Review of Jim Butcher’s Storm Front, book one of The Dresden Files

[@Emi_Alvarez]

Just got into this series and I'm loving it so far. Butcher is a master in the way that tells a self-contained story but with enough clues of a larger world behind it that keeps you coming back for more.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@Emi_Alvarez I hope you’ll continue to enjoy the series!

[@JZETH_]

I’m really happy you enjoyed this. I do like that so far each book is it’s own story. You’ll get much more of the never never in book three. I agree, it’s just a fun book to read and very quick to get through. I do feel like it’s a nice change of pace from the other high fantasy books I’ve been reading

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Joe's Review Journal Thanks! I’m definitely looking forward to book 3, in that case. Great to hear from you, as always!

[@joecassidy2887]

came into here from your more recent One Piece reviews. It probably shines incredibly well on Butcher that you describe Harry as "always trying to do the right thing" from just the characterization out of the first book.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Even with his flaws, I’m always rooting for Harry.

[@xWursty]

That is exactly what I use the dresden files as is a palette cleanser between super hardcore fantasy. They are great books and light reads so it makes for a very enjoyable experience. Also, you are able to give so much information about the book without actually spoiling anything and it's amazing. Great review!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

xWursty Thanks! It’s fairly tricky to review a book with any depth while avoiding spoilers, so I appreciate your kind words. It’s great to hear from you!

[@Danny_Matson]

Excellent as always. I think even Butcher would be impressed with the amount of depth and care you examined his book with. "I wasn't really thinking about any of that stuff when I wrote it", haha. I heard he wrote it as some kind of challenge or a lost bet (I forget exactly), but the series got more serious to him as he continued. I'm only four books in myself, but I hope to continue hearing your journey with it as I continue mine as well. Thanks for your content, Philip!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I'm glad to hear you're reading The Dresden Files too! I hadn't heard the story of the bet, so that's an interesting one given that it's probably his best known and most successful series (I know he's written some high fantasy too). So far it's a fun ride, and I do look forward to the next installment. I also have heard that the series improves in several respects after book two, so I'll be looking for that as well. As always, thanks much for watching and contributing with your comments!

[@Danny_Matson]

@@BooksRebound Ah yes, indeed! I got that mixed up. Thanks.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Books Rebound I’m just impressed that you have so much knowledge about books that you know facts about authors you don’t even like! As for the authors you do like, all one has to do is watch one of your videos to be impressed!

[@shawngillogly6873]

@@BooksRebound Cinder Spires part 2 is on his docket now, actually. He said he was going back to Cinder Spires after "the next Dresden Book." It may be an open question whether that meant, "Next published," or "the next one I write," because that was when he was announcing Peace Talks/Battleground.

[@emilyreads5207]

I just finished Storm Front 2.2022. This is my first ever book by Butcher. From book tube, I knew that many felt that there was a problem with the male gaze. However, I felt that was actually part of the trope of the noir, pulp crime novels. Like you, I did feel that he treats the women very sympathetically, especially after he gazes into their eyes (Bianca comes to my mind, learning Linda, Jennifer, and Mrs. Beckitt’s backstory.). One quote really stuck out to me at the end. He is talking about using his wizard power, for context: “There is no truer gauge of a man’s character than the way in which he employs his strength. Wizards (substitute man now for wizard) control their power. They don’t let it control them. And wizards (men) don’t use magic to kill people, they use it to discover, to protect, to mend, to help. Not to destroy.” Given that he made this comment as he was fighting against the villain of the week and given what the villain did to his wife, his children, and others to gain his magic power, I felt that this comment was commenting not just on magic, but also on how men should interact with women and children.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

That’s an astute reading, Emily, and I appreciate the nuance you bring to your analysis of Harry’s views of women. If you continue with the series, I hope you’ll enjoy it!

[@emilyreads5207]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy we shall see. It’s a good palate cleanser. I found 9 or so of the books for a dollar a piece at my library’s book sale. So, I guess I’m committed to that much? Lol., really, it is what I need right now as I’m in a busy season at work. Children of a dune taking a back burning as my brain is not processing it.

