Series Read: The Dresden Files - Jim Butcher

[Dale]

It's been a while since I attempted to read it but from what I remember I think I just felt it was a bit generic and boring. Nothing about any of the characters really stood out and the story didn't hook me. That said I felt more or less the same way about Storm Front (first Dresden Files book) and now it's one of my favorites series, so maybe it deserves another chance.

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Fair enough.,it took a few Dresden books for me to get really hooked. I think the series really takes off at book 6. I'll have to read the series again before the next one is released and see if I feel differently. I think there is just so much world building and character building taking place in those first books.

I've picked Hounded for my Feb book club so that I'm sure to not put it on the back burner again ;)

[Marla]

Hi, I'm back...listening to

I am torn whether I want to read or listen to these books! I do like listening to James Marsters :D

(view spoiler)[ I hope Susan gets her memories back! I'm glad that she saved Harry.

These bad vampires are annoying. The tormented vampires and humans was so scary!!

Where is Murphy? I miss her! Wake up Murphy!! (hide spoiler)]

[Laura]

Hey Erin,
here we are: I'm looking forward to trying this one. Do we want to try a chapter a day? ( unless it fits for my many challenges I suspect I will be much slower reading this one!)

[Laura]

Yeah, my copy of is in. I can pick it up tomorrow and start tomorrow evening!

[Laura]

STORM FRONT BUDDY READ

[Laura]

Chapters 1 & 2
(view spoiler)[
I had no idea really what this book was about. I 'm intrigued in the first 12 pages.
I wonder what Harry can do as a wizard? So we are off to a great start in the first couple of chapters; a little humor and some mystery, which make for two of my favorite elements in a book.

I wonder how much trouble Harry is going to get into with the council for helping the police investigate this double murder.
Interested to see why Johnny Marcone wants to meet with Harry!
(hide spoiler)]

[Erin]

Hey Laura! I'll be starting tonight! Chapter a day sounds good :)

[Laura]

Erin wrote: "Hey Laura! I'll be starting tonight! Chapter a day sounds good :)"

Great! I am liking it so far! Looking forward to reading more, but I will wait!

[Erin]

Chapter 1&2

(view spoiler)[So far I'm liking it! I like when there's the mix of magic and police procedural, where half the people belive in magic and the other half think it's a scam. I hope we get to find out more about Harry's past- everything about the white council seems really interesting!

After reading a little bit, I'm pretty sure I must have watched a movie or tv show about this- I don't recognize this specific case, but the character seems really familiar. (hide spoiler)]

I didn't realize how short the chapters were going to be, so we can definitely do more than one a day if that works for you. I have more free time the next few days, so I should be able to get a lot more reading done :)

[Laura]

Yes, they are very short, we can try a few more if you like. Lets aim for 3 then?

[Erin]

Sounds good!

[MelanieJoy]

got my copy! I'll try to keep up!

[Laura]

Yeah Melanie, the good thing is they are short quick chapters and the story draws you in early. You should be able to catch up and we aren't setting a fast pace (I'm being very good... I have too many books on the go to concentrate soley on one!)

[Laura]

Chapters 3, 4, 5
(view spoiler)[
I guess I should have seen that coming, of course Johnny Marcone wants to talk with Harry because he doesn't want him working with the cop.
I wonder what happened to Victor? Looking forward to finding out.

I find Harry is a bit of an oddball. I think his past is interesting as we just get tidbits now and then. P61" I had been a miserable failure in relationships.....Not many of them murder the girl involved??
Wow , what happened there?
(hide spoiler)]

[Erin]

Chapters 3-5

(view spoiler)[Marcone was a lot creepier than I was expecting. I wonder if he has some magic in him, or if he's just a really terrible person. I was surprised how rattled Harry was after their meeting.

I think the Monica character is pretty interesting- I feel like she must know more than she's saying to choose to go to a wizard over a regular PI. And the fact that money doesn't seem to be an issue is odd too.

