Storm Front & Fool Moon by Jim Butcher Is A Wild Start to The Dresden Files Series

Mike begins his journey to the Nevernever with Harry Dresden in his first two adventures, Storm Front and Fool Moon. No spoilers.
You can purchase Storm Front here: amzn.to/3aDgV45
You can purchase Fool Moon here: amzn.to/2VTZ8l0
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Intro music provided by Dylan Owen
/ @dylanowen9506
Music used: Epic Dark Mysterious Music "Black Fingerprint"
• Epic Dark Mysterious M...
#DresdenFiles #JimButcher #MikesBookReviews

[@Schmeisserinho]

Honestly, there's one character/series that i feel Dresden should be compared to more often, and its not Harry Potter - it John Constantine. Dresden Files is essentially Hellblazer with a more scaled back universe and a more heroic protagonist, and it works great honestly.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I've made the Constantine comparison since. This was just when I had first gotten started and didn't realize just how deep it was going to go. Now I feel like it's a Buffy/Angel/Supernatural/Hellblazer hybrid. And these are all things I love.

[@DeeboX-vv8ji]

I'm a 45 year old black man, and I love The Dresden Files! Full Moon is what got me hooked, because I'm a BIG fan of werewolves. To get to learn about lycans, hexen wolves, ancient mystical wolves, ect. was freaking AWESOME! Also, the cursed werewolf locked up in the cell during a full moon is what got me hooked.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Indeed. If that’s the worst book DF has to offer, I knew I was in for a ride.

[@DeeboX-vv8ji]

@@mikesbookreviews just wait until you get to Changes, it's going to 🤯🤯👍🏾✌🏾

[@NoActuallyGo-KCUF-Yourself]

Opposite for me: werewolf mythos doesn't do anything for me, and vampires got so played out in the 90s, and same with zombies lately. The End of Fool Moon was worth the read, and the way Butcher portrays vampires is really cool. After those first 2-3 books and I realized that Harry would face EVERY mythological .. thing you can think of, I was in for the rest.

[@mystiholt3134]

Everyone always talks smack about the first book but I loved it. It makes me happy to know that you enjoyed it also.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Maybe the lowered expectations helped. I had a great time with it.

[@blabberingbookreviews3349]

Yeah i loved Stormfront, but Fool Moon was a little disappointing compared to it IMO. I'm still excited to see how the series keeps developing though!

[@Nobody-lm5gh]

@@blabberingbookreviews3349 I had the exact opposite view. The first one is a good intro, but the second sets up just how dangerous to humanity the supernatural can be. It also sets up just how deep the magical world is.

[@blabberingbookreviews3349]

@@Nobody-lm5gh Yeah I agree with those points - I just had some other issues with how Butcher progressed the plot in Fool Moon - Made it hard for me to to stay engaged

[@Nobody-lm5gh]

@@blabberingbookreviews3349 I should also mention that I have read the books, but I prefer to listen to the audio. Marsters does really figure out the character until the second book. I think this also contributes to why I prefer fool moon. Storm front is a good audio book to nap to though.

[@rittermitfahrer]

Spoiler reviews would be great! A lot of people have read these books and would love to hear more in depth reviews. Me included. Keep up the good work.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I'll consider it in the future. Maybe even have a panel since I know people who have read these.

[@dougfile6644]

@@mikesbookreviews You might want to wait until you are completely up to date with the series to avoid spoilers for yourself. It's either that or you can't read anyone's comments, which would be a shame

[@CobaltContrast]

Here for the spoils! I want to relive the books that I don't have time to reread

[@0bscenity]

Dude, I can't wait for you to get into the rest of the series! I know you've heard it several times before, but it really does keep getting better.

[@mikesbookreviews]

This is why I'm excited. I really enjoyed these two and if it's going to get better, I'm in for a ride.

[@0bscenity]

If you already love Murphy and Marcone, you're only going to love them more later. Long-term character development is one of Butcher's fortes as a writer.

[@mikesbookreviews]

@@0bscenity That's encouraging. I know a lot of series that go this long end up developing their characters super early and then have them just "there" for the remainder of the books (*cough, Wheel of Time, cough*).

[@0bscenity]

Actually, you have yet to meet some of my favorite characters. The cast is fairly large, diverse, and fantastic.

[@mikesbookreviews]

@@0bscenity I figure a series this long is going to have a huge cast. I'm ready.

[@VRIceblast]

Karrin was written as a minor villain, and is the reason why some people dislike her. When Jim's publisher signed him for 3 more books, he decided to take things more seriously, and slowly changed Karrin into a supporting character.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I'm in book 8 now and I love her. Her stopping trying to arrest Harry every 5 seconds helped.

[@effingright3045]

Jim said that Morgan is a great guy if you're anyone but Harry, lol. Love that POV!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Ha ha that makes sense.

[@toddpyro666777]

@@mikesbookreviews Two words Turn Coat

[@UNIDiver]

Buffy and Angel mixed with magic, is a PERFECT way to describe this series. As you work through the books, the overall story and reoccurring characters become much more prevalent.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Those later seasons of Buffy (season 6 especially) were all about black magic and the dangers of it, so it was hard for me not to make the comparisons during Fool Moon.

[@brentandrews6960]

This intro music slapped. You need to bring this back!!

