Update 03-11-11(2): So my last update was hastily written, and in anger. Now that I've had time to cool off and think clearly I'm feeling bad. So here's another, less in-your-face way of saying it:Warning: this review contains cheekiness. Please do not be offended or take this review too seriously as it is meant in jest. If you are a serious Dresden fan this review is probably not for you. So you should just read another review, k. Have a nice day. :)Update 03-11-11: I've pretty much had it with you people. Apparently this review is "really offensive". But guess what? I'm not going to change it. It was written in jest. What I am going to do is say that if Jim Butcher can write women as helpless little sex kittens and call it "noir-style", therefore OK, I can write a so-called "offensive" and "sexist" review, in jest, and still sleep at night. Got it? I've spent a good portion of my married life wondering what in the heck is going on in my husband's head. To be honest, I just don't understand men in general. I don't get what motivates them to do what they do. I've been told that I'm over-thinking it, men aren't complicated. Apparently sex has a lot to do with the decisions they make. I've spent a lot of time rejecting this idea, thinking it cannot possibly be true, at least not totally. Even my husband, man-child extraordinaire that he can be at times cannot be so basic, so primal. My husband is incredibly intelligent, has a wealth of knowledge stored up in that noggin of his. He's motivated by more then just sex... right???Then, every once in a while, I go and read a book written by a man and I'm reminded that indeed, I have been over-thinking it. My husband, and all other men for that matter, are probably thinking about sex, or things of a sexual nature far more often than I could imagine.When it comes to books written by men, more often than not the male characters describe women they encounter in a sexual manner. The descriptions don't even have to be dirty, in fact they usually aren't. But I still find it irritating when the most basic observations seem sexual. Besides, I simply cannot relate. When I see a man who is attractive I think, Wow! or something like that. But I don't wax poetic about his bazillion abs and how much I'd like to feel them pressed up against me, or whatever. I tend to focus on how I feel when I'm with people. For instance my initial attraction to my husband had to do with the fact that he made me laugh and I felt comfortable around him. Looks didn't factor into the equation. (For the record: I didn't find him particularly attractive, at least no more then the next guy. Plus, he used to dress like a friggin' hobo. Had it not been for his awesome personality, his sense of humor, I wouldn't have been interested. For this same reason I have a massive crush on Conan O'Brien, no joke. Conan is sexy, but I digress). My point is: because I don't exactly understand men, how they think, and how I'm left feeling disappointed by the tiny bit that does seem to make sense, I tend to avoid books written by men. That being said, I don't totally dislike this series. There is a lot of potential here. Jim Butcher built a fascinating world with some interesting and, as far as I can tell, original rules about wizardry and other things supernatural. For instance, the MC, a wizard, cannot meet the eyes of another person without seeing into their soul, and they his. It's so strangely intimate I can't help but be intrigued by the idea. And he has this assistant named Bob, who is actually a spirit stuck in a human skull--he's kind of like a grimoire, codex and a computer mixed together, but even better. And I like the idea of a wizard solving supernatural crimes. I don't know, the concept totally seems to work for me. Overall, I sort of like this series and plan on reading the third book, even though I felt Fool Moon, the second installment in the Dresden Files was incredibly boring. Why I found this book boring is anybody's guess since it dealt with werewolves, and I tend to like werewolf lore. Even the romantic element in this book, though semi-interesting, sort of fell flat. Heck, the sex scene, which was actually quite tasteful, happened at a really odd time. And Dresden cried afterward, which, really, circumstances being what they were, made sense. But still.Fine. I admit it. It turns out ultra-sensitive men make me uncomfortable. I mean, crying after sex? Really? Here's the deal, I was raised in a household full of boys. I have five older brothers. They didn't talk about their feelings and never cried in front of me, much--it has to be said: I'm not much of a crier. My dad was in the Marines for twenty years, he went to Vietnam. Both my parents are old-school and Hispanic to boot. Which brings me to my next point: even though I'm repelled by Harry Dresden's sensitive nature, I still find his old-school chivalrous manners appealing. I know, I know--I'm (kind of) a fraud! I let everyone think I'm all about feminism, but I (secretly) like when men hold doors for me. Not because I can't do so myself--because I can and I do all the time--but because it's just nice when somebody does that sort of thing, ya know? And while I like my independence, and I'm a strong woman (both physically and emotionally) I've always liked men with protective instincts--notice I said protective, not controlling. Basically, I like knowing someone's got my back. This is why I sort of like Harry, despite his sometimes-wussy ways.You probably think I'm not being consistent, that my reasons for liking this series are not exactly rational. You know what? You're right. What can I say? I'm a woman. It's my prerogative to be inconsistent and irrational. And anyway, things could be much worse. I could be a man, thinking of little else but sex all the live-long day. ;)
