Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.

Start by marking “Fool Moon (The Dresden Files, #2)” as Want to Read:

Other editions

Enlarge cover

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Open Preview

Fool Moon

(The Dresden Files #2)

Jim Butcher (Goodreads Author)

4.03 · Rating details · 139,658 ratings · 6,104 reviews

Harry Dresden--Wizard
Lost Items Found. Paranormal Investigations. Consulting. Advice. Reasonable Rates. No Love Potions, Endless Purses, or Other Entertainment.

Business has been slow. Okay, business has been dead. And not even of the undead variety. You would think Chicago would have a little more action for the only professional wizard in the phone book. But lately, Harry ...more

Get A Copy

Or buy for

Mass Market Paperback, 401 pages

Published January 9th 2001 by Roc (first published January 1st 2001)

More Details... edit details

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about Fool Moon, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

Urban Fantasy With Male Lead Characters

921 books — 1,360 voters

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling

Best Fantasy Books of the 21st Century

2,240 books — 8,000 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

Showing 1-30

4.03 ·

Rating details

· 139,658 ratings · 6,104 reviews

Filter

Sort order

Feb 13, 2011 Kat Kennedy rated it it was ok

Shelves: the-great-shelf-of-meh, kat-s-book-reviews

I've been told this series gets good at book three. Someone else said book four. Another, book six.

I promised to read until book seven, and I will. But Harry is seriously, seriously shitting me.

Harry Dresden is a Wizard private eye who works largely with the Chicago police department's Special Investigations officer, Murphy.

He has the most over-developed Hero complex of any protagonist I've ever read, to the point of ridiculous. I'm almost wondering whether his subconscious is guiding him toward ...more

flag 303 likes · Like · see review

Apr 06, 2019 Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥ Martin rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy-all, library-book

I’m not reviewing all books any more. Because I don’t want to

🖤🐶🐺🐾

flag 109 likes · Like · see review

Jan 23, 2015 Jessica ❁ ➳ Silverbow ➳ ❁ Rabid Reads-no-more rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: angels-and-or-demons, not-your-ordinary-creatures, some-kinda-magic, weres-shapeshifters, urban-fantasy, buddy-reads-are-the-best, rabid-reads-reviews, audible

Reviewed by: Rabid Reads

BR with my peeps at: Buddies Books and Baubles

Specifically: Robin (Bridge Four) , Jennavier , Jenny , Lila , oOSarahOo , Sh3lly (Not all those who wander are lost) , and Steven

I don't know if it was the lowered expectations from being told by every-friggin'-body that DRESDEN doesn't start "getting good" until book 3 or 4, or if it was how much cooler the book was than the TV episode based on this same installment, or something else entirely . . .

The why doesn't r ...more

flag 93 likes · Like · see review

Apr 14, 2015 ✘✘ Sarah ✘✘ (former Nefarious Breeder of Murderous Crustaceans) rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy, rawrrr, 2015, poof-gone-harem, kindle, good-ol-testosterone, uf-with-male-lead

►►► Today is your lucky day. Yes it is.

Want know why? Well this was going to be one of my never-ending, ever-rambling reviews. This was going to be an ode to the awesomeness that is Harry D. I was going to go all "blah blah blah this is fantastic, blah blah blah this is so cool, blah blah blah Harry D. I love you even though you're not an asshole, blah blah blah I love what you do with your staff, blah blah blah blah blah blah" on you.

But I won't. Because as much as I love Harry I don't have t ...more

flag 69 likes · Like · see review

Jul 30, 2014 Markus rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2015, fantasy, crime-and-thrillers, team-rocket, urban-fantasy

3.5 stars

I looked up through the clear night at the almost-full moon. Werewolves jumping through windows at gangster's lackeys in unfinished restaurants. A mangled corpse in the middle of a blood-drenched floor. Berserk FBI field agents drawing guns and shooting to kill. A little kung fu, a little John Wayne, and a few casual threats.
So far, I thought, my nerves jangling, just one more night on the job.

Ah, the Dresden Files. Modern-day pulp fiction, and yet so fun to read.

Harry Dresden’s career 3.5 stars

I looked up through the clear night at the almost-full moon. Werewolves jumping through windows at gangster's lackeys in unfinished restaurants. A mangled corpse in the middle of a blood-drenched floor. Berserk FBI field agents drawing guns and shooting to kill. A little kung fu, a little John Wayne, and a few casual threats.
So far, I thought, my nerves jangling, just one more night on the job.

Ah, the Dresden Files. Modern-day pulp fiction, and yet so fun to read.

