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The Dresden Files Collection 1-6

(The Dresden Files #1-6)

Jim Butcher (Goodreads Author)

4.57 · Rating details · 2,393 ratings · 65 reviews

The Dresden Files Collection 1-6

The first six novels featuring Harry Dresden—Chicago’s only professional wizard—are a perfect introduction to the # 1 New York Times bestselling series that Entertainment Weekly describes as “Buffy the Vampire Slayer starring Philip Marlowe.”

Storm Front
Fool Moon
Grave Peril
Summer Knight
Death Masks
Blood Rites

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Kindle Edition, 1900 pages

Published December 28th 2018 (first published 2006)

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Average rating 4.57 ·

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· 2,393 ratings · 65 reviews

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Jun 07, 2019 Marie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: library-borrowed-read

This was my first time with this author and series as I kept seeing it flitting through my GR feed from different friends that I had read the series. What a diamond in the rough I have found with this author and these books as I am happy that I picked them up to read. :)

Since I read the omnibus of books one through six, I am breaking it up into book sections on the review:

Book One: Storm Front

Harry Dresden, wizard a/k/a private investigator just grabs a hold of you the moment you start reading t ...more

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Oct 26, 2012 Shel rated it liked it

Shelves: urban-fantasy, read-in-2012, kindle-library, read-in-2013

Book one, Storm Front: 3 stars. I'm not in love with Harry's narrative voice - but then I usually don't care for first person narration unless it's done particularly well (see: Robin Hobb). Plot had me racing along...I pretty much finished it in two nights, though one was a night when I'd had too much caffeine and couldn't sleep anyway. I enjoyed the story and am intrigued by the hints we get of Harry's dark past. Hope to learn more about that in future books. If the rest of these are as quick t Book one, Storm Front: 3 stars. I'm not in love with Harry's narrative voice - but then I usually don't care for first person narration unless it's done particularly well (see: Robin Hobb). Plot had me racing along...I pretty much finished it in two nights, though one was a night when I'd had too much caffeine and couldn't sleep anyway. I enjoyed the story and am intrigued by the hints we get of Harry's dark past. Hope to learn more about that in future books. If the rest of these are as quick to read as the first, I should have no problem finishing these before my loan expires :)

Update, 10/29: Book two, Fool Moon: 3 stars. Heck of an engaging story, but the narration is still getting in the way of my really getting lost in the book. If Harry refers to Murphy as "cute" one more time...ugh. Still interested enough to read on, though...onward!

Update, 11/7: Book three, Grave Peril: still 3 stars. A plot that begins to give glimpses of a more overarching story thread connecting the books is balanced out by the introduction of a character that annoyed the heck out of me. I like the idea of very powerful faith-based magic, but Michael was too over-the-top with it. I'm not anti-religion (I am of a somewhat religious bent myself), but I AM anti-rub-your-religion-in-everyone-else's-face. Everyone says that book 4 is where Butcher really hits his stride, so I'm going to keep on, but I might read a few other books first before going on to book 4...

Update, 11/24: Book four, Summer Knight: 3.5 stars. I can't quite bring myself to give it 4 stars, as I am still kind of annoyed with Harry's narrative voice, but this one was better than the first three. We start to get a glimpse of more of an overarching plotline rather than the episodic nature of the first three books, as well as the reappearance of some shady figures from Dresden's past. I liked Butcher's version of Faerie and the different personalities of the Lady, Queen, and Mother of Summer and Winter. I'm returning the collection to the library right now, but I will probably take it out again someday to continue with the series.

Update, 10/21/2013: Book five, Death Masks: 4 stars. Harry annoyed me less in this episode, though that may be less about the way he's written and more about the fact that it's been almost a year since I read the previous one, so I knew exactly what I was getting into. I refreshed my memory with the Wikipedia pages for the earlier books, though it turned out I didn't really need to since Butcher made sure to build little reminders into his narration. Anyway, Harry's misplaced chauvinism still makes me mad, but it didn't seem as overt in this book. Starting book 6 tonight!