[@mikesbookreviews]

I had a lot more time on my hands back then ha ha

[@rstokes9630]

Love Harry...he's a character I'd love to hang out with.

[@DragonLord387]

Personally I truly loved Storm Front the most. It had the perfect atmosphere, the noir feel, the magic, Harry is hilarious yet so darn cool while doing it, and after Storm Front everything truly falls into the Fantasy aspect of the series. So I personally enjoyed the more PI centered nature of Storm Front. I loved it

[@TheRedHaze3]

I don't know why people keep saying "It's Harry Potter but..." or "It's x mixed with Harry Potter." It's nothing like Harry Potter. They're completely different. I just tell people that someone rides a zombie T-Rex in book 7 and that's enough. On the topic of spoilers I think you can just do what Daniel Greene does and have a spoiler section at the end.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Any time you deal with wizards now, Harry Potter is going to come up. To me it's simply Joss Whedon's Angel but with a wizard instead of a vampire. Which is a great thing. There's even a little Bogart in there.

[@NoActuallyGo-KCUF-Yourself]

Zombie T rex is okay, but what about Santa Claus hunting alongside the Goblin King?

[@EasilyBoredGamer]

Calm down, even Jim himself uses "dirty harry potter." as the elevator pitch for the dresden files

[@SarahJaneCrawford08]

I love these books - so excited to hear your thoughts, and believe me, I'm fine with the Buffy/Angel comparisons!! The dialogue in both Buffy and Dresden Files are why I love them both so much!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Makes me feel like I've been missing out in filling that hole in my heart left when Buffy/Angel left the airwaves.

[@mgrey9066]

If you like Steampunk at all his Aeronaut’s Windlass (Cinder Spires Series) is so awesome.

[@nikishazechiel6848]

AGREED!!

[@mkohlhorst]

I speak to you from the future... Jim is releasing not one but two full length Dresden Books in 2020. Peace Talks and then Battle Ground a few months later.

[@mikesbookreviews]

This is excellent news!

[@Kotiare]

@@mikesbookreviews It was one hell of an announcement.

[@DeeboX-vv8ji]

Peace Talks in July then Battle Grounds in September. Please do spoiler reviews!!

[@melissayoung1060]

Hello. I just found your channel today. The first I saw was, "Why to start the Wheel of Time series". (Yes, I have read all of WoT, multiple times.) Went to find your WoT book reviews, and this video caught my eye. I love the Dresden Files. I enjoyed this video, would watch more reviews of this series. Jim Butcher's wit and humor makes great reading. From watching Jim Butcher on panels from conventions (such as Dragon con), he explains his overview of the series to come. It's very entertaining if you're interested in watching. Now time to search through your archive of past videos.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I saw a discussion at a panel with him and Pierce Brown (author of Red Rising). He seems incredibly funny and personable.

[@timothywinters2357]

I dig the clock bro

[@niallmaritz2599]

Started going through this again, and I love Dresden Files... Ps. I eagerly wait for your King stuff as well... So yeah, screw whoever doesn't care or seem interested... I'm there. This is also 2nd time I watched this vid, so yeah... You do you.

[@chadwhitfield6946]

Why does every cover show Dresden wearing a hat. He literally never wears one and even says he doesn't do hats.

[@nattalavyapari]

That's a running joke

[@hicks99206]

Also it’s visual advertising name two things every PI wears fedora and trench coats. What does every wizard have a robe and a staff so turn the robe into an Inverness coat so it evokes both the robe and the trench coat than give him a fedora and a staff and boom wizard detective

[@PlayaSinNombre]

So the artist didn’t have to draw his face.

[@mgrey9066]

No dude. He has a 20+ book arc planned out from the beginning. He has told this story many times. It ends with an apocalypse trilogy at the end. Which would now end at 25 books

[@mikesbookreviews]

That's what I've heard now.

[@jefferyheileson7188]

The Angel description is perfect! Loved Buffy and Angel growing up.

[@mikesbookreviews]

That's why it immediately clicked for me. I miss those shows.

[@KevinRothert]

you're the second video I've watched about Dresden Files, I'm dying though because Alex said he used it as a pallet cleanser for WOT and so did I, lol

[@DrecSutal]

I don't exactly think the first book is *bad*, but it's Butcher's first published book, and he definitely improves as a writer in the next 20 years. Definitely had a lot of good ideas, though, and I've always liked world building. As far as plans, my understanding is that he planned very early to have 20-ish "case file" books, then a big trilogy to end it. If he kept to it... Well, we'll all find out.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yeah, it’s a good idea. I’m through 6 and feel like he just keeps getting better as an author.

[@caffeinedelusions]

Oh, Harry definitely DOES go so heavy on the chivalry that it crosses into chauvinism in the early series... but the thing is, it burns him so often and so hard that it reveals itself as a character flaw that he grows out of as the series unfolds.

[@emilygrace2589]

That’s good to hear! I read the first two and I just got so tired of it I wasn’t sure if it was worth pushing through

[@FelineElaj]

I wouldn't say Harry crosses into chauvinist territory. But yes, he does get burned by being TOO reverent and protective of women, and he does get wiser.

[@FelineElaj]

Basically, Harry is a white knight who now knows better.

[@nikishazechiel6848]

I kinda disagree, but I can see where this comes from....I love how Murphy hates it though! I find their relationship awesome!