Harry Dresden’s career is going downhill. His former friend and main source of income, Special Investigator Karrin Murphy, refuses to have anything to do with him. Things get so bad he can barely afford his next meal. But then a new murder mystery comes along, one involving brutally mutilated corpses, paw prints left behind on the scene, and a full moon…

This book was actually quite different in a number of ways. At first it actually seemed to have taken a step down from the level of Storm Front, but fortunately it got better and better as the story progressed. Writing, characterisation and most other aspects of the book are still rather mediocre, but Jim Butcher is visibly improving as a writer.

As a murder mystery, this book was a lot better than the first one. There are multiple suspects, interesting plot twists and overall there are simply more layers to the story. The reader gets more information about Harry’s past and personality, and about the nature of magic and magical beings. I especially enjoyed the introduction of Chauncy the demon, and Harry’s rather interesting conversation with his own subconscious.

In the end, this was not a great book, but it’s definitely going in the right direction. Most important of all, it actually made me excited about continuing with the series. And that’s something the first book wasn’t able to. Considering that most people seem to think that this is another of the second-rate Dresden books, I am certainly looking forward to reading the really good ones.
...more

flag 68 likes · Like · see review

Aug 23, 2014 Conor rated it liked it

Shelves: dresden-files, urban-fantasy

This was an alright read but not one that has left me eager to tear into the next 13 books already published in this series. There was quite a bit of world-building, especially about werewolves, but I didn't find it particularly immersive. Like in the first book Butcher's attempts to integrate fantasy into the modern world feel kind of forced and these 2 worlds still don't relate to each other in a believable or compelling way.

I also struggled with the characters in this one. Harry was frustrat This was an alright read but not one that has left me eager to tear into the next 13 books already published in this series. There was quite a bit of world-building, especially about werewolves, but I didn't find it particularly immersive. Like in the first book Butcher's attempts to integrate fantasy into the modern world feel kind of forced and these 2 worlds still don't relate to each other in a believable or compelling way.

I also struggled with the characters in this one. Harry was frustratingly self-righteous and Murphy was annoyingly judgmental and their tense, mistrustful interactions left me hoping one or both of them would be eaten by a werewolf (tbf their last scene together was pretty awesome and I'm hoping their relationship will continue on that note and leave behind the distrust that has been really annoying since half-way through the last book). Tera West was a pretty standard 'magical mystery person' with alien motivations and Susan was a typical love interest character with no discernible personality. The main villain in this one could have been a brilliant opportunity to explore the meaning of good vs. evil and challenge Harry's self-righteousness but instead was too busy working on his pantomime evil villain schtick. Johnny Marcone was still an interesting character although he really didn't develop in any meaningful way from the last book.

The highlights of this book were the hints about Harry's parentage and the ending (which bumped this up to 3 stars). The allusions to Harry's deceased parents not having been what they seemed, coupled with his affinity for dark magic, makes for a really interesting situation that I hope will be explored later on in the series. While the finale wasn't anywhere near Malazan proportions of epic-ness there was still enough action, and perhaps more importantly solid resolutions to various mysteries and plot points (see the Murphy-Harry relationship), to redeem what had at times been a frustratingly paced book.

This book was much darker than it's predecessor, with one section about halfway through containing a level of gore and violence previously unseen in this series. Butcher also demonstrated a willingness to abruptly kill off some reasonably important characters (spoiler: it's not Harry) that ratcheted up the tension and drama in this one.

Mostly on the recommendation of... pretty much all of my friends on here :D... I'm going to continue this series until book 4 in the hope that the various plot threads are pulled together and the story really takes off. ...more

flag 58 likes · Like · see review

Jun 04, 2010 Penny rated it it was ok

Shelves: reviewed-books, werewolves, zombies-aliens-vampires-dinos

Update 03-11-11(2): So my last update was hastily written, and in anger. Now that I've had time to cool off and think clearly I'm feeling bad. So here's another, less in-your-face way of saying it:

Warning: this review contains cheekiness. Please do not be offended or take this review too seriously as it is meant in jest. If you are a serious Dresden fan this review is probably not for you. So you should just read another review, k. Have a nice day. :)

Update 03-11-11: I've pretty much had it with ...more

flag 54 likes · Like · see review

Jan 07, 2015 Justin rated it it was ok

Well, I've copied my review from two years ago below, and I feel like it is pretty much on point with how I feel after reading the book a second time. Not really sure if I need to say much more. The only parts I really enjoyed were the scenes that alluded to Harry's past. I'm sticking around for more of that down the road, I hope.

The first half wasn't bad, and the book actually felt like it ended halfway through. It should have ended there. There's a big scene in the middle followed by a whole ...more

flag 50 likes · Like · see review

Jun 29, 2016 Lyn rated it liked it

Fool Moon is Jim Butcher’s second Harry Dresden novel, first published in 2001 to wild acclaim and popularity.

