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The Dresden Files #2
Fool Moon
Harry Dresden — Wizard
Lost Items Found. Paranormal Investigations. Consulting. Advice. Reasonable Rates. No Love Potions, Endless Purses, or Other Entertainment.
Business has been slow. Okay, business has been dead. And not even of the undead variety. You would think Chicago would have a little more action for the only professional wizard in the phone book. But lately, Harry Dresden hasn't been able to dredge up any kind of work — magical or mundane.
But just when it looks like he can't afford his next meal, a murder comes along that requires his particular brand of supernatural expertise.
A brutally mutilated corpse. Strange-looking paw prints. A full moon. Take three guesses--and the first two don't count...
Lost Items Found. Paranormal Investigations. Consulting. Advice. Reasonable Rates. No Love Potions, Endless Purses, or Other Entertainment.
Business has been slow. Okay, business has been dead. And not even of the undead variety. You would think Chicago would have a little more action for the only professional wizard in the phone book. But lately, Harry Dresden hasn't been able to dredge up any kind of work — magical or mundane.
But just when it looks like he can't afford his next meal, a murder comes along that requires his particular brand of supernatural expertise.
A brutally mutilated corpse. Strange-looking paw prints. A full moon. Take three guesses--and the first two don't count...
432 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
About the author
Jim Butcher
248 books49.5k 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 9,572 reviews
March 5, 2011
I've been told this series gets good at book three. Someone else said book four. Another, book six.
I promised to read until book seven, and I will. But Harry is seriously, seriously shitting me.
Harry Dresden is a Wizard private eye who works largely with the Chicago police department's Special Investigations officer, Murphy.
He has the most over-developed Hero complex of any protagonist I've ever read, to the point of ridiculous. I'm almost wondering whether his subconscious is guiding him toward some kind of dramatic suicide which would make this novel more interesting if that were true.
[image error]
Although, Dresden isn't the only infuriating character in this book. The plot follows roughly the same from last book.
Gruesome murders occur. Murphy calls Harry in. Harry begins investigating. Almost dies investigating. Murphy suddenly decides Harry is involved and likely a murderer and tries to arrest Harry. Harry evades police capture and embarks on a suicide quest to clear his name and stop more murders from occurring. Harry gets the shit kicked out of him.
Also, note to Harry: You're not chivalrous. YOU'RE A CHAUVINIST! Every single woman in these books is either seen for sexual purposes, or is trying to get involved in things over her head, or needs to be taken care of by Harry. If Murphy has to whack him over the head and tell him one more time to let her take care of herself then I just might help her bury his ass.
And I like that Murphy is strong and capable but she's also stupid, she jumps to conclusions and is WAAAAAaaaaaayyyyy too trigger happy when it comes to doubting Harry.
And Harry never gets rightfully annoyed that Murphy is so willing to jump to the conclusion that he's a vicious, lying murderer every five seconds. No, he's got to beat himself up. Then he has to beat himself up for not solving the convoluted mystery quick enough. Then he has to beat himself up if anyone gets hurt.
Harry, maybe it's time to take up a drinking habit or something... just a suggestion.
[image error]
At least he'll get a good tombstone.
The best thing about this book was the audio by James Marsters' narration. He did an amazing job. His voice was like honey. Every sentence was so delicious! I could just imagine him talking while chained to a bed and looking at me with smooky, delicious eyes...
I promised to read until book seven, and I will. But Harry is seriously, seriously shitting me.
Harry Dresden is a Wizard private eye who works largely with the Chicago police department's Special Investigations officer, Murphy.
He has the most over-developed Hero complex of any protagonist I've ever read, to the point of ridiculous. I'm almost wondering whether his subconscious is guiding him toward some kind of dramatic suicide which would make this novel more interesting if that were true.
[image error]
Although, Dresden isn't the only infuriating character in this book. The plot follows roughly the same from last book.
Gruesome murders occur. Murphy calls Harry in. Harry begins investigating. Almost dies investigating. Murphy suddenly decides Harry is involved and likely a murderer and tries to arrest Harry. Harry evades police capture and embarks on a suicide quest to clear his name and stop more murders from occurring. Harry gets the shit kicked out of him.
Also, note to Harry: You're not chivalrous. YOU'RE A CHAUVINIST! Every single woman in these books is either seen for sexual purposes, or is trying to get involved in things over her head, or needs to be taken care of by Harry. If Murphy has to whack him over the head and tell him one more time to let her take care of herself then I just might help her bury his ass.
And I like that Murphy is strong and capable but she's also stupid, she jumps to conclusions and is WAAAAAaaaaaayyyyy too trigger happy when it comes to doubting Harry.
And Harry never gets rightfully annoyed that Murphy is so willing to jump to the conclusion that he's a vicious, lying murderer every five seconds. No, he's got to beat himself up. Then he has to beat himself up for not solving the convoluted mystery quick enough. Then he has to beat himself up if anyone gets hurt.
Harry, maybe it's time to take up a drinking habit or something... just a suggestion.
[image error]
At least he'll get a good tombstone.
The best thing about this book was the audio by James Marsters' narration. He did an amazing job. His voice was like honey. Every sentence was so delicious! I could just imagine him talking while chained to a bed and looking at me with smooky, delicious eyes...
June 9, 2023
sold continuation
September 15, 2020
2.5/5 stars
Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden has a new case to solve: The werewolves are here.
Fool Moon is the second book in The Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher. Although the story takes place six months after the end of Storm Front, I do think that it worked great as a standalone. If someone was to, accidentally, start their journey with the series from here, I doubt they’ll feel like they miss anything crucial. As far as the quality of the book goes, I’ll say that this is slightly weaker the first book, and the overall reading experience still aligns with my expectations; I did enjoy Storm Front more, though. Since I posted my Storm Front review, many people have mentioned to me that Fool Moon is one of their least favorite book of the series. I’m still very early into the series, but I’m inclined to agree that this, at least, wasn’t as enjoyable as the first book.
It doesn’t mean that I didn’t have a good time reading it; I did. Fool Moon was readable, but in my opinion, it wasn’t as page-turning as Storm Front, and I wasn’t bored with this novel but I also never had the feeling of eagerness to continue reading whenever I put the book down. It felt to me as if I was reading this book just to make sure that I don’t miss anything important before I get to the good installments of the series.
There are several things to learn in this book, though. Readers learn more about Harry’s magic, his deepening relationships with Murphy and Susan, and his attitude and personality. Plus, we also get to learn a bit about Harry’s mother. However, the clash between Harry’s tendency of being chauvinist and Murphy’s reluctance towards being protected did get annoying and repetitive after a while. Fortunately, this wasn’t something that went on too long; Fool Moon is action-packed, and the majority of the pages were spent on actions rather than bickering. My favorite part of the book was definitely the intense last few chapters of the novel; the climax sequence was very well-written, and I hope this is a taste of the greatness to come in future sequels.
I’m very thankful for readers and fans of the series who have encouraged me to be patient with the early parts of the series. Overall, I do think that Fool Moon is an okay to good sequel to Storm Front. If what the majority of the fans of the series claim is true, I should be only one book away from the series to hit the real “beginning” of its glory.
Picture: Fool Moon by Vincent Chong
You can order the book from: Book Depository (Free shipping)
You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions
Special thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!
My Patrons: Alfred, Devin, Hamad, Joie, Mike, Miracle, Nicholas.
Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden has a new case to solve: The werewolves are here.
Fool Moon is the second book in The Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher. Although the story takes place six months after the end of Storm Front, I do think that it worked great as a standalone. If someone was to, accidentally, start their journey with the series from here, I doubt they’ll feel like they miss anything crucial. As far as the quality of the book goes, I’ll say that this is slightly weaker the first book, and the overall reading experience still aligns with my expectations; I did enjoy Storm Front more, though. Since I posted my Storm Front review, many people have mentioned to me that Fool Moon is one of their least favorite book of the series. I’m still very early into the series, but I’m inclined to agree that this, at least, wasn’t as enjoyable as the first book.
“Alone. It's one of those small words that means entirely too much. Like fear. Or trust.”
It doesn’t mean that I didn’t have a good time reading it; I did. Fool Moon was readable, but in my opinion, it wasn’t as page-turning as Storm Front, and I wasn’t bored with this novel but I also never had the feeling of eagerness to continue reading whenever I put the book down. It felt to me as if I was reading this book just to make sure that I don’t miss anything important before I get to the good installments of the series.
“There's more magic in a baby's first giggle than in any firestorm a wizard can conjure up, and don't let anyone tell you any different.”
There are several things to learn in this book, though. Readers learn more about Harry’s magic, his deepening relationships with Murphy and Susan, and his attitude and personality. Plus, we also get to learn a bit about Harry’s mother. However, the clash between Harry’s tendency of being chauvinist and Murphy’s reluctance towards being protected did get annoying and repetitive after a while. Fortunately, this wasn’t something that went on too long; Fool Moon is action-packed, and the majority of the pages were spent on actions rather than bickering. My favorite part of the book was definitely the intense last few chapters of the novel; the climax sequence was very well-written, and I hope this is a taste of the greatness to come in future sequels.
“My magic. That was at the heart of me. It was a manifestation of what I believed, what I lived. It came from my desire to see to it that someone stood between the darkness and the people it would devour.”
I’m very thankful for readers and fans of the series who have encouraged me to be patient with the early parts of the series. Overall, I do think that Fool Moon is an okay to good sequel to Storm Front. If what the majority of the fans of the series claim is true, I should be only one book away from the series to hit the real “beginning” of its glory.
Picture: Fool Moon by Vincent Chong
You can order the book from: Book Depository (Free shipping)
You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions
Special thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!
My Patrons: Alfred, Devin, Hamad, Joie, Mike, Miracle, Nicholas.
April 6, 2019
I’m not reviewing all books any more. Because I don’t want to
🖤🐶🐺🐾
🖤🐶🐺🐾
September 3, 2024
A Very Enjoyable Beginning and Ending.
Harry Dresden is a wizard. And Fool Moon is the second book in this series. This time around, Harry is after an animal murderer. Or is he?
Something, or someone, is killing people. Some of the people are innocent, but some are criminals.
All the same, it looks like an animal attack on the victims. Can it be a werewolf? The murders happened during a full moon. Didn’t they?
Harry takes upon himself to go after the killer and the mystery deepens. He thinks the animal attacks may be done by a werewolf, but will anybody believe him?
The author uses Harry’s conscience to show his morals, but he only makes Harry look wishey-washey.
He’s constantly moaning and groaning about how everything negative is his fault. He carried on so much that I thought he would say that the murders were his fault.
He made so many stupid decisions that I kept waiting for him to get killed. But because this is his show, it never happens.
Thank goodness, it all comes together.
Four stars. 💫💫💫💫
Harry Dresden is a wizard. And Fool Moon is the second book in this series. This time around, Harry is after an animal murderer. Or is he?
Something, or someone, is killing people. Some of the people are innocent, but some are criminals.
All the same, it looks like an animal attack on the victims. Can it be a werewolf? The murders happened during a full moon. Didn’t they?
Harry takes upon himself to go after the killer and the mystery deepens. He thinks the animal attacks may be done by a werewolf, but will anybody believe him?
The author uses Harry’s conscience to show his morals, but he only makes Harry look wishey-washey.
He’s constantly moaning and groaning about how everything negative is his fault. He carried on so much that I thought he would say that the murders were his fault.
He made so many stupid decisions that I kept waiting for him to get killed. But because this is his show, it never happens.
Thank goodness, it all comes together.
Four stars. 💫💫💫💫
April 1, 2022
Significantly better than the first book, but still has some major issues
After I gave a 1 star rating for Storm Front, I heard from a lot of people who told me that it was the worst book of the series and that I should continue on before giving up on the series. I'm happy to report that I agree that this book cleaned up many of my problems I had with the first book, while keeping some others.
On the good side, the story itself was massively improved. The first book felt extremely weak in terms of the "bad guy". This book stepped it up and delivered on a fun werewolf story that felt more interesting and dangerous. It sets up a good backbone for more stories with bigger and more impressive foes as the stories progress, and I'm interested in finding out what Jim Butcher has in store.
Unfortunately, the writing isn't impressive to me and the whole tone feels off. Harry has such a flat emotional state, that it doesn't evoke many emotions for the reader and never gives that sense of danger that's so important for a good story like this. I also have a major problem with the way that women are portrayed in this story. It makes me constantly eye-roll and question what decade I am living in. And ultimately it makes me dislike the main character.
I'll keep on with this series, and hope for a continued improvement.
Check out my new youtube channel where I show my instant reactions to reading fantasy books seconds after I finish the book.
After I gave a 1 star rating for Storm Front, I heard from a lot of people who told me that it was the worst book of the series and that I should continue on before giving up on the series. I'm happy to report that I agree that this book cleaned up many of my problems I had with the first book, while keeping some others.
On the good side, the story itself was massively improved. The first book felt extremely weak in terms of the "bad guy". This book stepped it up and delivered on a fun werewolf story that felt more interesting and dangerous. It sets up a good backbone for more stories with bigger and more impressive foes as the stories progress, and I'm interested in finding out what Jim Butcher has in store.
Unfortunately, the writing isn't impressive to me and the whole tone feels off. Harry has such a flat emotional state, that it doesn't evoke many emotions for the reader and never gives that sense of danger that's so important for a good story like this. I also have a major problem with the way that women are portrayed in this story. It makes me constantly eye-roll and question what decade I am living in. And ultimately it makes me dislike the main character.
I'll keep on with this series, and hope for a continued improvement.
Check out my new youtube channel where I show my instant reactions to reading fantasy books seconds after I finish the book.
September 8, 2017
Reviewed by: Rabid Reads
BR with my peeps at: Buddies Books and Baubles
Specifically: Robin (Bridge Four) , Jennavier , Jenny , Lila , oOSarahOo , Sh3lly (Not all those who wander are lost) , and Steven
I don't know if it was the lowered expectations from being told by every-friggin'-body that DRESDEN doesn't start "getting good" until book 3 or 4, or if it was how much cooler the book was than the TV episode based on this same installment, or something else entirely . . .
The why doesn't really matter, what matters is the outcome, and the outcome is that I thought this book was fan-friggin'-tastic.
FOOL MOON was a vast improvement from STORM FRONT. Harry was more winsomely Harry, and while still occasionally awkward, after the first 25% or so, it petered off considerably. In the end, I was completely won over by his adorkableness.
I was not won over by Murphy. I hesitate to comment on how hard I am not shipping her and Harry right now, b/c I already did that while I was actually reading it, and was inundated by assurances that she has good reasons for being the unreasonably mistrustful, impulsive, violent harpy that she currently is.
