Friday, July 28

Audiobook Review: Storm Front by Jim Butcher



Author: Jim Butcher
Narrator: James Marsters

Title: Storm Front
Series: The Dresden Files #1
Genre: UF, Mystery, Paranormal, Fantasy, SciFi
Published: April 1, 2000
Pages: 355
Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 
HARRY DRESDEN — WIZARD

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. 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 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.




Review:
Been meaning to backtrack and read book 1 of this series. I read book....5? 7?....a while back. Thank goodness for the book club I am in. This was picked so I finally get to dive into it. 

Harry Dresden is our hero. He is the best at what he does. Well, he is the only one that does what he does. He uses his magic to find lost items, paranormal investigations, and consultations. He sometimes is even called in by the Chicago PD. When he is called this time, he will face a case that could be dangerous, but he could also get a huge payout.

Originally I planned to borrow the audiobook from a friend, but I had a free credit so I decided to just spend it there. I had been holding onto that credit for a hot min so why not? 

I like Harry. He's a good egg but omg does bad luck follow him around like a vengeful spirit. You can't help but feel for the guy. He wants to help people and just live his life. Maybe he should change his career though......he makes some BAD decisions that almost gets him killed at every corner. Maybe he needs a mentor or training or something hahahahaha. 

The story was entertaining and I was curious to learn who/why/how. Again, I also like Harry so I was rooting for him at every corner. My main issue was the side characters (minus Bob)...they were so stereotypical and 2D. I was hoping for more depth, especially in Murphy. She seems like she could be so kickass, but she is your atypical woman detective. Bitter from her divorce and trying to claw her way up the chain of a male-orientated world. OH and of course she kinda sorta likes Harry but she won't admit it to herself. 

And don't get me started on that reporter chick. Screw her. She is only interested in Harry to get a story. How doesn't he see that???? Sighs. Lust man...it is more dangerous than magic.

Hopefully, the little love interests will not pan out. Harry deserves a complex and good girl. I would say Murphy but he doesn't need that bitterness.  

Bob and Harry are the true gems. Hopefully, we get to see more of Bob in the next. We only got a splash of him here. He's fun. 

The narration was pretty good. He fit Harry and all the dudes fine. His women's voices were all the same. Eh. 

Overall, I did enjoy this and I am so happy I went back to the beginning to see Harry at his "start". I do plan on continuing on. Maybe our side characters will blossom more. 3 stars from me. 












Challenge(s):
- #32 for Audiobook challenge

8 comments:

Northwoman said...

I'm doing a Read-along of this series from July 2024-Dec 2025. I'm excited to go back and read again. The earlier books will be almost 9 years since I read them originally.

Anne - Books of My Heart

Melliane said...

I tried the first book but I didn't really connect

Blodeuedd said...

I have actually never tried these

Carole Rae said...

Anne, I'm curious to see what you think of the re-read!!

Melliane, I don't blame you. The one I read was really good. I think it is a series that gets better as you go along.

B, worth a try one day ;)

Sophia Rose said...

I haven't read any, but the short novellas that are in anthology collections so I suppose I'll be joining Anne's readalong. :)

Had to laugh about your lust more dangerous than magic remark. True!

Carole Rae said...

I hope you like it Sophia! And thanks!!! :D

Jen Twimom said...

So here is the thing. The world and feel of the books changes significantly with book 3. So much so that you think you missed a book. The author even addresses it. While the characters from the first two books are still present, more are added and the style really picks up. I HIGHLY recommend listening (James Marsters is amazing) to the first three before deciding about the rest. It really is an amazing series.

Carole Rae said...

Jen, I am excited to read more. I liked the one I read a while back (I think it was 7 or 8). Thank you for the heads up!