FOOL MOON - REVIEW (Dresden Files Book 2)

My review of Jim Butcher's Fool Moon. Book 2 in the Dresden Files. A dark noire fantasy story told from the perspective of a wizard private investigator.
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[@Ilovejibblets]

A lot of people say book 3 is where the series comes into its own.

[@thhunter]

I'd say four. The first three are decent stories you can sit down and enjoy. Then shit goes down.

[@mattroxursoul]

@@thhunter I agree book 4 is it. In fact if I recommend the series I tell them to read from book 4 onward. Then go back and read 1-3 later on where it will fill in stuff more.

[@CaptStewee08]

I'd say Bianca's Ball, towards the last part of book 3, is where the series arc kicks off. Sooooo much happens there that still has ramifications.

[@Barleyjuicer88]

I actually loved this book. You've got to remember that each book is about one weekend that goes super horrible. They are case files, and you'll find out (much) later on that they are all tied together.

[@trentrossdale638]

Same here!! I loved it and don't understand the hate but I love the Dresden Files. Currently starting book 6.

[@0StarGirl5000]

The eye contact "Forgivness" moment makes perfect sense, if you remember that Dresden is sometimes an unreliable narrator and also a sentimentalist who wants to believe that McFinn would have wanted this and forgiven him. Wether or not there was actually some kind empathy moment or forgivness doesn't matter, because Dresden would absolutely want there to be and would totally imagine it, especially if he thought he was dying and wanted to make peace with his final act.

[@johnnywrightsman3959]

I always took the "forgiveness" moment as a type of soul gaze. The series makes soul gazes for Dresden are different and unique for each one. So the prolonged eye contact and extended forgiveness as the soul gaze happening.

[@aleksandervadla9881]

Also he didnt get shot

[@skodedickinson6544]

Book one built the relationships, book 2 the wizard. Harry Dresden talked big in book one but felt like buster behind trinkets - in book 2 he was taking far bigger odds without them to degree he burnt out showing hard limitations but a high ceiling. Book one had a magical detective crime story where as book two was brutal, gory and helpless murder of the good guys. They contrast massively but that shows the Dresden Files ain't just book 1 over and over.

[@Strikernightfall]

the first 3 books are abit of a mess book 4 jim butcher hits his stride with the series and yes he did wrap up the series in book 2 b/c he was unsure that he would get another book published

[@DanielGreeneReviews]

Then why introduce the idea of a wider conspiracy which he clearly pushed in as a cliffhanger?

[@Strikernightfall]

i dont know i do know that an interview with him he said that he kept the first 3 books fairly self contained so if the series was canceled you should beable to find that interview here on youtube

[@ftargino1]

The story he always tells is that he pretty much had/has all 20 or so books of the series already planned out whilst he was writing the first book. The first book was never designed to sell, it was supposed to show his English teacher that if he followed her ideas that you would only get cookie cutter crap. But I believe it was only after he had finished book 2/3 that he actually got published and started taking it more seriously.

[@13_faces]

Disagree about book 3. Thought it was great

[@edgardtheknowledgekeeper3119]

@@13_faces I love book 3. Its not the best but out of the first three books it's pretty great.

[@mattnewman1274]

I have just finished Fools Moon and I totally disagree with your review, this book is not a masterwork of writing it's just a really fun pulpy action packed case IMO.

[@yodhanhunter]

One of the bigger takeaways that I felt with this series is that Harry seems to beat the bad guy with more luck and sheer power than skill and cunning in the first few books. Later he learns more skills and it gets leveled out. I loved the three different versions of the werewolves because you learn about the different types and using all three made it so I didn’t feel like we were left out of seeing something we were hinted.

[@revpembroke3082]

HA! "Butcher-ed" ending!

[@illiantear]

Just wait until book 12

[@ChiIIChief]

Illian Tear the pain

[@illumstern8831]

No. Book 12 is probably the second worst.

[@yodhanhunter]

Yeah....

