Twelve Months

Twelve Months book cover

Book (2026)

by Jim Butcher

AN INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
AN INSTANT USA TODAY AND INDIE BESTSELLER

Harry Dresden, Chicago’s only professional wizard, has always managed to save the day—but, in this powerful entry in the #1 New York Times bestselling Dresden Files, can he save himself?


One year. 365 days. Twelve months.

Harry Dresden has been through a lot, and so has his city. After Harry and his allies narrowly managed to save Chicago from being razed to the ground, everything is different—and it’s not just the current lack of electricity.

In the battle, Harry lost people he cared about. And that's the kind of loss that takes a toll. Harry being Harry, he’s doing his level best to help the city and his friends recover and rebuild. But it’s a heavy load, and he needs time.

But time is one thing Harry doesn’t have. Ghouls are prowling Chicago and taking out innocent civilians. Harry’s brother is dying, and Harry doesn’t know how to help him. And last but certainly not least, the Winter Queen of the Fae has allied with the White Court of vampires—and Harry’s been betrothed to the seductive, deadly vampire Lara Raith to seal the deal.

It's been a tough year. More than ever, the city needs Harry Dresden the wizard—but after loss and grief, is there enough left of Harry Dresden the man to rise to the challenge?
Fiction / Fantasy / Urban
Fiction / Fantasy / Action & Adventure
Fiction / Mystery & Detective / Private Investigators
480 pages
Jump to family guidance

Family guidance

Ages 15+

This material features intense supernatural violence, complex emotional trauma, and mature themes regarding death and predatory relationships. It is intended for older teens and adults capable of processing dark, high-stakes urban fantasy conflicts.

Every child is different. Use this guide alongside what you know about yours.

What to know before you start

Content details to help you decide what fits your child.

Sex & Nudity

3/5

The story features a forced betrothal to a vampire character described as 'seductive,' implying sexual tension and themes of manipulation. Romantic situations and suggestive interactions are standard elements of this series.

Violence & Gore

4/5

The narrative includes urban fantasy combat involving monsters like ghouls, resulting in realistic injuries and life-threatening scenarios. The conflict is intense, featuring frequent magical and physical altercations.

Profanity

3/5

The dialogue contains moderate language consistent with a gritty noir setting, including occasional uses of 'h*ll,' 'd*mn,' 'b*stard,' and 'sh*t,' usually expressed during moments of stress or anger.

Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking

2/5

Characters frequently consume alcohol in social or pub settings to cope with stress or trauma. The substances are generally depicted as a background element of the protagonist's lifestyle.

Frightening Scenes

4/5

The presence of deadly supernatural creatures and the exploration of heavy themes like grief, loss, and the slow death of a loved one create a dark and emotionally taxing atmosphere.

Key Insights

Quick summary and important considerations

This is an intense story about a wizard fighting to protect his city while dealing with difficult personal choices and magical dangers.

Content Warnings

Violence
Death/Grief
Forced marriage/Coercion

Detailed Analysis

In-depth insights for parents and educators

What Parents Need to Know

Expect pervasive depictions of magical combat, supernatural threats including ghouls and vampires, and heavy emotional themes concerning death and terminal illness.

What Kids Can Learn

The narrative explores how individuals navigate trauma and maintain integrity while facing impossible, high-stakes decisions.

Key Topics Discussed

Supernatural conflict
Grief and recovery
Ethical dilemmas

Why Parents Might Like It

It provides a deep, character-driven examination of a seasoned protagonist navigating consequences and moral growth within a mature fantasy landscape.

Positives & learning

Positive messages

3/5

Emphasizes the heavy burden of responsibility and the necessity of persistence despite severe personal loss and grief.

Role models

3/5

The protagonist demonstrates self-sacrificing leadership and a commitment to protecting his community, though his moral struggles with dark supernatural forces add complexity to his behavior.

Representation

2/5

No diverse representation indicated in available information beyond standard urban fantasy archetypes.

Learning

1/5

Offers limited educational value, functioning primarily as speculative fiction for entertainment.

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