Format Read: Audiobook
Number of Pages: 322 pages
Release Date: April 1, 2000
Publisher: Roc
Formats Available: Hardcover, ebook, audiobook, Paperback
Purchasing Info: Amazon
, Book Depository, Goodreads, Author’s website
Source: Borrowed from library
Book Blurb:
The novels of the Dresden Files have become synonymous with action-packed urban fantasy and non-stop fun. Storm Front is Jim Butcher’s first novel and introduces his most famous and popular character-Harry Dresden, wizard for hire.
For his first case, Harry is called in to consult on a grisly double murder committed with the blackest of magic. At first, the less-than-solvent Harry’s eyes light up with dollar signs. But where there’s black magic, there’s a black mage. Now, that black mage knows Harry’s name. And things are about to get very…interesting.
My Thoughts:
Last year, I got my first exposure to Harry Dresden and loved him! This came in the form of a book of short stories Jim Butcher had released featuring his Wizard-For-Hire, Side Jobs. I had been meaning to start at the beginning of the series, because I had enjoyed the shorts so much and I recently discovered the audios at the library, so I delved right in.
Harry Dresden is an interesting character. He’s a reluctant hero, with lots of self-deprecating humour. Through this book, he was either trying to solve crimes while naked or wearing track pants and cowboy boots, as a result of circumstances in his investigations, which added to the fun. He admits to being a bit chauvinistic (at least he’s honest), yet still I love him.
I felt the mystery part was a little predictable, I mean, really if I can guess (I’m horrible at solving crimes, lol), then the conclusion is all but obvious. The redeeming qualities of Storm Front came from the action, the world building, and Harry himself. I really wanted the poor guy to be able to get a date!
I think this was a great beginning to this series though I’m sure I’ve already encountered spoilers by reading the short stories. I don’t feel it detracted from my enjoyment though. The one thing I’m not sure about is the narrator’s voice on audio; he seemed almost bored throughout. Then again, when there were some teasing, sexy parts, his voice had a purring quality to it that made up for any downfalls. I won’t hold it against Jim Butcher, who has created one of my newest favourite characters, nor will I pass final judgement on the narrator until a few more books down the way. I truly am looking forward to more from Harry Dresden!
I give Storm Front 4 Bookies!
***FTC Disclaimer: Most books reviewed on this site have been provided free of charge by the publisher, author or publicist. Some books we have purchased with our own money and will be noted as such. Any links to places to purchase books are provided as a convenience, and do not serve as an endorsement by this blog. All reviews are the true and honest opinion of the blogger reviewing the book. The method of acquiring the book does not have a bearing on the content of the review.
About Jackie
Jackie is a quirky mom, living in Ontario, Canada. She's a bookkeeper by day and a book lover by night. She also blogs at The Novel Nation and writes occasionally for Heroes and Heartbreakers.
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Since it seems I'm stalking you everywhere today I thought I'd comment here too 😉
You'll have to let me know how the narrator's efforts progress in the following books. I think you're very courageous to have listened to it all . I was annoyed by the breathy sighs after 10 minutes =P
YAY Harry! I'm Team Harry <=== I know surprising huh? 😉
@Caro – I know; you're totally his head cheerleader 😉
I'm wondering if the sighs are how the narrator sees Harry? I can sort of imagine him doing it too…then again, that might be because I listened to the whole thing, I've got the narrator stuck in my head, lol. I couldn't really have taken the series on right now except for doing audio and I was totally getting impatient!
Ugh, the misogyny. Harry's admission that he was a sexist ass never really cut it for me. "Oh yes I admit there is an issue here, but god forbid I work at it."
Grrrr. I was not able to get past that personality in order to read the other books. Or watch the series.
I loved the part where he's solving stuff in everything but PJ's ! 😉 Every man's dream – huh?
LOL..I might take a look at this book 🙂
@dracon – I'm finding the more I read him, that he's a typical traditional man with the sexist ideals BUT he sees quite easily when he's wrong. I'm also starting to suspect that he's older than we think…therefore sort of justifying the attitude based on societal norms from bygone years. I could be wrong though, lol.
@Ju – At least he's honest about where the soap suds end up, lol. He's an interesting character, that's for sure, but real too, in realizing his own shortcomings.
Harry is pretty old but I forget just how old. Still, this is one of the few series in which, after starting into the series midway, I actually read the first few books (I rarely do this) to catch up. Of course, I thought of the first books as "the vampire one" or "the werewolf one" or "Mouse's story", etc., kind of like the Mercy Thompson series.
@Sheree – This was the "black wizard" one then, lol. Funny, I just read the most recent Mercy Thompson book but didn't feel the same compulsion to start at the beginning. Maybe one day, I'll give that series more of a chance too.