I really want to know more about Harry's other failed relationships too- you can't just throw something out like that and not give more details! (hide spoiler)]

[Laura]

Chapters 6-8
(view spoiler)[
I am enjoying the book so far. I liked the bit of wizardy that Harry performed to catch the faery. Harry is definitely invested in finding the killer now that the Council thinks he is responsible for the murders. Ha, I wonder if Harry will use the love potion.
(hide spoiler)]

[Erin]

Chapters 6-8
(view spoiler)[ I liked the faery bit too. I like this take on faeries as silly little things with short memories. I wonder how long it's going to take to find out about why Harry's in such hot water with the Council. It doesn't seem like there's enough time to dive into it in this book- maybe it'll get resolved later in the series. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 9-11
(view spoiler)[ The book is starting to really get interesting now- so many possible suspects, and so many new enemies for Harry. There still seems like there's not enough time for everything to get resolved, but things are starting to tie together more. I'm starting to like Harry more in this section. He felt kind of generic before.

I really love the cat Mister- he reminds me of one of the cats we had when I was younger. He was so huge we always said there had to be some wildcat in him. (hide spoiler)]

[Laura]

Chapters 9-11
(view spoiler)[
I agree there isn't much time left to solve this murder or tie everything together. I think the last half of this book is going to move very quickly.
I couldn't figure out if the guy who hit Harry was part of the Council or with the Marcone group. Harry is starting to amass enemies! The vampire scene was really different. Definitely a different spin to vampires. I wasn't sure if I liked it or not!
Ha, I think Harry just fainted at the end of chapter 11!

EDIT-- Ha, yes, I like his cat too. My cat that passed away last fall was a big cat like Mister!
(hide spoiler)]

I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the book! I put book 2 on hold if you are interested in continuing the series together, Erin.

[Laura]

Chapters 12-14
(view spoiler)[
Poor Harry, after reading chapter 12 it sounds like he has a concussion. The phone call to Monica was interesting, I wonder if her missing husband was there and thats why she tried to give Harry the brushoff?

I wonder if Murphy and Harry will end up together in later books or is this just going to be a working relationship??

Bob is a quirky addition to the storyline! Ha, I liked that Susan drank the wrong potion!

Wow, I love all the supernatural stuff in this book so far. Harry's fight with the demon was awesome. I like that he didn't leave Susan to die. Oh boy, I wonder how he is going to get out of trouble with the Council? The police too? Harry is mega trouble right now! I can't wait to see how it ends. (hide spoiler)]

[Erin]

Chapter 12-14
(view spoiler)[ This whole section was really good! The fight with the demon was really good- and I like that the book is funny even during the more action packed scenes.

I was thinking the same thing about Murphy and Harry, they might be the end goal for the series. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 15-17
(view spoiler)[ The scene at the Varsity club was great. I was pretty sure Marcone wasn't the one behind the guy stealing Harry's hair- I'm really curious to find out who's behind the shadow now. I'm surprised more people haven't come after Harry if hurting him is as easy as stealing his hair. He should have more defense against something like that!

I don't love the new conflict between Harry and Murphy. I get why he thinks he needs to keep the info to himself, but that kind of things drives me crazy- just tell her waht she needs to know! If the actually communicated with each other, maybe they'd be able to solve this thing sooner! (hide spoiler)]

I'd be interested in continuing the series- not sure when I'll be able to get a copy of book 2, but I'll check at the library :)

[Laura]

My copy might come in tomorrow, I can wait for you. As its only book 2 I can probably put a renewal on my copy if need be.

[Laura]

Chapter 15-17
(view spoiler)[
I liked the scene at the Varsity as well. I actually thought the hair scene was weird. It seems a very easy way to hurt him. Though I guess him being a wizard not many people are going to get close to him.
I wonder if the shadow is a part of the Council? Are they trying to frame Harry or kill him? I love Harry's humor! (hide spoiler)]

[Laura]

chapter 18-20
(view spoiler)[
Slowly Harry is figuring it all out. If whatever it is doesn't get him in the pending storm. I hope Monica has the answers for him (hide spoiler)]

