“My ad looks like this:”
HARRY DRESDEN–WIZARD
Lost items found. Paranormal Investigations.
Consulting. Advice. Reasonable Rates.
No Love Potions, Endless Purses, Parties or Other Entertainment“You’d be surprised how many people call just to ask me if I’m serious”.
When I was tossing around group read ideas with friends for the R.I.P Challenge, my friend Jeff mentioned that he really wanted to give Jim Butcher a try. I have said many times that it is pitiful for me to have worked in the city which Jim Butcher calls home for over a decade and not have read one of Butcher’s novels. A number of us experienced the work of Patrick Rothfuss for the first time earlier this year and in a couple of different venues recently he has sung the praises of Jim Butcher’s Dresden books.
Just like fellow bloggers get enticed by the books that other bloggers like, it is easy to be tempted by the books loved by our favorite authors, new and old.
And so here we are, just finished with the first section of Jim Butcher’s first Dresden Files book, Storm Front. While Storm Front does not have the depth of other recent group reads (Dune, The Way of Kings), it is a refreshingly fun, fast-paced novel and I am glad we are reading it together.
As with all group reads, spoilers may be present in the posts and comments.
You’ve been warned. 🙂
This week’s questions come from Jeff. Thank you for taking the first round of questions.
1. What are your first impressions of our main character, Harry Dresden?
I like Harry. He has the swagger consistent with other hard-boiled detectives but also seems to have a healthy sense of his limitations. He is a bit cocky, but not overly so. He drops older pop culture references that remind me of my own childhood. I like that Harry isn’t this all-powerful, too-cool-for-school character. Jim Butcher sold me really early when he had Harry get sick by what he saw in the hotel room. That moment alone gave a human authenticity to Harry Dresden.
2. In the first section of the book we are introduced to a large cast of characters. Some in support of our main character and others who are involved in the multiple investigations with agendas unknown to us. Are there any of these characters who stood out to you?
It is a little early still for me to be totally sold on anyone, but stand outs to this point include Bianca. She is presented as this ultra sexy character, as is to be expected of a big-time vampire madam. The truth is, she was terrifying, more so than I expected early on when Harry was just talking about her. I enjoyed their meeting, breathless as it was. I didn’t expect to be on the edge of my seat at that point in the book, but I was.
I like Bob, he seems like he has the potential of being a really fun pain-in-the-butt sidekick of sorts for Harry. How can you really not like a talking skull? In that vein I also couldn’t help but like Toot. I kind of pictured him, personality wise, as one of the brownies from the movie Willow. And I like the name “Toot” and all the silly, school-boy humor it inspires.
Karrin Murphy is a character I am also liking right from the start. I am enjoying that there isn’t the stereotypical early sexual tension between the two characters. She seems tough and competent and also seems to know Harry all too well. I think they are going to be fun together.
3. Did you ever watch the Syfy channel’s Dresden Files TV adaption? If so did it effect how you approached the novel? Were there positive and/or negative differences that stood out to you?
I have not watched even a small portion of an episode of the channel formerly known as SciFi’s Dresden Files. As with most of what the channel has had to offer I think I had a feeling it was doomed from the start. I cannot judge based on performance, but I certainly don’t see Paul Blackthorn when I picture Harry. Now he may have done a fine job, I don’t know, but that isn’t how I imagine Harry looking.
I really wanted to go and watch at least one episode of the Dresden Files before posting this just to make some comparisons but time was not in my favor. I can say that after I finish this book I’m going to want to check out an episode or two.
4. Any thoughts on Jim Butcher’s magic system, Harry’s Watcher, and/or the White Council?
From what little we’ve seen of it thus far I like the magic system. I like that there is work and planning involved in the practice of some of the magic. It isn’t all saying “abracadabra” or wiggling the nose. Harry’s Watcher is certainly a pain, but I think that is what you want him to be. He makes you want to root for Harry even more than you already do.
As soon as I finished the first section of Storm Front I picked up The Fellowship of the Ring to read the first assigned section of that group read and lo and behold what was Gandalf talking about? The White Council! I am sure that is not coincidental. And so I find that a fun homage. Wonder if in Butcher’s world this is meant to be a surviving branch of Tolkien’s White Council? Hmmm….