I BELIEVE you. When EVERYONE is of the same opinion, it's silly to deny its likelihood. (<-----this needs a qualifier: when like-minded bookish people are ALL of the same opinion, I accept that it is most probably a reflection of what MY OWN opinion will be. After I've formed it. For myself. I AM NOT ENDORSING HERD MENTALITY.)
BUT.
That doesn't change the fact that right now she's an unreasonably mistrustful, impulsive, violent harpy.
Beyond Harry himself improving, there was also a solid plot with solid good guys and bad guys (the lack of which being my biggest complaint about STORM FRONT).
Some kind of werewolf is killing people in Chicago. And by "killing," I mean ripping, tearing, eviscerating, etc.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: boys are gross. #sorrynotsorry
It's up to Harry to find out who. And also what. I said "some kind" of werewolf b/c there are apparently a lot to choose from, each varying degrees of, "Oh, shit."
The werewolf lore was very interesting, especially that twist at the very end. An insect-like demon giving teasers about Harry's mother, and more escapades with Harry's ability to "soulgaze" kept the pages turning, and I felt like Butcher really raised the bar.
However, it wasn't perfect.
There were eye rolls when a nerd was characterized by looking like he should have a pocket protector, and when Harry told the Bad Guy that he's "scum" . . . *rolls eyes*
BUT.
He also says things like this:
And this:
And after he calls the Bad Guy "scum," he rallies and gives an epic smack down, with this as the parting shot:
BOOM.
It's an interesting juxtaposition of "ne'er-do-wells" and black magic : legos analogies and "should have had a pocket protector" nerds and "ka-blowie"s. BUT. I see very good things.
On a completely random note, are any of you familiar with Jimmy Fallon's "Ew" sketch from SNL (https://youtu.be/JltEXpbGM8s)? B/c Jimmy's character has a stepdad named Gary, and every time Harry does something adorkable or something stupidly dangerous, in my head I'm yelling "Harry!" in the same voice that Sara (no "h" b/c h's are ew!) yells, "Gary! Ew, go away, Gary!" and it cracks me up. *shrugs awkwardly*
Anyway, suffice it to say that I am well and truly hooked by Dresden. Well done, Butcher. Well done. *tips hat*
Pre-Review:
You people are crazy; that was AWESOME.
I do the same thing with Kate Daniels. I know the world-building isn't a strong point in the first installment (I know, but I don't care), so I'm careful to qualify my recommendation, confident that it really doesn't matter, b/c Kate's awesomeness is self-evident (and if you disagree, I'll meet you by the monkey bars at recess *pounds fist menacingly into palm*).
BUT.
As a reviewer, it's important that I at least maintain the facade of rationality . . . So I disclaim.
I just wanted you all to know that I'm on to you: "the series starts getting good around book 3 or 4 . . ." <-----pfffffft. It's plenty good right now ;)
My other reviews for this series:
Storm Front (The Dresden Files, #1)
Grave Peril (The Dresden Files, #3)
Summer Knight (The Dresden Files, #4) by Jim Butcher
BR with my peeps at: Buddies Books and Baubles
Specifically: Robin (Bridge Four) , Jennavier , Jenny , Lila , oOSarahOo , Sh3lly (Not all those who wander are lost) , and Steven
I don't know if it was the lowered expectations from being told by every-friggin'-body that DRESDEN doesn't start "getting good" until book 3 or 4, or if it was how much cooler the book was than the TV episode based on this same installment, or something else entirely . . .
The why doesn't really matter, what matters is the outcome, and the outcome is that I thought this book was fan-friggin'-tastic.
FOOL MOON was a vast improvement from STORM FRONT. Harry was more winsomely Harry, and while still occasionally awkward, after the first 25% or so, it petered off considerably. In the end, I was completely won over by his adorkableness.
I was not won over by Murphy. I hesitate to comment on how hard I am not shipping her and Harry right now, b/c I already did that while I was actually reading it, and was inundated by assurances that she has good reasons for being the unreasonably mistrustful, impulsive, violent harpy that she currently is.
I BELIEVE you. When EVERYONE is of the same opinion, it's silly to deny its likelihood. (<-----this needs a qualifier: when like-minded bookish people are ALL of the same opinion, I accept that it is most probably a reflection of what MY OWN opinion will be. After I've formed it. For myself. I AM NOT ENDORSING HERD MENTALITY.)
BUT.
That doesn't change the fact that right now she's an unreasonably mistrustful, impulsive, violent harpy.
Beyond Harry himself improving, there was also a solid plot with solid good guys and bad guys (the lack of which being my biggest complaint about STORM FRONT).
Some kind of werewolf is killing people in Chicago. And by "killing," I mean ripping, tearing, eviscerating, etc.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: boys are gross. #sorrynotsorry
It's up to Harry to find out who. And also what. I said "some kind" of werewolf b/c there are apparently a lot to choose from, each varying degrees of, "Oh, shit."
The werewolf lore was very interesting, especially that twist at the very end. An insect-like demon giving teasers about Harry's mother, and more escapades with Harry's ability to "soulgaze" kept the pages turning, and I felt like Butcher really raised the bar.
However, it wasn't perfect.
There were eye rolls when a nerd was characterized by looking like he should have a pocket protector, and when Harry told the Bad Guy that he's "scum" . . . *rolls eyes*
BUT.
He also says things like this:
Christ. I wished the police were as savvy as these ne’er-do-wells.
And this:
That was black magic, and it was easy to use. Easy and fun. Like Legos.
And after he calls the Bad Guy "scum," he rallies and gives an epic smack down, with this as the parting shot:
“If we were in public, Mr. Dresden, I’d have you killed for speaking that way to me.”
“If we were in public,” I told him, “you’d try.”
BOOM.
It's an interesting juxtaposition of "ne'er-do-wells" and black magic : legos analogies and "should have had a pocket protector" nerds and "ka-blowie"s. BUT. I see very good things.
On a completely random note, are any of you familiar with Jimmy Fallon's "Ew" sketch from SNL (https://youtu.be/JltEXpbGM8s)? B/c Jimmy's character has a stepdad named Gary, and every time Harry does something adorkable or something stupidly dangerous, in my head I'm yelling "Harry!" in the same voice that Sara (no "h" b/c h's are ew!) yells, "Gary! Ew, go away, Gary!" and it cracks me up. *shrugs awkwardly*
Anyway, suffice it to say that I am well and truly hooked by Dresden. Well done, Butcher. Well done. *tips hat*
Pre-Review:
You people are crazy; that was AWESOME.
I do the same thing with Kate Daniels. I know the world-building isn't a strong point in the first installment (I know, but I don't care), so I'm careful to qualify my recommendation, confident that it really doesn't matter, b/c Kate's awesomeness is self-evident (and if you disagree, I'll meet you by the monkey bars at recess *pounds fist menacingly into palm*).
BUT.
As a reviewer, it's important that I at least maintain the facade of rationality . . . So I disclaim.
I just wanted you all to know that I'm on to you: "the series starts getting good around book 3 or 4 . . ." <-----pfffffft. It's plenty good right now ;)
My other reviews for this series:
Storm Front (The Dresden Files, #1)
Grave Peril (The Dresden Files, #3)
Summer Knight (The Dresden Files, #4) by Jim Butcher
June 19, 2019
3.5*
I can’t believe it took me more than 3 years to read the follow up to Storm Front ( the 1st in the series). I enjoyed the first one but somehow other books seemed more interesting than continuing with this series. Well, it will not take that long to start the 3rd volume.
Ok, maybe I know why I did not run towards this book. It is about werewolves and other shapeshifters which are not my favorite but I enjoyed it despite their presence ( the same way I tolerate them in Kate Daniels series).
I hope to write a more in depth review a bit later.
I can’t believe it took me more than 3 years to read the follow up to Storm Front ( the 1st in the series). I enjoyed the first one but somehow other books seemed more interesting than continuing with this series. Well, it will not take that long to start the 3rd volume.
Ok, maybe I know why I did not run towards this book. It is about werewolves and other shapeshifters which are not my favorite but I enjoyed it despite their presence ( the same way I tolerate them in Kate Daniels series).
I hope to write a more in depth review a bit later.
April 13, 2020
The good, the bad and the Harry! So on the good side of Fool Moon, Jim Butcher keeps you intrigued about what will happen next and thus turning pages. Then there's a cool werewolf variant. Butcher is also great at fight scenes and there are plenty of them in this book. That brings me to both the good and the bad because while I'm reading I sometimes forget that I don't really like drawn out fight scenes. Just not my thing.
As for the Harry, I liked Harry and the world created around him; however, the relationships from the first book return in Fool Moon. And are exactly the same. It made me wonder why Harry is still a person no one trusts. Have I been too naive as a reader to pick up on something? As in the first book, Karrin Murphy, the cop he would die for, almost automatically considers Harry guilty of whatever horrendous crimes even though he should have earned a little trust. I will be reading the third book, but I think I'll scream if she tries to arrest him again. 3.25 stars
December 3, 2020
Fool Moon (The Dresden Files #2), Jim Butcher
Fool Moon is a 2001 contemporary fantasy novel by author Jim Butcher. It is the second novel in The Dresden Files, which follows the character of Harry Dresden, present-day Chicago's only professional wizard.
After the events in Storm Front, Kim Delaney, whom Dresden helped to control her magical talents, asks Dresden how to create a set of three magical circles, which could be used to contain powerful entities. Dresden withholds the information, because such circles are generally used to contain demigods and archangels. ...
تاریخ نخستین خوانش روز دوم ماه دسامبر سال 2006میلادی
عنوان: ماه مزخرف (فول موون کتاب دوم از سری پرونده های درسدن) نویسنده: جیم بوچر؛ مترجم: مهنام عبادی؛ تهران آذرباد، 1394؛ در 415ص؛ شابک 9786006225319؛ موضوع: داستانهای نویسندگان ایالات متحده آمریکا - سده 21م
مدتیست که کار و کاسبی، کساد شده؛ به راستی عملا نابود شده است؛ حتی سر و کله ی موجودات ماورایی هم، پیدا نیست؛ «هری» پیش خودش فکر میکند، برای تنها جادوگر حرفه ای «شیکاگو»، که اسمش در راهنمای تلفن نیز، ثبت شده، باید کار بیشتری وجود داشته باشد؛ اما این اواخر «هری درسدن» نتوانسته، کوچکترین کاری، چه جادویی، و چه عادی، برای خود دست و پا کند؛ درست همانزمان، که میاندیشد دیگر نمیتواند، و توان پرداخت هزینه ی وعده ی غذای خویش را نیز ندارد؛ قتلی رخ میدهد، که به شاخه ی تخصصی او، مربوط است؛ جسدی پیدا میشود، که به طرزی وحشیانه، از شکل افتاده، با رد پاهایی به شکل عجیب و ماه کامل، سه حدس میتوان زد، که دوتای آنها به شمار نمیآیند، و ...؛
نقل از متن: (فصل اول: هیچوقت عادت نداشته ام که وضعیت ماه را دنبال کنم.؛ بنابراین وقتی خانم جوانی در میخانه ی «مکانالی» روبرویم نشست و ازم خواست، همه چیز را، راجع به موضوعی، برایش تعریف کنم، که میتوانست او را به کشتن دهد، نمیدانستم یک شب به ماه کامل مانده است
گفتم: «نه؛ امکان نداره.»؛ تکه کاغذ حاوی نقاشیهایی، از سه حلقه ی متحدالمرکز، و نمادهای عنکبوت مانند را، تا کردم، و از زیر میز چوب بلوط صیقلی پسش دادم
