What do you think?
Rate this book
The Dresden Files Books 1-6
This title has been removed from sale by Penguin Group, USA.
1900 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2006
1878 people are currently reading
1450 people want to read
About the author
Jim Butcher
204 books51k followersJim Butcher is the author of the Dresden Files, the Codex Alera, and a new steampunk series, the Cinder Spires. His resume includes a laundry list of skills which were useful a couple of centuries ago, and he plays guitar quite badly. An avid gamer, he plays tabletop games in varying systems, a variety of video games on PC and console, and LARPs whenever he can make time for it. Jim currently resides mostly inside his own head, but his head can generally be found in his home town of Independence, Missouri.
Jim goes by the moniker Longshot in a number of online locales. He came by this name in the early 1990′s when he decided he would become a published author. Usually only 3 in 1000 who make such an attempt actually manage to become published; of those, only 1 in 10 make enough money to call it a living. The sale of a second series was the breakthrough that let him beat the long odds against attaining a career as a novelist.
All the same, he refuses to change his nickname.
Jim goes by the moniker Longshot in a number of online locales. He came by this name in the early 1990′s when he decided he would become a published author. Usually only 3 in 1000 who make such an attempt actually manage to become published; of those, only 1 in 10 make enough money to call it a living. The sale of a second series was the breakthrough that let him beat the long odds against attaining a career as a novelist.
All the same, he refuses to change his nickname.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
January 31, 2020
This was my first time with this author and series as I kept seeing it flitting through my GR feed from different friends that had read the series. What a diamond in the rough I have found with this author and these books as I am happy that I picked them up to read. :)
Since I read the omnibus of books one through six, I am breaking it up into book sections on the review:
Book One: Storm Front
Harry Dresden, wizard a/k/a private investigator just grabs a hold of you the moment you start reading the first book. There is quite a bit of funny situations that he gets himself into along with some interesting magical characters that I loved. There is quite a bit of mystery, suspense, magic, and action all mixed up together which drew me in right away. He also has a sense of humor which made me chuckle here and there throughout the book. The writing style of the author just flows along and the pace is well kept throughout the whole book. I loved it and the story just swept me away into the magical world of Harry! Five stars for the first book!
Book Two: Foul Moon
Harry is back! The first part of the book was a little slow, but I persevered as I knew that it would surely get better and it did, but took a bit to really get going strong. Quite a few creatures of different varieties abound in this book, but no spoilers here as you will just have to read the book to find out what kind of creatures make an appearance. More magic, mystery, and action throughout the book. Harry still kept me chuckling throughout the book and I have become more attached to this series. Five stars for the second book.
Book Three: Grave Peril
The third book took off and grabbed me to the point of slamming me back in Harry's world! Different type of problems this time arise for Harry as he has to deal with ghosts and vampires, but I still loved how he is able to deal with them all as how hard is it when you are a wizard? Love the way the author just brings it all together and keeps the reader entertained throughout the book. I still love this world of magic and mystery to the point that this book is going to be five stars for keeping me entertained!
Book Four: Summer Knight
The fourth book has quite a bit more contained within its pages as there are factions that abound in this book. The Red Court of Vampires, The White Council (wizards) along with some new faces and old faces come together in this book. There is quite a bit more action throughout the book and Harry just seems to be caught in the middle of it all. Poor guy! What is a wizard to do? Well he can do his damndest to get himself out of the mess that surrounds him! Still loving the magic mixed with mayhem and still loving the humor that comes and goes throughout the book. Harry just seems to be a lovable character and the more I delve into this series, the more I love these books! Five stars for this one.
Book Five: Death Masks
The fifth book has little bit more characters and the factions are heating up where it seems Harry has a bullseye on his back through most of the book. Poor Harry cannot catch a break and there is no rest for him in this book. There is not much wit within this book though like the previous books as there is too much action so there is no time to be funny. I still love these books though with all the quirky characters, all the magic, all the mayhem, and the story just flows along. Loving this urban fantasy series and giving this book five stars.
Book Six: Blood Rites
The sixth book gives more background on Harry along with a few more new characters. Still quite a bit of action and some interesting things going on within these pages, but no spoilers from me as you will just have to read the book. Harry gets himself involved with needing to protect a movie producer and let the craziness begin! The magic and mystery is still there along with Harry trying to get himself out of the messes he so conveniently gets himself into. I am still loving this series and I am giving this book five stars for still keeping me entertained!
Since I read the omnibus of books one through six, I am breaking it up into book sections on the review:
Book One: Storm Front
Harry Dresden, wizard a/k/a private investigator just grabs a hold of you the moment you start reading the first book. There is quite a bit of funny situations that he gets himself into along with some interesting magical characters that I loved. There is quite a bit of mystery, suspense, magic, and action all mixed up together which drew me in right away. He also has a sense of humor which made me chuckle here and there throughout the book. The writing style of the author just flows along and the pace is well kept throughout the whole book. I loved it and the story just swept me away into the magical world of Harry! Five stars for the first book!
Book Two: Foul Moon
Harry is back! The first part of the book was a little slow, but I persevered as I knew that it would surely get better and it did, but took a bit to really get going strong. Quite a few creatures of different varieties abound in this book, but no spoilers here as you will just have to read the book to find out what kind of creatures make an appearance. More magic, mystery, and action throughout the book. Harry still kept me chuckling throughout the book and I have become more attached to this series. Five stars for the second book.