[@jeremydanchuk1897]

I can talk Dresden all day, everyday. Such a fun series and character.

[@mikesbookreviews]

It really is.

[@Dawnphyre]

I'm on a great FB group does fantasy casting for jim butcher books

[@blabberingbookreviews3349]

I just finished the first two books and "fun" just seems the perfect word for this series. Right now I'm using it as a buffer book between the longer/heavier books I'm reading atm.

[@daveedmunds1109]

Great introduction to the series. I've been thinking of starting this one for a while. You've convinced me to take the plunge! You're absolutely right. The term chauvinist gets thrown around way to easily. The war on me continues lol

[@mikesbookreviews]

I don't necessarily think there's a war on anyone, just the small vocal groups seem to get the most attention and anything written before 2015 now gets called "problematic" and it's exhausting. As for the series, I think you'll enjoy it. So much fun.

[@daveedmunds1109]

@@mikesbookreviews yes mate. I was being tongue in cheek on that one.

[@mikesbookreviews]

@@daveedmunds1109 Ah. My fault. I've had some push back at me about that stuff so...whoops.

[@mattlien5844]

THE Dave Edmunds?

[@daveedmunds1109]

@@mattlien5844 no although I was named after him lol

[@Kinzarr4ever]

Just a quick note: Angel is older than the Dresden Files, based on when they were both first released to the general public. By about a year xD So unless Joss got a sneak peak somehow, highly unlikely Angel was inspirer by the Dresden Files :) That's not intended as criticism though, tiny and unimportant mistake (in my opinion) and I had in fact not noticed the similarities, so thanks for pointing them out :) Wasn't aware both series got their starts roughly around the same time, either! (Angel stats 99, Storm Front was published in 2000); Also... I had no idea people considered Storm Front and Fool Moon 'bad', compared to the rest; like you I was hooked from the start. Fool Moon is still one of my favorites out of the whole series; love the various different creatures and characters introduced, and their different backgrounds and goals. I would argue Fool Moon is where Jim first starts showing his skill at creating the different factions and supernatural species and such. In the way werewolf A is not necessarily a lot like werewolf B and he rarely writes simple bad guys; they all have different motivations and goals and it's rare that any supernatural being is clearly good or evil. And I can't really be more specific than that without spoiling for new readers. Let's just say Fool Moon has some of my favorite minor characters and is the first book that really properly introduces us to one of my favorite major characters. If you've read it you can probably guess who ;)

[@dorkwithstyle73]

Very glad you started reading this series, i have read all of them, and now i will stop typing and continue catching up

[@mikesbookreviews]

I'm about to start book 15! It has been a great ride.

[@jarock-wh9lj]

Hey Mike, Glad you enjoyed these books! Jim Butcher is very talented at writing what the Legendarium podcast calls 'a ripping good yarn.' His books do not always have a ton of depth, but they are almost always entertaining. I think The Dresden Files gets over criticized for being chauvinistic, but I do see the point. Harry's attitude towards muggles in general and especially Murphy, Pam, and Susan can be characterized as 'paternal.' He believes strongly that he knows better than them what they can and should know. Now, I'd argue this is less 'sexist' than it is 'classist.' Harry is a full-blown wizard with lots of training who as already experienced a lot of the dark side of the world. He knows how dangerous things really can be and wizards seem to have the opinion that keeping this to themselves is vital. Much like the police and government do not share every concern with the general public. I'm not convinced Harry would have treated Karrin, Pam, and Susan any differently if their names were Ken, Phil, and Samuel, but, they are female, and this, combined with the constant male gaze, certainly gives feminists a legitimate argument. You asked how the books become epic fantasy later. One, they get longer. You may want to google the book lengths before you get too overconfident on how fast you can read them 😂. Butcher always wanted to write epic fantasy. Codex Alera is this full stop, but he had problems trying to sell publishers on his early fantasy. You mentioned that these early books feel like a 'monster of the week' and I agree. As the books continue, the overarching plot becomes more important and there is less and less of the monster of the week feel to the books. Enjoy the series and I look forward to your continued reviews!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Classist is a much better description, IMO. Like the “mud blood” insult in Potter. But I also realize things more than 5 years old are looked at with a different microscope today. Yeah I saw the books get longer and I know it’ll take a while because I have so much other stuff I want to read.

[@mikesbookreviews]

jarock1974 Also, I use “ripping good yarn” thanks to Legendarium, too.

[@jarock-wh9lj]

@@mikesbookreviews Mud Blood is more racist than classist, but yes, I agree. It's not pure sexism, but then I'm a middle-aged male so your mileage may vary 😜

[@mikesbookreviews]

@@jarock-wh9lj Heh. Good point. I'm going to feel like I said a naughty word when I say "Muggle" from now on.

[@kylefunk546]

Just started Storm Front on my kindle idk why but listening to noir/ blade runner ambiance is so satisfying while reading

[@VRIceblast]

Jim Butcher was influenced by Buffy The Vampire Slayer, and Laurel K Hamilton, but created and wrote the first 3 books before Angel was made, or Harry Potter for that matter. Also, Jim after writing the first 3 chapters, wrote the outline for the while series, 20 books, with a big trilogy of books to finish it off. Making it 23 books, now 24, because Peace talks was to big, and he had to split it into 2 books, bringing the total to 24 books for the series.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yeah, folks have corrected me on that timeline.