کیم دلانی؛ به من اخم کرد، و رشته هایی از موهای سیاه و براقش را از روی پیشانیش کنار زد؛ زنی قد بلند، خوش هیکل، و به شیوه ای سنتی، دوست داشتنی بود، پوستی پریده رنگ و زیبا، و گونه هایی گرد داشت، که به خوبی به لبخند زدن عادت داشتند؛ حالا لبخند نمیزد
بهم گفت: «اوه، بیخیال «هری»؛ تو تنها جادوگر حرفه ای «شیکاگو» هستی، و تنها کسی هستی، که میتونه به من کمک کنه.» با نگاهی مصمم از روی میز به سویم خم شد؛ «نمیتونم مبدا تمام این نمادها رو پیدا کنم؛ هیچ کسی از افراد محافل محلی هم، نمیشناستشون؛ تو تنها جادوگر حقیقی ای هستی که تا به حال اسمش رو شنیدم.؛ فقط میخوام بدونم بقیه ی اینا چی ان.»؛
گفتم: «نه نمیخوای بدونی.؛ بهتره این حلقه رو فراموش کنی و روی چیز دیگه ای تمرکز کنی.»؛
- اما...؛
مک با تکان دادن دستش از سوی پیشخوان توجه مرا جلب کرد، و دو بشقاب غذا را روی سطح صیقلی، و کج و معوج پیشخوان بلوط سُراند؛ دو بطری آبجوی دستسازش را هم اضافه کرد و دهان من آب افتاد
معده ام صدایی ناراضی درآورد.؛ تقریباً به اندازه ای کیف پولم خالی بود.؛ آنشب اصلاً نمیتوانستم از عهده ی مخارج شام برآیم، غیر از اینکه «کیم» پیشنهاد کرد اگر در حین شام راجع با چیزی با او صحبت کنم، برایم حساب خواهد کرد
یک استیک برای شام، کمتر از نرخ معمولم بود، اما او همرا��ی خوشمشرب و همچنین زمانی کارآموزم بود.؛ میدانستم پول چندانی ندارد و خودم هم که کمتر داشتم
با وجود قار و قور شکمم، بلافاصله از جا بلند نشدم تا غذا را بردارم.؛ (در «بار» و کبابیِ «مک انالی» هیچ خدمه ای وجود ندارد.؛ بر اساس گفته ی «مک»، اگر نمیتوانی بلند شوی، و راه بیفتی تا سفارش خودت را برداری، اصلاً لازم نیست به «مک انالی» بیایی.) برای یک لحظه سراسر اتاق را، با آن ترکیب آزار دهنده اش از سقفهایی کوتاه، و پنکه هایی که با تنبلی میچرخیدند، سیزده ستون کنده کاری شده اش و سیزده پنجره ی آن به علاوه ی سیزده میزی که بی هیچ نظم و ترتیبی چیده شده بود، تا اثرات جادویی باقیمانده را، که گاهی جادوگران گرسنه (یا با گفتاری دیگر، عصبانی) را احاطه میکرد، بپوشاند و پراکنده سازد، از نظر گذراندم.؛ «مک انالی» در شهری که هیچکس به جادو اعتقاد نداشت، پناهگاهی بود؛ جمعیت زیادی آنجا غذا میخوردند
کیم گفت: «ببین هری؛ نمیخوام ازش برای چیز مهمی استفاده کنم؛ قول میدم.؛ هیچ احضار یا اجباری رو نمیخوام امتحان کنم.؛ فقط یه علاقه ی آکادمیکه.؛ چیزی که مدتیه روی اعصابمه.» به جلو خم شد و دستش را روی دستم گذاشت، بدون اینکه به چشمانم نگاه کند به صورتم مینگریست، حقه ای که تنها تعدادی از افرادی که دستی در این هنر نداشتند، میتوانستند در آن مهارت پیدا کنند؛ به پهنای صورتش خندید و چاله ای عمیق گونه هایش را نشانم داد
شکمم دوباره به قار و قور افتاد، و به غذای روی پیشخوان که انتظارم را میکشید، نگاه انداختم؛ پرسیدم: «مطمئنی؟ فقط قضیه تویی که میخوای کمی موضوع رو بشکافی؟ برای هیچ منظوری ازش استفاده نمیکنی؟»؛
گفت: «قسم میخورم.»؛
اخمهایم را در هم کشیدم «نمیدونم...»؛
به من خندید.؛ «اوه، بیخیال دیگه هری! این قدر مهم نیست که.؛ ببین، اگه نمیخوای بهم بگی، اشکال نداره.؛ در هر صورت برات شام میخرم.؛ میدونم این اواخر دستت تنگه.؛ منظورم بعد از اون ماجرای بهار گذشته است.»؛
اخم کردم اما نه به کیم.؛ تقصیر او نبود که کارفرمای اصلی ام، «کرین مورفی»، رییس تحقیقات ویژه اداره پلیس «شیکاگو» بیش از یک ماه بود، که برای مشاوره تماسی نگرفته بود.؛ طی چند سال گذشته، بیشتر هزینه زندگام از طریق خدمت به عنوان مشاور ویژه، برای بخش تحقیقات ویژه فراهم میشد؛ اما پس از بلوایی در بهار گذشته، شامل جادوگری سیاه، که با راه انداختن جنگ دار و دسته ای قصد تحت کنترل درآوردن بازار مواد شیکاگو را داشت، به مرور کار با بخش تحقیقات ویژه و همچنین همراه با آن درآمد من، کم شد
نمیدانستم چرا «مورفی» دیگر غالب اوقات با من تماس نمیگرفت.؛ شک و گمانهایی برای خودم داشتم، اما هنوز فرصتش را پیدا نکرده بودم که با او در میانشان بگذارم
شاید به دلیل هیچ یک از کارهای خودم نبود.؛ شاید هیولاها به تعطیلات رفته بودند.؛ بله، حتماً همین بود!؛
نتیجه اینکه آه در بساط نداشتم.؛ برای هفته های زیادی رشته ی زودپز و سوپ خورده بودم.؛ استیکهایی که «مک» آماده کرده بود، حتی از آنسوی اتاق رایحه ای بهشتی داشتند.؛ شکمم با غرغری که نشان دهنده ی میل باستانی اش به گوشت پخته شده بود، دوباره اعتراض کرد
اما بدون اینکه به «کیم» اطلاعاتی را که میخواست بدهم، نمیتوانستم بروم و شام را بخورم.؛ اینطور نبود که تا به حال زیر قولم نزده باشم، اما هیچگاه با یک انسان (و قطعاً نه با شخصی که به من رجوع کرده بود) چنین نکرده بودم
گاهی از داشتن وجدان و نجابتی کاملاً احمقانه متنفر میشوم.؛ آه کشیدم.؛ «خیلی خُب؛ خیلی خُب؛ بذار شام رو بیارم، اون وقت بهت میگم چی میدونم.»؛
گونه های گرد «کیم» دوباره چال افتاد؛ «ممنون هری؛ خیلی برام ارزش داره.»؛
گفتم: «قابلی نداره.» و بلند شدم تا از میان ستونها و میزها و باقی چیزها، راهم را به سوی پیشخوان باز کنم؛ «مک انالی» امشب مشتریهایی بیشتر از همیشه داشت، و با وجود اینکه «مک» به ندرت لبخند میزد، حالتی رضایتمندانه در رفتارش وجود داشت، که نشان میداد از جمعیت راضی است؛
بشقابها و بطریها را تقریباً با ترشرویی برداشتم؛ وقتی کسب و کار خودت در حال ورشکستگی باشد، سخت است که از کامیابی یک دوست خیلی خوشحال شوی
غذا (استیکها، سیب زمینیها و لوبیاهای سبز) را به میز بردم، و در حالیکه بشق��ب «کیم» را جلویش میگذاشتم، دوباره نشستم؛ مدتی مشغول خوردن شدیم، من در سکوتی عبوسانه و «کیم» با گرسنگیِ از صمیم قلب.)؛ پایان نقل
تاریخ بهنگام رسانی 12/09/1399هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی
Fool Moon is a 2001 contemporary fantasy novel by author Jim Butcher. It is the second novel in The Dresden Files, which follows the character of Harry Dresden, present-day Chicago's only professional wizard.
After the events in Storm Front, Kim Delaney, whom Dresden helped to control her magical talents, asks Dresden how to create a set of three magical circles, which could be used to contain powerful entities. Dresden withholds the information, because such circles are generally used to contain demigods and archangels. ...
تاریخ نخستین خوانش روز دوم ماه دسامبر سال 2006میلادی
عنوان: ماه مزخرف (فول موون کتاب دوم از سری پرونده های درسدن) نویسنده: جیم بوچر؛ مترجم: مهنام عبادی؛ تهران آذرباد، 1394؛ در 415ص؛ شابک 9786006225319؛ موضوع: داستانهای نویسندگان ایالات متحده آمریکا - سده 21م
مدتیست که کار و کاسبی، کساد شده؛ به راستی عملا نابود شده است؛ حتی سر و کله ی موجودات ماورایی هم، پیدا نیست؛ «هری» پیش خودش فکر میکند، برای تنها جادوگر حرفه ای «شیکاگو»، که اسمش در راهنمای تلفن نیز، ثبت شده، باید کار بیشتری وجود داشته باشد؛ اما این اواخر «هری درسدن» نتوانسته، کوچکترین کاری، چه جادویی، و چه عادی، برای خود دست و پا کند؛ درست همانزمان، که میاندیشد دیگر نمیتواند، و توان پرداخت هزینه ی وعده ی غذای خویش را نیز ندارد؛ قتلی رخ میدهد، که به شاخه ی تخصصی او، مربوط است؛ جسدی پیدا میشود، که به طرزی وحشیانه، از شکل افتاده، با رد پاهایی به شکل عجیب و ماه کامل، سه حدس میتوان زد، که دوتای آنها به شمار نمیآیند، و ...؛
نقل از متن: (فصل اول: هیچوقت عادت نداشته ام که وضعیت ماه را دنبال کنم.؛ بنابراین وقتی خانم جوانی در میخانه ی «مکانالی» روبرویم نشست و ازم خواست، همه چیز را، راجع به موضوعی، برایش تعریف کنم، که میتوانست او را به کشتن دهد، نمیدانستم یک شب به ماه کامل مانده است
گفتم: «نه؛ امکان نداره.»؛ تکه کاغذ حاوی نقاشیهایی، از سه حلقه ی متحدالمرکز، و نمادهای عنکبوت مانند را، تا کردم، و از زیر میز چوب بلوط صیقلی پسش دادم
کیم دلانی؛ به من اخم کرد، و رشته هایی از موهای سیاه و براقش را از روی پیشانیش کنار زد؛ زنی قد بلند، خوش هیکل، و به شیوه ای سنتی، دوست داشتنی بود، پوستی پریده رنگ و زیبا، و گونه هایی گرد داشت، که به خوبی به لبخند زدن عادت داشتند؛ حالا لبخند نمیزد
بهم گفت: «اوه، بیخیال «هری»؛ تو تنها جادوگر حرفه ای «شیکاگو» هستی، و تنها کسی هستی، که میتونه به من کمک کنه.» با نگاهی مصمم از روی میز به سویم خم شد؛ «نمیتونم مبدا تمام این نمادها رو پیدا کنم؛ هیچ کسی از افراد محافل محلی هم، نمیشناستشون؛ تو تنها جادوگر حقیقی ای هستی که تا به حال اسمش رو شنیدم.؛ فقط میخوام بدونم بقیه ی اینا چی ان.»؛
گفتم: «نه نمیخوای بدونی.؛ بهتره این حلقه رو فراموش کنی و روی چیز دیگه ای تمرکز کنی.»؛
- اما...؛
مک با تکان دادن دستش از سوی پیشخوان توجه مرا جلب کرد، و دو بشقاب غذا را روی سطح صیقلی، و کج و معوج پیشخوان بلوط سُراند؛ دو بطری آبجوی دستسازش را هم اضافه کرد و دهان من آب افتاد
معده ام صدایی ناراضی درآورد.؛ تقریباً به اندازه ای کیف پولم خالی بود.؛ آنشب اصلاً نمیتوانستم از عهده ی مخارج شام برآیم، غیر از اینکه «کیم» پیشنهاد کرد اگر در حین شام راجع با چیزی با او صحبت کنم، برایم حساب خواهد کرد
یک استیک برای شام، کمتر از نرخ معمولم بود، اما او همرا��ی خوشمشرب و همچنین زمانی کارآموزم بود.؛ میدانستم پول چندانی ندارد و خودم هم که کمتر داشتم
با وجود قار و قور شکمم، بلافاصله از جا بلند نشدم تا غذا را بردارم.؛ (در «بار» و کبابیِ «مک انالی» هیچ خدمه ای وجود ندارد.؛ بر اساس گفته ی «مک»، اگر نمیتوانی بلند شوی، و راه بیفتی تا سفارش خودت را برداری، اصلاً لازم نیست به «مک انالی» بیایی.) برای یک لحظه سراسر اتاق را، با آن ترکیب آزار دهنده اش از سقفهایی کوتاه، و پنکه هایی که با تنبلی میچرخیدند، سیزده ستون کنده کاری شده اش و سیزده پنجره ی آن به علاوه ی سیزده میزی که بی هیچ نظم و ترتیبی چیده شده بود، تا اثرات جادویی باقیمانده را، که گاهی جادوگران گرسنه (یا با گفتاری دیگر، عصبانی) را احاطه میکرد، بپوشاند و پراکنده سازد، از نظر گذراندم.؛ «مک انالی» در شهری که هیچکس به جادو اعتقاد نداشت، پناهگاهی بود؛ جمعیت زیادی آنجا غذا میخوردند
کیم گفت: «ببین هری؛ نمیخوام ازش برای چیز مهمی استفاده کنم؛ قول میدم.؛ هیچ احضار یا اجباری رو نمیخوام امتحان کنم.؛ فقط یه علاقه ی آکادمیکه.؛ چیزی که مدتیه روی اعصابمه.» به جلو خم شد و دستش را روی دستم گذاشت، بدون اینکه به چشمانم نگاه کند به صورتم مینگریست، حقه ای که تنها تعدادی از افرادی که دستی در این هنر نداشتند، میتوانستند در آن مهارت پیدا کنند؛ به پهنای صورتش خندید و چاله ای عمیق گونه هایش را نشانم داد
شکمم دوباره به قار و قور افتاد، و به غذای روی پیشخوان که انتظارم را میکشید، نگاه انداختم؛ پرسیدم: «مطمئنی؟ فقط قضیه تویی که میخوای کمی موضوع رو بشکافی؟ برای هیچ منظوری ازش استفاده نمیکنی؟»؛
گفت: «قسم میخورم.»؛
اخمهایم را در هم کشیدم «نمیدونم...»؛
به من خندید.؛ «اوه، بیخیال دیگه هری! این قدر مهم نیست که.؛ ببین، اگه نمیخوای بهم بگی، اشکال نداره.؛ در هر صورت برات شام میخرم.؛ میدونم این اواخر دستت تنگه.؛ منظورم بعد از اون ماجرای بهار گذشته است.»؛
اخم کردم اما نه به کیم.؛ تقصیر او نبود که کارفرمای اصلی ام، «کرین مورفی»، رییس تحقیقات ویژه اداره پلیس «شیکاگو» بیش از یک ماه بود، که برای مشاوره تماسی نگرفته بود.؛ طی چند سال گذشته، بیشتر هزینه زندگام از طریق خدمت به عنوان مشاور ویژه، برای بخش تحقیقات ویژه فراهم میشد؛ اما پس از بلوایی در بهار گذشته، شامل جادوگری سیاه، که با راه انداختن جنگ دار و دسته ای قصد تحت کنترل درآوردن بازار مواد شیکاگو را داشت، به مرور کار با بخش تحقیقات ویژه و همچنین همراه با آن درآمد من، کم شد
نمیدانستم چرا «مورفی» دیگر غالب اوقات با من تماس نمیگرفت.؛ شک و گمانهایی برای خودم داشتم، اما هنوز فرصتش را پیدا نکرده بودم که با او در میانشان بگذارم
شاید به دلیل هیچ یک از کارهای خودم نبود.؛ شاید هیولاها به تعطیلات رفته بودند.؛ بله، حتماً همین بود!؛
نتیجه اینکه آه در بساط نداشتم.؛ برای هفته های زیادی رشته ی زودپز و سوپ خورده بودم.؛ استیکهایی که «مک» آماده کرده بود، حتی از آنسوی اتاق رایحه ای بهشتی داشتند.؛ شکمم با غرغری که نشان دهنده ی میل باستانی اش به گوشت پخته شده بود، دوباره اعتراض کرد
اما بدون اینکه به «کیم» اطلاعاتی را که میخواست بدهم، نمیتوانستم بروم و شام را بخورم.؛ اینطور نبود که تا به حال زیر قولم نزده باشم، اما هیچگاه با یک انسان (و قطعاً نه با شخصی که به من رجوع کرده بود) چنین نکرده بودم
گاهی از داشتن وجدان و نجابتی کاملاً احمقانه متنفر میشوم.؛ آه کشیدم.؛ «خیلی خُب؛ خیلی خُب؛ بذار شام رو بیارم، اون وقت بهت میگم چی میدونم.»؛
گونه های گرد «کیم» دوباره چال افتاد؛ «ممنون هری؛ خیلی برام ارزش داره.»؛
گفتم: «قابلی نداره.» و بلند شدم تا از میان ستونها و میزها و باقی چیزها، راهم را به سوی پیشخوان باز کنم؛ «مک انالی» امشب مشتریهایی بیشتر از همیشه داشت، و با وجود اینکه «مک» به ندرت لبخند میزد، حالتی رضایتمندانه در رفتارش وجود داشت، که نشان میداد از جمعیت راضی است؛
بشقابها و بطریها را تقریباً با ترشرویی برداشتم؛ وقتی کسب و کار خودت در حال ورشکستگی باشد، سخت است که از کامیابی یک دوست خیلی خوشحال شوی
غذا (استیکها، سیب زمینیها و لوبیاهای سبز) را به میز بردم، و در حالیکه بشق��ب «کیم» را جلویش میگذاشتم، دوباره نشستم؛ مدتی مشغول خوردن شدیم، من در سکوتی عبوسانه و «کیم» با گرسنگیِ از صمیم قلب.)؛ پایان نقل
تاریخ بهنگام رسانی 12/09/1399هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی
June 15, 2016
►►► Today is your lucky day. Yes it is.