And why not? Butcher knew back then that he had a winning formula and he does. Cool and charismatic protagonist, excellent world building, and a fun set of magic rules to make even the most cynical of urban fantasy readers to tune in like a Cubs-Sox game on WGN. Even Coach Ditka would no doubt no reveal a hint of a smile behind the sunglasses and mustache and say in a mid-western twang, ...more

flag 49 likes · Like · see review

Dec 12, 2014 Will M. rated it liked it

Shelves: books-i-own, magic, paranormal, urban-fantasy, 2014

A gruesome murder comes along, and Harry Dresden's expertise is needed. A brutally mutilated corpse. Strange-looking paw prints. A full moon.

I really liked the first book of the series, and I was expecting a lot more from this. The premise screams werewolves, and that's actually my favorite supernatural creature. Werewolves are badass and ruthless, but once again, Butcher had his own take on the supernatural. He sort of mellowed it down, and made it more realistic. I don't hate his imaginative t ...more

flag 43 likes · Like · see review

Aug 22, 2017 Liam Degnan rated it it was ok

“It isn't enough to stand up and fight darkness. You've got to stand apart from it, too. You've got to be different from it.”

2.5 Stars .

Unless things drastically improve by book three, I think it's safe to say that The Dresden Files is one of the most overrated series of all time. At least the first two books, anyway ;]. For the life of me, I can't figure out why these are so outrageously popular. A good friend of mine read them around the same time that I did, and these were the words he ...more

flag 42 likes · Like · see review

Mar 06, 2017 Heidi The Reader rated it really liked it

Back into the world of Harry Dresden through another excellent audio book presentation. Between Fool Moon and Scarlet by Marissa Meyer, I've been reading about werewolves a lot. Not that I'm complaining.

The interesting premise of this book is that there are multiple ways to become a werewolf and it explores the problems associated with each. I enjoyed the juxtaposition and creativity the author showed in developing the different types. I always assumed a werewolf was just an unfortunate who rece ...more

flag 43 likes · Like · see review

Mar 25, 2015 Robin (Bridge Four) rated it liked it

Shelves: awesome-audio, buddy-read, fantastic-fantasy, sci-fi, super-sidekicks, uf-pnr, witches-warlocks-and-magic

Buddy read with a few friends at Buddies Books and Baubles.

description

Harry Dresden is going to grow on me. We have been on two outings now and already I see some real potential in this budding relationship between us.

Harry has a few things in his positive column right now:

✔ - Cool friends and acquaintances:

Bob – The skull animated by a sexually adventurous wind spirit who has the memory skills of a computer and a potions master status equivalent to Severus Snape.

Chauncy - Harry’s demon buddy who seems

...more

flag 36 likes · Like · see review

Jun 14, 2015 TS Chan rated it liked it · review of another edition

Fool Moon started to show promising signs of improvement over the first book, even though most fans indicate that the series really only get better from Book 3 or 4 onwards.

I definitely enjoyed Harry more as a character in this book as he just felt so real. His tendencies for hilarious soliloquy or internal monologues while facing dangerous and grim circumstances might be a tad cheesy sometimes but it was fun and I think it worked for stories like these. Harry's backstory was also being gradual Fool Moon started to show promising signs of improvement over the first book, even though most fans indicate that the series really only get better from Book 3 or 4 onwards.

I definitely enjoyed Harry more as a character in this book as he just felt so real. His tendencies for hilarious soliloquy or internal monologues while facing dangerous and grim circumstances might be a tad cheesy sometimes but it was fun and I think it worked for stories like these. Harry's backstory was also being gradually teased out; a very cheeky approach by Mr Butcher to keep me invested in our modern-day wizard and reading these books.

The plot in Fool's Moon was also better than Storm Front in my opinion. The mystery was more involving, the villain(s) more believable and it took me much longer to be able to cast any suspicions on who the real culprits were. The narrative also seemed to flow better in this instalment and I found myself excited to pick up the book again whenever I had to put it down to get on with real life.

I believe that this will be a pattern in the series where the readers get introduced to different forms of supernatural beings and foes as we progress from one book to the other. With “moon” in the title, I probably wouldn’t be spoiling anything by mentioning that we are dealing with werewolves in this novel. World-building in urban fantasy requires a pretty different level of creativity as one is confined to a certain extent with already commonly known myths of supernatural beings like werewolves, vampires, zombies, etc. I have to give it to the author for being able to take these well-known mythological creations and infuse some form of variation into them to make it his own.