[Laura]

chapters 21- 23
(view spoiler)[
Wow, I wasn't sure if Monica was going to help or not. Information is powerful! Monica's daughter was very mature about the situation with her dad.
The fight with the scorpion was intense. I had a feeling Murphy would be hurt (since I saw her name on the list of characters for book 2 I know she isn't dead!!!) Things just can't get much worse for Harry can they? I love his character. He is in serious trouble with the Council and trying to stop Victor is going to be a challenge. I 'm excited to see how it is all going to play out. (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 24 -end
(view spoiler)[
I loved it. The fight with Victor, the demon and the scorpions was action packed( which I love) and it was a little gruesome as well. I wasn't sure how Harry was going to get out of the house, I certainly didn't except Morgan to bail him out! The action, humor, all things paranormal, Mister, and relationship between Harry & Murphy resulted in a 4 stars for me. I 'm looking forward to book 2!! (hide spoiler)]

Sorry Erin, once I read the 3 chapters for today I just couldn't put it down especially when I realized there were only 4 chapters left!

[Erin]

21- end
(meant to post this last night before I left for work)
(view spoiler)[ I was starting to suspect that Monica was being shady and not completely honest with Harry, but I was surprised that it was Victor working with that couple. I feel bad for Monica, but this is another one of those "if people had just communicated with each other none of this would have happened" situations.

I like that it was Morgan who wound up getting Harry out of trouble. It shows the guy really was doing what he thought wa best he just thought putting Harry away was the best thing.. I hope we learn more about Harry's master- Harry mentions off hand that he killed him, I want more of that story.

I hope in the next books Harry and Murphy patch things up- would probably be helpful if Harry actually talked to her and was honest, but that doesn't really seem to be his MO (hide spoiler)]

I'm next in line for a copy of book 2, so I'll let you know when it comes in. If you can't wait to get started though, I'll understand :)

[Laura]

I didnt get my copy yet. I'm hoping it comes in Monday ( fingers crossed)

[Laura]

Erin , I have book 2. I haven't started as I 'm trying to wait for you and finish a big chunkster! Do you have a copy yet?

[Erin]

Hey! Still waiting for my copy- should be returned sometime this week. Fingers crossed!

[Erin]

Laura! Finally got my copy- sorry it took so long! Want to aim for the same, 3-4 chapters a day? When would you want to start?

[Laura]

Wahoo! No worries. Does tomorrow work? 3 chapters sound good? I'll catch up if I fall behind.

[Erin]

Perfect!

[Laura]

***************************** Book 2 *************************************by Jim Butcher

Chapters 1-3(view spoiler)[
I'm happy to be reading about Harry again! A tentative truce between Harry and Murphy? I wonder what the FBI agent knows that Murphy doesn't? (hide spoiler)]

[Erin]

Of course I completely forgot that I was working a double shift yesterday, so I got a late start- sorry!

Chapters 1-3
(view spoiler)[ ok, I'm already liking this book a little better than the first in the series-I was wondering how the situation between Harry and Karen would work out, I like that they're dealing with it right away.

The FBI agents seem super shady- can't wait to see how they're connected to it all! (hide spoiler)]

[Laura]

No worries Erin!Life is busy. I understand that. I'm hoping to read more tonight but I'm not sure if I'll have time to squeeze in reading time. Fingers crossed.

[Erin]

Chapters 4-6
(view spoiler)[ Here they go again- doing their whole "keeping secrets" again. You'd think they would have learned from the last book that never works out. I like the group of werewolves- the mystery is really interesting so far (hide spoiler)]

[Laura]

chapters 4-6
(view spoiler)[
Ha, yes you would think Harry would have learned his lesson! I am liking the mystery so far as well. I 'm looking forward to seeing Jim Butcher's take on werewolves. I am a big fan of the paranormal genre!
(hide spoiler)]

Chapters 7-9
(view spoiler)[
Bob adds a bit of humor to the story! I can't decide if agent Denton is on Murphy's side or not. I can 't decide if I like that Harry intentionally puts himself in these situations with possible terrible outcomes or not! Intense scene with the Pack!
I want to read more and see what happens with Johnny Marcone but I 'm off to work! (hide spoiler)]

[Erin]

