Brooke.
562 reviews362 followers
May 13, 2009
It was nice seeing the Dresden world from an alternate viewpoint, but I did feel like Thomas' voice wasn't all that different from Harry's. Perhaps in a regular-length novel, Butcher would have more time to develop a different feel. I still enjoyed this short story, and wouldn't mind getting to hear from other Dresden characters in between the larger novels.
Profile Image for David Monroe.
433 reviews158 followers
January 19, 2011
12,000 word, 70 page novelette. It took me 20 minutes to read. So I read it again, savoring the artwork. I borrowed my copy from the library. If I had paid the $20 cover price for it, I may have given it one less star and a bit of a rant. In this case, I'll just say, thank God for libraries!
Profile Image for Dan.
3,204 reviews10.8k followers
October 26, 2008
Harry Dresden's half brother Thomas Raith has to help Harry on his latest case without him knowing or a demon will be loosed on the world. Good stuff but really short and awfully pricey.
Profile Image for Alan.
2,050 reviews15 followers
May 29, 2017
I've been looking for this as a reasonable price, and I finally lucked into a copy. The thing is that this is really a short story, an enjoyable one, but not a novella.

With the above did I just set the Goodreads record for a run sentence? I think it's grammatically correct.

The story, as stated in Butcher's preface centers on Harry Dresden's half-brother Thomas and the Oblivion War, which Butcher says he has mentioned before (but I certainly don't recall it). Thomas is one of the good guys in this ongoing battle, which to try and put it succinctly , is about consigning the old gods to the abyss by having them forgotten about.

As Thomas takes on the opposition, which certainly isn't memorable, he ends up in conflict with Harry.

This could have easily been expanded into a true novella, but this short again backs up the argument of those who say Butcher is better in shorter, rather than longer works.
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