I do look forward to reading more about Butcher later, particularly to see if he talks about the pop culture references and also his inspirations.
5. Lastly, any guess on where Dresden’s multiple plot threads will lead and/or any favorite scenes in the first section of the book?
Based solely on where we stopped this first section, after a harrowing visit with a vampire (and man that was an intense chapter), I suspect we will see Bianca and Harry go toe to toe again. That or he’ll do her some remarkable favor and they will end up with a begrudging understanding with one another. I also see a mess building in this middle section of the book with all the directions Harry is being pulled, with pressure from the mob, the vampires, and Murphy as well as the pressure of his Watcher. We have two-thirds of the book left and already things haven’t gone swimmingly for Harry. I suspect poor Harry is in for some trauma before all is said and done. He doesn’t seem like he is an investigator who will get by unscathed. And what hard-boiled detective ever does? 🙂
Favorites scenes have to include the last chapter of this section of the book, the face to face meeting with Bianca. We couldn’t have picked a more tense place to stop this week’s reading. Loved that chapter. So intense and dangerous for our protagonist. What gave it a little something special was how Harry saw behind her facade, and not just to her looks but the pain and fear inside. It was a nice touch.
For this next week we will be reading Chapters 10 through 17 and posting our answers on Monday, September 26th. I’ll send out the questions for next week in the next few days giving you plenty of time to get your Part Two post ready.
Please leave a link to your Part One post below so that we can all come and visit.
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This book is a selection for the Peril of the Group Read portion of the 6th annual R.eaders I.mbibing P.eril (R.I.P.) Challenge. To find out more information and/or to sign up to participate, please follow the link. If you are interested in more books or films that are being reviewed as part of this event, please visit the R.I.P. VI Review Site.
Interesting pick up in relation to the White Council also being a feature of the Tolkien books. Maybe it is representative on no one person being all seeing, all knowing etc?
I haven’t watched any of the TV show either. Will have to track it down I think.
The tv show is on Netflix streaming so I’m sure I will at least check out the first episode after we are finished with this group read.
I wouldn’t have even thought about the White Council connection if I hadn’t just been reading Tolkien. Like I said, my assumptions are that it is a personal nod to Tolkien, but I’m interested in finding out for sure. Surely some fantasy fan has asked that question before.
I meant to try the first episode of the TV series before my post, but I ran out of time (mostly because I got so involved in all the posts about Fragile Things yesterday!). And I actually only finished the last chapter after writing my post, so I didn’t know what happened at Harry’s meeting with Bianca – he’d only just met her when I had to stop. Boy, she was scary! This is such a fun book…
That is the same reason I ran out of time, trying to keep up with the reading and discussions for multiple group reads. It is a good problem to have since I am enjoying them all so much.
It is a fun book, and yes indeed Bianca is one scary lady? thing?
Good grief, Carl, how many of these group reads are you going to do? Three at once? Wow. This is one I’ve not read but have heard a lot about from others who have. From what I can gather the series is a little uneven, many people liked this one a lot, the next one too, then the next not so much, and so on.
LOL! It was only going to be the two that I was hosting but then the ol’ One Ring snared me and I was off with Fellowship as well. I imagine any series like this that goes on and on would have some ups and downs, although as things go I would imagine there are wildly different opinions on which are up and which are down books. My feelings on series with a repeating main character, if you like the character you are somewhat willing to forgive, at least temporarily, a lesser book as you expect the next to pick things up. I’m enjoying this enough that I will read more, though with all that I am wanting to read it won’t be immediately after I finish this one.
I read this and also watched the first 2-3 episodes of the show. It’s sad because I actually liked the show better than the book (a rarity for me). I thought the book was badly written, overdone, and the characters overly silly. I didn’t mind Harry and I was really disappointed because I had high hopes for this series. I think I read one more Dresden book and then decided my time would be better spent on other books, so I don’t know if the series got any better, but I felt like it was very amateur and disappointing. But I have a feeling I am in the minority here. (I’m really looking forward to reading everyone else’s comments!)
