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

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Heroic Hearts

 

Format: 368 pages, Paperback

Published; May 3, 2022 by Ace

UF/Own

I only read this one for the Anne Bishop one!

Little Things by Jim Butcher 

Kind of feels like I am not missing much by not reading Butcher

The Dark Ship by Anne Bishop read by Alexandra Harris 

It took place somewhere else! Ohhh nice. I liked that. I love that. Got to to see what the European others were up to after everything was destroyed.

Comfort Zone by Kelley Armstrong 

Eh, it worked.

Train to Last Hope by Annie Bellet 

Interesting, and dark

Fire Hazard by Kevin Hearne 

At the moment I can not even recall it

Grave Gambles by R.R. Virdi 

Quite interesting

Silverspell by Chloe Neill

I guess Neill is just not for me

Troll Life by Kerrie L. Hughes

I liked this one

Return of the Mage by Charlaine Harris 

No idea what was going on

The Vampires Karamazov by Nancy Holder

I liked this one

The Necessity of Pragmatic Magic by Jennifer Brozek

Zero recollection

Dating Terror by Patricia Briggs

An Asil story, nice

As always, some good, some bad

In this short story collection of courage, adventure, and magic, heroes—ordinary people who do the right thing—bravely step forward.

But running toward danger might cost them everything. . . .

Book Review: Turn Coat

Author: Jim Butcher

Title: Turn Coat (The Dresden Files #11)
Genre: Mystery, Action, Sci-Fi, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal
Pages: 420

First Published: April 7th, 2009
Where I Got It: my shelf (Christmas gift from Boyfriend)

"When it comes to the magical ruling body known as the White Council, Harry keeps his nose clean and his head down. For years, the Council has held a death mark over Harry's head. He's still thought of as a black sheep by some;and as a sacrificial lamb by others. But none regard him with more suspicion and disdain than Morgan, a veteran Warden with a grudge against anyone who bends the rules.

Like Harry.

So when Morgan turns up asking for help, Harry isn't exactly eager to leap into action. Morgan has been accused of treason against the White Council;and there's only one final punishment for that crime. he's on the run, he wants his name cleared, and he needs someone with a knack for backing the underdog.

Like Harry.

Now Harry must uncover a traitor within the Council, keep a less than agreeable Morgan under wraps, and avoid coming under scrutiny himself. And a single mistake may cost someone his head.

Like Harry..."

This is the 11th installment of the Dresden Files. However, this is the first book I've read in Jim Butler's series. It seemed to stand well as a stand-alone. There were a few inside jokes and a few back-stories that went WAY over my head, but kuddos to Jim Butler for keeping newbies on the same page as veterans of the series. 

First of all....I love Harry. God, Harry was an amazing character. Though I'm not big into wizards and that side of the supernatural, but man....he is my favorite wizard. He reminds me a lot of male, wizard version of Anita Blake. Kick-ass, witty, funny, honorable, and sassy-to-boot. I wish Harry was real because I would want to be his friend. 

Honestly...I liked nearly all the characters that joined in on the fun. Even Morgan...Harry's arch-nemesis. From what I know, I know I should not like Morgan and whatnot. Morgan was not a nice guy to Harry in the past and was generally an ass, but I liked him. He was just doing his job and he can't help it that he feels Harry is a lose cannon. Morgan has been alive for many years and has experienced much. So I can his doubt that Harry can be an exception and be "changed". I don't know the whole story on what Harry supposedly did. But again...many veteran fans probably wanted Harry to turn in Morgan, but again...Harry is awesome and got over his hatred for Morgan and decided to help an innocent man. 

It was a fun book and I enjoyed the ride. It took me a while to finish, but there was a lot going on (in the book) and like a sweet wine, you need to just sip on it. Also, life got in the way...oh well. I also give kuddos to the author for keeping me unsure how the book would end and I was rather surprised and left agasp. I did NOT see the ending ending the way it did. Nope. I had my theories and my guesses, but none of them were even close. Meh. 

I was happy that there was much more supernatural beings running around then just wizards and warlocks and etc. There are demons, shifters, werewolves, vampires, and more. I'm not huge on wizards and witches, so the including of other beings kept my attention. I especially loved how Harry is buddies with a small group of were-wolves. That made me smile. ^.^

In the end, it was a fun ride. Though it is book 11, I felt like I had a good handle on what was going on. There is a lot of back-story I am missing, but I still enjoyed what I read. Harry was freakin' amazing and I wish he really existed because I would MAKE him be my friend. hahaha. I also loved the interplay with the other characters. Though every single person seemed to be "perfect" and "lovely", it didn't bug me. Oh well. Perhaps I'll backtrack and read some of the other books of this series. We shall see. 

I would recommend this to those that love fantasy and paranormal books. There was a touch of romance in there, but mainly the book was a mystery, action-ie, and magically inclined book with a kick-ass hero. Haha. I grant this book 4 stars. In all reality it is more like 3.5, but I rounded.

Favorite Character(s): Harry, Morgan, Butters, all the wolves, Mouse (Harry's faithful dog), Molly (don't know why, but I like her), Thomas, and Justine.

Not-so Favorite Character(s): Ana (>.>)

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<3CaroleRae

Who, What, Where?

This meme was created by Melissa over at My World in Words and Pages. This meme is a way to share where you are, who you are with, and what is going on in your book. Make sure to not give away any major spoilers. 


It's been a while since I've done this meme as well. ^.^ How is everyone's week going? We are at the halfway point, so we can do it! I'm dying for Friday to come along. Ekkkk!

Anyways, this week I'm reading Turn Coat by Jim Butcher. 

I am with Harry and his dog Mouse in his house and I believe the time is contemporary but its a fantasy world. Morgan, his old nemesis of sorts, has just stumbled by and begged for help for the White Council is after him for something he didn't do. He is injured badly and Harry gets a doctor buddy, Butters, to help him. Now Harry and Mouse are sitting there watching Morgan sleep. Harry is thinking to himself.

Please feel free to share where you guys are in your adventures!

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<3CaroleRae