'Storm Front' in 'The Dresden Files' series by Jim Butcher follows the protagonist Harry Dresden, a wizard and private investigator in Chicago. The story combines elements of noir detective mystery with urban fantasy, as Harry navigates through supernatural events while solving crimes and facing challenges from both human and magical worlds. The writing style is described as fast-paced, engaging, and humorous, with a blend of classic detective storytelling and paranormal elements that keep readers entertained.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The book includes medium content warnings for violence, murder, and some graphic descriptions related to the supernatural events.
From The Publisher:
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 things-and most of them don't play well with humans. And those that do enjoy playing with humans far too much. He also knows he's the best at what he does. Technically, he's the only at what he does. But even though Harry is the only game in town, business-to put it mildly-stinks.
So when the Chicago P.D. bring him in to consult on a double homicide 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…
"A great series-fast-paced, vividly realized and with a hero/narrator who's excellent company."-Cinescape
Ratings (291)
Incredible (40) | |
Loved It (124) | |
Liked It (75) | |
It Was OK (30) | |
Did Not Like (16) | |
Hated It (6) |
Reader Stats (459):
Read It (296) | |
Currently Reading (3) | |
Want To Read (96) | |
Did Not Finish (8) | |
Not Interested (56) |
14 comment(s)
Storm Front is a great addition to the urban fantasy genre! A refreshing take on vampire lore and exciting storylines keep the reader engaged. Harry Dresden's sarcastic internal monologue adds humorous moments amidst the darkness of the plot.
Eh... Not great.
This one was just okay for me. A PI meets wizards. The main character and author had a weird tone throughout towards all the female characters, which are all oddly all sexualized somehow. The madonna/whore complex seems strong too, as we literally meet either prostitutes/vampire-madame or a domestic violence survivor/super hard boiled detective/hard-hitting journalist. There is a pretty sick scene where a woman basically humps herself on the main character after accidentally drinking a "love potion" he made during a time where they are in mortal peril. The plot was pretty meandering and there were lots of asides where the author throws us out of the story to make comments. There were also lots of last-minute saves that weren't really explained, but that is pretty par for the course for both thrillers and fantasy books. Entertaining, but overall felt pretty juvenile and I am not sure if I should continue the series. What do you think?
I'm not mad,
Reading the reviews for this book while waiting for it on Libby I was concerned. Worried the MMC was going to just be a misogynistic dickhead.
For a book published in 2000 it met my expectations of a book from 2000, I do plan on continuing the series, Harry Dresden and his wizarding world has drawn me in enough to look past his horrid relationships with almost everyone in his life. Including himself.
Re-reading with Avinash
“Storm Front” is the first book in the Dresden Files series, which follows the adventures of Harry Dresden, a wizard and private investigator in modern-day Chicago. Harry is hired by the police to help solve a series of gruesome murders committed with black magic, while also trying to find a missing husband for a client. Along the way, he faces various dangers and enemies, such as vampires, demons, mobsters, and a ruthless magic-world cop who wants to execute him.
The audiobook is narrated by James Marsters, best known for his role as Spike in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Marsters does a superb job of bringing Harry and the other characters to life with his distinctive voice and style. He captures Harry's dry humor, sarcasm, and vulnerability, as well as his courage, intelligence, and determination. He also gives each character a distinct voice and personality, making them easy to distinguish and relate to. He conveys the emotions, tension, and action of the story with skill and flair, making the listener feel immersed in the world of the book.
The book itself is a fast-paced, entertaining, and original blend of urban fantasy and detective fiction. Jim Butcher creates a rich and complex world of magic and mystery, where the supernatural coexists with the mundane, and where the stakes are high and the consequences are real. He also creates a memorable and likable protagonist in Harry Dresden, who is a flawed but noble hero, who uses his wit and magic to solve problems and fight evil. The book is full of humor, action, suspense, and twists, and it sets up a promising series that will appeal to fans of both genres.
Overall, Storm Front is a highly enjoyable and engaging audiobook that introduces a captivating series and a charismatic narrator. It is a must-listen for anyone who likes fantasy, mystery, or both.
My favourite urban fantasy series
storyline, decent series start, sense of humor
Storm Front does an awesome job of joyfully painting with noir tropes on a deep and well thought out fantasy kitchen-sink world. The noir tropes - dames with gams that promise trouble, and whatnot - are thickest in the earlier installments of the larger series, and Storm Front's devotion to them might be a turn off to some. The writing is high quality, but it's not Tolstoy. The audio book - like the rest of the series - is exquisitely narrated by James Marsters, and elevates the prose.
Storm Front is an excellent summer page-turner, and the series continuously improves from it.
This book is campy and dramatic and mysterious and formulaic and I love it.
For an extensive breakdown of how I would adapt this book into a movie: https://youtu.be/VSr3xKkbzrc
What can you read after
Storm Front?
About the Author:
A martial arts enthusiast whose résumé includes a long list of skills rendered obsolete at least two hundred years ago, #1 New York Times bestselling author Jim Butcher turned to writing as a career because anything else probably would have…
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