[@mgrey9066]

Actually just watched an interview with Jim and he thinks it will now end on book 25

[@EntertainmentEncyclopedia]

The Buffy/Angel thing is more spot-on than you think. James Marsters (Spike) narrates the audiobooks.

[@mikesbookreviews]

So I keep getting told. The best is when Butcher actually makes Buffy references in the later books.

[@farhad_s]

There's a wizard. Named Harry. Other than that I have no idea why it's being called Harry Potter for Adults, or Harry Potter meets XYZ. For me the moment I started the series I got a massive Buffy/Angel vibe.

[@jeffcook2447]

Mike you are a fantastic book reviewer I'm just starting my second read through on Harry (on number 3 right now). I so look for your reviews. Thank you for taking the time to do this.

[@nikishazechiel6848]

I love this artwork!

[@marcmoyle6170]

There was a TV show 2007 i believe I didn't see it first time but just hinged the whole season on Prime video. Like the reviews i may actually pick it up!

[@rosie8136]

I'm happy to hear someone making the comparisons with Buffy that I am.

[@nopejhonson958]

ok so the first two are the hardest to get through, not because they were bad, it was because so much of the writing had to be done to give the reader the 'status quo' of where dresden actually fits in with the magical community how he is looked at and so on then it has to go in and explain his standing in the "real world". it makes the reading more drawn out and slow, but it was 100% needed for the book series to function otherwise you have no clue why any of it mattered and why dresden was the one that had to fix it and so on

[@mikesbookreviews]

I had no problems with these on a first reading, but now that I'm current and can look back, it feels like a different universe.

[@hampe123]

Thanks, Mike for all your work with the channel! You got me into reading fantasy again. And now I find myself with all these great and interesting series to plow through. Thanx a bunch all the way from Sweden!

[@Ranger_of_Dragons]

I just got into these about 3 weeks ago, I think. I'm just started Changes. It's funny how you feel about audio books. Your reasoning for not being able use them is why I do use them. I have to be doing multiple things at once. I can't focus on just one book anymore. I always feel like there are things I need to be doing.

[@Michael_L_Morrison]

Completed Fool Moon just this morning. I'm enjoying the series so far. My coworker kept recommending it to me so I decided to go ahead and try it. I'm in it for the series. Agree with about Murphy. I've complained about that to my coworker, which produced laughter I wasn't seeking. I wanted validation. LOL. Before moving on to Book 3, I'm doing If It Bleeds by Stephen King. Starting that today. Then I'l possibly go with An Echo of Things to Come or one of the King stories I haven't read yet like A Bag of Bones or Rose Madder. Appreciate what you do, and keep up the great work!

[@joz0185]

Watching the TV series now and looking forward to reading the books. Thanks, looking forward to more of your reviews.

[@robertrucker9210]

Fun fact the audiobooks for the series is that they are read by spike from Buffy

[@mr1prints]

Watched your TOP 10 and was sold on this when you mentioned 'wizard' and 'easy read' since I'm not really a fiction reader. I listen to audiobooks as a do Graphics so given the multitasking it seemed practical. Vocals were great, but the last book I listened to was Traction so easy to beat that voice. Downloading book 2 now.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I can't really audiobook (too much listening ADD) but the fans of this series can't say enough about James Marsters performance on this series.

[@williamjones3534]

Hey Mike! I'm really flattered that you took my suggestion to read Jennifer Robertson under advisement. We spoke of this before but if I may make another suggestion pick up the Anita Blake books since you are reading the Dresden Files. If you do only touch the first 10 books of Laurel K Hamilton. I believe the first two Anita Blake books are the Laughing corpse and guilty pleasures. The Anita Blake series was described by some writers as a Rated-R Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Also your method of reading books I think is old school TV. You mentioned how since you don't watch a lot of TV ( neither do I) you read. Specifically you mentioned how your approach to reading is like watching shows or movies and how certain books you read to break up the heaviness of others. It's akin to when I went and saw the Ant-Man as a palate cleanser to Age of Ultron. I'm thinking to myself is how you read old school TV before there was TV? The thirst for entertainment has been a constant throughout human history so what if books were television before there was television? I skipped radio. Radio with prototypical TV.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I'll always take recs under consideration. I don't plan to stop reading as long as I have eyeballs. I have had a few mention the Anita Blake series to me after this. I really think replacing TV with books in this reading style stems back to childhood. We grew up really poor and didn't have cable TV. But I had a public library within walking distance of the house and they'd let me check out 2 at a time and I'd stagger them like this.

[@joeytoker]

Half way through Book 5 at the moment. So nice to go back and watch these.

[@Dyuqe]

I don't think I will be able to catch up to you with Dresden (just finished 2nd book) so I'll have to join discussions in older videos. I love these books. The only complaint I have for now is that a lot is happening "ofscreen". I don't mean that everything should be spoonfed to me, but I'd love to see some characters interacting with each other in different situations than work and action. I'm thinking about Harry and Susan who got together in between books 1-2, conversation about everything with Murphy which was hinted in book 2 and (I assume) happened between books 2-3. These moments are what I enjoy most in books. Moments that don't necasairly push the story forward, but which let us explore characters and their relationships. Just let them talk and be themselves for a bit. That's why I love Witcher and Baptism of Fire in particular.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Therein lies the problem with a singular first person narrative. I've never been a fan of it. I'm fine with POV chapters and numerous characters, but just one and things suffer in development. As for pace, don't stress about it. The videos will always be here when you finish one and if you comment on it even a year or two later, I'll still see it and respond.

