Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Wizards and Werewolves


Last year, after faithfully watching the Sci-Fi Channel series The Dresden Files, I decided it was time to read the books that inspired it. And I was blown away by the book Storm Front. You can read my review here. But it seems now that if I want to read anything, I have to add it to a challenge list!! So, as a category of Urban Fantasy, I added the second book in the series to my list for the Once Upon a Time II Challenge, as well as the TBR Challenge and the Spring Reading Thing Challenge. Figured I would get it in somehow!! And Fool's Moon by Jim Butcher (352 pages, Roc) certainly did not disappoint!

I never used to keep close track of the phases of the moon. So I didn't know that it was one night shy of being full when a young woman sat down across from me in McAnally's Pub and asked me to tell all about something that could get her killed.

For Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden, Chicago's only professional wizard, life was rough at the moment. Business was slow. OK, business was almost non-existent. Since the "episode" last spring, involving a dark wizard and Chicago's drug trade, his main source of income, working with Chicago's Special Investigations Unit, had all but dried up. Lt. Karrin Murphy was still a little pissed at Harry for leaving her in the dark over some of the more Supernatural elements to the case. In Harry's defense, he really was trying to keep her safe. The White Council had strict rules about too much information going to mortals. But Murphy didn't see it that way. She thought Harry was keeping things from her and with Harry's loyalty in question, she had backed away from using him as a consultant. So when Kim Delaney, a novice wizard, offered to buy Harry dinner in exchange for some information, who was he to argue? A man had to eat.

But when Kim wanted information on containment circles, Harry knew she was way out of her league. She didn't have the experience or the power to create the kind of circle she was asking about, and Harry didn't want to give her information that could get her in trouble. Then, in walks Murphy with a brand new case, one that Harry might be able to give her some guidance in.

But when Murphy takes Harry to the crime scene, he knows that bad things are about to happen. The corpse in question is one that he knows: a henchman for Gentleman Johnny Marcone, Chicago's biggest crime boss. That isn't so much the problem. The problem is it looks like the body was "eaten" by wild animals. But just as they were investigating the body, the FBI shows up and interferes with the case. Because this isn't the first body to found in this condition. 12 others just like it.....during last month's full moon cycle.

Murphy doesn't believe in the existence of werewolves, but Harry does and she wants to know all about them. With 3 more days in the cycle, others are going to die if something isn't done. And when the next body is discovered....the body of Kim Delaney, Harry makes this case a personal one. Werewolves, Hexenwolves, Lycanthropes, Loup-garou....there is a lot of activity in Chicago, and only one wizard that can figure out what is going on!

I don't think I can express how much I love this series!! Harry is one of the coolest characters to come along in the fantasy world, and I just love him. He's smart, funny, chivalrous, and moral. He WANTS to do the right thing. And yet, he's human, albeit a wizard. He has faults and flaws just like anyone else. Fool Moon moves at a lightning-fast pace, and the pages just seem to turn themselves. The plot is rich with unexpected turns and twists. And poor Harry seems to have everyone gunning for him. But can a few little wolves keep Harry down?? Well...I guess you'll just have to read it and find out. I dare you not to fall in love with Harry Dresden and this series!! 4.5/5

17 comments:

Lisa said...

Nice review! I am on book four and while I am enjoying it I am often exhausted after reading a bit. The action never stops! I find it a lot easier to watch after seeing the tv show, prior to that I found Harry to be a bit whiny and weak. I also pictured him a bit less attractive, so was glad to get a nice face to put on him. Usually I'd prefer my own vision, but this one worked for me.

Stephanie said...

Lisa - I agree. For some reason, I find Paul Blackstone rather sexy!! And I can't help but picture him when I'm reading these books! Now, I just have to find some time to get Grave Peril in!

Carl V. Anderson said...

Every time someone else takes the time to read a Jim Butcher book I feel even less supportive...after all the man lives in the town I work in! :) I'm glad to know that when I do get around to reading him I won't be disappointed.

Stephanie said...

Carl - That is too funny!! But I tell you what, I'm so impressed with this series. They are fun, fast-paced and exciting. I just love them!!

Debi said...

This series sounds soooo damn good...I don't know why I can't get around to trying them. I think it's like with you...I need to put it on a challenge list! Ooooh, I could substitute Storm Front in for my weather pick in the What's in a Name!

Stephanie said...

Debi - See? Now you've got it! That's how to play the game. I really LOVE this series! Of course, I really loved the TV show, so I knew going in I would probably like the books. They are a refreshing change of pace!

Melody said...

I hear you, Stephanie! There're a lot of raves about this series, and I can't wait to dive into them! I haven't got the whole series yet, but I know I will soon!

Stephanie said...

Melody - I actually bought the first four books without actually reading any of them. I don't usually do that....but Borders was having a Buy 1, Get 1 1/2 off on them. I just couldn't help it!!

I think you will enjoy them!

Bookfool said...

You're so funny! Can't read it unless you add it to a challenge. Well, that's one way to slot in a book, I guess. :)

Ladytink_534 said...

I keep hearing such good things about this series but I keep putting off reading them. I read a short story with the character and liked it though so I don't think I'll hold out too much longer!

Anonymous said...

Glad to see it keeps up the momentum. I have only read Storm Front so far but do plan on reading the rest. I loved the TV series and am really annoyed it got cancelled.

Ana S. said...

I keep reading great review of these books...I must get my hands on them!

heather (errantdreams) said...

Interesting. I never saw the TV series, but this does sound like a nifty approach to a book series!

Literary Feline said...

I was first a fan of the book series before every getting a chance to see the TV show. Hubby and I watched the last episode just this week of the TV and I was sad to think there wouldn't be any more. I thought the show as good, but I'm partial to the books.

The Bookworm said...

great review! These sound really good. I never watched Dresden Files.

http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

come on over to DaBookLady's Book and Bookmark swap

CJ said...

Harry is great and the newest in the series was pretty good. I'm glad you found him.

cjh