Buddy read with a few friends at Buddies Books and Baubles. Harry Dresden is going to grow on me. We have been on two outings now and already I see some real potential in this budding relationship between us. Harry has a few things in his positive column right now:✔ - Cool friends and acquaintances:Bob – The skull animated by a sexually adventurous wind spirit who has the memory skills of a computer and a potions master status equivalent to Severus Snape. Chauncy - Harry’s demon buddy who seems to have information on Harry’s dead family and is trying to seduce Harry to the dark side or pick up the rest of his name so that the demon can somehow entrap Harry Pretty sure they don’t grab drinks together after workMurphy – The police detective that uses Harry as a liaison for crimes committed using magic of some sort. Sometimes I like her and sometimes I want to smack her. Overall this is the character that I think I will like seeing the most in future installments of the series. Murphy is in a strong woman with some HUGE, I MEAN GARGANTUINE trust issues. One minute she and Harry are working hand in hand and the next she is trying to arrest him. psst….long term though I think she is the solid love interestSubconscious Harry - He is a little smarter than the real deal but less quippy. We only get to see him in the dream sequence but he made some very solid points about Harry taking responsibility for things that are not his to take responsibility for. He also has better taste in women (that is just my opinion). I look forward to seeing him blend in a little more with real deal Harry over time.Susan - Reporter for an occult type magazine and current love/lust interest…I don’t like her…I don’t know why…I just don’t so moving on.✔ - Cool Toys:Harry has some super cool things going on. An underground lab…ummm awesome. Rings that store energy so you can throw a really good punch. A staff to concentrate his power *cough* Gandolf *cough. Magical knives and tokens then lend various aides to him. AND a beat up Volkswagen Beetle that runs most of the time.✔ - Deadly Foes:Somehow Harry has pissed off some people. I think in this story alone there were at one time three different groups trying to capture or kill him. Good thing ibuprofen seems heal most of his wounds so far.There was a Mobster, the demon, some Werewolf Types, the Police and possibly a Black Magic Warlock all trying to either catch him or do him in. I’d be most worried about the Black Wizard long term anyway. “Black wizards don't just grow up like toadstools, you know. Someone has to teach them complicated things like summoning demons, ritual magic, and clichéd villain dialogue.✔ - New and interesting twists to overdone lores:It seems everyone is writing about Vampires and Werewolves…they are everywhere. So sometimes I get a little bored with those species in UF. Exception being The Immortals After Dark Series (they can have as many Vampires and werewolves as they like idk why they just can). But at least the lore is completely different in these Vampires are not really sexy. Sure they can project an image that is sexy but underneath well lets just say more bat less pretty pretty princess. The werewolf lore too was totally different. There were different kinds of werewolves that manifested in different ways and I liked the lesson in history that Bob gave us on the Werewolves, it was a very interesting way to present the story. So what might you ask is in the minus column?Well I’m not in love with the plots YET….they are still a bit of a hot mess and all over the place. I like the world but I get distracted by a few things along the way because I don’t have enough details yet.Such as….Harry got uber beat up in this book and yet was still able to function after just a short time sleeping. I mean he got shot!!! But still it didn’t seem like it bothered him all that much. Someone said answers are coming but….I don’t know what they are yet, so a little distractingThe wit…is getting there. There are some puns and cool statements that give me a chuckle here and there. But I remember liking the dialogue better in Charming and Hounded. But Harry is getting there coming into his own and I’m sure he will become more comfortable and find his stride. Plus it wasn't all bad this line was awesome “And I knew that there was some dark corner of me that would enjoy using magic for killing—and then long for more. That was black magic, and it was easy to use. Easy and fun. Like Legos”The last thing is the dropping of hints…they are a little discombobulated at times. He notices Murphy’s adorable and cute earlobes with small grey jewelry only to notice said earlobes later with no jewelry (psst….because it was silver and she made bullets out of them). What dude waxes on about cute earlobes.Overall:I’m confident that Harry Dresden will grow on me and as we explore the world a little more I will find less things that stand out like this because I’m too busy with the actual story. This is totally a good foundation and I hope Harry and I become the best of friends.Audio Note: James Marsters voice is so fantastic and he plays Harry so well. I love listening to this series so far.
