And with this I reach my Cannonball! I honestly never thought I’d be so fast (last year it took until December for me to reach it). Now I can take slow down a little and pick up a few of the longer books I have waiting next to my bed (and on my audible playlist).
There’s a fair amount of you around these parts that read The Dresden Files, and the audio as well is super popular. It came up on sale on audible, and as I thought I’d try it as it seemed like something that both myself and Mr. Beth Ellen would enjoy for a long car trip. I just wish I’d enjoyed it more.
This is the initial novel in the giant Dresden Files series. Harry Dresden is a wizard in modern day Chicago (or the 90’s as when this was written). He is one of the few wizards out in the open and runs his business helping people find things, basic spells, etc. On the side he assists the police when needed on “magical” looking cases. Lots of people don’t believe that magic exists so it’s an interesting line Harry walks. When Detective Murphy calls Harry to come check out a case with exploding hearts our story rolls out from there, and doesn’t wrap up until the last 5 minutes or so.
It was okay. The story rolled out pretty quickly and didn’t let up so we were entertained for our long drive, but it’s definitely not a favorite. It felt very dated, we could both clearly tell it was written in the 90’s, and that’s not due to the lack of technology. The “dated”ness of it came specifically from the depictions of the female characters. It was off enough that even Mr. Beth Ellen noticed, believe me, that says something. They were all women, who Harry kept having to treat like “ladies”. Harry “treats” the ladies like a “gentleman”, and constantly refers to them in a lesser state. It’s all about how beautiful they are, and then after that a bit on their personality. It all felt very, very 90’s. Maybe I’m just overly sensitive these days, but it left me feeling icky.
Overall, it was okay. I listened, but I wasn’t wowed. Maybe someday I’ll try out the next in the series, but for now I’ve tried it. I can move on and enjoy something else more. At least hooray for the Cannonball!
CANNONBALL! Congratulations!
Thanks! I wish it was a kissing book, but it just worked out this way.
Congratulations!
I think the consensus around these parts is that it takes a couple books for Butcher to get his legs under him, and that the women problem is never really resolved.
If you do continue the series, you might even have trouble remembering how much you disliked the first book. I’ve heard that from a few people.
But, this also isn’t for everyone. Good luck on your longer books!
Thanks! And I knew that going in the first couple were shaky, but I’m one of those people that if I’m going to start a series it’s almost impossible to go out of order. I might try another in the future, but for now there’s just so many other good books out there waiting to be read!
I can understand that.
I do hope you return to it, though. There’s much to enjoy in the series……it’d be nice if they didn’t start with so many issues, though.
CANNONBALL!!!
Dresden never grabbed me either but I’ve had many suggest starting at book #4 (I read 4-8). Personally if you’re going for something in that ilk I would recommend the Kate Daniels series over Dresden but that’s my personal preference.
Thanks! I’ve looked into the Kate Daniels before. I enjoy audiobook series for my commutes. I should check out the narrator, they could do quite nicely.
YAY! Happy Cannonball. It takes a while for the series to take off, and once the series starts, it really is quite fun. However, though Butcher does get better with the woman problem it never really goes away so take that as you will.
Thanks! I might give it a shot at a later point, although it’s probably more likely that Mr. Beth Ellen will. This is more his usual genre than mine.
Congratulations! Dresden does have some lady issues in addition to taking a few books to get going. However, if you liked it ok, read the Wikipedia plot synopsis of the next two books and skip straight to Summer Knight. Dresden does grow out of a lot of his lady issues, and Karen has become one of the more complex and interesting characters in urban fantasy. I would also suggest the Kate Daniels series with the understanding that the first book is necessary, but problematic.
Thanks! I definitely will look into the Kate Daniels books. I also could totally see how Karen becomes an awesome character with time, I’m just not sure if I want to commit that much time to her at the moment. There’s so many other books out there waiting to be read.
Huzzah!!!! Well done!
Thank you!
Happy Cannonball! I just finished book 3 and am keeping my fingers crossed that I start to see some improvements like everyone has promised. There’s a lot to like, but I’m just not 100% sold yet.
Thanks! I think I’m passing along the furthering of the stories to Mr. Beth Ellen. Then I can come back and try again on ones he thinks I’ll like.
Congrats on your Cannonball!
Thanks!
Happy cannonball!! I love this series now, and hope you eventually continue, but I do get it’s not for everyone :)
Thanks! And that’s why I had to try this series. It has such a loyal following here. This many Cannonballers just can’t be wrong in the long run.
Happy Cannonball! I kept thinking that The Dresden Files books were not for me, but around book four, I liked the series a bit more, and by book five, I got the audios, and I haven’t looked back.
Ilona Andrews’ Kate Daniels books are great. The first book is rough (but no where near as rough as Storm Front). Come book 2, the series is absolutely great and I’m counting the minutes until book 9 is out next week. I also really like Seanan McGuire’s Toby Daye books, but that series also didn’t hook me until book 3.
Thanks! And thank you for the Seanan McGuire rec. I already had the Kate Daniels on my list to try, but I’m finding with my long commute that series might be the way to go so I’m always looking for more to try.
Happy Cannonball!