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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My only complaint is that there aren’t more of the Dresden Files. I have read all of them and hunger for more. Harry Dresden is the most intriguing PI I have ever read. Butcher makes the Chicago investigator who is also the only practising wizard in the phone book, unbelievably believable and a character you can care about. I wish Jim Butcher a very long life to give him time for more Harry Dresden books.
This book is a fantastic introduction to Harry Dresden. I’ve often wondered how a wizard would fare in modern America, and Storm Front does an excellent job of giving me the answer.
Great beginning to a promising series.
I love noir detective stories and fantasy, so this was a perfect combination for me. I won’t repeat what has been said already, but focus on setting expectations.
Expect a tale told in classic hard-boiled style. The protagonist is a jaded, world-weary detective, used to dealing with the dregs of the paranormal world. There are a lot of plot twists as tension builds up, while Dresden’s background is alluded to and his world is exposed in snatches.
Be aware that this is a debut novel, and the writing style improves later. The protagonist acts chivalrously towards women – which a lot of modern readers might take as sexist. While Dresden has a gruff exterior, he’s certainly very emotionally motivated. This usually appeals to readers seeking ‘character driven’ stories, but can be a tad soppy for hardcore noir fans.
All in all, the series is continually improving, and works out to one of the best urban-fantasy supernatural thrillers out there. Forgiveness of early writing is highly recommended, in favour of what comes down the track.
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Assaph Mehr, author of Murder In Absentia: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic – for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
Jim Butcher has delivered a very interesting and nuanced character in the Wizard/PI Harry Dresden whose world is populated by a host (actually more of a menagerie without a keeper) of weird, strange and wonderful characters.
The narrative is strong with this one, although predictable in spots, is often surprising and in the end dealt with a spiritual confrontation within Harry that lifted the story up another notch.
It is precisely the climax and resolution of this story that lifts it from 4 to 5 stars.
The story will suit those who enjoy their action (and there is lots of action) levened with a healthy dose of dry, ironic, wit.
I expect to read more of Jim Butcher and Harry Dresden.
I gave this four stars because it’s the first in the series and they keep getting better! Definitely read them in order, if you’re just starting out.
Absolutely the best series ever! And Storm Front is your gateway to an incredible world that could be right next door dimensionably. Harry Dresden (I’m omitting his middle names but you’ll find out why if you read the book) is a hero with just enough darkness to flavor the story in a wonderful way. His balancing act with the sword of Damaclease (sp?) Hanging over his head just waiting to lop off his head is awe inspiring.
Look, just by the book. You will not be disappointed.
Great fantasy book on magic and the like
In my critique group, there’s a man: 85 yo, Ph.D. in maths and physics, corrected things in the war equipment (let’s say war equipment here, not weapons) during WWII, consulted the white house about stuff, plays classics in cello, speaks of French musicians’ names that I’ll have to listen on Google to pronounce, and I’ll have to spin my ADHD-brain three time to spell them right … Ok, enough characterization.
The thing is, the way he judges my lines beginning with ‘And’s and ‘But’s … also says, “write ‘as’, not ‘like’ as those Valley girls” … the way he (initially) tried to note that I must write with ‘have’s and ‘had’s where applicable, but he would also add in the comment: “But that might be too hard on your 2020-speaking audience.”
I never rolled my eyes, honestly.
In my culture, if you are under 30 yo, and you’re talking to someone 85 yo, whatever judgemental things that sparkling generation utter, we try to filter it and smoothen it with ‘2020-Speak’. We consider just how those brains, which saw 60 more years than us might be working.
Besides–
He could find grammar flaws even in The Little, Brown Handbook’s latest edition if he wanted! He gives valuable critiques on my musical instruments and how to take care of them (hundred years later, in novels), he even certifies my 2121-techs in my books: ‘this is valid, Misba’ ‘this won’t work, Misba’ ‘In 2121, this might work, Misba, maybe, hypothetically ….
Most importantly, he never made me read his first draft. (Imagine stars in my eyes.)
He’s really best at what he does. And, as I said, I never rolled my eyes.
The reason I’m blabbering about personal stuff in this book’s review is that every time I read a book written by some white-male authors, particularly, the ones around the 2000s, I feel like I’m entering a way different genre. A way different writing style. No matter if it’s a high-fantasy, no matter if it’s a paranormal fantasy, no matter if it’s King’s horror. Somehow, the writings feel similar, professional, neat, as if they were edited by some 85 yr olds, as if they got the guidance of the same batch of … the same generation of … either pro or retired editors and critiques who are flawless … no, ‘absolutely’ flawless in their grammar, in their craft, they remember to add those tiny details of the characters, the repetitions in the right place, the snide remarks in exactly where the readers would need so we, the readers, will get emotionally manipulated, verbally persuaded, and feel relatable enough to think exactly like the characters.
