Storm Front

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… show more.

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.

Ok, so I cheated. This is an entire series of books, because I read book 4 through 11 in the past 12 months.

The truth is that I’ve listened to seven of these books in the past year, because they relax me. And, because Jim Butcher (author) and James Marsters (narrator, it’s Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer) have become comfort food for my troubled soul when I’m having a rough time. Jim writes a good book, but I suspect that the character of Harry Dresden makes it easy.

I love gritty noir, but I also love gritty magic. And… show more.

This first book in The Dresden Files gets everything right straight out of the box, grounding this urban fantasy series with a likable and believable protagonist—despite the fact that he’s a professional wizard—as well as a terrific supporting cast that ranges from a chillingly urbane mob boss to a zany, pizza-obsessed fairy helper. 

Harry Dresden’s snappy, irreverent narration makes every scene pop, and—best of all—Jim Butcher’s conception of magic works. Its mechanics are easily understood, allowing its uses and limitations to drive the plot forward and ratchet up the tension. An old-fashioned hero in a modern setting, Harry Dresden set… show more.

A captivating blend of detective noir and urban fantasy, this one kept me on the edge of my seat.

Set in the bustling city of Chicago, the story follows wizard detective Harry Dresden as he navigates through a world filled with magic and mystery. I found everything I look for in crime fiction, mixed up with fun and creepy, larger-than-life supernatural elements. For example Bob, a spirit of intellect bound to a skull serves as Dresden’s advisor – great comic relief.

I appreciated Dresden’s struggles with his own magical abilities and his determination to do the right thing, even when… show more.

I’m just wild about Harry—Dresden, that is, Chicago’s only wizard for hire. Storm Front is the first of 20 books in the Dresden Files, a great mix of urban fantasy, noir, and pop culture references. When Harry investigates a double murder committed by black magic, he has many suspects to choose from: spirits, ghouls, vampires, and he’s always contending with the overbearing White Council of Wizards with its draconian laws and rules. Butcher’s ability to get Harry out of impossible dangers is impressive. No deus ex machina here. Harry survives by his wits and his snarky remarks. Oh, and… show more.

I must admit, I never read Storm Front or any of Jim Butcher's Dresden Files. I listened to them on audiobook performed by the masterful James Marsters. However, my biggest takeaway from this book and the rest of the series isn't the depth of its characters, the impressive detail of its urban fantasy world building, nor the nail-biting blockbuster action sequences—that's all spectacular. But no, what Storm Front and all of the Dresden Files taught me was the importance of structure. Jim Butcher sticks to a particular structure that he uses in nearly each and every one of these books,… show more.

The Dresden Files aren’t technically fantasy. They are Urban Fantasy, but so what. The Dresden Files are fantastic, and everyone should read them.

For fantasy lovers, Butcher does a wonderful job building a rich world beyond his world, where Fae, Angels, Demons, and otherworldly beings struggle for dominance of the world. In the center, or perhaps a touch off-center from it all, is our lovable protagonist, Harry Dresden… An immensely powerful wizard, and a marginally reliable narrator.

Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files series is one of my absolute favorites. A quirky wizard detective working on a shoestring budget and always getting into trouble is always a fun read for me. The characters and the world building are well crafted with many depths and facets. These books are what really started my love for urban fantasy.

In Storm Front I fell in love with Chicago wizard Harry Dresden, who is so hard up for business he advertises in the yellow pages. Finally a character for whom money absolutely is an object!  Harry is awesome; with his sarcasm, bravery, and huge heart, I’d take him home if I could. Who wouldn’t want a little magic in their life? The book (and the rest of the books in the series) is the perfect blend of action, darkness, and pacing broken up with snarky banter. His complex, quirky and flawed characters, along with unexpected plot twists, inspired my own… show more.