All Things Jim Butcher discussion

How many of you guy's wish Jim would stick to writing books in the series he has already hook us on? I hate it when an author becomes a franchise, they get sidetracked with side projects that make them feel like they are being productive. When they are not. I don't care about games. I don't care about comic books. I don't care about little shit short stories you put in other people's books. Books in the series you have already hook me on are the only thing that matters. Codex, nothing since 2009! Harry Dresden, no books in over 2 YEARS! I knew it when he started the Codex that it would mean less Dresden books, he was just not that productive to begin with, he only did 1 Dresden book a year. And now a third series, The Cinder Spires, a steampunk series, which I loved. I have already given up on the Codex, no new books since 2009, I forget what the hell's going on.

The Codex is done; there will be no more books in that series. And as for the steampunk series, I haven't read it yet so I'm not as desperate for another one there.

As for Dresden, I have a bit more patience with Jim than I had thought I would. My expectation is that the new Dresden book had better be better than Skin Game, even if it's only marginally. If it's another Fool Moon or Ghost Story, however, I'm going to be quite upset.

The series did kind of peak with Changes. Cold Days was cool because you got to see how things fell apart without Harry. I think he should have used the last chapter or so of Ghost Story as a prelude to Changes, just to bring Harry back. The Cinder Spires series is good, I think you'll enjoy it.

I NEED my Dresden fix!!

While I am waiting eagerly for the next Dresden book, I have taken the opportunity to explore other similar authors I didn't know about. Now I have several books to follow and fill my time before the next Dresden book comes out.

Gail wrote: "I NEED my Dresden fix!!"

I know! My hands are starting to shake.

Efrain wrote: "While I am waiting eagerly for the next Dresden book, I have taken the opportunity to explore other similar authors I didn't know about. Now I have several books to follow and fill my time before t..."

Can you provide a few names? Since I'm also looking for similair authors, and have a hard time finding them..

The Simon R. Green 'Nightside' and 'Secret Histories' series are similar and have some great moments. I've grown weary of them though.
I also recommend the Marla Mason series by TA Pratt (search by series name - the author has varied between Tim Pratt and TA Pratt). Some really great characters.
If you want something slightly different but very fun and same genre(ish) and also don't mind a (very) foul mouth, the King Henry Tapes series by Richard Raley are an absolute blast. I think one reviewer (or maybe the author) likened it to Harry Potter meets Pulp Fiction.

E. wrote: "Efrain wrote: "While I am waiting eagerly for the next Dresden book, I have taken the opportunity to explore other similar authors I didn't know about. Now I have several books to follow and fill m..."

There's actually an entire (and long-running) discussion thread on this very topic here (I know because I check on and have posted there often over the years):
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Some of my personal favorite alternatives are the Alex Verus service by Benedict Jacka, and the Rivers of London Series by Ben Aaronovitch. I'd also tried the Weather Warden series by Rachel Caine, but personally felt it was a bit too PRN for my tastes.

Patrick wrote: "The Simon R. Green 'Nightside' and 'Secret Histories' series are similar and have some great moments. I've grown weary of them though.
I also recommend the Marla Mason series by TA Pratt (search b..."

Thank you ! I'll check these out..

I also like the Iron Druid Chronicles. They are similar to Dresden but not enough so that the other seems like he's trying to copy it.

Ben wrote: "E. wrote: "Efrain wrote: "While I am waiting eagerly for the next Dresden book, I have taken the opportunity to explore other similar authors I didn't know about. Now I have several books to follow..."

Ben wrote: "E. wrote: "Efrain wrote: "While I am waiting eagerly for the next Dresden book, I have taken the opportunity to explore other similar authors I didn't know about. Now I have several books to follow..."

Ben wrote: "E. wrote: "Efrain wrote: "While I am waiting eagerly for the next Dresden book, I have taken the opportunity to explore other similar authors I didn't know about. Now I have several books to follow..."

