Michael Carpenter, by simply being himself, makes me want to be a better person. He receives the highest praise for any character in the series - on par with Harry himself.
My friend told me to get through the first three books and I'd be hooked and he was right. I reread the series four times. Harry is my number one charter. Each book drags you in deeper.
AUDIOBOOKS ARE THE WAY TO GO! Fair warning there is some cheesey, sexist crap in book 6. But also a really cool side character development (Thomas :D). Push through it. Book 7 is what sold me, I loved it!! It also addressed my biggest issue with Harry which is the macho white knight BS. I love Karrin Murphy!
I found out about the series because of the TV show that was on when I was a kid. But I didn't start it until I started my career three years ago. I got the Audiobooks & the first book I thought was ok. There was some cringey moments, but I decided to continue on. The second book I also though was ok. I liked learning a little more about the world & Harry's life. Continued on. Book 3 is really where I got invested in the series!! I loved the introduction of Michael! And that's also when I knew I was really invested in Harry's life, as well as some side characters. James Masters does an amazing job with the audio & helps pull out a lot of the humor & feelings from the books. It just gets better from there! Please continue, I would love to hear your thoughts on Harry's character & progression through the series.
I definitely plan to continue :) I agree that book 3 felt like a step up from the previous two! Harry is definitely a fascinating character and I'm very interested to see how he continues to change/grow. I didn't know until recently that there was ever a TV show, but I'm going to try to track down the first episode so that I can see what it was like.
@@TheBookCure The TV show is on Amazon Prime. It's pretty short, was only on for a season with 12 episodes. And the order it came out on TV was different that the planned production order. You can look up the correct order on the Wikipedia page. The first episode is 'Strom Front' Be warned it's very different from the book series. Think of it as an alternate universe. Though I do think Paul Blackthorne does a good job as Harry & tv show Bob is funny as a ghost.
I just picked up Fool Moon yesterday. I decided to give it until book 5 to see if it grows on me. I didn't love Storm Front either. I am enjoying Fool Moon a bit more. I laughed at how his blue beetle seems to be his animal companion. I think I'm starting to come around on Harry a little earlier than most. This video was encouraging. Happy Reading. Cheers.
I'm quite glad that you decided to continue on with Dresden. It's one of my absolute favourite series and while I get that it isn't everyone's cup of tea, I feel that continuing on until book seven is the best way to decide whether or not you want to read further. Funny thing is, I considered Dresden Files a guilty pleasure read for the first six and acknowledged it as shlock. It gets better, much better, while also keeping the humor and wit. Dead Beat, book seven, is where I had my first real fist-pumping the air kind of moment that made me change my mind on the series and solidify it as more than just a guilty pleasure series. So you're not alone in thinking the first few books aren't as great, although they certainly do hold up better after a few years on a reread.
"Ohhh Harry"...I think that should be the quote on the front of the book because that pretty much sums up every reaction you have to him haha fun series though! Marsters makes it even better.
Audiobook is the only way I read Dresden. James Marsters nails it and the production gets loads better around book 4/5. Death masks is so good. I'm glad you gave it until book 5, you get introduced to the best antagonists in DM. I'm on my relisten to book 6 currently. I think book 7 will be that moment that you decide you are gripped. Great video, so glad it's working out for you!
So many people seem to view 7 as the point where you really get invested - makes me so excited to get there ☺️🤩 Yes, the audio is fantastic! I never thought I’d care for audiobooks, but Marsters has won me over. Glad to hear you love this series enough to want to reread them all. I’m so looking forward to what comes next ☺️
I was hooked from book one. I'm a huge fan of this series, and always happy to know other people love it too. It makes me very sad when people call Harry ( and even Jim) sexist because he very clearly isn't. You don't need to read more than book one to know this either just read the definition. Harry NEVER thinks he's better than anyone because he's male. He describes all people or creatures by the physical and leans very positive in those descriptions. Holding the door is a joke even in book one. He respects the police and is terrified by the villain both woman and obviously strong. I could say so much more but refuse to spoil anything. I'm a new grandmother this year and really hope superficial judgment won't be a lasting trend. One of the most beautiful things about this series are the characters and all the warts as you say. If we start out perfect how can we learn or grow? It would also be pretty boring to read imo. Thank you for the video!