[@robpaul7544]

Great review, and if you're this positive about the first book I'm pretty sure you're going to love the series. It's the start of a wonderful journey 😊 The first books have a bit of a 'monster of the week' vibe, but the writing and depth of the world steadily improve throughout the series - without losing the sense of humor and sheer fun. As has been said, the male gaze criticism is fair - but it makes sense in a first person story with a character like Harry. And I do believe the female characters are some of the strongest in the series. Butcher is the writer that has cost me the most nights' sleep because I can't put his books down once I start..

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Rob Paul Thanks! I’ve yet to hear from a fan of the series who doesn’t think the books get even better, especially after Fool Moon, which many seem to pick out as the weakest. Also, I like Harry’s vulnerability and honesty, and part of that is his response to women. I understand that some people would feel bothered by that aspect of him and wouldn’t fault them for that. Personally, I’ve been happily married a long time, but I can remember moments of loneliness and feeling simultaneously bewildered and fascinated by women, so for me Harry is a more sympathetic figure. For me, the greatest strength of Storm Front is the sense of fun and whimsy, though it definitely has its grittier moments too. I’m looking forward to delving further into the series and getting a better sense of the world Butcher has created. It’s great to hear from you, as always!

[@robpaul7544]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy I still liked Fool Moon a lot, but considering the upward trajectory of the series as a whole I understand why people talk about it like that - but to prevent spoilers let's keep that for later 😉 The fun and whimsy stay part of the series, they are integral to Butcher's writing style and Harry as a character. The grit becomes more impactful as the stakes get higher. One great thing about the series is that Butcher had it planned out from the get-go as a twenty-something series, so he knows where everything is going with regards to power levels. This also opened up the doors to foreshadowing on a level that belies the straightforward writing style. The series is often described as a perfect palette cleanser - and it is! - but it's also just a very good series on its own. It's full of references to pop culture and myths - both urban and ancient - which I suspect you can particularly enjoy 🤓

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Rob Paul Yes, bring on the mythological references! I figured the series would likely get grittier with bigger stakes. One viewer also mentioned that the books feel less and less like standalones and more integrated as the series continues. I’ve got quite a few books ahead of me, but I have a feeling they’ll go by fast. I’ll keep an eye out for the foreshadowing. Thanks!

[@HandlesAreStupid2024]

I just finished book 1. Your first 45 seconds of this video is a perfect synopsis. Looking forward to getting into book 2.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I’ve now read four Dresden Files books and can confirm what many fans of the series told me: they get better and better. Happy reading, Jeff!

[@kyrilson71]

As always, excellent review! It does get a lot better. Which should say a lot about the quality of the series. As you mentioned at the end of your review, it’s a good series to read here and there as a palate cleanser in between other books. I’m waiting for the paperback of A Little Hatred to come out before I read that (I’m a bit frugal).

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Robert Hall Thank you! I’m really looking forward to delving further into The Dresden Files. I’m usually pretty frugal too about books, but Abercrombie is really up there among authors I enjoy. Thanks so much for watching - I always enjoy your comments!

[@moonbot7613]

I really liked this book but I’ve yet to move on in the series and it’s been a year almost. Gotta get back into it soon.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I’ve only read the first four books in the series, but I’m beginning to feel the pull where I’d like to read them faster. Happy reading!

[@darkwitnesslxx]

Harry Dresden is a mashup/pastiche of Sam Spade & Phillip Marlowe, with a wizard spin. It's obvious that Butcher is fond of Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler. The opening of Storm Front is a near copy of the opening scene in The Maltese Falcon. Butcher is writing a love letter to detective noir, but HAS updated a bit for the times; a lady cop existing is a sign of that, regardless of how much she is sexualized. Complaining about this aspect of the stories is akin to reading a Harlequin and complaining that there is a romance.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thanks for the specifics! As you could tell from the video, even I caught on to the notion that Dresden is a tribute to detective fiction without ever having read any detective fiction. I’m reading Grave Peril next, and I hear that’s when the series really starts to take off.