The one thing that affected my enjoyment of this book was that of the tension building up between Harry and Agent Karrin Murphy, who works within the Special Investigation (read: weird stuff) division of the Chicago police force. This is the typical scenario where one tried to protect the former by not being completely upfront, and the latter then developed a mistrust of the former for doing so. The kind of character conflict which I absolutely disliked being used as a plot device. Just spare me the angst. Fortunately, it only lasted long enough until they had to work together to dispose of the enemy. Let’s just hope that the trajectory of their relationship continues to improve. Character development elsewhere still remained pretty bland. Notwithstanding, the story and worldbuilding were good enough to at least put this in the category of an entertaining read.

This review can also be found at Booknest ...more

flag 36 likes · Like · see review

Nov 09, 2016 Scott Hitchcock rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: butcher, urban-fantasy

90% of this book was a snorefest. It felt like one Adam 12 (look it up) in book form with a wizard thrown in. Then we get to the end and it turns awesome making me wonder if I should continue this or not. I know everybody says this gets better as the books go on but if he wastes the first quarter of every book letting us know who Harry is I won't make it. The last part when Harry transforms, to be vague and not spoil anything, is awesome. Great thought process and action.

flag 33 likes · Like · see review

May 19, 2010 Kate Lansky rated it did not like it

Shelves: urban-fantasy

A friend of mine adores this series, and sent my husband and me the entire thing. It showed up at our door in a big amazon box, and well, we got to reading. My husband is two books ahead of me, and promises me that things improve.

I dearly hope he's right.

First off, Butcher tries to pile WAY too much into this book. I hope this isn't a massive surprise, but guess what - this book is about werewolves. Now, you know how authors and movie makers, etc. will tell you "If you show the gun, you have to A friend of mine adores this series, and sent my husband and me the entire thing. It showed up at our door in a big amazon box, and well, we got to reading. My husband is two books ahead of me, and promises me that things improve.

I dearly hope he's right.

First off, Butcher tries to pile WAY too much into this book. I hope this isn't a massive surprise, but guess what - this book is about werewolves. Now, you know how authors and movie makers, etc. will tell you "If you show the gun, you have to USE the gun"? Butcher shows about twelve guns over the course of this book, and uses them all - even ones he doesn't actually NEED to use. For instance, at one point relatively early on, he shows about 5 guns at once - now, in this case, I'd only use one or two of those - it's fine, you're establishing a world and it's cool and fun to play. But it very quickly becomes clear that Butcher isn't content with giving you a sneak peek. He has to play with all his toys in one go. It just becomes overload - so much so that at one point, Butcher has to bring the novel to a screeching halt, look at the camera, and go "okay, let's remind the readers of what all is on Dresden's plate right now. Ready for the recap?" If an author has to do this - spend ten or so pages just reminding the reader of all the loose threads still lying around - then something is seriously wrong.

On top of this, Dresden spends almost the entire book two steps from death's door. After a while, it's hard to keep the reader on the edge of their seat like this. I started just feeling like "oh look, Dresden's almost dead again. Ladeedah." Things just... lost their intensity. Not only that, but I started to feel as though the author were writing fanfic of something. Dresden lost some of the depth we saw in book 1, gained a little aura of author-worship (a 'wouldn't it be awesome to be this guy?' feel), and started to peter out in my mind. It just wasn't as good.

Oh - and while the potion workings are kind of cool (okay, I really like the potions in Butcher's world), I swear, if he makes two potions at the start of a book that just HAPPEN to be exactly what he needs later on for reasons that have NOTHING to do with why he made the damn things in the first place... I just might scream. Potion Deus-Ex-Machina is not my idea of fun times.

update - I do want to say that, having read a bunch more of the series, I do think it's worthwhile. It's fun, it's interesting, and even though Butcher might not know his way around my city, it's a solid read. I'm glad I worked my way through the rough patches and kept going. ...more

flag 32 likes · Like · see review

Mar 07, 2014 Heather K (dentist in my spare time) rated it really liked it

Shelves: at-my-library, audiobook, urban-fantasy, shifters, paranormal, not-a-romance-book, little-to-no-sex-content, narrator-amazing

I can't review this properly. Harry Dresden took me right out of my book funk. I mean, who can be in a funk while listening to James Marsters??? No one! It is a proven fact.

I don't even care that James Marsters makes all of his characters sound almost the same. I don't care that he swallows and clears his throat all the time. His voice is perfect for Harry Dresden and I love him for it.

