Well, I listened to it anyway even though it made my ears hurt. So SPOILERS.

Spoiler

So, what the heck is the parasite? I used to be convinced that it was Lash, but now I don't know anymore. I was certain because Butcher claimed that Lash appeared in Ghost Story, and the parasite was the only one that was not explained. However Lash would/should not act the way Mab implied.

Its interesting that Mab was able to create an artifact to suppress whatever the thing is so easily. There is an interesting theory on Butchers forums that implied that maybe the parasite actually IS Lash, but Lash infected by Nemesis. Given that we last saw Lash in conflict against a powerfull outsider, this is actually quite plausible. Especially considering that this outsider was presumably summoned by Cowl, who was also responsible for infecting Lea.

The headaches might then be Lash fighting (and slowly losing) to the infection. Mab could also presumably cure Harry, since she already cured Lea. Molly might also be able to perform somekind of psychic surgery and remove Nemesis.

Another interesting idea is that maybe its Arianna (the red court vampire). We know that vampires can apparently cast death curses, and there is a scene in changes where Arianna (who was quite skilled at magic) speaks a word (spell?) Harry does not recognize just before he kills her. Maybe it was some corpsetaker style attempt to transfer her mind into Harry and take over. The parasite then would be Arianna slowly trying to consume Harry. That atleast would explain Mabs comment about the parasite killing everyone Harry loves, starting with Maggie. Lash presumably would not care about Maggie, nor would Nemesis, but Arianna would. Especially since she could presumably use her to perform another bloodline curse and take Eb down too.

But if thats the case, then where is Lash?

Also, am I the only one who thinks that Nicodemus knows more than he lets on, and that he is going to rip out that earring thats protecting Harry when the inevitable betrayal happens. You would think Mab would atleast have hidden the thing with somekind of glamour or something.

 

It kinda sucks that...

Spoiler

Nicodemus has been permanently injured from Harry's choking. I got the impression that he aged a bit, raspy voice and all. Damn I was really hoping for Harry and Nicodemus to become real friends/allies in this book. Doesn't look like it will happen now.

 

Spoiler

You honestly thought it would? I could see allies maybe way down the line when Harry gets extra special desperate but at this point in the series I think Harry would rather slit his own throat than be friends with him. He orchestrated the kidnapping and torture of a child and has tried very very hard to kill most everyone Harry cares about. There was never once a chance of it happening in this book. Harry's gotten to the point where hes willing to do some grisly shit and work for/with some nasty beings but he isn't that far by a long shot.

 

Spoiler

Nicodemus implied that if Harry knew all that he was about, he would join him, and since Nicodemus knows Harry very well...

 

You're making one very simple mistake: You assume he was telling the truth.

 

Spoiler

Setting aside the fact that as Agayek said he could be lying through his teeth it still wouldn't happen. There are some things Harry can overlook and some that at this point in the series he can't. I feel pretty safe to say murdering his close friends and arranging the kidnapping and torture of a little girl are on the can't side of the equation especially now of all points when he has a daughter the same age as Ivy.

 

You assume it was permanent, Stalin. He could very well have been faking it.

PARKOUR!

 

Spoiler

Actually I find myself glad that he has been permanently injured. The scene where Harry manages to trick Nicodemus and nearly killed him was a pretty powerfull one. It would have been disappointing if there had been no consequences at all. I also find nothing wrong with the idea that Nicodemus was permanently injured, considering that Harry strangled him with the noose which is basically one of the few truly MAJOR artifacts in dresdenverse.

BTW, I could not make out what Harry said when he first heard Nicks voice? I think it was somekind of snark or insult or something, but I could not make it out. Can anyone with better ears give a short transcript of those few lines? Thanks

As for Harry and Nicodemus joining forces, I agree with everyone else that its almost impossible. I would say that if Nicodemus survives this book, Harry and Nick might work together in the final apocalyptic trilogy which butcher has said will end the series. However given how much Harry despises Nicodemus, I think you really need a major outsider invasion and a true apocalypse for Harry to willingly work with Nick.

 

Agreed, Kim. Powerful scene. Was I the only one crying at how upset Deirdre got?

 

Spoiler

Nicodemus offered Harry the choice to join him before he got strangled to near death. I'm pretty damn sure that Nicodemus wouldn't be able to overlook that. Harry hurt him, so I have no doubt in my mind that one of the major goals of this book is Nicodemus trying to kill Harry in as many ways as possible.

I also have no doubt that PARKOUR! will feature extensively.

 

@Datakim. I'm pretty sure he was doing a Sean Connery impression, and he said "My cut hash improved your voish", or something along those lines.

 

That's the Molly short story that got announced a while ago.

 

Excellent. Really been looking forward to that one.

 

I am so watching that. Three of my favourite series in one showing? Hell yeah!

 

Not sure if this has been posted already..but in case it hasn't:

Reading of the first four chapters of skin game-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-p_CTynqd8

&

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTwQRaKPvys

EDIT: was too late, looks like it was posted up already. Good job.

 

Way late. But the effort is appreciated.

 

I can't be the only one who immediately flashed to Ocean at the end of the lane when I read the news about Mr.Butcher doing a YA. It would actually fight very nicely in the Dresdenverse if you consider that;

Spoiler

The Hempstocks are fae from some kind of court,with Old Mrs.Hemstock been the Mother, Mrs.Hemstock the Queen and Lettie the Lady

 

It looks like Butcher just finished Skin Games. I've heard that it typically takes him about two and a half months to go from finished through his beta readers and editors to print, so if that's actually accurate then we could be looking at a late January/early February release. EDIT: might actually take longer than that, possibly three and a half to four months. We'll see.