Book Three: Grave Peril
The third book took off and grabbed me to the point of slamming me back in Harry's world! Different type of problems this time arise for Harry as he has to deal with ghosts and vampires, but I still loved how he is able to deal with them all as how hard is it when you are a wizard? Love the way the author just brings it all together and keeps the reader entertained throughout the book. I still love this world of magic and mystery to the point that this book is going to be five stars for keeping me entertained!
Book Four: Summer Knight
The fourth book has quite a bit more contained within its pages as there are factions that abound in this book. The Red Court of Vampires, The White Council (wizards) along with some new faces and old faces come together in this book. There is quite a bit more action throughout the book and Harry just seems to be caught in the middle of it all. Poor guy! What is a wizard to do? Well he can do his damndest to get himself out of the mess that surrounds him! Still loving the magic mixed with mayhem and still loving the humor that comes and goes throughout the book. Harry just seems to be a lovable character and the more I delve into this series, the more I love these books! Five stars for this one.
Book Five: Death Masks
The fifth book has little bit more characters and the factions are heating up where it seems Harry has a bullseye on his back through most of the book. Poor Harry cannot catch a break and there is no rest for him in this book. There is not much wit within this book though like the previous books as there is too much action so there is no time to be funny. I still love these books though with all the quirky characters, all the magic, all the mayhem, and the story just flows along. Loving this urban fantasy series and giving this book five stars.
Book Six: Blood Rites
The sixth book gives more background on Harry along with a few more new characters. Still quite a bit of action and some interesting things going on within these pages, but no spoilers from me as you will just have to read the book. Harry gets himself involved with needing to protect a movie producer and let the craziness begin! The magic and mystery is still there along with Harry trying to get himself out of the messes he so conveniently gets himself into. I am still loving this series and I am giving this book five stars for still keeping me entertained!
July 7, 2016
The first two books are flat out bad. Almost every single issue Dresden runs into could be solved if any of the people in the stories communicated like regular people. The first book is especially bad, with Dresden going off to face the danger, without telling anyone who the villain is, even though he has ample chance to do so. So the hero puts plenty of lives in danger, because he isnt smart enough to say "Oh by the way, in case I don't show up again, I am going out to catch the bad guy. He lives at this location." The character development is even worse, because there is none. Since all the books are written in a bad first person style, you don't get to know anyone else as human beings. Needless to say, the women are all beautiful (Or cute, or sexy or whatever other adjective for highly attractive you want to put in there) and every one of them has a thing for our hero. Not a single female character is too old, or too young or too married. They are all pining for Dresden, while he moans about his lack of luck with the fairer sex. I honestly don't get all the love for these books. The whole "Harry Potter for adults" stuff talked about here is just garbage. These books are much less well written, and have very simplistic plots. It does get better, in books 3 through 6, but none of these are amazing or incredible. If you want books that tell the story of cardboard cutout characters that do stupid things to forward the plot, then this is your series.
May 7, 2023
5 🌟
Happy to have a collection of one of my favorite series.
Happy to have a collection of one of my favorite series.
October 24, 2013
Book one, Storm Front: 3 stars. I'm not in love with Harry's narrative voice - but then I usually don't care for first person narration unless it's done particularly well (see: Robin Hobb). Plot had me racing along...I pretty much finished it in two nights, though one was a night when I'd had too much caffeine and couldn't sleep anyway. I enjoyed the story and am intrigued by the hints we get of Harry's dark past. Hope to learn more about that in future books. If the rest of these are as quick to read as the first, I should have no problem finishing these before my loan expires :)
Update, 10/29: Book two, Fool Moon: 3 stars. Heck of an engaging story, but the narration is still getting in the way of my really getting lost in the book. If Harry refers to Murphy as "cute" one more time...ugh. Still interested enough to read on, though...onward!
Update, 11/7: Book three, Grave Peril: still 3 stars. A plot that begins to give glimpses of a more overarching story thread connecting the books is balanced out by the introduction of a character that annoyed the heck out of me. I like the idea of very powerful faith-based magic, but Michael was too over-the-top with it. I'm not anti-religion (I am of a somewhat religious bent myself), but I AM anti-rub-your-religion-in-everyone-else's-face. Everyone says that book 4 is where Butcher really hits his stride, so I'm going to keep on, but I might read a few other books first before going on to book 4...
Update, 11/24: Book four, Summer Knight: 3.5 stars. I can't quite bring myself to give it 4 stars, as I am still kind of annoyed with Harry's narrative voice, but this one was better than the first three. We start to get a glimpse of more of an overarching plotline rather than the episodic nature of the first three books, as well as the reappearance of some shady figures from Dresden's past. I liked Butcher's version of Faerie and the different personalities of the Lady, Queen, and Mother of Summer and Winter. I'm returning the collection to the library right now, but I will probably take it out again someday to continue with the series.
Update, 10/21/2013: Book five, Death Masks: 4 stars. Harry annoyed me less in this episode, though that may be less about the way he's written and more about the fact that it's been almost a year since I read the previous one, so I knew exactly what I was getting into. I refreshed my memory with the Wikipedia pages for the earlier books, though it turned out I didn't really need to since Butcher made sure to build little reminders into his narration. Anyway, Harry's misplaced chauvinism still makes me mad, but it didn't seem as overt in this book. Starting book 6 tonight!
Update 10/23/2013: Book six, Blood Rites: 4 stars. Starting to see actual character development in Harry, and some surprising plot twists. I did not see it coming that ! And also, puppy! I'll have to take the next 6-book collection out from the library when I can get it!
Update, 10/29: Book two, Fool Moon: 3 stars. Heck of an engaging story, but the narration is still getting in the way of my really getting lost in the book. If Harry refers to Murphy as "cute" one more time...ugh. Still interested enough to read on, though...onward!
