(Since this discussion mentions plot points from multiple Dresden novels, spoilers if you haven’t read them all yet).
O.K., I have a theory about the overall arc of the Dresden novels and where the series might be headed. It’s based on a synthesis of several plot points and a recurring theme in the stories. First, some plot points:[ol]
[li]We’ve learned that there is a mysterious bad guy out there, Dresden calls him “Cowl” and his organization “The Black Council” (although in one story we hear an underling apparently talking to him about “The Circle”[/li][li]Cowl is apparently an accomplished necromancer and skilled in the use of a dark power that isn’t just black magic (a perversion of life energy) but an actual anti-life energy.[/li][li]Cowl is allied with “The Outsiders”, mysterious evil beings from who knows where, powerful and dangerous.[/li][li]Cowl has a female underling or apprentice, apparently not so bad a person but in the worst company imaginable.[/li][li]Two mysterious observers- Cowl and his apprentice?- where there when Bianca of the Red Court threw a party and handed out “gifts” to some distinguished guests, including Dresden’s fairy godmother Leanansidhe, a Dragon, and others. [/li][li]In the novel following that, strange occurrences nearly lead to war between the Summer and Winter Fae. We learn that it was caused by the Summer Lady apparently gone insane, and Dresden has to kill her. [/li][li]In later novels we find that Leanansidhe is being held prisoner for her own “good” by Mab the Winter Queen, who is acting strangely taciturn as if there’s something she dare not talk about, even going so far as to remain mute in one story and speaking through an underling. By the events of Changes Leanansidhe is back saying that Mab “cured” her. In Cold Days it turns out that the Winter Lady has been corrupted like the Summer Lady was.[/li][li]We find out that the White Council and even the Denarians have members serving other masters. A program to secretly control the White Council members’ minds had been underway.[/li][li]The Red Court apparently had substantial outside assistance from somewhere in it’s war against the White Council.[/li][/ol]
Whew! A lot of recap. Now the recurring theme I mentioned; taken together, the novels tell a story of increasing consolidation. Magic users are either being joined together, neutralized, or eliminated: [ol]
[li]The White Council steps up it’s program against rogue black magic users, eliminating free agents.[/li][li]The Red Court goes to war against the White Council, both sides seeking to line up allies.[/li][li]The White Court tries to remain neutral; as a result Cowl and the Outsiders attempt to massacre most of the White Court, excepting an allied faction that was seeking to eliminate sub-Wizard level minor magic users from the human population. This is defeated and Dresden’s childhood sweetheart the fugitive Wizardess Elaine organizes the minor talents into a self-protection league.[/li][li]The Denarians come up with a plan to enslave the Archive, one of the most powerful independent magical talents in existence. While this would serve their purposes, it would also continue the theme of consolidation, especially since there was at least one traitor within their group.[/li][li]Winter and Summer are paralyzed from most worldly intervention by the imbalance caused by the strange corruption infiltrating them. In addition, we learn that the outer border of the Nevernever is under seige by the Outsiders.[/li][/ol]
So what does all this suggest to me?[ol]
[li]Someone- presumably Cowl- is trying to create the Standard Oil of all magic: to gain control over all magical or supernatural power that can manifest on Earth.[/li][li]The gifts handed out at Bianca’s party were cursed, intended to allow him to gain control over their recipients.[/li][li]Cowl’s principle strategy was using the Red Court, offering encouragement and support in it’s war against the White Council. Presumably the events of Changes have thrown a wrench into that.[/li][li]Who is Cowl? I think he was formerly Justin DuMorne, Dresden’s old master. And that before that he was Kremmler the Necromancer, and who knows who before that.[/li][li]Cowl’s female apprentice is Elaine, who doesn’t even know it. As DuMorne he gained control of Elaine’s mind and has resumed controlling her. That she’s the one keeping track of the minor talents is also convenient.[/li][li]The Winter Queen Mab learned of the cursed gift Leanansidhe had received and has since been working to free the Fae of Cowl’s influence.[/li][li]Cowl’s goal is nothing less than to wrench control of Earth and humanity away from both Heaven and Hell, establishing it as an independent third realm. In this his allies (bosses?) are the Outsiders, “alien” demons from other universes who were not supposed to ever have had anything to do with our universe at all.[/li][li]Dresden’s own theme, of having had from the beginning to always fight above his weight class, points to his eventually taking on someone who has defeated death. If Harry can’t win, the entire universe will be plunged into a never-ending nightmare.[/li][/ol]