I’m glad to hear that the series pulled you in right away! I just finished book 7 and I am definitely all in now. Can’t wait to see how Harry changes over the rest of the series. I think your point about physical descriptions is accurate - Butcher leans heavy into physical descriptions for everyone. I do struggle with some of Harry’s interior monologue, but it’s not something that has pushed me away from reading.
I feel so seen about your feelings on Storm Front. I got pretty criticized for saying I had no desire to continue Dresden after the first book, but not because I hated it. I just felt so neutral (like you said) and I had no urgings about why I'd keep going. I may try again but will probably start at book 7. I'm worried that I'll get too caught up in the sexist stuff in book 6. BUT, you saying that you only listen to audio for nonfiction (ME TOO!) but that you were able to read these audio makes me think that maybe I should try it 🤔. I usually hate fiction in audio.
If not for Booktube and having so many people insist that it builds into something better, I would never have continued. Book 6 certainly seems like it’s going to be a struggle, but I have high hopes for book 7, given the love for it in the comments. Do you have any fav nonfiction? I’m always looking for great ones to listen to! ☺️
@@TheBookCure I'd really like some non-fiction recs too! Most recently I read "Bad Blood" by John Carryrou and it was incredible. About a CEO who started a medical start up and straight up lied to everyone for 10 years. It's seriously shocking.
@@Bookborn That sounds fascinating. Books I particularly loved: The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs, The Truth About Animals, I Contain Multitudes, & Invisible Women. Those are all science-oriented, but if there’s a particular topic you’re interested in, I could try some different recs!
Great video Sarah! I really like the Dresden Files. It’s a great palate cleanser between heavier books, and like you I enjoy the basic black and white/good vs evil trope, as a contrast to the popular gray characters. Harry is an endearing character, warts and all. He’s a really toxic male sometimes, but he learns to recognize it and try to be better. I haven’t read book 5 yet, but the first 4 show a really immersive trajectory. I’m excited to chat more with you about this.
Harry is a work in progress, as are we all 😉 I do have my eye roll moments, but I do find him growing on me as the series progresses. I’m hoping that I will enjoy it more and more as I continue. ☺️
Your dog's name is Pippin, I love that. I'm at the same point in the series as you and also very similar in my thoughts at the series. I'm enjoying it enough to read on but I'm not totally hooked yet. Hopefully that changes for both of us!
I would say go ahead and give Dead Beat a shot. If that doesn't do it for you then yeah don't worry about it. But Dead Beat is where the series took off for a lot of us.
I started with the TV series and was intrigued by the based on the books.... Mentions in the credits. So I started wanting more and was delighted by the audiobooks. This way it was a great launchpad and because the books were much better I feel in love with the world.
Everyone in the comments seems to think 7 is the magic number! But if you’re happy with the decision to stop, that’s great. There are so many good books to read ☺️
I have read the series many times. James Marsters is a fantastic narrator. I still don’t push the series on people. I was in from the beginning. I was an urban fantasy nut back in the day though. Butcher is a top 10 auto buy author for me! Michael is probably a fan favorite because he is written amazingly well.
Yes, I knew this was one you love, Andrew! I can’t wait to continue on so that we can chat spoilers. Perhaps you’ll receive Voxer updates as I go on! 😁
I read book 1-3 in 2018, didn't pick it back up again until early last year when I binged books 4-10 back to back to back and was super into it, but then got burned out and haven't picked it back up since. When you get to book 11 I'll start it up again and join you from there on. 🙂
Yay! On the continuing journey with Harry. 😆 For me the first book already sold me. But that's more lucky happenstance than anything else, as I think it was just the palette cleanser I needed at the time. I'm fond of detective novels, with a soft spot for noir. I hadn't read much or any urban fantasy before this, but had played some RPG's in that vein - World of Darkness specifically. So it just hit a nerve. Also wasn't bothered by some of Harry's more objectionable flaws as much as some might be. Now I didn't expect the series to become one of my all-time favourites from the start, that came later. But I was hooked and read each book as it came out, and each and every one cost me a nights sleep as I couldn't put it down. As for side characters.. there are many that I love. Michael and Thomas for sure, and too many others to name especially without spoilers. Let's say some are human, some are fae big and tiny. Some may be gods, some may be of the sasquatch persuasion. Polka will never die!
