It is a very important book as it introduces several very important elements to the series. For example Nicodemus. Things that happened here will have great pay offs down the line. Overall you are correct, as a stand alone book it has some major issues.
This is where characters really start reappearing. Michael was introduced in Book 3, stayed out of 4, and comes back with a vengeance in 5. And he brought friends. Demons too! Michael remains important to the series later on, and the concept of Sanya, a man given a holy sword by an angel to fight evil, yet claims to be agnostic, is perfect. Nicodemus is one of the best villains in the series (and he certainly gets some depth in Skin Game).
For me this is one of those books in the series that you can look back on and go “wow so that’s how that effects the plot” I think you’ll really enjoy the blood right
Death masks is ok but it's definitely not one of the strongest books in the series. There's a significant consequence to something that happens in Death masks (which I won't spoil). Every book introduces new elements to the Dresden Files series and I think you will enjoy book 6 and love book 7. Book 6 introduces one of the series favourite characters.
Another fair review of the series, I appreciate your thoughts. And ones again this is the start of the series and the growth to the characters and universe only continue. Character growth in the earliest books definitely isn't as visible but it improves as Jim Butcher works at it. Ones again Jim Butcher was not a naturally gifted writer, he himself admits this, it took a while for him to take his writing teachers advice and he kinda started the series on a whim to prove his teachers methods didn't work so when they did he had to reevaluate his stance and actually work a lot harder at those methods. So yes his earlier books has a lot of stumbles(aspectual book two) but I believe he has it down by book 7. Book 7 is considered to be where he really becomes a great author.
Dead Beat (book 7) is where the series swings in to full stride. Since you focus more on fantasy I was wondering when you'll get around to the Codex Alera series? I find these to be very strong and relatively fresh books in an overloaded genre. His take on the romance angle is pretty good as well.
I love Dresden Files and have read all the books that are currently out about it, about to start his Cinder Spires series. You mentioned that they follow the same formula through the ones you've already read and they do, because it's a formula he learned while he was taking a creative writing class and what he wrote his first three books from and subsequently the entire series plot from. He tells the story of how they all came about in panels he's been on. If I'm remembering right, dead beat wasn't actually supposed to be in the series at all, it's a book that came about because his agent called him up and told him the next book was going hardcover, he came up with a new character to make the book longer and ended up with a new book entirely. They get better as they go on, the first book wasn't my favorite and I only kept reading because of how much I liked Harry and how funny I found him to be written. The sexism accusation that comes with this series, I read a post once complaining about it, but a reply to that complaint basically explained that it was that way(I like your reason too and now understand that, because I don't read classic pulp fiction, so thank you for that explanation) is because it's first person and it's from Harry's--a.k.a a man who does check women out and find them beautiful and so on. Long ramblings, sorry to go on, I just am a big fan of this series and this author, loved your review and looking forward to watching more of your videos. Happy Reading! p.s. i found you through merphy napier, can't wait for the first collab video with all of you
I'm finding your reviews on Dresden Files fascinating! I was never one for reading detective novels/pulp as I prefer fantasy or sci-fi, so I can't compare them. I put down my Star Trek novel to read the first chapter of Storm Front (requested by my partner) and I ended up binge reading the first 3 or 4 Dresden Files before returning to my Trek novel. They weren't revolutionary for fantasy, but BOY did I love reading them. They're fun and I always laugh. I read the next couple in between other books and need to return to them. I didn't experience the same dip for books 2 & 3, though. I just found them addictively fun.
Just found your channel, pretty hyped to witness your journey with Dresden Files. I have to agree with you, books 2-5 do feel forgetable. I listened to all the books back in highschool and recently reread them. My advice: Dont't give up! Next book is really good. Events of "Blood rites" will have long lasting ramifications that will be important in other books. From book 7 " Dead beat" series really picks up both in scale, character development and variety. As for shallow characterisation in early books, yeah it's a problem, but it gets better. There are some really interesting character arcs that go through books. Not all have paid off yet, but those that did, man did they paid off. So read on and make more videos like this:)
I've absolutely loved this book so far (nearly done with it). I love the Denarians and the expansion on The Knights of The Cross. I absolutely love that aspect so I'm glad they went back to it.