Want know why? Well this was going to be one of my never-ending, ever-rambling reviews. This was going to be an ode to the awesomeness that is Harry D. I was going to go all "blah blah blah this is fantastic, blah blah blah this is so cool, blah blah blah Harry D. I love you even though you're not an asshole, blah blah blah I love what you do with your staff, blah blah blah blah blah blah" on you.
But I won't. Because as much as I love Harry I don't have time for this. Because this . Can't put it down. Not humanly possible. So you're about to get the condensed version of this review.
Not so fast young lady, let's not get too excited here. I said the condensed version of this review, I never talked about a short review. Sometimes I wonder if you know me at all.
▧ Okay, let's do this.
Wait. You weren’t expecting a plot recap from me were you? Oh good, because you’re not going to get one. Things to do, places to go and all that. If you want to know what the story is about, just read the book. You're welcome.
▧ Okay, let's do this.
Wait. You know that fans of this series usually say that it gets better around book 3 and 4. Exqueeze me? Baking powder? You mean the Kate Daniels kind of "it gets better" when you end up giving a 10 out of 5 stars rating? Because so far this is pretty good. Hell, so far this is very good. Oh well, who am I to judge anyway? Everyone knows I have crappy taste in books.
▧ Okay, let's do this.
Wait. ← hahahaha just kidding! You really thought this was going to be another pointless paragraph didn't you? Gotcha! Although, technically, I have to admit this paragraph is pretty pointless. Actually it's even more pointless that my previous pointless points.
Mr Bond! So nice of you to stop by! Shaken, not stirred is that it? One martini coming right up! No no really, it's no problem. My pleasure. I mean, if you were Daniel Craig the most ridiculous 007 ever I'd tell you to get lost but you're Sean Connery the one and only so it's an honour to mix that drink for you. Hold on. I don't think I'm supposed to be mixing drinks right now. I'm pretty sure there is something else I'm supposed to be doing. Damn. Harry D! How could I forget?! Moving on.
►►► Why I'm still in love with Harry D. ◄◄◄
① He's a disaster magnet. He's the king of worst decision making in the history of bad decision making. He's a total dork. To some this is really annoying. To some this is over-the-top. But I think it's pretty cool. Yes, this is me falling for a guy with huge loser potential (and no dress sense. Apart from his t-shirts. His t-shirts are pretty cool). I'm telling you, the aggravating assholes in my harem can't quite believe it. Me neither actually. A non-asshole with underdog tendencies. And I love him. What is the world coming to I ask you?
② Harry's magic is VERY cool. And, again, it has nothing to do with his staff. And there's still no pulling rabbits out of hats involved here. Just cool potions and cool magic stuff. With Snoopy tagging along. And Harry chanting to the Peanuts theme music. Very cool I tell you.
③ Harry still has the coolest friends/acquaintances/pets/whatever.
→ Murph: she seems to annoy the hell out of everyone. So obviously I love her. She's bad tempered. So obviously I love her. She has very low tolerance for BS. So obviously I love her. She gives Harry hell. So obviously I love her. She's one tough cookie. So obviously I love her.
→ Werewolves! Werewolves everywhere! Werewolves galore! Everything you ever wanted to know about werewolves but were afraid to ask! I LOVE werewolves! RAWR! CLAWS! YESSS!
→ Hyperkinetic amoebas. Don't ask.
→ And then there's Bob. I'm in love.
►►► What else? I think that's pretty much it. Told you this was going to be a condensed review. What? Sorry, I can't hear you. Huh? What do you mean this is not your idea of a condensed review? Hahaha you're so funny.
1- Last thing I knew this was my review so if I say it's condensed then it is.
2- Wait till I write a full-length review and the word condensed will take a whole new meaning.
►►► You guys really crack me up.
▧ Wait. ← nope, not kidding this time, there's actually something I forgot to say. Ha! Gotcha again! So. Wanna know why I love this instalment so much? Because gore. So much gore. Blood. Torn open guts. Detached limbs. Crushed bones. So freaking awesome. How many times do I have to tell you people?! Romance is overrated. Gore is cool.
►►► That's it from me. Love story to be continued in the next episode. Harry, baby, try not to do anything too stupid while I'm away. And, by the way:
✎ Book 1: Storm Front ★★★★
✎ Book 3: Grave Peril ★★
Want know why? Well this was going to be one of my never-ending, ever-rambling reviews. This was going to be an ode to the awesomeness that is Harry D. I was going to go all "blah blah blah this is fantastic, blah blah blah this is so cool, blah blah blah Harry D. I love you even though you're not an asshole, blah blah blah I love what you do with your staff, blah blah blah blah blah blah" on you.
But I won't. Because as much as I love Harry I don't have time for this. Because this . Can't put it down. Not humanly possible. So you're about to get the condensed version of this review.
Not so fast young lady, let's not get too excited here. I said the condensed version of this review, I never talked about a short review. Sometimes I wonder if you know me at all.
▧ Okay, let's do this.
Wait. You weren’t expecting a plot recap from me were you? Oh good, because you’re not going to get one. Things to do, places to go and all that. If you want to know what the story is about, just read the book. You're welcome.
▧ Okay, let's do this.
Wait. You know that fans of this series usually say that it gets better around book 3 and 4. Exqueeze me? Baking powder? You mean the Kate Daniels kind of "it gets better" when you end up giving a 10 out of 5 stars rating? Because so far this is pretty good. Hell, so far this is very good. Oh well, who am I to judge anyway? Everyone knows I have crappy taste in books.
▧ Okay, let's do this.
Wait. ← hahahaha just kidding! You really thought this was going to be another pointless paragraph didn't you? Gotcha! Although, technically, I have to admit this paragraph is pretty pointless. Actually it's even more pointless that my previous pointless points.
Mr Bond! So nice of you to stop by! Shaken, not stirred is that it? One martini coming right up! No no really, it's no problem. My pleasure. I mean, if you were Daniel Craig the most ridiculous 007 ever I'd tell you to get lost but you're Sean Connery the one and only so it's an honour to mix that drink for you. Hold on. I don't think I'm supposed to be mixing drinks right now. I'm pretty sure there is something else I'm supposed to be doing. Damn. Harry D! How could I forget?! Moving on.
►►► Why I'm still in love with Harry D. ◄◄◄
① He's a disaster magnet. He's the king of worst decision making in the history of bad decision making. He's a total dork. To some this is really annoying. To some this is over-the-top. But I think it's pretty cool. Yes, this is me falling for a guy with huge loser potential (and no dress sense. Apart from his t-shirts. His t-shirts are pretty cool). I'm telling you, the aggravating assholes in my harem can't quite believe it. Me neither actually. A non-asshole with underdog tendencies. And I love him. What is the world coming to I ask you?
② Harry's magic is VERY cool. And, again, it has nothing to do with his staff. And there's still no pulling rabbits out of hats involved here. Just cool potions and cool magic stuff. With Snoopy tagging along. And Harry chanting to the Peanuts theme music. Very cool I tell you.
③ Harry still has the coolest friends/acquaintances/pets/whatever.
→ Murph: she seems to annoy the hell out of everyone. So obviously I love her. She's bad tempered. So obviously I love her. She has very low tolerance for BS. So obviously I love her. She gives Harry hell. So obviously I love her. She's one tough cookie. So obviously I love her.
→ Werewolves! Werewolves everywhere! Werewolves galore! Everything you ever wanted to know about werewolves but were afraid to ask! I LOVE werewolves! RAWR! CLAWS! YESSS!
→ Hyperkinetic amoebas. Don't ask.
→ And then there's Bob. I'm in love.
►►► What else? I think that's pretty much it. Told you this was going to be a condensed review. What? Sorry, I can't hear you. Huh? What do you mean this is not your idea of a condensed review? Hahaha you're so funny.
1- Last thing I knew this was my review so if I say it's condensed then it is.
2- Wait till I write a full-length review and the word condensed will take a whole new meaning.
►►► You guys really crack me up.
▧ Wait. ← nope, not kidding this time, there's actually something I forgot to say. Ha! Gotcha again! So. Wanna know why I love this instalment so much? Because gore. So much gore. Blood. Torn open guts. Detached limbs. Crushed bones. So freaking awesome. How many times do I have to tell you people?! Romance is overrated. Gore is cool.
►►► That's it from me. Love story to be continued in the next episode. Harry, baby, try not to do anything too stupid while I'm away. And, by the way:
✎ Book 1: Storm Front ★★★★
✎ Book 3: Grave Peril ★★
February 17, 2020
Fool Moon is Jim Butcher’s second Harry Dresden novel, first published in 2001 to wild acclaim and popularity.
And why not? Butcher knew back then that he had a winning formula and he does. Cool and charismatic protagonist, excellent world building, and a fun set of magic rules to make even the most cynical of urban fantasy readers to tune in like a Cubs-Sox game on WGN. Even Coach Ditka would no doubt no reveal a hint of a smile behind the sunglasses and mustache and say in a mid-western twang, “I like that guy Dresden.”
I like a good werewolf story as much as the next guy, and this is a good one. Butcher throws in some ins, some outs, some what haves you. Most interesting was the laundry list of different kinds of lycanthropes. I had to break out my second edition Dungeons & Dragons: Monster Manual and see what kind of rules Gary Gygax laid down. And even then Butcher threw in a very subtle variation that made me say “Ahhh.”
So a few months after the dust has settled from Harry’s last adventure from the events in Storm Front, the Wizard Fun Train gears up again for a howling good time.
Also fun is Butcher’s cast of characters, most notably Harry’s friend Bob, a talking skull. I imagine Dresden’s magical sidekick "spirit of intellect" to have the voice of Tim “The Tool man” Taylor’s neighbor Wilson.
Good times! Next up is 2001’s Grave Peril.
And why not? Butcher knew back then that he had a winning formula and he does. Cool and charismatic protagonist, excellent world building, and a fun set of magic rules to make even the most cynical of urban fantasy readers to tune in like a Cubs-Sox game on WGN. Even Coach Ditka would no doubt no reveal a hint of a smile behind the sunglasses and mustache and say in a mid-western twang, “I like that guy Dresden.”
I like a good werewolf story as much as the next guy, and this is a good one. Butcher throws in some ins, some outs, some what haves you. Most interesting was the laundry list of different kinds of lycanthropes. I had to break out my second edition Dungeons & Dragons: Monster Manual and see what kind of rules Gary Gygax laid down. And even then Butcher threw in a very subtle variation that made me say “Ahhh.”
So a few months after the dust has settled from Harry’s last adventure from the events in Storm Front, the Wizard Fun Train gears up again for a howling good time.
Also fun is Butcher’s cast of characters, most notably Harry’s friend Bob, a talking skull. I imagine Dresden’s magical sidekick "spirit of intellect" to have the voice of Tim “The Tool man” Taylor’s neighbor Wilson.
Good times! Next up is 2001’s Grave Peril.
June 16, 2015
3.5 stars
I looked up through the clear night at the almost-full moon. Werewolves jumping through windows at gangster's lackeys in unfinished restaurants. A mangled corpse in the middle of a blood-drenched floor. Berserk FBI field agents drawing guns and shooting to kill. A little kung fu, a little John Wayne, and a few casual threats.
So far, I thought, my nerves jangling, just one more night on the job.
Ah, the Dresden Files. Modern-day pulp fiction, and yet so fun to read.
Harry Dresden’s career is going downhill. His former friend and main source of income, Special Investigator Karrin Murphy, refuses to have anything to do with him. Things get so bad he can barely afford his next meal. But then a new murder mystery comes along, one involving brutally mutilated corpses, paw prints left behind on the scene, and a full moon…
This book was actually quite different in a number of ways. At first it actually seemed to have taken a step down from the level of Storm Front, but fortunately it got better and better as the story progressed. Writing, characterisation and most other aspects of the book are still rather mediocre, but Jim Butcher is visibly improving as a writer.
As a murder mystery, this book was a lot better than the first one. There are multiple suspects, interesting plot twists and overall there are simply more layers to the story. The reader gets more information about Harry’s past and personality, and about the nature of magic and magical beings. I especially enjoyed the introduction of Chauncy the demon, and Harry’s rather interesting conversation with his own subconscious.
In the end, this was not a great book, but it’s definitely going in the right direction. Most important of all, it actually made me excited about continuing with the series. And that’s something the first book wasn’t able to. Considering that most people seem to think that this is another of the second-rate Dresden books, I am certainly looking forward to reading the really good ones.
I looked up through the clear night at the almost-full moon. Werewolves jumping through windows at gangster's lackeys in unfinished restaurants. A mangled corpse in the middle of a blood-drenched floor. Berserk FBI field agents drawing guns and shooting to kill. A little kung fu, a little John Wayne, and a few casual threats.
So far, I thought, my nerves jangling, just one more night on the job.
Ah, the Dresden Files. Modern-day pulp fiction, and yet so fun to read.
Harry Dresden’s career is going downhill. His former friend and main source of income, Special Investigator Karrin Murphy, refuses to have anything to do with him. Things get so bad he can barely afford his next meal. But then a new murder mystery comes along, one involving brutally mutilated corpses, paw prints left behind on the scene, and a full moon…
This book was actually quite different in a number of ways. At first it actually seemed to have taken a step down from the level of Storm Front, but fortunately it got better and better as the story progressed. Writing, characterisation and most other aspects of the book are still rather mediocre, but Jim Butcher is visibly improving as a writer.
As a murder mystery, this book was a lot better than the first one. There are multiple suspects, interesting plot twists and overall there are simply more layers to the story. The reader gets more information about Harry’s past and personality, and about the nature of magic and magical beings. I especially enjoyed the introduction of Chauncy the demon, and Harry’s rather interesting conversation with his own subconscious.
