Storm Front by Jim Butcher

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Roc (April 10, 2000)
• ISBN-10: 0451457811
• ISBN-13: 978-0451457813
• List Price: $7.99
• I finished this book on April 19
  

This is Book One (of several books which are making impatient eyes at me from my bookshelf) of the Dresden Files series. I haven't seen the show yet, mostly because I wanted to read the books first, but the show is streaming online if you're interested. Also, I must comment that in my head I've just been thinking of it as Dresden Files. Last night, when someone tried to call it by it's proper name I was all: "Huh?" Then I realized why: it's a bad name. The other titles are better, though, don't worry. I dunno, to me Storm Front seems like a Tom Clancy thing, you know?
So, anywho: the book is about professional wizard Harry Dresden. He's working on two cases - one assisting the police with some major bad magic mojo and one for a private customer who has misplaced her husband. Not to mention that he's in trouble with the White Council and has a sort of parole officer popping in occasionally with a large sword waiting to kill him if he slips up. Apparently, our hero has been sentenced to the Doom of Damocles, meaning that he can be killed for breaking any magic rule (and meaning that every time they mention it I get the song "Sword of Damocles" from Rocky Horror Picture Show in my head).
But the important part for me to explain is not the plot. The best part is Dresden's self depreciating, funny and honest narration. It's similar in tone to the narration of our favorite vampire/mobster/club owner Jack Flemming, in fact (for bonus comparison points: both characters also live in Chicago). I found myself really liking Dresden's storytelling. My favorite line (and one I totally agree with) is this gem: "Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean that there isn't an invisible demon about to eat your face." Totally true, man.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to the next books and I'm sure I'll eat through them quickly. See you soon, with round 2!