I’ve read other books like this, and by that I mean genre blends with a detective in some sort of fantasy setting and I actually think Butcher does a good job with it, but you have to like the kind of pulp/hard-boiled detective schtick I think or it doesn’t work. That kind of pulpy feel means it is overdone to some degree and there are some cliched characters to be sure. For a debut book in the series I actually think Butcher does a nice job with it. It has occasional problems, but I think more of those are inherent in trying to write this type of story.
I consider it “light” reading but I in no way mean that as a slight on authors or their stories that fit into this mold. Sometimes it is fun to read a quick and entertaining story with interesting but not necessarily wildly complex characters.
The show never appealed to me largely because my disgust with SyFy Channel and their track record. I didn’t figure it would last and so found no reason to even bother trying to watch it.
(oh, and I didn’t really like the show all that much either. which is too bad because both the book and the show have great premises and seem like they would be good fun.)
I am so glad that so many enjoyed Bob! He was so entertaining! I think his character is enough to continue on even if I didn’t like anything else, but I do like more. 🙂
Bob is hard not to enjoy, he is just too fun. I am nearing the end of the second part (so that I can get my questions ready) and I am loving Bob in that section as well.
I know. I am almost finished the second section, too, and it was lots of fun! I really think I liked this book better this time around. Any chance you and Jeff will read book 2 as a read-along?
I’ll be so curious to see if you are right about Harry and Bianca because it sounds like it would be great. Definitely hoping they come together again though perhaps it won’t happen until another book?
I feel like their are so many threads out there right now and am curious to see how it is all brought together.
I agree with you, there are a ton of threads going on in this story. I haven’t met anyone yet, with the exception of Harry’s Watcher, who I actually want to be the guilty party simply because we haven’t got to spend enough time with any of them yet.
That’s true, I hadn’t thought of how we barely know anyone except Harry. And wouldn’t it be nice for Harry if the Watcher turned out to be the murderer?
Yes, or if he somehow met an untimely death! 🙂
I am a little late joining in for this group read. For me this is a re-read. I am anxious to read everyone’s comments.
Good job on the Tolkien link. I don’t know if it is a nod of the hat to Tolkien, but if it is not it should be.
Glad you are joining in. Not too late since this is just the first post for it.
I would be surprised if it was just mere coincidence with the White Council, but it certainly could be.
Question # 1: I like Harry quite a bit. I’m a fan of low key subtle wit which is the staple humor of the traditional gumshoe detective. For some reason in my head I keep thinking Harry reminds me of Capt. Malcolm Reynolds from Firefly. I just keep hearing Mal’s voice in the way that Harry sounds and how responds to situations. Especially how Harry keeps people at a distance to protect them from bad events that always seem drawn to him. But just like Mal though once you are inside his circle of friends he protects you to the bitter end.
Questions # 2: First off was Bob. I love the idea of a talking skull who’s a ladies man. Low brow humor some may say but it made me laugh. I also enjoyed meeting Murphy. She reminds me a lot of Kate Beckett from Castle. Working hard to earn respect in a male dominated field. The city of Chicago was also a great setting. I’ve visited there many times. I can honestly say I could see Harry’s business in that town. There are so many parts to Chicago and the surrounding burbs that I can see the need for a Wizard.
Question # 3: I watched the first episode way back when it premiered and remember thinking it was just so so. I never watched another one. I need to check them out again on Netflix now that I’m familiar with the story and see how I would like it now. I also didn’t think the actor to portray Harry seemed right to me. I can see though with more watching were he might grow on me. I’ve had several Dr Who characters grow on me over time and this may be the same case for this series as well.
My bad impression of the tv series lead to my putting off of the book series for almost 5 years which is a shame since I’m digging this book so much.
Question # 4: The magic system was one I bought into due to the fact that it made magic seem like work. Butcher didn’t make it all upper class like but instead made it a lot grittier. I kept picturing the demon as something out of Hellboy.
Question # 5: Favorite scenes. Multiple ones. Harry at the bar. Harry mixing potions with Bob. Harry meeting Bianca though was at the top of the list.
Overall a fun read so far. I’m glad I’m finally getting a chance to read this series. I’ve heard this series only gets better and better with it really taking off after book 3.
