Dresden Files discussion
Novel series like the Dresden Files?
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I've noted before how we all like Dresdn but then when we try to come up with books that are "close" we come up with books and series that we disagree radically on.
I guess it speaks to how good the Dresden books are.
The only book of the Dresden files series I did not like is Ghost story. Maybe I am too set in my ways.I did tolerate it and finnished it anyway. It had nothing to do with the change of the narrator.
Even though it does sound just like Scooby Doo, I love Oberon's voice!
Besides Dresden, I have to say my favorite UF have been:Kate Daniels - Ilona Andrews (the world is interesting and the secondary characters are all as developed as the main character. I really love this series. Some romance, but it takes a back seat to the action and character development) It's more a relationship that builds, unlike most PNR. I actually hated Curran for the first three books or so. He grew on me.)
Cal Leandros - Rob Thurman (Cal can be annoying quite often, but Niko and Robin are always there to smack him upside the head. Literally.)
The Reminiscent Exile - Joe Ducie (The first one is slow and REALLY confusing as the world is built. Once I finally figured out what was going on, I couldn't put it down. I love the writing.)
The Iron Druid Chronicles - Kevin Hearne (duh)
The Secret Histories - Simon R Green (A great cast of characters, some hilarious moments, and pretty interesting plot lines. I like it more than The Nightside. However, for me, TN was just a fun series to read between studying and crying about the 100+ microorganisms I had to memorize for my Microbiology final. I got an A, btw. I guess I can thank Green for that, since I likely would have lost my mind somewhere between helminths and prions if not for him.)
I just finished the October Daye series up to the newest book. I'll be the first to admit that I could barely make it through the first two. The third was bearable. The fourth is where it really picked up, and I stopped wanting to smother Toby with a pillow every five pages. Toby is still a horrible detective, though. Except for the Big Baddie reveal in the newest book, I'd figured out every major plot twist at least a hundred pages before she did. Most of the twists in the later books, I figured out at least two books before she did. I agree that there is a LOT of repetition, but the world building is pretty solid past the fourth book, the writing gets better, and most of the characters are pretty multi-dimensional and interesting. Quentin is my favorite.
I couldn't get past the first Simon Canderous novel. It was okay at first, but it went downhill pretty quickly for me. I read it two weeks ago, and I've already forgotten the love interest's name. I'm gonna call her Fred. Fred was so one dimensional that stick figures find her boring. She's a stereotypical Mary Sue, not to mention that Anton Strout clearly has zero clue how to write interesting women. Hint: They don't bring their diary to a stake-out/assassination attempt so that they can write about their thong. In fact, I'm going to wager no woman writes in her diary about her thong. She was boring and flat and had no substance to her, much like the rest of the characters. Maybe that changes, but I doubt very much that I'll stick around to find out. Which is a shame, because I really liked the premise behind the series.
I'm thinking that I'll start either the Peter Grant or Hellequin Chronicles later. I can't decide which yet, but I'm really leaning towards the former.
I think the one thing that really made me love the Kate Daniels series was that Kate was perfectly capable of standing on her own two feet and kicking ass wherever she went. Her adoptive father did his best to turn her into a psychopathic assassin, but failed with the former. She's already a master swordsman (swordswoman?) from the beginning of the first book, and her magic grows. Most interestingly, for me, is how she responds to the secondary characters. She only ever had her adoptive father, and he moved them around consistently and kept her isolated from anyone she wasn't supposed to kill, until he died when she was fifteen and left her alone. He drilled into her that nobody can EVER know her secret, and if they learn, they have to die. When her friends/lover do eventually find out, although she knows she loves these people, she still has to fight down the voice of her father telling her to kill them all. I wouldn't say she has PTSD from her childhood, but she has to deal with the outcomes of some pretty serious abuse. FFS, he hired two junkies to try and kill her when she was ten. She killed them. As she grows throughout the series, she starts a family. A REAL family that would kill or die for her. The secondary characters are just as fleshed out as Kate is, and they're all imperfect in one way or another. Her relationship with Curran is a pretty large plot point, but it's more that she's building relationships, as opposed to she's looking for a boyfriend or lover. I actually really hated Curran for the first two books. He's possessive, violent control freak and he's, quite frankly, terrifying. But as the series goes on, we also learn that he's loyal, brave, funny, and kind. The secondary characters, such as Jim, Andrea, Derek, Dr Doolittle, etc... are more fleshed out than the main characters of many books that I've read. The world is also relatively original, despite the fact that it's not really anything new (vampires, shapeshifters, power words, etc...). That doesn't stop the Ilona Andrews duo (husband/wife writing team) from putting their own spin on it and making it interesting, as well as realistic.