I love Bob the skull, I love how Harry cries when he is injured like a real person, I love the world that Jim ...more

flag 29 likes · Like · see review

Sep 25, 2008 Brad rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, mystery, urban-fantasy

Jim Butcher achieves something that no other authors of urban fantasy have done (at least not the ones I've read); he expresses how wonderful it is to be producing magic in a world like ours.

I don't expect characters to be jazzed about their magic skills in a classic fantasy world, where magic is like bowling and everyone knows about it, most people have dabbled, but only a few can bowl anywhere near a perfect score.

Nor do I expect wizards to remain wide-eyed about their skills if they find them ...more

flag 28 likes · Like · see review

May 08, 2015 Lindsey Rey rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2015, fantasy, mystery

Really enjoying this series! Can't wait for book 3!

flag 27 likes · Like · see review

Jan 25, 2014 Gary rated it really liked it

Shelves: sci-fi, urban-magic, series-worth-continuing

This book is a fast paced urban fantasy novel that succeeds because of the likable characters and the well-designed world. Harry, the main character, is an archetypal everyman with spells.
The novel builds on the basic werewolf premise, but quickly evolves into a creative and original spin on what would seem a well told (or otherwise worn out) type of tale. The author’s skill, ingenuity and craftiness keep the plot fresh and entertaining.
The book borders on victim literature as Harry struggles t ...more

flag 26 likes · Like · see review

Sep 20, 2016 Philip rated it it was ok

Shelves: urban-fantasy, supernatural

2.5ish stars.

I didn't love it.

Not that it's any worse than the first book, which sounds like a condemnation but it's not. The first book, Storm Front, was pretty good; it got my attention. I was expecting things to build on it in this book and beyond but, if anything, it feels to me like a "two steps back" situation. The decrease in rating is a reflection of frustrated expectations more than a reflection of decrease in quality.

Again, I didn't think the writing or the characterizations or anyt 2.5ish stars.

I didn't love it.

Not that it's any worse than the first book, which sounds like a condemnation but it's not. The first book, Storm Front, was pretty good; it got my attention. I was expecting things to build on it in this book and beyond but, if anything, it feels to me like a "two steps back" situation. The decrease in rating is a reflection of frustrated expectations more than a reflection of decrease in quality.

Again, I didn't think the writing or the characterizations or anything was markedly different from #1 and therein lies the problem. I have a hard time understanding why this book exists beyond just providing another freak-of-the-week villain for Harry Dresden, Chicago's resident wizard, to defeat. We learned a little (very little) about Harry's origins, but other than that... his relationships with the recurring characters didn't seem to grow, not a whole lot of worldbuilding was added to the existing structure, and there isn't yet a serialized storyline continuing between the books that makes me want to find out what happens next. Vague references are made to some mastermind that is siccing these baddies on Harry, but that's not enough to hook me.

A couple minor characters that I'm loving and want to see more of are Chaunzaggoroth and Bob. They provided the best parts of the book, I think. Susan and Murphy? I could take or leave. Obviously it's a requirement for Harry to pick up a real love interest eventually but if it comes down to these two, eh, I don't really care.

Embarrassing confession: I don't know how I got this impression from the first book- I must have glossed over the parts where Murphy's description was provided- but this whole time I've been thinking of Karrin Murphy as a short, plump, middle-aged woman with a button nose and a blonde head of hair. Basically I've been picturing Professor Umbridge in a police uniform doing Aikido. When someone mentions that Harry should ask her out I'm thinking, "Ew, why?" But apparently she's just short, button-nosed and blonde without being plump, middle-aged or toad-like. I think she'd be way cooler the way I envisioned her.

The drama this time around came through a convoluted plot involving a few different groups of werewolf-type creatures. Ironically, I became increasingly bored as the action started heating up. I guess I'm not invested in the characters enough to worry about what happens to them. Or it really was just boring. So, yeah. The mediocrity of this entry in the series is made apparent because of its inability to provide anything deeper than or different from the series starter. The general consensus seems to be that it actually gets good at book 4 so I'll stick around for at least a few more books. ...more

flag 24 likes · Like · see review

Apr 09, 2015 Sh3lly rated it liked it

Shelves: urban-fantasy, magic, shifters-weres, buddy-read, read-2015, 3-stars

I had a hard time getting into this one, but it was still pretty decent. Harry has to figure out who is killing people - and the victims look like they've been savaged by wolves. I'm not a huge werewolf fan, so maybe that is part of why this wasn't as interesting to me. But I did like how there are different types of werewolves in this world and I don't think any of them can be turned. It mainly involves magical spells or curses.

