Help a fella on the hunt for some Fantasy?

[Elizabeth]

I'm all about character developement (though it's something I struggle with myself in my own writings.)So, what about the character's developement makes the Codex Alera a gripping read?

[John]

I'd like to respectfully disagree with you, Marc. I think The Dresden Files is a bit more uneven, in that the first couple books are not as strong as the rest of the series, while Codex Alera is a more even work, but I think Dresden rises to greater heights. Maybe it's because I'm a bigger fan of epic fantasy, but I don't think Alera is all that noteworthy in the genre, while Dresden is a very good urban fantasy (that's said with the caveat that I'm not as immersed in urban fantasy).

I guess I just feel like Butcher is stylistically better equipped for urban fantasy than for epic.

[Marc]

Elizabeth wrote: "I'm all about character developement (though it's something I struggle with myself in my own writings.)So, what about the character's developement makes the Codex Alera a gripping read? "

I'm not sure I can answer you without spoilers.

Alerans have a special magic called furies, which are spirit beings similar to elementals, that give them power over various substances. Every Aleran has at least one, some have several. Ancient lineages have many, and great political power as well. The main character of the book has no furies at all, and has grown up using his wits and imagination to do what other people do with their furies. Throw in a few invasions and a great deal of political in-fighting, some betrayals, etc., and enjoy.

[Arthur]

John wrote: "I'd like to respectfully disagree with you, Marc. I think The Dresden Files is a bit more uneven, in that the first couple books are not as strong as the rest of the series, while Codex Alera is a ..."

I wonder when he finishes the series? How many books is he planning to write?

[Marc]

John wrote: "I'd like to respectfully disagree with you, Marc. I think The Dresden Files is a bit more uneven, in that the first couple books are not as strong as the rest of the series, while Codex Alera is a ..."

That's quite true, but my own preference is for characters over plot or setting. Dresden starts out as an adult, knowing his powers, who goes through a lot, but it's mainly plotting, solving puzzles. Basically the gizmo effect, where the focus of the book is a gizmo - a weapon, a quest, an alien race, a puzzle - instead of the person solving the puzzle. The Alera books are about a boy discovering all the truth about himself that many people had a vested interest in keeping hidden, or didn't know themselves. And everything he learns about himself upsets the applecarts of everyone around him. They both involve mysteries and adventure and trying to survive, but one has growth and discovery and the other doesn't, really, at least not in the books I've read, which admittedly isn't all of them.

[Elizabeth]

I think Dresden's growth as a character is based upon his coming to terms with his past, a past that you are not directly introduced to in the books. Maybe the books would've appealed to you more if Butcher had been more forthcoming with Dresden's past.

That said,I like the concept of a kid without powers growing up tough in a land where everyone has powers. My brother read one of them, and said he's getting the rest of the series and I can have them after him, so I'm definitely reading the Codex Alera! Yay!

[Schnaucl]

Elizabeth wrote: "I think Dresden's growth as a character is based upon his coming to terms with his past, a past that you are not directly introduced to in the books. Maybe the books would've appealed to you more i..."

Apparently the Alera series was written on a bet/dare which I found interesting. It's Pokemon meets Lost Roman Legions. If you ever get a chance to hear Butcher speak, go! He's highly entertaining.

[Elizabeth]

Yeah, he's got witty down to an art. I follow Butcher's blog - also very entertaining.