Overall I agree with your opinions on the Dresden files. I also occasionally chuckle at the overt sexual aspects. The world gradually gains greater depth as time goes on, and certain characters also have surprising growth. Sometimes due to their experiences with harry sometimes not. Harry himself will definitely develop, he starts off very much like a stone in his sense of what he should and shouldn't do. Gradually he learns to be more flexible, albeit mostly out of necessity.
Damn Daniel, I love your current understanding of Dresden. You really weren't understanding the direction the story was going and clenched onto the entery form of the character, seemingly unwilling to let him naturally evolve the way Jim was aiming for.
Safina N Daniel has mentioned in a couple videos past that he hasn’t read it yet. He says that he may, just because it’s Brandon Sanderson. It’s one of my TBR books for this year. What are your thoughts on it? Is it a must read?
Dude I just found your channel and I love to find another fantasy fan! I will say that the depth in the series does appear in book 6 and the threads start to connect more in the later books. I hope you'll give more of them a chance :)
Good review, man! I haven’t read these, but I’ve heard about the books for quite a while. Not sure if I still want to try them or not, yet. Might hold off for a little while hahah. Nonetheless, good review! Love your videos!
Go the Dresden Files forum on Reddit to get a better picture of the series, by actual fans of the series. You'll get a much better picture of the series than here.
I probably wouldn't binge read the series because he does do a recap of the previous book in each book and maintain some similar plot structures. I read one book every 6 months or so and it avoids feeling as 'same-y'. Are you listening to the audiobooks? Jim Marsters is the voice of Harry Dresden for me.
I started Dresden Files out of order. First with Turn Coat and followed by every book as I found them. I lacked the overall arc until I eventually read them in order. I found that each can stand on there own but for some of the pay offs you need to read them in order.
This book seemed like a real departure to me from the previous Dresden Files namely in that a character sacrifices himself to save Harry in a way that I don't think we've seen yet and that is bound to have lasting effect on his character and the books going forward. A lot of word building also happened that will have repercussions for the future of the series.
You mentioned the word "formula" several times in this review. If, as you say (and I agree with you, by the way), that these books are riffs on pulpy detective stories, they are, by nature, bound to be formulaic. By nature, they are bound to hit the same basic plot points and not have a great deal of character development. I think criticizing these books by saying that they all follow the same formula isn't really valid. They are pulpy detective stories where the main character, instead of being someone like Sam Spade or Mike Hammer, happens to be a wizard.
The books get better, keep reading! I started the series at book 11 or so (forget the number) then went back to book 1 and they do get better, more characters, more complex plots etc
I Think Deathmasks was one of the turning points in the series, especially the ending. If I remember correctly, but with so many books its hard to keep the events in order. It is when we start to learn more about Michael, and he is just by far my favorite character in the entire series.
The last few books you really start to see the weight of his choices weigh on him. There is also an escalation in the forces arrayed against him and of course he still lips them all off.
I've been thinking about getting back to the Dresden series at some point in the near future here. I got to about this point, maybe a book or 2 further. From what I remember I had many of the same feelings about the series as you have, though I liked book 3 and thought it was a fair improvement from the 2nd one (which was awful).
You mentioned about "lack of depth" and having read all of them, I can see what you mean. I like light reads so I guess it didn't bother me and I didn't even notice, especially since after the 6th or 7th book it does get a deeper meaning/story. So I hope you will keep going and get to the latest books which are way deeper (though there are some hints even from the first books ;) - such as the demon he summons in Fool Moon). PS: this is not a critique on your review, just a heads up that things will get better :D
I honestly don't know how one can not love Fool Moon (Book 2) it is basically Die Hard with Werewolves. I actually felt Book 1 is the weakest of the bunch (followed by White Night, Book 9). The first true highlight of the series is Dead Beat (Book 7) and, with the exception of White Night, the series really starts hitting its stride from there.
One thing I'll say about the sexualisation of women is that in the books where Dresden isn't getting laid, the descriptions of beautiful women are very detailed, but in the ones where he is, they're much more cursory and similar to descriptions of everyone else.
As for the sexism arguments you have to remember that this series is told from the perspective of a male protagonist and Butcher uses that to poke fun at the stereotypes of chivalry and feminism. Those "laugh out loud" moments you mention are the proof of this, it is meant to be stereotypical and absurd.