I find it annoying how Harry is always running off alone and rejec ...more

flag 24 likes · Like · see review

Oct 31, 2008 Danielle The Book Huntress (Back to the Books) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: detective-private-eye-sleuth, favorites, hero-to-die-for, knight-in-shining-armor, magic, nerd-prof-scientist-genius-geek, owned-copy, part-of-a-series, occult-detective, urban-fantasy

I loved this book. Could it be my fixation with werewolves? Could it be how Butcher describes the various types of weres? Could it be the almost non-stop action? Or is the fact that I get more of one of my favorite characters? Probably a little of all of these.

Fool Moon takes of at a running pace after Storm Front. While Storm Front had to spend time in exposition, this world of Dresden is set up, so we can get more into the action. Harry has to deal with some seriously nasty werewolves, loup g ...more

flag 23 likes · Like · see review

Jun 14, 2012 Lisa Kay rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: character-witch-warlock-wizard, genre-paranormal, vocation-private-investigator, authors-b, authors-j, setting-usa-illinois, male-pov, 2012-in-2012-group-challenge, xyzcover-moon-stars-zodiac, series-d

Harry Dresden Fan Art ~ by thegryph (Nicole Cardiff)

★★★★ I love Harry Dresden. I love his duster, his blasting rod and staff, his shield bracelet and force rings, his mother’s silver pentacle amulet, and the way he keeps upgrading these - just like we all do with the technological toys that make our life easier. I love the way he talks about magic, and I love the way he combines elements to create his magic. I know, I should quit gushing and get to the storyline, but he’s just so loveable, even Harry Dresden Fan Art ~ by thegryph (Nicole Cardiff)

★★★★½ I love Harry Dresden. I love his duster, his blasting rod and staff, his shield bracelet and force rings, his mother’s silver pentacle amulet, and the way he keeps upgrading these - just like we all do with the technological toys that make our life easier. I love the way he talks about magic, and I love the way he combines elements to create his magic. I know, I should quit gushing and get to the storyline, but he’s just so loveable, even though he’s a cynical, irascible, wizard turned private investigator. This resident ‘anti-hero’ who occasionally works for Lieutenant Karrin Murphy, Director of Special Investigation, Chicago, Illinois, has wormed his way into my heart.

Man-oh-man, does Harry get into trouble in this action-packed case! In Fool Moon Harry starts investigating werewolf-related killings, meeting a young group of them called the Alphas. Alas, he also encounters the FBI. Unfortunately (or is it fortunately? as he appears at some opportune times), because some of the killings are his men or associates, head crime boss “Gentleman” Johnnie Marcone is back. He’s still trying to woo – if you can call it that – Harry into working for him.

Again, I enjoyed Harry’s alchemical potions – which are typically of “one-shot” duration; they are always fun. I love that after making them, Harry puts them in plastic sports bottles. He makes them with the help of Bob, an über intelligent – but lecherous – air spirit inhabiting a human skull in Harry’s sub-basement laboratory.

Bob also tells Harry about the “loup garou.”

“Loup-garou,” Bob said. “Or that was the name Etienne the Enchanter used for them, before he got burned at the stake. The loup-garou are the major monsters, Harry. Someone has cursed them to become a wolflike demon, and usually at the full moon. That someone’s got to be really powerful, too, like a major heavyweight sorcerer or a demon lord or one of the Faerie Queens. When the full moon comes, they transform into a monster, go on a killing spree, and slaughter everything they come across until the moon sets or the sun rises.”

It is always interesting to see which one of the wizard’s numerous contacts from the various groups within the Nevernever Harry is going to use; in this one he contacts Chaunzaggoroth – or “Chauncy” – an untrustworthy demon informant who also gives Harry some tantalizing backstory on Harry’s mother.

I suspected who was doing the killings, but not all of it. However, a surprise for me, and one of the funniest parts, involves Murphy – who is still pissed at Harry from what happened in Storm Front. While Harry’s relationship with Susan Rodriguez, a reporter, is heating up, I am still secretly rooting for something to happen between Harry and Murphy. I got a big kick out of how, (view spoiler). I wanted nothing more than their misunderstanding cleared up, and instead it just gets more muddled; I didn’t think I could find humor in such an upsetting scene, but it was a hilarious high-light.

All in all, an enjoyable read! I strongly recommend this Urban Fantasy series.

...more

flag 22 likes · Like · see review

Aug 20, 2010 Desperado rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-fiction, pnr-monthly-reads, 5-and-4-star-ratings, reviews, favorite-reads-of-2010

My Thoughts:

Alot of my friends (you know who you are) have been urging me to try this series for months. I read the first book, Storm Front back in August & I wasn't impressed. But I'm glad I decided to stick with it because Fool Moon kicked major ass. Friends, I am eternally grateful for the relentless peer-pressure & threats of bodily harm *cough cough* Catherine *cough cough* if I didn't give this series a go. Muah!

