The Dresden Files

Review by: Do


So I've been reading.

Recently I started The Dresden Files series. Book one, Storm Front, is a very good introduction into the life of "Harry Dresden. Wizard." Harry is a freelance wizard who advertizes his abilities with vague listings, which leads him to very sporatic work adventures. But he is a very interesting character. He isn't particularly nice, doesn't play well with others, but is always willing to help someone in need, which makes him very likeable. He has slim pickens when it comes to family, friends, and people he can count on. Most of the creatures he comes in contact with aren't even human.

This first book has Harry tracking down someone or something that is murdering people with black magic, which, in the wizarding world (really in any world), is a no no. He teams up with the local police department to solve these killings; the director of Special Investigations believes in what Harry can do, or rather, when she is out of ideas as to what could have happened, she consults him. While learning who/what is doing the killings, we get a glimpse of his life, who he is, what he's capable of, and possibly even a little love interest. I thought this book was pretty good. A little confusing at times with all the author tried to throw at you, but in the end, a good story.

Book two, Fool Moon, was a much better read.

I've always been a big fan of werewolves & vamps, etc., so when I started reading and finally realized this book was about werewolves I was excited. I didn't notice it right off the bat but if you look closely at the cover, the full moon and bloody paw prints are a pretty good indication that this book is about werewolves. Duh. I need to start paying closer attention to detail. So keep that in mind with all the Dresden Files titles. STORM Front, Fool MOON, you get the idea.

This story also involves the Chicago Police Department, which I am assuming is going to be an important reoccuring event. More supernatural, unsolved murders have the PD calling upon Harry again. To figure this set of grisly murders out, Harry dives deep into a hidden world of werewolves. Who knew there were so many different types!! All different and all deadly...not a nice set in the bunch. And won't you be surprised where the deadliest are hiding! We also get more tidbits of Harry's past, his parents, and other details of the wizarding world. Definitely an interesting and enjoyable book!

But not as good as number three...

Book three, Grave Peril, has been my favorite so far.

This story involves...(title hint, GRAVE)...you guessed it...ghosts! And boy do I like a nice ghost story. Ghosts that are being tormented and causing major trouble for the living makes for a good read. Again Harry is working with the PD, but on a smaller scale as they are still recovering from their last encounter. This book also introduces someone new that Harry works and usually gets in trouble with. This character, we'll call him Michael (cuz that's his name) is a champion of God, a Knight of the Cross. He's honest, trustworthy, strong, religious, and the total opposite of Harry. Once you take away all the fighting, some of their interactions are seriously funny. And it's just nice to see that Harry can have an actual friend.

The book starts off very different than the first two. Immediately thrown into a situation, you work backwards to get yourself forwards in the story. Very interesting! I was confused at first, thinking maybe I had skipped an entire book because I had no clue who Michael was, but just keep reading and it's all explained.

I liked this book best because it had many storylines going on at once, but they were all tied together. Whoever was doing this, was doing that, and may be involved in something else too...maybe. More supernatural creatures are introduced, including Harry's Godmother who is not a very nice person. A story I couldn't put down, just ask my husband. ;-)

For those of you who are looking for a nice sci-fi, supernatural thriller I do recommend The Dresden Files. No matter what abnormal, dark, and/or unnatural being is your favorite, this series is sure to have a little something for everyone. (sidenote: Although I have chosen to read this series in order, you don't necessarily have to. Each book recaps enough info from the previous books so you are not lost; but not too much that it becomes annoying.)

So I've been reading...times three. I am not a big believer in buying new books, as the local library, my mother, and used book stores are all excellent alternatives to purchasing a new shiny book. But after checking all those resources first, the next book is not available for me. I have put The Dresden Files books 4-6 on my Christmas wish list, with the hopes that Santa will find me NICE this year, and fill my stocking with a new (or gently used) book. I wait patiently, bookless, for the next two weeks. But on the bright side, I should now have plenty of time to finish my Christmas cards.


Happy Holidays!!