The latest book, I believe the seventh, came out a bit over a month ago. It tied up the story arc that had been building throughout the series, and set up a new arc for the next 3+ books. Considering how amazing that book was, I absolutely cannot wait for the next.
Remi, if you would refrain from using the r-word, I'd really appreciate it. Not all of us are neurotypical, and I don't particularly appreciate seeing a slur that is often used against myself and other autistic persons, as well as people with the myriad of other developmental disabilities. This is a forum to discuss books. I'd really rather not have to leave because somebody is using an incredibly offensive slur that has been used to justify the dehumanization, abuse, and murder of people with developmental disabilities. It's not a nice word and is extremely hurtful and dehumanizing.
Lindsay wrote: "Besides Dresden, I have to say my favorite UF have been:Kate Daniels - Ilona Andrews (the world is interesting and the secondary characters are all as developed as the main character. I really lo..."
I have read both the Hellequin series and the Peter Grant series. You can't go wrong with either one, but if you like Dresden like battles start with the Hellequin series. If you haven't started the Alex Verus series by Jacka, I would recommend that one to you. Very Dresden like but very different and a great read!
I honestly keep meaning to read the Alex Verus series, but I keep putting it off. Not sure why. It's even at the beginning of my Kindle! Maybe I'll start that one tonight instead. Remi, my apologies for sounding really passive aggressive. It was only supposed to be slightly passive aggressive with a small side of angry.
I have read the first two in the Alex Verus series - it hasn't drawn me in on the level that Dresden does, but I could see myself coming back to it if I don't find other things. I do have to agree with Nick.m on at least the Peter Grant series - that's become my second favorite series in the genre. I haven't tried Hellequin, but now I'm curious about it.
Just got through with the 5th book in the Alex Verus series and it's starting to get pretty good. I still don't think of it has being as good as Dresden, but the series has gotten better as time as gone on. The first few books were really weak.
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I always find it interesting that we all like Dresden but then disagree on other UF books.
Lindsay:Mike and I agree on Alex Verus books. I have enjoyed all 5 books and Benedict Jacka has continued to world build and character development. Check out my reviews on Amazon.com
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I LOVED the latest Alex Verus and thought it was a huge jump forward in quality and development. I can't wait for the next book. Definitely right up now there with Dresden. Will be checking out The Laundry Files series too - thanks!
Alison, as a woman (I assume. My apologies if you identify as something else), are you able to tell me if any of the female characters in the Verus novels become more developed? Or rather, if they stop being so flat and typical and damsel in distress-y? The latter trait is my one major issue with Dresden Files, which is, I think, why I've mainly been sticking with UF with a heroine lead. I've heard good things about the Peter Grant series from similar-minded people, so I'm excited to start those soon and read from a male POV. What really bothers me is that I believe Luna has SO much potential to be an awesome character. But, in the first book at least, she just fails miserably at being even slightly interesting. It irks me more than if she had no potential at all.
