Cold Iron Task, James J. Butcher
Cold Iron Task, James J. Butcher
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Cold Iron Task

Author: James J. Butcher

Narrator: James Patrick Cronin

Unabridged: 12 hr 16 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Penguin Audio

Published: 03/04/2025

Synopsis

Grimsby, a junior Auditor in the magical Department of Unorthodox Affairs, finds himself on the other side of the law in this spellbinding urban fantasy.

Grimshaw Griswald Grimsby may have one case under his belt, but he’s still a novice Auditor in Boston’s Department of Unorthodox Affairs. And he’s already made mistakes.

Desperate to repair his fraying friendships, he doesn’t ask too many questions when a mysterious patron offers him the chance to join a heist of an otherworldly vault—and in the process find answers that could make things right. 

Complications arise when Grimsby learns that his partner, Mayflower, is keeping secrets about his past. Between facing new demons, old horrors, and monsters—both Usual and Unorthodox—Grimsby soon realizes nothing is how it appears and that not asking enough questions just might be his downfall.

About James J. Butcher

James J. Butcher is an emerging urban fantasy author known for his inventive storytelling and dynamic characters. As the son of #1 New York Times bestselling author Jim Butcher, creator of The Dresden Files, James was introduced early to the realms of books, movies, and games, which sparked his fascination with speculative fiction.

Residing in Denver, Colorado, James dedicates much of his time to crafting fictional worlds, including the universe of his debut series, The Unorthodox Chronicles. The series introduces readers to Grimshaw Griswald Grimsby, a fledgling witch navigating the complexities of a world where the ordinary and the paranormal coexist.

James's writing reflects his desire to explore character relationships, moving beyond solitary protagonists to delve into the bonds and conflicts that drive engaging narratives.

Reviews

Goodreads review by GheridenTheBookBard on March 17, 2025

This book was so much fun. Cold Iron Task has everything I love in a series with great world-building, smart magic, and characters that just keep getting better. Grimsby is an easy character to root for. He’s scrappy, clever, and dealing with so much trauma and guilt, yet he still pushes forward. Thi......more

Goodreads review by Sean on April 04, 2025

The unorthodox series is really fantastic. I think it would be well suited to film or TV.......more

Goodreads review by Curtis on April 23, 2025

not as good as the first two......more

Goodreads review by Andrew on March 17, 2025

A great tale! Another solid adventure featuring Grimsby and Mayflower. Happy Reading, everybody!......more

Goodreads review by Daniel on March 24, 2025

This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 3.5 of 5 Grimshaw Grimsby is a junior Auditor in the magical Department of Unorthodox Affairs and Huntsman Mayflower is his mentor. Grimsby has been struggling to find his way within the department and has made more than his fair shar......more

Quotes

“Solid action and quippy dialogue will keep readers engaged for the long haul.”—Library Journal

"Cold Iron Task does an excellent job of building on the previous books. . . . where The Unorthodox Chronicles shines is its characters. . . . I fully enjoyed Cold Iron Task . . . and devoured it in only a couple of sittings, and I can't wait to see how Butcher continues to weave the threads he has started laying out in these early books."—Game Vortex

"If you love urban fantasy, compelling character dynamics, and a perfect mix of action and heart, Cold Iron Task is a must-read. Whether you’re here for the magic, the mayhem, or the mentor-mentee banter, this book has something for you."—Tessa Talks Books

"With each new installment Butcher fleshes out the world, the magic and allows his protagonist to grow. If you love urban fantasy, I highly recommend this series. . . . The story that unfolds was addictive and well paced with plenty of magic, demons, secrets, and twists to keep listening into the wee hours."—Caffeinated Reviewer

Praise for Long Past Dues
"Butcher proves that this series has legs."—Publishers Weekly

"Butcher’s deft dialogue continues with tongue-in-cheek humor, wry commentary, and snark, while this magical Boston setting is both familiar and fantastical. . . . This well-paced urban fantasy is a delightful addition to the subgenre.”—Library Journal

Praise for Dead Man’s Hand
“Woot! Get set for a wild ride! Debut author James J. Butcher hits one out of the ballpark. Nonstop action in this character-driven urban fantasy that is both laugh-out-loud and terrifying—sometimes at the same time.”—#1 New York Times bestselling author Patricia Briggs

“Clear your schedule. You won’t want to put this down. . . . An entirely enjoyable read that proves once more that snark is indeed a deadly weapon. Read it. You will not be disappointed. I eagerly await the sequel.”—#1 New York Times bestselling author Kim Harrison

“Dead Man’s Hand is splendid, a spectacular debut novel and the best book I’ve read in years. James J. Butcher is an outstanding storyteller, and I can’t wait to read what he comes up with next.”—New York Times bestselling author Faith Hunter

“A fun twist on hard-boiled urban fantasy thrills. . . . Sure to capture genre fans.”—Publishers Weekly

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