What do You think about Fool Moon (2001)?
This book is a fast paced urban fantasy novel that succeeds because of the likable characters and the well-designed world. Harry, the main character, is an archetypal everyman with spells. The novel builds on the basic werewolf premise, but quickly evolves into a creative and original spin on what would seem a well told (or otherwise worn out) type of tale. The author’s skill, ingenuity and craftiness keep the plot fresh and entertaining.The book borders on victim literature as Harry struggles through one incredibly painful, hopeless situation to the next. This helps create tension in the story as the reader feels a sense of weakness or hopelessness that builds as the story progresses. Sometimes the level of misery and suffering Harry undergoes strains suspension of disbelief, but overall it adds to the experience. And, of course, when he absolutely has to have it, Harry has the perfect spell for the perfect occasion. The supporting cast of characters helps round out the story nicely. From Murphy the cop, to Harry’s dangerous demon he obtains information from, to his girlfriend, each of these characters is likable, believable and an important cog in the wheel of this story.This was a good, fun quick read and I am sure I will continue the series.
—Gary
►►► Today is your lucky day. Yes it is. Want know why? Well this was going to be one of my never-ending, ever-rambling reviews. This was going to be an ode to the awesomeness that is Harry D. I was going to go all "blah blah blah this is fantastic, blah blah blah this is so cool, blah blah blah Harry D. I love you even though you're not an asshole, blah blah blah I love what you do with your staff, blah blah blah blah blah blah" on you. But I won't. Because as much as I love Harry I don't have time for this. Because this. Can't put it down. Not humanly possible. So you're about to get the condensed version of this review. Not so fast young lady, let's not get too excited here. I said the condensed version of this review, I never talked about a short review. Sometimes I wonder if you know me at all.▧ Okay, let's do this.Wait. You weren’t expecting a plot recap from me were you? Oh good, because you’re not going to get one. Things to do, places to go and all that. If you want to know what the story is about, just read the book. You're welcome.▧ Okay, let's do this.Wait. You know that fans of this series usually say that it gets better around book 3 and 4. Exqueeze me? Baking powder? You mean the Kate Daniels kind of "it gets better" when you end up giving a 10 out of 5 stars rating? Because so far this is pretty good. Hell, so far this is very good. Oh well, who am I to judge anyway? Everyone knows I have crappy taste in books. ▧ Okay, let's do this.Wait. ← hahahaha just kidding! You really thought this was going to be another pointless paragraph didn't you? Gotcha! Although, technically, I have to admit this paragraph is pretty pointless. Actually it's even more pointless that my previous pointless points. Mr Bond! So nice of you to stop by! Shaken, not stirred is that it? One martini coming right up! No no really, it's no problem. My pleasure. I mean, if you were Daniel Craig the most ridiculous 007 ever I'd tell you to get lost but you're Sean Connery the one and only so it's an honour to mix that drink for you. Hold on. I don't think I'm supposed to be mixing drinks right now. I'm pretty sure there is something else I'm supposed to be doing. Damn. Harry D! How could I forget?! Moving on.►►► Why I'm still in love with Harry D. ◄◄◄① He's a disaster magnet. He's the king of worst decision making in the history of bad decision making. He's a total dork. To some this is really annoying. To some this is over-the-top. But I think it's pretty cool. Yes, this is me falling for a guy with huge loser potential (and no dress sense. Apart from his t-shirts. His t-shirts are pretty cool). I'm telling you, the aggravating assholes in my harem can't quite believe it. Me neither actually. A non-asshole with underdog tendencies. And I love him. What is the world coming to I ask you? ② Harry's magic is VERY cool. And, again, it has nothing to do with his staff. And there's still no pulling rabbits out of hats involved here. Just cool potions and cool magic stuff. With Snoopy tagging along. And Harry chanting to the Peanuts theme music. Very cool I tell you. ③ Harry still has the coolest friends/acquaintances/pets/whatever. → Murph: she seems to annoy the hell out of everyone. So obviously I love her. She's bad tempered. So obviously I love her. She has very low tolerance for BS. So obviously I love her. She gives Harry hell. So obviously I love her. She's one tough cookie. So obviously I love her.