Storm Front Review

Storm Front by Jim Butcher

(from the back of the book)

Harry Dresden is the best at what he does.  Well, technically, he’s the only at what he does.  So when the Chicago P.D. has a case that transcends mortal creativity or capability, they come to him for answers.  For the “everyday” world is actually full of strange and magical things – and most of them don’t play well with humans.  That’s where Harry comes in.  Takes a wizard to catch a – well, whatever.

There’s just one problem.  Business, to put it mildly, stinks.  So when the police bring him in to consult on a grisly double murder 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.  And that’s when things start to get…interesting.

Magic.  It can get a guy killed.

This is the first book in the Dresden Files series.  So there is some set up here as Butcher introduces his characters and explains the world they live in.  But the story never drags.  It is a fast read with a lot of interesting characters.  There is action and suspense and some mystery. It is fun to get to know Dresden and start to understand his relationship with the ‘magic’ world and the everyday ordinary one.  He is a witty guy who has a self-deprecating type of humor and is truly interested in helping people and doing the right things, so he is an easy guy to like.  He is slightly bitter about some things in his past without becoming obnoxious about it.  Which I think is hard to do in a character.  You get some glimpses at Dresden’s history and also some hints about information that you will learn in future books.  And you are left wanting to read future books to learn more about Dresden and all of his friends (and some people who aren’t all that friendly) and to watch him get into trouble and then get himself back out of it again.  It will keep you interested and entertained right to the very end.