He says this is a transition book. On the scale of Changes if not more.

 

But it doesn't follow that pattern. Every book in the Dresden Files is two words, both words the same length (and syllables?). Except for Changes.

So I'm wary of how much to expect.

 

The second chapter of Peace Talks is up on Butcher's website. I had read chapter one before, but this one was new to me.

https://www.jim-butcher.com/books/dresden/peace-talks-16/peace-talks-chapter-2

 

Not to mention that where Changes was a huge shift in the status quo, right now the Dresden Books don't really have a strong status quo. Harry's life was still heavily in flux all through Cold Days and Skin Game. He might have started settling down by the end of Skin Game, but that still leaves us without much in a way of a new status quo to be broken. Especially since we still haven't even seen all the consequences of Cold Days, like seeing all the fallout of Molly becoming Winter Lady.

 

Very true. Perhaps this is the formation of a new status quo.

 

Yeah, I am slowly getting interested in the series again. Gonna have to said aside the time to re-read some of the books. I just haven't enjoyed Dresden as much since Changes tbh.

 

They are going to be releasing at least 2 additional chapters, potentially more, before Peace Talks releases.

 

It could be though any status quo won't hold for too long considering that the series is suppose to be about 20 books and then the BAT.

Someone should ask Butcher if adding a book is going to make it impossible for the 20th book to have its traditional villain or if he restructured the next ones too.

 

I suspect it'll be less of a new status quo, and more another big game-changer that's about on par with some of the big events of Changes (end of the Red Court, Harry becoming Winter Knight, etc).

 

I've got $5 that says the Accords are going to fall apart.

 

I love Maggie and Bonea’s interaction. As Ched said, it’s just so cute. These chapters are definitely getting me interested again.

 

Next preview chapter is up https://www.jim-butcher.com/books/dresden/peace-talks-16/peace-talks-chapter-3

Felt a bit info dumpy but definitely eager for more, lots of stage setting for the politics to come.

 

Spoiler

It's also interesting to note that Maggie stayed hidden the entire time that Eb was there. He still doesn't know she's with Harry now.

 

I'm doubting it, IIRC, Harry explicitly told him not to ask where she was going back in Changes. I don't think he's going to be very charitable in handing out any extra information now. Every extra person who knows about her is a potential danger. Dresden's mother and Eb's relationship being found out partially triggered the events in Changes, limiting that info might prevent some threats (not sure I think the logic really follows all the way through there, but since when has that stopped Dresden either).

 

Chapter three is a definite improvement on chapter two. It was far more concise and it feels like they might have been written some time apart.

I have no major predictions, it feels like it's set up so that

Spoiler

Butcher wants people to think that Thomas will betray Harry only for it to be someone else at the last minute. My bet is on Ebenezer reluctantly having to betray him and saying something like, "I tried to warn you."