Yep, same here. I started getting into the series just after book 3, book 7 showed me the true potential of this series/writer, and book 12 easily cemented it as one of my personal favorites. Now, who is my favorite character? I can't really name her because of spoiler reasons, but let's just say she's related to my boy Michael 😂. (of course, Michael himself and Harry are also up there)
This was my first "adult" Fantasy series, in that before it was just Harry Potter and others along that ilk. So when I read the first one....I didnt love it. I liked it but didn't love it. A year later I went to college and was reading so much for school that I wanted to read more stuff for me. So I was sitting there and I just remembered that I enjoyed that other wizard named Harry. So I picked up book 2. Thats when I actually enjoyed it. When I got to book 4 I was like this is a good series I hope I keep liking it. Book 5 okay I love this im here for this. Book 7......this is my ride or die series. I will never stop loving this series. Book 12.......oh God.............wow. and everything after has just been more of the same. But the moment I considered this to be the best character growth story I'd ever read was in book 8. Jim has written one of the best literary characters ever. Most books have their character waffle about their growth in later books but they have no weight. This growth has weight. Also Michael is the man every man should aspire to be.
Michael is just the best ❤️ I am starting to really become invested in the series, and I cannot wait to continue on! Loved hearing about how much it came to mean to you over time ☺️
I would agree. Storm Front was just fine. I have yet to read book two but feel that I need to push through. Urban fantasy wise I so far prefer the Rivers of London Series.
I don’t read much Urban Fantasy, but with all the Dresden love I felt like I had to check it out. I’m six books in now and really enjoying how the greater world is coming together. Do you think you’ll continue?
I often use dresden files as an example of the male perspective VS the male gaze. A lot of people accuse the series of perpetuating the male gaze and on the surface it would certainly seem that way. To perpetuate the male gaze one has to objectify with their view, not seeing a person but the physical attributes that they enjoy, Dresden does not do this. While Dresden does linger on certain aspects a bit too long sometimes he also notices whats going on with their demeanour and basically analyses them ( would be cool if he was a detective or something /s). But my primary point that this series does not profit from the male gaze is that the women in this series of three- dimensional fleshed out characters and the only reason we know this is because HARRY knows it, because we are watching the whole thing from his view. I use this to point out that men , despite seeming focused on one thing, can be attracted to people without objectifying them and reducing them to objects. And i think that needs to be emphasised especially to the modern audience.
Here's my take on the Dresden Files and what I usually tell people who are on the fence about it: unless you absolutely hate Harry Dresden (which I can understand), you should push through the first couple of books because the series eventually gets much better, consistently so! Although Harry remains the MC, the series shines thanks to its supporting characters later on imo.
While Michael is a good man, we should keep in mind that the books are through Harry's perspective and he obviously has bit of Hero-worship towards Michael. We can't hear Michael's thoughts, just his actions when Harry is around. Harry's character-flaws like the sexism are on the other end of the spectrum. We can hear his thoughts, so they are more noticeable. We should look at his actions and words.
Definitely! Harry is an unreliable narrator and seems incapable of judging himself anything less than harshly. It’s an interesting part of his personality, and I can’t wait to see how that changes.
Hi Sarah :), Do you know when you all are getting together for the live "A Time of Blood" book discussion and what time it is scheduled using your time zone? Thanks so much!
Hi :) I don’t think we’ve finalized a time yet, but it will likely be next Saturday (August 28th). I’ll get back on the email thread so that I can confirm!