The problem with people that know to much about the writing process, and so forth, is they ruin books for themselves. When they then do reviews, they become critics, and everyone should know by now, that critics care about things, that the avg reader could give a damn about. The Dresden Files is a great series, from book one, each book is better than the last. Jim doesn't really start to get serious about writing, and the story till book 4. From there, you can really see the books get better from the last. There are no bad books in the series. Also, there are tons of stuff said, or done from the beginning of the series, that will mean things many books later in the series.
This sounds suspiciously like you don't like that Daniel criticises the series, and therefore have retorted with the usual fallacy that critics are too well versed in the language of literature (or any other form of media). And so, you create a narrative in which critics are these sort of trans-dimensional beings, which stand away from other mortals, and therefore their opinions are in some way alien or wrong. I've seen this been used against reviewers like Mark Kermode, whose extensive film knowledge and technical knowledge has been used as a rebuttal to his criticisms of films. He has an opinion, you have yours; he has explained his opinion, you've attempted to discredit his. Grow up.
@@cayranm I have a lot of experience dealing with people with a similar mindset. They pretty much think alike, and they are great at judging other peoples work, without being able to make anything near as good themselves. Also, there is tons of proof, that critics tend to judge things by some other Metric, that the avg person wouldn't. Rotten Tomatoes is a great example of that. I'm making an opinion based on all the reviews of the series to this point by him. Considering I've read the series a dozen times, I think I understand a great deal more than he does about it. People that read something as if they were a teacher grading a paper, tend to be focused on other things, then just enjoying the story as is. I question whether a person with that kind of mindset, could every truly get out of their own way to enjoy something as is. As you said, they are too well versed in the language of literature. The avg reader just wants a good story, but a reviewer is looking to closely to purely enjoy what they are reading. They are to busy taking it apart, and comparing it to other things, and so forth, and making judgments on the skill of the writing. The majority of those things, the avg reader could care less about.
@@VRIceblast the argument "why don't you do it?" is an incredibly poor argument as it gives all power to creators alone. You can still criticise something without having to actually create something in that field. Criticism can actually be very useful from an outside perspective, reviewers can bridge the gap between creator and audience. It's dangerous in critical thinking to narfow the field down to only a select few. So, instead of it being necessarily about his clear overuse of analytical and critical skills, it's now your knowledge and adoration for the series that gives you superiority? Another thing your devotion to the series instills is a bias. Now, I'm not saying that your opinion is now wrong, though you do seem to be in the minority, in regards to your comment about each book being "better than the last", so perhaps your opinion is somewhat unpopular; nevertheless, the point is that you don't get to hold your opinion above his, just as Daniel doesn't when it comes to the WoT, not without proper argument. Why is the argument against critical thinking always that we should stop it? That people don't want to think or feel, they just want to sit back and 'enjoy' as if being in some state where you're never given anything that might challenge intellectuallu or morally isn't? I'm all one for people enjoying what they like, but why does that have to be at the degradation or rejection of a critical lense?
@@cayranmI understand what reviewers can do, doesn't mean, every reviewer does a very good job of accurately portraying what they read. Considering a great many do not. As I said before, critics are famous for reviewing things that the avg reader doesn't find important. It's usually the opposite of their review. The creator is more important, because without them, there would be nothing for you to be tearing apart, as if you could have done it better. Critics always judge things, they would have done it this way, not that. LIke the author should have done this or that. The only problem is, it's the authors story, not yours. Most people read a book for what it is, they don't read it like they are teacher grading a paper. People should think and feel, when they read a book. It's when they start judging the work as if it was a writing assignment, that's the problem. When you put Grammar, and Proof Reading, ahead of the story. Saying the writing is bad, and the book is no good, because the author didn't release a book that has perfect editing. So they are willing to disregard a whole book, because of 10 seconds, or 1min of writing they see as wrongly written. Every time one of these critics makes a review based in things, that the avg reader could care less about, they can turn a reader off to the book. Clearly, you're going to disagree with me. To anyone else reading my comments. Don't let Daniel's review turn you off from the series. His lack of enthusiasm for the series so far shows, and the majority of readers of the series would disagree with him. I would recommend going to the Dresden Files reddit forums, and read and talk to real fans of the series. This series is one of the best Urban Fantasy series out there. Don't let the lackluster review of the series by Daniel so far stop you from trying the series for yourself.
This book gives great character development to a series main character, establishes a fan favorite recurring character, and introduces one of the best villains in the series. The next book: gives great character development to a series main character, establishes a fan favorite recurring character, and introduces one of the best villains in the series. Does anyone else think this series is kind of formulaic?
