Backup, by Jim Butcher, is a novellette published in hardcover by Subterranean Press. It’s set in the world of famous Chicago wizard Harry Dresden, but it’s not a Harry Dresden book: it’s told from the point of view of Dresden’s big brother Thomas Raith, who happens to be a vampire of the White Court (he doesn’t feed on blood, he feeds on sexual energy, but he’s really really trying to be good and not kill anyone; he’s sublimating his hunting urges by working as a very successful hairdresser. No, honestly!…Well, it makes sense in context.)
It was a quick read (it’s only 12,000 words) but a good one. I enjoyed getting a look at Dresden’s world from a different angle, and Thomas has long been an intriguing characters. It’s good to see inside his head.
I should add that this was a limited-edition book and, according to the press’s website, it’s sold out. But if you can get your hands on a copy, it’s well worth reading!
