Book Review – The Dresden Files: Storm Front by Jim Butcher

The Dresden Files: Storm Front – A Fantastic Fantasy Adventure with a Side of Snark

I finally got to read “The Dresden Files: Storm Front” by Jim Butcher. It’s the first in the series, and overall – it was good.

First things first, let’s talk about Harry Dresden, our illustrious protagonist. Harry is a wizard. Not like Gandalf or Harry Potter, though. No, he’s more like a walking disaster with a penchant for getting himself into trouble, which, to be honest, makes for some entertaining reading. Harry is the kind of guy who would accidentally summon a demon while trying to microwave his dinner. He’s got that “down-on-his-luck” detective vibe but with a magic twist.

The book kicks off with Harry taking on a case that involves a missing person and some gruesome murders. You know, just another day at the office for a wizard PI. Butcher does a decent job of setting up the world and the stakes, but sometimes it feels like he’s trying a bit too hard. I mean, we get it, Harry’s life sucks. You don’t need to beat us over the head with it.

The plot moves at a breakneck pace, which is both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, you’re never bored. On the other hand, you might get whiplash from all the twists and turns. It’s like watching a car chase scene that never ends. By the time you get to the big reveal, you’re too exhausted to care.

Now let’s talk magic. It’s clear that Butcher put a lot of thought into the magic system, and it’s one of the more interesting aspects of the book. Harry’s magic isn’t just a convenient plot device; it has rules and limitations, which is refreshing. However, there are times when it feels like Butcher is just making it up as he goes along. One minute Harry’s struggling to light a candle, and the next he’s taking down a demon with a wave of his hand. Consistency, Jim. Look it up.

And then there’s the dialogue. *sigh*, the dialogue. It’s like Butcher took a crash course in hard-boiled detective speak and decided to sprinkle in some magical mumbo jumbo for good measure. Harry’s inner monologue is a mix of self-deprecating humor and angst, which can be charming at times but can also get old fast. It’s like listening to that one friend who always complains about their life but never does anything to change it.

Now, let’s talk about the supporting cast. There’s Karrin Murphy, the tough-as-nails cop who doesn’t take any of Harry’s crap. She’s a decent character, but she falls into the “I’m a strong independent woman” trope a bit too often (re: telling not showing – a big faux pas). Then there’s Bob, the perverted skull spirit who lives in Harry’s lab. Bob’s supposed to be comic relief, but he comes off as more annoying than anything else. And let’s not forget Susan, the reporter/love interest who’s basically there to get kidnapped and give Harry something to worry about.

The villains are your typical mustache-twirling bad guys with a magical twist. I can’t really go on without spoiling it, but let’s say some are ok, and some are as well developed and threatening as a wet paper bag. The villain’s plan is convoluted and nonsensical, but it gives Harry an excuse to throw some fireballs or whatever around, so I guess that’s something.

Butcher’s writing style is… let’s just call it unique. He’s got a knack for descriptive prose, but sometimes he goes overboard. There are only so many times you can read about Harry’s duster flapping in the wind before you start to roll your eyes. And the similes. Oh, the similes. I like to call them “sledgehammer subtle” (in that they’re not). At one point, Harry describes a woman’s scream as sounding like a “wounded banshee with its tail caught in a blender.” Really, Jim?

Despite all my complaints, there is something oddly charming about “Storm Front.” It’s like a B-movie that’s so bad it’s good. You can’t help but root for Harry, even when he’s being a total idiot. And there are moments of genuine tension and excitement that keep you turning the pages.

So, you want to know if you should read “Storm Front”? If you’re looking for a light, entertaining read that doesn’t take itself too seriously, then sure, give it a shot. Just don’t expect it to be high literature. It’s the literary equivalent of junk food – enjoyable in the moment but not particularly satisfying in the long run. With that said, I’m hoping the rest of the series gets better and I will give it a shot.