@@revpembroke3082 Hell, and then Dead Beat happens. It's just these two books that once you remove gender and plot specific details, are the EXACT same book.
I only really remember three women who fall for Harry. The Winter lady is just kinda of like that with everyone resulting from the fact she kinda has a lot of parental issues.
While we all settle in to wait for the next book, I invite fans to enjoy a completely free novel set in the Dresden verse. Just Google Warlock of Omaha.
I never understood the idea of sexism in the series. Most of the super attractive women are actually supernaturally attractive...literally. They use it as a weapon. The normal human women, while attractive are not considered maxim magazine girls are something. Yes they are pretty, but nothing beyond the normal. One of the hard things about knowing more about them is it is all from 1st person, so we never get insight on the thoughts of anyone besides Harry. Facial expressions and words are all we have to go on. Seems like the normal women are actual characters who have their own beliefs and faults. They change over time
This is by far my least favorite book in the series. It almost made me stop reading entirely. I'm not completely sure why. Maybe it's because the villains come off as villain-sues. Maybe it's because the plot feels disjointed. Maybe it's because we're introduced to new random characters that feel like they come out of nowhere and have the power of plot convenience. I'm not sure, because every element in this book that appears in later books I've really enjoyed. I find it odd that I dislike this one so much when so many Dresden fans seem to think it's one of the best.
As far as the books being sexist and all the women being gorgeous I can see that. But you could say a lot of the same things about some female authors of urban fantasy filling books full of sexy attractive male vampires. Neither bother me as long as there is a story to be told with a good plot for me to read
Your entire video was completely Spoiler free I don’t know why you bothered having a spoiler a partner non-spoiler report there were no spoilers at all throughout the entire video
Almost droped the book and the series. Its shamefull how the autor portaits non american characters. The vampire lord from Brazil has a spanish name, we dont speak spanish here. The oriental guy has a generic japanese name and it looks like and acts as mr miyagi, and guess what, he has a katana. The russian guy is a comunist and drinks vodka Its bad, very bad.
First, the book never stated Ortega was Brazilian, only that he was a professor in Brazil, and the book made it pretty clear that the Red Court holds a lot of sway in Central and South America in general. He was a very old and powerful vampire within that court, and can pretty much live wherever he wants. Furthermore, the book also specifically states that his home mansion is in Honduras, which IS primarily a spanish speaking nation. Shiro did not behave that much like Miyagi, and Sanya also very specifically states that he is NOT communist. He gets rather annoyed when Harry makes that assumption. You need to read a lot more carefully before you start trying to make accusations of racism/stereotyping.
@@realtsavo I still hold on what i´ve said 8 months ago: the author is bad about writing whatever isnt US/UK related. His books are full of sometimes lame cliches, other times bad, bad sterotipical descriptions, borderline offensives. I gave just a few exemples in my comment, but there are many more examples. HOWEVER, the books are still lots of fun, but far away from perfection. You see, I´m finishing Battle Ground, and i am quite sure i will keep reading the series.
What are your thoughts on Death Masks? 🤔
It is a very important book as it introduces several very important elements to the series. For example Nicodemus. Things that happened here will have great pay offs down the line. Overall you are correct, as a stand alone book it has some major issues.
This is where characters really start reappearing. Michael was introduced in Book 3, stayed out of 4, and comes back with a vengeance in 5. And he brought friends. Demons too!
Michael remains important to the series later on, and the concept of Sanya, a man given a holy sword by an angel to fight evil, yet claims to be agnostic, is perfect.
Nicodemus is one of the best villains in the series (and he certainly gets some depth in Skin Game).
For me this is one of those books in the series that you can look back on and go “wow so that’s how that effects the plot”
I think you’ll really enjoy the blood right
Death masks is ok but it's definitely not one of the strongest books in the series.
There's a significant consequence to something that happens in Death masks (which I won't spoil).
Every book introduces new elements to the Dresden Files series and I think you will enjoy book 6 and love book 7.
Book 6 introduces one of the series favourite characters.
One of the more mediocre books in the series imo, more or less middle of the pack but I love Shiro and Michel's plot.
Are fans of this series called...Dresdenphiles?
Okay you win
@@sailorjay Thank you! :D
Yes they are.
That is correct.
You are so punderful, I'm...ehem...checkin you out!
Another fair review of the series, I appreciate your thoughts. And ones again this is the start of the series and the growth to the characters and universe only continue.