Update 10/23/2013: Book six, Blood Rites: 4 stars. Starting to see actual character development in Harry, and some surprising plot twists. I did not see it coming that (view spoiler)! And also, puppy! I'll have to take the next 6-book collection out from the library when I can get it! ...more

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Nov 05, 2012 Tom Russell rated it it was amazing

Like many people, I suppose, I was introduced to the Dresden Files novels via the short lived television series that ran on the Sci-Fi Channel back in 2007. Yes, it was still properly named “Sci-Fi” back then. Soon thereafter I bought a copy of Storm Front, the first book in the series. I was hooked. Urban fantasy meets Sam Spade! What's not to like? I didn't read any further in the series, always meaning to, but always having other books ahead of it on the “To Read” list.

That changed when I sa Like many people, I suppose, I was introduced to the Dresden Files novels via the short lived television series that ran on the Sci-Fi Channel back in 2007. Yes, it was still properly named “Sci-Fi” back then. Soon thereafter I bought a copy of Storm Front, the first book in the series. I was hooked. Urban fantasy meets Sam Spade! What's not to like? I didn't read any further in the series, always meaning to, but always having other books ahead of it on the “To Read” list.

That changed when I saw the paperback of the 13th book Ghost Story in the airport bookstore while on vacation. It was time to get caught up on the adventures of Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden.
A quick search through the B&N nook offerings turned up this gem, The Dresden Files Collection 1-6, and another collection for the next six novels. For my money this is by far the best way to get into this series. This is the sort of thing for which e-books are particularly well suited. I read the complete works of H. P. Lovecraft in similar fashion. Reading all 6 of these novels back-to-back definitely gives one a feel for the breadth of the story as it builds through each installment.

Jim Butcher's writing style is airy and brisk. Each book is under 400 pages and a fully contained story in its own right which could easily stand on its own. However, one really comes to appreciate the scope of Mr. Butcher's world building efforts as the series progresses. I am not sure if he had the whole framework thought out when he started or just added on to what came before. Regardless, the world he presents is internally consistent and wonderfully imaginative while at the same time adhering to many well known and established tropes of magic and the supernatural.

Each of these first six books highlights a different supernatural aspect of Harry Dresden's world. In Storm Front we learn that magic does exist and some of the rules thereof. The second book, Fool Moon, centers around the lore of the four types of werewolves. Naturally, in the next book, Grave Peril, we are introduced to this world's vampires, as well as a brief look at the land of Faerie and the NeverNever. We get a deeper exposure to the Faerie Courts in, Summer Knight. Next up is Death Masks in which a bit of Christian Mythology is added to the mix, especially demons and a special trio of Holy Warriors known as the Knights of the Cross. The final book in this collection is Blood Rites which delves a bit more into the politics of the White Council, the ruling body of magicians, sorcerers and such like.

Another fun part about reading these books one after the other is seeing how Mr. Butcher's style develops as he goes. Storm Front is a worthy introductory novel. The tone is wonderfully reminiscent of Chandler-esque hardboiled detective novels. This tone lightens somewhat as the series progresses, but is never entirely done away with. Mr. Butcher refines his style as he goes and one can sense his growing maturity as a writer. It is also great fun to watch Harry grow as a person.

Some may find the Dresden Files novels to be a bit formulaic, and they'd be right. There is a particular cadence, an ebb and flow to Mr. Butcher's narrative style that remains consistent throughout. Far from a detriment, I find this to be a comforting aspect. I know somewhat what to expect from the following novels, not in detail, but in feel. I know that every gripping action scene will be followed by recovery, examination, and a jump in a new direction. Knowing the pattern is like knowing that dinner will be followed by dessert.