@@TheBookCure Wow thanks for the fast response. I just got back into reading and started off with The Faithful and the Fallen which I loved so started reading the next series :) Thanks again!
@@TheBookCure The general structure of the case/mystery seemed repetitive. And I didn't like the drip feeding of information about his past. It doesn't make sense for that to be withheld when the book is told from his perspective
I'm currently on book 9 in the series and I would say that book 6 was the worst book so far but book 7 is the best and book 8 is almost just as good. From what other people have told me about the series, book 7 and beyond maintain a very high level.
Short answer- Yes Long answer- If you don't enjoy the series at all, like at all, stop. It's not your gig. But. If there's anything there that you do like, it only goes exponentially up from Dead Beat on.
@@TheBookCure My Dresden experience was weird. I heard they were completely episodic, so I just found one that I thought sounded cool. Just... it just so happened to be that it was Skin Game, and that was book 15 of the series. So I got dropped in on one of the best books of the series. Which then helped me through some of the lesser (but as you say still fun) early books, because I knew how good they got.
@@andrewk3693 Wow! That is definitely an interesting way to start such a long series. I’m glad it seemed to heighten your experience rather than ruining it.
@@TheBookCure definitely. Not going to lie, changes was the first book in a long time that made me cry. And proven Guilty really showed Dresdens character more than any previous. I cant wait for 12 months.
I love this series. But I can also see how people are turned off by this. I love watching tv series about the law, but don’t exactly enjoy reading about it.
Michael Carpenter, by simply being himself, makes me want to be a better person. He receives the highest praise for any character in the series - on par with Harry himself.
Michael is the best, no question. A great guy and a fun character to follow!
My friend told me to get through the first three books and I'd be hooked and he was right. I reread the series four times. Harry is my number one charter. Each book drags you in deeper.
Nice! I can’t wait for it to pull me in even further ☺️
Butcher has said in interviews that Michael is how a Paladin should be played in RPG's
Holy Paladin hero! Ah, Michael is the best 🥰
AUDIOBOOKS ARE THE WAY TO GO!
Fair warning there is some cheesey, sexist crap in book 6. But also a really cool side character development (Thomas :D). Push through it. Book 7 is what sold me, I loved it!! It also addressed my biggest issue with Harry which is the macho white knight BS.
I love Karrin Murphy!
I have been told that 6 isn’t the best, but knowing that 7 seems to be such a favourite makes me want to push through quickly!
I am not an audio book person. But she is absolutely right. 100%
tbf, the sexist crap from what i can remember is the villain. who is proven wrong (from what i can remember) right?
I found out about the series because of the TV show that was on when I was a kid. But I didn't start it until I started my career three years ago.
I got the Audiobooks & the first book I thought was ok. There was some cringey moments, but I decided to continue on.
The second book I also though was ok. I liked learning a little more about the world & Harry's life. Continued on.
Book 3 is really where I got invested in the series!! I loved the introduction of Michael! And that's also when I knew I was really invested in Harry's life, as well as some side characters.
James Masters does an amazing job with the audio & helps pull out a lot of the humor & feelings from the books.
It just gets better from there! Please continue, I would love to hear your thoughts on Harry's character & progression through the series.
I definitely plan to continue :) I agree that book 3 felt like a step up from the previous two! Harry is definitely a fascinating character and I'm very interested to see how he continues to change/grow.
I didn't know until recently that there was ever a TV show, but I'm going to try to track down the first episode so that I can see what it was like.
@@TheBookCure The TV show is on Amazon Prime. It's pretty short, was only on for a season with 12 episodes.
And the order it came out on TV was different that the planned production order.
You can look up the correct order on the Wikipedia page. The first episode is 'Strom Front'
Be warned it's very different from the book series. Think of it as an alternate universe. Though I do think Paul Blackthorne does a good job as Harry & tv show Bob is funny as a ghost.
