Book Review – Storm Front
Author: Jim Butcher
Cover Artist: Lee MacLeod
Publisher: ROC
Binding: Paperback
Publication Date: April 2000
Harry Dresden is the only practicing wizard in Chicago and he’s the real deal. But business hasn’t been up to much lately, so when the police ask him to consult on a double murder, committed by black magic, he’s seeing dollar signs.
During his investigation he run’s foul of Johnny Marcone, the head criminal of Chicago, with a warning to stay clear of the case. And if that wasn’t enough, the black magic practitioner, finds out he’s on the case.
Personal Thoughts – From the first chapter Jim Butcher gives the reader a clear picture of the main character, Harry Dresden. This is no Harry Potter character and shouldn’t be confused as such; the only similarity is that they are both wizards called Harry.
Harry Dresden is a hard assed, wise cracking wizard, who’s on parole with the White Council for allegedly dabbling in Black Magic. So when this case falls in his lap, he’s taking a terrible risk investigating, because if the White Council gets the wrong idea, it’s curtains for him.
Throughout the story there are hints to Harry’s chequered past, painting a picture of man who’s capable of terrible things, if he looses control. So the story is as much about his personal choices and dilemma’s as it is tracking down the bad guy, who’s using black magic.
The action permeates throughout the plotline, which makes for a reasonably fast paced story. Harry’s dry humour helps to ease the tense scenes and did make me chuckle on many occasions. It’s hard to get humour right in this kind of dark tale, but I felt Butcher did it well.
The mystery keeps the reader hooked until near the end, then despite knowing the full story, you’re still on the edge of your seat as Harry, out of his depth, goes into battle. The author also uses magic in an interesting way, not necessarily new, but definitely realistically and there is a price to pay whenever Harry overstretches himself in his use of magic.
I’ve read a few books in this series now and some of the characters introduced in this first book, return in future books. This first installment introduces us to Harry Dresden’s world and I feel each book in the series is an improvement. A brilliant first book, well worth the read and one that made Harry Dresden one of my favourite fantasy characters.
About 
Recent Comments