In the previous book, Harry Dresden had to battle a beyond nutso Warlo My Thoughts:

Alot of my friends (you know who you are) have been urging me to try this series for months. I read the first book, Storm Front back in August & I wasn't impressed. But I'm glad I decided to stick with it because Fool Moon kicked major ass. Friends, I am eternally grateful for the relentless peer-pressure & threats of bodily harm *cough cough* Catherine *cough cough* if I didn't give this series a go. Muah!

In the previous book, Harry Dresden had to battle a beyond nutso Warlock bent on ending him. This time around, the flavor of the month is Werewolves, & oh do they come in a few gruesome flavors. We learn alot about the many different weres; hexenwolves & loup-garou to name a few. Because of how savage this particular supe has been portrayed in literature, it made for a very gory book....& I LOVED it. I'm all about the blood, guts, & evisceration & Butcher can create a truly horrifing monster when he puts his mind to it. Blame it on Laurell K. Hamilton for deliciously scaring the shit out of me with Guilty Pleasures when I was still wearing training bras. I also loved the various plot lines, the reappearance of old characters (Jimmy Fingers!!) & the introduction of new ones. And I especially loved Harry Dresden.

Harry Dresden really stepped up his game in this book. In Storm Front, I couldn't really connect with him as a character. He seemed a little wimpy & unsure of himself, despite being a self-proclaimed badass wizard. But in this book, he lived up to his moniker. He kicked ass left & right & it was amazing. The things that geeky wizard can do with his rod makes my toes curl. Yes, he acted a little too cocksure sometimes. But you have to be. The second you get super scared is the second you make mistakes & then your happy ass is dead. Even when Harry was ready to piss his pants, he had a plan & he made things happen. Because of that, my perception of him has almost completely changed.

Not to say this book was all peaches & cream. There were more than a few cheesy moments. Like the badass trench coat that is gifted to Harry out of the blue on the night he goes off to save the world. Ironic much? Not to mention, Murphy pissed me off to where was itching to pistol whip her with her own gun. I hear she becomes more likeable as the series progresses but at this point, I hate the terrible way she treats Harry & I hate that he allows her to. Then there's the whole Susan storyline. I'm starting to like the chick, but it seems like all she does is run around with a camcorder or give Harry inappropriate booty action. Which was straight nasty. I love smut but I had to skip that scene.

Overall, this was pretty fantastic book. It put The Dresden Files on the map for me. Whereas before, I could take it or (mostly) leave it, now I'm excited to continue this series. The third book is Grave Peril & I can't wait to read about what supernatural baddies Harry comes up against next. But please, enough with the sex. I see Harry as a brother & I don't want to read about my brother getting his rocks off. *Lethal gags* ...more

flag 22 likes · Like · see review

Sep 13, 2017 Olivia rated it liked it

Shelves: fantasy

I'm really only here because so many people swear this turns into something more amazing than a large pizza after a long day, so of course they got my interest. The first two books are solid urban fantasy mysteries, but I'm expecting something mind blowing to follow. Harry Dresden, you better not disappoint me.

flag 22 likes · Like · see review

Sep 27, 2016 Jody McGrath rated it it was amazing

Harry the wizard is back. Nope, not that one. Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden. Wizard for hire. Harry hasn't had a lot of work come his way. He has been on the outs with Murphy his police officer friend who usually gives him work. When he does receive a call from her, he knows it is going to be a bad one. Yep, bad. Mangled corpse. Evisceration. Pools of blood. Oh yeah, and giant paw prints. The full moon brings out more than the crazies!

I love Harry. He is an honest-to-God good guy. But he ...more

flag 23 likes · Like · see review

Nov 28, 2017 Brent rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, kindle

I decided to give the series another try. I liked this one better than the first but some things still feel forced. Like Murphy's unrelenting antagonism. And Harry's need to save everyone, all the time.

flag 22 likes · Like · see review

Jan 22, 2019 Lena K. rated it liked it

Shelves: urban-fantasy

“Tragically misunderstood? Hah! I understand you, buddy. You’re such a pompous, arrogant, pretentious, chauvinistic, hopelessly old-fashioned, stupidly pigheaded...” Murphy went on in graphic detail and at great length about me as she walked away.

Yep, that pretty much sums up my thoughts about Harry too...

Murphy is asking Harry to help her with a string of murders that look like animal killings. It turns out she is stepping outside of her jurisdiction and the FBI gets in the picture, and of co ...more

flag 20 likes · Like · see review

Apr 20, 2010 Ethan rated it did not like it

Well, my friend was right. This is better than the dreadful first book in the Jim Butcher Self-Actualization series. But not a whole lot better.