@@Tatooed_Trees Thanks for letting me know! I’ll definitely check out the pilot episode and see how I feel about it ☺️
I just picked up Fool Moon yesterday. I decided to give it until book 5 to see if it grows on me. I didn't love Storm Front either. I am enjoying Fool Moon a bit more. I laughed at how his blue beetle seems to be his animal companion. I think I'm starting to come around on Harry a little earlier than most. This video was encouraging. Happy Reading. Cheers.
I didn’t even think about the Beetle like that, but you are so right! 😂 I hope the series just gets better and better for you. ☺️
I'm new to reading and The Dresden Files is on my TBR, but after this vid I'm convinced to try it on audiobook. Thanks Sarah!
I really love the audio; hope you enjoy it as well ☺️
I'm quite glad that you decided to continue on with Dresden. It's one of my absolute favourite series and while I get that it isn't everyone's cup of tea, I feel that continuing on until book seven is the best way to decide whether or not you want to read further. Funny thing is, I considered Dresden Files a guilty pleasure read for the first six and acknowledged it as shlock. It gets better, much better, while also keeping the humor and wit. Dead Beat, book seven, is where I had my first real fist-pumping the air kind of moment that made me change my mind on the series and solidify it as more than just a guilty pleasure series. So you're not alone in thinking the first few books aren't as great, although they certainly do hold up better after a few years on a reread.
Everyone has me really hyped up for book 7 now! I’ll definitely be continuing, and I really hope that I also come to love the series ☺️
Yessss it is the best! If you make it to Changes it will change your life and the series turns into epic fantasy.
Yes, I’ve heard that about Changes! Hopefully it won’t be too long before I get there.
"Ohhh Harry"...I think that should be the quote on the front of the book because that pretty much sums up every reaction you have to him haha fun series though! Marsters makes it even better.
Hahaha, right? 😂 I agree that Marsters improves things. Hopefully I’ll love book 7 as much as everyone else seems to.
I started with the tv show, loved it from book one
That was my Dad’s first exposure to Dresden as well. He just started the books in January and has caught up to me!
Audiobook is the only way I read Dresden. James Marsters nails it and the production gets loads better around book 4/5.
Death masks is so good. I'm glad you gave it until book 5, you get introduced to the best antagonists in DM. I'm on my relisten to book 6 currently.
I think book 7 will be that moment that you decide you are gripped.
Great video, so glad it's working out for you!
So many people seem to view 7 as the point where you really get invested - makes me so excited to get there ☺️🤩
Yes, the audio is fantastic! I never thought I’d care for audiobooks, but Marsters has won me over.
Glad to hear you love this series enough to want to reread them all. I’m so looking forward to what comes next ☺️
I was hooked from book one. I'm a huge fan of this series, and always happy to know other people love it too. It makes me very sad when people call Harry ( and even Jim) sexist because he very clearly isn't. You don't need to read more than book one to know this either just read the definition. Harry NEVER thinks he's better than anyone because he's male. He describes all people or creatures by the physical and leans very positive in those descriptions. Holding the door is a joke even in book one. He respects the police and is terrified by the villain both woman and obviously strong. I could say so much more but refuse to spoil anything. I'm a new grandmother this year and really hope superficial judgment won't be a lasting trend. One of the most beautiful things about this series are the characters and all the warts as you say. If we start out perfect how can we learn or grow? It would also be pretty boring to read imo. Thank you for the video!
I’m glad to hear that the series pulled you in right away! I just finished book 7 and I am definitely all in now. Can’t wait to see how Harry changes over the rest of the series.
I think your point about physical descriptions is accurate - Butcher leans heavy into physical descriptions for everyone. I do struggle with some of Harry’s interior monologue, but it’s not something that has pushed me away from reading.
I feel so seen about your feelings on Storm Front. I got pretty criticized for saying I had no desire to continue Dresden after the first book, but not because I hated it. I just felt so neutral (like you said) and I had no urgings about why I'd keep going.