[@Dunybrook]

Interestingly Angel predated Dresden Files by a year so I don't think it was influenced by the Dresden Files, but they definitely have a similar tone. Great review.

[@nikishazechiel6848]

Joss is a master!!!

[@Scalesthelizardwizard]

I'm only one book 3 but I don't care if I get spoiled because I do it to my self

[@mikesbookreviews]

I learned with Wheel of Time to not even Google characters names due to the auto complete feature.

[@RaabStephan]

About to start Storm Front. Just picked it up

[@ottomyers1766]

I just found your channel today and great work. I love the introduction to the videos. I love audiobooks as well and think you should definitely look at narrating the opening to the video made me want to read these books before you even started doing the review.

[@mikesbookreviews]

That's the goal. I try to capture the feeling I had reading them with the music and memorable quotes.

[@arizonabear1]

The series really kicks into gear with book #3

[@mikesbookreviews]

I’m on book 9 now and you are correct. Book 3 is still one of my faves.

[@robpaul7544]

✋ willing to talk about anything Dresden / Butcher. I love the guy and all of his books. And yes, also a big Whedon/Buffy/Angel fan 😁 The two main complaints I've heard about Dresden is the chauvinism and the similar plot structure in the first books.. monster of the week. Being a guy, not the most suited to talk chauvinism but I've always found a lot of realistic strong women in these books. Yes, their appearance is discussed in some detail but as you said.. first person male POV. I can relate.. The monster of the week I believe is used to introduce the world, it's factions and the supernatural piece by piece - further on the overarching plot becomes more important. While keeping the good stuff like the characters and witty dialogue. Seriously, cannot recommend Butcher enough. Codex Alera is also great - based on a challenge to combine the Lost Roman legion and Pokemon. Aeronauts Windlass - if you like Bob you'll love the talking cats in this, nuff said 😉 Btw, Buffy and Angel are essentially urban fantasy - don't know what held ye back for so long. 😂

[@mikesbookreviews]

I certainly feel foolish waiting so long now because I feel like that Whedonverse itch I haven't gotten scratched in a decade plus just got some love. I got Codex Alera, too. Sounds crazy. I do realize that a guy saying he didn't see the chauvinism could seem stupid, but I also feel like guys calling a woman "hot" is accused of chauvinism now. I guess until I hear Harry telling Murphy to quit her job and get back in the kitchen, I'll let it slide.

[@bunniesbunniesbunnie]

Being a cislady myself, my biggest worry for the future of the Dresden Files series is the "chauvinism" in the beginning of the series. He acts like a normal guy would, but feminazis are going to rip it apart and then I'm going to have to eat -them- over it. And I really don't want toxic trash like that in my system so here's hoping they stay away from it.

[@Hadrian1616]

I remember finding season one of Dresden Files online a while back. Its still up. Paul Blackthorn is Harry. The actor for Bob is excellent. 💀

[@mikesbookreviews]

I didn't even know this show existed until about 3 weeks ago. Watched a clip on KZbin. Yikes. Hope they try again, but actually read the book first.

[@Merrick]

@@mikesbookreviews LOL, yikes is right

[@mikesbookreviews]

@@Merrick Claudia Black (Farscape) couldn't even make the bit I watched enjoyable.

[@Uhlbelk]

@@mikesbookreviews Actually the show was pretty good for the budget it had, the casting was really good. The biggest problem was the format of a 1 hour television show where they are trying to hit the beats for the commercials every 8 minutes or whatever. The book plot lines got mangled, but they still did a pretty amazing job with what they had. That clip with Black on youtube is shit and the show is way better than what was represented in that.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Uhlbelk Heard they tried to make it monster of the week episodes. Makes sense. But I hope they try again and do the 2 books per season type adaptation a la Last Kingdom on Netflix.

[@7Seraphem7]

Yeah, I was in the same place as you on the 'Wait, these are the 'bad' ones?' on the first time through, and now, reading again, yeah they do seem just, boring and nowhere near as great as the series gets. But agreed, if you already enjoy the first two books, you will LOVE the series from here on out.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I think on a re-read they would feel really simple by comparison. But as a launching point I had a blast.

[@benconlin3557]

Great drinking game, every time Mike says “buffy the vampire slayer” 🤣

[@Ulmo90]

Enjoyed Storm Front a lot, I'm eager to continue with Fool Moon soon

[@omarlatorre5256]

@Mike, FYI, there was an adaptation for The Dresden Files in 2007. It is on Amazon Prime Video free with ads if you don’t want to pay for it. It’s okay, since it is lose on the canon material. Paul Blackthorn does a pretty good Harry Dresden!

[@Vanillastump]

Dresden fans (at least I) are called "Dresdenphiles".

[@TurusDJava]

That's funny 😂 and great

[@Vanillastump]

@Blessed In Bowie That loses the pun. Dresdenphiles=Dresden Files.

[@easttennesseeshakerboxes4833]

Thanks for Dresden....Loved it!!!! He is such a relatable character, Car in the shop, White Council/women Problems..

[@rosie8136]

What a fantastic opening to a video!

