Storm Front

By Jim Butcher,

Book cover of Storm Front

Book description

In the first novel in the #1 New York Times bestselling Dresden Files series, Harry Dresden’s investigation of a grisly double murder pulls him into the darkest depths of magical Chicago…

As a professional wizard, Harry Dresden knows firsthand that the “everyday” world is actually full of strange and magical…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

27 authors picked Storm Front as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Wizard for hire? Harry Dresden is a wizard who ekes out a living by working with the Chicago police force's Special Investigation unit. In other words, he's called into work when no one else can unravel a series of supernatural crimes. Harry's character of a wizard for hire is both humorous and involving so you'll want to read the entire series for one adventure after another. I was not aware his books had been made into a television series originally produced by the Sci-Fi network, but I'll be anxious to see how they interpreted the books for television.

When I first encountered Harry Dresden, a professional wizard solving a double homicide in Chicago, I was instantly hooked by its noir, fantasy, and traditional mystery with dollops of humor. This novel—the first in The Dresden File series—kept me engaged the entire time with a fast-moving plot and interesting characters.

I could see in my mind’s eye Chicago’s skyscrapers and their reflection in Lake Michigan as Harry dug deeper into the crimes and the supernatural world. This was my first urban fantasy read, and Butcher’s ability to blend a private investigator story with the supernatural ensured it was not my…

From Patrick's list on Chicago as a main character.

I love this book because wizards are real, and they have to deal with things like paying the bills and stubbing their toes.  I love that Harry Dresden, the main character, is, at times, an unlikable jerk with a heart of gold. 

I love that he gives a hundred percent of who and what he is to every effort. I love that he’s trying to save the day while trying not to fall apart.

If you love Storm Front...

Ad

Book cover of The Secret Humankind

The Secret Humankind By Gloria Oliver,

She keeps her head down and cleans up messes. When the body count starts rising, will trying to make a living get her flushed?

Julia Xero is stuck in survival mode. After losing the only person she loved, the introverted orphan longs to escape her toxic employment for the zen…

This story made me feel that even among the monsters, there is justice.

Harry, the main character, is a very charming wizard and investigator. He helps people, including the Chicago police, with “supernatural” problems.

In this case, his task is to solve a double murder committed through black magic. Things are not always as they seem in an understatement when it comes to sorcery. While the police may not agree, Harry knows exactly where to find the perpetrator, and he does. Although Harry is quite effective, he has a lot of obstacles: local law enforcement and the not so invisible…

From Raquel's list on justice with a twist.

In Urban Fantasy, Jim Butcher reigns supreme.

This was the first book I ever read in the genre and my greatest inspiration. Harry Dresden is basically an American Harry Potter on steroids, facing challenges that would make any British child soil themselves. I love the blending of real-world mythologies and lore, bringing it all together in a cohesive narrative told through the eyes of a wise-cracking smartass.

It’s also the first novel that truly had me on the edge of my seat, gripped in the intrigue and suspense while laughing my ass off. Shout out to Bob the Skull–You are…

From Matt's list on real life meets the fantastical.

This series is a fun, unique adventure in a world where magic is strange and unusual. I loved following the adventures of the main character, Harry Dresden because it’s fun to learn the background of the magic in his world.

I enjoyed the fast pacing of the book and the high quality of writing. Mr. Butcher has created a captivating series that takes the reader to places they never could have imagined.

From Cheree's list on the adventure of the paranormal world.

If you love Jim Butcher...

Ad

Book cover of The Strange Case of Guaritori Diolco

The Strange Case of Guaritori Diolco By Bill Hiatt,

Guaritori awakens from a coma to find that he's lost twenty years--and his entire world.

Fiancée, family, and friends are all missing, perhaps dead. Technology has failed, and magic has risen, leaving society in ruins. Most survivors are at the mercy of anyone who has strong enough magic. Guaritori has…

What I enjoyed most about these books was the pure entertainment, blending moments of tension, thrilling suspense, and poignant emotions that resonated deeply. Loved the way it blended the occult with your classic detective novels.

I also really enjoy the character of Harry Dresden and the rich supernatural world crafted by Butcher, where Dresden operates as a supernatural detective (or wizard for hire). Plus, the writing is very similar to the detective noir styles of Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett, which brings unique vibes.

The first book in this amazing series is Storm Front. This series always fascinated me because it is so absolutely unique. It’s about a modern-day wizard who has a practice in Chicago. You can hire this Dresden guy to fix your magic stuff.

It is so creative in both the problems and solutions that it always tickled me to try to outguess the author. And the main character is snarky and has an attitude. He’s sort of an anti-hero but better than he thinks. I love novels that both entertain me and make me think and drag emotions out…

I find the combination of mystery and fantasy in the Harry Dresden books irresistible, and Storm Front is certainly no exception. A typical detective has to watch out for the as-yet-undiscovered killer. Harry has to watch out for the killer—as well as the White Council, the organization of wizards that is profoundly suspicious of him and more than ready to execute him if he takes one step out of line. And then there are various supernatural creatures who want either to kill humans or to use them for their own purposes.

Butcher’s imaginative humor is second to none. I have…

If you love Storm Front...

Ad

Book cover of Curiosity and the Cat

Curiosity and the Cat By Martin Treanor,

Curiosity is certain she saw fairies at the bottom of the garden. Little does she know . . . they saw her first.

Emotionally abandoned by her mother and infatuated by a figurine of a fairy ballerina she discovers in an old toy shop, eight-year-old Curiosity Portland steals the figurine,…

Jim Butcher’s world of the Dresden Files is rife with politics and magical mishaps.

I love the trope of the wizard who can’t get out of his own way because of his tragic past. The side characters in this book really bring it to life and create a great foil for Harry to come into his own.

If you love Storm Front...

Ad

Book cover of The Secret Humankind

The Secret Humankind By Gloria Oliver,

She keeps her head down and cleans up messes. When the body count starts rising, will trying to make a living get her flushed?

Julia Xero is stuck in survival mode. After losing the only person she loved, the introverted orphan longs to escape her toxic employment for the zen…

Want books like Storm Front?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Storm Front.

Browse books like Storm Front

Book cover of The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America
Book cover of The Black Prism
Book cover of A Game of Thrones

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,593

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in wizards, the paranormal, and the supernatural?

Wizards 102 books
The Paranormal 259 books
The Supernatural 374 books