Author: Jim Butcher
Do you know why a good book series is so captivating? Read Jim Butcher's Dresden Files books from the beginning, and you'll find out.
Start with Storm Front, and before too long, you will be caught.
And why? Why does this happen?
Because Jim Butcher creates characters who have life. Certainly, Harry Dresden soon becomes a person you feel you know, as you follow his story through his own words throughout the novels. But it doesn't even come close to stopping there. Like all people with a life, Harry has people in that life. And those people, necessarily appear in Harry's story because, just like your best friends are there for you when you need them, Harry's friends are, for him. And, just like your friends, Harry's friends have lives of their own. Your friends grow and change and do great stuff and stupid stuff and it affects them, and by affecting them it affects you. And the same happens with Harry and his friends.
Look, from a fantastic fiction viewpoint, Jim Butcher has created a mythos which is remarkable. His world of magic and horror, sitting believably right within our normal world, fits together so well, you'd think he was around back when all these myths about vampires and faerie were created -- or rather, when we normal mortals first encountered them and decided they must be myths. Seriously, the skill and imagination it took to work holy swords and Norse gods and Native American monsters into one mystical whole -- it's amazing.
But that's not what makes you want the next book so badly.
It's these characters, and the changes they undergo. It's how they handle the trials put before them; how they are damaged; how they persevere. It's seeing changes happen, and knowing that the characters can never go back to the way they were in the "good old days" of previous books, because, after all, change happens and we just have to move on.
In Cold Days, Harry Dresden undergoes more change. It's a given. It happens in every novel. People change as life moves on. It happens. We're never exactly the same people we once were, because life happens, and we change. And in Harry's case, while we can't imagine the change before we start reading, it makes perfect sense as the story unfolds. And at the same time, as Harry's latest, most critical adventure takes place, the people and beings around him are also changed - forever.
I have told you basically nothing about the plot of this book. That's intentional. If you haven't read any Dresden books, very little I said would mean much. And if you have read them, but haven't reached this point yet, I am not about to spoil things for you.
What I'm saying is if you haven't read them yet, but you like great characters and an author who knows how to handle them, and if you can stomach some horror, you should get a copy of the first novel and start reading.
And if you've started reading the Dresden Files but haven't gotten to Cold Days yet, well, wow. I envy you! Keep reading! It's so worth it!
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2 comments:
Overall I agree with you Steve - but after four books I do find Dresden's constant self-flagellation a little tiring. If I shut that out I thoroughly enjoy the stories but ...
Jon, I do understand what you mean. That aspect of Harry's personality didn't bother me as much as it does you, I guess, but there certainly were times when I'd say "get over yourself."
In some respects, I saw this as one of the character flaws which all heroes seem to need, so they are not perfect. Sort of a "kryptonite" for Dresden. But, not completely.
One thing I've loved about Dresden as a character is that, through 13 books (is it 13? Something like that) he actually grows as a person. He starts out not including anyone in his plans, and not sharing information, in a vain attempt to protect people. But even as early as the books you've read, he starts deciding to be more open. This is one example of his growth. There are more.
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