Character growth in the earliest books definitely isn't as visible but it improves as Jim Butcher works at it. Ones again Jim Butcher was not a naturally gifted writer, he himself admits this, it took a while for him to take his writing teachers advice and he kinda started the series on a whim to prove his teachers methods didn't work so when they did he had to reevaluate his stance and actually work a lot harder at those methods. So yes his earlier books has a lot of stumbles(aspectual book two) but I believe he has it down by book 7. Book 7 is considered to be where he really becomes a great author.
i agree with you, Dead beat is really where things pick up in every way.
Dead Beat (book 7) is where the series swings in to full stride. Since you focus more on fantasy I was wondering when you'll get around to the Codex Alera series? I find these to be very strong and relatively fresh books in an overloaded genre. His take on the romance angle is pretty good as well.
I love Dresden Files and have read all the books that are currently out about it, about to start his Cinder Spires series. You mentioned that they follow the same formula through the ones you've already read and they do, because it's a formula he learned while he was taking a creative writing class and what he wrote his first three books from and subsequently the entire series plot from. He tells the story of how they all came about in panels he's been on. If I'm remembering right, dead beat wasn't actually supposed to be in the series at all, it's a book that came about because his agent called him up and told him the next book was going hardcover, he came up with a new character to make the book longer and ended up with a new book entirely.
They get better as they go on, the first book wasn't my favorite and I only kept reading because of how much I liked Harry and how funny I found him to be written.
The sexism accusation that comes with this series, I read a post once complaining about it, but a reply to that complaint basically explained that it was that way(I like your reason too and now understand that, because I don't read classic pulp fiction, so thank you for that explanation) is because it's first person and it's from Harry's--a.k.a a man who does check women out and find them beautiful and so on.
Long ramblings, sorry to go on, I just am a big fan of this series and this author, loved your review and looking forward to watching more of your videos.
Happy Reading!
p.s. i found you through merphy napier, can't wait for the first collab video with all of you
I'm finding your reviews on Dresden Files fascinating! I was never one for reading detective novels/pulp as I prefer fantasy or sci-fi, so I can't compare them.
I put down my Star Trek novel to read the first chapter of Storm Front (requested by my partner) and I ended up binge reading the first 3 or 4 Dresden Files before returning to my Trek novel. They weren't revolutionary for fantasy, but BOY did I love reading them. They're fun and I always laugh. I read the next couple in between other books and need to return to them. I didn't experience the same dip for books 2 & 3, though. I just found them addictively fun.
Just found your channel, pretty hyped to witness your journey with Dresden Files. I have to agree with you, books 2-5 do feel forgetable. I listened to all the books back in highschool and recently reread them. My advice: Dont't give up! Next book is really good. Events of "Blood rites" will have long lasting ramifications that will be important in other books. From book 7 " Dead beat" series really picks up both in scale, character development and variety.
As for shallow characterisation in early books, yeah it's a problem, but it gets better. There are some really interesting character arcs that go through books. Not all have paid off yet, but those that did, man did they paid off.
So read on and make more videos like this:)
Dresden is my guilty pleasure that I can't put down. Perfect for taking a break between more involved epic fantasy like Stormlight.
I've absolutely loved this book so far (nearly done with it). I love the Denarians and the expansion on The Knights of The Cross. I absolutely love that aspect so I'm glad they went back to it.
Overall I agree with your opinions on the Dresden files. I also occasionally chuckle at the overt sexual aspects. The world gradually gains greater depth as time goes on, and certain characters also have surprising growth. Sometimes due to their experiences with harry sometimes not. Harry himself will definitely develop, he starts off very much like a stone in his sense of what he should and shouldn't do. Gradually he learns to be more flexible, albeit mostly out of necessity.
Damn Daniel, I love your current understanding of Dresden. You really weren't understanding the direction the story was going and clenched onto the entery form of the character, seemingly unwilling to let him naturally evolve the way Jim was aiming for.
Hi always like watching ur videos!! Have u read skyward by Brandon Sanderson yet??
Safina N Daniel has mentioned in a couple videos past that he hasn’t read it yet. He says that he may, just because it’s Brandon Sanderson. It’s one of my TBR books for this year. What are your thoughts on it? Is it a must read?
Kevin Vodochodsky I’m massive fan of Brandon Sanderson I’ll read any book of his thank u for happy belated new year!!
