Storm Front (The Dresden Files, Book 1) by Jim Butcher
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Book Reviews of Storm Front (The Dresden Files, Book 1)
Book Review: Introducing Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden
Summary: 5 Stars
Harry Dresden makes a living (just barely) as a free lance consultant to the Chicago Police Department and by taking a few private cases on the side. Officially the Chicago PD has him listed as a psychic but his ad in the Yellow Pages states his true vocation - Wizard. The Chicago that Harry inhabits is just a half step away from the one the rest of us know, at least we hope it is. In Harry's Chicago at least a few people are aware that there are things beyond the usual mortal realm, that vampires, demons and all the other supernatural creatures are not the stuff of legend and horror stories but are all too real.
Harry had begun studying Magic early and was a fairly accomplished Wizard but along the way he had also managed to incur the wrath of the White Council, the governing body of the Nevernever and was on probation. As Harry tried to juggle both a private case and a police consultation, both jobs were needed to pay the overdue rent, Harry found himself being hampered on every turn by his lack of status with the White Council. In true detective story fashion though the two cases were found to overlap as Harry uncovered the true natures of the crimes. After a few harrowing brushes with death Harry managed to emerge victorious and vindicated.
This is the first in the DRESDEN FILES series of books that feature Wizard Harry Dresden. As with most first books in a series much time is spend introducing the characters and setting and providing the backstory. Butcher hints at Harry's past but we are not given all of the details which leaves this reader at least eager to read more of the series.
Book Review: DANGER!
Summary: 5 Stars
I lost interest in the scifi/fantasy genre when LK Hamilton turned the Anita Blake series into erotica. I was recently reading some reviews, and former fans were suggesting The Dresden Files series. I figured I'd give it a shot...it'd been about a year since I'd last read a new fantasy novel, so I wasn't expecting much. This was on a Saturday. By the following Saturday I was salivating for the release of White Night, after having read every book in the Dresden Files series. Oh, and the week in question was Midterms Week. *cough* Needless to say, I had some catching up to do in my classes. These books draw you in, and are more like one continuous autobiography of Harry Dresden (broken up into volumes) than distinct books.
Storm Front is the first in the series. As other reviewers have said, it's not the greatest (in the series). In fact, it's probably my least favorite. But that isn't saying much, since the other books could be on a solid gold altar and wouldn't look out of place. Storm Front introduces you to Harry Dresden. Loner. Wizard. Police Consultant. PI. Dresden solves paranormal cases for whoever is willing to pay him, most often the local Special Investigations unit of the Chicago PD (they investigate crimes that are a little too wacky for the rest of the force). I don't want to go into too much detail, but trust me. It's worth the read. Check it out from your local library, or buy it online. Whatever. Just get your hands on a copy of this book, and those that follow it. Each book in the series is exponentially better than the previous. Just make sure you have enough time to read them all!
Book Review: Beginning of a fine series.
Summary: 5 Stars
Many series start well, then dwindle as the author's imagination and enthusiasm flag. I've read the first nine, and the series continues to be imaginative and well written. I thought that there was the usual slight falloff from the first to the second and third books, but it was minor, and he is back to full throttle in the later books.
THe books read smoothly and easily because they are written in the first person, linearly; the cast of characters is substantial but easily manageable. Continuity from one book to the next is excellent; characters stay the same, and past events don't mysteriously change due to memory and checking lapses. And they are well written with no jarring syntactical blunders.
The first seven settled into a relatively predictable pattern; the next two (written after a break for the codex series??) are a bit different, with perhaps a little more emphasis on character development. In the middle books especially, he seemed to plan several books in advance, so that plot elements that had been dormant for a volume or two re-emerge as keys to a later plot. This is one reason the books are best read in order. And it lends a welcome coherence and continuity to the series as a whole.
Other reviews give a good idea of the flavor of the books. The purpose of this review is to let potential purchasers know that they need not fear being drawn into a series that later turns repetitive, dull, or otherwise disappointing.
Book Review: Harry Dresden--Potter, all grown up!
Summary: 5 Stars
Fans of the SciFi Channel's new series "The Dresden Files" should know that the books came first and they are a delight. Harry is just the right mixture of chivalry, charm, and scarcasm, and Butcher delivers again and again in this truly original series.
Harry Dresden is Chicago's only practicing professional wizard, as the lettering on his office door, "Harry Dresden, Wizard," proclaims. A consultant to Chicago PD's Special Investigations unit, he teams up with Lt. Karrin Murphy to solve crimes involving demons, vampires, and other supernatural baddies that baffle the regular police force.
Using potions, spells, a staff, a blasting rod, and other magical implements, in "Storm Front" Harry takes on a self-taught dark wizard who is using black magic to explode people's hearts out of their chests--notably the heart of a highly placed Chicago mobster. The mob's big boss is not amused and wants to hire Harry to protect him at the same time that Harry is involved in the police investigation. But something is fishy; is the mobster the intended victim or collateral damage? Harry races to find the answer before he himself becomes the next target.
Butcher's pacing and plotting are impeccable and he makes Harry an engaging wiseass who nevertheless usually manages to do the right thing, even if it might get him killed. I highly recommend all the books in this series to readers everywhere who value good writing with a skillful touch of magic.
Book Review: Excellent fun read
Summary: 5 Stars
I got introduced to this series the way most people have recently, throught the Sci-Fi channel series. When I finally watched the series I was hooked. That's when I found out about the books and am very happy I did. This book is a great, fun read from beginning to end.
The book character Harry Dresden is very different from the TV character. This one is much more confident and it seems more powerful. Magic is much more prevalent in the book vs the show. Probably due to the FX budget it would require, which is understandable. The same problems are there, however, and Harry is presented with every day problems just as he is in the show. He has trouble paying rent. He isn't the sexiest man alive. Not everyone believes and trusts his intentions. I wouldn't say he's a luckless character. He has made his choices and is very happy with them. It is just very entertaining reading as he makes certain choices and deals with their consequences.
The other characters are different as well. Murphy seems to be a bit of a hardnose and you don't see as much of her as you do on the show. But the relationship is there. Bob is hilarious. Now he is a completely different character. This Bob is a bit more fun-loving and ready to enjoy the real world for what it has to offer.
I highly recommend this book if you are a fan of the series. Also, if you are looking for a sci-fi mystery book, you should also put this on your reading list.