Recommending The Dresden Files in 3 Minutes

[@CapturedInWords]

If you've read The Dresden Files, which one is your favorite book of the series? Buy the Dresden Files using my affiliate links! Boxset: geni.us/DresdenBoxset Book 1: geni.us/Stormfront

[@joshuas1834]

Honestly, my favorite is a short story that I think is called Zoo Day. It tells the day's story from the perspectives of Harry, Maggie, and Mouse. Worth checking out if you missed that one.

[@williejack4842]

My favorites are Proven guilty, Turncoat and changes, can't decide between them.

[@WizardKingCorey]

Changes, Dead Beat, Turn Coat. And James Marsders is the GOAT

[@emzstern]

The dresden Files is my favourite series. I don't know something about it just clicked with me. The humour, the action and the worldbuildning. When I'm thinking about the pure joy of reading. This is it! Personal favourite of the DF is Dead Beat.

[@joshuaraysummey7679]

Agreed❤

[@joshuaraysummey7679]

Turn Coat and Summer Knight are my favs!

[@emzstern]

@@joshuaraysummey7679 I really enjoyed Turn coat too!

[@jessicastein5155]

I love Dead Beat! I don't know if I can pick a fav, but that would be up there for sure. Spoiler below . . . . . . . . . How can anyone not love a wizard riding a zombie T-Rex powered by a one-man polka band? Absolute joy to read.

[@emzstern]

@@jessicastein5155 Agreed with *spoilers * That's why it's my favourite 😁

[@sethpatterson7281]

Polka will never die

[@PatrickRyanBookReviews]

I loved the Dresden Files, especially how it grows and transforms into epic fantasy without the reader realizing that it has taken a huge jump away from the "mystery of the week" setup. I differ from most Dresden fans, as Turn Coat is my favorite of the series.

[@zpapuga]

I think I recommend this series weekly. Now I have this video to back me up! Thanks!

[@nathanday4153]

All of the books so far, I've read them. And I am in love with the books. They get better with every book. There are 1 or 2 books that are not as good as the other books but still very good. And it's nice to put a face with some of my favorite toons. Love it. Thank you, Jim Butcher and James Marsters, for everything. Keep up the good work.

[@markhawkins9201]

Completely agree on audio by James Marsters. Fantastically engaging, enjoyed every moment.

[@Theashyone]

This channel deserves way more attention

[@razakhan23465]

Just finished Fool Moon, and I've got to say, it was terrifying. I loved it.

[@ragnhildknezevic8564]

My favorite book in the series is Dead Beat. I love them all, but Dead Beat is cheff's kiss.

[@garysmith9823]

The opening line of Blood Rites is really one of my favorite pieces of writing ever.

[@xblackwindxiii]

"The building was on fire and it wasn't my fault"

[@telynns8490]

@@xblackwindxiii And the last line of that book. "I frowned at a giant green bag and asked Thomas, “Hey. Why did you get large breed Puppy Chow?”"

[@nolangarrett3440]

Dead beat is my favorite.

[@legendaryfatcat]

Same.

[@AislingESullivan]

Video is well done, I’m a fan of the books and you covered the vibe well. ❤️ my favorites are probably Changes, and Skin Game.

[@SmegCro]

I was never into urban fantasy that much but Green Bone trilogy has turned me around + I love noir, this one is def next on my list

[@toddjackson3136]

Many people who don't read noir don't realize that one of the tropes of early noir is describing women's bodies as if the main character is sex-starved lol. I think Butcher tried to use it in the early books as a way to make Dresden feel like he belongs with those tuff as nails jaded detectives. As the series goes on Dresden starts to recognize he is deeply flawed that way and starts to work on himself.

[@joshuas1834]

I got my wife to start listening to the audiobooks and she's really enjoying them. I think she's on the 6th or 7th one now and she agrees that they just keep getting better and better.

[@CapturedInWords]

That's awesome!!! Glad she's enjoying them! :D

[@amarsingh122]

you motivated me to read the dresden files and I'm so addicted

[@BookishChas]

Great video Jay! One of my favorite series!

[@dethwilson420]

These sound like Army of Darkness meets Constantine, now I'd definitely read them...

