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Series:The Dresden Files
Book Order: Storm Front* (1), Fool Moon* (2), Grave Peril* (3), Summer Knight* (4), Death Masks* (5), Blood Rites* (6), Dead Beat* (7), Proven Guilty* (8), White Night* (9), Small Favor (10), Turn Coat (11), Changes (12), Plus assorted short stories
* indicates a book I have read
Harry Dresden has the honor of being the only wizard listed in the Chicago phone book, and in White Night he's back for another suspenseful adventure. The chivalrous sorcerer can't stand seeing a lady in trouble so when a string of apparent suicides among a group of female magic practitioners comes to his attention, Harry decides to look deeper at the events. He definitely doesn't like what he sees when all evidence starts to point to someone close to him as the prime suspect.
As a Chicagoan, I'm particularly vulnerable to loving this series. Jim Butcher effortlessly captures the heart and soul of The Windy City and readers familiar with the locale will delight in witnessing Harry accurately refer to, visit, and wreak havoc across their favorite sites. Of course, even those who have never been to Chicago can appreciate visiting the city through Harry's eyes and the humor, suspense, and adventure woven through Butcher's writing are a treat to all readers.
The books in The Dresden Files series are probably best when read in order. There are many references to previous events in this novel - and many jokes based on those events - and the complex relationships of the characters can't adequately be explained in summary style. However, I really feel this is a series that has improved with almost every book. Storm Front, the first in the series, was a great read when I first encountered it, but looking at how far the series has come, it's arguably the weakest novel of the group. Dead Beat, book seven, might be my favorite in the string, but White Night was an excellent work and even after nine Dresden novels, my appetite for Jim Butcher's Windy City wizard is still eager for more.
So now I'm wondering, what do you think about reading books that are set in the city/town/area where you live or work? Any examples of an author or book that did a great job capturing the spirit of the place you call home?
September 21, 2010 at 6:49 PM
I've heard of this series but have never really looked into it! I'll have to now!
It's so strange that you ask that because I was just thinking about this the other day. I was reading Sleepless by Cyn Balog and it is set in the county that I'm in so I know alot of the places. Also, The Lovely Bones was set nearby as well. It's such a weird feeling to be knowing because most of the time you are creating the place in your head. Reading something like that, I already know what it looks like!
September 21, 2010 at 9:40 PM
I like what you pointed out about "creating the place in your head". I think sometimes I'm a harsher critic of books set near where I live because I expect the details to be accurate. If it's a book set in a place I've never been - or even in a fictional place - I'm much more lenient with the author. But on the flip side, that's one reason I like The Dresden Files so much - Butcher really does capture the city well!
September 22, 2010 at 12:02 AM
I haven't heard of this series, but I do find that often the first book in a series is the weakest, they really gather momentum as they go. I've had a few experiences with Aussie author's who've captured the spirit of WA, such as Tim Winton, Matthew Reilley and a few others that I can't call to mind just now.
September 25, 2010 at 11:02 AM
This is probably the umpteenth time I've heard of this series in the last few weeks. I must get around to checking out the first book.
As for books in my area, I doubt anyone will write about this little town. I do however, get happy when I see authors writing about my state. Makes me feel pride!