The Dresden Files

Book One: Storm Front

by Jim Butcher

In this first novel of The Dresden Files we see Harry Dresden roll up to his office to begin his workday and he catches the mailman there to drop off the mail, and right off the bat we see Harry getting made fun of for being a “wizard” for hire. The mailman thinks he’s a party magician, and then laughs in Harry’s face when Harry tries to explain that he’s a real wizard living in Chicago. I feel that this is a great metaphor for when I try to recommend this series to other people, even avid fantasy/sci-fi readers, they kind of nod and say “yeah, I’ll have to check that out”.

Harry Dresden’s Chicago is one where magic exists and where the majority of normal humans don’t know that it exists. Harry is one that lives in both worlds, the magical and the human. Harry often helps humans who get caught up in magical plots or mischievous acts from the Faerie Realm.

For those that may get Dresden confused with Harry Potter, let me say this. This is NOT the magical world of Harry Potter and is not for children. You will figure this out within the first couple of chapters.

Listen to our in depth podcast review of Book One: Storm Front below!

This story starts out as a typical day with Harry getting a visit from a potential client, Monica Sells, who is worried about her husband, Victor Sells, and that he is getting too involved in the magical realm. She would like Harry to find out what is going on with him. Harry also gets a call from Chicago PD about a murder that has happened. Lieutenant Karrin Murphy often calls Harry Dresden in when there is a case that may have involved the supernatural. Harry is a consultant for the Chicago PD and gets paid a fee for his work.

As the cases get investigated and more is revealed, it becomes apparent that the two cases are related. This results in Harry having to balance the two cases and try to keep Murphy involved without telling her everything as he tries to figure the two out. There is a rogue Wizard loose as well as a demon that must be dealt with. Harry doesn’t want to get Murphy involved as it puts her at risk too.

Along the way we are introduced to characters that not only have a part to play in this story, but have an impact on the overall series. We see more of Harry and Karrin Murphy’s interactions and how they work together. As this was the first Dresden Files story published, in a way we are introduced to Murphy here in this story.

We get to meet the Chicago gangster, Gentleman Johnny Marcone, and his involvement in the story. Marcone is a player in this story, as well as the next book and throughout the series, and Harry has to deal with him and his gang.

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We get hints of the White Council of Wizards, and we meet the Council’s Warden, Donald Morgan, as Morgan is set on catching Dresden doing something wrong. Harry has been put on a short leash due to his past that does get introduced in to the story as well. Morgan is there to ensure that Harry follows the rules as well as the letter of the law, which Harry struggles to do. Morgan would like nothing better than to catch Harry breaking one of the Laws of Magic to bring him in to the White Council and have him executed as a result.

One of my favorite characters in the series makes her appearance in this story, Susan Rodriguez. Susan is a reporter for a newspaper, The Arcane, that reports on the supernatural and magical things that happen. Susan sees Harry as a professional contact and is always bugging him about the latest rumors. Susan’s story starts here and hers and Harry’s relationship progresses from professional to friendly to lovers and more as the story continues. Susan ends up having a major impact on the overall series as well as on Harry that is a great addition to the series.

Harry has an assistant down in his basement lab named Bob. Bob is an ancient and intelligent spirit that is housed in a skull. Bob assists Harry with his spells and concocting potions, as well as helping him learn new things. Bob is always looking for a way to go out on vacation from his skull, which Harry does let him out for 24 hours or so every once in awhile. Harry and Bob’s relationship is entertaining to read and is evolving as the series goes on. I’m curious to learn more about Bob’s backstory and how he ended up in Harry’s possession.

We also get our first look at Mac and his tavern, MacAnally’s which is a local hangout for Harry and others in the magical realm. Mac is the strong, silent type that provides a neutral place for everyone to meet. He is partial Harry and often helps him out when in trouble.

One of the magical creatures we get to meet in this story is a dewdrop faerie named Toot Toot. He is a help for Harry that often does some tasks for Harry in exchange for pizza. While I dislike the name, the character is one that is fun to read about and learn more of. He pops up from time to time in the series and here we get to see him for the first time.

This first novel of the Dresden Files is one that is more of an introductory nature in that we meet characters that are involved for the rest of the series. The story of Storm Front is self contained and is resolved at the end of the book. We are also introduced to the magic and how Harry is able to use it and what the rules are. We read a little about Harry’s backstory with his mentor and his family, which comes in to play later on in the series. While not particularly amazing, it is a fun read and this first story is the gateway in to the overall series and does a good job of introducing us to Harry and to the magical realm of the Dresden Files.

Make sure to listen to our Dresden Files podcast, The Starborn Report, where we break down the story more in detail and talk about the series as well.

Next up is Book Two - Fool Moon!