[@akitaadventures]

I read all of these books a while ago, up to the most recent release. I even reread the first 6 or 7 several years ago. I don't recall the creepy stuff you mentioned. What I do recall is Harry being unapologetically old fashioned with his chivalry, which is fine. Since Harry is the one telling the story, you DO get a glimpse of what's in his mind, and yes he definitely had sexual attraction running through his mind when around very attractive women. That's actually not outside the norm for people, we just usually don't get a window into what goes through other people's minds. Harry wasn't acting on these feelings of attraction, in fact he resisted them. His brother's side of the family are essentially sex vampires who come onto him and he doesn't fall for it and consistently resists. Unless I'm forgetting something, I just don't recall what you're talking about.

[@leemager128]

I still have to read these! I have them on the Kobo e-reader just have way to many books to read! How is Katie doing, haven't seen any videos lately on the other channel, The Sunshine Seekers. Thanks for reminding me that I have to get cracking and start on this series!

[@elsecaller-jacob8346]

Great timing lol! I’ve nearly finished book 1 and while I did enjoy it, at times it felt like a chore to get through. I’m still gonna give book 2 a read to see if/How Butcher’s writing evolves

[@jessicastein5155]

They just keep getting better. Having reread them recently, I'm a little surprised I loved them so much right from the beginning, because the first couple are definitely rough, but I wouldn't recommend skipping them either, because of the world building and long-term character growth. I always feel like it's a big ask, but they're reasonably short books, so try to give it until the end of book 4 or so?

[@toddjackson3136]

Did you make it through the 2nd book? How are you enjoying the series if so?

[@Low409]

My absolute favorite series of books! I've been a fan since the beginning. And it is true the audiobooks are the best. I have all of them. If I had to choose a favorite book in the series, I would grudgingly say "Summer Knight" I really enjoy the entire series.

[@Urmuhn]

I can’t remember who does it but the audio book reader is my favorite

[@jdtru1808]

James Marsters, he was Spike on buffy.

[@Juanpa_SC]

Favorite series hands down. I keep jumping between several books as my top book, bu right now I think it is Cold Days.

[@brandonbell8949]

Honestly, wasn’t planning on reading it, but this video definitely changed my mind. Thank you!

[@CapturedInWords]

I hope you enjoy them! :)

[@stephentheshywarrior2759]

When will your book get released Jay? I really am intrigued what it'll be about and plan on picking a copy up once it gets a physical release.🙂

[@elisabethprice4697]

I really need to get to book 2 I read Storm Front last year and loved it!

[@corgi42069]

I'm midway through Peace Talks

[@identitycat]

Why didn't you mention the Mister cat? That’s inexcusable 😼

[@CapturedInWords]

Oh dang you're right! How could I disrespect Mister like that 😵

[@MrIDontEvenKnow]

I am obsessed with the Dresden files. I’ve blown through 6 books fairly quickly. Are there any series like it that anyone could recommend ?

[@toddjackson3136]

Reymond Feist writes several book series that are connected with characters from one series showing up as side characters in another. They are vaguely late midevel/early renaissance time feel with elves, dwarves, wizards and other magical creatures added. I love seeing how the original characters grow and change, even how they interact with their kids and eventually grandkids.

[@aaronk8440]

I’ve been reading these books since I was a teenager and I’m now in my late thirties and I still read them and look forward to new installments.

[@carlnietoweise4653]

One of my favorite reads, just can't out it down. I've read and re-read this series at least a dozen times. As to my favorite book, which ever one I'm reading at the moment!

[@nicholi2789]

Definitely my all time favorite series. I’ve read it through at least 3 times and listened to it on audiobook at least another 6-7 times. I’ve recommended it to so many people. Also, all the art in this video is awesome. Where did you get it?

[@bim41337]

I would really like to see an attempt at recommending Malazan in just three meagre minutes 😆

[@CapturedInWords]

As soon as I get a little further into Malazan, then I will definitely try this! It won't be any easy task to cram it into 3 mins... 😂📚

[@GatlingXYZ]

I just started book 1 about a week ago! Excited for this series.

[@CapturedInWords]

Awesome! the first 3 books, while a lot of fun, are overall a bit weaker then the others. Summer Knight is when the series really starts to pick up!