Ben wrote: "E. wrote: "Efrain wrote: "While I am waiting eagerly for the next Dresden book, I have taken the opportunity to explore other similar authors I didn't know about. Now I have several books to follow..."

I have read Simon R. Green, the series started out good but drifted to too weird for me. I like The Iron Druid Chronicles, Hounded is the first in the series and it reminded me of Dresden. I have read the Weather Warden series. The first part of the series was great but I lost track around when she had a daughter. I never put them in the 'read' shelf here in GoodReads, I read them long before I knew of this site. And I just picked up book 1 in the Alex Verus series and the first book in the Rivers of London Series, thanks for the suggestings.

Rocco wrote: "I have read Simon R. Green, the series started out good but drifted to too weird for me. I like The Iron Druid Chronicles, Hounded is the first in the series and it reminded me of Dresden. I have r..."

No problem! I hope they sate the Dresden dearth.

I read Hounded as well, but while I enjoyed it, it didn't draw me in enough to keep reading the series. That said, I own the second book and may get to it eventually. For that matter, the first Alex Verus book was similarly an adjustment, but the subsequent books I couldn't read fast enough. So there's something to be said for establishment of a foundation.

Try Patricia Briggs. she has the Mercy Thompson series and its spinoff Alpha and Omega series set in the same universe with characters from each that visit the other. They are still ongoing with a release of the latest coming out in a few weeks. they are urban fantasy, and like Dresden involve the same cast of species (elves, vampires, witches, warewolves, and such). It is set in modern times, no gratuitous sex (a la Laurel Hamilton), no gore for its own sake (like most in the genre that breeds over the top violence). Instead, the conflicts are local, the characters are very well written and it takes you on a ride as the reader where you actually CARE about the people she's created. What I love about both Butcher and Briggs is that they weave stories that have both character and action balanced so well without writing a book that gives your hands cramps from holding the book.

Morning everyone, if your looking for good urban fantasy then try the Alex Verus series by Benedict Jacka, it's very very good, the first book in the series is called Fated. Try it out

For a Dresden fix try:
The Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne
The Alex Verus Series by Benedict Jacka
The Peter Grant Series by Ben Aaronovitch
The Dog Days Series by John Levitt
The Felix Castor Series by Mike Carey
The Colin McCool Series by M.D. Massey
The Monster Hunter International Series by Larry Correia
Peter Grant series and Monster Hunter International series are not Dresden like, in the fact that the lead characters are not outcasts.
But they are good reads.

FYI, for those who have opted to read the Alex Verus series mentioned here and liked it, I created a discussion group for those books here:

https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...

(I was honestly surprised one didn't already exist)

I totally agree with Rocco. I'm afraid Mr. Butcher has become so full of his success that he has forgotten those who made him successful. In the Dresden universe he has created so many threads that it looks like he has forgotten what made Harry so popular. In one thread Harry constantly laments not having a family, yet Butcher has introduced a grandfather, a brother and now a daughter but no longer writes about these characters. Thomas has been relegated to a role rarely mentioned and Ebenezer has disappeared completely. Mr. Butcher is on the verge of losing those who supported him unconditionally. Hopefully Peace Talks will be worth the wait. Mr. Butcher be aware you are not the only author out there.

Ad to Rocco's list Al K. Line's Wildcat Wizard series.

Rick wrote: "I totally agree with Rocco. I'm afraid Mr. Butcher has become so full of his success that he has forgotten those who made him successful. In the Dresden universe he has created so many threads that..."

I agree Mr. Butcher is not the only author, but is it really necessary to leave implied threads? As far as I'm concerned: HE is the author and WE enjoy his writings as HE sees fit. Who are we to "demand" what he does? Either we like it, or we don't. But it is still his work of art. Sure, we can discuss his work, and not like or do like what he does with the characters, but we don't get to have a say in this. That is the prerogative of the author.

I totally agree. No need to threaten the author like he is an employee. Enjoy the work and stories he creates, or not.