Dresden Files Books newbie Discussion

[Highlander II]

Oh - don't stop at BR... move on to Dead Beat. It's good.

Blood Rites has a lot of 'character backstory' building, which, if that's not your thing, isn't going to be a fave. I *love* backstory, so BR works for me. Plus there's fun White Court vampire stuff in there. *g*

[soulsinging]

Originally Posted by Connavar

What was over top with Summer Knight ?

Sure it wasnt as good GP but i liked the hole world being at stake and not just a supernatural case involving vamps or werewolfs.

I liked the huge fae battle at the end. I like Wizard meeting.

That's what I didn't care for... if I want the universe in the balance, I'll read epic fantasy. I like detective stories to be about the little battles I suppose. I also felt like the last few books have had an unfortunate tendency to be overplotted. There are 2-3 different plots that never come together and just end up being resolved sequentially at the end. Like Death Masks, where he runs from a war-ending duel to the airport to save the universe, complete with helicopter rescue... it just felt like reading an Arnold Schwartzenegger action blockbuster. 4-5 seemed to both have that problem. 2-3 felt more lean and focused. Just a matter of taste really.

[Highlander II]

Except that whole 'universe in the balance' bit from SK is what sets off pieces of the plots for the subsequent books.

As much as Jim tries to make the books 'individual-you-don't-have-to-know-what-went-before' in their own rite, it's still a series and they're still all tied together.

[The44]

If you want small battles, do not stay here. hehe

It is evident with Harry's ties to both of the fae courts, that there is a lot more at stake than Harry solving some crime that has wizardry, vampiry, werewolfery, or Denarii involved.

JB has been speaking of a major plot going on in the background that seems to center around/against our hero and seems aimed at wiping him out. It involves people on the BC, people stationed in some part of the NeverNever, and others that are foot soldiers in the war that seems to be centered around Chicago, not because Chi town is special, but because Harry Dresden is there.

[Connavar]

I thought the most surprising,refereshing part of Summer Knight was that this time it wasnt a "simple" case of black magic wizard(book 1), Werewolfs(book2), Vampires ,nightmare being(book 3).

The world was in trouble cause of the Fae war.

As long as JB builds on the stories and can mix different type of stories im happy.

Sure at times the action is too frantic,there are not a calm moment. Thats why i thought Fool Moon was weaker. The other 3 of the first 4 books didnt have that trouble.

[Highlander II]

For those concerned, Harry does have some 'down time' between 'giant battles' against - whatever. The books are all set about a year apart. (Except the first three, where there's about 6 months between them... I think.)

So between these larger stories, Harry's just lurking about his office reading his paperbacks or locating people's car keys. =)

[Connavar]

Originally Posted by Highlander II

For those concerned, Harry does have some 'down time' between 'giant battles' against - whatever. The books are all set about a year apart. (Except the first three, where there's about 6 months between them... I think.)

So between these larger stories, Harry's just lurking about his office reading his paperbacks or locating people's car keys. =)

Yeah but who counts those times i know i dont. Since we dont experience them with Harry.

Thats why i like Harry having moments just talking with Bob,Murphy etc without there being a battle or some other trouble

Bob and Harry are always fun together. Murphy makes Harry look more human since she is so far where im in the series his only real human friend outside that holy warrior Michael.

JB is really good on developing all the characters over a time in the series. Even the bad guys are interesting. You dont have to be the main bad guy to get developed and become interesting.

The action dont make the series for me, its all about the characters,the world(s).

[The44]

I know exactly what would happen if we saw a lot of Harry vis-a-vis Bob is told to us in a story line. There would be a host of complaints about totally unecessary stuff and why waste time getting to the action. I count myself among those who would so complain.

We what is important is that we get some ideas of Harry's growth and continued healing of his ruined hand. Flickum Bickus worked after some long time. We did not need a lot of space to inform us that Harry is progressing.

The whole nature of the situations that we see Harry getting into is that JB has us aware that time constraints are a part of the deal and that Harry seldom has time to get a good rest or be totally prepared for all of the surprises. Jb is an afficionado of no battle plan survives first contact with the enemy. The one most prepared for everything going into the dumper is the one most likely to come out the other side without too many pieces missing. JB is really good at that. It is what makes things so interesting. Make a real mess of the situation and then figure out how Harry can survive it.

[Highlander II]

Except that those 'downtimes' Harry has are important to his character development. We see a hint of it in the first book when the mailman comes to his door. It's important, b/c it establishes part of why Harry lives in a basement apartment. It wouldn't be exciting to read, which is why it's not part of the novels, but it *is* important to Harry's character.

Jim's 'philosophy' for Harry is 'think of the worst thing that could happen, then kick it up a notch or four'. =) It makes for some amusing scenes - like naked!Harry battling the toad demon in the middle of a thunderstorm with Susan, hopped up on love potion ala Bob, puking on the side of the road. Jim is eeeeevil. *eg*

[The44]

I agree, giggle, giggle, that some background is necessary. However, JB did not dwell upon it. He got it out there and moved on. I do not need a chapter of discourse between Bob and Harry in order to understand their relationship. Background on Harry is always interesting and JB feeds us stuff to keep up with what is going on with Harry D. I am not opposed to background information.

I like it too as it tells me the author is thinking about the advancement of his character and from whence he started. I do not think it necessary to devote a chapter to it. He did not devote a whole lot of space to HD's office quarters before his client showed up at the door all nervous and on edge in Storm Front.

That scene you described is absolutely one of my faves.

It is so typical of JB's Harry Dresden.

[Allegra]

Finished Storm Front in two sittings, un-put-down-able! A platter of urban fantasy, mystery, horror, comedy. A good story, fast pace - really picked up from the second half and interesting characters (I like Bob, apart from Harry of course), and the tongue-in-cheek humour (occasionally felt overdone just a bit). All in all, a great escape.

Now I can claim I'm officially a new newbie of the Dresden Files. And I have FM, GP, SK in order. Since you guys say the books get better and better, I'll have more treats on the way! Envy me.

[Highlander II]

Hooray for new blood! =)

We love fresh victims... I mean, readers! *g*

[The44]

Hmmm, is the person who willingly jumps into the fire of Harry Dresden, Wizard, and his files a victim? It is more like taking a ride on the scariest ride while realizing that the protagonist will likely come out with his life if not completely intact.

Yes, indeed, we older fans do welcome new fans and trust that you will enjoy the ride as much as we do.

BTW, Highlander II, I really do appreciate your work on this site and your occasional contacts with JB and give us a clue as to what is going on. Thanks.

[Highlander II]

Originally Posted by The44

BTW, Highlander II, I really do appreciate your work on this site and your occasional contacts with JB and give us a clue as to what is going on. Thanks.

Thanx! Brian actually does a good chunk of the work - he's the admin - I just help keep things in line. =)

As for my contacts with Jim - holy-wow, I haven't seen him in about a year, now, since his signing tour/convention schedule hasn't hit my side of the continent for a while.

A lot of the info I get from either his site or the message board and a good chunk of it is remembered from the old mailing list (which is what the message board was before it got too unwieldy). But I'm more than happy to share. =)

I've also read through all of the books about 2 or 3 times each and have taken notes for a separate Dresden-related project I was working on (and may revive at some point).

[The44]

Well, cool, I enjoy this site and wish for a ton more of posters. I always enjoy sharing, debating, and arguing over points of view.