[@andrewkraft2586]

I’m starting a petition to bring back the monster of the week Dresden books. I actually prefer the Fool Moon type books over the Battle Ground type books.

[@stephentheshywarrior2759]

Are u enjoying The Shining so far Jay? Saw u reading it on goodreads. Its a book that means a lot to me recently. Started reading it twice and health issues(seizures from epilepsy) got in the way and never felt like going back to it. Reason was I was struggling with a lot of concentration issues afterwards and it actually affected my reading so bad I fell out with my love of comics and reading for nearly 3 years. Only now feeling like my passion is returning. Only read 8 books in about 3 years whereas already read 1/2 books in 2024 already. 2024 is going to be my year!!!😁 Reading Tommyknockers atm and has great ideas, just the pacing is off. The Shining is on my 2024 tbr pile again😂

[@maxsinclair787]

ive only read the first dresden book so far i think i read it at or around the begining of last year. i might try and squeeze another dresden book in this year but i have the wheel of time on my tbr this year as well as the live ship traders. the traitor spy trilogy and.... some other fantasy series that i can't think of right now so dresden is on my radar just not perhaps in the beggining of the year

[@Books_BrewsandBeyond]

This series is without a doubt one of my favourite series of all time. 📚

[@ForeverknightGaming]

3 minute recommendation for the Shannara series

[@CapturedInWords]

It's embarrassing to admit but... I've never read Shannara! It's on my list to eventually get to though

[@ForeverknightGaming]

@@CapturedInWords it's not embarrassing, I recommend it but I've only gotten to book 16 before I stopped for some reason. One day I will get back too it.

[@sgriffin9960]

I DO plan on reading this series... someday!

[@aurorauplinks]

This was a great description. I actually only saw the tv show but i really liked it, though it seems people prefer the books heavily if they have read them. I regret not having read them when i was younger.

[@toddjackson3136]

You should definitely read the books now that you have seen the show. Or atleast listen to the audio books. I had read the first 3 before seeing the show and was disappointed in how much they changed. But my wife loved the show. Now that I've read each one several times I find the show watchable as a fun little diversion that vaguely resembles the stories I love. I feel the same way about the WOT tv show, vaguely reflects the story but is still kinda entertaining if you turn your brain off and don't think too hard about it. The Bourne movies were in name only so once I realized that halfway through the first one I was able to start enjoying the movie. I have tried with LOTR-ROP but the writing is SO bad that I can't overlook how they butchered the characters and world.

[@aurorauplinks]

@@toddjackson3136 i loved reading the wheel of time again and again. if i have the focus and money someday, i would like to make a more faithful full length movie adaption, even if it enters multiple movies per book. oh well the tv show is interesting as a mirror world concept, but its a very dark mirror world where the rules have changed significantly and twisted. not sure you can reach it with the portal stones with how twisted it is :D

[@toddjackson3136]

@aurorauplinks That is a very apt assessment of it lol. I get excited during the fanservice moments, but then during the rest I'm like "wait....what!?...They can't do that!...ohhhh mannn, they gummed up that plot point! " 😅

[@gryftkin]

I think I've read the first 5 books. Also a huge fan of his Codex Alera and his Cinder Spires series is excellent. The Olympian Affair is (in my opinion) his best book yet.

[@WizardKingCorey]

We need you to do a lot of videos speculation on what happens next!!!

[@garysmith9823]

The reader on the audio versions is excellent. However, if I were starting a series starring an occult PI now, I'd go with the Arcane Casebook by Dan Willis.

[@christopherresue6191]

I love these books but do you know what gets me? They go from being, as you said, noir detective with witchcraft to almost completely eliminating that factor completely. I’d have to listen to them again to find exactly where it happens, I think it’s right about book 15-16. Right around where his ex pops up with the big news.

[@thechatteringclown]

I'v recently started the series a couple month ago and can't say I'm disappointed. I'm currently about to finish book 13 and can't wait to start the next one. These books are really great and I wish I'd found them sooner. But hey, better late than never.

[@toddjackson3136]

I know Battleground gets some criticism as not as good as some other books, but I love it! It's not my absolute favorite in the series but I do hold it up there in my top 5.