In the end, this was not a great book, but it’s definitely going in the right direction. Most important of all, it actually made me excited about continuing with the series. And that’s something the first book wasn’t able to. Considering that most people seem to think that this is another of the second-rate Dresden books, I am certainly looking forward to reading the really good ones.
July 28, 2022
July 2022 - Third time through this one, and I will be damned if I don’t at least read the next one… again.
—————
March 2017:
Well, I've copied my review from two years ago below, and I feel like it is pretty much on point with how I feel after reading the book a second time. Not really sure if I need to say much more. The only parts I really enjoyed were the scenes that alluded to Harry's past. I'm sticking around for more of that down the road, I hope.
The first half wasn't bad, and the book actually felt like it ended halfway through. It should have ended there. There's a big scene in the middle followed by a whole chapter of Harry talking to himself. After Harry talks to himself, the book kind of resets and goes off into another, even more ridiculous, story arc.
I think Butcher just tried to do too much here. There were too many antagonists and they were all kinda dumb. Too many groups and connections and silliness in he second half to keep me invested. But, alas, I'm going on! I will discover that elusive book that turns the series around! I will carry on my wayward son! There will be peace when I am done! I will lay my weary head to rest! I will cry no more!
----------------------------------------------
Previous review from January 2015:
Started off alright, but the whole werewolf thing just got way out of hand. The last third of the book is just completely ridiculous and the whole story just fell apart for me. More silly than anything else, and it just kept rolling downhill until the last page.
I'm going to continue the series. When it gets better, I'll let you know. Book 3? Book 4? Hopefully, werewolves don't show up again. Please, God, no more werewolves.
—————
March 2017:
Well, I've copied my review from two years ago below, and I feel like it is pretty much on point with how I feel after reading the book a second time. Not really sure if I need to say much more. The only parts I really enjoyed were the scenes that alluded to Harry's past. I'm sticking around for more of that down the road, I hope.
The first half wasn't bad, and the book actually felt like it ended halfway through. It should have ended there. There's a big scene in the middle followed by a whole chapter of Harry talking to himself. After Harry talks to himself, the book kind of resets and goes off into another, even more ridiculous, story arc.
I think Butcher just tried to do too much here. There were too many antagonists and they were all kinda dumb. Too many groups and connections and silliness in he second half to keep me invested. But, alas, I'm going on! I will discover that elusive book that turns the series around! I will carry on my wayward son! There will be peace when I am done! I will lay my weary head to rest! I will cry no more!
----------------------------------------------
Previous review from January 2015:
Started off alright, but the whole werewolf thing just got way out of hand. The last third of the book is just completely ridiculous and the whole story just fell apart for me. More silly than anything else, and it just kept rolling downhill until the last page.
I'm going to continue the series. When it gets better, I'll let you know. Book 3? Book 4? Hopefully, werewolves don't show up again. Please, God, no more werewolves.
September 6, 2016
Update 03-11-11(2): So my last update was hastily written, and in anger. Now that I've had time to cool off and think clearly I'm feeling bad. So here's another, less in-your-face way of saying it:
Warning: this review contains cheekiness. Please do not be offended or take this review too seriously as it is meant in jest. If you are a serious Dresden fan this review is probably not for you. So you should just read another review, k. Have a nice day. :)
Update 03-11-11: I've pretty much had it with you people. Apparently this review is "really offensive". But guess what? I'm not going to change it. It was written in jest.
What I am going to do is say that if Jim Butcher can write women as helpless little sex kittens and call it "noir-style", therefore OK, I can write a so-called "offensive" and "sexist" review, in jest, and still sleep at night. Got it?
I've spent a good portion of my married life wondering what in the heck is going on in my husband's head. To be honest, I just don't understand men in general. I don't get what motivates them to do what they do. I've been told that I'm over-thinking it, men aren't complicated. Apparently sex has a lot to do with the decisions they make.
I've spent a lot of time rejecting this idea, thinking it cannot possibly be true, at least not totally. Even my husband, man-child extraordinaire that he can be at times cannot be so basic, so primal. My husband is incredibly intelligent, has a wealth of knowledge stored up in that noggin of his. He's motivated by more then just sex... right???
Then, every once in a while, I go and read a book written by a man and I'm reminded that indeed, I have been over-thinking it. My husband, and all other men for that matter, are probably thinking about sex, or things of a sexual nature far more often than I could imagine.
When it comes to books written by men, more often than not the male characters describe women they encounter in a sexual manner. The descriptions don't even have to be dirty, in fact they usually aren't. But I still find it irritating when the most basic observations seem sexual. Besides, I simply cannot relate. When I see a man who is attractive I think, Wow! or something like that. But I don't wax poetic about his bazillion abs and how much I'd like to feel them pressed up against me, or whatever.
I tend to focus on how I feel when I'm with people. For instance my initial attraction to my husband had to do with the fact that he made me laugh and I felt comfortable around him. Looks didn't factor into the equation.
(For the record: I didn't find him particularly attractive, at least no more then the next guy. Plus, he used to dress like a friggin' hobo. Had it not been for his awesome personality, his sense of humor, I wouldn't have been interested. For this same reason I have a massive crush on Conan O'Brien, no joke. Conan is sexy, but I digress).
My point is: because I don't exactly understand men, how they think, and how I'm left feeling disappointed by the tiny bit that does seem to make sense, I tend to avoid books written by men.
That being said, I don't totally dislike this series. There is a lot of potential here.
Jim Butcher built a fascinating world with some interesting and, as far as I can tell, original rules about wizardry and other things supernatural. For instance, the MC, a wizard, cannot meet the eyes of another person without seeing into their soul, and they his. It's so strangely intimate I can't help but be intrigued by the idea. And he has this assistant named Bob, who is actually a spirit stuck in a human skull--he's kind of like a grimoire, codex and a computer mixed together, but even better. And I like the idea of a wizard solving supernatural crimes. I don't know, the concept totally seems to work for me.
Overall, I sort of like this series and plan on reading the third book, even though I felt Fool Moon, the second installment in the Dresden Files was incredibly boring. Why I found this book boring is anybody's guess since it dealt with werewolves, and I tend to like werewolf lore.
Even the romantic element in this book, though semi-interesting, sort of fell flat. Heck, the sex scene, which was actually quite tasteful, happened at a really odd time. And Dresden cried afterward, which, really, circumstances being what they were, made sense. But still.
Fine. I admit it. It turns out ultra-sensitive men make me uncomfortable. I mean, crying after sex? Really? Here's the deal, I was raised in a household full of boys. I have five older brothers. They didn't talk about their feelings and never cried in front of me, much--it has to be said: I'm not much of a crier. My dad was in the Marines for twenty years, he went to Vietnam. Both my parents are old-school and Hispanic to boot. Which brings me to my next point: even though I'm repelled by Harry Dresden's sensitive nature, I still find his old-school chivalrous manners appealing.
I know, I know--I'm (kind of) a fraud! I let everyone think I'm all about feminism, but I (secretly) like when men hold doors for me. Not because I can't do so myself--because I can and I do all the time--but because it's just nice when somebody does that sort of thing, ya know? And while I like my independence, and I'm a strong woman (both physically and emotionally) I've always liked men with protective instincts--notice I said protective, not controlling.
Basically, I like knowing someone's got my back. This is why I sort of like Harry, despite his sometimes-wussy ways.
You probably think I'm not being consistent, that my reasons for liking this series are not exactly rational. You know what? You're right. What can I say? I'm a woman. It's my prerogative to be inconsistent and irrational. And anyway, things could be much worse. I could be a man, thinking of little else but sex all the live-long day. ;)
Warning: this review contains cheekiness. Please do not be offended or take this review too seriously as it is meant in jest. If you are a serious Dresden fan this review is probably not for you. So you should just read another review, k. Have a nice day. :)
Update 03-11-11: I've pretty much had it with you people. Apparently this review is "really offensive". But guess what? I'm not going to change it. It was written in jest.
What I am going to do is say that if Jim Butcher can write women as helpless little sex kittens and call it "noir-style", therefore OK, I can write a so-called "offensive" and "sexist" review, in jest, and still sleep at night. Got it?
I've spent a good portion of my married life wondering what in the heck is going on in my husband's head. To be honest, I just don't understand men in general. I don't get what motivates them to do what they do. I've been told that I'm over-thinking it, men aren't complicated. Apparently sex has a lot to do with the decisions they make.
I've spent a lot of time rejecting this idea, thinking it cannot possibly be true, at least not totally. Even my husband, man-child extraordinaire that he can be at times cannot be so basic, so primal. My husband is incredibly intelligent, has a wealth of knowledge stored up in that noggin of his. He's motivated by more then just sex... right???
Then, every once in a while, I go and read a book written by a man and I'm reminded that indeed, I have been over-thinking it. My husband, and all other men for that matter, are probably thinking about sex, or things of a sexual nature far more often than I could imagine.
When it comes to books written by men, more often than not the male characters describe women they encounter in a sexual manner. The descriptions don't even have to be dirty, in fact they usually aren't. But I still find it irritating when the most basic observations seem sexual. Besides, I simply cannot relate. When I see a man who is attractive I think, Wow! or something like that. But I don't wax poetic about his bazillion abs and how much I'd like to feel them pressed up against me, or whatever.
I tend to focus on how I feel when I'm with people. For instance my initial attraction to my husband had to do with the fact that he made me laugh and I felt comfortable around him. Looks didn't factor into the equation.
(For the record: I didn't find him particularly attractive, at least no more then the next guy. Plus, he used to dress like a friggin' hobo. Had it not been for his awesome personality, his sense of humor, I wouldn't have been interested. For this same reason I have a massive crush on Conan O'Brien, no joke. Conan is sexy, but I digress).
My point is: because I don't exactly understand men, how they think, and how I'm left feeling disappointed by the tiny bit that does seem to make sense, I tend to avoid books written by men.
That being said, I don't totally dislike this series. There is a lot of potential here.
Jim Butcher built a fascinating world with some interesting and, as far as I can tell, original rules about wizardry and other things supernatural. For instance, the MC, a wizard, cannot meet the eyes of another person without seeing into their soul, and they his. It's so strangely intimate I can't help but be intrigued by the idea. And he has this assistant named Bob, who is actually a spirit stuck in a human skull--he's kind of like a grimoire, codex and a computer mixed together, but even better. And I like the idea of a wizard solving supernatural crimes. I don't know, the concept totally seems to work for me.
Overall, I sort of like this series and plan on reading the third book, even though I felt Fool Moon, the second installment in the Dresden Files was incredibly boring. Why I found this book boring is anybody's guess since it dealt with werewolves, and I tend to like werewolf lore.
Even the romantic element in this book, though semi-interesting, sort of fell flat. Heck, the sex scene, which was actually quite tasteful, happened at a really odd time. And Dresden cried afterward, which, really, circumstances being what they were, made sense. But still.
Fine. I admit it. It turns out ultra-sensitive men make me uncomfortable. I mean, crying after sex? Really? Here's the deal, I was raised in a household full of boys. I have five older brothers. They didn't talk about their feelings and never cried in front of me, much--it has to be said: I'm not much of a crier. My dad was in the Marines for twenty years, he went to Vietnam. Both my parents are old-school and Hispanic to boot. Which brings me to my next point: even though I'm repelled by Harry Dresden's sensitive nature, I still find his old-school chivalrous manners appealing.
I know, I know--I'm (kind of) a fraud! I let everyone think I'm all about feminism, but I (secretly) like when men hold doors for me. Not because I can't do so myself--because I can and I do all the time--but because it's just nice when somebody does that sort of thing, ya know? And while I like my independence, and I'm a strong woman (both physically and emotionally) I've always liked men with protective instincts--notice I said protective, not controlling.
Basically, I like knowing someone's got my back. This is why I sort of like Harry, despite his sometimes-wussy ways.
You probably think I'm not being consistent, that my reasons for liking this series are not exactly rational. You know what? You're right. What can I say? I'm a woman. It's my prerogative to be inconsistent and irrational. And anyway, things could be much worse. I could be a man, thinking of little else but sex all the live-long day. ;)
March 11, 2015
This was an alright read but not one that has left me eager to tear into the next 13 books already published in this series. There was quite a bit of world-building, especially about werewolves, but I didn't find it particularly immersive. Like in the first book Butcher's attempts to integrate fantasy into the modern world feel kind of forced and these 2 worlds still don't relate to each other in a believable or compelling way.
I also struggled with the characters in this one. Harry was frustratingly self-righteous and Murphy was annoyingly judgmental and their tense, mistrustful interactions left me hoping one or both of them would be eaten by a werewolf (tbf their last scene together was pretty awesome and I'm hoping their relationship will continue on that note and leave behind the distrust that has been really annoying since half-way through the last book). Tera West was a pretty standard 'magical mystery person' with alien motivations and Susan was a typical love interest character with no discernible personality. The main villain in this one could have been a brilliant opportunity to explore the meaning of good vs. evil and challenge Harry's self-righteousness but instead was too busy working on his pantomime evil villain schtick. Johnny Marcone was still an interesting character although he really didn't develop in any meaningful way from the last book.
The highlights of this book were the hints about Harry's parentage and the ending (which bumped this up to 3 stars). The allusions to Harry's deceased parents not having been what they seemed, coupled with his affinity for dark magic, makes for a really interesting situation that I hope will be explored later on in the series. While the finale wasn't anywhere near Malazan proportions of epic-ness there was still enough action, and perhaps more importantly solid resolutions to various mysteries and plot points (see the Murphy-Harry relationship), to redeem what had at times been a frustratingly paced book.
This book was much darker than it's predecessor, with one section about halfway through containing a level of gore and violence previously unseen in this series. Butcher also demonstrated a willingness to abruptly kill off some reasonably important characters (spoiler: it's not Harry) that ratcheted up the tension and drama in this one.
Mostly on the recommendation of... pretty much all of my friends on here :D... I'm going to continue this series until book 4 in the hope that the various plot threads are pulled together and the story really takes off.
I also struggled with the characters in this one. Harry was frustratingly self-righteous and Murphy was annoyingly judgmental and their tense, mistrustful interactions left me hoping one or both of them would be eaten by a werewolf (tbf their last scene together was pretty awesome and I'm hoping their relationship will continue on that note and leave behind the distrust that has been really annoying since half-way through the last book). Tera West was a pretty standard 'magical mystery person' with alien motivations and Susan was a typical love interest character with no discernible personality. The main villain in this one could have been a brilliant opportunity to explore the meaning of good vs. evil and challenge Harry's self-righteousness but instead was too busy working on his pantomime evil villain schtick. Johnny Marcone was still an interesting character although he really didn't develop in any meaningful way from the last book.