So, whenever I bump into these sorts of crafty books, no matter how cliched they seem like, no matter how simple, as the reviews say, the story/ events/ plots might turn out, I tend to eat, not just read them. For I don’t have the privileges of a white-male US citizen. I learn like an AI: insert good examples, also insert bad examples, define them well, and move to the next one, then analyze all the collected data. In the era of thousands of books out there, there is no shortage of examples.
This book, a thriller mystery combined with magic that gives you a feel of John Constantine, is a good example. It has polished writing, crafty character development straight from page one–considering, I started rooting for the character from really early–it felt like ( not ‘as’ 😉 ) like I went back to the mystery-thriller books of the classic days. You might feel you already know what will happen, but that’s not the point, it wasn’t the point with me, at least. The point is, it’s readable without shutting it down.
I’ll rate it when I finish it.
A brilliant start to a highly enjoyable series. Jim Butcher puts the magic in Urban Fantasy. Definitely recommended for its characterisation alone, but the world-building is clear even at this early stage of the series.
I’ve always liked Jim Butcher. I came to Storm Front in a round-about way, starting with ‘The Aeronaut’s Windlass’, working my way through the Codex Alera and then coming to the Adventures of Harry Dresden. I’m not sure why it took so long for me to get to Jim’s flagship series. It’s fine; I got there in the end.
Harry Dresden is a modern day wizard using magic in a way that is believable. He’s got the sight, the gift, the mojo. He’s got demons that need fighting (metaphorical and those wrenched from the infernal planes by nefarious ne’er-do-wells). He’s got a heart intent on helping those in need and he’s not above a healthy dose of self-sacrifice in order to get the job done. He’s a Hero.
This is a detective story.
Storm Front is not slow paced, it gets frantic. Once Harry gets firmly embroiled in the plot, he’s rarely ahead of the game, he’s almost fighting from the back foot. Jim never lets the reader think that Harry has ‘Got this’. The reader is never allowed to get comfortable; he certainly never lets Harry have a breath.
Here’s the premise.
Someone is killing people with magic by ripping out their hearts at a distance. As a ‘special’ consultant for the police, Harry is brought in to give his two cents. He’s not sure, exactly, how someone could do something like that, but he’s pretty sure he can figure it out – except that would be mean researching some midnight black magic and he’s already on probation from the wizard police. Penalty for breaking parole is short, sharp shock – and his parole officer has orders to carry out the execution if he gets any hard evidence that Harry is up to no good. Pile on top of that the fact that rent is due with empty pockets, beautiful reports are hounding him for scoops AND for a date and the mob might, probably, be involved.
The odds are stacked against our infallible Wizard and the only thing he can do is keep pressing forward.
The book isn’t perfect; there’s one spot early on where I thought back and went ‘huh, I wonder why that clue didn’t pop up THEN and break the whole mystery?’ But I’m alright forgiving since it was necessary for the rest of the excellent story to fall into place.
Storm Front is a magical, action packed adventure / mystery with a Hero that readers can get behind.
Highly recommend.
As you find in some series, it’s an awkward start to a series. Unlike other’s where the first one should have been the only one. This gets started with Storm Front and sets up for the next book. If you are one to judge a series on the first book before continuing, please try the first two of this series instead of just the first one.
I’ve read a couple of other of books in this series and really liked them, so I finally decided to start at the beginning. This is a terrific introduction to professional wizard, Harry Dresden. The book is as much mystery as it is fantasy, and there are certainly humorous moments. A really entertaining read!
i read it. my husband read it. my kids read it. don’t know if their kids read it. oh, and my parents read it. jim butcher writes good stuff. it is entertaining, original, in a world just like ours, only different. his characters are fully formed; his world is fully formed; the action is not only fully formed but logical within the world in which he writes and consistent for his characters. if his name is on it, i’ll buy it, and read it, and enjoy it. also friends and relatives.
This is actually a review of the whole Dresden Files series. Great escapist stuff! Butcher releases a new Dresden book every year, and I look forward to all of them.
You cannot go wrong with a Jim Butcher novel, ESPECIALLY when it is this series. The detective hero is beyond doubt one of the sexiest and solid fantastical characters I’ve ever read…my son got me hooked on him and he was well worth it!
The 1st in an awesome series. I love following Harry’s adventures.
It opens up my mind and imagination to escape page by page.
The patented Dresden snark always entertains
Well, now I have read all the Jim Butcher books. Can’t get enough of his writing and his characters.
A superb beginning to a wonderful sort-of-paranormal series. If you’re looking for a unique reading binge, check out Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files. A character who grows with each book, plot lines that’ll give you nightmares, and the rapid fire humour that lightens all these novels and endears Dresden to his readers. Highly Recommended! Thirteen thumbs up and I’ll meet you at McAnally’s…
I’m new to the Jim Butcher series, but my editor highly recommended it, and I like her, so…I was really impressed with the originality of this first story in the very long series. I can definitely see how it helped shape the urban fiction genre, encompassing everything that defines it.