Update, 11/7: Book three, Grave Peril: still 3 stars. A plot that begins to give glimpses of a more overarching story thread connecting the books is balanced out by the introduction of a character that annoyed the heck out of me. I like the idea of very powerful faith-based magic, but Michael was too over-the-top with it. I'm not anti-religion (I am of a somewhat religious bent myself), but I AM anti-rub-your-religion-in-everyone-else's-face. Everyone says that book 4 is where Butcher really hits his stride, so I'm going to keep on, but I might read a few other books first before going on to book 4...
Update, 11/24: Book four, Summer Knight: 3.5 stars. I can't quite bring myself to give it 4 stars, as I am still kind of annoyed with Harry's narrative voice, but this one was better than the first three. We start to get a glimpse of more of an overarching plotline rather than the episodic nature of the first three books, as well as the reappearance of some shady figures from Dresden's past. I liked Butcher's version of Faerie and the different personalities of the Lady, Queen, and Mother of Summer and Winter. I'm returning the collection to the library right now, but I will probably take it out again someday to continue with the series.
Update, 10/21/2013: Book five, Death Masks: 4 stars. Harry annoyed me less in this episode, though that may be less about the way he's written and more about the fact that it's been almost a year since I read the previous one, so I knew exactly what I was getting into. I refreshed my memory with the Wikipedia pages for the earlier books, though it turned out I didn't really need to since Butcher made sure to build little reminders into his narration. Anyway, Harry's misplaced chauvinism still makes me mad, but it didn't seem as overt in this book. Starting book 6 tonight!
Update 10/23/2013: Book six, Blood Rites: 4 stars. Starting to see actual character development in Harry, and some surprising plot twists. I did not see it coming that ! And also, puppy! I'll have to take the next 6-book collection out from the library when I can get it!
November 14, 2013
Like many people, I suppose, I was introduced to the Dresden Files novels via the short lived television series that ran on the Sci-Fi Channel back in 2007. Yes, it was still properly named “Sci-Fi” back then. Soon thereafter I bought a copy of Storm Front, the first book in the series. I was hooked. Urban fantasy meets Sam Spade! What's not to like? I didn't read any further in the series, always meaning to, but always having other books ahead of it on the “To Read” list.
That changed when I saw the paperback of the 13th book Ghost Story in the airport bookstore while on vacation. It was time to get caught up on the adventures of Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden.
A quick search through the B&N nook offerings turned up this gem, The Dresden Files Collection 1-6, and another collection for the next six novels. For my money this is by far the best way to get into this series. This is the sort of thing for which e-books are particularly well suited. I read the complete works of H. P. Lovecraft in similar fashion. Reading all 6 of these novels back-to-back definitely gives one a feel for the breadth of the story as it builds through each installment.
Jim Butcher's writing style is airy and brisk. Each book is under 400 pages and a fully contained story in its own right which could easily stand on its own. However, one really comes to appreciate the scope of Mr. Butcher's world building efforts as the series progresses. I am not sure if he had the whole framework thought out when he started or just added on to what came before. Regardless, the world he presents is internally consistent and wonderfully imaginative while at the same time adhering to many well known and established tropes of magic and the supernatural.
Each of these first six books highlights a different supernatural aspect of Harry Dresden's world. In Storm Front we learn that magic does exist and some of the rules thereof. The second book, Fool Moon, centers around the lore of the four types of werewolves. Naturally, in the next book, Grave Peril, we are introduced to this world's vampires, as well as a brief look at the land of Faerie and the NeverNever. We get a deeper exposure to the Faerie Courts in, Summer Knight. Next up is Death Masks in which a bit of Christian Mythology is added to the mix, especially demons and a special trio of Holy Warriors known as the Knights of the Cross. The final book in this collection is Blood Rites which delves a bit more into the politics of the White Council, the ruling body of magicians, sorcerers and such like.
Another fun part about reading these books one after the other is seeing how Mr. Butcher's style develops as he goes. Storm Front is a worthy introductory novel. The tone is wonderfully reminiscent of Chandler-esque hardboiled detective novels. This tone lightens somewhat as the series progresses, but is never entirely done away with. Mr. Butcher refines his style as he goes and one can sense his growing maturity as a writer. It is also great fun to watch Harry grow as a person.
Some may find the Dresden Files novels to be a bit formulaic, and they'd be right. There is a particular cadence, an ebb and flow to Mr. Butcher's narrative style that remains consistent throughout. Far from a detriment, I find this to be a comforting aspect. I know somewhat what to expect from the following novels, not in detail, but in feel. I know that every gripping action scene will be followed by recovery, examination, and a jump in a new direction. Knowing the pattern is like knowing that dinner will be followed by dessert.
If you get the urge to enjoy a solid piece of story-telling with witty, intelligent, well defined characters, fast paced action, and captivating mystery, I suggest you check out the Dresden Files. Only one thing really bugs me about this series. The cover art for each novel features a man who is supposedly Harry Dresden wearing a duster and stetson. While the duster is part of Harry's signature look, no where in any of the books I've read does he ever wear a hat. I hope he gets one somewhere in books 7-12 or I will be sorely disappointed.
That changed when I saw the paperback of the 13th book Ghost Story in the airport bookstore while on vacation. It was time to get caught up on the adventures of Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden.