The highlights of this book were the hints about Harry's parentage and the ending (which bumped this up to 3 stars). The allusions to Harry's deceased parents not having been what they seemed, coupled with his affinity for dark magic, makes for a really interesting situation that I hope will be explored later on in the series. While the finale wasn't anywhere near Malazan proportions of epic-ness there was still enough action, and perhaps more importantly solid resolutions to various mysteries and plot points (see the Murphy-Harry relationship), to redeem what had at times been a frustratingly paced book.
This book was much darker than it's predecessor, with one section about halfway through containing a level of gore and violence previously unseen in this series. Butcher also demonstrated a willingness to abruptly kill off some reasonably important characters (spoiler: it's not Harry) that ratcheted up the tension and drama in this one.
Mostly on the recommendation of... pretty much all of my friends on here :D... I'm going to continue this series until book 4 in the hope that the various plot threads are pulled together and the story really takes off.
August 10, 2022
The Dresden Files have always been unbeatable among the Urban Fantasy books of their contemporaries. Fool Moon was a book I read in 2014. I gave it 4 stars back then. Now I am giving it 5 stars. What has changed? I got to appraise the book in its structure, and found it very solid. The second half seems to be full of action. But these set pieces are dotted with lulls that are crucial to the pacing of the book.
I really think that Fool Moon is a book that has made us fans respect it by the force of its imagination. Take the example of how much awareness Jim Butcher puts in his books. He constantly compares his story to 'real' life. But then, after that, Butcher goes back to his story and promptly writes stuff that is true only in fiction. An example of this type of subversion is the way dialogue is written in the book. The sentences are short. Verily so. And everyone at the beginning of the book speaks economically. This is just the author choosing a conscious decision. There is nothing wrong with it.
I was fascinated by how open the evildoers were, and how easy it is to solve the mystery of the murders by choosing your culprits early and sticking with them through thick and thin. Butcher openly reveals the conundrum. Such simplicity is wonderfully implemented. It teaches us about daring in writing books. Jim Butcher was such a phenomenal writer back then. I am grateful to have read his books at a time when he was so beast. Now his powers are waning like the proverbial moon with no cyclic turnaround of course.
I am a bit sore about the fact that books like Fool Moon are so unknown to the general public. And it need not have been so. The abortive and low budget TV adaptations of Dresden came at the wrong time, when TV was a backwater swamp and was still figuring out how to outpace cinema. Jim Butcher was a writer who seems to have more sense of humour than men (and women) who write Fantasy, and women (and men) who write romantic Fantasy, YA Fantasy and stuff like that.
Fool Moon, apart from its misdirection and humor, is also stellar because of the way tension is ramped up. Not only that, but the usual haunting past of the main character is better than the usual examples. Plus whenever Harry does magic we are eager to know what he can do. The world of Dresden here is yet to cast powerful actors like the Fae and other vituperative beings. The universe of Dresden in this book seems to be both hot and cold, humid, full of unpredictability, and with a large, bare arena primed to allow Butcher to weave his only too real magic.
This reread reminded me of the fact that Butcher is better a writer than the old guards such as Stephen King, Terry Brooks, Bernard Cornwell et cetera. Butcher is also a better writer than Brandon Sanderson - who I am beginning to think is overrated - and Robin Hobb, and the likes of N.K. Jemisin, and Patrick Rothfuss. To think that success and renown has graced lesser writers than Butcher is not quite the tragedy that it hints at, though. Butcher will neither win a Hugo or Edgar, nor will he make news on the internet. But us fans know the worth of Dresden. It is just a fact of life that this series has never penetrated popular culture.
To conclude, one crucial aspect of the series that Butcher has nailed, is its hero. J.K. Rowling wrote a serviceable hero in Harry Potter (the character). Potter is too artificial. He is too pristine. Dresden is believable in a way rarely seen in Fantasy characters. Whenever Harry Dresden talks to people other than his well wishers, we hold our collective breaths in anticipation. This is easily illustrated in the extract where Chauncy the demon is conversing with Harry and giving information for a price. Harry here has chauvinistic edges, self absorbedness, and a patchouli of doubts. Unlike many heroes from the authors mentioned in the previous paragraph, Harry can, and does, piece together the puzzle and reaches the right conclusion more often than not. This makes for interesting dynamics in the series, because Harry keeps getting pitted against supernatural beings. Him thinking on his feet, using his mortal brain to do battle with immortal and godlike beings, gives us a message about the powers of the human brain. You cannot ask more of a hero.
I really think that Fool Moon is a book that has made us fans respect it by the force of its imagination. Take the example of how much awareness Jim Butcher puts in his books. He constantly compares his story to 'real' life. But then, after that, Butcher goes back to his story and promptly writes stuff that is true only in fiction. An example of this type of subversion is the way dialogue is written in the book. The sentences are short. Verily so. And everyone at the beginning of the book speaks economically. This is just the author choosing a conscious decision. There is nothing wrong with it.
I was fascinated by how open the evildoers were, and how easy it is to solve the mystery of the murders by choosing your culprits early and sticking with them through thick and thin. Butcher openly reveals the conundrum. Such simplicity is wonderfully implemented. It teaches us about daring in writing books. Jim Butcher was such a phenomenal writer back then. I am grateful to have read his books at a time when he was so beast. Now his powers are waning like the proverbial moon with no cyclic turnaround of course.
I am a bit sore about the fact that books like Fool Moon are so unknown to the general public. And it need not have been so. The abortive and low budget TV adaptations of Dresden came at the wrong time, when TV was a backwater swamp and was still figuring out how to outpace cinema. Jim Butcher was a writer who seems to have more sense of humour than men (and women) who write Fantasy, and women (and men) who write romantic Fantasy, YA Fantasy and stuff like that.
Fool Moon, apart from its misdirection and humor, is also stellar because of the way tension is ramped up. Not only that, but the usual haunting past of the main character is better than the usual examples. Plus whenever Harry does magic we are eager to know what he can do. The world of Dresden here is yet to cast powerful actors like the Fae and other vituperative beings. The universe of Dresden in this book seems to be both hot and cold, humid, full of unpredictability, and with a large, bare arena primed to allow Butcher to weave his only too real magic.
This reread reminded me of the fact that Butcher is better a writer than the old guards such as Stephen King, Terry Brooks, Bernard Cornwell et cetera. Butcher is also a better writer than Brandon Sanderson - who I am beginning to think is overrated - and Robin Hobb, and the likes of N.K. Jemisin, and Patrick Rothfuss. To think that success and renown has graced lesser writers than Butcher is not quite the tragedy that it hints at, though. Butcher will neither win a Hugo or Edgar, nor will he make news on the internet. But us fans know the worth of Dresden. It is just a fact of life that this series has never penetrated popular culture.
To conclude, one crucial aspect of the series that Butcher has nailed, is its hero. J.K. Rowling wrote a serviceable hero in Harry Potter (the character). Potter is too artificial. He is too pristine. Dresden is believable in a way rarely seen in Fantasy characters. Whenever Harry Dresden talks to people other than his well wishers, we hold our collective breaths in anticipation. This is easily illustrated in the extract where Chauncy the demon is conversing with Harry and giving information for a price. Harry here has chauvinistic edges, self absorbedness, and a patchouli of doubts. Unlike many heroes from the authors mentioned in the previous paragraph, Harry can, and does, piece together the puzzle and reaches the right conclusion more often than not. This makes for interesting dynamics in the series, because Harry keeps getting pitted against supernatural beings. Him thinking on his feet, using his mortal brain to do battle with immortal and godlike beings, gives us a message about the powers of the human brain. You cannot ask more of a hero.
June 25, 2019
This was another fun romp through the streets of Chicago with my favorite wizarding detective, Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden. In Fool Moon Harry manages to get himself in even more trouble than he did in book 1. But he always manages to come out the other side. Not unscathed though, as he did manage to take quite a beating in his quest to solve the crime.
Fool Moon starts out with Lieutenant Murphy again asking for Harry’s help on a murder case that seems beyond the bounds of mere human activity. As Harry gets involved and begins following leads, he quickly finds himself in over his head. His quick thinking and magic can usually help get him out of a tight spot, but he may need more than his wit and unique talent to survive this case.
A great element to these books are Harry’s interactions and relationships with the other characters. The friendship that Harry has with Lieutenant Karrin Murphy of the Chicago PD is always on rocky ground. The relationship between Harry and supernatural reporter Susan Rodriguez is getting very interesting and one to keep an eye on. And let’s not forget the crime lord Gentleman Johnny Marcone. Harry and Johnny continually cross each other’s paths and I have a feeling it will eventually come to a boiling point. All of these characters add a certain layer of depth to Harry’s story, and play more to his character than just being a wizard or detective. He continually explains his feelings for each one and it gives the reader a deeper look at the human side of Harry and not just Harry the wizard.
I’m still digging the old school detective vibe these books have. I know I mentioned this in my review of Storm Front. But this element means so much to making these books so interesting and fun. Also, there is never a dull moment in these books. Whether Harry is at home making potions with Bob, hanging at MacAnally’s Pub, or roaming the streets of Chicago on a case, he always manages to be a magnet for demons, vampires, or any other supernatural beings that roam the dark alleys and shadows. I can’t wait to see what kind of mysteries the coming adventure holds. Next up…Grave Peril!!!
Actual Rating: 4 stars ****
Fool Moon starts out with Lieutenant Murphy again asking for Harry’s help on a murder case that seems beyond the bounds of mere human activity. As Harry gets involved and begins following leads, he quickly finds himself in over his head. His quick thinking and magic can usually help get him out of a tight spot, but he may need more than his wit and unique talent to survive this case.
”To much work and no play makes Harry a paranoid boy.”
A great element to these books are Harry’s interactions and relationships with the other characters. The friendship that Harry has with Lieutenant Karrin Murphy of the Chicago PD is always on rocky ground. The relationship between Harry and supernatural reporter Susan Rodriguez is getting very interesting and one to keep an eye on. And let’s not forget the crime lord Gentleman Johnny Marcone. Harry and Johnny continually cross each other’s paths and I have a feeling it will eventually come to a boiling point. All of these characters add a certain layer of depth to Harry’s story, and play more to his character than just being a wizard or detective. He continually explains his feelings for each one and it gives the reader a deeper look at the human side of Harry and not just Harry the wizard.
”It isn’t enough to stand up and fight darkness. You’ve got to stand apart from it, too. You’ve got to be different from it.”
I’m still digging the old school detective vibe these books have. I know I mentioned this in my review of Storm Front. But this element means so much to making these books so interesting and fun. Also, there is never a dull moment in these books. Whether Harry is at home making potions with Bob, hanging at MacAnally’s Pub, or roaming the streets of Chicago on a case, he always manages to be a magnet for demons, vampires, or any other supernatural beings that roam the dark alleys and shadows. I can’t wait to see what kind of mysteries the coming adventure holds. Next up…Grave Peril!!!
”It’s all right to be afraid. You just don’t let it stop you from doing your job.”
Actual Rating: 4 stars ****
March 7, 2017
Back into the world of Harry Dresden through another excellent audio book presentation. Between Fool Moon and Scarlet by Marissa Meyer, I've been reading about werewolves a lot. Not that I'm complaining.
The interesting premise of this book is that there are multiple ways to become a werewolf and it explores the problems associated with each. I enjoyed the juxtaposition and creativity the author showed in developing the different types. I always assumed a werewolf was just an unfortunate who received a nasty bite. Silly me.
Harry is still snarky and dour and I loved this. On to the next book!
The interesting premise of this book is that there are multiple ways to become a werewolf and it explores the problems associated with each. I enjoyed the juxtaposition and creativity the author showed in developing the different types. I always assumed a werewolf was just an unfortunate who received a nasty bite. Silly me.
Harry is still snarky and dour and I loved this. On to the next book!
August 22, 2017
“It isn't enough to stand up and fight darkness. You've got to stand apart from it, too. You've got to be different from it.”
2.5 Stars .
Unless things drastically improve by book three, I think it's safe to say that The Dresden Files is one of the most overrated series of all time. At least the first two books, anyway ;]. For the life of me, I can't figure out why these are so outrageously popular. A good friend of mine read them around the same time that I did, and these were the words he used to describe them: "a celebration of mediocrity".
If that doesn't sum up these first two books, I don't know that else can. Completely, utterly, forgettable and did not leave even the barest of an impression on me, beyond a few minutes of mindless entertainment. And that is NOT what I look for in a book. . Is this a bad book? No, I honestly don't think that it's a bad book. I didn't hate it. But like.... there is nothing that would make it a good book, either. The more I think about it, the more I feel like this book fails in everything that it is trying to do.
Considering the genre (Urban Fantasy), you already know that you are going to have fantasy/supernatural elements mixed in with real world elements. The Dresden Files does this by packaging everything into a private investigator mystery/thriller type of book. That's not bad. I love mysteries and thrillers. I LOVE reading fantasy. You'd think that combining the two would make for something really special.
What do most people (myself in particular) like in a good mystery? Well, for one, you like it to be mysterious. You want to be constantly guessing at who the killer is and what is going to happen next. You want to be shocked and taken aback at the climax when the killer is revealed, and feel the thrill of the chase to figure it all out.
What do most people like in a good fantasy? Originality, for one. Interesting and convincing magic systems. A good plot/story. Solid characterization. An "epic" quality that almost takes you out of the real world. Great world building. The list goes on.
The problem here is that, particularly in book two, Jim Butcher is trying to combine all of these mystery and fantasy elements, but he does it in a way that waters down both different aspects of the story. So in the end, we're left with a mystery that isn't actually a very good mystery, and a fantasy that isn't a very good fantasy. I mean... he picked werewolves, of all things, as the topic of this book. Werewolves (or something along that line) make up the material for the most iconic mysteries of all time (Hound of the Baskervilles), and are one of the most overused Urban Fantasy ideas ever made.
It's frustrating.
And to top it off, the main characters are completely mundane. Harry is cool half the time, but then the other half the time he is this boring, brooding, depressed character. Murphy is just flat out annoying. Susan is feisty but also very annoying. And there is precious little character development - it seems like Butcher hordes information about Harry's background, but like a fifteen book commitment is A LOT if you're trying to get into the character.
To finish this lovely review, I thought I would mention how often we hear about Harry's hair - particularly the hair on the back of his neck. I've included just a few of the quotes in the book that reference the hair on the back on Harry's neck. Please enjoy =].
"The hairs at the nape of my neck prickled and stood on end."
"It makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, and mine snapped to attention."
"Once more, the hairs on my neck were standing up."