I may try again but will probably start at book 7. I'm worried that I'll get too caught up in the sexist stuff in book 6. BUT, you saying that you only listen to audio for nonfiction (ME TOO!) but that you were able to read these audio makes me think that maybe I should try it 🤔. I usually hate fiction in audio.
If not for Booktube and having so many people insist that it builds into something better, I would never have continued. Book 6 certainly seems like it’s going to be a struggle, but I have high hopes for book 7, given the love for it in the comments.
Do you have any fav nonfiction? I’m always looking for great ones to listen to! ☺️
@@TheBookCure I'd really like some non-fiction recs too!
Most recently I read "Bad Blood" by John Carryrou and it was incredible. About a CEO who started a medical start up and straight up lied to everyone for 10 years. It's seriously shocking.
@@Bookborn That sounds fascinating. Books I particularly loved: The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs, The Truth About Animals, I Contain Multitudes, & Invisible Women.
Those are all science-oriented, but if there’s a particular topic you’re interested in, I could try some different recs!
@@TheBookCure Oh man I LOVED Invisible Women too! I usually only read science-based stuff, so I'm for sure going to check them out.
Great video Sarah! I really like the Dresden Files. It’s a great palate cleanser between heavier books, and like you I enjoy the basic black and white/good vs evil trope, as a contrast to the popular gray characters. Harry is an endearing character, warts and all. He’s a really toxic male sometimes, but he learns to recognize it and try to be better. I haven’t read book 5 yet, but the first 4 show a really immersive trajectory. I’m excited to chat more with you about this.
Harry is a work in progress, as are we all 😉 I do have my eye roll moments, but I do find him growing on me as the series progresses. I’m hoping that I will enjoy it more and more as I continue. ☺️
I just finished Death Masks. Starting no I'm going to try to read at least 1 Dresden book a month
Awesome! How are you feeling about it so far?
@@TheBookCure I love it more and more with each book. I love Noir storytelling in Sci-Fi and Fantasy.
Your dog's name is Pippin, I love that.
I'm at the same point in the series as you and also very similar in my thoughts at the series. I'm enjoying it enough to read on but I'm not totally hooked yet. Hopefully that changes for both of us!
Everyone seems to think that book 7 is where it really starts to click. You’ll have to let me know if that happens for you! ☺️
@@TheBookCure Yep, I have heard the same and am sticking it out until at least there, hopefully longer.
Absolutely you should continue. Books 7-17 are an unbelievable run of great books, and Marsters is just a continual delight.
Book 7 seems to be that magic number for so many. I am so pumped to get there now ☺️
I would say go ahead and give Dead Beat a shot. If that doesn't do it for you then yeah don't worry about it. But Dead Beat is where the series took off for a lot of us.
Hopefully it will be that way for me as well. I’m looking forward to getting there. ☺️
I started with the TV series and was intrigued by the based on the books.... Mentions in the credits. So I started wanting more and was delighted by the audiobooks. This way it was a great launchpad and because the books were much better I feel in love with the world.
I too read 1-5 (end of 2020) & I couldn’t get into it. I’m learning to be okay with it. 😌 I did try audiobook for it, but still couldn’t do it.
Everyone in the comments seems to think 7 is the magic number! But if you’re happy with the decision to stop, that’s great. There are so many good books to read ☺️
@@TheBookCure that is where I am - so much that I DO want to read - I’m ok with walking away.
I hope you continue to love it.
I have read the series many times. James Marsters is a fantastic narrator. I still don’t push the series on people. I was in from the beginning. I was an urban fantasy nut back in the day though. Butcher is a top 10 auto buy author for me! Michael is probably a fan favorite because he is written amazingly well.
Yes, I knew this was one you love, Andrew! I can’t wait to continue on so that we can chat spoilers. Perhaps you’ll receive Voxer updates as I go on! 😁
@@TheBookCure Yes!!! I would love that :)
Personallty Murphy was the character that convinced me to keep reading this series. Marcone is pretty interesting too.