[@MatthewOfDunedin]

You should do a Recommended in 3 Minutes for the Rivers Of London series. It is more than just British Dresden Files.

[@ashakelu]

The Dresden Files is hands down one of the best series I have ever read. Great pacing, good characters and worldbuilding and a great premise.

[@CapturedInWords]

Couldn't agree more!

[@maggihaines3951]

I love this series! Years ago they also did a tv series. They only ever made 1season but it was still good.

[@SuperPuddingcat]

The TV series was released in 2007 around the time when Supernatural was becoming successful and the networks were looking around for more paranormal content. However, SyFy focused on the more humerous nature of Dresdens Files, Dresdens staff was a hockey stick for example, the show looked a bit cheap and wasn’t taken seriously. I would love to see what could be done with Dresden Files today where meatier and darker shows are par for the course.

[@alimansoor5580]

I am on book 6. Blood Rights. And till now I am enjoying the series.

[@kazzified29]

I’ve read the first two books in the series and enjoyed them. I just haven’t continued with it due to other series capturing my attention. I enjoyed James Marsters as a narrator (loved him in Buffy) when I listened to the audiobook for book 2 but the production of the actual audiobook left me with a bad taste and I wasn’t going to continue to series that way. 😅

[@CapturedInWords]

The 3rd book has some much better character writing then the last two, and then Summer Knight (book 4) is where the series really finds itself and is one of the best Dresden books! Love Buffy! Also I didn't really mind it much, but yeah the production of the earlier audio books was a bit more shabby 😅

[@matthechel9992]

Alright, you've convinced me.

[@TheAyeAye1]

I caught up with Dresden around book five. This which was good, as the first two weren't great. Dresden lost me in the last two where it's become more epic fantasy, but it was a fun ride until then. Your mileage may vary.

[@TheRealValGalstyan]

I’m actually started the series couple of days ago. Storm Front is very interesting

[@CapturedInWords]

Awesome! The first 3 books are the weakest ones. They still have great moments and are a lot of fun (I especially enjoyed Grave Peril) but it isn't until Summer Knight (book 4) when the series really finds its groove!

[@safinan8008]

Thank you!! 🎉

[@c0barsm]

Heck yeah, one of my favs!

[@jeremiahhuntley4224]

Favorite Dresden book? That's a tough one, if I had to pick, Small Favors.

[@philiprogers2761]

One he'll of a series in a way reminded me of the nightstalker cross x files totally refreshing

[@matthewkeating-od6rl]

Great vid

[@coreyyates3385]

Im having a really really hard time getting passed the dialogue. Im on grave peril and it just feels super amateur when it comes to how characters talk to each other. When 2 people have a conversation, they dont say each others name every other sentence. It takes me out of it and hopefully gets better.

[@caseyalbright2762]

I read one book and i desperately want the rest. When he talked about a grey alien holding a sign that said will probe for food and how he wanted to kick his grey abducting ass but hte homeless community there woukd defend even him. I knew i was home.

[@mwkrier917]

Ghost Story is one of the best by Jim Butcher.

[@Uzkodas]

The Dresden Files is the only series I actually recommend the audiobook over actually reading the book. James Marsters IS Harry Dresden, as far as I’m concerned.

[@718Insomniac]

Matt Diniman ruined reading books for me with DCC especially the audio books. But this one gives me some hope actually. Time to get it.

[@Paul_McSeol]

Watched the show. That pretty much covers it, right? 😂. But yeah, the Marsters audio books are amazing.

[@jessicastein5155]

I love these books so much. They're what rekindled my joy in reading after half a literature degree had basically snuffed it out, haha. I love that the secondary cast goes through character growth as well as the protagonist. Plus Gentleman Johnny Marcone is my fave kind of villain, with his code and grey morality. That and being a mortal going toe to toe with gods and monsters and often coming out ahead to be one of Dresden's scariest adversaries.

[@AndrewFrancisIlyrian]

Ugh

[@JohnSmith-zq4pb]

I quit after book 1

[@CapturedInWords]

That's the weakest one, the series gets much better

[@TheAyeAye1]

True. Book one was literally a writing exercise for a class. I almost didn't make it past that one. @@CapturedInWords

[@darkelftwiggy4749]

Unfortunately I just splurged on the demon wars kickstarter!