"at the same time the hairs on the back of my neck prickled up as the potion's magic took effect."
"It... made my teeth hurt and my hair stand on end."
"My teeth ached and my hair stood on end."
Let's just say it gets exhausting. And Butcher talks even more about the hair of other characters. Like... he legit has an obsession with hair.
Maybe we should stage an intervention?
Anyways. I'll give book three a shot, but if it doesn't rock my world, I'm dropping this series for good, I think.
Happy reading =].
April 25, 2022
Despite the monster-of-the-week vibe I’m getting from Storm Front and this second book in The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher, I really enjoyed reading Fool Moon.
Urban fantasy was never my sort of thing, but Jim Butcher’s writing is funny, engaging, and makes me want to flip onto the next page every time.
After thinking about this one for a bit, I think I can now see some hints at a larger plot developing that I am looking forward to exploring. I love fantasy books that feel like there is more going on than we see – in the beginning at least – and Fool Moon is certainly one of those books.
Harry Dresden is still a dick…
…but his character is becoming more interesting – I won’t go into spoilers, but there are hints to something more about his character, his past, that I’m intrigued by.
I really hope his character grows and develops from this stage – and soon – as I think it would be very satisfying to see him become someone I liked.
The plot itself was interesting but not incredible
Being a fan of epic-sized fantasy, like the Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson and anything by Brandon Sanderson, it was great to have a load of information about werewolves and to learn about the magic behind each kind.
The plot, however, was a little all over the place, but it was good enough to keep the book from slumping. One thing Jim Butcher has never done is have a dull chapter!
Things I would like to see in future books:
- Dresden grows up
- Murphy knows more and is more of a useful character (because I think she’s great and underutilised as a main character in these books)
- We get to see more of the setting rather than vague outlines (although, in short books like these I can see why Butcher doesn’t want to bog the plot down with worldbuilding – for now at least)
- We are introduced to a cast of interesting characters from the “magical” world – such as The White Council and maybe some other groups or individuals who can provide interesting insights to the world.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read and I will continue reading the series for now.
View the full review at The Fantasy Review
Urban fantasy was never my sort of thing, but Jim Butcher’s writing is funny, engaging, and makes me want to flip onto the next page every time.
After thinking about this one for a bit, I think I can now see some hints at a larger plot developing that I am looking forward to exploring. I love fantasy books that feel like there is more going on than we see – in the beginning at least – and Fool Moon is certainly one of those books.
Harry Dresden is still a dick…
…but his character is becoming more interesting – I won’t go into spoilers, but there are hints to something more about his character, his past, that I’m intrigued by.
I really hope his character grows and develops from this stage – and soon – as I think it would be very satisfying to see him become someone I liked.
The plot itself was interesting but not incredible
Being a fan of epic-sized fantasy, like the Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson and anything by Brandon Sanderson, it was great to have a load of information about werewolves and to learn about the magic behind each kind.
The plot, however, was a little all over the place, but it was good enough to keep the book from slumping. One thing Jim Butcher has never done is have a dull chapter!
Things I would like to see in future books:
- Dresden grows up
- Murphy knows more and is more of a useful character (because I think she’s great and underutilised as a main character in these books)
- We get to see more of the setting rather than vague outlines (although, in short books like these I can see why Butcher doesn’t want to bog the plot down with worldbuilding – for now at least)
- We are introduced to a cast of interesting characters from the “magical” world – such as The White Council and maybe some other groups or individuals who can provide interesting insights to the world.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read and I will continue reading the series for now.
View the full review at The Fantasy Review
February 17, 2024
De nuevo me lo he pasado genial con Harry Dresden.
La forma de ser un tanto irónica y despreocupada que tiene, me encanta, también el tono que tiene el libro, con sus partes un tanto cómicas, que le dan un aire mas liviano a la historia, pero en la cual no dejan de pasar cosas, en este caso, de hombres lobo en todas sus variedades.
Ha estado muy cerquita de las 5 estrellas, al final no pero por los pelos.
Valoración: 8.5/10
Sinopsis: Se encuentran objetos perdidos. Investigaciones paranormales. Asesoría. Consejos. Precios razonables. No se hacen pócimas de amor, ni bolsos sin fondo, ni fiestas u otros entretenimientos.
El negocio está flojo: o, más bien, está muerto. No llega ni a la variedad zombi. Se supone que el único mago profesional de la guía telefónica de Chicago debería tener trabajo. Pero últimamente Harry Dresden no ha rascado nada, ni mágico ni mundano.
Justo cuando parece que no va a tener ni para comer, se presenta un caso de asesinato que exige su particular clase de conocimientos sobrenaturales. Un cadáver brutalmente mutilado. Huellas de unas garras extrañas. Luna llena. Tenía tres intentos, y los dos primeros no cuentan...
La forma de ser un tanto irónica y despreocupada que tiene, me encanta, también el tono que tiene el libro, con sus partes un tanto cómicas, que le dan un aire mas liviano a la historia, pero en la cual no dejan de pasar cosas, en este caso, de hombres lobo en todas sus variedades.
Ha estado muy cerquita de las 5 estrellas, al final no pero por los pelos.
Valoración: 8.5/10
Sinopsis: Se encuentran objetos perdidos. Investigaciones paranormales. Asesoría. Consejos. Precios razonables. No se hacen pócimas de amor, ni bolsos sin fondo, ni fiestas u otros entretenimientos.
El negocio está flojo: o, más bien, está muerto. No llega ni a la variedad zombi. Se supone que el único mago profesional de la guía telefónica de Chicago debería tener trabajo. Pero últimamente Harry Dresden no ha rascado nada, ni mágico ni mundano.
Justo cuando parece que no va a tener ni para comer, se presenta un caso de asesinato que exige su particular clase de conocimientos sobrenaturales. Un cadáver brutalmente mutilado. Huellas de unas garras extrañas. Luna llena. Tenía tres intentos, y los dos primeros no cuentan...
December 16, 2014
A gruesome murder comes along, and Harry Dresden's expertise is needed. A brutally mutilated corpse. Strange-looking paw prints. A full moon.
I really liked the first book of the series, and I was expecting a lot more from this. The premise screams werewolves, and that's actually my favorite supernatural creature. Werewolves are badass and ruthless, but once again, Butcher had his own take on the supernatural. He sort of mellowed it down, and made it more realistic. I don't hate his imaginative take on supernatural creatures, but I like gut wrenching action. This lacked the action that it needed, and the plot seems a bit mediocre.
I wanted more of Dresden and Murphy, but right from the start of the novel Murphy already shunned Dresden. We get a bit more of Susan here, but I don't foresee me growing on Susan. The main antagonist here wasn't as amazing as the one from the first novel. He wasn't brutal and merciless. I had high expectations from werewolves, but I ended up disappointed in the end.
The plot itself was not as interesting as I wanted it to be. I wasn't bored, but I wasn't blown away either. With a premise consisting of werewolves, this novel should've been a lot better. The new take on werewolves created by Butcher was not that bad, but not that cool either. I don't see it as something that would become a main thing, in the supernatural genre. It's just so mellowed down that I didn't enjoy it that much.
3/5 stars. Everything felt mediocre, but I'm still dedicated on continuing with the series. I already own book 3, and I already ordered books 4-9. As mediocre as this novel may be, this series is still slowly becoming one of my favorites.
I really liked the first book of the series, and I was expecting a lot more from this. The premise screams werewolves, and that's actually my favorite supernatural creature. Werewolves are badass and ruthless, but once again, Butcher had his own take on the supernatural. He sort of mellowed it down, and made it more realistic. I don't hate his imaginative take on supernatural creatures, but I like gut wrenching action. This lacked the action that it needed, and the plot seems a bit mediocre.
I wanted more of Dresden and Murphy, but right from the start of the novel Murphy already shunned Dresden. We get a bit more of Susan here, but I don't foresee me growing on Susan. The main antagonist here wasn't as amazing as the one from the first novel. He wasn't brutal and merciless. I had high expectations from werewolves, but I ended up disappointed in the end.
The plot itself was not as interesting as I wanted it to be. I wasn't bored, but I wasn't blown away either. With a premise consisting of werewolves, this novel should've been a lot better. The new take on werewolves created by Butcher was not that bad, but not that cool either. I don't see it as something that would become a main thing, in the supernatural genre. It's just so mellowed down that I didn't enjoy it that much.
3/5 stars. Everything felt mediocre, but I'm still dedicated on continuing with the series. I already own book 3, and I already ordered books 4-9. As mediocre as this novel may be, this series is still slowly becoming one of my favorites.
August 26, 2016
A friend of mine adores this series, and sent my husband and me the entire thing. It showed up at our door in a big amazon box, and well, we got to reading. My husband is two books ahead of me, and promises me that things improve.
I dearly hope he's right.
First off, Butcher tries to pile WAY too much into this book. I hope this isn't a massive surprise, but guess what - this book is about werewolves. Now, you know how authors and movie makers, etc. will tell you "If you show the gun, you have to USE the gun"? Butcher shows about twelve guns over the course of this book, and uses them all - even ones he doesn't actually NEED to use. For instance, at one point relatively early on, he shows about 5 guns at once - now, in this case, I'd only use one or two of those - it's fine, you're establishing a world and it's cool and fun to play. But it very quickly becomes clear that Butcher isn't content with giving you a sneak peek. He has to play with all his toys in one go. It just becomes overload - so much so that at one point, Butcher has to bring the novel to a screeching halt, look at the camera, and go "okay, let's remind the readers of what all is on Dresden's plate right now. Ready for the recap?" If an author has to do this - spend ten or so pages just reminding the reader of all the loose threads still lying around - then something is seriously wrong.
On top of this, Dresden spends almost the entire book two steps from death's door. After a while, it's hard to keep the reader on the edge of their seat like this. I started just feeling like "oh look, Dresden's almost dead again. Ladeedah." Things just... lost their intensity. Not only that, but I started to feel as though the author were writing fanfic of something. Dresden lost some of the depth we saw in book 1, gained a little aura of author-worship (a 'wouldn't it be awesome to be this guy?' feel), and started to peter out in my mind. It just wasn't as good.
Oh - and while the potion workings are kind of cool (okay, I really like the potions in Butcher's world), I swear, if he makes two potions at the start of a book that just HAPPEN to be exactly what he needs later on for reasons that have NOTHING to do with why he made the damn things in the first place... I just might scream. Potion Deus-Ex-Machina is not my idea of fun times.
update - I do want to say that, having read a bunch more of the series, I do think it's worthwhile. It's fun, it's interesting, and even though Butcher might not know his way around my city, it's a solid read. I'm glad I worked my way through the rough patches and kept going.
I dearly hope he's right.
First off, Butcher tries to pile WAY too much into this book. I hope this isn't a massive surprise, but guess what - this book is about werewolves. Now, you know how authors and movie makers, etc. will tell you "If you show the gun, you have to USE the gun"? Butcher shows about twelve guns over the course of this book, and uses them all - even ones he doesn't actually NEED to use. For instance, at one point relatively early on, he shows about 5 guns at once - now, in this case, I'd only use one or two of those - it's fine, you're establishing a world and it's cool and fun to play. But it very quickly becomes clear that Butcher isn't content with giving you a sneak peek. He has to play with all his toys in one go. It just becomes overload - so much so that at one point, Butcher has to bring the novel to a screeching halt, look at the camera, and go "okay, let's remind the readers of what all is on Dresden's plate right now. Ready for the recap?" If an author has to do this - spend ten or so pages just reminding the reader of all the loose threads still lying around - then something is seriously wrong.
On top of this, Dresden spends almost the entire book two steps from death's door. After a while, it's hard to keep the reader on the edge of their seat like this. I started just feeling like "oh look, Dresden's almost dead again. Ladeedah." Things just... lost their intensity. Not only that, but I started to feel as though the author were writing fanfic of something. Dresden lost some of the depth we saw in book 1, gained a little aura of author-worship (a 'wouldn't it be awesome to be this guy?' feel), and started to peter out in my mind. It just wasn't as good.
Oh - and while the potion workings are kind of cool (okay, I really like the potions in Butcher's world), I swear, if he makes two potions at the start of a book that just HAPPEN to be exactly what he needs later on for reasons that have NOTHING to do with why he made the damn things in the first place... I just might scream. Potion Deus-Ex-Machina is not my idea of fun times.
update - I do want to say that, having read a bunch more of the series, I do think it's worthwhile. It's fun, it's interesting, and even though Butcher might not know his way around my city, it's a solid read. I'm glad I worked my way through the rough patches and kept going.
November 30, 2020
"I never used to keep close track of the phases of the moon."
Werewolves. What could go wrong, right? Apparently in Harry's case, everything.
This was a decent follow up to the first book. I appreciated the wealth of werewolf lore and the author mixing it up with new material. I hate reading a vampire or werewolf story that doesn't have anything unique to it, but Butcher didn't disappoint. I do feel like he might've gone a little overboard with it though, throwing too much at us at once, but I'd rather be overwhelmed than underwhelmed any day.
I won't go into any details, because, well you know, spoilers and all, but it's always interesting to see how Harry gets himself--and others--out of all the terrible situations he's managed to bumble into. He's got his issues--obviously--but I love his humor, his attitude, and the sensitivity he tries so hard to hide.
I rather enjoyed this, even with struggling to keep up with a lot of characters and subplots, and I'm looking forward to reading The Dresden Files #3, Grave Peril. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes urban fantasy, wizards, magic, creature features, werewolves, crime procedurals, and/or sarcasm.
"I settled back to ask Susan over, and enjoyed the warmth of the fire."
Werewolves. What could go wrong, right? Apparently in Harry's case, everything.
This was a decent follow up to the first book. I appreciated the wealth of werewolf lore and the author mixing it up with new material. I hate reading a vampire or werewolf story that doesn't have anything unique to it, but Butcher didn't disappoint. I do feel like he might've gone a little overboard with it though, throwing too much at us at once, but I'd rather be overwhelmed than underwhelmed any day.
I won't go into any details, because, well you know, spoilers and all, but it's always interesting to see how Harry gets himself--and others--out of all the terrible situations he's managed to bumble into. He's got his issues--obviously--but I love his humor, his attitude, and the sensitivity he tries so hard to hide.
I rather enjoyed this, even with struggling to keep up with a lot of characters and subplots, and I'm looking forward to reading The Dresden Files #3, Grave Peril. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes urban fantasy, wizards, magic, creature features, werewolves, crime procedurals, and/or sarcasm.
"I settled back to ask Susan over, and enjoyed the warmth of the fire."
April 23, 2015
Buddy read with a few friends at Buddies Books and Baubles.
