Storm Front

Author: Jim Butcher
Published: April 1, 2000 (Roc)
Category: Fantasy
Series: Dresden Files #1
Quote of choice: They say we wizards are subtle But believe you me, we've got nothing, nothing at all, on women.
Rating: 7/10

I've been watching The Dresden Files on the Scifi channel, and it's pretty good. The actor they picked to play Harry Dresden isn't too hard on the eyes either.

Harry Dresden is a wizard for hire. - not for parties though. He helps his clients with problems such as lost items and freelances for the police, solving crimes with a magical twist and therefore beyond the understanding of the regular cop. The world is a bit more understanding of magical beings. For example, a vampire runs a very fancy brothel/escort service, and Harry frequents a pub that caters to those who deal with magic.

The writing is great, and very descriptive without being tedious. I found myself wanting to know more about Harry - what's his workshop like, what ingredients go into a potion, does he wear boxers or briefs? Butcher answers the first two questions, and I don't remember reading an answer to the third. I don't think I would've missed something like that.

Anyways, Harry has been called in by his Chicago Police Dept. pseudo-friend, Lt. Murphy. She's a scrappy officer who's worked hard to get where she is, and doesn't intend to let anyone underestimate her because she's a woman. Sometimes her toughness got annoying, like how Josh tells me that I get ultra defensive when he isn't even criticizing me. The crime involves a dark wizard performing a powerful spell to kill two people from a distance, which makes him very powerful, or completely insane for taking the risk.

Dresden determines that lightning storms are the source of the dark wizard's power, but his investigation is impeded by obstacles set by the murderer. How about a demon or some gigantic scorpions?

Throw in a love potion gone awry, a talking skull, and a death sentence from the High Council hanging over Dresden's head, and you have an amusing, dark humored story suitable for filling your spare time. It shows promise, and I do love series!