[@thatstupidguy6669]

Changes that is all

[@redmilo92]

If you have to go through 11 books before a series comes into its own that's a bad series. Don't have enough time for that nonsense.

[@RationalOrc]

I actually really like Fool Moon. It's a very simple but likeable murder mystery. Like a solid B Movie guilty pleasure. I think it's really unique mystery in that obviously the murderer is a werewolf, but there's 4 different werewolf groups operating in Chicago that could have done it. The villains all feel like really well rounded believable characters.

[@trentrossdale638]

Well said! Totally agree!!

[@joshwilliams4286]

It amazed me how despite me agreeing with everything you said and giving this book a 6/10 I still blew through this book in 2 days. Today I read 330 pages. Even at this series’ worst it’s engaging and easy to read.

[@splifftachyon4420]

I just finished 'Fool Moon' and think you hit the nail on the head. I felt exactly the same way about it. But since this is 2022 and I have seen your subsequent videos featuring your enthusiasm for the rest of the series (which was the reason I decided to start reading them), I have already started onto 'Grave Peril' (and indeed, I've already bought the next three books after that one in the series).

[@penandreel6996]

I have only read the first two (just finished book Fool Moon). I actually enjoyed Fool Moon FAR more than the first. I only pushed through the first because it was so short; I would not have finished it otherwise. While the plot for Fool Moon had many issues (unnecessarily convoluted, weak ending, not enough focus on developing the characters), it had far better pacing and was less concerned with trying to showcase so many different details of the world by shoehorning them into the plot (In the first book, Michael, the fairies, the vampires, and others felt forced into the plot in order to show how magical the world was). Full disclosure: I don’t like detective stories, so that is certainly a large part of it for me, but even so, I felt Fool Moon was far better constructed, even if it was over constructed as a result.

[@calebmauer1751]

Thank you, I don't know why Fool Moon gets so much dislike.

[@trentrossdale638]

@@calebmauer1751 same here

[@curzon176]

Fuck dude. Everything you are saying you want to see, more characters, more growth, more development, more loose ends, YOU GOT IT. Those first two books are the hump, get over that and its smooth sailing on a great ride. When i reread the series, i often debate skipping the first two books. Though i never do. Btw, i kinda liked the over-the-top, 3-4 different kinds of werewolves in the story. I thought that was a neat dynamic.

[@edgardtheknowledgekeeper3119]

Be very aware Jim was a beginning writer. He himself confesses he is not a naturally gifted writer. This was his second book so he was still learning the craft thats why he's inconsistent. But seriously book 3 I do personally like. Book 4 is really good and it keeps climbing from there. Overall though this is a fair review.

[@TomasCyr]

Ahahaha I was so looking forward to this after your glowing review of storm front lol

[@RP-zt7fz]

7:59 The things you listed that you want to see in the series going forward.....you will get all of them fairly soon. Just keep chugging. Also, just a piece of advice...keep track of the plot stuff that doesn't get tied off for each book, because they will pay off down the road.

[@JZETH_]

I agree. Fool Moon was a step down from Storm Front but he did do a few things very well in this one.

[@VRIceblast]

The first 3 books are the first books the author ever wrote, he learns from each book, and gets better, each book is better than the last. Each book is part of the Dresden storyline. There are events that happened in those books, that you don't understand till way later. Book 4 is where Jim learns the Publisher wanted more books, and he started getting serious. From book 1, he had the whole story mapped out. There will be 20 books, then a Big Apocalyptic Trilogy of books to finish it off. If you didn't know, James Marster, Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer reads the audio books, he is so good, everyone thinks of him as the voice of Harry Dresden now.

[@trentrossdale638]

He is Harry Dresden!! Spike was just Harry undercover for a case in Sunnydale! Haha!

[@duxthemonster]

I'm currently listening to the audiobook (again). I just noticed (for the first time) that the demon Chancy tells Dresden that the loup-garou (I hate they pronounce the P, it's supposed to sound like Lou) curse will only be broken at "the end of days", and Dresden is the one to end the curse... I truly doubt that Butcher thought that far out when he wrote the line, but... There it is.

[@belenmancini4249]

Hey! what's the orange print next to your bookshelf?? anyone knows?

[@Ship-security]

When Dresden kills, the big bad werewolf it reminded me a lot when I had to put my dog down. Also, when you’re in a high, adrenaline situation, things do move in slow motion. You remember weird things like eye contact the color of someone’s shirt the way the wind was blowing ….ect while at the same time one will often block out a bunch of other things. People in combat or something similar to it should be able to relate.

[@willkuehler8918]

I like the first two Dresden books and I love all the rest. You're about to get to the good stuff.

[@sabrinasspellbookspens5136]

I liked this book. But I agree, it was a bit messy near the end. The different werewolves were an interesting angle though, which I appreciated. Also, Murphy gets on my nerves. Please tell me that her character gets nicer? She is such a bad friend. Really, it was her fault that Harry was in so much pain throughout the book thanks to her trying to arrest him, the first time. I like Marcone more at this point than Murphy.

[@z_zoom11]

I always thought the forgiveness look was the wizard eye stare happening for just a moment

[@danpifko]

I stopped after Book 2 as well. Just started Book 3 recently so hopefully it picks up! In the meantime, I've mentioned this, but Codex Alera by Jim Butcher one of the best of all time ;)

[@RP-zt7fz]

Bro, make it through to book 4. From then on the series gets amazing, and it literally doesn't let up.

[@revpembroke3082]

If you stop before Dead Beat, you're doing yourself a huge disservice. That book is fantastic.

[@edgardtheknowledgekeeper3119]

@@revpembroke3082 Dead Beat. 9.5/10. It's just that good.

[@assassin216]

Im surprised everyone hates Fool Moon,it's in my top 5 book in the series.

[@trentrossdale638]

What are your top 5? Just curious. I just started book 5...really enjoying the series so far!!

[@Poleson]

I just started this series a few days ago and have got a few chapters into book 3 and I must say I enjoyed Fool Moon but I totally get the complaints. I can admit it was really too similar to the first book. If things only get better from here on in then count me on board!

[@tylertheguy3160]

Yeah I liked Fool Moon. I think this book did a good job of having high tension. The whole police station massacre had my heart racing.

[@babybalrog]

First two books he wasn't signed for contract. So they were a bit episodic. So they suffer from the Star Trek reset. Third book is where the books actually become a serial, because he is signed for multiple books.

[@Andreasdenfrie]

I do agree with a lot of the criticism - this is always the book I consider skipping when re-reading the series (which I confess to have done a couple of times before a new release), but there are two scenes which are fucking awsome: 1. Fighting the WT/biker-wolfs on the freeway, and fucking it up amazingly bad. 2. The Harry in wolf-form scene does bloodthirst very, very brutally well.

[@arronjerden915]

I am an odd ball, I really liked Fool Moon. Mostly because he did delve into many of the different werewolf myths.

[@ddcardo]

Oh the characters you are about to meet.

[@Avatarbee]

All the types of werwolves that appear in the book are actually accurate to what is found in folktales. The concept of what a werwolf is changed over the course of thousands of years. It is clear that Jim Butcher did his research on the topic. The only type of werwolf that seems to be missing is the type that manifests a spectral wolf body while dreaming.

[@tylertheguy3160]

I really don't understand why a lot of people don't seem to like Fool Moon. I thought it was enjoyable enough and didn't really view it as a significant step down from Storm Front. I think it did a good job at being tense at times, especially with Harry's injuries. That guy takes such a beating in this book that I was constantly worried how that would effect his ability to keep going, and the part where he was hunkered down in the garage while all hell is breaking loose really had me on the edge of my seat. If this is the worst the series has on offer, then it must be a pretty great series.

[@safinan8008]

Hi great video!!! as always happy reading to u!! 😄📖📚

[@A2forty]

I think the fourth is really where it starts going up. The first and third are about equal and pulpy and okay. But the world expands and becomes awesome at the fourth

[@mrgodliak]

I've only read the first two, I didn't care much how it ended in the second, and other books were catching my eye.

[@justinsparks6301]

After listening to this, I'm starting to wonder why I liked this book so much when I read it. lol Maybe it's been so long since I did that I forgot all the bad stuff.

[@shadabkhan-ng5xe]

I just read the book and I so damn agree with your review. Any normal human being would have died after being shot, thrown, bitten, etc, etc. This book was over layered, parker thing could have been totally omitted and the number of players could have been reduced. What I did love was the whole wolf lore etc, but I wish there was more of bob and harry's interaction.

[@papaaeon7210]

It has been a while since I read this book, but I remember liking it

[@davidc4983]

This is actually my favorite book in the series....

[@Saucyboy1776]

Okay so how do they rule out macfinn being the murderer? They say he couldn’t have murdered the people on the nights that weren’t full moons. But we see him turn into a werwolf on 2 if not 3 consecutive nights in the book….the full moon doesn’t last three days. And it doesn’t explain like oh those murders were during a new moon I could understand if there were a waxing and waning gibbous tolerance but I don’t get it so someone please explain

[@Dunybrook]

Interesting reaction. I liked this one at least as much as the first, which frankly is not without its flaws, especially when it comes to the sexualization of the women characters. I loved the werewolf lore and how well it was explained. There was also a considerable amount of character development for Murphy who is shown to be even more awesome. Harry seems to have some character growth of his own in terms of learning to trust those who are close to him.

[@Cazaril]

I have similar feelings aboht this series. I dresden 1 a lot but I absolutely hated book 2. I will probably check out book 3 later this year to give the series one more chance

[@adamherne38]

Wondering if I should skip this book and move on to book 3 or do I need to read this one?

[@ladymistdragon7287]

I actually disagree with most people. Fool Moon was a far more interesting story, had action with seemingly higher stakes, and with to chew on once it's ended. Yet, it was definitely had a more unwiely plot than Storm Front. Harry charged into danger recklessly and survived one too many times. Don't get me started on Murphy's arrest of him later!

[@gildartswinters4984]

I did a ton of laughing through this book but, Marcone tossing the knife the way he did in the dark was kinda neat, or whatever, and...the police station scene was the better action scene in the book. Jim did say he went ot a station house nad, asked questions about what would happen where if that did happen so, points for that. The rest of the book was laughable.

[@blakebouza2557]

I 100% agree with everything you’ve said - give book 3 a try, you won’t regret it going forward!

[@bigwiffychess503]

Honestly not sure I agree this was a step down from storm front. I would agree storm front had a more charming aspect to it but I thought fool moon was a lot more fast paced and exciting. I think he just tried to change it up a bit from storm front which I can appreciate

[@survivordave]

I felt like the Alphas were kind of pointless in Fool Moon (I reread the book just like a week ago and other than helping a bit in the climax they seem to exist just to demonstrate a different flavor of werewolf than the hexenwolfen and the loup-garou, but I can forgive Butcher because of how they become integral allies and friends later on in the series. Even just two books later Billy is giving Dresden some tough love that he really needed.

[@TheAyeAye1]

It wasn't bad. The series didn't hit stride until Dead Beat.

[@EthelredHardrede-nz8yv]

I don't get the claim of it being a step down. The action is more intense. Its not up the standards of the later books but its better than the first.

[@calebmauer1751]

Agreed.

[@JavierSanchez-mo2ef]

I think that the eye contact thing is explained by magical soulgazing.

[@terabyter9000]

I'm halfway through Fool Moon and think it's actually better than the first one however I do agree there's too many different werewolves to keep track of.

[@gotelc]

Man I love the Dresden files they are great books yeah the first ones are a little shakey but they just get better until like book 12-ish?When he leaves the last 3 chapters out of a book. But it was still a goodbook.

[@revpembroke3082]

You want more horror, character, and evolving relationships in 3? Heh... Heh... AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Just you wait, 'Enry 'Iggins. Just you wait.

[@danielvanrooyen9602]

Man in 2020 missing the old intro music. Just read Full Moon, agree the character growth is non existent, Merphy still trying to arrest Harry, Harry still keeping things from Merphy. The different werewolves I enjoyed and did not have such a big problem with everything being wrapped up, just because I know the White Council and Nevernever will be playing bigger roles in the future. Yeah the internal monolog about the "big bad" pulling strings was a bit forced, but that is the problem with first person narrative I guess.

[@TheLordofMetroids]

Yeah, this book alone is why I recommend to my friends starting at Dead Beat and going back form there. I will say other then one book in the series the horror aspect isn't really fleshed out, but every other issue you brought up is resolved in the coming books. There are issues in book three that are STILL not resolved, 10 books later.

[@spacemonkey340]

Dead Beat was really good.

[@mjb91]

I read the first book, loved it, and bought the entire series... only to hate Fool Moon. I've tried to start the 3rd book so many times, but always end up putting it down more or less within the first couple chapters. This book really killed my enthusiasm for the setting/characters; such a let down.

[@Ulmo90]

I think I actually liked Fool Moon a bit better than Storm Front

[@davidpeacock8276]

I didnt love this book but I prefer it to Storm Front. Also, it didnt wrap everything up. Who gave the agents the pelts?

[@7theodious7]

What has changed your stance on fool moon?

[@LazarusBlake]

Book Three introduces my favorite character by far. And It isn't the greatest, I think its just as good as the first though.

[@SeptimusTSS]

very late, but who is it? haha

[@ChiIIChief]

It’s really book 3 that’s where it hits its stride I only read about half way through book one and two but I flew through book three and the rest of the series

[@merai4024]

Hello daniel im a hge fan of fantasy and you help me a lot with your videos,i wanted to ask you, is there a way i can support you with patreon in a one time donation? I don't know it very well.

[@pugshorty9852]

Some people would say that this is a harsh review, but I say it's an honest review. When the author's last name is Butcher, he is allowed to "butcher" a book every now and then.

[@Alatoic01]

Give more time, third and beyond are amazing and began to develop quite a lot. If you can make more detailed review will be good. I know is given spoilers but if the book (or movie) is good will see it anyway.

[@donsample1002]

Missed opportunity to show an image from the Dresden Files TV show for your "Bad TV Show" comment. Fools' Moon was pretty much the only book whose plot was directly adapted into an episode, too.

[@MP-om9fj]

These older videos remind me of a young Chris Hanson reviewing books lol.

[@shosty575]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 best analogy

[@Ship-security]

Jim butcher plants a lot of seeds in this book.

[@michaelfeeney6108]

I guess I get people’s opinions on book 2. I like Marcone, so that helped. I had a question, Daniel. Do you read all of the comments on your videos? Not trying to be a dick- just genuinely asking. Some of the stuff you bring up as a concern here- like following other characters? That was addressed by me and probably others in your Storm Front review. Butcher wastes no characters. Even the smallest ones are there for a reason and could pop back up at anytime. Plenty more main characters get introduced as well. Not sure if you read the comment, but you should read ‘Restoration of Faith’ - a prequel short story. It’s on his website for free. Even that story will come up again by the end of the series.

[@ChiIIChief]

Also great video

[@nashforcash]

Damn, I really want to get into this series. I love the setting, but the first book really put me off. I wish the scope was larger, and the world more fleshed out. I want more of those vampire clans, dammit!

[@joepastrano2051]

I recommend you keep reading. Try book 3 at least.

[@revpembroke3082]

You get more. Of... you know... all of that. You just have to read more than the first book in a 15 book series to get that

[@nashforcash]

Malazan and Wheel of Time would beg to differ ^

[@13_faces]

Oh theres much more of the vampire courts, they're great

[@RP-zt7fz]

I said it in your last review, but I just want to say again: Give the first 3 books an asterisk. Enjoy them as much as you can, but the series really starts at book 4. And they consistently get better from then on...

[@lukasAguiar940]

i loved this book kkkk

[@feralart]

The books do get much better.

[@magicalsimmy]

I just finished book 2 a couple of hours ago and I actually liked book 2 better than book 1, although I hate Murphy with a passion. I hope she gets better as a character because she was absolutely terrible in book 2 and I wish Harry would ditch her as a friend. IMHO she’s the most frustrating and unlikeable character in the series. Murphy alone tempts me to abandon the series altogether, but Dresden is just so fucking cool as a character I can’t. LOL!

[@ottomyers1766]

I absolutely loved this book, I liked it better than the first one. I think this one had movie quality aspects. I wholeheartedly disagree with your review and feel like you really didn't give this little gem the credit it deserves. I just finished this one and if they only get better, then I feel I'm in for a treat.

[@fredrikgranstrom6743]

should be two diffrent tribes of werewolf at most

[@hemaccabe4292]

While we wait for the next book, I invite fans to enjoy a completely free novel set in the Dresden verse, just Google Warlock of Omaha.

[@devinewonson]

Book 3. That’s when it starts.

[@magicalsimmy]

I’m trusting you, Alex, poster from a year ago!

[@mrboutsky]

5/10 is a decent score for fool moon i would give it a 3 or 4 out of 10 considering al he wrote later. MiNOR SPOILERS AHEAD All the plotpoints not yet resolved get mentioned later in the series (4 fbi agents geting magical belts?) so keep your eyes open trough the series. Harry will get friends and lose friends. He will get so scarred both emotionaly and physically its a wonder he can still function. Fool moon as a book on its own isn't that good but what he learns during this ordeal wil stay with him for a long time.

[@graceanderson8553]

Where the problem is the cast kind of gets huge and you forget about people cuz they're not like always consistent with the books Bob and Sergeant Murphy are literally the only two other characters who are consistently and every single book there's other characters who stay for a long time another kind of disappear and then come back. Personally that was like one of my grievances about the book is I would forget about characters and then they would randomly come back and i be like who the f is this

[@CosmereInformant]

He wrote the first few books before they were even published

[@ddcardo]

Just keep going

[@MrT115]

This is a great series. I think the first 2 books are the weakest since it was his first published books. The first books are a bit of monster of the week. The future books will be a little more filled with geeky references (author personality bleeding through). If you're looking for a noire series it will move away a bit from that. The series will move towards more fantastical elements, if that's not your thing this maybe isn't for you. I think the fourth book is the place where it takes off and you get a feeling for the rest of the series. Try to get to book four until you give up. There will be several more core characters introduced. heck out the contents box on en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dresden_Files_characters . Don't scroll down to look at the character desciptions to avoid spoilers.

[@cloud2440]

Wait, the fans don't like this book?

[@fredrikgranstrom6743]

yeah there is much talk about these books but they are really not all dat

[@Nightfurygaming247]

spoilers i think if it was just big bad wolf and the FBI wolves, no alphas it would have been better.

[@yiannis5972]

I'll be honest I liked this book 10 times more than the first one.

[@dresdenwarlock7978]

wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwWWWWWWWHAAAAAAAAATT?!

[@nursyvibz3788]

I am struggling with this book. Murphy SUCKS. She is a total bee and I am really really hating her. BUT if Daniel thinks it is worth to continue.....maybe I will push through.....

[@IsomerSoma]

Murphy's actions in this book are so unplausible and forced that i have almost quit. It isn't just Murphy. A lot of character actions aren't believable.

[@TheVaultDescendant]

Wizards are not regular humans with magic in the Dresdenverse, but you have already made at least 19 vids so I assume you already know that by now

[@llywyllngryffyn8053]

OK, before I get into SPOILERS, I would give it 3 out of 10. I am very disappointed and not with the prose, which is probably the est part of this series. I am disappointed with the trite and cookie cutter formula that keeps repeating here. I am, perhaps, a bit sensitive to it because Jim Butcher told us in an interview that he is a Game Master and I have been a GM for 37+ years so I know the thought patterns... The GOOD: The prose; while not every conversation is witty and eloquent, it neither feels reachingly wordy nor does it feel condescending or dumbed down. At no point in the story did I have to stop and replay the wording of a passage in order to try to decipher what the author might have meant.. (Yes, I listen to this as an Audio Book.) It flows well verbally and conceptually. There are actually several points where I was impressed by the textual palate Jim paints with imagery and metaphor. Seriously. There are also a few other moving moments where I actually felt something connected me with the story; such feeling moments are very rare in this book but they did happen. The BAD: There is a kind of 'Hero's Journey' type formula that keeps happening here. Harry starts off with a contact who has an issue but it appears to be a side quest. Murphy gives him his main quest. During the main quest, Harry discovers the hard way that the two quests are interlocked. Murphy things he is holding out on her, she punches him, tries to arrest him and he escapes. meanwhile he is injured along the way so he is constantly working with low HP for the rest of the story At the end, though, he manages to save the girl, the world, whatever and all his relationships get repaired. YAWN! The Lilo and Stitch TV series would have them two characters have a falling out at the beginning of every episode and make up at the end of every episode and it feels as bad as that. I do have to differ with Daniel here, but I don't see the complexity of the various types of Werewolves being a bad thing, I actually found that refreshing but I don't think it was well established, I think they were rushed through, mostly. The rushing part, not treating them with more depth, is why this is bad, to me. Finally, 'people don't believe in magic' doesn't hold water when you don't have gangs of Aurors running around Obliviating people like JK Rowling did. Harry blows a Six Foot Diameter Hole through the police station and the next building over... Unless someone is using mind magic to cover it up, people are going to start believing. The UGLY: OK, sure, Harry is the Hero so we know he is going to live but at least make it reasonable. At the ending, Harry, with a gimpy arm and a gimpy leg/foot is climbing a rope out of a pit, fast enough that the super wolf on the lip of the pit doesn't jump him. When it decides to attack, the mob boss dangling nearby hisses at Harry, who has enough time to turn, see the wolf in air, let go with the one good hand he has, drop under the attack, and then catch himself and climb back up before the wolf can leap again from the other side. Harry is, by his own description, OUT OF SHAPE. I think an Olympic Gymnast would have had trouble doing this with one arm and one foot out of commission. Secondly, Murphy using a crumpled up paper se picked up off the bar rom floor as 'conclusive evidence' to punch her friend and consultant and arrest him on the spot was so bone headed that I almost stopped reading and just erased the book. This character has moments of being such a pig headed dunce that it is no wonder she rides the desk that she does. Her behavior toward her 'friend' was so mercurial in the first book that it doesn't really 'surprise' me but I had hoped that it was an anomaly... it appears to be the norm though. Furthermore the death of her partner was as much her fault as anyone else's and given all the gun play, she should be on psych-leave for a while but that doesn't seem to happen in Harry Land. Why am I only hearing now that book 1 and 2 are the crap sandwiches? Why do I want to endure another one of these bitter pills? I suppose the only thing I can think of to support the notion is that the books are so short that even a third book doesn't make it equal in 'read time' to one book of the WOT.

[@highmarshalbalian680]

3 werewolves wasn’t convoluted at all........ this makes me question you’re reading cred lol

[@arronjerden915]

4 types, you forgot the bikers.

[@glomar9982]

"Butchered ending" haha.

[@EmethMatthew]

And what about that dream sequence where he figures out the whole mystery with his subconscious self? Like seriously?

[@illumstern8831]

Yeah... book two is the worst in the series, and mostly skip-able. My personal theory is that Jim was going for something along the lines of: Harry powered his way through the first book so he tries to do the same again... and fails. So, he has to learn from the events more. But, yes. It doesn't work.

[@revpembroke3082]

Yeah, 2 isn't the best. It gets better though. Significantly so.