Storm Front by Jim Butcher (2000, Paperback)

These books were recommended to me by a friend and once I started reading them I was completely taken with the way the author handled the use of wizardry in modern Chicago and by the main character, Harry Dresden himself. Some of the secondary characters such as Bob the Skull are every bit as charming. Others have compared this to early books in the Anita Blake series and I agree, but I like them even more and unlike Anita, Harry has not lost his edge. I read all 7 books I could get hold of in a matter of perhaps a week and a half I was so enchanted.
I particularly recommend this series to any fans of the old White Wolf World of Darkness games, not because of any real similarity of style but because it also handles concepts of Changelings, Vampires and Werewolves as well as wizards in the modern world in an interesting and balanced way. I'd also say many fans of sleuth stories or film noir might find it interesting to take a look, since there is some parallel in mood and method, I think.
Some other reviewers have mentioned cliche usage and predictable characters and while I admit certain catchphrases are repeated from time to time and some less important characters sometimes have a stock feel, I didn't feel it was any more so then most popular fantasy fiction and much less so then most. Most impressively, as much as I enjoyed the first book, the rest of the series shows clear signs of growing literary skill and increasing character depth. The author himself has referred to his works as "popcorn", ie, fun entertainment not intended to be heavy literature but I have to say this is remarkably inventive, well-crafted and pleasantly addictive popcorn. I can only hope there will be many, many more Dresden Files for me to enjoy.

I accidentally read a different book of this series first, then went back to read this, the first book. I am addicted to Harry Dresden, all of his adventures, and his friends. Jim Butcher is my favorite author. He really has a style of writing that brings you into the book, like surround sound and 3-D for a movie. Being that this is the first book, it is a little dry. But I promise, the following books will blow your mind! Seriously worth reading.

Jim Butcher has a way with words that makes me think of Glen Cook (especially his wisecracking fantasy Garrett, PI series) mixed in with a little Raymond Chandler, and tossed with a bit of Anne Rice. His Dresden Files books are a wonderful mix of vampires, magic and detective noir with some very dry wit as garnish. This series of books is one of the few that have made me laugh out loud at his way with words and compelling enough to make me not want to put them down until the end. I picked this title up to see how it compared to the TV series, and I've been hooked on both since. If you like your fantasy set in a world that you recognize (Chicago) but with a few twists, then this is a book for you.

I got started with the Dresden Files from the show, which has now been canceled but that's another story. I began reading the books because I enjoyed the characters in the show. The characters in the book are different but you can fit most of them easily into the books. The character of Dresden is just like the show and the actor was perfect. This first book is a lot of fun and a good read but it isn't as good as the ones that follow. It is very much like Harry Potter for adults. If you like Fantasy, Sci-Fi, horror, you'll probably enjoy this book. I have lent it to several people and they are all now hooked on the series. I look forward to each new book and they all started here. Read about the only registered Wizard in the US, living and working in Chicago, helping the police with the unusual items they have to handle. I think you'll get hooked too. Too bad Sci-Fi canceled the show.

Harry Dresden is Chicago's only professional wizard. As you can guess, he doesn't get many serious calls. That's why he jumps at the opprotunity when his friend Murphey that works for the Chicago P.D. calls him in as a consultant on a strange murder case. A scared woman also purchases his services to help her find her husband. Little did he know that these cases would pit him against some of the most powerful enemies he has ever faced.

Storm Front is an exciting, fast paced novel that is hard to put down. Dresden may be a powerful wizard but, he has all the human weaknesses and frailties. He makes for a wonderful partner through this wild story that is a mix between an adult Harry Potter and CSI.

I highly recommend this book to all fantasy and mystery novel fans. It hooks you from the very begining and will leave you begging for the next installment.