I am glad to see yet another fan of Bob. I also agree on Murphy. My answer mostly concentrated on Bob, but I also enjoy watching Murphy kick ass in a male-dominated world working for a department that is mostly a joke to most people. It’s fun! The scene where Harry met Bianca was a bit creepy. I liked that. Sometimes vampires are just too nice considering they are blood-sucking human killers. This pointed out that they are not as nice as they seem!
I am glad I seem to be enjoying this reading better than last time I read it. I am hopefully it will mean I will actually read book 2! I think I originally read this book in like 2007, so very slack of me.
Fun read-along, Jeff, and great questions! I look forward to Carl’s next week.
Yes, will be interesting to see what I can come up with as far as questions go. I’m finished with this next section of the book and will be trying to get them out late tonight or tomorrow.
The Dresden series is one of those series where you need to read the books in order to avoid confusion. I agree with Jeff that the series really gains momentum after the third book. I wonder when Jim Butcher sleeps…
He does seem to crank out the books, doesn’t he? It would appear he has the same work ethic as people like Brandon Sanderson, who go at it every day.
Happy to hear that the series keeps gaining momentum as I’ve enjoyed this one.
I read this book a couple of years ago. Not a book that would be classified as great liturature, but oh so much fun!! I think I read the first 4 or 5 books in the series. Can’t remember where I stopped. Maybe, if I get a bit of free time, I’ll read the next book or 2!
Enjoy the group read!
I think we are all enjoying it, which makes me really happy.
A wonderful surprise to see you over here Stephanie. Feel free to share your thoughts on any of the questions since you’ve read the book.
I’m looking forward to reading more of the books in the future and seeing where the series leads.
Jeff:
I can definitely see Mal, character-wise, as being of the same cut of cloth as Harry. I could almost see Nathan Fillion playing him. Not quite, but close. I certainly wouldn’t gripe if they did a Dresden film and had Fillion take the title role.
I’m not sure who I have in my head as Murphy. I think Beckett is tough though on the show they always keep her neat and clean. I picture Murphey as more the type who would do things like the role Maria Bello plays in the commercials for that new show Prime Suspect. I could see Murphey being pissed and nasty and taking her lumps while dishing out some of her own. Not sure if they’ll progress that way with her character, but I get the feeling of that sort of thing stirring under the surface.
Can’t believe it has been close to 5 years since Dresden Files first aired. That doesn’t seem right at all. It seems like it just happened. Crap! Time has got to slow down.
I could see the frog-demon (from section 2…Jeff is getting ahead of himself) as a Mignola/del Toro designed creation, to be sure.
We’re always amazed by Beckett running in the heels she wears, and she never has a hair out of place – I don’t see Murphy as being like that, even if she is small and blonde. Going to have to look at the series just to see what she’s like there…
Hmm, Fillion as Dresden – going to have to work very hard to keep that idea out of my head. Drooling is so very undignified!
Yes, she definitely always stays looking good, no matter the situation. It is fun having Castle back on the air.
I too look forward to at least checking out an episode or two of The Dresden Files to see how the characters match up with my vision of them.
I’m so glad that I’m taking the time to reread this book because I’m hooked on this series all over again now 🙂 I just finished up the 2nd section and it was filled with twists and turns! I can’t wait to post my thoughts on it!
That is great, Samantha. I just finished the second section last night and I really enjoyed it and it ended in a really exciting place. I’m looking forward to posting about it and cannot wait to get on to the final section of the book.
Never read this series but all this enthusiasm makes me very tempted to go and search a copy out! I like the sound of it and also Patrick Rothfuss recommends reading – what more can you ask? Hope you carry on enjoying it.
Lynn 😀
Hello, again, just finished reading this and really liked it. It’s just such good fun and quite a lot going on – the scene with Bianca – OMG, I think my chin must have dropped to the floor during that scene, it took me a minute to realise what had actually happened, liked she’d rippled all over and shed her illusion – it sort of reminded me of the film the Witches with Angelica Houston – where she takes off her wig and unpeels herself to reveal ‘the real witch’ underneath – except of course this wasn’t so much an unzipping as an ‘unglamouring’! Pretty horrible all the same.
Lynn