Harry Dresden should have been dead several times over, yet somehow manages to survive despite being terrifically stupid. Thank goodness his arch-nemeses (the innumerable people who somehow have it in for Dresden) are as incredibly stupid as he is, or else this series would have been over partway through the first book. Only a diabolical fiend would try Well, my friend was right. This is better than the dreadful first book in the Jim Butcher Self-Actualization series. But not a whole lot better.

Harry Dresden should have been dead several times over, yet somehow manages to survive despite being terrifically stupid. Thank goodness his arch-nemeses (the innumerable people who somehow have it in for Dresden) are as incredibly stupid as he is, or else this series would have been over partway through the first book. Only a diabolical fiend would try to kill someone by handing out magical talismans to random individuals who are not even remotely connected to Dresden. Diabolical, indeed. And pretty dumb. This is suspension of disbelief at its finest.

In addition to being a dumbass, Harry Dresden is also indestructible. I get the feeling that Jim Butcher has seen way too many action movies where the heroes get the piss beat out of them with various implements then somehow manage to get back up and keep swinging. There are numerous instances of Dresden’s near-immortality, but my favorite was the time he gets beaten senseless by members of a lycanthropic biker gang (these guys are apparently strong enough to break bones with backhand slaps) and ends up with no internal injuries, no broken bones, not even a concussion. This is a day or two after he’s been shot in the shoulder by a police weapon (maybe a .38, I dunno) and had his foot chewed on by a super-powerful werewolf who can rip through steel bars with ease but somehow can’t seem to bite the foot off of a scrawny geek wizard. But the werewolf gets the boot off Dresden’s foot: scary stuff, indeed.

Other precious moments: Harry Dresden talking to himself, literally, in a dream sequence. But it gets better! His alter-ego is super-studly, sporting a slick leather duster and a very fashionable beard on his incredibly handsome, strong-jawed face. When I read that, I vomited in my mouth just a little bit. I mean, come on!

You also have to wonder why, at the zero hour, with doom just around the corner, the protagonist and his girlfriend are suddenly overwhelmed with the urge to have sex. Never, in all of my most stressful moments, have I ever been overcome by a desire to have sex. Dresden is supposed to be preparing for the Final Confrontation between the forces of good and evil, and here he is, smacking his girlfriend’s ass in carnal delight. Really? Seriously? I’d be loading up on ammo and trying to figure out how NOT to get killed, but Dresden is apparently too much of a sexual dynamo to be bothered with such trifles. After the sex scene, his girlfriend gives him a nice leather duster which she’s apparently been toting around for no other reason than to give it to him so he can look good before going into the final fight with the bad guys. I’d prefer an AK-47 loaded with silver bullets, myself. But that’s just me.

In addition to his awesome magical powers (he has several passages describing his magical awesomeness), Dresden also has the uncanny ability to appreciate the total HOTNESS of all the chicks he comes into contact with (and they’re all hot, for some reason). He always finds the time to admire their hotness: no matter the situation, there’s always a lithe leg or a pair of incredibly perky ta-ta’s to draw Dresden’s attention. My favorite was during a tense situation with some federal agents in which Dresden notices (from several dozen yards away) a woman’s nipples get hard—“I saw the tips of her breasts stiffen beneath her white shirt”. Brilliant stuff.

On the upside, there is plenty of action in this book, no matter how eye-rolling it may be. And lots of masturbation material for pimply teens who don’t get out much. My friend lent me the next book in the series, Grave Peril, so I will probably give that a try just to see if Dresden turns into an interesting character, but I’m not terribly hopeful. Definitely a one star book.

...more

flag 21 likes · Like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
UCAS English 11 R...: November Reading Assignment	1	2	Nov 30, 2018 08:54PM
For Love of a Book: Fool Moon -Buddy Read November	14	26	Feb 28, 2018 08:15PM
Fantasy Buddy Reads: Fool Moon [Aug 2017]	51	52	Nov 03, 2017 07:36PM
Dresden Files - Murphy Attitude (Potential Spoilers)	3	42	Dec 22, 2016 12:23PM
Saucy Wenches Boo...: Fool Moon (The Dresden Files #2) by Jim Butcher	24	17	Jun 18, 2016 10:43AM

Readers Also Enjoyed

Genres

Fantasy

5,641 users

Fantasy > Urban Fantasy

3,866 users

Mystery

1,289 users

Fiction

1,127 users

Fantasy > Paranormal

869 users

Fantasy > Magic

566 users

See top shelves…

About Jim Butcher

Jim Butcher

36,648 followers

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