Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Death Masks summary
Jim Butcher
Brief summary
Death Masks by Jim Butcher is an enthralling urban fantasy novel that follows the adventures of Harry Dresden, a professional wizard. Filled with supernatural creatures and high-stakes action, it's a thrilling read that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Topics
Table of Contents
Death Masks
Summary of key ideas
Unraveling a Web of Intrigue
In Death Masks by Jim Butcher, we find Harry Dresden, a wizard and private investigator, facing a series of daunting challenges. The story begins with Harry being approached by a priest to recover the stolen Shroud of Turin, a religious relic. Simultaneously, he is challenged to a duel by a Red Court vampire, Paolo Ortega. Harry, being the only wizard in Chicago, is the only one who can accept the duel, and he does so to protect his friends from the Red Court.
As Harry prepares for the duel, he is also hired to find the identity of a headless corpse. He discovers that the corpse is a fake, and the real body is that of a Vatican emissary. This revelation leads him to believe that the Shroud of Turin is a fake as well. Harry's investigation takes him to a masquerade ball, where he confronts Ortega. The duel ends in a draw, but Harry manages to escape with his life.
Confronting Personal Demons
Meanwhile, Harry's ex-girlfriend, Susan Rodriguez, re-enters his life. She is now a half-vampire, struggling with her new identity. Despite their complicated past, Harry still has feelings for her. Their reunion is cut short when Susan is kidnapped by Ortega, who wants to use her as leverage against Harry. Determined to save Susan, Harry seeks help from his allies, including a group of Knights of the Cross, who are in possession of one of the three swords used to kill Jesus Christ.
Harry and his allies launch a daring rescue mission at a Red Court stronghold. In the ensuing battle, Harry manages to save Susan, but not without a cost. Michael, one of the Knights, is gravely injured, and the Shroud of Turin is destroyed. Despite the setbacks, Harry is relieved that Susan is safe and grateful for the help he received from his friends.
Unmasking the True Enemy
As the story progresses, Harry learns that the Vatican emissary was killed by a group of fallen angels, who are manipulating events to start a war between the Red Court and the White Council of wizards. The fallen angels are also behind the creation of the fake Shroud of Turin, which was designed to spread a deadly plague. Realizing the magnitude of the threat, Harry and his allies set out to stop the fallen angels from unleashing chaos and destruction.
In a climactic showdown, Harry confronts the fallen angels and their human host, a corrupt televangelist. With the help of the Knights of the Cross and his own magical abilities, Harry manages to defeat the angels and prevent the plague from spreading. However, the victory comes at a heavy price. Michael, the injured Knight, is forced to retire, and Harry is left to ponder the true nature of the forces he is up against.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Death Masks is a thrilling urban fantasy novel that takes readers on a roller-coaster ride of action, magic, and intrigue. Jim Butcher masterfully weaves together a complex plot, engaging characters, and a richly detailed world of supernatural beings. As Harry Dresden faces his personal demons and confronts powerful adversaries, he emerges as a flawed yet resilient hero, willing to sacrifice everything to protect his loved ones and the world from dark forces. The book ends with Harry's resolve to continue his fight against the supernatural threats, setting the stage for more thrilling adventures in the future.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Death Masks about?
Death Masks by Jim Butcher is the fifth book in the popular Dresden Files series. In this thrilling urban fantasy novel, wizard Harry Dresden is on a mission to find the stolen Shroud of Turin while also facing off against a slew of dangerous supernatural beings. With wit, action, and a touch of dark humor, Butcher once again delivers a captivating and fast-paced story that will keep readers hooked until the very end.
Death Masks Review
Death Masks (2003) is a thrilling addition to the Dresden Files series, following wizard and detective Harry Dresden as he faces off against a colorful array of supernatural foes. Here are three reasons why this book is worth reading:
- The book combines action-packed adventure, mystery, and humor, creating a captivating story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
- Jim Butcher's intricate world-building introduces a wide range of supernatural creatures and organizations, adding depth and complexity to the story.
- With its well-developed characters and their complex relationships, the book delves into themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and redemption, making it engaging and emotionally resonant.
Who should read Death Masks?
- Readers who enjoy urban fantasy and supernatural thrillers
- Fans of fast-paced, action-packed fiction with a touch of humor
- Those who appreciate complex and flawed characters facing moral dilemmas
Categories with Death Masks
Book summaries like Death Masks
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Death Masks FAQs
What is the main message of Death Masks?
The main message of Death Masks is that even in the face of darkness and danger, hope and bravery can prevail.
How long does it take to read Death Masks?
The reading time for Death Masks varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Death Masks a good book? Is it worth reading?
Death Masks is a thrilling and gripping book that is definitely worth reading. It keeps you engaged from beginning to end.
Who is the author of Death Masks?
Jim Butcher is the author of Death Masks.
What to read after Death Masks?
If you're wondering what to read next after Death Masks, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Where Good Ideas Come From by Steven Johnson
- The Art Of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau
- A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink
- Theory U by C. Otto Scharmer
- The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman
- The Innovator ’s Dilemma# by Clayton M. Christensen
- The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
- Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
- Think Like a Freak by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
- The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda