Storm Front by Jim Butcher Read-Along - Part 1

Harry Dresden--Wizard
Lost items found. Paranormal investigations.
Consulting. Advice. Reasonable rates.
No Love Potions, Endless Purses, Parties, or Other Entertainment.
Harry Dresden is the best at what he does. Well, technically, he's the only at what he does. So when the Chicago P.D. has a case that transcends mortal creativity or capability, they come to him for answers. For the "everyday" world is actually full of strange and magical things--and most of them don't play too well with humans. That's where Harry comes in. Takes a wizard to catch a--well, whatever.

There's just one problem. Business, to put it mildly, stinks. So when the police bring him in to consult on a grisly double murder committed with black magic, Harry's seeing dollar signs. But where there's magic, there's a black mage behind it. And now that mage knows Harry's name. And that's when things start to get... interesting.

Magic. It can get a guy killed.

Today is the first day of the group read of Storm Front by Jim Butcher as part of the R.I.P. challenge. This is actually a reread for me, but for whatever reason I never read beyond the first book in this series. The aim is to reread this one and then actually read on. I am not sure if that will actually happen, but we will see what happens. So far I am enjoying the book, so I really don't have a reason to not read on. I think at the time I was just involved with too many series and this one got pushed to the back burner.

The questions this week were done by Jeff, who hasn't followed the norm and started a blog yet. To see all the other participants just visit Carl's blog at Stainless Steel Droppings.

1. What are your first impressions of our main character, Harry Dresden?

This is actually my second time reading this book, so it isn't my first time meeting Harry Dresden. I have to admit that I think I might be appreciating this book more with this read, so hopefully I will actually move on to the second book. Anyway, Harry is interesting. His character is written with humour, which I appreciate. He is struggling to get by in a strange field, but he seems mostly good at what he does. I like that we have all ready been let in on his background, even if there are a few unanswered questions, so we know roughly how he became who he is. I look forward to watching his character develop further.

2.. In the first section of the book we are introduced to a large cast of characters. Some in support of our main character and others who are involved in the multiple investigations with agendas unknown to us. Are there any of the these characters who stood out to you?

Bob. Bob is my favourite character in this book with no exceptions. I mean, a spirit caught in a skull? So, basically a talking skull... Who could dare pick anyone else above that creative idea? Plus, he is entertaining so far. He basically blackmails Harry into making a love potion and the insight into his previous attempts to be 'let out' were very fun! Well, not necessarily in a good way... He is a great character!

3. Did you ever watch the Syfy channel's Dresden Files TV adaption? If so did it effect how you approached the novel? Were there positive and/or negative differences that stood out to you?
I have never seen the show. I always intended to watch it, but never happened.

4. Any thoughts on Jim Butcher's magic system, Harry's Watcher, and/or the White Council?

I think the magic system is interesting. People can know that Harry is a wizard, but they can't know about the White Council. I would think it would be a good thing to know that there is a council keeping the wizards in line. Harry's Watcher, on the other hand, is a bit too closed minded. He assumes because Harry has preformed black magic in the past that he is automatically guilty of the crime that Harry is investigating. It will lead to an interesting story line because suddenly Harry has to catch whoever did this just to clear himself.

5. Lastly, Any guess on were Dresden's multiple plot threads will lead and/or any favorite scenes the first section of the book?

Well, since I have read this book before I am not going to touch the future. Even though I don't really remember this book very well, I could still get lucky and I don't want to spoil the book for anyone. As to favourite scenes, well, I really liked the scene in the sub-basement where we meet Bob. That was fun! I also enjoyed the scene at the lake where Harry catches the fairy. I really like fairies.

I actually read this book back in 2007 for the Once Upon a Time Challenge. You can read my original review here.