[@21greg7]

Just behind you, also just finished book 2. Easy comfortable read. No cast of thousands nor info dumps that bury the story in minutia.

[@mikesbookreviews]

That was something that was very much welcome.

[@nikishazechiel6848]

I get the ADD thing. Sorry for mentioning the audiobook!

[@ianperez7668]

Thank you for doing these, I can't wait to hear your thoughts on the later books.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thank you for watching them. As long as you guys keep watching and talking to me about them I’ll keep doing them.

[@HandlesAreStupid2024]

I can't be the only one who sees tons of parallels with World Of Darkness RPG stuff right? Mages/ Vampires/Werwolves/Fae/Demons etc. Loved the first two books.

[@Mn-yh2bp]

I saw video of him Bucher on a con panel, ware he said that he planned 23 books before he finished righting Storm Front.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Ballsy.

[@ianperez7668]

@@mikesbookreviews According to Jim, with books 17 & 18 being released this year, he is still on track with his original plan, just pushed up by 2 books, to a total of 25 now.

[@7Seraphem7]

Specifically, his plan was for 20 main series, stand alone books capped off by the Big Apocalyptic Trilogy. And yeah, that went off the rails a bit as he kept finding more things to add in. The events in Changes were originally meant to happen closer to book ten then twelve.

[@blabberingbookreviews3349]

@@7Seraphem7 Hmm that's pretty interesting...So much can change while you're writing such a long series. It's no wonder he's not further from the original plan lol

[@goffokfm6821]

Book sixteens revisions are apparently done and I guess everyone’s just waiting for a release date.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Lots have been telling me April 2020. But what I've learned about these things is believe it when the author tweets/blogs it.

[@goffokfm6821]

Yah not to worried about it. Just read the entire series in a month for the first time last month.

[@turtleanton6539]

16! Thats alotta books

[@mgrey9066]

It’s July 14th for Peace Talks wirh Battle Ground dropping a couple months later. We’re so excited!

[@isabelleb7318]

Please do Spoiler and speculation on what happens next videos. I'd like to watch this.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I might consider something like this in the future.

[@Tdubya48]

I discovered this series while watching the credits for that crap adaptation that Sy FY did. Immediately got on Amazon and ordered the first three books. Its been on ever since. When folks say it just keeps getting better is fact!!! Gotta say that this has made it to the top as my favorite series I've ever read. Can't say I was real happy with some of the stuff from the latest book but was still a very good read! Eager awaiting the next book.

[@Dawnphyre]

it does seem a bit ''monster of the week'' early on, but so far there is a great deal of call backs or returning enimies and set up from previous books

[@mikesbookreviews]

That's fine. It's welcome after reading so many fantasy series that try to hit you with a ton of lore right off the bat.

[@Dawnphyre]

@@mikesbookreviews I love it, you're not dropped cold into a massive world, you're dropped into an office, and a guy getting his mail

[@BobarissGish]

John marcone is awesome.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I love Marcone (I’m in book 8 now)

[@kevin555able]

You are officially my favorite book tuber. Will search out these book.

[@kaylaqueen6640]

I have ADHD and can’t do audiobooks either, but I’m trying my reread of Storm Front. This is the first audiobook I can follow (it’s all because of James Marsters). I’ve tried rereads before with audiobooks and I don’t make it past a couple of minutes. Storm Front is excellent! If you ever want to do a reread, check it out.

[@johnhaleii208]

Have you ever read any of the Necroscope books? They are definitely more horror than fantasy, but have some very cool fantastical elements. There are 5 books in the main series, and about 20 set in that world. Fortunately all of the stories are broken up into 1-5 book chunks and (so far, I am currently in book 4) you do not need to have read all of the previous books to u understand the plot. The best way to describe the series is ESP, vampires, and speaking with the dead all in a cold war espionage setting.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I haven’t, but I’ve had a handful of recommendations for it after mentioning my interest in this series. Perhaps one day!

[@Rajathon]

James Marsters is awesome as a narrator.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Well, he IS "the Big Bad." kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2fRoYtjaMukjdU

[@channamorlan1882]

One of the books is done by someone else...it just doesn't have the same feel.

[@williamjones3534]

Mike you mentioned five different types of werewolves. I think Jim Butcher was a fan of white wolf Pen and Paper games. They made a number of them vampire the Masquerade werewolf as well as Mage the Ascension. In each of those Kun paper books there are various factions so I think Jim Butcher lifted the werewolves from White Wolf. Correction not lifted but " influenced:😉

[@mikesbookreviews]

I watched his Q&A that he had on a panel with Pierce Brown and 2 out 3 questions were answered with him talking about Dungeons & Dragons. So I can see that.

[@laguy8181]

I’m going to check this out. It makes me think of DC Comics John Constantine

[@BradProctorReads]

I just read the first book the other day and really enjoyed it. Going to be continuing with the series soon.

[@RiseeRee]

Okay finally started book 2, so I can start watching your Dresden videos 😅

[@thomaswenn6313]

You're making me want to pick up this series.

[@mikesbookreviews]

You won’t regret it.

[@stumpy1146]

Worth it!!!

