The Dresden Files: Should I read them in order? Which is the best?

[Paolo]

I'm currently listening to the Storm Front audiobook and I'm really getting into the story, the world and the characters.

This will probably not be my last Dresden Files book.

So: Do I have to read the books in order? If not, which of them is the most recommendable?

I see that Changes seems to be the highest rated of the Dresden novels, but I wanted to hear the opinions of folks here on S&L.

BTW, I created a poll for this very purpose, so feel free to vote there as well: https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/1...

[Keidy]

Someone posted a similar question in the thread titled "The Dresden Files Reading Order?" so you might get some good tips that were already stated on that thread.

I myself never got past the second book Fool Moon. It was a pretty frustrating read for me and I've heard other people say it's the weakest book in the series. That being said I've also heard that by the fourth book the story picks up and gets amazing so as soon as I can brave reading the series again, it will most likely get better from there. Again, going by rumor. ^_^;

[Michele]

I would read them in order, mostly because side characters and facts about the world are slowly introduced throughout and then reappear off and on, some become important to the overall story arc.

The first few are pretty typical urban fantasy detective - Harry solves a case. Then the actual main story takes center stage and he stops working cases and is drawn deeper and deeper into the magical side of things. This is where most people feel the books get really good. So you could probably skip books 2/3 maybe 4, but if you're enjoying book 1 I'd say read them all.

Know also that he has always had a plan for the entire series, he knows the end, and seems to be sticking to his plan of (20?) books and is dependable about getting them written and published pretty on schedule. This isn't an author just writing whatever floats his boat at the moment, or milking a cash cow.

Can you tell I love Dresden and trust Jim Butcher not to let me down?

[Rob, Roberator]

I would read them in publication order, but the earliest books (1-5 or so) can likely be read out of order with little concern for confusion. Spoilers I'm not sure about. He tends to reiterate events of previous books quite a bit, especially in the early books.

If you don't really care about spoiling books you haven't read yet, then you can probably extend that number even higher.

Don't jump right to Changes simply because it's the best.

1) You won't appreciate it nearly as much if you haven't taken Harry's journey to get there.
2) It really lives up to its name and changes the series quite a bit. Mr. Butcher has called it the midway point.

Books 1-5 are a lot of world building. Each one goes more in depth some aspect of the world.

1) Storm Front: Wizards
2) Fool Moon: Werewolves
3) Grave Peril: Vampires
4) Summer Knight: Fae
5) Death Masks: I won't say what as it's not as generic as the other 4, but very important to the overall story of the series.

[Alan]

If you think you might read them all, definitely read them in order. I actually liked the "solve a case at a time" grungier feel of the early books more than a *few* of the later books. I know a lot of people say that the first 4 books are worse than the others but I think book 6, Blood Rites, and book 13, Ghost Story, were my least favorites. To each their own, y'know?

Definitely do not read Changes out of order.

[Kris]

I would read them in order just to get the meta picture and feel of Harry's growth. There is a certain positive tension as you wonder how Butcher will top the last story as well.

[Skip]

I'd agree, and I was one of the people suggesting starting somewhere other than the first book. But if you are hooked on the first book, you'll probably make it through to Summer Knight, which is where the writing goes up a notch.

If you really want to read in time, get Side Jobs: Stories From the Dresden Files and read the appropriate short story as you finish each book. The shorts are great reads.

[Clyde]

FWIW, I read Storm Front not too long ago. I will continue with the series, and in published order. That's sort of the kind of guy I am. You folks do what feels best.

[Tim]

I recently finished number 8 on Audible. Each one seems to get better than the last, and there are definitely consequences to the things that Dresden does (or possibly screws up...) in later books.

I'd definitely recommend reading them in order. Yes, some books are better than others, but that's always the way. I've enjoyed them all. And James Marsters on Audible is an excellent narrator.

[Rod]

I definitely recommend reading them in order. When Butcher began the first book, he was a novice author. Though I've enjoyed all the books, you do see his evolution and growth as a writer. Plus, as others have pointed out, actions Harry takes in one book definitely have consequences that resonate throughout the series.

[Rikki]

I think reading the books in order is the best way to go. I read the first two books couldn't find the third one, read the fourth book and then couldn't find the fifth one. It annoys me and frustrated enough that to this day I still remember how bad it was.