[@DA-nk6gx]

Another great review! This definitely makes me want to pick up a copy of Storm Front. I have seen this series around but never picked it up since I usually don't read urban fantasy. I was actually kind of biased against the genre for no real reason until I picked up Seth Skorkowsky's Damoren and enjoyed it. Your description of Dresden Files heavily reminded me of this book. It's pulpy, fast-paced action that's just fun. Seth is a KZbinr who primarily makes content about tabletop RPGs but also writes quite a bit. I would recommend Damoren if you're ever looking for another pulpy, action-heavy urban fantasy that plays into and around genre tropes. Here are some of my thoughts on the male gaze topic/discussion you brought up: The male gaze is something that comes up often in film and literary analysis so I respect why you brought it up here. You always come across as respectful and careful when speaking about sensitive issues. You seem willing to hear out different viewpoints and that's great. It shows you have an open mind. With this issue, I tend to think its a nonproblem in most fiction. I think it's an issue that is tied to how lust was and is viewed in our country. Religiously lust was and is viewed as a sin, something that's shameful or dirty, and some of the roots for criticisms using the male gaze come from a traditional, more rigid, or conservative view of sexuality and sexual expression. Some come from self-described sex-negative feminists or activists. This view on lust/sexuality can bleed over into secular thought and other facets of our society. Attraction and lust are natural and can be positive, negative, or neutral depending on how, or if, these feelings are expressed. Both men and women who create art depict sexuality and this isn't inherently immoral or sexist either way. When we are in a character's head we get to hear their unfiltered thoughts, not all of them will be agreeable or proper in relation to public decorum. It makes the story interesting and highlights why we are in the character's head. I tend to see many male authors criticized for their use of "the male gaze" but hardly see women authors criticized for their use of what I call "the female gaze", how female authors view and sexualize men in their stories. It can come across as a double standard when the criticisms aren't equally applied. Some genres nearly revolve around the female gaze such as the romantic borderline erotic novels or chick flicks. Many grocery stores have a little book section, next time you're there check it out to see how many books are romance novels with a well-muscled shirtless man on the cover with his face not shown or cut off and all you see is his six or eight pack abs, his well-sculpted chest, shoulders, and biceps. In my experience, there are quite a few of them near whatever James Patterson novel is there. (I mean come on there's always James Patterson novels there.) I'm sure you've seen them in passing before. I'm not trying to criticize or judge or belittle this genre or the people who write it or like it in any way, I'm just saying that many who criticize books for the male gaze often gloss over how many popular female authors do basically the same things. Those romance novels fly off the shelves as millions upon millions (mostly women) love to read that. Those types of romance novels also are some of the best selling books on e-readers and mobile platforms in general. It's not my cup of tea but hey, more power to them, it's great that their books are selling and people are liking what they are reading. In instances of literary fiction like Drezden Files, Asoiaf, or romance novels, ect. a sexual, gender-specific gaze is not harmful to anyone. Authors use it to celebrate and criticize sexuality, GRRM does both through his Asoiaf series. Like in real life, in Asoiaf, some acts of sex or sexualization are harmful, making a character feel powerless and small, while other acts are liberating and empowering giving a character newfound confidence. Books try to capture the human experience and sexuality/attraction is just one aspect of it. Reading is often a test of empathy. When reading something we should try to see things from our own view, the character's view, the books' key demographics view, and the author's view, to better understand the situation. I think people who criticize books for gender-based gazes tend to only view a book from one point of view, usually their own, rather than multiple povs.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

