The Dresden Files . . . meh.

For a series that boast of badass-ery all over its cover (and indeed, the cover art is really really sweet) the Dresden Files just doesn't live up to the standards of a good fantasy. It is a unique concept for a book, and the mysteries are interesting and not your run of the mill variety. However, the book is bogged down by poor writing and a self-involved main character who can't get past his own image.

Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden is a wizard for hire in downtown Chicago. You'd think being the only publicly practicing wizard would pay more, but Harry can barely make ends meet. He sometimes works for the Special Investigations unit of the Chicago Police Department, investigating crimes which involve magic. Karrin Murphey, head of this unit, is the one who hires him and the only one who takes him seriously.

I've read the first two books it this series: Storm Front and Fool Moon. I enjoyed both books, but overall, was not that impressed. After the first book, I was not particularly compelled to read the next one, which should have been a clear sign for me not to bother with the rest of the series. However, I found the plot of the first book enjoyable enough, and decided to try the next one. After reading Fool Moon I realized I really don't need to read anymore of this. The mysteries Harry works on are interesting, but the character pushes the limits of what I can bear to read, the dialogue is contrived, and as I get further into the books, the author begins to hint as deeper undertones for the series which are so cliche they leave a chalky taste in my mouth.

The first complaint I have is the main character, Harry Dresden. The books are written in the first person, so it is possible that his enormous ego is an intrinsic character flaw, but based on the level of competence I see in Butcher's writing, I'm fairly sure that it's not. My suspicions rise as I look at his author picture. Seriously, look at the guy. He's the steriotypical D&D nerd. Character Harry Dresden seems to have no major flaws, aside from a vaguely hinted at darkness that lies dormant in his soul, and even that sounds a little bit cool. Sure, he has some flaws, probably added at the editors requests. They seem out of place with such an otherwise perfect character. He is tall, dark, mysterious, stylish, and, as we are repeatedly reminded, an unusually powerful wizard. If there's ever a bad guy he can't face, it's due to him overexerting himself earlier in the story. As for his image, he makes numerous references to his black duster, guns, and powerful magical weapons, as though trying to remind his readers of how cool he is. The movements the author describes seem unrealistic, as though they're simply for dramatic flare. At times reading this book was like watching a movie with all the dramatic swooshing of his black trenchcoat.

Another thing I disliked about the story was the writing, which, as I've mentioned, is not the highest calibre. For one thing, it is first person, which can be done well, but this is one of the instances where it's not. A good first person narrative offers a certain insight into the character and the way they view the world. In this, it was like playing an RPG. Butcher plows through the story with little attention to narrative devices. His direct method makes for a fast read, with lots of action, but little art. This may appeal to some readers, but not me. After two books I still feel no connection with any of the characters, and that's quite a feat for an author.

The third problem with these books was the dialogue. What passed as witty banter was mostly just a series of awful puns and smart-alec taunts between good guys and bad guys. Most of the time it's horribly out of place, such as when Harry is talking to the head of the police force or mob boss Johnny Marcone. Oftentimes, even the narration would contain such things, followed by the words "(no pun intended)," which, as we all know, is basically the person saying "SEE WHAT I DID THERE??"

It's a shame that such a unique idea was handled so poorly. I enjoyed following the clues and twists along with Harry as he tried to discover the truth behind the murders he was investigating. However, it was not enough to redeem the otherwise empty story. I understand this author has received a good deal of success, and it's no surprise to me. People like a story with a first person narrator who really has no character. It makes it easy for them to slip into that persona and imagine they are the hero. It's the same reason Twilight is famous. Many readers love that sort of thing, and if you are one I don't mean to dissuade you or make you feel wrong about liking it. Reading, and particularly the fantasy genre, is a beautiful escape from everyday life, and everyone should feel free to experience that in whatever way makes them happy. However, if you value the art of a well crafted story, you'd best skip The Dresden Files.

ISBN# 0451457811
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