Storm Front ( The Dresden Files #1) by Jim Butcher

[Caitlin]

Lost items found. Paranormal Investigations.
Consulting. Advice. Reasonable Rates.
No Love Potions, Endless Purses, or
Other Entertainment.

Harry Dresden is the best at what he does. Well, technically, he’s the only at what he does. So when the Chicago P.D. has a case that transcends mortal creativity or capability, they come to him for answers. For the “everyday” world is actually full of strange and magical things — and most of them don’t play well with humans. That’s where Harry comes in. Takes a wizard to catch a — well, whatever.

There’s just one problem. Business, to put it mildly, stinks. So when the police bring him in to consult on a grisly double murder committed with black magic, Harry’s seeing dollar signs. But where there’s black magic, there’s a black mage behind it. And now that mage knows Harry’s name. And that’s when things start to get… interesting.

Magic. It can get a guy killed

[Joe]

First time commenting in Spine Crackers, but I'm excited to contribute on this book. I was recently gifted books 1-3 of the Dresden Files series and have absolutely loved them. Storm Front really sets up the series well, and I enjoyed how the Butcher introduces his readers into this universe. The writing is casual, inviting, and not overly complex. It felt like I was right there alongside Harry, but that I also understood everything that was happening, from how the magic works, to the who's who of characters.

Not sure how to start a discussion without just diving right into specifics from the book, but I'd love to hear what other people felt about the story. Trust me, if you liked Storm Front, then keep reading! I'm already onto Book 5 of the series and an loving it through and through.

Thanks!

[Preston]

This is my favorite series. I wasn't a huge fan of storm front, but each book gets better and better. I think Changes is one of my favorite books.

[Caitlin]

I'm liking this so far. As someone who is reading these books for the first time, I agree that this is working really well as a first in a series. The explanations of the world are the people work really well and don't slow down the flow of the story.

Although, I'm not gonna lie. In my brain I'm picturing Harry Dresden a lot like an older down-on-his-luck Harry Potter.

[Kenzie]

I read this a few years ago, and wasn't a fan. I don't exactly remember what it was that I didn't like, and to be fair, it was a few years ago so I may like it if I reread it, and I've tried this past month, but I end up putting it down after just a few minutes. I love fantasy, and I think that ultimately, this book just wasn't my style. I didn't really like Harry Dresden all that much. I know it's a very popular series, so I guess it just comes down to personal preference for me.

For those of you who love it, what is it that makes you like it so much? Should I try to just skip to the next book and see if it grows on me?

[Caitlin]

To be completely honest, I don't know if I love this book as much as the guys, but I'm finding it a fun read. And, so far, what I enjoy about it is the play on the Film Noir genre . . . but in a book . . . . and with magic.

The main character is a rough-round-the-edges detective who has a past that is sad and dark. The Femme Fatale women are ladies of the night in a few different ways. And so on and so on.

[Preston]

I know people who started with later books and didn't have any problems. I'd recommend giving book 3 or 4 a try. It's pretty easy to jump into until about halfway into the series. I enjoy them because as the books go on, Harry gets himself into more and more trouble with more and more people, creating a massive world that just isn't there in the first couple books. The world and mythology of the story is huge at this point and each book expands on it. Characters have to make impossible decisions that hugely impact the story, and with each book I'm genuinely surprised how much I care about the characters.

[Caitlin]

This books month is over! You may now post spoilers without marking them. If you haven't finished the book yet, you have been warned!