Monday, November 12, 2007

Hmmmm.....Another Wizard Named Harry!


Storm Front by Jim Butcher (322 pgs, ROC) is the first book in the Dresden Files series. I have had this book ever since the first episode of the Dresden Files aired on the Sci-Fi Channel. I loved the series on TV, and I'm still disappointed that it won't be coming back. But I can say that I'm extremely glad Jim Butcher is still writing the books! Because after reading the first one, I'll definitely be continuing reading the series!


Harry Dresden – Wizard

Lost items found. Paranormal Investigations. Consulting. Advice. Reasonable Rates.

No Love Potions, Endless Purses, or Other Entertainment.

That is how Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden is listed in the Chicago phone book. He's a wizard. And he's very good at what he does. Unfortunately, not every one in Chicago believes in magic. But Harry manages to scrape by finding lost objects for people. Sometimes he's even called in as a special investigator for the Chicago PD, in cases that are "unique". So when Lt. Murphy of the Special Investigations unit calls Harry to help her investigate a double homicide at the Madison Hotel, Harry jumps at the chance to earn a little extra rent money. Business for the local wizard isn't exactly booming.

When he arrives at the scene, he finds the gruesome remains of 2 people whose hearts have exploded from inside their chests. Only an extremely powerful wizard could conjure enough Black Magic to accomplish this feat, and Harry isn't exactly thrilled with the idea of helping in the investigation. He's on thin ice as it is with the White Council, the governing body of the Wizard community. In fact, he's under the Doom of Damocles, a probation of sorts. Harry was "convicted" of killing a person with Black Magic, which goes against the Laws of Magic and is punishable by death. Harry's plea of self-defense won him this probation instead of execution, but the White Council is watching every move he makes. And the fact that one of the victims worked for mob boss "Gentleman" Johnny Marcone is just one more reason to stay far away from this case. Besides, Harry just got a new client. Her name is Monica and she is looking for something she lost....her husband. And she is willing to pay top dollar to find him.

But Lt. Murphy needs help and soon it becomes apparent that both cases are somehow linked to a new drug that hit the streets in Chicago called the ThreeEye. To top it off, it seems the White Council is convening a special meeting to determine if HARRY is the wizard that did the killing. Now he must help in the investigation, if only to save his own skin!


I couldn't help but picture Paul Blackstone, from the TV series when I was reading this book. He was the perfect Harry!! Storm Front is filled with a little bit of everything....vampires, wizards, both White and Black magic, faeries, frog demons, killer scorpions, and spirits. Harry is a phenomenal character that is not only smart, but funny as hell! He's compassionate, as well as strong-willed, and is determined to the do the right thing. I was completely enthralled by page 2! This series seems to mix a little bit of the hard-boiled PI with the paranormal. And it works! It's fast-moving and fun. I whole-heartedly recommend it to both mystery fans and fantasy fans!! 4.5/5


13 comments:

Angela/SciFiChick said...

I love this series.. and really miss the tv show :(

Anonymous said...

I can't rea your review as I am excited about reading the book. I spent the weekend watching the dvd of series one and I am completely hooked now! I hope they make another series soon and I can't wait to get stuck into the books.

Anonymous said...

I never did get to see the TV series but I read this book and loved it! I was so surprised because it's not a genre I normally read. I really need to follow up with this series.

Stephanie said...

Angela - Isn't Paul Blackstone the perfect Harry?? I just love him!! I'm definitely going to read the rest of the series!!

Rhinoa - No worries!! I try not to post any spoilers, but some people don't like to know anything about it!! It's a fantastic book!! I know you will love it!

Iliana - It really WAS good, wasn't it?? I think it's got the right mix of mystery and fantasy!! I'll be watching your review for more of the series, if you do continue on !

kookie said...

Sorry, I can't read your review because I can't stop looking at Paul Blackstone. Kidding (sort of), I am planning on reading these, but you know...other books call. :P

Stephanie said...

Kookie - LOL!! He really is sexy!! He's on a TV show now, called Big Shots. He's really British, and his accent makes him even better!!

Susan Helene Gottfried said...

I didn't watch the show because I've had Storm Front here, waiting for me to get to it (yeah, I'm backlogged).

I'm really eager to get to this series. Thanks for the review!

Nikki in Niagara said...

I can't wait to read this, it's on my list for the 1st in a series challenge. I haven't seen the tv series either but it sounds so good, maybe I'll get the dvds.

Kimmie said...

I watched the series. It was great! I've got so much on my TBR pile (because of you and all the good challenges you find). Maybe I can catch Dresden after I finish 888.

Teddy Rose said...

I had never heard of the series before, and probably would have passed it over. It normally wouldn’t be something that appeals to me. However, your review makes it sound quite interesting. I may check this book out.

Teddy

Literary Feline said...

I love this series. I have only seen the first episode of the TV show and wasn't that impressed with it, I'm afraid, but I hear it got better. I hope someday I'll get to watch it. I just worry the show won't live up to my love for the books.

Anonymous said...

ah wow! i don't know the tv series, but this looks very good. the character sounds like a bit of a mixture between john constantine and mike hammer.

Trish @ Love, Laughter, Insanity said...

Wizards and Vampires and Magic, Oh my. Sounds like a lot of fun--and Mr. Paul Blackstone is quite lovely. :)