[@michaelvcelentano]

Changes…I don’t think there is another right answer to the “best book”

[@richarded22]

The building was on fire....it wasnt my fault

[@zackfolkestad8746]

Easily the best book series that I’ve ever read! Changes is THE best book, but its superiority is only achieved after reading all the books before it, but it still holds up on its own. An example of this is watching Marvels Endgame. Sure it’s great, but if you watch all the previous movies first, it’s a masterpiece! My only gripe with this series is how long we now have to wait for the next book. It used to be around 1 1/2 years for a new book. Now it’s multiple years. Butcher has started a new series, and has seemed to have put Dresden on the back burner. I’m pissed because I want more Dresden, and I refuse to read his new series until Dresden is done. It’s a shame because his other completed series (Codex Alera) was great, and I want to start his new one, but Dresden Files still has at least 6-7 more books remaining to be written! Just finish it Jim! F-off with your other sh*t! Nobody cares about it! We want Harry!!!

[@whisper_dvm5157]

I started reading this series in 2003 after Buffy ended as the series was compared to the show and James Marsters (who played Spike on Buffy) did the audiobooks. I have loved the series since. I agree that there is some problematic stuff especially in the earlier books but I still love them. One of the few long running series that actually seems to get better as it goes on.

[@mcv309]

Currently reading small favor.

[@enchanted.bywords]

Malic

[@sidd_not_vicious2609]

one of my most favorite series. I look so forward to each and every book in this series that comes out. .

[@TheStonewall117]

The amount of people seemingly but off my Harry's attractiveness towards women is honestly just a sad sign of the times.

[@jsboisvert1981]

Sold lol

[@jonwaynem]

I don’t read him like these images in the video or the covers. To me, he is a loser, broke, and when he talks about his great power and prowess, I don’t buy it. He doesn’t read as sexy or badass or powerful. He seems a little dirty and his relationships with women in the first two books are so unbelievable. I’m glad you brought it up and say that it tones down. You really captured what is great about the series too, I still want to read it even though I feel like at times it’s just some guy’s fantasy version of himself with attractive women everywhere.

[@adamcosper3308]

I read the first two books and they were some of the worst fantasy books I've come across. The writing was atrocious.

[@corgi42069]

I can give it to you in four words: Harry Potter, but good

[@FragmentedTV]

except its nothing like Harry Potter and the first few books are nowhere near HP's quality? what kind of comparison is that?

[@SingingSealRiana]

That Sounds Like a terrible comparison cause one starts AS a Kids Story that grows Up with you and therefore holds ITS ver own Magic and the Other IS a gritty flawed a Bit stereotypical Male Protagonist navigating anworld that might have similarities with Like the Last Harry Potter books, but still IS written for an entirely different demographic. What does gut good even mean, given the premisses dont even come Close to eachother. What exactly are you comparing there? In what aspect IS IT Like Harry Potter "but good?!" Cause IT very clearly IS Not good AS a coming of age Story that grows Up beside you

[@corgi42069]

@@FragmentedTV exactly. Nowhere near HP's. Because HP is trash. That's my point.

[@corgi42069]

@@SingingSealRiana Harry Potter is hot garbage. Sorry I triggered you.

[@FragmentedTV]

@@corgi42069 praising one thing while simultaneously trashing another one is a terrible mentality to have. I'm sorry that you have to live this way

[@d0onut]

The cringiness of the writing about him going on a date with a woman made me drop the first book after a hundred pages, and this is from a Kingkiller fan

[@caewing85]

I dnf’d the first book. I loved the narrator. I hated the story. I know it’s supposed to be better the more you read, but eh.

[@karalis290]

I'm the same. Everyone says they get better but the first one was just so cringe to read, I completely lost interest

[@oceanwater6887]

I have read all the dresden files and I liked it except Harry Dresden’s descriptions of women and especially his underage apprentice give me the creeps.

[@SingingSealRiana]

The typical Problem with most Stories that Feature the typical Male Protagonist . . . . ITS very frustraiting, but so IS a Lot of female aimed ya where all the Focus IS one whatever Boy or scandalous man IS attractiv, AS If that was a personality trait . . . . .but while that anoying, at least IS does tend to Not get gross