Battle Ground picks up right from where Peace Talks ends and keeps us readers on the edge of our seats while the action and suspense pummels our emotions.

Chicago and all its people, human and supernatural alike, are fighting for their lives. The Fodor and Ethniu, and the Titan, are coming to destroy their world. The White Council, the White Court, the Winter court, Marcone and his mercenaries, the Knights, the werewolves and many other supernatural groups that make up Harry's world have set a truce to work together to battle a common enemy. If they can't succeed they'll be no one left to tell the tale.

Smack dab in the middle of all the action is where you'll find Harry, for he's the champion of humankind as well as a talented wizard and the Winter Knight. Those who should have his back are wary of working with him these days, being unsure of where his alliegances lie; even those he's fought side by side with aren't sure if they can trust him. He begins to form new alliances with those whom he's considered enemies in the past and still strives to prove himself worthy to those who should know that inside he's still Harry, not a big bad scary.

In this no-holds-barred full-scale war, he'll do what it takes to tip the scales, for better or worse, keeping the supernatural community focused on taking out an impossible threat and protecting mankind in the process. Some beloved characters step up and prove their worth, with some surprising and, yes, sometimes heartwrenching results. The battles and struggles seem endless, not leaving Harry or the reader much time to catch breath before another hurdle is thrown at him and us. One thing that is for sure, when the dust settles, win, lose or draw, the world will never be the same again for anyone.

I have seen some of the previous reviews for this book and they seem to be very mixed. Some folks loved it, but some were very unhappy to see what they clarified as one book, broken up into two. Personally, I was fine with this being done as two books, though it was hard to wait, even if only for a few months, for the conclusion. It made it that much more exciting to dive in when I opened the book.

Peace Talks sets up the groundwork and starts the adventure, but Battle Ground delivers on all the action.  I really enjoyed both books, but Battle Ground even more so, since not only did it make me cheer, laugh and cry, it also left me waiting with anticipation for what comes next. It was also nice to find a short Dresden Christmas story to lighten the heart at the end of the book. Nice touch and well done, Mr. Butcher. ~~ Dee Astell

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