Scan barcode
gwenergy's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This book is an excellent entry into the Dresden Files universe. While the writing quality and style improves greatly with each book, this first book does a great job of setting up the world for the rest of the series, as well as standing on its own. One could read this on its own as a fun urban fantasy murder mystery, but knowing that it is the start to a much longer series with an array of characters and creatures settles this as a very nice entry into the hidden world of magic. My only gripe with Butcher’s writing style is the very heavy male gaze. It continues throughout the series (I believe it gets less intense as the series progresses) and while I wish it was less present overall, it does still fit the character. Especially in this first book, getting to know Harry, it shows a struggle between chivalry and chauvinism, both of which tend to get him into trouble. Overall, I highly recommend this book and series to anyone interested in modern-day magic and spell slinging.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child death
nicosta_music's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
For a book coming off of my Anti-TBR list, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed Storm Front. To get this book's glaring issue out of the way -- yes, main character Harry Dresden spends the first few chapters randomly mentioning how much he "respects" women while also being incredibly misogynistic. But honestly, some of his takes were so ridiculous that I thought it was hilarious. Like, come on:
“Women are better at hating than men. They can focus it better, let it go better. Hell, witches are just plain meaner than wizards. This feels like feminine vengeance of some kind to me.”
Comedic gold. No person grounded in reality says things like this. It's also extremely telling how the minute Harry
Despite the weird misogyny and perviness that occasionally spewed from Harry's mouth, I thought he was a bit of an endearing character. He reminded me of a lot of my IRL guy friends -- sort of like the quiet, loser-type nerds who are actually chill when you get to know them (except my IRL guy friends grew out of the weird chauvinist attitudes).
The plot was fine. Nothing special, but I appreciate a mystery with magical elements. The way things always seemed to conveniently work out for Harry was also funny to me and kept me entertained. I'd recommend this book to anybody who think's they'd enjoy reading about an incel who lacks self-awareness bumbling his way through magic and crime scenes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Misogyny, and Murder
Moderate: Gun violence, Infidelity, Sexual content, Blood, Drug use, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, and Violence
Minor: Child abuse, Cursing, Animal death, and Child death
quiet_reader's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Blood, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Torture, Gun violence, and Murder
Moderate: Sexual assault
Minor: Addiction, Drug abuse, Drug use, and Child death
More...