A quick search through the B&N nook offerings turned up this gem, The Dresden Files Collection 1-6, and another collection for the next six novels. For my money this is by far the best way to get into this series. This is the sort of thing for which e-books are particularly well suited. I read the complete works of H. P. Lovecraft in similar fashion. Reading all 6 of these novels back-to-back definitely gives one a feel for the breadth of the story as it builds through each installment.
Jim Butcher's writing style is airy and brisk. Each book is under 400 pages and a fully contained story in its own right which could easily stand on its own. However, one really comes to appreciate the scope of Mr. Butcher's world building efforts as the series progresses. I am not sure if he had the whole framework thought out when he started or just added on to what came before. Regardless, the world he presents is internally consistent and wonderfully imaginative while at the same time adhering to many well known and established tropes of magic and the supernatural.
Each of these first six books highlights a different supernatural aspect of Harry Dresden's world. In Storm Front we learn that magic does exist and some of the rules thereof. The second book, Fool Moon, centers around the lore of the four types of werewolves. Naturally, in the next book, Grave Peril, we are introduced to this world's vampires, as well as a brief look at the land of Faerie and the NeverNever. We get a deeper exposure to the Faerie Courts in, Summer Knight. Next up is Death Masks in which a bit of Christian Mythology is added to the mix, especially demons and a special trio of Holy Warriors known as the Knights of the Cross. The final book in this collection is Blood Rites which delves a bit more into the politics of the White Council, the ruling body of magicians, sorcerers and such like.
Another fun part about reading these books one after the other is seeing how Mr. Butcher's style develops as he goes. Storm Front is a worthy introductory novel. The tone is wonderfully reminiscent of Chandler-esque hardboiled detective novels. This tone lightens somewhat as the series progresses, but is never entirely done away with. Mr. Butcher refines his style as he goes and one can sense his growing maturity as a writer. It is also great fun to watch Harry grow as a person.
Some may find the Dresden Files novels to be a bit formulaic, and they'd be right. There is a particular cadence, an ebb and flow to Mr. Butcher's narrative style that remains consistent throughout. Far from a detriment, I find this to be a comforting aspect. I know somewhat what to expect from the following novels, not in detail, but in feel. I know that every gripping action scene will be followed by recovery, examination, and a jump in a new direction. Knowing the pattern is like knowing that dinner will be followed by dessert.
If you get the urge to enjoy a solid piece of story-telling with witty, intelligent, well defined characters, fast paced action, and captivating mystery, I suggest you check out the Dresden Files. Only one thing really bugs me about this series. The cover art for each novel features a man who is supposedly Harry Dresden wearing a duster and stetson. While the duster is part of Harry's signature look, no where in any of the books I've read does he ever wear a hat. I hope he gets one somewhere in books 7-12 or I will be sorely disappointed.
March 10, 2020
For those short on time.
These books read like crime/mystery novels with magic and light humour thrown in.
For those that like a full review.
I liked them. Maybe not amazingly deep literature but all I really care about is if I liked reading it or not and I really did. These were very entertaining and I like the main character Dresden.
So since saying I liked it isn’t super helpful, on to something that might help you decide.
I picked up these books because I like this genre, however it is overrun with romance novels full of alpha he-mans who are physically amazing at everything and totally unrelatable (but super sexy). And women who either swoon all over said men or are equally impossible alpha she-Ras who still manage to be every mans sexy dream... anyway those are great fun to read but I am tired of them.
Dresden files are not like that.
They are still full of magic and fae creatures and shifters and vampires and mobsters (infact I am not sure anything is left out), but the characters are more like ordinary people. Dresden our hero is tall and sarcastic with bad people skills. I love his snarky sense of humour, and that he’s a total dork. Dresden is a real underdog, always trying to stay alive and at the same time trying to keep his head above water. Somehow he always manages to solve whatever impossible crime is underway and occasionally saves the world at the same time. Who doesn’t like an underdog story? Oh and did I mention he has a cat? Haha actually the cat has very little bearing on the books but I like him. Well done Jim Butcher I will be reading the rest. And another well done for managing to write books without needing to involve any teenage angst and annoying love triangles.
If I knew how to insert gifs there would be an awesome one now.... so please imagine an awesome gif! Probably an animal...
These books read like crime/mystery novels with magic and light humour thrown in.
For those that like a full review.
I liked them. Maybe not amazingly deep literature but all I really care about is if I liked reading it or not and I really did. These were very entertaining and I like the main character Dresden.
So since saying I liked it isn’t super helpful, on to something that might help you decide.
I picked up these books because I like this genre, however it is overrun with romance novels full of alpha he-mans who are physically amazing at everything and totally unrelatable (but super sexy). And women who either swoon all over said men or are equally impossible alpha she-Ras who still manage to be every mans sexy dream... anyway those are great fun to read but I am tired of them.
Dresden files are not like that.
They are still full of magic and fae creatures and shifters and vampires and mobsters (infact I am not sure anything is left out), but the characters are more like ordinary people. Dresden our hero is tall and sarcastic with bad people skills. I love his snarky sense of humour, and that he’s a total dork. Dresden is a real underdog, always trying to stay alive and at the same time trying to keep his head above water. Somehow he always manages to solve whatever impossible crime is underway and occasionally saves the world at the same time. Who doesn’t like an underdog story? Oh and did I mention he has a cat? Haha actually the cat has very little bearing on the books but I like him. Well done Jim Butcher I will be reading the rest. And another well done for managing to write books without needing to involve any teenage angst and annoying love triangles.
If I knew how to insert gifs there would be an awesome one now.... so please imagine an awesome gif! Probably an animal...
December 14, 2019
This reminds me of 90s crime drama tv. It’s humor is funny, there is plenty of drama with characters, gratuitous sex....
