Harry Dresden - The Dresden Files

[JimboBaggins]

I was turned on to Jim Butcher's Dresden Files by a friend and find them quite entertaining.
Read the first 2 books in the past 2 weeks recovering from surgery and they helped pass the time. Easy reading with a head full of codeine.
Like Sharpe's Rifles, it's a little predictible knowing the hero will always survive for the next sequel.
I like the fact that no one is safe from being exterminated by the forces of good and evil. Book 2 he offed a couple of main cop characters and all but one bad guy.
Harry is a fast thinker and can take a punch (like TV they always retain their teeth) and can deal out some heavy wizardry when needed, and able too.
Waiting for 3rd installment from the library. Hooked me.

[Rohirrim Eored]

I read the first book of the series and liked it. My local library doesn't carry them. I'll eventually start reading the series again. Too much real life gets in the way for reading as much as I'd like to.

[Eruvanne]

I've never actually read the books but I have watched all the episode they made for tv. They were pretty good. How do they compare to the books?

[JimboBaggins]

Eruvanne,
SPOILER ALERTS INCLUDED...
I just finished watching the first 4 episodes (I didn't know there was a TV show until last week!) and as hard as they try, the show is nowhere as good as the books. Too many differences, that to me, make a difference. Murphy is completely different , the book version being a bada** . Harry's apartment in the book is as much a character as anything but in the TV show it's a completely different set-up. On the show Harry uses a drumstick for a wand and a hockey stick for a staff. Please . His staff and blasting rod are the powers that subdue the bad guys, along with spells, amulets, rings, charms, potions and a wizard energy that he seems to be able to conjure up in times of dire need. In the third book, Grave Peril, the fire at Bianca's is devastating. Gave me chills as he described it coming out of him. And Bob is a whole different take. As a spirit in the skull in the books, the actor on TV tries but it's just to cheesy. I have the first season on DVD from the library and will continue to watch since the rest of cable TV is a wastland this time of year (the rest too?!) and maybe it improves with time. The books are great and #4 is due in from said library any day now.
JB

[daughter_of_kings]

I saw part of one of the TV episodes a while back and thought it looked kind of interesting. I was thrilled to find out that there are books... those are usually so much better than the TV shows (unless there's a drool-worthy actor). I haven't gotten my hands on any of the books yet (and have no time to read right now, even if I did), but I'm looking forward to them... more so after seeing your descriptions, Jimbo.

By the way, Jimbo, I didn't know you had surgery. I hope that it went well and am praying for a swift and complete recovery.

[modelnut]

I have all the Dresden Files except for the latest hardbacks. (Now that I have a family I can't just drop $25 on a book.) But the series is very good! I very much recommend it.

One note of warning though. The series is very sequential like LOTR. Every new book builds on what happened before. Anyone keeping up will know that something BIG is brewing. But I (for one) don't know what. There is something more to Harry than meets the eye and I don't think he knows it.

- Leelan