Great video! I think book 7 was the one I was all in on. I'm audiobook listener and love James Masters narration. I also love Michael 💖
Can’t wait to get to book 7! And Michael really is the best ❤️
I read book 1-3 in 2018, didn't pick it back up again until early last year when I binged books 4-10 back to back to back and was super into it, but then got burned out and haven't picked it back up since. When you get to book 11 I'll start it up again and join you from there on. 🙂
Yes!! The ultimate buddy read. I’ll hold you to it 😉
It keeps getting better.
Yes!! I’ve gone on and finished now. Loved the series!
@@TheBookCure Haha I didn't realize this was such an old video haha 😆
@@Narrative_Ink No worries! 🤣 Happens to me all the time as well.
Yay! On the continuing journey with Harry. 😆
For me the first book already sold me. But that's more lucky happenstance than anything else, as I think it was just the palette cleanser I needed at the time. I'm fond of detective novels, with a soft spot for noir. I hadn't read much or any urban fantasy before this, but had played some RPG's in that vein - World of Darkness specifically. So it just hit a nerve.
Also wasn't bothered by some of Harry's more objectionable flaws as much as some might be.
Now I didn't expect the series to become one of my all-time favourites from the start, that came later. But I was hooked and read each book as it came out, and each and every one cost me a nights sleep as I couldn't put it down.
As for side characters.. there are many that I love. Michael and Thomas for sure, and too many others to name especially without spoilers. Let's say some are human, some are fae big and tiny. Some may be gods, some may be of the sasquatch persuasion. Polka will never die!
Sasquatch persuasion sounds amazing!! 🤩 You’ve got me really excited to see what comes next!
Yep, same here. I started getting into the series just after book 3, book 7 showed me the true potential of this series/writer, and book 12 easily cemented it as one of my personal favorites. Now, who is my favorite character? I can't really name her because of spoiler reasons, but let's just say she's related to my boy Michael 😂. (of course, Michael himself and Harry are also up there)
So exciting! Someone related to Michael will most assuredly be awesome ☺️
Book 2 hooked me. But I think I was really in the love with series by book 5
I really liked all the werewolf lore in Book 2! I know it gets mixed reviews, but I found that aspect really enjoyable.
James Marsters is an amazing narrator
Agreed! 🤩
This was my first "adult" Fantasy series, in that before it was just Harry Potter and others along that ilk. So when I read the first one....I didnt love it. I liked it but didn't love it. A year later I went to college and was reading so much for school that I wanted to read more stuff for me. So I was sitting there and I just remembered that I enjoyed that other wizard named Harry. So I picked up book 2. Thats when I actually enjoyed it.
When I got to book 4 I was like this is a good series I hope I keep liking it.
Book 5 okay I love this im here for this. Book 7......this is my ride or die series. I will never stop loving this series.
Book 12.......oh God.............wow. and everything after has just been more of the same. But the moment I considered this to be the best character growth story I'd ever read was in book 8. Jim has written one of the best literary characters ever. Most books have their character waffle about their growth in later books but they have no weight. This growth has weight.
Also Michael is the man every man should aspire to be.
Michael is just the best ❤️ I am starting to really become invested in the series, and I cannot wait to continue on!
Loved hearing about how much it came to mean to you over time ☺️
I would agree. Storm Front was just fine. I have yet to read book two but feel that I need to push through. Urban fantasy wise I so far prefer the Rivers of London Series.
I don’t read much Urban Fantasy, but with all the Dresden love I felt like I had to check it out. I’m six books in now and really enjoying how the greater world is coming together. Do you think you’ll continue?
@@TheBookCure I intend to. They are good for breaking up the larger books and from what I hear it develops into epic fantasy as the world builds.
I often use dresden files as an example of the male perspective VS the male gaze. A lot of people accuse the series of perpetuating the male gaze and on the surface it would certainly seem that way. To perpetuate the male gaze one has to objectify with their view, not seeing a person but the physical attributes that they enjoy, Dresden does not do this. While Dresden does linger on certain aspects a bit too long sometimes he also notices whats going on with their demeanour and basically analyses them ( would be cool if he was a detective or something /s).
