Much to my surprise when going to read chapter one of Changes that was posted last night on Jim Butcher’s official site, I read that he plans to release the first four chapters online before the book comes out, with a new chapter each Tuesday! The book itself won’t be released until April 6th, so being able to read these first four chapters could be a good or bad thing depending on how bad they’ll make you want to be able to read the rest right after. I’m actually having a bit of that after reading the first chapter!

Spoilers to follow for those not caught up in the series or who want to wait for the full book! Ok now that you’ve been warned, Butcher definitely does not waste time in getting to the thick of the issue in Changes. The chapter starts off with a call from Susan Rodriguez, his former love, saying that their daughter had been taken and she was coming to see him. Not the best way for someone to find out they’re a father, especially someone like Harry Dresden, professional wizard.

In shock Harry heads off to McAnally’s, which was given my favorite description so far: “Mac’s place looks like Cheers after a mild apocalypse.” We are then treated to something not seen in any of the previous books yet, Mac talking in a full sentence. And he gives Harry some sound advice with handling the situation, but whether Harry heeds the advice and is careful about the situation is anyone’s guess. It’s easy to tell that there is a maelstrom of emotions swirling around inside of him and when Susan finally arrives in Chicago to speak with him I can see the potential of them boiling over.

So now I sit here anxiously awaiting the next chapter as I re-read the first chapter, hearing it in James Marster’s voice. So far it’s a good start to what I can only hope to be an amazing continuation of the Dresden Files!