Storm Front by Jim Butcher
Blurb:
Harry Dresden’s investigation of a grisly double murder pulls him into the darkest depths of magical Chicago in the first novel in the #1 New York Times bestselling Dresden Files series—now celebrating its 25th anniversary!
As a professional wizard, Harry Dresden knows firsthand that the “everyday” world is actually full of strange and magical things—and most of them don’t play well with humans. 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...
Review:
Does Jim Butcher and Harry Dresden need any introduction!? I don’t think so. Not only is The Dresden Files widely popular across the globe, but is quite possibly THE defining work in the sub-genre that is Urban Fantasy. Now that’s a flex, huh? And dang did I have it sitting on my TBR for more than a while… But here we are at last, phew! And oh boy, what a super duper fun ride it was! If that’s how bangin’ the opening chapter to this phenomenon of a series is, then count me in all the way!
I’ll make it easier for you – the hype is TOTALLY justified. Go for it if you haven’t done so already!
What’s it about?
My name is Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden. Conjure by it at your own risk. I'm a wizard. I work out of an office in midtown Chicago. As far as I know, I'm the only openly practicing professional wizard in the country. You can find me in the yellow pages, under Wizards.
You'd be surprised how many people call just to ask me if I'm serious. But then, if you'd seen the things I'd seen, if you knew half of what I knew, you'd wonder how anyone could not think I was serious.
That’s it. No more intro needed. You heard the man himself. And trust me, he’s in “the book” alright…
Harry Dresden. Pure of heart and mind. The one who cannot be corrupted. An old-fashioned sort of guy who’s terribly hard on books, and doesn’t trust any machines or electronics. Yeah, that’s our beloved hero who’s here to save the day from all things dark and evil.
So when Chicago P.D. calls for him in a case of double homicide involving black magic, Harry’s broke and not so organized life takes an unexpected turn. How difficult can it possibly be, right? But the job is much more complex and deadly than it actually seems… Will it prove to be something more than what Harry can chew?
Thunder growled, near at hand. Lightning danced overhead, somewhere in the clouds, casting odd light and spectral shadows through the roiling overcast.
The storm had arrived.
Oh, you better be ready (trust me, you ain’t). Sh*t’s about to go down for real…
The good:
The good? How dare you even ask this question!?
Harry Dresden is the real star of the show, and rightly so, but the supporting cast has been excellently penned as well.
The plot is so well-paced that I absolutely breezed past it all. The break-neck pacing combined with an enthralling narrative filled with tons of action, drama, and humor had me totally hooked from page one all the way up until the end. And I want more!
The world/setting is very much present day-like, and you would feel totally at home with it lol. Loved it very much indeed.
The lore and the magic do stand out on their own. The whole magic/wizardry is so well presented that you will slot right into it without any confusion.
We journey through Harry’s first person POV, and no surprise, Jim Butcher’s writing is EXCELLENT by every means! No wonder the books are selling like hot cakes…
The “not so” good:
Honestly, I don’t have any complaints whatsoever. If any book 1 is as crazy good, adrenaline-high thrill ride as this, then it simply can’t have anything bad in my opinion. Did I enjoy it? HECK. YEAH. And even that would be an understatement!
Highlights:
If you somehow missed the most important part of it all, here’s Jim Butcher (and me) trying to remind you of it once again…
My name is Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden. Conjure by it at your own risk. When things get strange, when what goes bump in the night flicks on the lights, when no one else can help you, give me a call.
I'm in the book.
Other info.
I mean, there are SOOO many Easter Eggs and references from pop culture scattered throughout! Not only from back in the day like that of Sherlock Holmes, The Wizard of Oz, and D & D, but present day ones as well, such as Batman, King Kong, Domino’s and Pizza Hut! Absolutely loved spotting them all around!
Final thoughts:
Is the hype for The Dresden Files justified? HECK. YEAH! Storm Front is a crazy good introduction to Harry Dresden and his shenanigans. The plot develops at a break-neck speed, has tons of action, drama, and laugh-out-loud humor, and is fully engaging from start to finish. I absolutely breezed past it all! The magic and the world both are so very well penned, and no doubt the writing is excellent in every way possible. I can totally see why the series is adored by scores. I myself can’t wait to continue this crazy journey with Chicago’s only real Wizard! Yep, you heard that right, folks. And trust me, he’s in “the book”! Go read it for yourselves if you haven’t already done so. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!