Hey if I can make a request can you make a video about Sylphrena? I'd love to hear an analysis of her and what you think of her.
I like watching the cat in the background.
What's your cat's name?
@@birdguyjohnson3502 mister
Dude I just found your channel and I love to find another fantasy fan! I will say that the depth in the series does appear in book 6 and the threads start to connect more in the later books. I hope you'll give more of them a chance :)
Good review, man! I haven’t read these, but I’ve heard about the books for quite a while. Not sure if I still want to try them or not, yet. Might hold off for a little while hahah.
Nonetheless, good review! Love your videos!
Go the Dresden Files forum on Reddit to get a better picture of the series, by actual fans of the series. You'll get a much better picture of the series than here.
I probably wouldn't binge read the series because he does do a recap of the previous book in each book and maintain some similar plot structures. I read one book every 6 months or so and it avoids feeling as 'same-y'. Are you listening to the audiobooks? Jim Marsters is the voice of Harry Dresden for me.
I started Dresden Files out of order. First with Turn Coat and followed by every book as I found them. I lacked the overall arc until I eventually read them in order. I found that each can stand on there own but for some of the pay offs you need to read them in order.
This book seemed like a real departure to me from the previous Dresden Files namely in that a character sacrifices himself to save Harry in a way that I don't think we've seen yet and that is bound to have lasting effect on his character and the books going forward. A lot of word building also happened that will have repercussions for the future of the series.
"Death Masks" (Dresden Files #5) Kindle edition on sale on Amazon today(4/30/20) for $1.99
You mentioned the word "formula" several times in this review. If, as you say (and I agree with you, by the way), that these books are riffs on pulpy detective stories, they are, by nature, bound to be formulaic. By nature, they are bound to hit the same basic plot points and not have a great deal of character development. I think criticizing these books by saying that they all follow the same formula isn't really valid. They are pulpy detective stories where the main character, instead of being someone like Sam Spade or Mike Hammer, happens to be a wizard.
The books get better, keep reading! I started the series at book 11 or so (forget the number) then went back to book 1 and they do get better, more characters, more complex plots etc
Wait you're not a cat
@@kmk1225 you sure? :P 😺
@@MusingsofaCat10 Uh yeah I clearly see a person in the profile pic
...
Wait can you shapeshift
@@kmk1225 maybe 😸
@@MusingsofaCat10 can you teach me
I Think Deathmasks was one of the turning points in the series, especially the ending. If I remember correctly, but with so many books its hard to keep the events in order. It is when we start to learn more about Michael, and he is just by far my favorite character in the entire series.
The last few books you really start to see the weight of his choices weigh on him. There is also an escalation in the forces arrayed against him and of course he still lips them all off.
I've been thinking about getting back to the Dresden series at some point in the near future here. I got to about this point, maybe a book or 2 further.
From what I remember I had many of the same feelings about the series as you have, though I liked book 3 and thought it was a fair improvement from the 2nd one (which was awful).
All I can say is that they do get better as they go.
You mentioned about "lack of depth" and having read all of them, I can see what you mean. I like light reads so I guess it didn't bother me and I didn't even notice, especially since after the 6th or 7th book it does get a deeper meaning/story. So I hope you will keep going and get to the latest books which are way deeper (though there are some hints even from the first books ;) - such as the demon he summons in Fool Moon).
PS: this is not a critique on your review, just a heads up that things will get better :D
I honestly don't know how one can not love Fool Moon (Book 2) it is basically Die Hard with Werewolves. I actually felt Book 1 is the weakest of the bunch (followed by White Night, Book 9). The first true highlight of the series is Dead Beat (Book 7) and, with the exception of White Night, the series really starts hitting its stride from there.
I agree. I don’t understand why Fool Moon gets so much hate.
One thing I'll say about the sexualisation of women is that in the books where Dresden isn't getting laid, the descriptions of beautiful women are very detailed, but in the ones where he is, they're much more cursory and similar to descriptions of everyone else.
As for the sexism arguments you have to remember that this series is told from the perspective of a male protagonist and Butcher uses that to poke fun at the stereotypes of chivalry and feminism. Those "laugh out loud" moments you mention are the proof of this, it is meant to be stereotypical and absurd.
The problem with people that know to much about the writing process, and so forth, is they ruin books for themselves. When they then do reviews, they become critics, and everyone should know by now, that critics care about things, that the avg reader could give a damn about.