The saving grace is a keen understanding of evil and what people do to fight it. Plus, the knowledge of fairies, horrors, ghosts, and demons is extensive and interesting.
The saving grace is a keen understanding of evil and what people do to fight it. Plus, the knowledge of fairies, horrors, ghosts, and demons is extensive and interesting.
August 15, 2013
This is how it almost began for me... the addiction to Harry Dresden and the Dresden files! I say almost because in actuality I watched the series on (I think it was… it was a few years ago) Netflix. My wife bought the first book some time ago and had it lying around. At which point I finish the short lived (and now looking back, misrepresented) series and read the first book and I was hooked! I bought the collection of the first 6 books on my Kindle and was more than happy to read Storm Front a second time. I took a break for about six months without reading the last book in the collection for fear of not having the second collection. So now just as I get near the end, I just purchase them separately and move on down the line.
I can relate to Harry Dresden; Wizard powers aside he’s a hell of a lot like me. And I’ll damned if we both do make the same types of decisions and the same damn mistakes. And we hope for the best while we muck up the whole God forsaken thing. I tell you this only because if you are a guy or girl who just finds themselves in situations that thrust upon you by fate; or you get yourself into them because you just can’t keep your mouth shut; or just in the wrong place at the wrong time; or just whatever the case may be! Read the books and find out that while you’re reading life doesn’t seem so bad!
I can relate to Harry Dresden; Wizard powers aside he’s a hell of a lot like me. And I’ll damned if we both do make the same types of decisions and the same damn mistakes. And we hope for the best while we muck up the whole God forsaken thing. I tell you this only because if you are a guy or girl who just finds themselves in situations that thrust upon you by fate; or you get yourself into them because you just can’t keep your mouth shut; or just in the wrong place at the wrong time; or just whatever the case may be! Read the books and find out that while you’re reading life doesn’t seem so bad!
May 22, 2018
I made it through three books before deciding to stop reading. There was a lot I enjoyed about them, Butcher has some fun and imaginative ideas and plots. The problem I have had (as have many others, I've noticed) is the treatment of women within these stories. In the three books I read, the women were, for the most part, only there as sex objects. A woman couldn't be introduced without describing the shape of her breasts under her shirt or other such nonsense. I have read many novels in which I overlook a few instances of this, but these books seemed to take things to an entirely new level. Other reviewers have discussed this issue in depth, so I will leave it at that. My other problem is the sheer number of times that Dresden finds some deep last reserve within him to keep going after getting beaten and bruised over and over. I enjoy seeing a character rise to overcome things, but it took me out of the story to see this happen over and over again to an excessive amount. I've heard that things get better as the series progresses and I may try some of the later books someday, but maybe not. I have read and enjoyed Butcher's Codex Alera series much more than these.
July 10, 2012
The "magician" part of this series appeals to me more than the "hard-boiled detective" side. Butcher's writing has improved (Book 1 wasn't up to par) and his story, lore and pacing are really good. The main character's fatal flaw--chivalry--becomes annoying as it repeats over and over and, you get the point. Overall I like this series a lot and will continue reading the next 6+ books.
April 20, 2016
Lots of fun, sadly can't recommend because of occasional sexual 'stuff' in some of the books... And occult references might bother some folks. If you were offended by Harry Potter, best not pick up these books. But then, why would any sane person be offended by Harry Potter..?
March 6, 2013
Awesome! I had no idea that I would like this type of literature. I was hooked on the first page of story 1 and continued to read through to novel 6.
July 12, 2013
Sort of Stephanie Plum with magical bad guys. Pretty icky writing and some problematic stuff, but the stories do move along.
September 28, 2018
70 pages in... Uuuh, it this a joke?
Abysmal writing style.
Cliché depiction of magic, that would make a teenager laugh.
Overt sexism.
Wow.
Abysmal writing style.
Cliché depiction of magic, that would make a teenager laugh.
Overt sexism.
Wow.
January 21, 2020
I read books 1 - 5 in one gallump, so here’s one review for all of ‘em.
What are the Dresden Files? Urban fantasy of a supernatural crime-solving wizard named Harry Dresden. For the record, before I tattle on this series' issues, I really liked a lot of Harry's personality. He's hilarious, has a great character voice, and I love his one-liners. But. I've had it with his objectifying of women (see more below).
Summary of series:
Storm Front: Dark magicians. Also demons make a cameo which was odd.
Fool Moon: Werewolves. Passably better than the first.
Grave Peril: Vampires and ghosts. Story was better but vampires are very sexualized and Harry is a delusional perv.
Summer Knight: By far the best and the ONLY Dresden book worth reading, about the Faerie Courts. Cleaned up quite a bit compared to the others, and was genuinely a fun read. Also Billy the Werewolf is a gem.
Death Masks: Knights templar gotta-find-the-missing-Shroud-of-Turn boringness? Also vampires again darnit.
Blood Rites: Read the first chapter, learned that the mystery takes place on the set of a porn movie, and promptly returned book to library. Nope, the trail ends here.
General Series Issues, and Why I Won't Finish the Dresden Files:
My biggest issue with Harry himself is that he THINKS he’s a gentleman (and tells us every chance he gets), but then he objectifies every. Single. Woman. He comes across. In Books 1 - 3, there’s not-a-one description of a woman that doesn’t include an at least slightly sexualized observation. He doesn’t ACT like a sleaze, but the thinking is definitely there. And sorry not sorry, that's degrading.