Alison, as a woman (I assume. My apologies if you identify as something else), are you able to tell me if any of the female characters in the Verus novels become more developed? Or rather, if they stop being so flat and typical and damsel in distress-y? The latter trait is my one major issue with Dresden Files, which is, I think, why I've mainly been sticking with UF with a heroine lead. I've heard good things about the Peter Grant series from similar-minded people, so I'm excited to start those soon and read from a male POV. What really bothers me is that I believe Luna has SO much potential to be an awesome character. But, in the first book at least, she just fails miserably at being even slightly interesting. It irks me more than if she had no potential at all.
Lindsay,Luna saved Verus in Book 4! She has continued to evolve! Ann in Book 5 becomes much more human as well.
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Don't forget, we learned Deleo's back story as well in Book 4!
Will have to check out Verus - I've never heard of it - thank you :) Someone here I think mentioned Steven Brust's Jhereg series and I have gotten through several of them already - I'm enjoying them very much even though they're somewhat lighter - I do listen on audio [I spend half my life in a car!] and the narrator at audible is great as well - I think they are quite UF although they're set in another world - it's very fun - so thanks to whoever brought it up!!
Scott wrote: "I have seen a few comments mentioning audio books here and there but I am kind of curious who else has experience with the audio books for some of their favorite series? Have they fit with your ex..."Scott I will say that a) it's very personal whether or not you enjoy a narrator and b) I have a harder time with books that I've started reading [or have previously read] on audio than a series I START on audio - I don't have a voice in my head yet :) I will say I've enjoyed Neil Gaiman's work, love marsters as Dresden and personally I like luke daniels - but not love. I agree with a pp who mentioned the O'Malley Rook series - a good start and a good narrator - hope they keep her. And I just mentioned the Jhereg series by Brust - that narrator works for me as well - but there are times when I literally cannot continue simply because of a narrator :) Love that I can return things to audible!
Can we all just take a moment and praise Marsters for his work on the audiobooks? Because holy crap is he amazing.
Lindsay wrote: "Can we all just take a moment and praise Marsters for his work on the audiobooks? Because holy crap is he amazing."Beyond amazing - adds a whole other level to the experience and honestly while I really love these books I *KNOW* I love them all the more because of his contributions
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Hi everybody, can I have some opinions on the Peter Grant series, I'm not quite sure whether to start reading the series. The concept of the series seems interesting.
Robin wrote: "Hi everybody, can I have some opinions on the Peter Grant series, I'm not quite sure whether to start reading the series. The concept of the series seems interesting."Very good, you get more out of it if you are from the uk, with the injokes. But its still a great read. Different style to dresden.
Hello1 May I ask if any of you have read Kelley Armstrong's OMENS, and how do you rate her work?
Meredith wrote: "Hello1 May I ask if any of you have read Kelley Armstrong's OMENS, and how do you rate her work?"I havent Meredith.
Mark wrote: "Robin wrote: "Hi everybody, can I have some opinions on the Peter Grant series, I'm not quite sure whether to start reading the series. The concept of the series seems interesting."Very good, you..."
Thanks for the feed back Mark, I'll put It on my ever growing TBR list.
Robin wrote: "Hi everybody, can I have some opinions on the Peter Grant series, I'm not quite sure whether to start reading the series. The concept of the series seems interesting."A very good read and very British. You will enjoy it. Probably 4 or 5 on my list of must reads.
I've read a few comments on this thread about the Hellequin series. I have to say that Hellequin is one of my favourite series in the UF genre. It's not Dresden of course, but it's still very good. Fully recommend it. What does everybody think of the Kate Daniels series as a comparison to Dresden?
LOVE Kate Daniels. Significantly more than I do Dresden, in fact. You guys know what a sucker I am for a well written heroine.
Lindsay wrote: "LOVE Kate Daniels. Significantly more than I do Dresden, in fact. You guys know what a sucker I am for a well written heroine."
I've read six out of the seven books in the series. Have to say Dresden is still my favourite, but Kate comes in at a close second.
I need some advice. I'm currently reading American Gods, and I am bored. I just read the part where Shadow gets the moon, and I need to know whether keeping on reading is worth it.