The Dresden Files is a great series, from book one, each book is better than the last. Jim doesn't really start to get serious about writing, and the story till book 4. From there, you can really see the books get better from the last. There are no bad books in the series.
Also, there are tons of stuff said, or done from the beginning of the series, that will mean things many books later in the series.
This sounds suspiciously like you don't like that Daniel criticises the series, and therefore have retorted with the usual fallacy that critics are too well versed in the language of literature (or any other form of media). And so, you create a narrative in which critics are these sort of trans-dimensional beings, which stand away from other mortals, and therefore their opinions are in some way alien or wrong. I've seen this been used against reviewers like Mark Kermode, whose extensive film knowledge and technical knowledge has been used as a rebuttal to his criticisms of films. He has an opinion, you have yours; he has explained his opinion, you've attempted to discredit his. Grow up.
Also, a tedious slog will always be a tedious slog, no matter if you know the pay off.
@@cayranm I have a lot of experience dealing with people with a similar mindset. They pretty much think alike, and they are great at judging other peoples work, without being able to make anything near as good themselves. Also, there is tons of proof, that critics tend to judge things by some other Metric, that the avg person wouldn't. Rotten Tomatoes is a great example of that.
I'm making an opinion based on all the reviews of the series to this point by him. Considering I've read the series a dozen times, I think I understand a great deal more than he does about it.
People that read something as if they were a teacher grading a paper, tend to be focused on other things, then just enjoying the story as is. I question whether a person with that kind of mindset, could every truly get out of their own way to enjoy something as is. As you said, they are too well versed in the language of literature.
The avg reader just wants a good story, but a reviewer is looking to closely to purely enjoy what they are reading. They are to busy taking it apart, and comparing it to other things, and so forth, and making judgments on the skill of the writing. The majority of those things, the avg reader could care less about.
@@VRIceblast the argument "why don't you do it?" is an incredibly poor argument as it gives all power to creators alone. You can still criticise something without having to actually create something in that field. Criticism can actually be very useful from an outside perspective, reviewers can bridge the gap between creator and audience. It's dangerous in critical thinking to narfow the field down to only a select few.
So, instead of it being necessarily about his clear overuse of analytical and critical skills, it's now your knowledge and adoration for the series that gives you superiority? Another thing your devotion to the series instills is a bias. Now, I'm not saying that your opinion is now wrong, though you do seem to be in the minority, in regards to your comment about each book being "better than the last", so perhaps your opinion is somewhat unpopular; nevertheless, the point is that you don't get to hold your opinion above his, just as Daniel doesn't when it comes to the WoT, not without proper argument.
Why is the argument against critical thinking always that we should stop it? That people don't want to think or feel, they just want to sit back and 'enjoy' as if being in some state where you're never given anything that might challenge intellectuallu or morally isn't? I'm all one for people enjoying what they like, but why does that have to be at the degradation or rejection of a critical lense?
@@cayranmI understand what reviewers can do, doesn't mean, every reviewer does a very good job of accurately portraying what they read. Considering a great many do not. As I said before, critics are famous for reviewing things that the avg reader doesn't find important. It's usually the opposite of their review.
The creator is more important, because without them, there would be nothing for you to be tearing apart, as if you could have done it better. Critics always judge things, they would have done it this way, not that. LIke the author should have done this or that. The only problem is, it's the authors story, not yours.
Most people read a book for what it is, they don't read it like they are teacher grading a paper. People should think and feel, when they read a book. It's when they start judging the work as if it was a writing assignment, that's the problem. When you put Grammar, and Proof Reading, ahead of the story. Saying the writing is bad, and the book is no good, because the author didn't release a book that has perfect editing. So they are willing to disregard a whole book, because of 10 seconds, or 1min of writing they see as wrongly written.
Every time one of these critics makes a review based in things, that the avg reader could care less about, they can turn a reader off to the book.
Clearly, you're going to disagree with me.
To anyone else reading my comments. Don't let Daniel's review turn you off from the series. His lack of enthusiasm for the series so far shows, and the majority of readers of the series would disagree with him. I would recommend going to the Dresden Files reddit forums, and read and talk to real fans of the series. This series is one of the best Urban Fantasy series out there. Don't let the lackluster review of the series by Daniel so far stop you from trying the series for yourself.