Leading to my biggest issue with Butcher: this series reads like a mild-to-not-so-mild teen boy’s fantasy. Just about ALL woman are described as unrealistically sexy and using their wiles to get what they want. It’s pure objectification, and it's not just Harry--it's Butcher's writing, putting women in awful (and stupid) circumstances where they just HAVE to remove some layer of clothing or do something equally stupid. Murphy is the only tough woman who ISNT trying to seduce anyone, and yet she’s portrayed as a paranoid feminist—and apparently becomes somewhat sexualized in the later books. Where are the strong and kind non-sexualized kick-a women??? Actually, where are the NON-sexualized women, at all??? Yeah. There are none. Except the murderous ghost at the beginning of book 3, I think, and even then I can't be sure.
Conclusion: Read the fourth book (Summer Knight), forget about the rest. The rest really is pulp-fiction—the writing is poor in the first few books, the women are ridiculously sexualized, Dresden thinks the world of himself when it comes to honoring women (which he doesn’t), and the stories are just eh. You’d be better off reading something else.
Alternative Recommendations: For good urban fantasy, check out Holly Black’s The Curse Workers trilogy (the best right here), Genevieve Cogman’s The Invisible Library series, and Julie Kagawa’s Iron Fey series.
—Ande
What are the Dresden Files? Urban fantasy of a supernatural crime-solving wizard named Harry Dresden. For the record, before I tattle on this series' issues, I really liked a lot of Harry's personality. He's hilarious, has a great character voice, and I love his one-liners. But. I've had it with his objectifying of women (see more below).
Summary of series:
Storm Front: Dark magicians. Also demons make a cameo which was odd.
Fool Moon: Werewolves. Passably better than the first.
Grave Peril: Vampires and ghosts. Story was better but vampires are very sexualized and Harry is a delusional perv.
Summer Knight: By far the best and the ONLY Dresden book worth reading, about the Faerie Courts. Cleaned up quite a bit compared to the others, and was genuinely a fun read. Also Billy the Werewolf is a gem.
Death Masks: Knights templar gotta-find-the-missing-Shroud-of-Turn boringness? Also vampires again darnit.
Blood Rites: Read the first chapter, learned that the mystery takes place on the set of a porn movie, and promptly returned book to library. Nope, the trail ends here.
General Series Issues, and Why I Won't Finish the Dresden Files:
My biggest issue with Harry himself is that he THINKS he’s a gentleman (and tells us every chance he gets), but then he objectifies every. Single. Woman. He comes across. In Books 1 - 3, there’s not-a-one description of a woman that doesn’t include an at least slightly sexualized observation. He doesn’t ACT like a sleaze, but the thinking is definitely there. And sorry not sorry, that's degrading.
Leading to my biggest issue with Butcher: this series reads like a mild-to-not-so-mild teen boy’s fantasy. Just about ALL woman are described as unrealistically sexy and using their wiles to get what they want. It’s pure objectification, and it's not just Harry--it's Butcher's writing, putting women in awful (and stupid) circumstances where they just HAVE to remove some layer of clothing or do something equally stupid. Murphy is the only tough woman who ISNT trying to seduce anyone, and yet she’s portrayed as a paranoid feminist—and apparently becomes somewhat sexualized in the later books. Where are the strong and kind non-sexualized kick-a women??? Actually, where are the NON-sexualized women, at all??? Yeah. There are none. Except the murderous ghost at the beginning of book 3, I think, and even then I can't be sure.
Conclusion: Read the fourth book (Summer Knight), forget about the rest. The rest really is pulp-fiction—the writing is poor in the first few books, the women are ridiculously sexualized, Dresden thinks the world of himself when it comes to honoring women (which he doesn’t), and the stories are just eh. You’d be better off reading something else.
Alternative Recommendations: For good urban fantasy, check out Holly Black’s The Curse Workers trilogy (the best right here), Genevieve Cogman’s The Invisible Library series, and Julie Kagawa’s Iron Fey series.
—Ande
February 16, 2021
To be clear, The Dresden Files Collection 1-6 is the first six books in Jim Butcher's series centered around "professional wizard" Harry Dresden. Rather than review each of the six, I've chosen to generally review the series itself.
Harry Dresden is an actual-born wizard. He lists his occupation as such in the Chicago Yellow Pages. Tall and lanky, messy black hair, sort-of attractive but scruffy most of the time, Harry's smart-ass attitude and today's supernatural-isn't-real attitude makes it easy for people to discount, even scoff at him. But he's the real deal. And I like him.
Each of the books details a particular supernatural case Harry is hired (or gets roped in) to investigate. There's an ongoing back story that continues throughout the books as well as a really great cast of friends and enemies that are, in turns, brilliant, endearing, or terrifying. I got to know them as they featured prominently in some books and missed them when they didn't. The stories are really interesting, comedy is artfully woven at the craziest times, and the dangers are inventive and scary as Hell.
This isn't a lighthearted "isn't magic adorable" series. It's a solid, contemporary narrative populated by a sarcastic but highly talented wizard with a dark sense of humor and the wonderful cast of friends, allies and enemies surrounding him. All in all, the more I read, the more I was drawn in. Truly enjoyable.
Harry Dresden is an actual-born wizard. He lists his occupation as such in the Chicago Yellow Pages. Tall and lanky, messy black hair, sort-of attractive but scruffy most of the time, Harry's smart-ass attitude and today's supernatural-isn't-real attitude makes it easy for people to discount, even scoff at him. But he's the real deal. And I like him.