[@MrT115]

I think it could be interesting with spoiler reviews later on when you get more familiar with the world. The tv-series didn't live up to its potential. The head producer was changed at a cery late stage and the scripts which were intended to be a serialised show were reworked in the last minute to make the show very episodic into a monster of the week style.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I feel like in this new era of binge TV watching, executives are realizing the Monster of the Week format is very dated. I understand they want it for syndication purposes, but they need to adapt. I really hope this give this another try on one of the streaming services.

[@mikesanders9267]

I envision Bob’s voice like the one from the movie Lost Skeleton of Cadavra.

[@johanjoseph4802]

I Read the book and Listen to the audiobook simultaneously. I use the book kinda like Subtitles. The immersion is Amazing❤️

[@justice4kurt182]

Mike! I've watched a couple of your videos and I really enjoy them. I love that you're reviewing Dresden Files. I have one suggestion about your intros. The music is a bit over powering in the volume dependent. I find it a bit distracting. Other than that keep up the great work. I'm excited to see what you have to say about other books I've enjoyed. Also I heard you mention you have not experienced the audio books, I recommend you check them out.

[@mikesbookreviews]

It happens once in awhile. But I think you’ll see things have improved over the last 8 months.

[@JamesMcCormickIV]

Gettin to the good stuff! :)

[@mikesbookreviews]

It's the most excited I've been about a new series I've started since...heck, I don't know. I mean, I was excited to finally start Wheel of Time, but I knew it was going to be a journey. I feel like I could burn through these in a couple months.

[@JamesMcCormickIV]

​@@mikesbookreviews Whoever told you it was like Harry Potter is seriously deranged. Buffy/Angel are good comparisons, though. The series is one of the grandfather's of modern Urban Fantasy. There were some scattered before it, but it was really the first big series to come out right before the term "Urban Fantasy" was coined. The reason people poo-poo the first 2 or 3 books is that the world becomes MASSIVE after a couple books. I was like you, I liked the first 2. Got me into it. But I think Fantasy readers like that huge scope. I was cool with the Thrillery mystery noir aspects of the first couple books. By book 4 SUMMER KNIGHT--you start to realize how big this world he's building is. He's not taking on 1 or 2 different fantasy planes. He's taking them ALL on. As for the backstory/history--there's a bunch of videos where Butcher talks about it. Basically, he wrote the first book following his teacher's instructions because he thought he'd show her how wrong she was. Everything she taught him, he was sorta mocking -- don't have "talking heads" give exposition--so of course, he made Bob. She told him it was good. Asked him to outline what was next. He misunderstood. Came to class the next day with an outline for 20 books and an end of series apocalypse trilogy. He's never shared exactly what that outline was, but I'd imagine they're along the lines of -- "This is the one with werewolves. This is the one with faeries. This is the one with undead. This is the one with vampires. Etc." He wrote the first three books before they got picked up. Publisher kept passing because there really wasn't anything like it. They didn't see the potential. Didn't know how to sell it. When he had three books they took a chance. They were a hit. Rest is history. P.S. I started reading them when Cold Days came out. Read them all straight through and finished as Skin Games (the newest came out). Finished that in 2 days--and the next book was Peace Talks...which still isn't out. Talk about jonesing for more Dresden. So, yeah. It's easy to catch up. And honestly, I think it's better being able to just read them straight through. Jealous that you won't have to wait 3 years for Peace Talks :p

[@JamesMcCormickIV]

@@mikesbookreviews P.S. Spike does the audiobook :)

[@mikesbookreviews]

James McCormick That is a really fascinating origin story. I wish I could be the “challenge my teacher” type, but I can’t tell a story to save my life, much less so the opposite of what a professional tells me. This is probably why I’m the worst DnD player ever. Ha ha

[@JamesMcCormickIV]

@@mikesbookreviews Yeah. Its the snotty student thinking he knows better--gonna prove his teacher wrong by doing everything she tells him to the letter... ...and her being right, resulting in a book that launches your career lol :p

[@Musicteachersheff]

Done with the first 2 today. I think I liked the 2nd one better than the first or maybe it was just that I was a little more comfortable. I don’t feel like I need to jump right into the next one, but I agree that could be good in between books. With Fool Moon my turn with the book from my library came right when I was about halfway through Wheel of Time #2. Took a break for 3 days? I think to get through it...super fast story. I am watching your reviews as I finish them and so like you at this time I’m not sure what to expect. I find myself just wishing he could hit a lotto jackpot and live comfortably for a while...Not a huge fan of the penniless guy that has to keep bumming meals off women wanting his help. Though he is pretty clear he isn’t a fan of it either. Or maybe he will find some relative like he was wondering about and find he actually inherited...something? Kind of my only gripe, and it’s one I can live with. But thanks! You talk about them so much and never would have even heard of them. And now my Dad is reading them too.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Taking a break before #3 is a good idea since it kicks into high gear starting with that one.

[@mordaeu1411]

You're a lizard, Harry. I'm a what? A LIZARD.

[@Merrick]

Buffy meets Harry Potter, amusingly apt. Decent "junk food" series

[@mikesbookreviews]

That's absolutely what is needed between fantasy epics. Love it.

[@allfather9645]

Spoilers would be great. Maybe at the end and you want people so they can stop watching at that point if they want to. But s great series I hop you read them all. There was also a 1 season show on SyFy that you can watch after reading. It doesn't follow the books really but I liked it.

[@Dawnphyre]

Peace Talks is due to drop in July

[@mikesbookreviews]

Oh, I'm aware. I've actually been granted an ARC of it.