*BOOK* 👏 *REVIEW* 👏
no spoiler section for a book with nicodemus and michael?!? =(((
This book gives great character development to a series main character, establishes a fan favorite recurring character, and introduces one of the best villains in the series.
The next book: gives great character development to a series main character, establishes a fan favorite recurring character, and introduces one of the best villains in the series.
Does anyone else think this series is kind of formulaic?
And then Changes happens...
@@revpembroke3082 Hell, and then Dead Beat happens. It's just these two books that once you remove gender and plot specific details, are the EXACT same book.
I only really remember three women who fall for Harry. The Winter lady is just kinda of like that with everyone resulting from the fact she kinda has a lot of parental issues.
in the name of the pizza lord charge tootoot is the best character ever
Another on my to read list, which seems to be growing rather large.
can't wait for book 6 and 7
Pips sighting! 😍🤩
While we all settle in to wait for the next book, I invite fans to enjoy a completely free novel set in the Dresden verse. Just Google Warlock of Omaha.
While we wait for the next book, I invite fans to enjoy a completely free Novel set in the Dresden-verse. Just Google Warlock of Omaha.
Oh boy, 10 more books to go so much journey left.
I can't believe this was only a year ago. His opinions on the series as a whole have almost totally flipped.
I never understood the idea of sexism in the series. Most of the super attractive women are actually supernaturally attractive...literally. They use it as a weapon. The normal human women, while attractive are not considered maxim magazine girls are something. Yes they are pretty, but nothing beyond the normal. One of the hard things about knowing more about them is it is all from 1st person, so we never get insight on the thoughts of anyone besides Harry. Facial expressions and words are all we have to go on. Seems like the normal women are actual characters who have their own beliefs and faults. They change over time
i want to see you get to changes at least, changes is when things kind of take off
I've heard the better comparison of Dresden to Buffy/Angel, fits much better than GoT comparison
You're so pleasant to watch/listen to! I say this with much envy.... I don't even like my own speaking xD
You talking about book is like how deep cuts talks about muisc.
I really disliked Death Masks. In my opinion the series sharply improves with the next two entries though, so keep reading.
This is by far my least favorite book in the series. It almost made me stop reading entirely. I'm not completely sure why. Maybe it's because the villains come off as villain-sues. Maybe it's because the plot feels disjointed. Maybe it's because we're introduced to new random characters that feel like they come out of nowhere and have the power of plot convenience. I'm not sure, because every element in this book that appears in later books I've really enjoyed. I find it odd that I dislike this one so much when so many Dresden fans seem to think it's one of the best.
Anyone else get distracted by the cat?
Kitty!
As far as the books being sexist and all the women being gorgeous I can see that. But you could say a lot of the same things about some female authors of urban fantasy filling books full of sexy attractive male vampires. Neither bother me as long as there is a story to be told with a good plot for me to read
Your entire video was completely Spoiler free I don’t know why you bothered having a spoiler a partner non-spoiler report there were no spoilers at all throughout the entire video
Do Jurassic Park!
I was surprised how much the book did that the movie failed to portray.
CAT!
*Claps* SOY *claps* boy.
please block me from your channel.
Almost droped the book and the series.
Its shamefull how the autor portaits non american characters.
The vampire lord from Brazil has a spanish name, we dont speak spanish here.
The oriental guy has a generic japanese name and it looks like and acts as mr miyagi, and guess what, he has a katana.
The russian guy is a comunist and drinks vodka
Its bad, very bad.
First, the book never stated Ortega was Brazilian, only that he was a professor in Brazil, and the book made it pretty clear that the Red Court holds a lot of sway in Central and South America in general. He was a very old and powerful vampire within that court, and can pretty much live wherever he wants. Furthermore, the book also specifically states that his home mansion is in Honduras, which IS primarily a spanish speaking nation. Shiro did not behave that much like Miyagi, and Sanya also very specifically states that he is NOT communist. He gets rather annoyed when Harry makes that assumption. You need to read a lot more carefully before you start trying to make accusations of racism/stereotyping.
@@realtsavo I still hold on what i´ve said 8 months ago: the author is bad about writing whatever isnt US/UK related. His books are full of sometimes lame cliches, other times bad, bad sterotipical descriptions, borderline offensives.
I gave just a few exemples in my comment, but there are many more examples.
HOWEVER, the books are still lots of fun, but far away from perfection. You see, I´m finishing
Battle Ground, and i am quite sure i will keep reading the series.