Each of the books details a particular supernatural case Harry is hired (or gets roped in) to investigate. There's an ongoing back story that continues throughout the books as well as a really great cast of friends and enemies that are, in turns, brilliant, endearing, or terrifying. I got to know them as they featured prominently in some books and missed them when they didn't. The stories are really interesting, comedy is artfully woven at the craziest times, and the dangers are inventive and scary as Hell.
This isn't a lighthearted "isn't magic adorable" series. It's a solid, contemporary narrative populated by a sarcastic but highly talented wizard with a dark sense of humor and the wonderful cast of friends, allies and enemies surrounding him. All in all, the more I read, the more I was drawn in. Truly enjoyable.
January 4, 2019
While this collection was a gift for my father, I have all the individual books on kindle and audible. The series starts poorly but eventually finds its feet. For people who aren't completionists you can start with book 7 Dead Beat, that's where the action really gets amped up and the writing, characterizations, plots, etc really start to hit 5 star status each and every book. It was also Jim Butchers first hard cover so it's written to be an entry to the series. You can always go back and read the first 6 when you're already in love with Dresden and can put up with a few issues.
I was warned the first 3 books were a bit rough, but promised my friend I would push through. I am super glad I did as The Dresden Files series is currently on top of my favorites list. Books 4-6 are 4 star books, better than the first 3 but not quite as good as the later books.
One of my biggest problems is that one of the character quirks/flaws the main character has is that he 'needs to get laid' and the author portrays that by describing to the most minute detail every female character that comes along. It comes off as super sexist. In later books he still over describes women, but it's less sexual and less jarring.
I was warned the first 3 books were a bit rough, but promised my friend I would push through. I am super glad I did as The Dresden Files series is currently on top of my favorites list. Books 4-6 are 4 star books, better than the first 3 but not quite as good as the later books.
One of my biggest problems is that one of the character quirks/flaws the main character has is that he 'needs to get laid' and the author portrays that by describing to the most minute detail every female character that comes along. It comes off as super sexist. In later books he still over describes women, but it's less sexual and less jarring.
August 29, 2020
Perfect binge-reading material
This is my second pass through the Dresden files, but it's been many years since I first picked up Storm Front. Harry Dresden is the original hard-boiled wisecracking wizard private eye. He actually spends a lot more time getting into and out of potentially fatal jams then he does detecting. He flings magic around with his handy staff and blasting rod, escapes flying purple monkey demons in his ancient Blue Beetle, drools over preternaturally gorgeous fae women, gets thrashed by wardens of the wizardly white council, and hangs out with his cop buddy Karrin Murphy. Seemingly innocuous jobs almost always turn into semi-apocalyptic battles to save the world from a war among the sidhe or from a plague spread by fallen angels or from vampires seeking world domination. And these are not just disconnected episodes; there is are series-spanning story arcs that re-reading helps to clarify. Harry's manly flaws--he just can't resist women in trouble--and his horndogginess are a bit more grating the second time around and his pop culture references haven't aged well, but these books are still gratifying reads. Recommended to old fans and to newbies alike.
This is my second pass through the Dresden files, but it's been many years since I first picked up Storm Front. Harry Dresden is the original hard-boiled wisecracking wizard private eye. He actually spends a lot more time getting into and out of potentially fatal jams then he does detecting. He flings magic around with his handy staff and blasting rod, escapes flying purple monkey demons in his ancient Blue Beetle, drools over preternaturally gorgeous fae women, gets thrashed by wardens of the wizardly white council, and hangs out with his cop buddy Karrin Murphy. Seemingly innocuous jobs almost always turn into semi-apocalyptic battles to save the world from a war among the sidhe or from a plague spread by fallen angels or from vampires seeking world domination. And these are not just disconnected episodes; there is are series-spanning story arcs that re-reading helps to clarify. Harry's manly flaws--he just can't resist women in trouble--and his horndogginess are a bit more grating the second time around and his pop culture references haven't aged well, but these books are still gratifying reads. Recommended to old fans and to newbies alike.
March 16, 2018
Really enjoyable urban fantasy depicting a wizard in modern day Chicago who earns a living (barely) as a magical detective. The first-person narration gives it a hard-boiled detective feel, although it's more lighthearted than noir.
As others have noted, some repetition between the individual books is particularly noticeable in a collected volume like this. Every book includes similar descriptions of his apartment, of Murphy, of his leather duster, of Macanally's bar, of his chivalry bordering on chauvinism, etc., which gets a little eye-rolling after the sixth time. That said, it's obvious that Butcher includes these details for new readers or those returning to the series after an absence, not the reader moving through the books in rapid succession.
I'd read a couple of the novels in the past, but this was my first time reading them in sequence. The continuity and character development is quite good, and sets the adventures in a living world that changes as time progresses. The magic system is internally consistent, and puts a new spin on a lot of old fantasy cliches. Overall a very enjoyable and fun read for anyone who enjoys fantasy, especially urban fantasy.
As others have noted, some repetition between the individual books is particularly noticeable in a collected volume like this. Every book includes similar descriptions of his apartment, of Murphy, of his leather duster, of Macanally's bar, of his chivalry bordering on chauvinism, etc., which gets a little eye-rolling after the sixth time. That said, it's obvious that Butcher includes these details for new readers or those returning to the series after an absence, not the reader moving through the books in rapid succession.
I'd read a couple of the novels in the past, but this was my first time reading them in sequence. The continuity and character development is quite good, and sets the adventures in a living world that changes as time progresses. The magic system is internally consistent, and puts a new spin on a lot of old fantasy cliches. Overall a very enjoyable and fun read for anyone who enjoys fantasy, especially urban fantasy.
