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… 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
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I loved getting to know Chicago’s wizard who can’t stay out of trouble. Cozy readers will like the mystery, especially if they enjoy magicial realism. This is my 2019 reading goal to finish his Dresdyn series.
Classic urban fantasy. Jim Butcher brings a whole world to life with this first book in the Dresden Files series. Harry Dresden (main character) is part Colombo and part Merlin the Wizard. This series will make you laugh, cry and pump your fist. This is a must read for anyone looking to explore urban fantasy.
The Dresden Files are excilent mysteries, with a funny sarcastic main character, and plenty of magical bad guys.
The world is a conglomeration, but it works, and Butcher’s added some nice touches. My favorite is how magical beings can’t step through a threshold without weakening themselves without being invited in. Dresden’s magic is fairly straightforward, no finesse or precision mostly big blasts. He’s a main character that’s easy to root for. He always gets put through the ringer though and comes out like Bruce Willis in Die Hard, victorious but beaten up. There isn’t a ton romance in the series, but Dresden had plenty of friends.
If you liked this book then keep reading the series. They only get better!
This is the first book in Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files series, featuring professional wizard Harry Dresden. I read this on the recommendation of a friend and it fully lived up to expectations. If you enjoy audiobooks, this series is also great in audio, as it’s narrated by the fabulous James Marsters (of Buffy the Vampire Slayer fame.)
Well, this is where it all begins! Big fan of Harry Dresden, a wizard pro who tangles with a dangerous mage in this amazing first book in the series.
In an alternative universe where fictional characters exist without the restraint of writers, I’d like to believe Harry Dresden and Stacy Justice are swapping battle stories over a pint in an Irish pub on Clark Street. Oh, how I adore this wizard from Chicago! I only wish I’d met him sooner.
Just brilliant. I was mesmerized by how Jim Butcher introduced 8 DIFFERENT tensions in the first twenty pages. Eight. That’s impressive and it is one of the many reasons these books start at a dead run and don’t stop sprinting until the end.
Well done, sir!
Butcher did great with Harry Dresden, the only real wizard in the Chicago phone book. I read this one first, out of order, but it hooked me for all the remaining Dresden Files. Perhaps it was Bob the talking skull, or maybe the cat, but I was addicted. Yes, I even paid full price for my copies.
Dealing with a Halloween Superstorm, with a demon horseman, Kris Kringle, and all the hunting, hellish hosts, is just another day for Harry.
Hope Mr. Butcher brings out more Dresden File cases, soon.
Now I know what all of the fuss is about. This was a fun read! Wizards named Harry rock.
I heard about this series but didn’t think I’d enjoy it. The premise seemed too clever by half. Then it was recommended to me by author Jason Brick. Jason knows good writing when he reads it (or writes it), so I decided to give this a whirl (pardon the pun). Butcher overcomes what could be an overly cutesy series of cliches with strong writing and unique, believable characters. It’s quite an achievement and a helluva fun ride!
If you like sarcastic comments and a hero that doesn’t back down, even when he should, this series is for you. Imagine our modern world, set in Chicago, where magic is real and there are other planes of existence where there are fairies and monsters. This books series is like candy!
The Dresden Files is a must series for any fan of the modern-day supernatural. By turns gritty, funny and inspiring, I have to read each novel in one sitting. Lot’s of sleepless nights thanks to Wizard Harry Dresden and his fight to keep Chicago safe from supernatural bad guys.
From the very first book of this long series, you can tell you’re in for a wild, wonderful ride.
I’m looking forward to reading/listening to more in the series as soon as I can.
I have heard so many good things and been told to start this series so many time and I FINALLY did. The only thing I can say about that is, “why have I not read it earlier”.
I loved everything about this book and world. I loved Harry, I loved his PI business. I loved the world and the magic system, the writing them humor just everything about it.
The world a little bit reminded me of Kim Harrison’s Hollows series, just a little in a good way, but it still was very different, and fresh.
I liked we get a bit if mystery, mixed with magic, and humor and a bit of smut inn a different kind of way.
As mentioned I liked the magic system in this book and Im looking very much forward to see how much more there is.
Harry, I don’t know what else to say about him but that I loved him, his character and humor but loyalties to people. But also that he has flaws and is a bit complicated. I can’t wait to learn more about him and see what he can do.
One of my favorite parts was Bob the skull, not sure why but I thought it was brilliant funny and a bit unique.
While this book was defiantly an introduction into this world and the characters, it was super fun and enjoyable.
I for one am hooked and can’t wait to dive into the second book.
I listened to the audio book that was narrated by James Marsters who did an outstanding job. I loved every minute of it.
I rate this book 5 I, I could have rated t lower but it was a five star for me at the time and it pulled me out of a slump which is always great.
Like the fantasy aspect!
It’s a Dresden book – enough said!
Fun read.
My favorite series of all time. Lots of comedy and fun story.
This book was engaging enough to get me to read the rest of the series. The rest of the series gets better with each book. The cast of characters is great , and I really enjoy the world Jim Butcher has created by blending various mythologies.
I LOVE Harry Dresden, and I’m not ordinarily a fan of the Fantasy genre, but Harry’s no ordinary warlock. First of all, he’s in the Yellow Pages. Secondly, he helps the Chicago PD solve crimes…the really weird, scary, “this didn’t really happen because monsters aren’t real” crimes. And when he needs help with ancient spells, he consults a skull named Bob. Oh, and Bob is addicted to porn. Are you getting the picture? The Harry Dresden series is fun and hilarious, and sometimes a little dark, and Wow, how does Jim Butcher think of this stuff !?