Storm Front: Book 1 of the Dresden Files by Jim Butcher

I'm continuing to branch out on my reading list -- last week I delved into a non-YA fantasy, the first of a series -- book one of The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher.

I might call it Crime Fantasy (for adults) or Adult Crime/Fantasy Fiction but whatever genre it's in, it's kind of what you'd get if Harry Potter was an American and moved to Chicago after fighting Voldemort without any of his friends.

Hard-boiled crime, intriguing/dangerous magic, and otherworldly creatures thread through the story of Harry Dresden, a somewhat cynical (caustic?), very romantic (his descriptions of women/his Gentleman's Code), intelligent wizard who's just trying to keep everyone off his back -- the police, the White Council, and a mob boss.

Harry simply wants to keep to himself, but between trying to help people and working for the police department, he becomes a target -- as a suspect and the real killer's next move.

This is a great book about what it is to have to rely on only yourself -- it was a sort of insight into what it's like being an adult (thankfully we don't have to worry about the magic so much).  Harry doesn't have a lot of friends, he's just trying to pay his bills, and it seems like everyone's against him.  Luckily, Harry's a tough and determined individual with just the right mix of bravery, panache and guts to get the job done, regardless of who is on his side.

I'm curious to see how a series that starts with such a BANG will continue.  I've watched some of the TV show (like a lot of good TV, it got canceled right as it started getting great) and liked it so I wonder how much they took from the books.

Caution: This is an adult (not 'Adult' but 'adult' -- believe me, there's a huge difference) novel so there are some...scenes/descriptions (nothing extremely detailed, just a general idea of what's going on), including a murder scene that you might want to skip over.

That being said -- I love Jim Butcher's style, I ADORE Harry Dresden (excellent, excellent dialogue/zingers/internal monologue) and I can't wait to read more. 


Up next:

I'll be discussing a writing book on Write Wednesday, plus some great worldbuilding stuff I learned at the online NaNoWriMo group chat last night

First Line Friday

Next week -- I'll be posting an autobiography review along with the usual suspects, WW & FLF.

See you Wednesday!