If you get the urge to enjoy a solid piece of story-telling with witty, intelligent, well defined characters, fast paced action, and captivating mystery, I suggest you check out the Dresden Files. Only one thing really bugs me about this series. The cover art for each novel features a man who is supposedly Harry Dresden wearing a duster and stetson. While the duster is part of Harry's signature look, no where in any of the books I've read does he ever wear a hat. I hope he gets one somewhere in books 7-12 or I will be sorely disappointed.
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Jul 06, 2016 Barry Moore rated it it was ok

The first two books are flat out bad. Almost every single issue Dresden runs into could be solved if any of the people in the stories communicated like regular people. The first book is especially bad, with Dresden going off to face the danger, without telling anyone who the villain is, even though he has ample chance to do so. So the hero puts plenty of lives in danger, because he isnt smart enough to say "Oh by the way, in case I don't show up again, I am going out to catch the bad guy. He liv ...more

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Aug 14, 2013 Wylie rated it it was amazing

This is how it almost began for me... the addiction to Harry Dresden and the Dresden files! I say almost because in actuality I watched the series on (I think it was… it was a few years ago) Netflix. My wife bought the first book some time ago and had it lying around. At which point I finish the short lived (and now looking back, misrepresented) series and read the first book and I was hooked! I bought the collection of the first 6 books on my Kindle and was more than happy to read Storm Front a ...more

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May 22, 2018 Laura rated it liked it

Shelves: fantasy

I made it through three books before deciding to stop reading. There was a lot I enjoyed about them, Butcher has some fun and imaginative ideas and plots. The problem I have had (as have many others, I've noticed) is the treatment of women within these stories. In the three books I read, the women were, for the most part, only there as sex objects. A woman couldn't be introduced without describing the shape of her breasts under her shirt or other such nonsense. I have read many novels in which I ...more

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Apr 17, 2012 Kat rated it liked it

The "magician" part of this series appeals to me more than the "hard-boiled detective" side. Butcher's writing has improved (Book 1 wasn't up to par) and his story, lore and pacing are really good. The main character's fatal flaw--chivalry--becomes annoying as it repeats over and over and, you get the point. Overall I like this series a lot and will continue reading the next 6+ books.

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Feb 03, 2016 Justin Hargrave rated it liked it

Lots of fun, sadly can't recommend because of occasional sexual 'stuff' in some of the books... And occult references might bother some folks. If you were offended by Harry Potter, best not pick up these books. But then, why would any sane person be offended by Harry Potter..?

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Sep 28, 2018 Raz O'Xane rated it did not like it

Recommends it for: no-one

Shelves: unfinished, hated-it

70 pages in... Uuuh, it this a joke?
Abysmal writing style.
Cliché depiction of magic, that would make a teenager laugh.
Overt sexism.
Wow.

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Jul 11, 2013 Ellen rated it liked it

Sort of Stephanie Plum with magical bad guys. Pretty icky writing and some problematic stuff, but the stories do move along.

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Mar 05, 2013 Catherine rated it it was amazing

Awesome! I had no idea that I would like this type of literature. I was hooked on the first page of story 1 and continued to read through to novel 6.

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Jan 04, 2019 Denise Atwood rated it really liked it

While this collection was a gift for my father, I have all the individual books on kindle and audible. The series starts poorly but eventually finds its feet. For people who aren't completionists you can start with book 7 Dead Beat, that's where the action really gets amped up and the writing, characterizations, plots, etc really start to hit 5 star status each and every book. It was also Jim Butchers first hard cover so it's written to be an entry to the series. You can always go back and read ...more

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Mar 16, 2018 Allan rated it it was amazing

Really enjoyable urban fantasy depicting a wizard in modern day Chicago who earns a living (barely) as a magical detective. The first-person narration gives it a hard-boiled detective feel, although it's more lighthearted than noir.