Harry Dresden is going to grow on me. We have been on two outings now and already I see some real potential in this budding relationship between us.
Harry has a few things in his positive column right now:
✔ - Cool friends and acquaintances:
✔ - Cool Toys:
Harry has some super cool things going on. An underground lab…ummm awesome. Rings that store energy so you can throw a really good punch. A staff to concentrate his power *cough* Gandolf *cough. Magical knives and tokens then lend various aides to him. AND a beat up Volkswagen Beetle that runs most of the time.
✔ - Deadly Foes:
Somehow Harry has pissed off some people. I think in this story alone there were at one time three different groups trying to capture or kill him. Good thing ibuprofen seems heal most of his wounds so far.
There was a Mobster, the demon, some Werewolf Types, the Police and possibly a Black Magic Warlock all trying to either catch him or do him in. I’d be most worried about the Black Wizard long term anyway.
✔ - New and interesting twists to overdone lores:
It seems everyone is writing about Vampires and Werewolves…they are everywhere. So sometimes I get a little bored with those species in UF. Exception being The Immortals After Dark Series (they can have as many Vampires and werewolves as they like idk why they just can). But at least the lore is completely different in these Vampires are not really sexy. Sure they can project an image that is sexy but underneath well lets just say more bat less pretty pretty princess.
The werewolf lore too was totally different. There were different kinds of werewolves that manifested in different ways and I liked the lesson in history that Bob gave us on the Werewolves, it was a very interesting way to present the story.
So what might you ask is in the minus column?
Well I’m not in love with the plots YET….they are still a bit of a hot mess and all over the place. I like the world but I get distracted by a few things along the way because I don’t have enough details yet.
Such as….Harry got uber beat up in this book and yet was still able to function after just a short time sleeping. I mean he got shot!!! But still it didn’t seem like it bothered him all that much. Someone said answers are coming but….I don’t know what they are yet, so a little distracting
The wit…is getting there. There are some puns and cool statements that give me a chuckle here and there. But I remember liking the dialogue better in Charming and Hounded. But Harry is getting there coming into his own and I’m sure he will become more comfortable and find his stride. Plus it wasn't all bad this line was awesome
The last thing is the dropping of hints…they are a little discombobulated at times. He notices Murphy’s adorable and cute earlobes with small grey jewelry only to notice said earlobes later with no jewelry (psst….because it was silver and she made bullets out of them). What dude waxes on about cute earlobes.
Overall:
I’m confident that Harry Dresden will grow on me and as we explore the world a little more I will find less things that stand out like this because I’m too busy with the actual story. This is totally a good foundation and I hope Harry and I become the best of friends.
Audio Note: James Marsters voice is so fantastic and he plays Harry so well. I love listening to this series so far.
Harry Dresden is going to grow on me. We have been on two outings now and already I see some real potential in this budding relationship between us.
Harry has a few things in his positive column right now:
✔ - Cool friends and acquaintances:
Bob – The skull animated by a sexually adventurous wind spirit who has the memory skills of a computer and a potions master status equivalent to Severus Snape.
Chauncy - Harry’s demon buddy who seems to have information on Harry’s dead family and is trying to seduce Harry to the dark side or pick up the rest of his name so that the demon can somehow entrap Harry Pretty sure they don’t grab drinks together after work
Murphy – The police detective that uses Harry as a liaison for crimes committed using magic of some sort. Sometimes I like her and sometimes I want to smack her. Overall this is the character that I think I will like seeing the most in future installments of the series. Murphy is in a strong woman with some HUGE, I MEAN GARGANTUINE trust issues. One minute she and Harry are working hand in hand and the next she is trying to arrest him. psst….long term though I think she is the solid love interest
Subconscious Harry - He is a little smarter than the real deal but less quippy. We only get to see him in the dream sequence but he made some very solid points about Harry taking responsibility for things that are not his to take responsibility for. He also has better taste in women (that is just my opinion). I look forward to seeing him blend in a little more with real deal Harry over time.
Susan - Reporter for an occult type magazine and current love/lust interest…I don’t like her…I don’t know why…I just don’t so moving on.
✔ - Cool Toys:
Harry has some super cool things going on. An underground lab…ummm awesome. Rings that store energy so you can throw a really good punch. A staff to concentrate his power *cough* Gandolf *cough. Magical knives and tokens then lend various aides to him. AND a beat up Volkswagen Beetle that runs most of the time.
✔ - Deadly Foes:
Somehow Harry has pissed off some people. I think in this story alone there were at one time three different groups trying to capture or kill him. Good thing ibuprofen seems heal most of his wounds so far.
There was a Mobster, the demon, some Werewolf Types, the Police and possibly a Black Magic Warlock all trying to either catch him or do him in. I’d be most worried about the Black Wizard long term anyway.
“Black wizards don't just grow up like toadstools, you know. Someone has to teach them complicated things like summoning demons, ritual magic, and clichéd villain dialogue.
✔ - New and interesting twists to overdone lores:
It seems everyone is writing about Vampires and Werewolves…they are everywhere. So sometimes I get a little bored with those species in UF. Exception being The Immortals After Dark Series (they can have as many Vampires and werewolves as they like idk why they just can). But at least the lore is completely different in these Vampires are not really sexy. Sure they can project an image that is sexy but underneath well lets just say more bat less pretty pretty princess.
The werewolf lore too was totally different. There were different kinds of werewolves that manifested in different ways and I liked the lesson in history that Bob gave us on the Werewolves, it was a very interesting way to present the story.
So what might you ask is in the minus column?
Well I’m not in love with the plots YET….they are still a bit of a hot mess and all over the place. I like the world but I get distracted by a few things along the way because I don’t have enough details yet.
Such as….Harry got uber beat up in this book and yet was still able to function after just a short time sleeping. I mean he got shot!!! But still it didn’t seem like it bothered him all that much. Someone said answers are coming but….I don’t know what they are yet, so a little distracting
The wit…is getting there. There are some puns and cool statements that give me a chuckle here and there. But I remember liking the dialogue better in Charming and Hounded. But Harry is getting there coming into his own and I’m sure he will become more comfortable and find his stride. Plus it wasn't all bad this line was awesome
“And I knew that there was some dark corner of me that would enjoy using magic for killing—and then long for more. That was black magic, and it was easy to use. Easy and fun. Like Legos”
The last thing is the dropping of hints…they are a little discombobulated at times. He notices Murphy’s adorable and cute earlobes with small grey jewelry only to notice said earlobes later with no jewelry (psst….because it was silver and she made bullets out of them). What dude waxes on about cute earlobes.
Overall:
I’m confident that Harry Dresden will grow on me and as we explore the world a little more I will find less things that stand out like this because I’m too busy with the actual story. This is totally a good foundation and I hope Harry and I become the best of friends.
Audio Note: James Marsters voice is so fantastic and he plays Harry so well. I love listening to this series so far.
September 25, 2019
3.5 stars.
Fool Moon started to show promising signs of improvement over the first book, even though most fans indicate that the series really only get better from Book 3 or 4 onwards.
I definitely enjoyed Harry more as a character in this book as he just felt so real. His tendencies for hilarious soliloquy or internal monologues while facing dangerous and grim circumstances might be a tad cheesy sometimes but it was fun and I think it worked for stories like these. Harry's backstory was also being gradually teased out; a very cheeky approach by Mr Butcher to keep me invested in our modern-day wizard and reading these books.
The plot in Fool's Moon was also better than Storm Front in my opinion. The mystery was more involving, the villain(s) more believable and it took me much longer to be able to cast any suspicions on who the real culprits were. The narrative also seemed to flow better in this instalment and I found myself excited to pick up the book again whenever I had to put it down to get on with real life.
I believe that this will be a pattern in the series where the readers get introduced to different forms of supernatural beings and foes as we progress from one book to the other. With “moon” in the title, I probably wouldn’t be spoiling anything by mentioning that we are dealing with werewolves in this novel. World-building in urban fantasy requires a pretty different level of creativity as one is confined to a certain extent with already commonly known myths of supernatural beings like werewolves, vampires, zombies, etc. I have to give it to the author for being able to take these well-known mythological creations and infuse some form of variation into them to make it his own.
The one thing that affected my enjoyment of this book was that of the tension building up between Harry and Agent Karrin Murphy, who works within the Special Investigation (read: weird stuff) division of the Chicago police force. This is the typical scenario where one tried to protect the former by not being completely upfront, and the latter then developed a mistrust of the former for doing so. The kind of character conflict which I absolutely disliked being used as a plot device. Just spare me the angst. Fortunately, it only lasted long enough until they had to work together to dispose of the enemy. Let’s just hope that the trajectory of their relationship continues to improve. Character development elsewhere still remained pretty bland. Notwithstanding, the story and worldbuilding were good enough to at least put this in the category of an entertaining read.
Fool Moon started to show promising signs of improvement over the first book, even though most fans indicate that the series really only get better from Book 3 or 4 onwards.
I definitely enjoyed Harry more as a character in this book as he just felt so real. His tendencies for hilarious soliloquy or internal monologues while facing dangerous and grim circumstances might be a tad cheesy sometimes but it was fun and I think it worked for stories like these. Harry's backstory was also being gradually teased out; a very cheeky approach by Mr Butcher to keep me invested in our modern-day wizard and reading these books.
The plot in Fool's Moon was also better than Storm Front in my opinion. The mystery was more involving, the villain(s) more believable and it took me much longer to be able to cast any suspicions on who the real culprits were. The narrative also seemed to flow better in this instalment and I found myself excited to pick up the book again whenever I had to put it down to get on with real life.
I believe that this will be a pattern in the series where the readers get introduced to different forms of supernatural beings and foes as we progress from one book to the other. With “moon” in the title, I probably wouldn’t be spoiling anything by mentioning that we are dealing with werewolves in this novel. World-building in urban fantasy requires a pretty different level of creativity as one is confined to a certain extent with already commonly known myths of supernatural beings like werewolves, vampires, zombies, etc. I have to give it to the author for being able to take these well-known mythological creations and infuse some form of variation into them to make it his own.
The one thing that affected my enjoyment of this book was that of the tension building up between Harry and Agent Karrin Murphy, who works within the Special Investigation (read: weird stuff) division of the Chicago police force. This is the typical scenario where one tried to protect the former by not being completely upfront, and the latter then developed a mistrust of the former for doing so. The kind of character conflict which I absolutely disliked being used as a plot device. Just spare me the angst. Fortunately, it only lasted long enough until they had to work together to dispose of the enemy. Let’s just hope that the trajectory of their relationship continues to improve. Character development elsewhere still remained pretty bland. Notwithstanding, the story and worldbuilding were good enough to at least put this in the category of an entertaining read.
July 27, 2020
*** 3.85 ***
There are werewolves on the loose and making trouble in the city of Chicago. A friend of Harry's has been killed and the Police and the FBI can't decide on if they should use Dresden as a source and consultant, or if they should look him up and throw away the keys... It is a good thing that he has some interesting acquaintances who might find it in their best interest to help him out and get him out of tight spots.
This is the second book in the Dresden Files series and we are still to get to know more about Harry. At this point we know he is the only openly practicing Wizard in the land and that he is the only living person of his family left, or at least that he knows of. He assists the cops when weird stuff pops up in their investigations, and is constantly haresed by the local Mafia boss and random baddies. He is perpetually strapped for cash and has an old fashioned sense of chivalry and honor. He is definitely a likable character without being boring or stiff. Dresden is hobbled in enforcing more aggressive actions towards the bad guys he pursues by the rules of Magic set up by the White Council and often his attempts to confront the villains are very lopsided, since his opponents don't play by the same rules.
I am very excited to be reading this series, and even more since I didn't expect much, but it has surpassed my expectations considerably. I can see that we are only scratching the surface of the world and the characters, and I expect the author is going to keep on building on the solid foundation he is laying down with the first couple of books!
Now I wish you all happy reading and may you always find what you need in the pages of a good Book 😊!
There are werewolves on the loose and making trouble in the city of Chicago. A friend of Harry's has been killed and the Police and the FBI can't decide on if they should use Dresden as a source and consultant, or if they should look him up and throw away the keys... It is a good thing that he has some interesting acquaintances who might find it in their best interest to help him out and get him out of tight spots.
This is the second book in the Dresden Files series and we are still to get to know more about Harry. At this point we know he is the only openly practicing Wizard in the land and that he is the only living person of his family left, or at least that he knows of. He assists the cops when weird stuff pops up in their investigations, and is constantly haresed by the local Mafia boss and random baddies. He is perpetually strapped for cash and has an old fashioned sense of chivalry and honor. He is definitely a likable character without being boring or stiff. Dresden is hobbled in enforcing more aggressive actions towards the bad guys he pursues by the rules of Magic set up by the White Council and often his attempts to confront the villains are very lopsided, since his opponents don't play by the same rules.
I am very excited to be reading this series, and even more since I didn't expect much, but it has surpassed my expectations considerably. I can see that we are only scratching the surface of the world and the characters, and I expect the author is going to keep on building on the solid foundation he is laying down with the first couple of books!
Now I wish you all happy reading and may you always find what you need in the pages of a good Book 😊!
October 3, 2020
Lycanthrope Shocker. Werewolf Eats Chicago Police Department! "It's a Loup ... ah ... frack ... oh yeah! It's a 'Loup-Garou,' (Sotto voce: 'Did I get that right?')
Well - you can now call me a Jim Butcher/Harry Dresden fan.
Loved it, fantastic multi-climax ending. One of the best books I've read so far this year.
A couple of small quibbles with some of the [INSERT: "Escape by the skin of your teeth"] moments that overstepped the believability mark and dropped me out of the suspension of disbelief. I know it's a very fine line between gripping suspenseful drama and a deus ex machina, and occasionally JB smudges it.
But such quibbles fade into the shadows when compared to the truly powerful writing that stalked the back half of this book like the fabulous loup-garou.
Looking forward to getting my teeth into book #3.
Strongly recommended: 5 'Fracking Rip-Your-Face-Off Werewolf Stars.'
Well - you can now call me a Jim Butcher/Harry Dresden fan.
Loved it, fantastic multi-climax ending. One of the best books I've read so far this year.
A couple of small quibbles with some of the [INSERT: "Escape by the skin of your teeth"] moments that overstepped the believability mark and dropped me out of the suspension of disbelief. I know it's a very fine line between gripping suspenseful drama and a deus ex machina, and occasionally JB smudges it.
But such quibbles fade into the shadows when compared to the truly powerful writing that stalked the back half of this book like the fabulous loup-garou.
Looking forward to getting my teeth into book #3.
Strongly recommended: 5 'Fracking Rip-Your-Face-Off Werewolf Stars.'
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