December 20, 2020
This was my second attempt at Jim Butcher's books, and I have to give up. It's a slog. Maybe my error was picking a six-book compilation. I don't know very many authors I could read six works by without fatigue. Maybe Stephen King, or Dean Koontz, or Neal Stephenson (big maybe, there), or Nick Harkaway (has he written six yet?) or Tom Robbins, for sure, or Christopher Moore, in a heartbeat, or Jasper Fforde, in the second heartbeat; could be Dan Simmons, I did that sometime in the last few years; Stephen Pinker, could be. Ooh, what about James Gleick, if we're going to go into non-fiction! Malcolm Gladwell, Dan Arielly might be a little bit of a stretch, Umberto Eco, ditto.
Huh. I guess it's not the number of books. I guess it's just uninspired, repetitive writing and dated characters, together with plots that just don't make the pages fly by.
Huh. I guess it's not the number of books. I guess it's just uninspired, repetitive writing and dated characters, together with plots that just don't make the pages fly by.
August 2, 2022
The reviews aren't wrong
Everyone I talk to who has read these has told me they have a rough start but get very good. And I think that's a perfect way to describe this series, the first few had some rough patches, Harry comes off not so likable, but the world he's built into is awesome and just continues to get better with each book. By the end of book 3 I started to enjoy dresden more and more and with the end of book 6 I think he's become incredibly well written. Can't wait to continue onto book 7.
Everyone I talk to who has read these has told me they have a rough start but get very good. And I think that's a perfect way to describe this series, the first few had some rough patches, Harry comes off not so likable, but the world he's built into is awesome and just continues to get better with each book. By the end of book 3 I started to enjoy dresden more and more and with the end of book 6 I think he's become incredibly well written. Can't wait to continue onto book 7.
December 20, 2019
Harry Dresden is the coolest dork
My son convinced me I would love these books by Jim Butcher—he was so right!! It is hard to describe why I love these books so much—I am reading through them all over again because the last one is due to come out—I have several more to go before I get to the last booK, thankfully—I sure am going to miss Harry...but in a few years I can start all over again!
My son convinced me I would love these books by Jim Butcher—he was so right!! It is hard to describe why I love these books so much—I am reading through them all over again because the last one is due to come out—I have several more to go before I get to the last booK, thankfully—I sure am going to miss Harry...but in a few years I can start all over again!
December 21, 2022
6/10. I gave the first three books of this series ago, but just couldn’t get into it. Its about a ‘consulting wizard’ practicing magic in modern day Chicago. The first book was average, the second was terrible and the third was slightly better than the first. I have heard the series continues to improve, however based on my enjoyment of the first three, I can’t justify spending any more time on the series.
November 12, 2017
Got better which each book
This was actually my third try at this acclaimed series. This time I managed to make all the way through the first book and by the time I finished the second, I was actually looking forward to the third.
By the end of this collection Harry and Co has grown on me and I am looking forward to reading more about them
This was actually my third try at this acclaimed series. This time I managed to make all the way through the first book and by the time I finished the second, I was actually looking forward to the third.
By the end of this collection Harry and Co has grown on me and I am looking forward to reading more about them
October 11, 2020
Only made it part way in to book 3. I tried to get through the third because I've heard that the series gets much better then, but it was so bad I couldn't.
The main character isn't likeable, and the female characters are valued primarily by their sex appeal and are flat. Just another bad wet dream of a misogynistic geek who managed to get published. Yuck.
The main character isn't likeable, and the female characters are valued primarily by their sex appeal and are flat. Just another bad wet dream of a misogynistic geek who managed to get published. Yuck.
February 6, 2022
You gotta try The Dresden Files
All of the Jimmy Dresden books in The Dresden Files(books 1-6) are fantastic! If you like the supernatural-vampires and werewolves and wizards-Jimmy Dresden is a wizard you have to meet! Great characters, funny dialogue and creepy monsters-what more could you ask for?
All of the Jimmy Dresden books in The Dresden Files(books 1-6) are fantastic! If you like the supernatural-vampires and werewolves and wizards-Jimmy Dresden is a wizard you have to meet! Great characters, funny dialogue and creepy monsters-what more could you ask for?
December 24, 2024
Refining His Craft
Mr Butcher has refined his craft over the last six novels to create a plausible narrative. He has cut back on crude imagery and his sense of humor keeps me smiling.
Thank you Mr Butcher for your work. I’ve enjoyed it over the last decade.
Please don’t stop creating!
Mr Butcher has refined his craft over the last six novels to create a plausible narrative. He has cut back on crude imagery and his sense of humor keeps me smiling.
Thank you Mr Butcher for your work. I’ve enjoyed it over the last decade.
Please don’t stop creating!
August 24, 2017
I have read them ALL and I love them all. The first 12 better than the last 3. But I kept reading. I you love demon hunters and all that goes with it and a rogue of a protagonist...this is the series for you.
February 16, 2018
You can always get lost with Jim.
Been following Dresden since the 1st release and sadly I will be like Thomas to Justine,always waiting or wanting more.
Delighted they are on E reader format. Replaced too many books from wear and tear.
Been following Dresden since the 1st release and sadly I will be like Thomas to Justine,always waiting or wanting more.
Delighted they are on E reader format. Replaced too many books from wear and tear.
October 14, 2018
This has got to be my zillion reading of these books. They get better with each reading! I'm really looking forward to his next one.
Also looking forward to reading the set Books 7 thru 12 next which I will write another 5 star review for too.
Also looking forward to reading the set Books 7 thru 12 next which I will write another 5 star review for too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews