Storm Front (The Dresden Files #1)

Wow, it's been awhile! Sorry for the disappearing act everyone; it's been pretty busy lately. I haven't been able to read many books as I've wanted to, but I've finished a few that I'd like to get a review out on, specifically the first novel in The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher!

Storm Front

4 out of 5 Wizardly Stars

HARRY DRESDEN—WIZARD

Lost Items Found. Paranormal Investigations.

Consulting. Advice. Reasonable Rates. 

No Love Potions, Endless Purses, Parties, or

Other Entertainment.

I've heard very good things about The Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher, and it's about time I read it! Butcher has created a world in which wizards, vampires, werewolves, demons, faeries, ghosts, talking skulls, dark magic and more are alive and kicking. Most humans don't seem to believe that these supernatural beings exist, but there are some who do, and who turn to the local wizard -- Harry Dresden -- for help.

Storm Front begins with Harry Dresden being contacted by Chicago P.D. Special Investigations Lieutenant Karrin Murphy. There's been a double homicide, and Murphy needs help. She'll need a wizard's insight to catch whoever's been using black magic to commit murder, and Harry's the best -- well, only -- wizard for the job. Thus begins the investigation to find the murderous black mage before he strikes again, and to prevent him from taking out Harry in his next deadly spell.

"My name is Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden. Conjure by it at your own risk.” 

Harry Dresden:

Harry Dresden is the only known wizard that is a private investigator for hire. He's also a consultant for the Chicago P.D. on crimes that surpass mortal capability and seem unexplainable. He's the guy to go to when situations don't make sense, when suspicious magic-related crimes occur. After a brutal murder in which two people's hearts are literally ripped out of their chest, Harry's called in for his expertise. Quickly after this, Harry finds himself involved in a complex, deadly situation involving crime, mystery, dark magic, demons, a mob boss, a vampiress and lots of danger. However, he's the only hope for the police in finding this powerful killer and stopping him before he strikes again. Harry's a very likeable character, although a bit old-fashioned, and you can always count on him to mix in some humor along with all the danger and lighten up the situation a bit. We're given hints about his past, about how he got where he is today, but nothing too in-depth. I look forward to learning more about him in the next couple of books. One power that Harry has that I find very interesting is his ability to soulgaze. “When I look into someone’s eyes, into their soul, their innermost being, they can see mine in return—the things I had done, the things I was willing to do, the things I was capable of doing.” This is only one magical ability that a wizard has among many. Potions, spells and summoning circles oh my!

"Magic. It can get a guy killed."

Story line:

The plot-pace for the first novel in The Dresden Files is a bit slow, but necessary to explain and build this different world. We're given information on how magic works, the different ways it can be used, the power-players in Chicago's underworld, the people on the White Council who run the Laws of Magic, and the faerie realm of the Nevernever. I like how all the plot-lines and different parts of the story are all intertwined. The pace really picks up towards the end and becomes very intense, but the story seems to wrap up too neatly with a nice bow on top once the mystery has been solved and the main battle fought. I figured out the mystery a little bit before Harry, and it is definitely entertaining watching him investigate the murders. The different clues and important, dynamic players were handled brilliantly. I would have liked more information on the magic side of this world, but all in due time. 

"Magic came from life itself, from the interaction of nature and the elements, from the energy of all living beings, and especially of people. A man's magic demonstrates what sort of person he is, what is held most deeply inside of him. There is no truer gauge of a man's character than the way in which he employs his strength, his power." 

Now, the reason for knocking off 1 star. I feel some parts of the novel are a bit predictable, and while I really like the story Butcher has created, there is nothing that made me absolutely love Storm Front. Don't get me wrong though: it's engaging, has a good mystery and very likeable characters, and is a great start to the series. This is definitely a series I'm going to be keeping up with -- actually catching up with since 15 books in the series has already been released! I've  already started the next novel -- Fool Moon -- and am about halfway through, and so far, the story is awesome. I'm trying to pace myself with it, but the plot-line has really sucked me in, and we get to experience more magic! If you haven't read this series yet, I strongly suggest picking up Storm Front and getting started -- The Dresden Files is the definition of Urban Fantasy.

I was Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden. I was a wizard. Wizards control their power. They don't let it control them. And wizards don't use magic to kill people. They use it to discover, to protect, to mend, to help. Not to destroy.