Chapter 7-9
(view spoiler)[ I agree- I don't know if I like how Harry keeps getting himself into these messes. You'd think he'd learn at some point! I like that it seems like there's still a lot about the supernatural world that Harry doesn't know about, all those different kinds of werewolves to try to figure out (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 10-12
(view spoiler)[ ah man- right when I wa thinking Harry and Murphy were actually going to be getting along for once! I'm telling you- they really need to learn to communicate better (hide spoiler)]

[Laura]

Chapter 10-12
(view spoiler)[
Wow, ha, I knew eventually we would see him arrested. I can't wait to see what happens next. Butcher is a bit gruesome isn't he? (hide spoiler)]

Sorry Erin, I'm way far behind, but I have lots of good reading time today.

[Laura]

Chapters 13-16
(view spoiler)[
Tera is an interesting character. I 'm not sure if she has anything to do with the killings that MacFinn didn't do. I'm enjoying all the little bits of magic! I'm looking forward to seeing if Harry can stop MacFinn from killing anyone else and if he can stay out of jail!!!
(hide spoiler)]

Chapters 17-19
(view spoiler)[
Gruesome but action packed! I'm not sure what Carmichael's death is going to do to Harry & Murphy's already strained relationship (hide spoiler)]

[Erin]

whoops, now I'm the one behind! I should catch up today- will post tonight :)

[Erin]

Chapters 13-16
(view spoiler)[ I like Tera- I'm really curious to see what kind of supernatural being she is. I don't think she is responsible for the killings, but she's definitely doing something shady with her group on teen wolfs (hide spoiler)]

[Laura]

Erin, this book was really good, I 'm sorry, once I caught up I raced ahead ( it fit very well for 3 challenges this week.... that never happens). I finished it.
chapter 20 - end

(view spoiler)[
So much happened! Harry always finds himself in a tight spot! I liked the story, maybe a bit more gruesome then what I 'm reading lately but I liked it. I liked the spin on the FBI instead of helping they were bad! I think Marcone's character is growing on me even though he is a bad guy! I thought he was going to leave them all there. I'm interested to see what happens with Murphy and Harry now. Harry turning into the werewolf was really weird but fascinating at the same time.
Is the council setting Harry up?
Looking forward to book 3!!
(hide spoiler)]
Sorry I raced ahead!

[Steven]

Just so you ladies know, book three's opener confuses a lot of people -- no you haven't met the character before, even though the book starts and acts like you should know who he is already.

Just a heads up :P

[Laura]

Steven wrote: "Just so you ladies know, book three's opener confuses a lot of people -- no you haven't met the character before, even though the book starts and acts like you should know who he is already.

Just ..."

Thank you!

[Delitealex]

When do you all plan to start book three. I'm finishing up storm front today and will be reading book 2 soon.

[Laura]

Delitealex wrote: "When do you all plan to start book three. I'm finishing up storm front today and will be reading book 2 soon."

My copy didn't come in yet and I don't know if Erin was able to get one. Hopefully soon? I can post when I get it and then wait if no one has a copy.

Our comments are above this one for book 1 if you wanted to join in!( scroll up)

[Nancy D Miz-Firefly aka Sparky]

Hi. I'm pretty new to the forums. Mind if I join ya'll starting with Grave Peril?

[Erin]

Ah man, I kept forgetting to post this!
Chapter 17-end
(view spoiler)[ I knew the FBI dudes were super shady- though to be fair I thought it was going to be more on the take, or protecting one of their own or something. The fact that they were actually turning themselves into wolves seems really stupid, why would they think that was the best way to take down Marcone?? I guess if you're not used to the magic world, you wouldn't take things as seriously. I liked it though. I hope in Book 3 we can avoid the whole "miscommunication leading to Murphy arresting Dresden" thing they like so much (hide spoiler)]

I have a hold out on Grave Peril and I'm next in line, but it took forever for Fool Moon to be available, so hopefully it'll show up before you guys start!

[Laura]

Nancy wrote: "Hi. I'm pretty new to the forums. Mind if I join ya'll starting with Grave Peril?"

Hi Nancy, not at all, we would be happy to have you.