D A Thank you very much! I appreciate the recommendation since I don’t consider myself that well read in urban fantasy. I tend to gravitate toward the epic stuff. Most especially, thank you for the thoughtful, respectful, and nuanced analysis of the male gaze issue. By instinct I agree with you, and I can’t think of any reason I would disagree. You’re quite right that we have a fraught history when it comes to how we perceive and deal with sexuality. Though I do agree with you, I still want to be respectful of people who say that Harry’s articulations of attraction bother them. There may well be some hypocrisy on this issue since I also feel like female expressions of sexual desire are not subject to the same scrutiny or are even encouraged- though I should point out that this is only a relatively recent phenomenon since female expressions of sexuality were historically very much taboo and still are in many places, not to mention same sex desire. It’s complicated, I guess, but fundamentally, what you say makes sense to me. As a straight male, I find it easy to like Harry and sympathize with him as well as appreciate his honesty. I’ve heard many people whose views I respect express discomfort with him, so I wanted to gently register my own positive experience of him without telling those people they’re wrong to feel that way. Anyway, I really appreciate your view on this - thanks for watching and commenting!

[@duffypratt]

Nice review. The series gets much better, and a lot more intricate. Everything you hope for gets further developed, with lots of surprises. The series veers away from the noir detective genre, and more solidly into a kind of epic fantasy as it progresses. Thus, the books become less stand alone, though Butcher is careful to have a clear resolution to each book - none are simply ‘middles’. I read them as you did, as a lighter treat between longer series, and it works well that way. Another, similar series are the Vlad Taltos books by Steven Brust. They are also first person and noirish, with Vlad as an assassin for hire in a fantasy setting.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you! I'm glad to know that the fantasy elements get not only developed but emphasized in later books -- sounds like a fun trip. It's also helpful to hear that the books become less standalone but still contain resolutions for each one. And thanks for the recommendation -- I'll have to add Vlad Taltos to my list of books to check out. Thanks for watching!

[@marcusbrody5339]

Great review. Generally, it's the fandom consensus that the Dresden Files starts a little weak, but it really starts picking up as you go. Storm Front was Butcher's first novel, and he irons out most of the new-writer issues in good time (with the exception of the male-gazey stuff, that's kinda the series' biggest vice, although it does lessen in later novels). I would still encourage you to continue with the series, there's really nothing else like it and it really does become something special. I myself almost dropped the series after reading Fool Moon (the series low point, in my opinion), but I'm glad I kept going. If you are sensitive to the whole "hey keep going until it gets good" argument, you should feel perfectly comfortable skipping to book four, generally regarded as an optimal starting point for people who don't want to suffer through the early-writer puberty phase. On another note, I've been watching your previous videos and I'd like to just state how happy it's made me to see someone who has both a good working knowledge of literature and how stories actually work provide commentary. There isn't that much fantasy book content on youtube, and what does exist tends to be pretty superficial (I don't mean that in a snobby way, but it's like OK I get it there's gonna be a Wheel of Time tv show, geez). You made me smile when you noticed how the deities in the Malazan books behaved similarly to those of Greek myth in the Illiad, since Erikson has stated that was a major inspiration for the series. So, great job with the vids so far! I look forward to your future thoughts. As an aside, have you heard of The Books of Babel by Josiah Bancroft? They were a small, self-published series that were later picked up by a traditional publisher. Unfortunately, they are still languishing in relative obscurity, but I think they are some of the best fantasy to come out in the last 25 years. If you haven't heard of them, I would highly encourage checking them out, you won't regret it!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

marcus brody Thanks so much for the kind and encouraging words about the channel! Honestly, if it weren’t for encouragement from generous people like you, I doubt I’d be making videos. So, I’m truly grateful! I’m definitely going to continue with The Dresden Files. I’m just compulsive enough to have to read them in order, but I’ll keep in mind that book 2 is the weakest - that definitely seems to be the consensus. Once again, I thank you for the comments, and I’ll be happy to hear from you whenever you feel inspired to comment!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

marcus brody I forgot to mention I’ve heard of Bancroft but not read him yet, so thanks also for the recommendation! I’m always looking for great new titles.

[@alexnieves]

I was hooked on Dresden from Storm Front and I've enjoyed every book since. Currently reading through Summer Knight and it's been great. Looking forward to some more Dresden reviews and going to check out some more of your videos as well!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Alex Nieves Thank you! It’s good to hear you’re enjoying The Dresden Files. I’ve got Fool Moon ready for my next TBR. It’s a series I’m definitely looking forward to reading. I appreciate you watching and commenting!

[@alexnieves]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy It's an incredibly fun series, enjoy!

[@annehelatrix4627]

I picked this up because of Mike and I'm on Fool Moon and really enjoying it. Definitely will keep reading as a palate cleanser

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I’m on the fourth book in The Dresden Files and definitely will keep going. The fans tell me the series gets better and better, and I’m keen to find out for myself. Enjoy!

[@BradProctorReads]

Great review! I'm currently on book six after starting this series earlier this year and have been having a lot of fun with it. Each book so far has been self contained like you mentioned but there are recurring characters and events and decisions from one book will have consequences and ramifications in another book which brings my enjoyment level of the series up.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Brad Proctor That’s great to hear! I’m definitely looking forward to getting further into this series. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Ulmo90]

Excellent review Philip, I really enjoyed both the book as well as your thoughts about it

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thanks! I’m getting more invested in the series with each book.

[@Ulmo90]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy good to hear that each book brings you closer to the characters abd the world. I'll try to get my hands on the next books during next week

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@Ulmo90 Best wishes with the series!

[@SJ-GodofGnomes21]

Have to say this is the third book ( Grave peril ) I have listened to and I agree about the pulp detective fiction feel. With James Masters ( Spike from Buffy ) narrating I honestly keep expecting Philip Marlow or Sam Spade to walk out of his office rather than Harry. Without spoilers book three is definitely the most horror led of the series so far!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Max-Gen21 Howard Sounds like a great read, or I should say great listen! Excellent choice of narrator, I’d say. I’m looking forward to getting to book 2 soon.

[@TheVaultDescendant]

When are we getting the next book? I love the Dresden books and would like to hear a more "spoilerfilled" thoughts video is that anything you would consider? Perhaps half of the review going over specific things? I liked this but felt like I would have liked it more if it was more in-depth...idk Thanks for the video

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

My pleasure! I’m literally starting Fool Moon tonight and hope to have a review on it by Saturday. I’ll keep your suggestions in mind regarding the spoiler section of the video. Thanks for watching and for your suggestions!

[@Iron.Citadel]

I've read the first two books so far. It's a great series to read in between larger and darker texts as a cleanser. As far as male gaze, we are within the head of a young man who describes each character in some detail. I do hope it lessens as the series progressed though as I think this is a legitimate criticism in some ways, but it makes sense within the text.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Matt S I agree with your assessment, and I think your judgement is very fair. I’ve heard that the male gaze does decrease as the series drifts further from parodying crime fiction and wanders more into fantasy, and also that the series gets even better after Fool Moon.

[@Uppernorwood976]

I think your appraisal is very good. I’ve no idea where the supposed ‘problematic’ writing on women is in this book. Honestly I think some people just go looking for what’s not there. As for descriptions of how the female characters look, the story is narrated by character Harry Dresden, not the author or an omnipotent narrator. So the descriptions are going to come from his eyes and he’ll notice and emphasise what his character would. E.g. he’s not going to describe any man as attractive (or otherwise), as that’s not something his character would consider.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

That’s a very important point about the first person narration. I’ve read only four books in the series now, but it seems evident to me at this point that we can’t always trust Harry’s negative feelings about himself. I’m interested to learn more about his past.

[@kingplunger1]

Mh, I think I might try it out. Normally I read "slower" epic books and/or darker and depressing stuff and I am not really a fairy and vampire fan, but this might be good to try in between those books. Worth a shot I guess, because I do like the occasional detective story (read "Low Town" a while ago and noticed that I was intruiged by the crime mystery parts). Oh and I wanted to ask you what the grimmest darkest grimdark book is that you have read (I know the definition is wonky, I watched the discussion about it :D). I really like The Second Apocalypse by Scott Bakker and mentioned that to AP, who "recommended" Neuropath (also by Bakker) as the most "grimdark" by saying: "Brilliant, but incredibly bleak. I wanted to bleach my brain after reading it." ^^

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I'm three books in, and I'm still enjoying Dresden Files; I have certainly found it to be a welcome break from epic fantasy, and there is some great humor and action. As for grimdark, maybe the most "grimdark" I've read is Lawrence's Broken Empire Trilogy. I haven't read a ton of grimdark, though, so take that with a grain of salt. If you try Storm Front, I hope you'll enjoy it!

[@kingplunger1]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Sadly I have already read that one, but it is a great series ! Really refreshing to have such an extreme protagonist and it's also very well written. Mark Lawrence is not only a great writer, but his blog is also super helpful when searching for niche books. Especially the contest between independently published books. I found some gems there, like Rob Hayes in 2017 or Black Stone Heart by Micheal Fletcher, which came in second of 300 last year. Probably not for everyone though ^^

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@kingplunger1 I recently read Richard Nell’s Kings of Paradise and interviewed Nell as well. Super guy, and people describe his books as grimdark.

[@kingplunger1]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy I looked it up and the comparisons made look really promising, not because it is the most extreme grimdark book ever, but rather because it looks like something I will most likely enjoy (funny enough the first review on goodreads mentioned Michael Fletcher ^^). How small the world can be. I will watch your review later and then I will decide when to buy it. Thanks :)

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@kingplunger1 Cool! I hope you’ll enjoy it - I certainly did, and Ruka is an iconic character.

[@sayasakisaka7609]

I'm a woman who read this book and I love it. My mother introduced me to it. It shows a cis, straight, male gaze, because that's who the protagonist is. What's wrong with that? I'm a lesbian, I point out in my head all the same things Dresden points out in his head. So sue me.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I definitely won’t be suing you! On the contrary, I appreciate you offering your perspective here. Thank you!

[@JeffreyWatson3997]

Just starting the series, loving it.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Jeffrey Watson Same here! The best part is that most fans tell me the series hits its stride after book 2, so I’m hoping for even better to come. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@ColourMeRed_1990]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Oh it's an amazing Amazing series. From book three it starts paying off and it's a gift which keeps on giving later. Enjoy

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

A story of incomplete sentences Thank you! That seems to be the consensus of the fans I’ve heard from. I’m excited to read the series!

[@crmccauley1]

I'm excited to see your thoughts. I agreed with you mostly on this book. I don't personally agree with people who say the book is sexist. That may be because I'm a straight male myself, and therefore I'm the target audience for said sexism, but I feel like it's clear that we are seeing the world through the gaze of Harry....Harry being a straight young man who is probably very sexually frustrated. it's no surprise to me that he looks at a lot of women in a sexual way, and I don't think as the reader you're expected to see things as he sees them. Anyway, I actually listened to the audiobooks for Dresden which are really bloody good. Only got through the first two so far. The second one's just as good as the first, if maybe a bit longer than it needs to be. Look forward to hearing your thoughts on it.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Guilbert Maric I found myself thinking along lines very similar to what you’ve expressed about Harry. I felt more sorry for him than anything, and I liked his honesty. That said, I get what people say about male gaze and how that might make them uncomfortable. As you say, it might be harder for us as straight males to be attuned to that experience of the book. The good news is that the problematic gaze decreases in later books, or so I’m told. Great to read your take, as always!

[@hellogautam]

Excellent Review Loved it I haven't read this one but will surely pick this up next month. I am currently reading The Immortals of Meluha by Amish Tripathi it is based on Indian Mythology potraying Indian God Shiva as a warrior. Happy Reading

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

GAUTAM CHAWLA I’ve heard of Tripathi’s books before - I’d love to know what you think of them. I hope that if you do pick up The Dresden Files you’ll love the series. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@chrisbookishcauldron6381]

Great review! I always like how thoughtful and sharp your reviews are. I just listened to the audiobook of this one. And I enjoyed the overall plot more than I expected. And the humor was great (pizza loving fairies, sprit that lives in a skull, mixed up love potions, grizzly bar owner for the wizarding clientele, what’s not to love there?) But for me it was definitely the overt sexism in the book that put me off and I won’t be continuing. The objectification was just unforgivable for me. Is the woman young? Then her breasts are plump and she’s wearing a plunging neckline with the perfect amount of makeup. And Karin Murphy seemed at first to be a good counter to the rest of the powerless, annoying over sexualized women. But then as her narrative went on, it became more and more sexist. She cries when Harry won’t share information with her. She’s undermined all the time by Harry, who of course is doing so to protect her. And the women all try to get ahead with their sexuality, but of course Harry is too smart for their devious wiles 🙄. The vampiress scene bothered me more too, because it wasn’t just that he was playing with vampire tropes. But it was Harry’s ability to see and expose the ugliness underneath that was her down fall and what made her to weak to overpower him. For me that just plays more into the rest of the narrative of women trying to use their sexuality to get the upper hand with Dresden and deceive him more than it felt like an interesting take on vampire lore. I don’t think all objectifying descriptions are wrong or bad, or that every sexist trope should be completely avoided. But there wasn’t any subversions to these threadbare cliches to make it worth my while. And especially given that this is one of the rare sub genres of fantasy dominated by women authors, I don’t particularly feel like reading a super sexist series when I could be reading Laurel K Hamilton, Seanan McGuire or Tanya Huff. I am kind of sad to make that decision though because I really liked the world building in Dresden. And there were enough mysteries about Dresden that I wanted to learn more about, particularly his past with his mentor. But I was just too bothered by it to continue. Very sharp review. I’m looking forward to your Abercrombie review. I read the first two books in The First Law ages ago and never finished. But have remained curious about Abercrombie’s other works. Happy reading 😊😊😊

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you! I can't fault you for your decision not to continue Dresden -- while specific examples of sexualizing and objectifying women might be debated, the fact that the tendency is there is undeniable. For me, there were some mitigating factors (probably not well explained in the video), and if there was no successful subversion of these old and damaging tropes, I thought the narrative made fun of itself at least. Also, to me, it never crossed the line into outright misogyny -- but that's a low bar, I suppose, isn't it? I wonder if Butcher would say he'd write the story differently today? For what it's worth, a couple fans of the series have told me the sexualizing and objectifying decrease as the series continues, so perhaps Butcher did evolve in that regard. It's always great to hear your take -- thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@BooksRebound Urban fantasy is not my wheelhouse either, but I do like Neil Gaiman's American Gods, which fits the description (as well as road trip novel and mystery). I haven't read anything by Carey yet, but I'm intrigued enough to try Kushiel's Legacy to begin with. Someone -- it might have been you! -- wrote me about it a little while back, and it's sort of been on my radar for a while. I actually didn't know Carey wrote urban fantasy as well. All I need to do is find six extra hours every day for a year or two to catch up on all the books I want to read!

[@thatsci-firogue]

Just finished it. I really enjoyed it. Dunno when I'll get around to reading more as I'm already reading too many series at the minute but I look forward to reading more once I've a few of those off the plate.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Excellent! I hope you’ll continue to enjoy the series when you get back into it. My impression so far is that if you like the first book, you’re very likely to enjoy the series. I still have a long way to go myself, though!

[@thatsci-firogue]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy if Storm Front is one of the weakest in the series, I think I'm going to be a huge fan. Maybe once I'm caught up on Age of Madness, Gentlemen Bastards and Stormlight Archive I'll resume

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@thatsci-firogue In the meantime, you’ve got some excellent reads there!

[@thatsci-firogue]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy on top of that I'm also reading Malazan and Wheel of Time lol

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@thatsci-firogue I know the feeling!

[@NamasteBbooktube]

Great review! Sounds interesting.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

It’s a fun series so far!

[@s.miklaski2286]

Great review!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you! The series has been a lot of fun so far.

[@SJ-GodofGnomes21]

I'm fairly new to Harry myself to, now listening to book 3, Grave Peril read brilliantly by the great James Masters. To be honest I noticed and didn't like the objectifying of the female characters..... lots of cheerleader references and such, however I am reliably informed by several female fans that this drops off as Harry's character grows along with Jim Butcher's writing. Overall I think your review nailed this book and Harry in general.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

That's great to know -- I'm glad that the objectification decreases further into the series. It's certainly there in Storm Front, but I never felt like it crossed the line into misogyny. Harry is, to me, a very likable character who obviously has trouble in the romance department. Thanks for watching and for the helpful comment!

[@SJ-GodofGnomes21]

For NeverNever wait till book three! Boy talk about a screamer of a start!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Awesome -- I cant' wait to get there!

[@applecorc]

Great review, although it would have been nice if you didn't feel the need to spend over half the video arguing against the low effort criticism this series receives. The claims that the books are sexist and misogynist are disingenuous. The early books take a lot from their pulp detective roots. As you said that entails long passages of character descriptions. In addition you're literally in the head of a young man trained as an observant private detective. He will note if he finds someone attractive. While the critics can point to these things as examples of sexism, what they can't do is point at any of Harry's actions as sexist. Judge a character by his ACTIONS not because he has THOUGHTS that members of the opposite sex can be attractive. As the series moves away from the pulp detective model, the passages that people criticize go away too.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

applecorc That’s a very important point about thoughts versus actions. Also, I would strongly disagree with the notion that Harry ever crosses into misogyny. Sexism we could discuss. However, from my perspective (a straight male who’s been happily married a long time but remembers what it was like to be young and sometimes heartbroken - but fear not, I’ll keep my sad stories to myself), Harry is a highly sympathetic figure. I understand why some people get bothered by the perception of male gaze in this book, but I wanted to explain why I’m not. I like Harry and find him relatable and honest. I’m looking forward to getting further into the series. Thanks much for watching and for your comments!

[@Arshva]

I'm in a bit of a love hate relationship with this series. The male gaze sometimes bothers me, but I understand it, it's also a thing present in novels with female protagonist and he's not very outright vocal about these thoughts he has. So I give it a pass. What really makes me uncomfortable is the way his relationship with Molly develops. It's a bit groomy to me.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

That’s pretty much how I feel too about the male gaze in general in the first two books. I haven’t met Molly yet, but I definitely appreciate the heads up. I’ll be reading Grave Peril early next year. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Arshva]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy The Molly thing isn't that bad either, but there was one passage in Changes that really pissed me off. It really annoys me when I see the whole, women can't be friends cause they have to bicker about a man's attention or something. People keep telling Dresden that Molly has a crush on him and "how are you so dense that you can't see it" and it feels like they would be ok with the relationship. Anyway, maybe it's just a pet peeve of mine. Can't wait to see your thoughts on the books.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@Arshva Thanks! I’m looking forward to getting further into the series. There are a lot of positives to it, but I wholeheartedly support taking a look at issues like this in writing. That’s the best way to arrive at even better writing, in my opinion.

[@kit888]

I'm so tired of political correctness telling people what they are allowed to enjoy. Guys don't go around complaining about romance novels with billionaire heroes, catering to women's fantasies of seeing men as an ATM.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

That’s a fair point! To be fair, I didn’t know such romance novels were still being written, but now that you mention them, it makes sense.

[@UsesElevators]

The opening criticism in the first minute is so cringe.

[@jonpendragon2066]

Pretty sad when you have to justify a book your reviewing to easily offended humans

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I don’t mind explaining my position, though I know some people will disagree. To be honest, though I don’t consider myself easily offended, some of the male gaze stuff in the first few books made me uncomfortable, especially when it was directed at teenage girls. However, I’m glad I listened to fans of the series and kept reading. Harry is a complex, flawed, and sympathetic character, and with four of the books under my belt, I’m completely rooting for him. I’m looking forward to becoming even more invested in The Dresden Files.