27 Feb 2011

STORM FRONT.


Lost items found. Paranormal Investigations. Consulting. Advice. Reasonable rates. No Love Potions, Endless Purses, or Other Entertainment.

Harry Dresden is the best at what he does - and not just because he's the only one who does it. So when the Chicago P.D. has a case that transcends mortal capabilities, they come to him for answers. Because the everyday world is not as 'everyday' as it seems. It's actually full of strange and supernatural 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 the police are having trouble with this time.

There's just one problem. Business, to put it mildly, stinks. So when the police bring him into consult on a grisly double murder committed with 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.
....... Outer back cover

FIRST SENTENCE: I heard the mailman approach my office door, half an hour earlier than usual.

MEMORABLE MOMENT: Faeries didn't think too much of mortals' idea of 'sporting' unless there was a lot of nudity and lust involved. They had a penchant for shadowing necking teenagers and playing tricks on them.

KEEP IT OR NOT?: Not but only because I will be passing it on to a friend with a passion for this genre and I know she will love the book even more than I did.

An ex-library stock read, I really, really enjoyed this tale of Harry Dresden, a  modern-day wizard who just happens to be a private eye specialising in paranormal investigations. Not just a crime novel but also a tale of the supernatural, I thought this was an intelligent, well written novel that was just that little bit different.

Gently accumulating pace throughout Storm Front ended with something of a bang - talk about ending on a high note, I can't wait to read the further cases of Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden 'the only openly practising wizard in the country who can be found in the yellow pages, listed under wizards'.

I adored Harry as a character, funny and caring, he walked the line between being a 'supernatural' and a regular guy who, when we first met him, had been 'having a slow month' until he got a call from Monica 'No-Last-Name' (apparently people don't like to give their real names to a wizard) who fears her husbands disappearance might have something to do with his recent interest in magic. But it doesn't stop there, Harry is then contacted by Lieutenant Karrin Murphy, director of Special Investigations for whom he is a 'consultant' called in to help with any crimes dubbed unusual - Karrin has, not one but two dead bodies for him. Then, there is gentleman/villain Johnny Marcone who wishes to pay Harry not to investigate recent events. Are all three jobs linked? As if I'm going to tell you, you'll have to read this one for yourself.

Though largely about Harry (he really stands out as the main character) we also get to meet some other fascinating beings, both human and otherwise. Harry's relationship with women is interesting, if not altogether successful, but it is the events concerning non-humans that I found particularly readable. Take Toot-toot for example, a six inch faery with a passion for bread, milk and honey (a common vice for the lesser fae or so we are informed) who has a rather, shall we say, unconventional working-relationship with Harry. Then there is 'Bob' (Bob I ask you) some kind of spirit who resides in a skull (where else?) and aids Harry in the more complicated spells often with humorous results. My only complaint? We don't get to know more about these characters.


The 20th book read for the 100+ Reading Challenge as well as the 11th book and my final choice in the Loving The Reviews Reading Challenge for which I hope to have a wrap-up post on Tuesday or Wednesday.

15 comments:

Misha said...

The book has a really interesting premise. Harry seems like a great character. Thanks for the review, Tracy!

Mary (Bookfan) said...

It sounds interesting. I've heard of the author but haven't read any of his novels. Nice that you can pass it on to a friend.

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed you review. Thanks.

All the best, Boonie

serendipity_viv said...

Did you know it was a TV series? That is how I first heard of Harry Dresden. One of my friends has read the whole series and says it is fabulous. I will definitely look out for this as I have been meaning to read it for ages.

Dorte H said...

Interesting review. I think there are elements I´d like, but the paranormal doesn´t really appeal to me.

The Bookworm said...

this does sound good, I like the fantasy aspect of it. great review!

Oddyoddyo13 said...

Wow! There's an idea I've never heard of before.

Nikki - Notes of Life said...

You absolutely MUST read the rest of the series! The books just get better and better (in my humble opinion!). I've managed to convert several friends into Dresden Files fans and I won't stop now :D

Carrie at In the Hammock Blog said...

this one looks pretty interesting!! i wouldn't have thought it was about wizards and faeries from the cover!!

Kelly said...

This sounds kind of fun.... gum-shoe meets fantasy world!

Melissa (Books and Things) said...

I have this one on my tbr and I've been wanting to get into this series. I've read a short story by the author and enjoyed it. It's up my alley so I think I'll enjoy it. Thanks for the review!

Jenners said...

This sounds fun! I love books with this kind whimsy. Glad it was as good as it sounds!

Melissa (My World...in words and pages) said...

Sounds great! I have to get to Jim Butcher. My Brother and I were just talking about his books last night too. Sounds great! I really need to get to this. :)

Gina said...

Interesting cover....plain but striking all at once. As for the story...sounds interesting. I've heard of the author on more than one occasion (good things of course) but have yet to try it. Might have to consider for a future read. Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

All right, I am going to have to get this book, you are the second person I know who loved it.