Cold Days

Lore & Background

The book deepens the mythology of the Winter Fae and their role defending the Outer Gates from Outsiders. Harry learns that Outsiders are constantly attempting to get past the Outer Gates, which are defended by the Winter Fae. He discovers that an Outsider infiltrator named Nemesis has been behind many challenges faced by Harry and by the world in general for many years. The island of Demonreach is itself a genius loci, and its prison was built by ancient wizards to contain a massive number of various unspeakable supernatural horrors. Because of his connection to the island, Harry is now the prison's de facto Warden. The book also introduces the concept that immortals can be killed during certain conjunctions, such as on Earth on Halloween night.

In Their Own Story

The wind howled through the alleyways of Chicago, carrying more than just snow. Harry pulled his coat tighter, feeling the unnatural chill that settled in his bones. It wasn’t weather; it was magic. Somewhere out there, a King was waking up, and the city was the throne room. He lit a cigarette, the flame fighting against the freezing air, watching the shadows lengthen like grasping fingers.

Reader's Guide

The narrative begins with Harry in Arctis Tor being set up by Maeve, the Winter Lady, who attempts to kill him. With help from Sarissa and advice from Kris Kringle, he defeats Maeve's minions and asserts himself as the Winter Knight. Mab gives Harry his first mission: to kill Maeve. Harry returns to Chicago and consults Bob, who tells him immortals can be killed on Halloween night. Harry learns that energy is growing on Demonreach and that the island is under attack by Outsiders. With Karrin Murphy's assistance, he evades the Wild Hunt, shoots the Erlking, and takes command of the Hunt to lead it against the Outsiders. At the top of the island, Harry finds Lily and Maeve magically assaulting Demonreach. Harry summons Mab, who confronts Maeve. Maeve kills Lily, then is shot and killed by Murphy. The mantles of Summer and Winter Ladies pass to Sarissa and Molly respectively. Harry decides to remain on the island to learn more about it and takes a branch from its oldest oak tree to make a new staff.

Did You Know?

• Cold Days was first published on November 27, 2012 through Roc Hardcover.
• The book is the 14th in The Dresden Files series.
• Harry takes command of the Wild Hunt after shooting the Erlking's mount, not the Erlking himself.
• The island of Demonreach is a genius loci, and its prison was built by ancient wizards.
• Maeve is killed by Karrin Murphy, not by Harry.