Damian wrote: "I need some advice. I'm currently reading American Gods, and I am bored. I just read the part where Shadow gets the moon, and I need to know whether keeping on reading is worth it."What do you think of the book so far? I've heard good things about it, but I don't know whether I can be bothered to start it at the moment. How far into the book is the point your talking about?
From what my kindle app says, about 15%. It has a great idea behind it so far, and the tory is okay, but I feel like it's taking too long to get going. So far I've only really been dragged around while the main character's boss hides all the facts himself. I don't even know what the issue the Protagonist is going to need to solve even is yet, and it's pretty obvious that things are going to get supernatural somewhere in this, as a lot of characters speak as if it were only obvious, but it hasn't clearly said anything yet, and it feels way too boring, at the moment.
I think I'll hold off on reading until you've finished it and see what you think.
Damian wrote: "I need some advice. I'm currently reading American Gods, and I am bored. I just read the part where Shadow gets the moon, and I need to know whether keeping on reading is worth it."I really liked American Gods but it is very different - I actually listened to the audio version where there were different narrators and I enjoyed it very much but it's more about the journey kwim? than about a satisfying end - so it's hard to advise!
Robin wrote: "I've read a few comments on this thread about the Hellequin series. I have to say that Hellequin is one of my favourite series in the UF genre. It's not Dresden of course, but it's still very good...."Agreed, I am also a fan of the Hellequin series. One of my top five series currently. I love the way the author incorporates the flashbacks of the main character into the story!
I love the Hellequin series. I've only read the first 2 and the short story, but It's really good. The only issue I have with it is that Hellequin gets women turned on too much. I feel like it's somehow important to the story, but I'm not sure. For the people who have read it and wish to answer, please say yes or no. I'd like to find out how or why myself.
Nicky.m wrote: "Robin wrote: "I've read a few comments on this thread about the Hellequin series. I have to say that Hellequin is one of my favourite series in the UF genre. It's not Dresden of course, but it's st..."I wish there were more books in the Hellequin series. The number of books is one of the reasons I love Dresden so much. I only discovered Dresden a few months ago, so to find out that there were fifteen books in the series made my day.
Robin wrote: "Damian wrote: "I need some advice. I'm currently reading American Gods, and I am bored. I just read the part where Shadow gets the moon, and I need to know whether keeping on reading is worth it."..."
I read American Gods and I loved it, but I did put it down the first time I tried to read it. The 2nd time I got the audio version with several narrators, (Which sounds like what Cherie is referring to as well) so it was almost like a play. I think it's a great book, now one of my favorites. Maybe try the audio version.
Just went to pull it - I'm sure it's the same one Cristiana - it's called "American Gods: The Tenth Anniversary Edition (A Full Cast Production)" at audible
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That's what I keep saying about Dresden and a couple of other series...I'm in my 60s now. How many more year long waits do I have left??????
:)
Agree with Mike, I too am in my 60s and with 15 books and 5 more planned plus a trilogy at the end This means I will have to live at least another 8 years till the end of Dresden! We old timers should tell JB to hold the Steam Punk Novels and finish Dresden!While I love the Alex Verus series, I hope he wraps ups the story line within the next several years! I know Benedict often reads this blog so ....
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My one hope is that since God is Eternal, once we're with Him all series of novels will already be complete and we can have them all waiting.
Mike (the Paladin) wrote: "...I must admit that since I continue to start series I (we?) may have a problem. At first I asked God about living till I finished all the books on my "To Be Read" list...but since I continue addi..."LOL Hope you're right!!!!
I don't think that age is a concern for me yet as i'm only 18. LOL
wouldn't trade you Robin LOL - but I envy you the books you have to look forward to!!!!
Dresden Files
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I agree with the dog voices. Scooby doo or Cartman sometimes... It is highly annoying...I don't know if it is the voice or what the dog have to say I am always tempted to skip over. LOL