→ Werewolves! Werewolves everywhere! Werewolves galore! Everything you ever wanted to know about werewolves but were afraid to ask! I LOVE werewolves! RAWR! CLAWS! YESSS! → Hyperkinetic amoebas. Don't ask.→ And then there's Bob. I'm in love.►►► What else? I think that's pretty much it. Told you this was going to be a condensed review. What? Sorry, I can't hear you. Huh? What do you mean this is not your idea of a condensed review? Hahaha you're so funny. 1- Last thing I knew this was my review so if I say it's condensed then it is.2- Wait till I write a full-length review and the word condensed will take a whole new meaning. ►►► You guys really crack me up.▧ Wait. ← nope, not kidding this time, there's actually something I forgot to say. Ha! Gotcha again! So. Wanna know why I love this instalment so much? Because gore. So much gore. Blood. Torn open guts. Detached limbs. Crushed bones. So freaking awesome. How many times do I have to tell you people?! Romance is overrated. Gore is cool. ►►► That's it from me. Love story to be continued in the next episode. Harry, baby, try not to do anything too stupid while I'm away. And, by the way:① Storm Front ★★★★
—✘✘ Sarah ✘✘ (former Nefarious Breeder of Murderous Crustaceans)
This was an alright read but not one that has left me eager to tear into the next 13 books already published in this series. There was quite a bit of world-building, especially about werewolves, but I didn't find it particularly immersive. Like in the first book Butcher's attempts to integrate fantasy into the modern world feel kind of forced and these 2 worlds still don't relate to each other in a believable or compelling way. I also struggled with the characters in this one. Harry was frustratingly self-righteous and Murphy was annoyingly judgmental and their tense, mistrustful interactions left me hoping one or both of them would be eaten by a werewolf (tbf their last scene together was pretty awesome and I'm hoping their relationship will continue on that note and leave behind the distrust that has been really annoying since half-way through the last book). Tera West was a pretty standard 'magical mystery person' with alien motivations and Susan was a typical love interest character with no discernible personality. The main villain in this one could have been a brilliant opportunity to explore the meaning of good vs. evil and challenge Harry's self-righteousness but instead was too busy working on his pantomime evil villain schtick. Johnny Marcone was still an interesting character although he really didn't develop in any meaningful way from the last book. The highlights of this book were the hints about Harry's parentage and the ending (which bumped this up to 3 stars). The allusions to Harry's deceased parents not having been what they seemed, coupled with his affinity for dark magic, makes for a really interesting situation that I hope will be explored later on in the series. While the finale wasn't anywhere near Malazan proportions of epic-ness there was still enough action, and perhaps more importantly solid resolutions to various mysteries and plot points (see the Murphy-Harry relationship), to redeem what had at times been a frustratingly paced book. This book was much darker than it's predecessor, with one section about halfway through containing a level of gore and violence previously unseen in this series. Butcher also demonstrated a willingness to abruptly kill off some reasonably important characters (spoiler: it's not Harry) that ratcheted up the tension and drama in this one.Mostly on the recommendation of... pretty much all of my friends on here :D... I'm going to continue this series until book 4 in the hope that the various plot threads are pulled together and the story really takes off.
—Conor