As others have noted, some repetition between the individual books is particularly noticeable in a collected volume like this. Every book includes similar descriptions of his apartment, of Murphy, of his leather duster, of Macanally's bar, of his chivalry bordering o ...more

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Aug 13, 2019 Christine is currently reading it

I'm really uncertain how many stars to give this book but I keep reading them so maybe they're good?. I find Harry a bit of a mess, always being beat up and that police woman always not trusting him and trying to either shoot him, bash him over the head of lock him up makes me laugh even while saying AGAIN HARRY?! He needs to get his priorities straight and for heaven sake if he is a great wizard why is he always on the edge of losing every gosh darn time?

If he was my family I would give his a ...more

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Nov 12, 2017 Hildegard rated it really liked it

Got better which each book

This was actually my third try at this acclaimed series. This time I managed to make all the way through the first book and by the time I finished the second, I was actually looking forward to the third.
By the end of this collection Harry and Co has grown on me and I am looking forward to reading more about them

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Jul 16, 2019 Rebecca rated it really liked it

I found these books fun and very action-packed, with a lovable main character, but I wasn't always sure I wanted to keep reading them because I wasn't sure I liked where the author was going with them. Over all, I was never sorry that I kept going.

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Feb 16, 2018 Kare rated it it was amazing

You can always get lost with Jim.

Been following Dresden since the 1st release and sadly I will be like Thomas to Justine,always waiting or wanting more.

Delighted they are on E reader format. Replaced too many books from wear and tear.

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Aug 24, 2017 Karen rated it it was amazing

I have read them ALL and I love them all. The first 12 better than the last 3. But I kept reading. I you love demon hunters and all that goes with it and a rogue of a protagonist...this is the series for you.

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Oct 14, 2018 Dee Marie Lindsey rated it it was amazing

This has got to be my zillion reading of these books. They get better with each reading! I'm really looking forward to his next one.

Also looking forward to reading the set Books 7 thru 12 next which I will write another 5 star review for too.

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Dec 05, 2017 Travis Guty rated it it was amazing

ADORE the Dresden Files. Have all the books on paper, but then I saw the chance to start building a digital collection and jumped on it. Great books.

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Apr 24, 2018 Jason Jackson rated it it was amazing

Really found my self really liking this it started out slow but really picked up. Didn't think I was a fan of urban fantasy but this really help change my mind

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Jul 24, 2018 Karim Mehdi rated it it was amazing

Awesome

It is a collection of awesome Jim Butcher Books. Enjoy it. I loved reading them. You will too. Just read it already!

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May 05, 2018 Ray Carroll rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2018

Very fun and exciting. Only four stars because I can feel a slight under current of misogyny that I worry will rear its ugly head later in the series

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Dec 09, 2018 Jason E Free rated it really liked it

Entertaining... first 2 books are slow to get going, but once the characters and all are established it's pretty solid. I'll probably continue reading the series.

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Sep 17, 2019 Lara Stackonis rated it it was amazing

Reminded me of Kim Harrison's series with Rachel Morgan. I really enjoyed the first six books in this series and would recommend it.

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Sep 12, 2018 JustMe rated it it was amazing

Didn't know if I would like Jim Butcher's books but wow, this author is really good. Love his style of writing.

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Jun 06, 2019 Kat rated it it was amazing

Shelves: urban-fantasy, fantasy

I've reviewed these books separately.

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Nov 22, 2017 Janet rated it it was amazing

This book has it all: quirky detective, great sidekicks, strange mysteries, action, and humor. Just what I need.

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May 01, 2018 Cindy rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2018

I read the first four books in here and I really enjoyed them, but I need to take a break and read something else.

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Jan 16, 2018 Eduard Antipa rated it it was amazing

Re-reading all the "files" in one go really brings out the value.

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About Jim Butcher

Jim Butcher

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Jim Butcher is the author of the Dresden Files, the Codex Alera, and a new steampunk series, the Cinder Spires. His resume includes a laundry list of skills which were useful a couple of centuries ago, and he plays guitar quite badly. An avid gamer, he plays tabletop games in varying systems, a variety of video games on PC and console, and LARPs whenever he can make time for it. Jim currently resi ...more