But my primary point that this series does not profit from the male gaze is that the women in this series of three- dimensional fleshed out characters and the only reason we know this is because HARRY knows it, because we are watching the whole thing from his view.
I use this to point out that men , despite seeming focused on one thing, can be attracted to people without objectifying them and reducing them to objects. And i think that needs to be emphasised especially to the modern audience.
Here's my take on the Dresden Files and what I usually tell people who are on the fence about it: unless you absolutely hate Harry Dresden (which I can understand), you should push through the first couple of books because the series eventually gets much better, consistently so! Although Harry remains the MC, the series shines thanks to its supporting characters later on imo.
I definitely don’t hate Harry, but he does have lots of room to grow. I’m glad to hear that the series just continues to get better and better ☺️
While Michael is a good man, we should keep in mind that the books are through Harry's perspective and he obviously has bit of Hero-worship towards Michael. We can't hear Michael's thoughts, just his actions when Harry is around.
Harry's character-flaws like the sexism are on the other end of the spectrum. We can hear his thoughts, so they are more noticeable. We should look at his actions and words.
Definitely! Harry is an unreliable narrator and seems incapable of judging himself anything less than harshly. It’s an interesting part of his personality, and I can’t wait to see how that changes.
I have read the first 3. I own the full series. Just haven’t gotten back to reading it.
Hopefully you’ll be able to get back to it soon ☺️
Hi Sarah :), Do you know when you all are getting together for the live "A Time of Blood" book discussion and what time it is scheduled using your time zone? Thanks so much!
Hi :) I don’t think we’ve finalized a time yet, but it will likely be next Saturday (August 28th). I’ll get back on the email thread so that I can confirm!
@@TheBookCure Wow thanks for the fast response. I just got back into reading and started off with The Faithful and the Fallen which I loved so started reading the next series :) Thanks again!
I didn't have any problems reading the first book. I even enjoyed it. But I bounced off the series by the end of book 3
Was there anything in particular that made you want to stop? Or just didn’t feel invested?
@@TheBookCure The general structure of the case/mystery seemed repetitive. And I didn't like the drip feeding of information about his past. It doesn't make sense for that to be withheld when the book is told from his perspective
@@ArmanAbedi Totally fair! I think they’d be hard to read completely back to back for that reason. Seems like you could easily burn out.
@@TheBookCure That's a very good point. Maybe if I come back to it after a while, it might be easier to read
I'm currently on book 9 in the series and I would say that book 6 was the worst book so far but book 7 is the best and book 8 is almost just as good. From what other people have told me about the series, book 7 and beyond maintain a very high level.
Everyone has me so hyped for book 7. I can’t wait!
Short answer- Yes
Long answer- If you don't enjoy the series at all, like at all, stop. It's not your gig. But. If there's anything there that you do like, it only goes exponentially up from Dead Beat on.
There’s been lots to enjoy so far, but I do hope to really fall in love with it as so many have!
@@TheBookCure My Dresden experience was weird. I heard they were completely episodic, so I just found one that I thought sounded cool. Just... it just so happened to be that it was Skin Game, and that was book 15 of the series. So I got dropped in on one of the best books of the series.
Which then helped me through some of the lesser (but as you say still fun) early books, because I knew how good they got.
@@andrewk3693 Wow! That is definitely an interesting way to start such a long series. I’m glad it seemed to heighten your experience rather than ruining it.
I think the moment I fell in love with harry was in changes and proven guilty.
Yes! We get so much character development post Proven-Guilty. It’s fantastic stuff.
@@TheBookCure definitely. Not going to lie, changes was the first book in a long time that made me cry. And proven Guilty really showed Dresdens character more than any previous. I cant wait for 12 months.
I love this series. But I can also see how people are turned off by this. I love watching tv series about the law, but don’t exactly enjoy reading about it.
It’s a subgenre that I struggle with, but so far I’m happy that I’m reading the series. I hope I’ll just enjoy it more and more. ☺️