[@Dawnphyre]

@@mikesbookreviews so envious right now, just starting Skin Game ... again

[@MrTofy1974]

Just finished reading Fool Moon and thought out of these two books, that was my favorite because I like Werewolf stories and how Butcher introduced the types of werewolves.....also liked the fact that in this book there were 3 possible suspects (groups) who could have done the killing which made it more interesting, where as in Storm Front you're focused on one possible suspect..... negative for me about these two books is the fact that Murphy keeps arresting Dresden like you said..... this will kind of get tiring if this continues in the next 14 of the books he has..... I want to say that I hope the following books are a case-by-case but I really don't want that, although I would like Butcher to focus on different sorts of ghouls goblins and monsters and tie all of these books in together somehow..... also go deeper into like the White Council.... who are they and what are they about and what's their history... things like that

[@mikesbookreviews]

Indeed. I felt it changed enough up that I was flipping on the big bad a few times. Not sure why Fool Moon gets the flack that it does. If that's the worst the series has to offer, I'm going to enjoy this ride.

[@MrTofy1974]

@@mikesbookreviews Yeah, I'm going to be honest... When people kept telling me I should read this series. I wasn't into it because I didn't care about Wizards. But now that I've read the two books. Oh man. I can't wait to read the next books in the series..... I'm borrowing these books from the library, but they're so good that I might just buy these.

[@mikesbookreviews]

@@MrTofy1974 Just don't do it all in one splurge like my dumbass did.

[@jadapandy]

I tried them now for the 3rd time, and just skipped Storm Front and went straight to book two, which kept me interested. Now I have the first 6 books, but I have at least thirty other books battling for my interest.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I know that feeling. Every time I make a firm TBR, I shoot something else up the list.

[@Scalesthelizardwizard]

I love these books but for Merfiy dragged it down for me thankfully she stopped trying to arrest him hopefully she learns to listen

[@mikesbookreviews]

Ha ha I said that after book 2. Stop trying to constantly arrest him already.

[@Scalesthelizardwizard]

@@mikesbookreviews ya I'm on book 3 and thankfully Jim stopped doing that

[@mikesbookreviews]

@@Scalesthelizardwizard I'm on book 4 now and he certainly seems to have went in a new direction.

[@Scalesthelizardwizard]

@@mikesbookreviews good to hear hope you enjoy

[@normmcdonald1347]

I would love it if you continued the red rising stuff

[@mikesbookreviews]

I'm going to continue my reviews. Got one for book 3, Morning Star, coming next week. After I get to reviews for Iron Gold and Dark Age, I plan to do a Why You Should Read on the series.

[@normmcdonald1347]

Mike's Book Reviews Glas to hear, keep up the great work👌

[@mikesbookreviews]

@@normmcdonald1347 Hail Reaper.

[@dansmith3085]

There have been a few Dresden Files comic series as well. Some adaptations which can be skipped, but a few stories are original to the comics. Now that I think about it, Brandon Sanderson has some as well.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I got Side Jobs and Brief Cases. None of the comics. Yet.

[@thhunter]

I've never really checked out the comics, but the short stories are excellent. They've been released all over the place, but I think there's an all dresden anthology that was released recently. It's the first series I've ever actually enjoyed the supplemental material to. Some of them are fun side stories. Some of them are as engaging as the novels. Other than the television show. Everyone should just pretend that didn't happen.

[@thhunter]

@@mikesbookreviews Just be careful on the reading order. There are massive, MASSIVE SPOILERS in both of those anthologies. I don't know if there's an easy list online, but I'll make one for you if you need it.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thhunter this is why I think I’ll just read Side Jobs and Brief Cases after I’m done.

[@robertrucker9210]

Ahh Good Old gentleman Johnny marcone

[@oscarfontana4]

On spoilers...... so far, my experience with you tube book reviews is that I watch ones that review books/series that I have already read. Sort of a vicarious "loss of virginity", so to speak, as you journey through a story I already love. I really enjoy watching mounting enthuisiasm, and reactions. So spoilers are not really an issue for me. From the WoT community, I am aware that a huge number of us engage in re-reads. I am going to assume that holds true for your general scify/fantasy reader. That said, I am not convinced that spoilers spoil anything. For me, a spoiler would only point out something for me to keep an eye out for. Something specific to look forward to. For content creators like you, go for it. You obviously have something to say, so say it. Sure, give spoiler warnings....maybe even announce the time stamp when the spoiler ends, so those who care can skip ahead, so why censor your own content? Maybe I am wrong. Have you ever let a spoiler slip and have people complain that you ruined something for them?

[@mikesbookreviews]

When I first started the channel I did ONLY spoiler reviews and had people find a random one and get mad it was full of spoilers. Now I’m pretty vocal at the beginning of the video if it has them or not.

[@oscarfontana4]

I have enjoyed many of your videos before. Marcone....over arching villain?....snicker. Boy are you in for a fun ride! You are on the first climb on a roller coaster, where the slope directly in front of you hides ALL the rest of the track from your view.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Ha. Yeah it’s funny now that I’m on book 14.

[@wbrownshadow]

I always said Dresden Files is more Harry Potter meets Dick Tracey with a twist of Buffy in it or maybe Dark Shadows great series i just started Book 16 Peace Talks i love hearing reviews